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At the distance of ten days' journey from the Garamantians there is
again another salt-hill and spring of water; around which dwell a
people, called the Atarantians, who alone of all known nations are
destitute of names. The title of Atarantians is borne by the whole
race in common; but the men have no particular names of their own.
The Atarantians, when the sun rises high in the heaven, curse him,
and load him with reproaches, because (they say) he burns and wastes
both their country and themselves. Once more at the distance of ten
days' there is a salt-hill, a spring, and an inhabited tract. Near
the salt is a mountain called Atlas, very taper and round; so lofty,
moreover, that the top (it is said) cannot be seen, the clouds never
quitting it either summer or winter. The natives call this mountain
"the Pillar of Heaven"; and they themselves take their name from
it, being called Atlantes. They are reported not to eat any living
thing, and never to have any dreams.
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