heat of the Sahara. The range drops down toward the N. in a series of terrace-like elevations, thus giving to the region a great variety of climate and vegetation. The soil is fertile. Cyrene was originally a Gr colony founded by Battus in 630 BC. Because of the fertility of the soil, the great variety in climate and vegetation, together with its commercial advantages in location, the city soon rose to great wealth and importance. Greater fame, however, came to it through its distinguished