AN Introduction TO GEOGRAPHY.
GEOGRAPHY is a Science which Teacheth the Description and Dimension of all the Earth, as it doth together with the Water, compose that round Body, which from its form is called the Orb or Globe of the Earth; Describing the Scituations, and Measuring the Distances of all its parts.
The Earth is placed in respect of the other Orbs or Stars of the Universe, according to Ptolomy and Tycho, in the Centre; but according to Copernicus, between the Orbs of Mars and Venus.
The Globe of the Earth is variously Described by Geographers into Lines and Parts, which are either Real or Imaginary.
Real, are such as agree to the Terrestrial Globe, by Nature. Imaginary, are such as agree to it by vertue of our understanding.
The Real parts of the Terrestrial Globe are Earth and Water. The Imaginary parts are certain Lines, which are not materially, but for the better understanding of this Science, are supposed to be on the Earth.
These Lines are either Strait, or Circular. The Axis is a strait line passing through the midst or Center of the Earth, which is the Diameter of the whole World: the extream points or ends whereof, are called the Poles, upon which the Universe is supposed to move; the one Point is called the Artick, or North-Pole, the other the Antartick, or South-Pole.
The Circular Lines are divided into the greater and the lesser: The greater Circles are such as divide the Globe into two equal parts, and are [Page 2] three in Number, Meridian, Horizon, Equator: And these are either fixed, as the Equator, or movable with the mutation of places, as the Meridian, and Horizon.
The Meridian is a Circle drawn through the Poles of the Earth, and the Vertical or Zenith point of our place, crossing the Equator at right Angles, cutting the Earth into two equal parts; the one East, the other West: And is so called, because when the Sun cometh to the Meridian of any place, it is Noon or Mid-day; infinite in Number, because all places from East to West, have several Meridians.
Among these, one is of special Note and Use, which Geographers call the first or Chief Meridian: This first Meridian is that from which the Longitudes of places are reckoned, and is variously placed by Geographers.
The Horizon is a Circle, comprehending all that space of the Earth which is visible; and distinguishing it from the rest which lyeth under, and is invisible: This Horizon is either Sensible or Rational.
The Sensible Horizon is that apparent Circle which divides the visible part of Heaven from the invisible; extending it self into a strait line, from the Superficies of the Earth every way round about that place you stand upon; dividing the Heavens into two unequal parts, which is designed out by the sight, and is sometimes greater or lesser, according to the condition of the place.
The Rational Horizon is a great Circle dividing that part of the Heavens which is above us, from that part which is under us, exactly into two equal parts, passing through the Center of the Earth, whose Poles are the Zenith and Nadir: By this Circle our Days and Nights are Measured, and the divers Risings and Settings of the Sun, Moon, and Stars appear.
The Equator, or Line under the Equinoctial, is a great Circle encompassing the very middle of the Earth between the two Poles, dividing it into two equal parts from North to South; and it is divided, as all great Circles are, into 360 equal parts or degrees. It is called Equator, either because it is equally distant from the Poles of the World, or rather because when the Sun comes to this Line, which is twice in the Year, viz. in its entrance into Aries, which is about the 10th or 11th of March; and again in Libra about the 12th or 13th of September, he makes equality of Days and Nights throughout the World; and from it are the Latitudes of places numbred, either North or South.
The Lesser Circles or Lines are Named with particular Names, as Tropicks and Polar Circles.
The Tropicks are parallel Circles to the Equator, distant from it 23 Degrees [Page 3] and a half: That on the North-side of the Equator, is called the Tropick of Cancer, where the Sun hath the greatest North declination, and maketh our longest Day, and shortest Night, which is about the 11th or 12th of June: The other on the South-side is called the Tropick of Capricorn, in which point the Sun hath its greatest South declination, making our shortest Day, and longest Night, which is about the 11th or 12th of December.
The Polar Circles are parallels, compassing the Poles of the World at 23 Degrees and an half distance: that about the North-pole is called the Artick Circle, the other the Antartick Circle, because opposite to it.
These Tropick and Polar Circles divide the Earth into five parts, called by the Greeks, Zones; of these five Zones, three were accounted by the Ancients to be so intemperate as to be uninhabitable; one of them by reason of the Suns beams continually darting upon the same; and this they called the Torrid Zone, terminated by the Tropicks on each side: The other two, the one comprehended within the Artick Circle, and the other compassed by the Antartick; by reason of the extream Cold, they thought uninhabitable, as being so remote from the Suns Beams: But only the remaining two were accounted Temperate, and therefore Habitable; the one lying between the Artick Circle, and the Tropick of Cancer, and the other between the Antartick and the Tropick of Capricorn.
Thus much of the General Geography: The Special is that which setteth forth the Description of the Terrestrial Globe, so far forth as 'tis divided into distinct parts or places; and is either, 1. The Description of some great integrating part of the Earth. 2. Or of some one Region, and so it is properly called Chorography. 3. Or of some particular place in a Region or Country, which is Topography.
According to the greater integrating parts thereof the Ancients divided the whole Earth into three great parts, viz. Europe, Asia, and Africa, to which is now added a fourth, viz. America: these are again divided into Provinces, Countries, Kingdoms, &c. And each of these are again subdivided into Earldoms, Baronies, Lordships, &c. These three kind or parts make up the perfect Subject of Geography.
Again, every part and place of the Earth is considered in its self, or according to its Adjuncts, and so it is either Continent or Island.
A Continent is a great quantity of Land, in which many great Kingdoms and Countries are conjoyned together, and not separated one from another by any Sea, as Europe, Asia, &c.
An Island is a part of the Earth compassed and environed round about with Water, as Great Britain and Ireland.
[Page 4]These again are observable parts, both of Continents and Islands, viz. Peninsula, Isthmus, Promontorium.
Peninsula quasi pene Insula, is a part of Land, which being almost environed and encompassed round with Water, is yet joyned to the firm Land by some little Isthmus, as Africa is joyned to Asia, or Morea to Greece.
An Isthmus is a narrow neck of Land betwixt two Seas, joyning the Peninsula to the Continent, as that of Darien in America, or Corinth in Greece.
A Promontory is a high Hill or Mountain, lying out as an elbow of Land into the Sea, the utmost end of which is called a Cape, as the Cape of Good Hope, and Cape Verde.
The Adjuncts of a place are either such as respect the Earth it self, or the Heavens: Those that agree to a place in respect of the Earth are three in number, viz. the Magnitude or Extent of a Country, the Bounds or Limits, the Quality.
The Magnitude comprehends the length and breadth of a place.
The Bounds of a Country is a Line terminating it round about, distinguishing it from the bordering Lands or Waters.
The Quality of a place is the Natural Temper and Disposition thereof.
A Place in regard of the Heavens is either East, West, North, or South.
Those places are properly East which lie in the Eastern Hemisphere, (terminated by the first Meridian) or where the Sun riseth.
Those are West which lye Westerly of the said Meridian, or towards the setting of the Sun.
Those places are properly North which lie betwixt the Equator and Artick-Pole.
Those South which are betwixt the Equator and the Antartick Pole.
The Ancients did also distinguish the Inhabitants of the Earth from the diversity of shadows of Bodies into three sorts, viz. Periscii, Heteroscii, and Amphiscii: the Inhabitants of the Frigid Zone (if any such are) were termed Periscii, because the shadow of Bodies have there a Circular motion in 24 hours, the Sun neither rising nor setting but in a greater portion of time.
The Inhabitants of the Temperate Zones they called Heteroscii, because the Meridian shadows bend towards either Pole, towards the North among those that dwell within the Tropick of Cancer and the Artick Circle; towards the South amongst those that dwell within the Tropick of Capricorn and the Antartick Circle.
The Inhabitants of the Torrid Zone they called Amphiscii, because the Noon or Mid-day shadow, according to the time of Year, doth sometimes [Page 5] fall towards the North, sometimes towards the South: when the Sun is in the Northern Signs, it falleth towards the South: and towards the North, when in the Southern Signs. And because of the different site of opposite Habitations, the Ancients have divided the Inhabitants of the Earth into Periaeci, Antaeci, and Antipodes.
The Periaeci are such as live under the same parallel, being equally distant from the Equator, but in opposite points of the same parallel.
The Antaeci are such as have the same Meridian and parallel equally distant from the Equator, but the one North, and the other South.
The Antipodes are such as Inhabit two places of the Earth which are Diametrically opposite one to the other.
The Ancients did also divide the Earth into Climates and Parallels.
A Climate is a space of Earth comprehended betwixt any two places, whose longest day differ in quantity half an hour.
A Parallel is a space of Earth, wherein the days increase in length a quarter of an hour: so that every Climate contains two Parallels.
These Climates and Parallels are not of equal quantity, for the first is longer than the second, and the second likewise greater than the third, &c. At the Latitude, where the longest days are increased half an hour longer than at the Equator, viz. longer than 12 hours, The first Climate begins, which is at the Latitude of 8 degrees, 34 minutes; and in the Latitude of 16 degrees, 43 minutes, where the days are increased an hour longer than at the Equator. The second Climate begins, and so onwards. But because the Ancients, and also Ptolomy, supposed that part of the Earth which lies under the Equator to be inhabitable, therefore they placed the first Climate at the Latitude of 12 degrees, 43 minutes, where the longest day is 12 hours ¾ long; and the second Climate to begin at the Latitude of 20 degrees, 34 minutes, where the longest day is 13 hours and ¼ long, &c. 'Tis needless indeed to take any more notice of them, than thus much only, that they that describe the Situation of places by Climes and Parallels, had as good say nothing.
The Terraqueous Globe is but an Imaginary point compared to the vast expansion of the Universe, though of it self of great Magnitude; for Geographers divide it into 360 parts or degrees, and each degree into 60 minutes, which are so many Italian Miles, so that the Circumference thereof is 21600 miles, and the Diameter or Axis is 6875 miles, and its Superficies in square miles, is Reckoned to amount to 148510584 of the same measure.
'Tis a common Opinion, that 5 of our English feet make a Geometrical pace, 1000 of these paces make an Italian mile, and 60 of these miles in any great Circle upon the Spherical surface of the Earth or Sea make a [Page 6] degree; so that a degree of the Heavens contains upon the surface of the Earth, according to this account 60 Italian miles, 20 French or Dutch Leagues, 15 German miles, 17 ½ Spanish Leagues.
But according to several Experiments made, the quantity of a degree is thus variously found to be: By Albazard the Arabian, 73; by Fernilius 68, by Withrordus 70, by Gassendus 73, by Picard 73 Italian miles, and by Norwood 69 ½ English miles, which is much as the same of 73 Italian miles, and is the nearest measure yet found by these Experiments to answer to a degree of the Heavens; so that the circumference of the Earth then is 26280 miles, the Diameter 8365, and 184 parts. Or supposing 1000 paces, or 5000 English Feet to a mile, then 73 such miles are exactly equal to a Degree.
I shall here note, that no Country doth in all parts of its Territories make use of the same extent in measuring: The Germans have their great, little, and ordinary miles; the Leagues of France and Spain are of different lengths, and so are the miles in our own Country.
The Earth (as was said before) is encompassed about with the Water, which washing and surrounding the dry Land, cuts out and shapes so many winding Bays, Creeks, and meandring Inlets, and seems no where so much confined and penned as in the Straits of Magellan, from whence again expatiating, it spreads its self into two immense, and almost boundless Oceans, which give Terminaries to the four Regions of the Earth, and extending it self round them all, is but one continued Ocean.
The Water is either Ocean, Seas, Straits, Creeks, Lakes, or Rivers.
The Ocean is a general Collection or Rendezvouz of all Waters.
The Sea is a part of the Ocean, and is either exterior, lying open to the shore, as the British or Arabian Seas; or interior, lying within the Land, to which you must pass through some Strait, as the Mediterranean, or Baltick Seas.
A Strait is a narrow part or Arm of the Ocean, lying betwixt two Shores, and opening a way into the Sea, as the Straits of Gibralter, the Hellespont, &c.
A Creek is a small narrow part of the Sea that goeth up but a little way into the Land, otherwise called a Bay, a Station, or Road for Ships.
A Lake is that which continually retains and keeps Water in it, as the Lakes Nicurgua in America, and Zaire in Africa.
A River is a small Branch of the Sea flowing into the Land, courting the Banks whilst they their Arms display, to embrace her silver waves.
Of the Names of the Ocean.
