In all
probability, however, it was later than the foundation of Nice,
and took its name from its being situated directly opposite to
that city. Pliny says it was famous for its tunny-fishery; and to
this circumstance Martial alludes in the following lines
Antipolitani, fateor, sum filia thynni.
Essem si Scombri non tibi missa forem.
I'm spawned from Tunny of Antibes, 'tis true.
Right Scomber had I been, I ne'er had come to you.
The famous pickle Garum was made from the Thynnus or Tunny as
well as from the Scomber, but that from the Scomber was counted
the most delicate. Commentators, however, are not agreed about
the Scomber or Scombrus. Some suppose it was the Herring or
Sprat; others believe it was the mackarel; after all, perhaps it
was the Anchovy, which I do not find distinguished by any other
Latin name: for the Encrasicolus is a Greek appellation
altogether generical. Those who would be further informed about
the Garum and the Scomber may consult Caelius Apicius de
recogninaria, cum notis, variorum.
At present, Antibes is the frontier of France towards Italy,
pretty strongly fortified, and garrisoned by a battalion of
soldiers.
