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The triremes amounted in all to twelve hundred and seven; and were
furnished by the following nations:
The Phoenicians, with the Syrians of Palestine, furnished three
hundred vessels, the crews of which were thus accoutred: upon their
heads they wore helmets made nearly in the Grecian manner; about their
bodies they had breastplates of linen; they carried shields without
rims; and were armed with javelins. This nation, according to their
own account, dwelt anciently upon the Erythraean Sea, but crossing
thence, fixed themselves on the seacoast of Syria, where they still
inhabit. This part of Syria, and all the region extending from hence
to Egypt, is known by the name of Palestine.
The Egyptians furnished two hundred ships. Their crews had plaited
helmets upon their heads, and bore concave shields with rims of unusual
size. They were armed with spears suited for a sea-fight, and with
huge pole-axes. The greater part of them wore breastplates; and all
had long cutlasses.
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