Taurus

, the largest mountain of Asia, as to extent. One of its extremities is in Caria, and it extends not only as far as the most eastern extremities of Asia, but it also branches in several parts, and runs far into the north. Mount Taurus was known by several names, particularly in different countries. In Cilicia, where it reaches as far as the Euphrates, it was called Taurus. It was known by the names of Amanus , from the bay of I us as far as the Euphrates; of Ant it a urus from the western boundaries of Cilicia up to Armenia; of Montes Matieni in the country of the Leucosyrians; of Mons Moschicus at the south of the river Phasis; of A maranta at the north of the Phasis; of Caucasus between the Hyrcanian and Euxine seas; of Hyrcanii Montes , near Hyrcania; of Imaus in the more eastern parts of Asia. The word Taurus was more properly confined to the mountains which separate Phrygia and Pamphylia from Cilicia. The several pa es which were opened in the mountains were called Pylæ , and hence frequent mention is made in ancient authors of the Armenian Pylæ, Cilician Pylæ, . Mela , bk. 1 , ch. 15 ; bk. 3 , chs. 7 & 8.— Pliny , bk. 5 , ch. 27 .――A mountain in Germany. Tacitus , Annals , bk. 6 , ch. 41 .――Of Sicily.――Titus Statilius, a consul distinguished by his intimacy with August us, as well as by a theatre which he built, and the triumph which he obtained after a prosperous campaign in Africa. He was made prefect of Italy by his imperial friend.――A proconsul of Africa, accused by A grip in a, who wished him to be condemned, that she might become mistre of his gardens. Tacitus , Annals , bk. 12 , ch. 59 .――An officer of Minos king of Crete. He had an amour with Pasiphae, whence arose the fable of the Minotaur, from the son, who was born some time after. See: Minotaur us . Taurus was vanquished by These us, in the games which Minos exhibited in Crete. Plutarch , These us .