According to the four Quarters it had four Names: From the East it was called the Eastern or Oriental Ocean; from the West the Western, or Occidental Ocean; from the North the Northern, or Septentrional, and from the South the Southern, or Meridional Ocean: But besides these more general Names, it hath other particular Appellations, according to the Countries it boundeth upon, and the Nature of the Sea: As it lies extended towards the East, it is called the Chinean Sea, from the adjacent Country of China: Towards the South 'tis called Oceanus Indicus, or the Indian Sea, because upon it lies the Indians: Where it touches the Coast of Persia, it is called Mare Persicum: So also Mare Arabicum, from Arabia: So towards the West is the Ethiopian Sea. Then the Atlantick Ocean, from Atlas, a Mountain or Promontory in Africa; but more Westward near to America, it is called by the Spaniards, Mar del Nort; and on the other side of America, it is called Mar del Zur, or Mare Pacificum. Where it toucheth upon Spain it is called Oceanus Hispanicus, by the English the Bay of Biscay: The Sea between England and France is called the Channel; between England and Ireland the Irish Sea: Between England and Holland it is called by some the German, or rather the British Ocean: Beyond Scotland it is called Mare Caledonium, higher towards the North it is called the Hyperborean, or Frozen Sea; more Eastward, upon the Coast of Tartary, the Tartarian Sea, or Scythian Ocean, &c.
The Names of the Inland Seas are, 1. The Baltick Sea, by the Dutch called the Oast Zee, by the Inhabitants Die Belth, lying between Denmark and Sweden, the chief Entrance whereof is called the Sound.
2. Pontus Euxinus, or the Black Sea; to which joyns Me [...]tis Palus, now Mar de Zabacke.
The third is the Caspian or Hircanian Sea.
The fourth is the Arabian Gulf, Mare Erythaeum, Mare Rubeum, or the Red Sea.
The fifth is the Persian Gulf, or the Gulf de Elcatif.
The sixth is Mare Mediterraneum, by the English the Straits, by the Spaniards, Mar de Levant; the beginning or entrance of it is called the Straits of Gibralter, rather Gibal-Tarif.
Now that all Places, Cities, Towns, Seas, Rivers, Lakes, &c. may be readily found out upon the Globe, or Map, all Geographers do, or should place them according to their Longitude and Latitude; the use of [Page 8] which in the absolute sense is to make out the position of any Place in respect of the whole Globe, or to shew the Scituation and distance of one place from, and in respect of any other.
Longitude is the distance of a place from the first Meridian reckoned in the degrees of the Equator, beginning by some at the Canaries, by others at the Azores, by reason of which Confusion, I have made the Longitudes in this English Geography to begin from London, and are reckoned Eastward and Westward, according as they are situated from London on the top of the Map. And have also added the Longitude from the Tenerif round about the Globe of the Earth at the bottom of the Map, as usually in the Dutch Maps, that so you may by inspection only, see the Truth or Error if you compare them with the Tables or Maps formerly Extant.
The Latitude of a place is the distance of the Equator from that place, reckoned in the degrees of the great Meridian, and is either North or South, according as it lies between the North and South-Poles of the Equator.
| Cities Modern. | Cities Old. | ||
| Northwards |
The Isles of Great Britain,
or
|
London | Londinium |
| Edinburgh | Alata Castra | ||
| Welshpool. | Trillinum | ||
| Dublin | Eblana | ||
Scandinavia,
contains the Kingdoms of
|
Copenhagen | Haphnia | |
| Berghen | Bergae | ||
| Stockholm | Holmia | ||
The several Kingdoms of
|
L'Arcangel | Archangelopolis | |
| Moskow | Moscha | ||
The Estates of the Kingdom of
|
Cracow, and | Cracovia | |
| Dantzick | Gedanum | ||
| In the Middle |
The Northern Estates of Turkie
in Europe,
|
Caffa | Theodosia |
| Tarvis | Targoviscum | ||
| Jassy | Jassium | ||
| Weissemburg | Alba Julia | ||
| Buda | Sicambia | ||
| The Empire of Germany | Vienna | Ala Flaviana | |
The Estates, or Republicks of
|
Zurick | Tigurium | |
| Amsterdam | Amsterodamum | ||
| Antwerpen | Andoverpum | ||
| Kingdom, or 12 Gover. of France | Paris | Lutetia | |
| Southwards | Kingdoms & Principal. of Spain | Madrid | Madritum |
| The Kingdom of Portugal | Lisbon | Olysippo | |
| Estates of the Duke of Savoy, &c. | Chambery | Cameriacum | |
| Kingdoms and Estates in Italy | Rome | Roma | |
| The Kingdom and Isle of Sicily | Messina | Messana | |
The Southern Estates of Turkie
in Europe,
|
Zagrab | Sisopa | |
| Vihitz | Vihitza | ||
| Zara | Jadera | ||
| Ragusa | Epidaurus | ||
| Bosna Serai | Jayeza | ||
| Belgrade | Alba Graeca | ||
| Sophia | Sardica | ||
| Constantinople | Byzantium | ||
| The Estates of Greece | Athini | Athaenae | |
The Islands of
|
Negropont | Eubaea | |
| Candia | Matium | ||
| Cagliari | Calaris | ||
Of Europe.
EƲROPE, one of the four great Parts of the World, is also the most considerable in Respect of the Beauty of her Kingdoms and Commonwealths, the Politeness of her Inhabitants, the Excellent Government of her Cities; as also in Regard of its Excellency in her Traffick and Commerce, the goodness of her Air, and general Fertility. It is the least Part of all, yet has produced the great Alexanders and Caesars of the Universe; contains within its Bounds the principal Part of the Roman and Grecian Monarchies; and, [Page 11] which to this day furnisheth the other parts of the World with Colonies. Its Scituation is all in the Northern Temperate Zone, which free the Inhatants from the insupportable Heats of Africk, and from those which also parch the more Southern Climes of Asia: The Air is generally sweet and temperate, unless in the remotest Countries of the North: The Soil affords all sorts of Grain and Fruit, of which the other Parts of the World are often in Want: But her highest Glory and Prerogative is that she is not only Europe, but Christendom, and hath embraced the true Religion. But alas the strange Schisms, the shameful vices, the lamentable dissentions, the unchristian divisions about Ceremonies and Opinions are fatal Eclipses of her brightness and splendor, who otherwise might justly have been stiled, The Temple of Religion: The Court of Policy and Government: The Academy of Learning: The Mistris of Arts and Sciences: The Magazine of Trade: The Nurse of Victorious and famous people: And the Paradice of humane felicity.
The length of Europe is variously set down by Geographers, Cluverius saith from the Cape of St. Vincent unto the mouth of the River Oby is 900 German, or 3600 Italian miles: I find that the true distance cannot be more than 50 degrees, which multiplied by 73, for so many miles are found to be in a degree, makes 3650 Geometrical or Italian miles. Sansons Map of Europe makes the distance to be 55 degrees, which multiplied by 73, makes 4015, which is 365 miles more than the greatest distance can be. But the Great New Atlas tells us 'tis 71 degrees of the Equator, which multiplied by 73 makes 5183, which is but 1533 miles, too large in the length of Europe.
Maginus tells us that the distance from Lisbon to Constantinople is 600 German, or 2400 Italian miles. The true distance I find cannot be more than 32½, which multiplied by 73 makes 2352 miles. But Sansons Map makes the Distance to be 36, which makes 276 miles too much.
Heylin tells us that Europe is in length 2800 miles, in breadth 1200 miles, but from whence he begins, or what miles he means, the Reader cannot tell, so that I think he had as good have said nothing.
The Breadth by Cluverius from Cape Matrapan of the Morea to the North Cape is reckoned to be 550 German, or 2200 Italian miles. Maginus makes it to be almost 600 German, or 2400 Italian miles. The true distance or difference of Latitude is 35 degr. of the Equator, which multiplied by 73 makes 2555 miles. Sanson's Map makes it 38 degrees, which makes 2774 miles which is 209 miles too much. But the great Atlas tells us it contains about 44 degrees, which makes 3212 miles, 657 miles too large.
Toward the North, Europe is bounded by the Northern Ocean, otherwise [Page 12] called the Frozen Sea, by reason of the continual Ice which incommodes those Parts: Towards the West, it is limited by the Western, or Atlantick Ocean; by the Mediterranean Sea toward the South; and beyond that Sea, by part of Africa. As for the Eastern Bounds, from the Mediterranean Sea to the North, they are these: The Archipelago, or White Sea, anciently called the Aegean Sea. 2. The Streight of Gallipoli, or the Dardanells, otherwise called the Arm of St. George, and formerly the Hellespont. 3. By Mar di, Marmora, formerly Mare Propontis. 4. By the Streight of Constantinople, or the Canal of Mar Maggiore, formerly the Thracian Bosphorus. 5. By the Black, or Mar Maggiore, formerly Pontus Euxinus. 6. By the Streight of Caffa, or Vespero, otherwise the Mouth of St. John, formerly the Cimmerian Bosphorus. 7. By Mare Limen, otherwise the Sea of Zabaique and Tanais, formerly Palus Moeotis. 8. By the River Donn, or Tana, formerly Tanais. 9. By a Line drawn from the most Eastern Winding of Donn to the Northern Ocean near Obi: Some there are that draw this Line more to the West, from the Sources of Donn to the White Sea, which is in Muscovy, making Europe much less than it is. Others inclose within the Limits of Europe all the Conquest of the Great Duke of Muscovie, which are in the Asiatick Tartary.
Europe is divided into Continent and Islands, which contain these Kingdoms or Estates, viz. Towards the North, the Isles of Great Britain, containing the Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland, the Principality of Wales, with many Islands dependant upon them.
2ly, Scandinavia, containing the Kingdoms of, 1. Denmark with Norway, and Sweden. 3ly, The several Kingdoms, Dutchies, &c. of the Grand Czar of Russia and Muscovia. 4. The Kingdom, Estates, &c. of Poland and Lithuania.
Towards the Middle, 1. The Northern Estates of Turkie in Europe, viz. 1. Tartaria Europa, Walachia, Moldavia, Transilvania, and Hungaria: 2. The Empire of Germania, with its eight Electorates. 3ly, The Estates of the Republick of Switzerland. The Seven Ʋnited Provinces. The Ten Spanish Provinces. 4. The Kingdoms of France, with its Twelve Governments, and late Acquisitions.
Towards the South: 1. The Kingdoms and Principalities of Spain: 2. The Kingdom of Portugal. The Kingdoms and Estates in Italy. The Estates and Dukedom of Savoy, Piemont, &c. The Kingdoms and Isles of Sicily, Sardinia, and Majorca, &c. The Southern Estates of Turkie in Europe, viz. Sclavonia, Croatia, Dalmatia, Ragusa, Bosnia, Servia, Bulgaria. The Country of Greece, containing the Kingdoms and parts of Romania, or Thracia, Macedonia, Thessalia, Albania, Epirus, and Graecia, [Page 13] or Achaia, and Peloponnesus, or the Morea, with the Isle of Negropont, &c.
The Islands of Europe are seated, either in the Ocean, the Mediterranean, or Baltick Seas. The Islands lying in the Ocean, are, the British Isles aforesaid; Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica and Candy, are the biggest Islands in the Mediterranean. The Islands of the Baltick Sea we shall speak of in the Description of Denmark.
We may consider the Estates of Europe according to their Titles, without Regard to their Dignity, and say that there is, 1. The Estate of the Church or Pope in Italy. 2. Two Empires, Germany, and Turkie. The first, half Monarchy, half Commonwealth: The latter only Monarchical. 3. Seven Kingdoms, every one Govern'd by their own Kings, that acknowledg no Superior, viz. England, France, Spain, Portugal, Swedeland, Denmark, and Poland. That of France is most perfect, and descends only to the Heirs Male ever since the Salique-Law. The five other admit the Female. All are Hereditary, only Poland, which is Elective. There are moreover in Europe other lesser Kingdoms comprehended under these, as those of Bohemia and Hungary, under the Emperor of Germany. That of Navarr under the King of France. That of Naples in Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, and Majorca, under the Crown of Spain. And those of Scotland and Ireland under the King of England. 4. Eight Electorates, Mayence, Treves, Cologn, Bohemia, Bavaria, Saxony, Brandenburgh, and the Palatinate of the Rhine. 5. One Arch-Duke, the Duke of Austria. 6. Two Great Dukes, of Moscovy and Toscany. The Prince of the first assumes the Title of Emperor, and indeed it is a Dukedom on which depends thirty other Dutchies, and three Kingdoms. This Duke is absolute over his Subjects, and is called by the general Name of Gran Czar. 7. Six Sovereign Dukedoms, besides those, that are under the Empire, Savoy, Lorrain, Mantua, Modena, Parma, and Curland. 8. Four Principalities that depend upon the Turks, Transilvania, Walachia, Moldavia, and the lesser Tartary. 9. Seven Commonwealths, the Seven Ʋnited Provinces, Switzerland, Venice, Genoa, Geneva, Luca, and Ragusa. To which some add the Commonwealth of Marine in Italy. Lastly, A great number of Principalities and Imperial Free Towns, enjoying a Soveraignty in their Territories, but yet they acknowledg a Superior Power.
