1The subject seems to require me to set out briefly the geography of Africa and to touch on those peoples with whom we have had war or friendship. 2But concerning those places and nations which are less frequented because of heat or harshness, and likewise the deserts, I could not easily give a reliable account. 2The rest I shall deal with in as few words as possible. 3In dividing up the world most have placed Africa as a third part, a few say that there are only Asia and Europe, but that Africa is in Europe. 4It has as its boundaries on the west the strait between our sea and the Ocean, on the east a broad sloping plateau, a place which the inhabitants call Catabathmos.
5The sea is rough and without harbours; 5the land is fertile in grain, good for cattle, unfruitful for trees; 5from sky and earth there is a scarcity of water. 6The race of men is healthy in body, swift, enduring of toil; 6and most are carried off by old age, except those who have died by the sword or by wild beasts, for disease does not often overcome anyone; 6besides, there are very many animals of a harmful kind. 7But who were the first inhabitants of Africa and who came afterwards, or how they intermingled, although it differs from the tradition which most people hold, I shall nevertheless tell in as few words as possible, as it was translated for me from the Punic books which were said to be King Hiempsal's, and as the inhabitants of that land think the matter stands.
7But the responsibility for its truth will rest with the authors.