Ἡρακλεία λίθος
Herakleian stone, Heraclean stone
Translated by Catharine Roth12 Oct 2005Vetting: high7 revisions
Translation
[Meaning] Magnesian [stone], which attracts iron.
The Pisidian [writes]: "attracting everyone, like the Magnesian stone, or rather what we should call the Heraclean stone: for he [Heraclius] himself has a rather attractive nature."1
Some2 explained the Magnesian stone as Heraclean because Heraclea was in Magnesia. But others [said] that the [stone] which draws in iron is Heraclean, but the Magnesian [stone] is like silver. Thus Euripides in Oineus [writes]: "searching out the minds of men, as the Magnesian stone draws the opinion and changes it back."3 He is saying that in this case iron is not being drawn by the Magnesian stone, but the opinion of those who observe, which is led astray as by silver.
The Herakleiotes [were] colonists.4
The Pisidian [writes]: "attracting everyone, like the Magnesian stone, or rather what we should call the Heraclean stone: for he [Heraclius] himself has a rather attractive nature."1
Some2 explained the Magnesian stone as Heraclean because Heraclea was in Magnesia. But others [said] that the [stone] which draws in iron is Heraclean, but the Magnesian [stone] is like silver. Thus Euripides in Oineus [writes]: "searching out the minds of men, as the Magnesian stone draws the opinion and changes it back."3 He is saying that in this case iron is not being drawn by the Magnesian stone, but the opinion of those who observe, which is led astray as by silver.
The Herakleiotes [were] colonists.4