The Ecclesiastical Government of Europe in general, is either Papal, owning the Pope as Supream; or Episcopal, owning the King as Supream in all Cases, and Archbishops and Bishops under him. Or Superintendant, which is a kind of Episcopal among the Lutherans, but yet owning no Head of the Church on Earth, neither Pope nor King, nor Civil Magistrate. There is also the Presbyterian, or Synodical, owning a Presbytery, a Synod, or Lay-Elders, &c. as Supream, but no Bishops or Superintendants.
[Page 14]There are four Principal Languages reckon'd to be spoken in this Part of the World; Tutonick, Latin, Greek, and Sclavonian. The Tutonick is of three sorts: High Dutch in Germany, Saxon in England and Scotland, Danish in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Ireland. The Latin is corrupted into Italian, French, and Spanish. The Greek had formerly four Dialects, the Attick, Ionick, Dorick, and Aeolick. The Sclavonian Language runs through all Sclavonia, Bohemia, Poland and Moscovy, and all the Turkish Empire in Europe. There are also seven other Languages of less Note, which are used in Europe: The Albanian, or Epirotick in Epirus and Macedonia. The Cosack or Tartarian in part of Poland and Tartary. The Hungarian, or Bulgarian in Servia, Bosnia, Bulgaria, and Hungary, &c. the Finick in Finmark and Lapland, Irish in Ireland and Scotland. The British is spoken in Wales, Cornwal, and in Britany in France. Biscayn is spoken only in Biscany neer to the Cantabrian Ocean, or Bay of Biscay.
Of the British Isles.
UNDER this Title are Comprehended several distinct and famous Islands, the whole Dominion whereof (now United) is under the Command of the King of Great Britain, &c. Bounded on the North and West with the Hyperborean and Ducalidonean Ocean, on the South divided from France with the English Channel, on the East separated from Denmark and Belgia with the British (by some call'd the German) Ocean: But on all sides environed with Turbulent Seas, guarded with Dangerous Rocks and Sands, defended with strong Forts, and walled with a Potent and Royal Navy; Of these Islands one is very large, formerly called Albion, now Great Britain, comprehending two Kingdoms, England and Scotland: The other of lesser extent makes one Kingdom called Ireland: The other smaller adjacent Isles are comprehended under one or other of these three Kingdoms, according to the Situation and Congruity with them. Many are the Changes and Alterations that these Islands have received in their Governments since their Original discovery; they were first possessed by divers People, independent one upon the other, supposed to be the Britains descended from the Gauls; for at the Entrance of the Romans, the Island of Great Britain was divided into several Nations, each Governed by its own King and particular Princes, different in their Ends and Counsels, and so the more easily subdued by the United Roman Force.
After the Romans, the English Saxons were called in by the Britains, to aid them against the Picts. The Inhabitants of Scotland (who, after the common manner of forreign Auxiliaries, soon seized the better Part for themselves, and established Seven Kingdoms, commonly called the Saxon Heptarchy) Forcing the Britains, the Ancient Proprietors, to retire, some into Britain in France (from whence some think they first came) but most of them into the Western and Mountainous Part, called by the Saxons, Walish Land, now Wales; where their Posterity still remains.
| Ancient Inhabitants. | Counties Names. | Ancient Names of the Towns. | The present Names. | Saxon Heptarchy |
| The Cantii of | Kent | Durovernum Rutupiae, or, Ritupis | Canterbury Richborough, vulgo Rochester | Kingdom of Kent |
| The Rhegni, or, Rhegini of | Surry Sussex | Naeomagus, or; Noviomagus Vindonis | Woodcot-Hill, near Wimbleton Wilchelsey | Kingdom of the South Saxons |
| The Iceni, or Simeni of | Norfolk Suffolk Cambridgshire, and Huntingtonshire | Venta Icenorum Villa Faustini | Caster St. Edmondsbury | Kingdom of the East Angles |
| The Trinobantes, or Trinoantes. | Middlesex Essex Hartfordshire Part | Londinium Camudolanum, or, Camulodunum, or, Camalodunum | London Maldon in Essex | Kingdom of the East Saxons |
| The Brigantes The Otalini, or, Otadenii. | York shire Cumberland Lancashire Durham Westmerland Northumberland | Isurium Eboracum Olicana Camulodunum Epiacum Rhigodunum Vinovium Caturactonium Calatum Curia Bremenium | Aldburrow York Inkley Almondbury Papcastle Riblechester Binchester Catarick in Richm. Wheallep Castle Corbridg Rochester | The Kingdom of the Northumbers which was divided into two Kingdoms. viz. Deira and Bernicia |
| Catvellani, or, Catyeuchlani, Coritani, or, Coritavi Dobuni, or, Dodunni Cornavii Part of the Silures | Bedfordshire Buckinghamshire Part of Hartfordshire Lincolnshire Leicestershire Rutlandshire Northamptonshire Nottinghamshire Darbyshire Glocestershire Oxfordshire Cheshire Shropshire Staffordshire Worcestershire Warwickshire Herefordshire | Salenae Lactodurum Verolamium Lindum Ragae, or Ratis Bennaventa Corinium Deva, or Devana Viroconium Brannogenium Manduessedum Ariconium | Sanday Stonystratford Verulam Lincoln Leicester Wedon Cirenchester Westchester Wroxcester Worcester Manchester Kenchester | The Kingdom of Mercia. |
| Dummonii Belgae Durotriges Atrebati | Cornwall Devonshire Somersetshire Wiltshire Hantshire Dorsetshire Barkshire | Uxela, or Uzela Voliba Isca Augusta Aquae Calidae Venta Belgarum Dunium, or Durnovaria Nalcaea, or Caleva | Lystwithiel Falmouth Exceter Bath Winchester Dorchester Wallingford | The kingdom of the West Saxons. |
[Page 17]After this the Danes broke in, like a Violent flood upon the Northumbers; and though often vanquished, yet being as often victorious, they at last seized on the Monarchy of England, which was sometimes held by the Danes, sometimes by the Saxons; till William Duke of Normandy took it from Harold, and established the Monarchy; which hath ever since continued in a Succession of Seven and twenty Princes, down to our Present Gracious Soveraign, King James the Second.
Of ENGLAND.
| Title. | Counties or Shires. | Titles | Cities and Towns. | Latitude. | Com Dist | Me. Dist | M T. | P. M | Par. Con. | Old Names. |
| Bedfordshire | E. | Bedford | 51 8 | 40 | 94 | 9 | 4 | 116 | Bedfordia | |
| E. | Barkshire | Reading | 41 23 | 32 | 60 | 1 [...] | 9 | 140 | Readingum. | |
| B [...]ckinghamsa. | D.M. | Buckingham | 52 00 | 44 | 40 | 15 | 4 | 185 | Buckingamia | |
| Cambridgshire | E. | Cambridg * | 52 15 | 44 | 52 | 7 | 6 | 163 | Camboritum | |
| Ely, B. C. | 52 26 | 57 | 68 | Eli [...] | ||||||
| Cheshire C. P. | Chester, B. C. | 53 17 | 140 | 182 | 1 [...] | 4 | 68 | Deva | ||
| D. | Cor [...]wal | Launceston | 50 49 | 175 | 210 | [...] | 44 | 161 | Lanstaphadonia | |
| Tr [...]ro | 50 27 | 211 | 263 | |||||||
| D. | Cumberland | E. | Carlile, B. C. | 54 59 | 229 | [...]01 | 16 | 6 | 58 | Luguvallum |
| D [...]byshire | S. | [...]arby | 52 58 | 98 | 1 [...] | 12 | 4 | 106 | Derbia | |
| E. | Devonshire | E. | Exeter, B. C. | 50 4 [...] | 140 | 172 | Isca Dami [...]orum | |||
| Z. | Plymou [...] | 50 [...] | 184 | [...]1 [...] | 4 [...] | [...] | 35 [...] | [...] | ||
| E. | Dorsetshire | [...] | Dorchester | [...] 41 | 100 | 1 [...]3 | [...] | [...] | [...] | D [...]n |
| D [...]ham | Darnam, B. C. | 54 49 | 20 [...] | [...] | [...] | [...] | 6 [...] | D [...]l [...]n | ||
| E. | Essex | V. C | Colchester | 51 [...] | 44 | [...] | [...] | [...] | 415 | Colonia |
| Chelmsford | 51 47 | 25 | [...] | Canoni [...]m | ||||||
| Glocesters [...] | D. | Glocester, B.C. | 51 54 | [...]3 | 1 [...]5 | [...] | 8 | 180 | Cleram | |
| Hartfordshire | Hartford | 51 49 | 20 | 21 | 1 [...] | [...] | 1 [...] | Hartford [...] | ||
| E. | St. Albons | 51 45 | 20 | 21 | Ver [...]l [...]mi [...] | |||||
| Hampshire | M. | Winchester C. B. | 51 3 | 54 | 67 | 20 | 26 | 24 [...] | Venta P [...]l [...]rum | |
| [...] | Southampton | 50 5 [...] | [...]2 | [...]5 | Clau [...]n [...]a | |||||
| Hereford [...]hire | V. C. | Hereford, B C. | 51 8 | 102 | 130 | 8 | 8 | 176 | Herefordia | |
| E. | Hantingto [...] | E. | Hentington | 52 10 | 48 | 5 [...] | 6 | 4 | 71 | Hantingdonia |
| E. | Kent | A. B. | Canterbury, C. | [...] 19 | 4 [...] | [...]7 | 28 | [...]0 | [...] | Daro [...]ernam |
| E. | Rochester, B. | 51 24 | 2 [...] | [...] | R [...]fa | |||||
| Lancashire C. P. | Lancaster, | [...]4 27 | 187 | 2 [...]2 | 2 [...] | 14 | 61 | Longo [...]is | ||
| E. | Manchester | [...] 35 | 1 [...]7 | 1 [...] | Mancunium | |||||
| Leicestershire | E. | Leicester | 52 40 | 7 [...] | 9 [...] | 1 [...] | 4 | 2 [...]0 | Rhagae | |
| Lincolnshire | E. | Lincoln | 53 15 | 102 | 1 [...] | [...]1 | 12 | 631 | Lindum | |
| E. | Middlesex | London B. C. | 51 31 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 8 | 73 | Londinum | |
| Westminster | 51 [...]0 | 1 | 1 | Vestmonasteri [...]m | ||||||
| D. | Monmouth | Monmouth | 51 52 | 100 | 127 | 7 | 3 | 156 | Monumetia | |
| D. | Norfolk | Norwich, B. C. | 52 42 | 90 | 108 | 34 | 12 | 625 | Nor [...]um | |
| E. | Yarmouth | 52 44 | 100 | 122 | Gariann [...]rum | |||||
| E. | Northampton | E. | Peterborough BC | 52 35 | 62 | 76 | 13 | 9 | 326 | Petroburgum |
| F. | Northampton | 52 10 | 54 | 66 | Antona Borealis | |||||
| D. | Northand [...]and | D M E | Newcastle | 55 1 | 212 | 276 | 11 | 8 | 40 | Gabrosentum |
| E. | Nottingham | E. | Nottingham | 52 59 | 96 | 112 | 9 | 8 | 168 | Nottinghamia |
| Oxfordshire | F. | Oxford, B. C. | 51 46 | 47 | 59 | 12 | 10 | 208 | Oxonium | |
| F. | Rutland | O [...]h [...]m | 52 42 | 74 | 94 | 2 | 12 | 47 | Uxocona | |
| Shropshire | F. | Shrewsbury | 52 46 | 124 | 157 | Salopia | ||||
| Ludlow | 52 27 | 105 | 136 | 16 | 12 | 170 | Ludlo [...] | |||
| D. | Somersetshire | E | Bristol, C. B. | 51 28 | 94 | 115 | Bristolium | |||
| E. | Bath, B. C. | 51 23 | 87 | 96 | 34 | 18 | 385 | A [...]p [...]e Calidae | ||
| E. | Staffordshire | F. | Litchfield B.C. | 52 45 | 94 | 118 | 19 | 9 | 1 [...]0 | Lichf [...]ldia |
| E. | Stafford | 52 53 | 104 | 133 | Staffordia | |||||
| Suffolk | V. C. | Ipswich | 52 10 | 60 | 68 | 30 | 15 | 464 | Gippevicum | |
| E. | Bary | 52 20 | 60 | 66 | Villa Fa [...]stini | |||||
| Sur [...]y | F. | Guilford | 51 12 | 25 | 30 | 11 | 14 | 140 | Neomagus | |
| E. | Kingston | 50 23 | 10 | 12 | Regiopolis | |||||
| E. | Sussex | E. | Chichester, B. C. | 50 48 | 50 | 63 | 17 | 26 | 312 | Cicestria |
| Warwickshire | E. | Warwick | 52 20 | 67 | 90 | 15 | 6 | 158 | Praesidium | |
| E. | Coventry, B. C. | 52 28 | 74 | 92 | Conventria | |||||
| E. | Westmorland | Kendal | 54 23 | 203 | 258 | 8 | [...] | 26 | Concangium | |
| W [...]ashire | E. | Salisbury, B. C. | 51 3 | 70 | 8 [...] | 21 | 34 | 804 | Sorbiodunum | |
| Wilton | 51 4 | 73 | 86 | |||||||
| Worcestershire | M.E. | Worcester, B.C. | 52 18 | 85 | 112 | 11 | 9 | 152 | Bannogenium | |
| Yorkshire | D. | York, A B. C. | 53 58 | 150 | 192 | 58 | 30 | 563 | Eboracum | |
| D. | Richmond | 54 24 | 185 | 40 | Richmondia |
[Page 19]THE better Part of the best Island in the whole Earth (anciently, together with Scotland, as was said before, called Great Britain, and sometimes Albion) was by Egbert the 18th King of the West Saxon; advanced to the Honour of an intire Monarchy, who having with prosperous Arms subdued the principal Kingdoms of the Saxon Heptarchy, stiled himself the first Monarch; and commanded this South Part of Britain should be called Angle, or Engle-l [...]nd, from the Angles a people of the lower Saxons, of whom he was descended; by the French, Angleterre; by the Germans, Englandt; and by the Inhabitants, England.
