The New International Encyclopædia/Fossa Mariana

FOS′SA MA′RIA′NA (Lat., trench of Marius). The canal made B.C. 102, by Marius, from the Rhône to the Gulf of Stomalimne, near the modern village of Foz (Fossæ Marinæ). It was constructed to avoid the difficult navigation at the mouths of the river, caused by the accumulations of sand by the several streams. It was about 16 miles long, and was later given to the inhabitants of Massilia (Marseilles), who derived large revenues from it.