My memory may be rusty, but I seem to recall that the `Letter of Prester
John', a curious document purporting to originate from a Christian
empire in India, that circulated in Europe in the twelfth century
(1160s-70s?) mentions spices and gems lying on the bed of one of the
rivers of Paradise, which passes through the Prester's lands. I think
Gervase of Tilbury's Otia Imperialia may also have something to this
effect. Is there a connection here to Hildegard's ocean floor?
Andrew Jotischky
Dept of History
Lancaster University
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