It is in length (from Berwick in the North, to the Isle of Wight in the South) 375 Miles; and from Dover in the East, to the Lands-End in Cornwall in the West, about 328 of the same Miles; whereof 73 make a Degree: In Compass about 1300 Miles; in Shape, Triangular; and by computation contains about 30 Millions of Acres, being about the Thousandth part of the Globe; and the Three hundred thirty third Part of the habitable Earth.
England was, in the time of the Romans, divided into Britania Prima, Britania Secunda, and Maxima Caesariensis; the first of these contained the South Part of England, the second all the Western Part, now called Wales; and the third, the Northern parts beyond Trent. After the Britans had received the Christian Faith, they divided the same into three Provinces, or Archbishopricks, viz. of London, which contained that of Britania Prima; of York, which contained that of Maxima Caesariensis; of Caerlion, under which was Britania Secunda: But afterwards the Saxons divided it into Seven Kingdoms, as aforesaid.
At present, England, according to its Respect of Church and State, is subject to a fourfold division: First into two Provinces, or Archbishopricks, Canterbury and York; and under these are 22 Bishops, or Episcopal Diocesses, of which Canterbury hath 21, therefore called the Primate and Metropolitan of all England; and that of York, three: Then there are Deanries 60, Arch- Deanries, Prebendaries, and other Dignities 544, with 9725 Parochial Benefices, and Vicaridges besides, of good Competency for the Encouragement of the Clergy, who, for ability of Learning are not to be parallel'd in the World.
| Archbishopricks, and Bishopricks. | Countries under each of their Jurisdictions. | Par. in Dioces | Imp. Dioc |
| Canterbury | Hath Canterbury, and part of Kent, besides peculiar in the Diocess of Canterbury. | 257 | 140 |
| 57 | 14 | ||
| York | Hath Yorkshire, and Nottinghamshire. | 581 | 336 |
| London | Essex, Middlesex and part of Hartfordshire. | 623 | 189 |
| Durham | Durham, Northumberland, and the Isle of Man. | 135 | 87 |
| Winchester | Hampshire, Surry, Isle of Wight, Gernsey, and Jersey, and Alderny. | 362 | 131 |
| Bath and Wells | Somersetshire | 385 | 160 |
| Oxford | Oxfordshire. | 195 | 88 |
| Bangor | Carnarvanshire, Anglesey, Merionethshire, and part of Denbighshire. | 107 | 36 |
| Rochester | Part of Kent. | 98 | 36 |
| Ely | Cambridgshire, and part of Ely. | 141 | 75 |
| Chichester | Sussex, and part of Hartfordshire | 250 | 112 |
| Salisbury | Wiltshire and Barkshire. | 248 | 109 |
| Worcester | Worcestershire, part of Warwickshire. | 241 | 76 |
| Lincoln | Lincoln, Leicester, Bedford, Huntington, Buckingham, and part of Hartfordshire. | 1255 | 577 |
| St. Asaph | Part of Flintshire, and part of Denbighshire. | 121 | 19 |
| St. Davids | Pembrokeshire, and Carmarthenshire. | 308 | 120 |
| Peterborough | Northampton, and Rutlandshire. | 293 | 19 |
| Landaff | Glamorganshire, Monmouth, Brecknock and part of Radnorshire. | 177 | 98 |
| Carlile | Cumberland, and part of Westmerland. | 93 | 18 |
| Exeter | Devonshire and Cornwall | 604 | 239 |
| Chester | Cheshire, part of Yorkshire, Lancashire, part of Flint, and part of Cumberland. | 256 | 101 |
| Bristol | Dorsetshire | 236 | 64 |
| Norwich | Norfolk and Suffolk | 1121 | 385 |
| Glocester | Glocestershire | 267 | 125 |
| Hereford | Herefordshire, Shropshire, part of Worcestershire, and part of Radnorshire. | 313 | 166 |
| Lichfield | Staffordshire, Darbyshire, part of Warwickshire, part of Shropshire. | 557 | 250 |
[Page 21]The second Division was by King Henry the Second into six Circuits, appointed to the Itinerary Judges; who are twice in a year in the chief Town of each County in their respective Circuit, to determine Causes, and administer Justice for the Ease of the People.
The third is the Military Division, for the Raising of Horse and Foot for the Kings Service: It is also divided by the Kings Justices in Eyre of the Forest; and by the King of Arms into North and South of Trent.
The last Division is, that of Shires or Counties, first ordained by King Alford, which are subdivided into Hundreds or Wapentakes, and those again into Tythings. He also appointed a Vice-compt or Sheriff, whose Office was to look after the Peace and Welfare of the Shire; To Execute the Kings Writs and Precepts, and perform several other duties necessary for the Execution of Justice, and Welfare of the People: And these Sheriffs are generally chosen out of the chiefest of the Gentry. King Edward the Third ordained in every Shire, certain Civil Magistrates, intituled Justices of the Peace, whose Duties are, to look after the Disorders that arise in the Shire, or Hundred in which they reside, and to punish Offenders.
There are in all England 25 Cities, 680 Great Towns, called Market-Towns; 9725 Parishes, and in many of which are contained several Hamlets or Villages as big as ordinary Parishes.
England is blest with a sweet and temperate Air, the Cold in Winter being less Sharp than in some parts of France and Italy, which yet are seated far more Southernly; And the Heat in Summer is less scorching than in some Parts of the Continent, that lie much more Northward;
For as in Summer, the Gentle Winds, and Frequent Showres, qualifie all violent Heats and Droughts; so in Winter the Frosts do only meliorate the Cultivated Soil, and the Snow keeps warm the tender Plants.
The whole Country is exceeding Fertile, abounding with all sorts of Grain, Rich in Pasture, containing innumerable quantities of Cattel, yielding great plenty of all sorts of Fowl, Wild and Tame; Its Seas and Rivers infinitely stored with all variety of excellent Fish: In its Bowels are found Rich Mines of Lead, Tinn, Iron, Copper and Coal, as useful as advantageous to the Nation: Nor doth it want Mines of Silver, though rare, and but in small quantities: It hath excellent H t Baths, and divers Medicinal Springs: It is bravely furnished with Variety of pleasant Orchards and Gardens; luxuriant with all sorts of excellent Fruits, Plants and Flowers.
The English are Governed by several Laws, viz. Common Law, Statute Law, Civil Law, Canon Law, and Martial Law, besides particular Customs and By-Laws.
[Page 22]The Common Law of England is a Collection of the General Common Custom, and Usages of the Kingdom, which have by length of time and immemorial Prescription, obtained the Force of Laws; for Customs bind not the people till they have been tried and approved time out of mind. These Laws were first reduced all into one body, by King Edward the Elder, about the year 900; revived by King Edward the Confessor; William the Conqueror added some of the Customs of Normandy, since which Edward the First did settle divers fundamental Laws, ever since practised in this Nation.
Where the Common Law is silent, there we have excellent Statute-Laws made by the several Kings of England, by and with the advice and Consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons of England; by their Representatives the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses duly Elected in Parliament.
Where Common and Statute-Law take no Cognizance, As in matters transacted beyond the Seas, and relating to the Admiralty, &c. Use is made of the Civil Law, which ought to be the Product of the Common Reason and Wisdom of all Mankind, and fitted for the Interest and Welfare, not only of one Nation, but taking Care for the general Affairs of all people.
The Canon-Law, is the many ancient General Councils of National and Provincial Synods, the divers Decrees and Judgments of the Ancient Fathers, &c. received by the Church of England; by which she proceeds in her Jurisdiction; as chiefly for the Reforming of the inward man, and matters accounted of a spiritual Nature, as Cases Matrimonial, Testamentary, Scandals, Offences against good Manners, &c.
Forest-Laws are, for regulating offences committed in, or relating unto some Forest or Chase, for preservation of the Game, &c.
Martial Law extends only to Soldiers and Mariners, and is not to be practised in times of Peace, but only in War, and then and there, where the Kings Army is afoot.
The Doctrine of the Church of England is Apostolical, contained either in Express words of the Holy Scripture, or in the 39 Articles, and the Book of Homilies in all things agreeable thereunto; the Worship and Discipline is in the Liturgy and Book of Canons: By all which it will appear to impartial Eyes, that the Church of England is the most exact and perfect Pattern of all the Reformed Churches in the World. Let Italy glory in this, that she is the Garden of the Earth; it may truly be said of England, that it is the Court, and Presence-Chamber of the Great Jehovah; which should engage us the more by Holy Lives to walk suitable to such Mercies, and not to forfeit those inestimable Priviledges by our [Page 23] crying sins; for how can we expect that God should always continue so Gracious to us, if we continually turn his Grace into Wantonness?
England is a Free, Hereditary, Paternal Monarchy, Governed by one Supream, Independent and Undeposeable Head, according to the known Laws and Customs of the Kingdom: A Monarchy, that without Interruption hath been continued 1000 years; in a word, a Government of a perfect and happy composition, wherein the King hath his full Prerogative, the Nobility and Gentry Civil and due Respect; and the People in general, Masters of the Estates they can get by their Labours and Endeavours, a Blessing that few Countries can boast of: O happy and blessed England! Thy Valleys are like Eden, Thy Hills like Lebanon, Thy Springs as Shiloe, and thy Rivers as Jordan; a Paradise of Pleasure, and the Garden of God, enriched with all the Blessings of Heaven and Earth.
Her chief Cities are London, Londicium of Ptolomy, Ant. & Tac. Lunden Ger. Londra, I [...]. Londres Gal. the Epitome of England, the Seat of our British Empire, the Chamber of the King, and the chiefest Emporium (or seat of Traffick) in the World: To describe all things in this City worthy to be known, would take up a whole Volume. I shall only say, seated she is in an Excellent Air, in a Fertile Soil, and on the famous Navigable River Thomas, about 60 miles from the Sea, in 51 degr. 30 min. North Latitude.
In Length from East to West seven English miles and a half; and from North to South two miles and a half: But of late years so increased and still multiplying in Building, in all her parts, that there can no Bounds or Limits be set to her Circumference. The Buildings fair and stately; for large Piazza's, for spacious strait Streets, and stately Uniform Building, she has not any Rival in Europe.
