Zuilen 2

PILLARS II (end of the monopoly in sight).

The maritime monopoly of the Phoenicians lasting some 500 years, if the traditional foundations of Cadiz, Lixus and Utica are true, is slowly coming to an end. So far the Phoenician triangle of Carthage-Sicily-Sardinia was practically impregnable and closed the Straits of Gibraltar to Greek competition. But the Phoceans and especially Masalia (Marseille) tried to penetrate more and more from the north. They went along to east-coast of Spain to the south (Ampurias, Alonae, Artemision, Hemeroskopeion, Mainake?). And a daring Masilian captain went even further.

Ps.Scylax 4th century BC

Some Greek sailor managed to break through the blockade and researched the Western Europe coasts. He provides more accurate informationabout the pillars, but not very much.

“The low Pillar is in Libya and the high one lies in Europe. They are separated from each other by a day-long voyage.” He mentions also the place Abini or Apini.

By now, the Phoenicians, Heracles, Melqart, and indirectly the founding of Gadir, Lixus and Utica, were mixed up in one and the same block of Greek legends.

Eratosthenes 3rd century BC

Abilyx is a mountain that lies in Metagonium, country of a nomadic tribe. According to Strabo he also mentions the places Apini and Abiluka. The statements of Eratosthenes are done on information from Ephorus.

Artemidorus 2nd century BC

He talks about two islands near the pillars. He speaks of Hera’s Island and her temple, and he says there is a second isle. These islands could be Perejil near Ceuta and Isla Cabrita near Algeciras.