This region is one of great strength, and at the same time of much productiveness and fertility.

Composed of a large number of parallel ridges.

Zagros contains, besides rocky and snow-clad summits, a multitude of fertile valleys, watered by the great affluents of the Tigris or their tributaries, and capable of producing rich crops with very little cultivation.

The sides of the hills are in most parts clothed with forests of walnut, oak, ash, plane, and sycamore, while mulberries, olives, and other fruit-trees abound; in many places the pasturage is excellent; and thus, notwithstanding its mountainous character, the tract will bear a large population.

Its defensive strength is immense, equalling that of Switzerland before military roads were constructed across the High Alps.