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Thus abundantly are the Scythians provided with the most important
necessaries. Their manners and customs come now to be described.
They worship only the following gods, namely, Vesta, whom they
reverence beyond all the rest, Jupiter, and Tellus, whom they
consider to be the wife of Jupiter; and after these Apollo,
Celestial Venus, Hercules, and Mars. These gods are worshipped
by the whole nation: the Royal Scythians offer sacrifice likewise to
Neptune. In the Scythic tongue Vesta is called Tabiti, Jupiter
(very properly, in my judgment) Papaeus, Tellus Apia, Apollo
Oetosyrus, Celestial Venus Artimpasa, and Neptune Thamimasadas.
They use no images, altars, or temples, except in the worship of
Mars; but in his worship they do use them.
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