Lines and Dots

This chapter focuses on the articulation of geographical space, both in reality and in concept, by major geographical features such as rivers and mountain ranges. The importance of rivers such as the Nile and Ister (Danube) in dominating their respective landscapes and offering structure to the world through symmetry is discussed; also the role of rivers in marking the progress of military expeditions and defining the limits of kingdoms and empires. After next considering the place of mountains in Herodotus’ geography, the chapter moves finally to examine the special status of islands as distinctive environments, places of both safety and danger, and liable to commodification in the pursuit of empire.