From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
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At a Glance
- The wordChasma is a gap or opening.
- In StobaeusThe earthquake account says that enclosed air can force the ground apart and escape through fissures.
- In this edition“Fissure” suits split ground; “chasm” emphasizes a larger opening.
- A place to beginFissures release the air said to cause an earthquake.
- English renderings
- chasm; fissure; opening
Meaning
Chasma is a gap or opening. The object in which it occurs determines whether it is a terrestrial fissure or another kind of apparent opening.
Use in the book
The earthquake account says that enclosed air can force the ground apart and escape through fissures. The opening is consequently part of the proposed mechanism ending the disturbance. Examples from named places give the explanation a historical setting without supplying a modern verification of its cause.
Places to read
- I.36.2.9Fissures release the air said to cause an earthquake.
Translation in this edition
“Fissure” suits split ground; “chasm” emphasizes a larger opening.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 251. The island called Sacred is Hiera in the fuller parallel account; the adjective functions as a name in this example.