It had 130 Parish-Churches, besides Chappels; the Mother-Church is that of St. Paul, the only Cathedral of that Name in Europe: It was a Structure for length 690 foot; in breadth 130, in height 102 foot; and contained about three Acres and a half of Ground: Built in the form of a perfect Cross, in the midst whereof was raised a Tower of stone 260 foot high; and on that a Spire of Timber, covered with Lead, 260 foot more. This stately Monument of England, and Glory of the City of London, was Ruined by the late Dreadful Conflagration in 1666. Yet since our late Gracious Soveraign, Charles the Second, like another Solomon, laid a New Foundation of such a Fabrick, as for Magnificence, Splendor, Figure, and Excellent Architecture, the World never saw the like: The Model whereof was Designed by that Incomparable Architect, Sir Christopher Wren.
[Page 24]And here I cannot but give a short Account of the vast Damage and Spoil done by th forementioned Fire: It hath been computed that there were [...]rnt wi hin the Walls of the City 12000 Houses, and without 1000; Valued at three Millions, and nine hundred thousand pounds Ster ing.
Besides 87 P ris [...]-Churches, the aforementioned Cathedral, the Royal Exchange, the Magni icent Guild-Hal, the Cu [...]m-House, the many Halls of Compa i [...], the Gates, with other Publick [...]uildings, valued at two Millions. The War-Houses, Stuffs, Money, and Goods lost and spoiled, were estimated to two Millions of pounds. The Money spent in Removing of [...]o [...]ds and Wares▪ in the Hi [...] of Carts, B [...]ats, Porters, &c. mod [...]ly compu [...]d, at the l [...]ast two hundred thousand pounds: The whole Damage amounting at the least to Nine Millions, nine hundred thousand pounds. And what is most Remarkable, that notwithstanding these excessive Losses by Fire, the Devouring Pestilence but the Year before, and the Chargeable War against three Potent Nations at the same time depending▪ yet within four or five Years the City was Rebuilt, divers stately Halls and Churches erected; all infinitely more Beautiful, more Commodious, and more Solid than before; for which all praise and glory be given to God by us and Posterity.
The vast Traffick and Commerce of this City may be guessed at, by its Customs; which, though moderate, compared with the Impositions of other Countries, did formerly amount to about 300000 l. per Annum, and now are increased by Report to a much greater Value.
Time would fail me here, to speak of its Antiquity, Stately Palaces, Streets, Exchanges, Number of Inhabitants, Trade, and Government; of its well-fortified Tower (the Grand Arsenal of the Kingdom:) Its incomparable Bridge, Publick Colledges, Schools, Hospitals, Work-Houses, &c. I shall therefore only add, London is a huge Magazine of Men, Money, Ships, and all sorts of Commodities; the Mighty Rendezvous of Nobility, Gentry, Courtiers, Divines, Lawyers, Physicians, Ladies, Merchants, Seamen, and all kind of Excellent Artificers, of the most Refined Wits, and the most Excellent Beauties in the World.
Of the Universities, Oxford: Oxonium Lat. Calleva Ant. Oxenford Sax. Rhidichin or Rhydychen Brit. And Cambridge: Camboricum Ant. Cantabrigia Beda. Granchester Sax.
IN the beautiful Body of the Kingdom of England, the two Eyes are the two Ʋniversities; those Renowned Nurseries of Learning and Religion, which for number of Magnificent and Richly Endowed Colledges, for liberal Stipends to all sorts of publick Professors, for number of well furnished Libraries, for Number and Quality of Students, exact Discipline and Order, are not to be Parallel'd in the whole World.
So famous beyond the Seas, and so much surpassing all other in Forreign parts, that they deserve a far worthier Pen than mine to Blazon their Excellency. I shall therefore only say, that nothing was ever devised more singularly advantagious to Gods Church and Mans Happiness, than these Ʋniversities; from whence men of Excellent parts, after seasonable time in Study, are called forth to serve both in Church and State.
York, Eboracum Ant. Eburacum Ptol. Caerfrock vel Caer-Efroc Brit. is a City of great Antiquity, esteemed the second of England; Famous for its Cathedral, for the Birth-place of Constantine the Great, and the Burial-place of Severus the Emperor; it is the Title of the Kings second Son, and an Archbishoprick.
Canterbury, Durovernum, Darvenum Ant. & Ptol. Durovernia Beda, is remarkable for being the Seat of an Archbishop who is Primate of all England.
Bristol, Bristolium, Famous for its Trade and Commerce, and for its Scituation in two Counties.
Norwich, Norvicum, for its Industry in Woollen Manufactures.
Salisbury, Sarum, for its rare Cathedral, wherein there are as many Doors as Months, as many Windows as Days, and as many Pillars as Hours in the Year.
Windsor, Windlesora, pleasantly seated on the side of the Thames, and is famous for its stately Castle, and Royal Palace of his Majesty Jam. II.
Gloucester is the Title of the Third Son of Great Britain, seated upon the Severn, near the Isle Aldney, where was fought the Combat between Edmund Iron-side, King of the English Saxons, and Canutus the Dane.
I had purposed to have given a more particular description of all the rest of the principal Cities in England, but must defer it for a Treatise of England, wherein each County is drawn for a Pocket-Volume after a more new and compendious way than ever yet extant, I shall therefore here say no more of England.
Of Wales.
[Page 27] WALES is a Principality adjoyning to, and annext in Government with England; Inhabited by the Posterity of the Ancient Britans, who being driven out of the rest of the Land by the intruding Saxons, whom they sent for over to Assist them against the Incursions of the Scots and Picts, sheltered themselves in those Mountainous parts, and to this day retain their Primitive Language, which hath the least mixture of Exotick words of any now used in Europe, but by reason of its many Consonants is l [...]ss pleasing to the Ear: The People are Faithful, and very loving to one another in a strange Country, and to strangers in their own. Their Gentry brave and Hospital, but generally subject to Choler, suddenly moved to Anger, and as quickly pacified; and value themselves very much upon their Pedigrees and Families. The Eldest Son and Heir Apparent of our Kings of England is always Qualified, during the Life of his Father, with the Title of Prince of Wales.
'Tis bounded on all sides by the Sea, except towards England from which it was once separated by a great Ditch called Offa's Dike, in many places yet to be seen, which Dike began from the Influx of the River Wye, in the Severn, and reached unto Chester, about 85 Miles. Most Writers tell us 'tis now divided by the River Dee, and a Line drawn to the River Wye. But Monmouth being taken from it, and added to England, its present Limits are the River Dee, and a Line drawn to the small River Rumpney near Cardiff.
The Country is generally Mountainous, yet not without its fertile Vallies, which bears good Corn, and breedeth abundance of Cattel; Butter and Cheese. Other Commodities are,
Welsh Freezes, Cottons, Bayes, Herrings, White and Red, Hides, Calves-skins, Honey, Wax. It hath Mines of Lead, Lead-ore, Coals. It is well-stored with Quarries of Free-stones, and Milstones.
It once contained three Kingdoms, viz. Gwineth, Venedotia, or North-Wales. Deheubarth, Demetia, or South-Wales. And Powisland, or Mathraval.
'Tis now according to an Act of Parliament in the Reign of King Henry the Eighth, severed into two parts, viz. North-Wales, and South-Wales, each of these contain six Counties, viz. in the North Anglesey, Mona Tac. Caernarvon, Denbigh, Flint, Merioneth, and Montgomery. In the South, Brecknock, Cardigan, Carmarthen, Glamorgan, Pembroke, and Radnor. Whose chief Towns are,
Beaumarish al Beaumorish. Bellomariscus, of old the chief of Anglesey, seated upon the Menai River, founded by King Edward the first.
Aberfraw was the Royal Seat of the Kings of Gwineth, or North-Wales. And,
[Page 28] Holy-Head, or Caergubi of the Welsh, a noted Promontory and passage into Ireland. In this Island was the ancient Seat of the Dr [...]ids, brought under the Roman Scepter by Julius Agricola.
Caernarvon, Arvonia of old, the best Town of that Shire, strong by Nature and Art, founded by King Edward the First. In the Castle whereof Edward the Second the first Prince of Wales was born.
Bangor, or Banch [...]r Bangoria Lat. Dignified with a Bishops See.
Aberconway raised out of the ruins of the Banonium of Ant. Canovijostium.
Denbish, Denbighia Lat. seated on the River Cluyd, once fortified with a strong Castle and Wall.
Ruthin, seated in the Strat Cluyd. Wrexham, plenty in Lead.
Ll [...]ns [...]inan, a small Village, is famous for its Cave in the side of a Rock, known by the Name of Arthur's round Table.
St. Asaph Llan-Elwy Welsh. Fannum St. Asaphi, an ancient Episcopal See, founded by Kentigern a Scotch Bishop of Glasco, in Anno 560.
Flint, which giveth Name to the County. Not far from Cajeruis is the famous Well of St. Winnifrid, in English Holy-well, a place of great note, and much resorted unto for the Cure of several Diseases.
In this County of Flint are yet seen some Ruins of the Bonium of Ant. lying upon both sides of the Dee, turned afterwards into a Monastery, and named Bancornabury by Bede, and Banchor by Malmesbury; the first of the Britans, containing 2100 persons.
Harlech had a strong Castle mounted upon a steep Rock, but reduced to ruins, 'tis the place of Assizes for Merionethshire, and the chief Market of the Mountaniers.
Bala seated near Llin-tegid, or Pimblemeer through which the Dee is said to run and not to mingle with its waters.
Montgomery the Shire-Town is so called from Roger of Montgomery Earl of Shrewsbury in the reign of the Conqueror.
Lanvethlin, or Llanvilling, is thought to be the Mediolanium of Ptolomy and Ant.
Trellin, or Welshpool, seated on the Severn, and in a rich Vale, is the greatest and best built Town in the County; and its Castle called Powis-Castle, is a large and stately building.
Machleneth the Maglona of the Notitia.
Mathraval the Seat sometimes of the Princes of Powis.
Brecknock Brichinia Lat seated at the meeting of the Rivers Hodney and Ʋsk over which it hath a Stone-Bridge. It contains three Parish-Churches, and was once strengthened with a strong Castle.
Built Bu [...] the Bul [...]um of Ant. pleasantly seated among the Woods on the Banks of the Wie.
[Page 29] New Radnor thus distinguished from the old, the Magnae of Ant. and Magae of the Notitia, seated near the Springhead of the Somergil, and in a pleasant Valley.
At Prestaine seated on the Lug, are the Assizes kept.
Knighton is a well built Burrough-Town. The west-part of this County of Radnor is very Rocky and Mountainous, the strong refuge of Vortigern King of the Britains when pursued by the Saxons, and the fear and hate of his own Subjects.
Snowden-Hill was the safe retreat of Owen Glendor.
Cardigan Aber tyvi Welsh, Cevetica Lat. seated on a Rock on the Bank of Tywy River near the Influx into the Sea, is the Shire Town, and governed by a Mayor.
Llan-beder hath a Market on Tuesdays. Aber-y-stwith seated at the mouth of the Rivers Ystwith and Ridol descending from the foot of the Philimon Mountain, as doth also the Teme, and Wye-River.
Llanbadernvaur, is a well-built Town, graced with a fair Church, formerly an Episcopal Sea, now the Parish-Church of Aberystwith.
Caermarden, the Maridunum of Ptolomy, upon the River Tovy, over which it hath a fair Stone-Bridg, and it is a Town Corporate, governed by a Mayor, two Sheriffs, and sixteen Burgesses, all clad in Scarlet, and is also famous for the Birth-place of Merlin the British Prophet▪ Higher upon the top of a Hill under which runneth the Tovy, stood Dinevour Castle, the seat of the Prince of South-Wales.
Newcastle on the edg of Cardiganshire on the River Tyvi, thought to be the Coventinum of Ptolomy, but Lyn Savatan near Brecknock is the Loventinam, or Luentium. Camb.
In Glamorganshire, the chief Towns are Landaff, Fanum ad Tattam, seated on the River Tavy or Taff, having [...] large Cathedral, a Bishops See, otherwise scarce comparable to an indifferent Town, occasioned by its vicinity to Cardiff the fairest Town in all South-Wales. Containing two Parishes, and one Church. A strong stately Castle. 'Tis governed by a Constable and twelve Aldermen, &c. 'Tis the place of the Assizes, and the best Market in the Country.
Neath the Nidum of Ptolomy, is much frequented for Coals.
Swansey, or Aber-taw, is an ancient Port Reve Town, of a good Trade, by reason of its Coal-pits, and industry of its Inhabitants. Boverton not far from Cowbridg is the Bovium of Ant.
Loghar upon the River so called, is the Leuearum of Ant.
Pembroke the chief Shire-Town, seated on Milferd Haven, so large and capacious that it may safely contain a 1000 sail of Ships, over which it hath two fair Bridges, a place of good strength, fortified with a Wall and a strong Castle seated on a Rock.
