"Further on, after sailing approximately another 300 stades, we reach a point in which the peninsula and the opposite coast of the Berberic land, where lies the port of call that is named Avalites, converge and shape a passage that is not quite long; in this strait the sea is narrow, and approximately 60 stades' wide. At this very point is the island of Diodorus. For this reason, and because strong wind comes down from the nearby mountains, the navigation through the strait obliges us to deal with very strong currents. At a certain point in the strait lies Okelis, a seashore town belonging to the same kingdom. It is not quite a port of call but rather a natural cove and a harbor, as well as the first shelter for those sailing from seas beyond the straits.
Beyond Okelis, the sea becomes wider towards the east, and we gradually enter an archipelago. At a distance of approximately 1200 stades lies Felix Arabia, a seashore town belonging to the same kingdom, namely that of Kharibael. There are a proper harbor and many sources of water fresher than that available at Okelis. It is found at the beginning of a bay that is formed because of the concave surface. In the past, it was a great city and it was called Felix, since here was gathered all the merchandise as it happens now in Alexandria, where goods are gathered from Egypt and all other parts of the world. This was due to the fact that ships from India did not sail up to Egypt, neither Egyptian ships dared navigate further on, sailing only up to this point. But by now this does not occur anymore, since not long ago Caesar destroyed Felix Arabia".
Prof. Megalommatis analyzes excerpts of the Periplus of the Erythraean (Red) Sea in a fascinating article that gives new dimensions to the Ancient History of Yemen.
Music accompaniment: Persian classical music from Iran
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