After listening to the Ethiopian king’s remarks, the Ichthyophagi in turn asked him about the life and habits of his people. They wished to know how long the Ethiopians lived and what kind of food they ate each day. The king answered openly and with pride The Bow Returned to the Messengers.
He told them that most Ethiopians lived to be one hundred and twenty years old, and that some even lived longer than that. Their diet, he explained, was very simple. They ate boiled meat as their main food, and their only drink was milk. According to the king, this simple way of living helped them remain strong and healthy for many years.
The Fountain of Long Life
When the Ichthyophagi expressed surprise at such long lifespans, the king led them to a remarkable fountain. He invited them to wash themselves in its water. When they did so, they noticed something strange. Their skin became smooth, shiny, and soft, as if they had bathed in oil. At the same time, a pleasant smell rose from the water, similar to the scent of violets.
The visitors also observed that the water was unusually light and thin. Nothing floated in it. Even wood and other light objects sank straight to the bottom. Because of this strange quality, the Ethiopians believed the fountain had special powers. The king suggested that the regular use of this water was the true reason why his people lived such long lives Daily Ephesus Tour.
If this story is true, the fountain was not only a source of water but also a source of health and longevity for the Ethiopians.
The Prison with Golden Chains
After leaving the fountain, the king showed the visitors another surprising sight. He led them to a prison where the prisoners were held in chains made of gold. To the Ichthyophagi, this seemed very strange, as gold was considered the most valuable metal in many lands.
However, among the Ethiopians, gold was common, while copper was rare and precious. Because of this, gold was used for everyday purposes, even for making chains. This custom showed how different the values and resources of the Ethiopians were from those of other nations.
The Table of the Sun
After seeing the prison, the visitors were also shown the place known as the “Table of the Sun.” This was the same mysterious place that Cambyses had wanted them to investigate. Although details had already been described, seeing it with their own eyes confirmed that it played an important role in Ethiopian life. It was regarded as a place of abundance and divine generosity.
Crystal Coffins of the Dead
Finally, the Ethiopian king allowed the Ichthyophagi to see the burial customs of his people. The Ethiopians, according to reports, placed their dead in coffins made of crystal. First, the body was dried, either in the Egyptian manner or by another method. Then it was covered with a layer of gypsum and painted carefully to resemble the person when alive.
After this, the body was placed inside a hollow crystal pillar. Crystal was plentiful in their land and easy to shape. Because the coffin was transparent, the body could be clearly seen inside. It gave off no unpleasant smell and appeared clean and dignified.
The family kept the crystal coffin in their house for one full year. During that time, they offered food, sacrifices, and honors to the dead. After the year had passed, they carried the coffin outside and placed it near the town.
These customs show how different Ethiopian life and beliefs were from those of other peoples. Long life, simple food, sacred water, and unique burial practices all combined to create a culture that amazed foreign visitors and left a strong impression on those who recorded it.