[Page 30]St. Davids, Menevia & Fanum Davidis, once a City of good account, now only notable in that it is a Bishops See, and a fair Cathedral.
Haverfordwest is the Town where the Assizes are kept.
Tenby is seated upon a Rock, having a commodious Road for Ships.
Fishgard is the Abergwaine of the Welsh.
The Description of SCOTLAND.
[Page 31] SCOTLAND is separated from England by the Rivers Tweed and Solway, and the Cheviot Hills: The Ancient Inhabitants were the Britains, divided by Ptolomy into many lesser Names, by Dion and Xiphilinus into two only general, viz. the Calidonii and Meatae: Afterwards called the Picts towards the wain of the Roman Empire, from their Paintings, and for their better distinction from the civil and clothed Britains, distinguished by Am. Marcellinus into the Picts Ducalidoniae, and the Vecturiones: The Scots a Colony of the bordering Irish intruding amongst and conquering the Picts, or Britains, all other Names worn out, the whole are now accounted Scots.
The Length of Scotland I find set down by Heylin, to be 480 Miles, but the breadth in no place more than 60 Miles; the truth of which will appear, if you consider the Latitude of Solway-Frith, near Carlisle, the most Southern part of Scotland; and Straitsby-head, the most Northern; you will find the greatest length can be but 260 English Miles; and the breadth in the broadest place more than 160 Miles, as you will easily see by the Map.
Scotland, according to its Situation, may be divided by the River Tay into two parts, viz. North and South, commonly distinguished by the Names of Highland, and Lowland. The first was the Ancient Kingdom of the Scots: The other the Old Habitation of the Picts. The People of the former are by Nature and Disposition rude and uncivil: The Inhabitants of the latter, in Disposition, Civility, Language, and Habit, are much resembling the English, and are thought to be Descended of the Saxons.
On the West part of Scotland are many Woods, Mountains, and Lakes: Towards the East it is more Fruitful in Corn, especially Barley and Oats: Their Fruits are not very Excellent, nor plentiful: but they have abundance of Fish and Fowl, not much Cattel, nor big. Their chief Commodities are, Coarse Clothes, Freezes, Fish, Lead, Oar, Feathers, Allows, Iron, Salt-petre, Linnen cloth, Train-Oyl, some Hides, and Tallow.
The Kingdom of Scotland consists of the Nobility, Gentry, and Commons: These with the Lords Spiritual Assemble together in Parliament, when called by Writ from the King of Great Britain: who, by Reason of his Residence in England, constituteth and appoints a Vice-Roy to Act under him at the said Session of Parliament, called Lord Commissioner, who at present is William Duke of Queensbury.
As to their Courts of Judicature, they have several: the Chief is the Session, or Colledg of Justice: consisting of a President, fourteen Senators, [Page 32] (seven of the Clergy, and as many of the Laisy) whereunto is now added the Chancellor, who is chief: and four Lords of the Nobility: besides as many Advocates and Clerks as the Senators see convenient. These sit and administer Justice every day, from nine to twelve, except Sundays and Mondays, from the first of November to Christmas-Eve: and from the first of January to the last of February: and from Trinity-Sunday to the first day of August: But now by Act of Parliament the Summer-Sessions are taken away, and instead thereof they are to be kept in March.
This Court is of great state and order, the Clerks write all the Material heads that are pleaded at the Bar. And after the parties are removed, the Senators consider the Arguments, and give sentence, and the major part carries it. Their final Sentence or Decrees determines all business, there being no appeal, only to the Parliament, who may receive and repeal their decisive sentence.
The next supream Court is the Justice-Court, where all Criminals are tried: it consists of a Lord Justice General, and of a Lord Justice Clark, who is his assistant. This Order was changed Anno 1669, and by Act of Parliament four Judges were appointed to sit in this Court with the Lord Justice General, &c. The Jury is made up of fifteen, the major part determines the matter. Besides this Court, there are in every Shire or County Inferior Civil Judicatories, or Courts kept, wherein the Sheriff of the Shire, or his Deputy decideth Controversies and Law-Suits: but from these there are Appeals to the Sessions, or Higher Court of Equity. There are likewise Judicatories, called Commissarials, for Ecclesiastical Affairs.
The Shires of Scotland are, viz. Edinburg, Barwick, Peeblis, Selkirk, Roxburg, Dumfreis, Wightown, Air, Renfrew, Lanrick, or Lanock, Dumbritton, or Dunbarton, Boot, Inner, Ara, Perth, Striveling, or Sterling, Linlithgow, Clackmanan, Kinros, Couper, & Fife, Forfar, Kinkardin & Marrischals, Aberdeen, Bamf & Errols, Elgin, Nairn, Innerness & Ross, Cromarty, Tayn, Dornock, Weik, Orkney. The Constabulary of Haddington. The Stewartries of Strath-yern, Monteith, Annannaile, Kirkubright. The Baileries of Kyle, Carriek & Cunningham.
Scotland is also divided into several Counties or Parts, Lothien, Merch, Teifidal, or Tiviotdale, Eskdale, Easkdale, Liddesdale, Annandale, Nithisdale, Galloway, Carrick, Kyle, Cunningham, Clidesdale, Lennox, Striveling or Sterling, Mentieth, Fife, Strathern, Argile, Lorn, Cantire, Arran. Albany or Braid, Albin, Perth, Athol, Anguis, Mernis, Buquihan or Buchan, Marr, Marray, Lochabyr, Rosse, Southerland, Strathnavern & Cathnes.
The Government whereof is divided into two Arch-Bishopricks, Saint [Page 33] Andrews and Glasco, under whom are several Suffragan Bishops.
Its chief places are, 1. Edinburgh, the Metropolitan City of this Kingdom, Situate in a high and wholsome Air, and a Fertil Soil, consisting chiefly of one Street about a Mile in length, out of which runs many smaller Lanes and Streets. 'Tis strongly begirt with a Wall, and Fortified by a fair and strong Castle, seated on the top of a Rock: a place Adorned with many fair Edifices, Dignified with the Courts of Judicature, High Court of Parliament, and a University.
2. St. Andrews, of Old, Fanum Reguli, hath a fair Prospect towards the Sea, near the fall of the Ethan: Fortified with a fair and strong Castle, Dignified with an Archbishops See.
3. Glasco, pleasantly seated on the River Cluyd, over which it hath a fair Bridge: A place of good Account, Dignified with an Arch-Bishops See, and a University. Glasquum. Script. Scot.
4. Sterling, a place of good strength, and Fortified with a strong Castle. Strivilingum vel Strevelinum seu Sterlinga.
5. Dunbritton, a place of great strength, having the strongest Castle in all Scotland, both by Nature and Art. Castrum Britonum.
6. Falkland, pleasantly seated for Hunting.
7. Perth, or St. Johns Town, a place of good Account, pleasantly seated at the Mouth of the River Tay, between two Greens.
8. Aberdeen, situate on the Mouth of the River Don, and dignified with an Episcopal See and a University. Aberdonia olim Devana.
9. Coldingham, Coldana Beda, Colania Ptol. famous for its choice Nuns. Peblis and Selkirk, are Sherifdoms for the Vallies.
Jedburg and Roxburg are Sherifdoms, the last fatal to the Scots by the death of King James the second, slain in that siege by the English.
Annan and Castle-Maban, are the two chief Towns, near Solway Frith, the Ituna Aestivariam of the Ancients. Abercon, gives title of Earldom to the Duke Hamilton. Dunbar Bara Ptol. or Vara. & Dumbarum, is memorable for the Battel of 1650, Sept. 23.
Dunfreis is a rich and well traded Emporie upon the River Nith. Nobius of Ptol. and at the mouth is Caerlaver [...]ck Castle, Cor [...]antorigum of old was the House of the Lord Maxwels. Higher up the River is Morton, naming the Earls Morton of the Name of Douglas. Higher is Sanghuar-Castle, whereof are intitled the Lord Sanghuer, of the House or Name of the Creichtons. A little remote from the River is seated Glencarne, the Earls whereof are of the House of the Cuninghams. Kircoubright is a commodious Haven. Wighton a Sherifdom. Whithern is the Leucopibia of Ptol. and Candida Casa of Beda.
Bargeny is the Berigonium of Ant. Cassil. Cast. the Seat of the Earls of the [Page 34] House of the Kennedyes. Air is a Sherifdom, and a noted Port and Empory. Ji [...]win a small Port. Eglington-Castle gives the Title to the Montgomeries. Douglas upon the River Douglas in Douglas-Dale, names the ancient and Noble Families of the Douglasses. Lanric Lanarcum, a Sherifdom at the Confluence of the Douglas and Cluyd. Hamilton Castle upon the Cluyd, the Clata or Glota of Ptol. naming the House and Marquesses of Hamilton. Bothwel, an Earldom upon the Cluyd, as is also Crawford of the Clune of Lindley. Renfrew Vanduara, is a Sherifdom and Barony Hereditary to the Lord Sempits. Dunblane, a Bishops See upon the Taich. Lower down at the mouth of the F [...]ith of Ferth, lie the Sherifdoms of Clackmannan and Kinros. Aberneth, Victaria, at the fall of the River Ern into the Tay, was the chief Seat of the Kings of Picts. Arrol upon the Tay, the Seat of the Earls of Arrol. Athol was sometimes part of the Calidonian Wood, strong Fastnesses of Picts and Northern Britons. Forfar, Orrhea of old is the Seat of the Sherifs. Dundee, Alectum & Dei Donum, a rich and noted Port at the mouth of the Tay. Brechin upon the Eske, is a Bishops See. Montross gives name to the Earls of Montross. Dunnotyr-Castle in Mern, seated upon a steep and inaccessible Rock, is the Seat of the Sherif. Between Loquabuir and Marr riseth the high Country of Badgenoth. In Buquhan lie the small Countries and Prefect [...]res of Bamfsraith [...]ogye, and Boyn, places of Note; in Murray are Rothes Castle, giving Names to the Earls of Rothes. Elgin, Forres, Nirn, are Sherifdoms about the Lake Ness, and part of the M. Grampius of Tac. extending to the Lake Lomond. In Rosse is the Country of Ardmeanuch, which giveth Title to the second Sons of the Kings of Scotland. Ch [...]n [...]ury is the seat of the Bishop. Cromerty is a Sherifd m. Dun Robin Castle the seat sometimes of the Earls of Sunderland. (Rosmarcheum of old.) Girnego Castle the seat of the Earls of Cathenes. Dur [...] ck and Wick, the seats of the Bishops. Vara or Varar Aestuarium, is Murry- [...]rth.
In this Realm of Scotland there are two Famous and Wonderful Loughs, Nessa and Lomond: the first never freezeth in the extreamest Cold, and the Waters of the second rage in the calmest Weather.
The Islands adjacent and belonging to Scotland are, 1. The H [...]brides, lying on the West-side thereof, and are 44 in Number: the chief whereof are, Illa Jona, Mula, Lewis, &c. Plentiful of Wood, Corn, Salmons, Herrings, Conies, Deer, Sheep, in some with, in others without Owners.
2. The Orcades of Tac. or the Islands of Orkney in Number 31, lying from the North and North-East point of Scotland: The greatest and chiefest Island is now called Mainland, formerly Pom [...]nia: well stored with Lead and Tin, whose Chief Town is Kirkwall, fortified with two [Page 35] Castles, and dignified with the See of a Bishop: the Inhabitants commonly called Red-shanks.
3. Shotland Islands, or Schetland, the Thule, or Thyle of the Ancients, lying about 20 Leagues Northwards from the Orkney, being many in Number: the chief of which is called Shotland, being about 60 miles in length: The Inhabitants are partly Scots, and partly a mixt People of Danes and Scots. Their Commodities are Ling and Cod.
Towards North Barwick, near the shore, lyeth Bas Island, which appears to be a High craggy Rock, and is Remarkable for the great number of Soland-Geese, by some called Barnacles, and vulgarly thought to be ingendred by the Fruit of certain Trees dropt into the Water. But the Hollanders report, that the Barnacles which they call Rot-Gausen, are bred in the Northern parts, and that they couple together, lay, and hatch their Eggs. And Gerard de Veeo in his third Navigation to Greenland, affirms that with his Companions they have driven them from their Nests, and taken and eaten of their Eggs.
Besides, Anatomy discovers in their bodies where the differences of Sexes do visibly appear, the Males having all the same parts as the common Drakes, and the Females having their Ovaria as other Birds.
Between the Islands of Orkney and Shotland lye two Islands: one called Fair-Hill, the other Fulo: about ten Leagues one from the other.
