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The name Doriscus is given to a beach and a vast plain upon the coast
of Thrace, through the middle of which flows the strong stream of the
Hebrus. Here was the royal fort which is likewise called Doriscus,
where Darius had maintained a Persian garrison ever since the time
when he attacked the Scythians. This place seemed to Xerxes a
convenient spot for reviewing and numbering his soldiers; which things
accordingly he proceeded to do. The sea-captains, who had brought
the fleet to Doriscus, were ordered to take the vessels to the beach
adjoining, where Sale stands, a city of the Samothracians, and
Zone, another city. The beach extends to Serrheum, the well-known
promontory; the whole district in former times was inhabited by the
Ciconians. Here then the captains were to bring their ships, and to
haul them ashore for refitting, while Xerxes at Doriscus was employed
in numbering the soldiers.
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