《宋史·列传·卷一百一十七》
南阳是汉光武帝兴起的地方，有高山峻岭可以把守，有宽广的城市和广阔的平原可以屯兵；它西边邻近关、陕，可以招募将士；东边通达长江、淮河，可以运送谷粟；南边通往荆湖、巴蜀，可以取得财物；北边与三都相望，可以派兵救援。
夫南阳光武之所兴，有高山峻岭可以控扼，有宽城平野可以屯兵；西邻关、陕，可以召将士；东达江、淮，可以运谷粟；南通荆湖、巴蜀，可以取财货；北距三都，可以遣救援。
"Nanyang was the place where Han Kuang Wu Ti first raised his standard; it is barred by lofty cliffs and precipices, so that it is easy to defend, and its extensive cities and plains admit of the storage of large quantities of provisions; on the west it adjoins Kan and Shensi, from which troops can be recruited; on the east it is connected with the Yang-tse-Kiang and the Hwai-ho, so that supplies of grain can be obtained; on the south it communicates with Kingchou and Patsu, so that treasure can be got; and on the north it looks towards the Three Capitals, to which succour can be sent."