Thus much, in brief, as to the Situation, Length, Breadth, Division, Fertility, People, Government, Chief Towns, and Islands of Scotland.
Of Ireland.
THE first Inhabitants (to omit the Fables of the Irish Chronicles) upon probable Circumstances, were the Britans, together with the mixt Nations of the Goths, Gauls, Africans, &c. though most Geographers [Page 37] are of Opinion, that its first People came wholly out of Britain, being the nighest to it.
Ireland lyeth betwixt the 51 and 56 degrees of Northern Latitude, or betwixt the middle parallel of the eighth Clime, where the longest day hath 16 hours and a half, and the 24th parallel, or end of the 10th Clime, where the same hath 17 hours and an half.
The first Inhabitants the Irish (for more ancient we find not) were by Ptolomy distinguished into sundry lesser People and Names: The Rhobognii, Darnii, Voluntii, Vennienii, and Erdinii, now containing Ʋlster. The Auteri, Gangani, and Nagnatae, inhabiting C [...]naught. The Veli [...]ori, Ʋterni, Vodiae, and Coriondi, now Munster. The Menapii, C [...]uei, B [...]ii, and Brigantes, now Leinster: whose Cities were Rhigia, Rheba, Macolicum, Dunum, Laberus, Juernis, Nagnata, Regia altera, Manapia, Wexford, and Eblana, Dublin, whose Interpretations, unless the two last, we let pass as very uncertain. Towards the wain of the Roman Empire they are named Scots (the occasion or reason hereof we find not) subduing the neighbouring Picts and Caledonians, and giving the Name of Scotland to the Northern part of the British Continent. Leaving there this new affected name, they lastly resume, and return here unto their first, and more wonted name of Irish.
The first Onset it received, by way of Invasion, was by the Saxon Monarchs, who made themselves Masters of some places, but could not long continue in possession of them.
The next that in Hostile manner Visited it, were, the Northern Nations, Danes, Swedes, and Normans: who scowring along the Sea-coasts, by way of Piracy, and afterwards finding the weakness of the Island, made an Absolute Conquest of it, under the Conduct of one Tung [...]sus: but were soon routed out by the Policy of the King of Meath. After this, the petty Princes enjoyed their former Dominions, till the Year 1172: at what time, the King of Leinster, having forced the Wife of the King of Meath, was driven by him out of this Kingdom: who applying himself to Henry the Second of England, for uccour, received Aid, under the Leading of Richard de Clare, Sirnamed Strongbow, Earl of Pembroke: by whose good Success, and the Kings presence, the p [...]tty Kings, or great Lords, submitted themselves, promising to pay him Tribute, and acknowledg him their Chief, and Sovereign Lord.
But as the Conquest was but slight and superficial, so the Irish submissions were but weak and fickle Assurances to hold in Obedience so considerable a Kingdom, though the Charter was confirmed by Pope Hadrian.
So that it was not till the latter end of Queen Elizabeth's Reign that the same was wholly subjugated, and the Foundation laid of a lasting [Page 38] Peace with Ireland, which soon after was very far proceeded in by King James, and fully perfected, according to all Humane appearance, by our Gracious Sovereign King Charles the Second: So that now Ireland is a Flourishing Island, Civil in its self, and a good additional strength to the British Empire.
Ireland (called by the Latins, Hibernia: by the Greeks, Irnia: by Pomponius and S [...]linus, called Juverna: by Ptolomy Juernia: by Orpheus, Aristotle, Strab [...], Stephanus and Claudianus, Jerna: by Eustathius, Vernia: by Diodorus, Irim: by the Welsh, Yverdhon: by the Inhabitants Eryn. Irlandt Germanis, Irlanda Italis, Irlande Gallis. Is in length 300, and in breadth 130 miles: about half as big as England, and was Anciently Divided into five Provinces, each one a Kingdom in its self, viz. 1. Leinster. 2. Meath. 3. Ʋlster. 4. Connaught. And 5. Munster. But now the Province of Meath is reckoned for a Member or part of Leinster.
These four Provinces compose that Kingdom: as beautiful and sweet a Country as any under Heaven: being stored with many goodly Rivers, Replenished with abundance of all sorts of Fish, sprinkled with brave Islands and goodly Lakes; adorned with goodly Woods, full of very good Forts and Havens: The Soil most Fertile, and the Heavens most mild and temperate, but not so clear and subtil as the Air in England; and therefore not so favourable for the Ripening of Corn and Fruits, as to the Grass, for all kind of Cattel. And in the Winter more subject to Wind, Clouds, and Rain, than Snow or Frost.
It is an Island of great strength, as well by Nature as Art, by reason of its Situation in such dangerous Seas; and the several Fortificaons and Castles that the English have built since they were Masters of it.
Its chief Rivers are the spacious Shannon, the rolling Liffie, the sandy Slany, the pleasant Boyne, the Fishy Banne, swift Awiduffe or Blackwater, sad Trowis, wide Mayre, now Bantry Bay, the Woody Barrow, the spreading Lee, the Baleful Oure, or Shoure. Besides these Rivers, there are several Lakes, of which Lough Erne is the greatest, being about 30 miles in length, and 15 in breadth; and this, as all other of its Lakes, are well stored with Fish.
The Irish have had the Character of being Religious, (by which, perhaps, some understand Superstitious) Amorous, Patient of Labour, Excellent Horsemen, and the meaner sort extreamly Barbarous, till Civilized by the Neighbourhood and intermixture of the English; yet still the wild Irish retain several of their absurd and ridiculous Customs, accounting ease and idleness their greatest liberty and riches.
The Ecclesiastical Government of Ireland is committed to the care of four Arch-Bishops, under whom are 19 Suffragan-Bishops: The [Page 39] Temporal Government is now by one Supreme Officer, sent over by the King of England, who is called the Lord Lieutenant, or Lord Deputy of Ireland; who, for Majesty, State, and Power, is not inferiour to any Vice-Roy in Europe. The present Lord Deputy is the Earl of Tyrconnel.
Their Laws are correspondent with those of England, and they have their several Courts of Justice; as Chancery, Common-Pleas, Kings-Bench, Exchequer, Courts of Parliament, and Justices of the Peace in every County.
The Commodities of this Island, are, Cattel, Hides, Tallow, Butter, Cheese, Honey, Wax, Furs, Salt, Hemp, Linnen Cloth, Pipe-staves, VVool, of which they make Cloth, and several Manufactures, as Freezes, Ruggs, Mantles, &c. Its Seas yield great plenty of C d-fish, Herrings, Pilchers, and other Fish: The Bowels of the Earth afford Mines of Lead, Tin, and Iron.
The Province of Leinster, by the Natives called Leighingh, contains the Counties of Kilkenny, Caterlough, Queens-County, Kings-County, Kildare, East-Meath, VVest-Meath, VVestford, VVicklo, and Dublin; in which are comprehended 926 Parishes, whereof 47 are Towns of Note, 102 Castles, well Fortified by the English.
Ʋlster, being the largest Province of all Ireland, called by the Irish, Cui Guilly, is divided into the Counties of, 1. Lough. 2. Cavan. 3. Fermanagh. 4. Down. 5. Monaghan. 6. Armagh. 7. Colvane. 8. Dunna [...]l, or Tyrc [...]nnel. 9. Tir-Oen. And, 10. Antrim: In which are comprehended 214 Parishes, whereof 14 are Towns of Note, for Commerce and Traffique, and 30 Castles, for defence of the Country.
Connaught, by the Irish, Conaughly, is divided into these five Shires, or Counties: 1. I [...]trim. 2. Roscommon. 3. Majo. 4. Mego. 5. Galloway. 6. Thomond, or Clare-Country, in which are comprehended but eight Towns of any consequence for Commerce and Traffique; and aabout 24 Cas les of old Erection, besides Fortresses as have been raised in its later Troubles; the whole contains 366 Parishes.
Munster is now distinguished into the Counties of, 1. Lim [...]rick. 2. Kery. 3. Cork. 4. VVaterford. 5. Tipperary. And in these Counties are comprehended 24 Towns of Note and Trading, 66 Castles of old Erection, including in the whole 80 Parishes.
Its chief places are, 1. Dublin; a City Rich and Populous, as being the Metropolis of all the Island; the Seat of the Lord-Deputy, an Arch-Bishops See, and an University. Adorned with many fair Buildings, viz. the Castle, the Cathedral, the Church, the Arch-Bishops Palace, the Collegiate Church, called Christ-Church, the Town-Hall, the Colledg, &c.
2. VVaterford, the chief City of Munster, on the River Sho [...]r; a [Page 40] well Traded Port, a Bishops See, and the second City of the Kingdom; endowed with many ample Priviledges: Being safe and commodiously seated for the Use of Shipping (for though a good distance from the Sea, yet Ships of the greatest Burthen may safely Sail to, and ride at Anchor before the Key;) and also for the conveniency of sending Commodities in smaller Vessels to several Towns in the adjacent Countries.
3. Galloway, the principal City of the Province of Connaught; a Bishops ee, and the third City of Ireland, for Beauty, Bigness, and Strength; Situate near the Fall of the great Lake or River Corbles, in the Western Ocean: a noted Emporie, well Inhabited, and of a good Trade, by reason of its commodious Haven or Road for Ships.
4. Limrick, the second Principal of the Province of Munster, and the fourth in Estimation of all Ir land; Situate in an Island compassed about with the River Shannon, well Fortified with a strong Castle, a Bishops See, and well frequented; distant from the Main Ocean about 60 miles, yet the River so large and Navigable, that Ships of Burthen come up close to the very Wall. Beautified with a Cathedral Church, and a fair Stone-Bridg.
5. Kingsale, upon the Mouth of the River Bany; a Commodious Port, being the only s fe and ready Port in all Ireland, for our English Ships and others to Victual at, and Refresh themselves, when Bound for, and returning from the West-Indies, and other parts of the VVorld.
6. Cork, a Bishops See, well Walled, and fitted with a commodious Haven; Inhabited by a W althy and Industrious People, generally English; the Shire-Town, and the only Through-fare of all English Goods and Commodities s nt this way most commonly out of England for the two Remarkable Towns of [...]imrick and Galloway.
Armagh, Dublin, Cassil and Tuam, are the four Arch-Bishopricks.
VVicklow, seated on the Sea, whose Castle is a strong Rock.
Newcastle is guarded by its Sands.
Trim on the River Boyne.
Longford is the title of an Earldom.
Kildare, a Bishops See much celebrated in the Infancy of the Irish Church for the Holy Virgin St. Brigid.
VVexford the Menapa of Ptol. seated at the mouth of the River Slane, is a fair Town and a good Haven.
Inish Corthy is a Borough and Town Corporate.
Kilk nny on the Nure is a fair and wealthy Town, and honoured with the See of the Bishop of Ossery.
London-Derry is a fair and well built Town.
Dunagan gives its name to the County.
[Page 41] St. Patricks Purgatory is a Vault or narrow Cave in the ground, of which strange stories are reported by the Irish.
Cloghar, dignified with the See of a Bishop. Dungannon the ancient residence of the O-neals. Antrim gives name to the County. Knock-fergus, or Carikfergus, seated on a large Bay the Vinderius of Ptolomy, not far from which once stood the famous Monastry of Magio, so much commended by Bede. Down and Conner are dignified with an Episcopal See.
Tredath or Droghdagh with its good Haven is a well frequented Town.
Carlingfort is a well frequented Port-Town. Owen Maugh the ancient Seat of the Kings of Ʋlster, is near to Armagh, the Arch-Bishoprick and Primate of all Ireland. Craven is seated on the Lake Cane. Kilmore on the Lake Navity. Belturbet and Inish Killing on the Lake Earne.
Clare giveth Title to an Earldom. Kylaloe is dignified with an Episcopal See, near the Lake Derg on the Shannon. Roscommon not far from Loegh Ree. Elphen is honoured with the See of a Bishop. Athlone on the Lake Ree under the Curlew Hills is defended by a Castle, and beautified with a Stone-Bridge.
Letrim seated in a fertile soil near the L. Alyne.
Cassile is an Arch-Bishoprick, by Eugenius the third Bisho [...] of Rome.
Holy Cross on the River Shoure, once a place much frequented by Pilgrims.
The North part of Tipperary beareth the Name of Ormond, and is Honoured in giving Title to James Butler, Duke, Marquess, and Earl of Ormond, Earl of Brecknock, and Ossery, &c. Dingle hath a commodious Port. Ardfart, or Ardart is a Bishops See. Yoghil on the River Broadwater, is well fortified, and hath a good Haven, as also is Dungannon.
