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In this chapter H. exaggerates the contrast between Egypt and Greece (cp. c. 35 nn.). It was only in parts of the Delta that the plough could be dispensed with.


Sheep are represented on the monuments of the ‘Old Kingdom’ as treading in the seed (cf. Breasted, p. 92), and swine also on one tomb at Thebes (B. M. G. p. 95) tread out the corn. Quite recently a monument has been discovered at Dra abu'l Naga which absolutely confirms H. (Ann. du Serv. des Antiq. xi. 162 seq.). Cf. also Eudoxus (in Ael. H. A. x. 16), and Pliny, N. H. xviii. 168, who says the custom had been given up in his time.

ἀποδινήσας, ‘completely treading it out’ (lit. winnowing). Other animals were also used. Cf. Deut. xxv. 4, 1 Cor. ix. 9 for oxen among the Jews.

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    • Pliny the Elder, Naturalis Historia, 18.47
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