412 Aornos. [No. 4, 
in question with the magnificent mountain described as Aornos. That 
the ancient name of the purgunna or tract on which Atuk rests 
was Benares is probable enough; but it seems to me that this 
Benares (whether city or tract) must have been on the same side 
of the river as Chuch, which to this day is called Chuch Benares. For 
the breadth of the Indus there, (upwards of two miles,) completely 
severs Chuch from the Eusufzye, and when Alexander visited them, 
he found them subject to two distinct sovereigns. 
The name is variously pronounced as Bunnarr, Bunares, Bunass, the 
latter signifying “ destruction.” 
We think it may serve an important end in the elucidation of this 
knotty question to record all the different accounts now extant of 
Aornos. Persons who do not possess the ancient authors treating 
upon the subject, may then visit the various possible sites and judge 
for themselves which was the tremendous rock that repulsed three 
attacks of Hercules, the greatest General of his age. 
To begin with Arrian, who, in spite of Mr. Loewenthal’s disparaging 
remarks, has left us one of the most succinct and detailed accounts 
ever penned, of this campaign, Aornos was a table mountain 14: miles 
in circuit at base, 4125 feet in height, extremely steep, having abun- 
dant water at the summit and numerous welling springs, plenty of wood, 
and soil for 1000 ploughs (should it be tilled). It was the refuge 
of all the cities of the plains, but especially of Bazira (Bajra) and Ora, 
(perhaps Ooud or Owra). The ascent to 1t was from Umb, Balima, 
(sites retaining this name at the foot of the Mahabunn). Although so 
steep, Alexander led up it a squadron of the companion horse, 20 mount- 
ed archers and his engines of war. Though the rock held by the enemy 
was so lofty, yet the mountain had still higher ground, which Ptolemy 
cot possession of by the aid of a spy, attacking thence the enemy im rear. 
Alexander met none but natural obstacles, until he had ascended the 
mountain after 6 days’ toil and incessant hand-to-hand combat. He 
then apparently reached a table summit, having soil, in which he dug his 
trench and raised his parapet of approach. Near the rock was a mound 
of equal height, which the Macedonians carried by assault. After which 
the garrison lost heart, and when Alexander withdrew his pickets, 
vacated the place by night. The rock on the table summit must 
of course have had parapets, or the enemy could not have held it an 
hour after Alexander’s attainment of the table summit. But it was 
