LYCUS
LYCUS (
Λύκος), a river of Syria, between ancient Byblus and Berytus. (
Strab. xvi. p.755;
Plin. Nat. 5.20.) Although both these geographers mention the river Adonis as distinct from this, more to the north, between Palae-Byblus and Byblus, the two rivers have been sometimes confounded. Their
[p. 2.228]Wolf-river is plainly identical with the Dog-river of the present day (
Nahr-el-Kelb), about 2 hours north of
Beyrût; which derives its name, says Maundrell, from an idol in the form of a dog or wolf, which was worshipped, and is said to have pronounced oracles, at this place.
It is remarkable for an ancient viaduct cut in the face of a rocky promontory immediately on the south of the stream, the work of Antoninus Pius, as a Latin inscription, copied by Maundrell, and still legible, records (
Journey, March 17, pp. 35--37). Cuneiform inscriptions and figures resembling those found at
Behistun [
BAGISTANUS MONS] would seem to indicate that the Roman emperor did but repair the work of some Persian king.
There are casts of the inscriptions and figures in the British Museum.
[
G.W]
