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LIBER II · CAPUT 104

OF MALTHA

OF MALTHA. Complete modern editorial illustration created specifically for this chapter.
OF MALTHA · EDITORIAL PLATE II.104 · modern editorial plate
OF MALTHA. Complete modern editorial illustration created specifically for this chapter.

Latine · Mayhoff 1906

In urbe Commagenes Samosata stagnum est emittens limum — maltham vocant — flagrantem. cum quid attigit solidi, adhaeret; praeterea tactu et sequitur fugientes. sic defendere muros oppugnante Lucullo: flag- rabat miles armis suis. aquis et accenditur; terra tantum restingui docuere experimenta.

English · Bostock & Riley 1855–57

In Samosata, a city of Commagene, there is a pool which discharges an inflammable mud, called Maltha. It adheres to every solid body which it touches, and moreover, when touched, it follows you, if you attempt to escape from it. By means of it the people defended their walls against Lucullus, and the soldiers were burned in their armour. It is even set on fire in water. We learn by experience that it can be extinguished only by earth.