Primis Magna

Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography

PRIMIS MAGNA and PARVA (Πρίμις μέγαλη, Πρίμις μικρά, Ptol. 4.7.19), the names of two towns in Aethiopia, situated upon the extreme or right bank of the Nile. Primis Magna, called simply Primis by Pliny (Plin. Nat. 4.29. s. 35), and Premnis (Πρῆμνις) by Strabo (17. p. 820), was taken by the Roman commander Petronius in the reign of Augustus. After taking Premnis, which is described as a strong place, the Roman commander advanced against Napata. (Strab. l. c.) Ptolemy places it beyond Napata and just above Meroë. Hence it is identified with Ibrim. (Comp. Kenrick, Ancient Egypt, col. 2. p. 464.)