Tyrian and Sidonian merchants who have just returned from a two-year journey through the distant lands of the west and the north have some intersting tales to tell concerning their experiences in those strange, cold climes.
They have also brought back with them, by way of souvenirs, several materials hitherto unkown in this part of the world.
The Great West
After crossing the Great Sea in a westerly direction, the traders passed through a narrow strait and turned northward. Continuing to sail in that direction, they finally reached a series of lakes flanked by thickly wooded lands, sometimes covered with snow.
The countries on this continent are called the lands of Europe - meaning the lands of the great west. Europe is inhabited by course men dressed in the hides of wild animals. Most of them live by hunting or fishing.
Among the souvenirs brought back from Europe by these merchants is the figure of the horse-drawn sun-chariot picture above.
Bad Weather
They also found there, in great abundance, a hard yellowish substance called amber, which, when pounded or heated, emits a most fragrant odour.
The weather in Europe, the merchants report, is awful. Rain, fog, and dreary darkness play as dominant a role there as does the sun in our country. Perhaps it is because they see so little of the sun that the Europeans have made it a deity.
Taken from 'Chronicles: News of the Past' © 1954, 1967
See the reconstruction of the Sun Chariot found in 1902 in the Trundholm bog at Sjælland, Denmark