Of Denmark.
DENMARK is a Monarchy which in former times was very formidable both to France and England; and tho the English for many years have minded no other Interest in this Country but that of the Baltick and North Trade, yet since these two Crowns are now come to a closer Union, it may be worth our while to look back and consider the State of that Monarchy, wherein the English hath so [Page 43] great an Interest by the late Marriage of George Prince of Denmark with the Princess Ann.
Concerning the Original of the Dane, we read not in any of the more ancient Greek and Latin Authors, excepting Jornandes and Venantius Fortunatus, who yet but slightly mention them. In the French and English Histories they are often remembred, first in the reign of Theodorick King of Austrasia, about the year 516, under their King Cochliarius, foraging upon the Sea-coast of Gaul-Belgick; slain in their return by Theodebert, Son to Theoderick. After this in the reign of Charles the Great, under their Prince Gotricus, or Godfrey, then warring upon the Obertriti, the Inhabitants about Rostock teste Krantzio; and Invading Freisland with a Fleet of 200 Sail; threatning the Neighbouring Saxons with Subjection, and much endangering the Empire of the French, if the death of Godfrey, and the Quarrels about Succession had not prevented.
Afterwards their mention is very frequent and famous during the race of the French Kings of the Caroline Line, and of the Monarchy of the English Saxons, with sundry Fleets and Armies unresistible, invading France and England, conquering and subduing the English Saxon Nation, and giving the Name of Normandy to part of France, for by that common Name of Normans, the Danes, as well as the Norweeis and Swethes were then called.
The word Dane, Saxo Gramaticus, Krantzius, and others fabulously derived from one Dan, a King hereof, about the year of the World 2898. Becanus from Henen or Denen, signifying a Cock in the Danish Language, the Arms of the Alani their Progenitors. But how they got thither is very uncertain. Andreas Velleius in Cambden, from the Dahi, a people of Asia, and Marck signifying a border. Ethelwardus from Donia, a Town sometimes since seated herein. Montanus, from Aha; signifying water, in regard, of the Situation of the Country. The more Judicious fetch their Name from the Bay or Strait of the Sea called by Mela, Sinus Codanus, about which Strait, and in the Islands adjacent, these people since their first being known, have to this day inhabited. From this Name hath the Country been called Denmark. A Nation famous a long time for Arms, and their many and great Victories atchieved abroad. Themselves (never conquered by foreign power) Lords sometimes of England and Swethland. Yet such is the Vicissitude of Kingdoms, that Denmark was in the compass of four years, viz. 1657, 58, 59, and 1660, almost conquered by the Swedes, the History of which Wars are well written by Sir Roger Manley; there you will find the King of Sweden fighting with a wonderful resolution, and [Page 44] continued Successes, the King of Denmark with an undaunted and indefatigable courage endeavours to check his Career, till by the Mediation of the Dutch and English the Treaty of Roschilt in Feb. 1658 was concluded, and the two Kings had a friendly Interview; Yet soon after this the War broke out again, for the King of Sweden upon pretence of nonperformance of Articles, with much secresie got before Copenhagen in Aug. 1658, so that the Fate of Denmark depended upon the Invincible Courage and Conduct of King Frederick, who defended Copenhagen with a Royal Magnanimity till the death of the King of Sweden, when was concluded a second Peace upon the Basis of the former Treaty. Not to mention the late Wars wherein these two Northern Crowns were again imbrued in blood, where the Swedes were overcome frequently in Field-fights, and in Sieges, as well as at Sea. They lost Wismar in Mecklemburg, and several places in Schonen. And the Danes had made, as well as Brandenburg, brave acquisitions and revenges, had not the French King forced them to a Restitution.
The Monarchy of Denmark, as it is now united and incorporated, contains two Kingdoms, Denmark and Norway; to which we may add Groenland, and the Islands of Iseland, Schetland and Ferro. Denmark is situate between the Ocean and the Baltick Sea, composed of a Peninsula, contiguous to Germany, a Coast adjoyning to Sweden, and of divers Isles which are between the Peninsula and the Coast, with some others further distant. Containing five more general parts or names of 1 Jutland, 2. The Islands of the Sound, or Sundt. 3. Haland. 4. Schonen. 5. Bleking.
Of Jutia.
THE Peninsula called Jutland, was once the Cimbria Chersonesus of Ptol. from the Cimbrians its ancient Inhabitants; who were followed by the Juites, Saxons, and Angles: after these came the Danes, by whom it is now possessed, being divided into two parts, North and South; the South part is divided also into two Dukedoms, viz. Ducatus Holsatia or Holstein, and Slesaicensis Ducatus, or Sleswick.
Of the Dukedom of Holstein.
THis is a Wooddy, low and Marshy Country, and contains the Provinces of D [...]tmarsia, Stormaria, Holsatia, and Wagria, properly [Page 45] and strictly so called, Stormaria hath for its chief places Hamburgh, Marionis Ptol. teste Cluver, a free Imperial City, and a Hans-Town of great strength, as well by Nature as Art, adorned with fair and beautiful Structures, viz. the Council-House, Exchange, and nine Churches; a place of great Trade, and well resorted to by Merchants and Factors of several Nations. Anno 1374. this Town was adjudged to belong to the Earls of Holstein, and that determination ratify'd by Charles the Fourth. And 'tis said that the Hamburghers took the Oath of Allegiance to Christiern Earl of Oldenburg, the first King of Denmark of that House, as Earl of Holstein; but since they live as a free State; and being jealous of their Liberty, or their Guilt, they are always in a posture of defence, and can upon all occasion raise 1500 Citizens well armed, besides their constant Garison, and the promised assistance of the rest of the Hans-Towns. 5. Krempe, a Strong and well Fortified Town, reckoned one of the Keys of the Kingdom. Gluckstadt, which commands the passage up the Elbe. 6. Pinnenberg, a Strong place, and of great consequence. 7. Bredenberg, one of the best Towns in the Country, remarkable for the stout resistance it made against Walestein, 1628.
Wagre, hath for its chief places Lubeca, Lubeck, the Treva of Ptol. teste Merc. Sans. & Brietio, an Imperial Free City, and a Hans-Town, and Bishops See, built upon a rising Hill, on the summit whereof is placed the Cathedral Church, called St. Maries: besides which, it hath nine others. The Streets are strait and fair; 'tis Fortified with a Ditch and double Wall, in circuit about six miles, and enjoys a good Trade. Heylin tells us there is not a City of Germany which can equalize it, either for the Beauty and uniformity of the Houses, the pleasant Gardens, fair Streets, and delightful Walks without the Walls: seated upon the River Trave, which runs through the midst of it about eight English miles from the Baltick. Guarded at the Rivers mouth by the Fort Travemund, and is in a strict Alliance with the States-General of the United-Provinces, ever since Anno 1648. The other Towns are Newstadt, Ploen, upon a Lake Fortified with a Castle, and belonging to a Prince of the House of Holstein called Holstein Ploen. Oldenberg. Segebert the Lirimiris of Ptol. and Oldeslee. Ditmarsh hath for its chief places Meldrop the prime Town of the Province. Lunden, and Heide. Holstein is the last member of this Estate, though giving name to the whole, the chief places in it are Kiel, alias Chilonium, Seated upon the Baltick Sea, a well traded Town, with a large Haven, and store of Shipping. 2. Rensberg, the best Fortified, and Itzehoa on the River Stoer.
Adolph of Schaumberg in the Year 1114 (by Lotharius Emperor and Duke of Saxony) was made the first Earl of Holstein. Adolph the last Earl; [Page 46] of which House dying without Issue, the whole Estate fell to Christiern Son of Theodorick Earl of Oldenberg, who being made King of Denmark, prevailed with Frederick the third Emperor to have the whole Estate erected into a Dukedom, 1474. and by this means united to the Crown of Denmark, the Kings thereof as Dukes of Holstein being counted Princes of the Empire; tho they neither send to the Imperial Diets, nor contribute to the publick Taxes, nor acknowledg any Subjection more than Titular: Yet since this uniting of these two Estates, the Title of Duke of Holstein, and a good part of the Country, was in a manner dismembred from the Crown, and given to Adolph, Brother of Christiern the third. Afterwards another part of this Country was bestowed upon John, Younger Brother to Frederick the Second. So that now the House of Holstein is divided into three principal Branches, whereof the King of Denmark is the Head, and standing Protector of the first Branch: The other two Branches are that of Holstein Gottorp, and that of Holstein Sunderburg, which is divided into four Branches; so that the Dukes of Holstein are now increased to a great Number: of which the Duke of Holstein Gottorp is the most considerable; yet was greater before he lost the King of Denmark his Brother in Laws favour, by engaging too far with the Swedes, whereby he lost to the King his Rights of Soveraignty over the Dukedom of Sleswick, and has little or nothing there left besides his Castle at Gottorp. And in Holstein his Subjects are under Contribution, whilest himself resides at Hamburg, his place of refuge.
Slesvicensis Ducatus, or Hertzogthumb Sleswick Incolis.
THIS is that part of Jutland which lies next to Holstein, and was first erected a Dukedom by King Eric of Denmark, who gave it to Waldemar; but Male-issue failing, it returned to the Crown, and was by Margaret Queen of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, conferred upon Getrard Earl of Holstein. Afterwards it fell, together with Holstein, to Christiern of Oldenburg King of Denmark, by whom it was with Holstein Incorporated in that Crown. A Country which once in three or four years the Inhabitants let the Pools overflow the Land, where they catch plenty of Fish, and the mud inriches the Soil. Its chief Towns are Schleswyck, Slesuicum, & Heideba, teste Crantzio, an Episcopal See, and Head of the Dukedom, Seated on the River Slea, which falls [Page 47] into the Baltick Sea; where it hath a commodious Haven. 2. Husum, Seated on the River Eyder, Fortified with a Castle. 3. Haders-leben, Fortified with the Strong Castle Hansberg. 4. Flensberg, with its commodious and deep Port. Between Flensberg and Sleswick is a Country that goes by the name of Angelen, from whence England had its first denomination ever since King Egbert. 5. The Port of Christian-pries, now Fortified by the Fort Frederick. 6. Gortop, a trong Fort or Castle, the Residence of the Duke of Holstein. 7. Frederick-stadt upon the Eyder, built by one of the late Dukes, intending to have set up a Trade of Silk there: to which purpose in the year 1633, he sent a splendid Embassie into Muscovy and Persia, whose Travails are described by Olearius.
Of North-Juitland.
NOrth-Juitland, is divided into four Diocesses, Ripen, Arthusen, Albourg, and Wibourg.
The Diocess of Ripen, contains seven Walled Towns, and ten Castles; its chief places are Ripen, an Episcopal Sea, Fortified with a Castle. 2. Kolding, the place where Toll is paid for the Cattel that passes that way. 3. Frederick Ode, or Frederica, lies in a situation of that importance, that Charles Gustavus having taken it in the late Wars 1657, opened himself a way to pass his Army over the Ice into all the Neighbouring Islands, and to alarum Copenhagen: an Action both bold and unheard of; for he marched his Cavalry and his Carriages over a great Arm of the Sea, where before a single footman was afraid to expose his life.
The Diocess of Artbusia, or Arthusen, contains seven Cities, and five Castles; its chief places are Arthusen, a well frequented Port. Kalla a Strong place, Horsens and Renderen.
The Diocess of Aelbourg, Aelburgum, hath for its chief places Albourg, at the mouth of Limford-Bay. Nicoping, Hirring, Wansyssel, Thysted and Scagen, or the Scaw, the northermost part of Juitland.
The Diocess of Wibourg hath three Castles, and three Walled Towns; the chief is Wibourg, where are the Courts of Judicature for all Juitland.
The chief Islands belonging to Denmark, that lie dispersed in the Baltick See are, Zeland, Fionia or Funen, Alsen, Arroe or Aria, Langland, Laland, Falster, Mone, Huen or Ween-Island, and Bornholm.
Of the Baltick Sea.
THIS is the Sinus Codanus of the Ancients, otherwise called Sucvicum M [...]re seu Balticum. Die B [...]lth, or Oostzee, Belgis, La Mar Baltique Gallis, Warezkovie More, Russis. It hath three several passages into it from the Ocean, all of them under the command of the King of Denmark, the safest and most usual is that famous Strait called the Fr [...]tum Sundicum, Le Sund, Gallis. Straet Van Sund. Batavis, Oresund Danis. The Sound, Anglis. So great a passage, that there often sails 200, sometimes 300 Ships through in one day, and is not above four miles over in the narrowest place. The second passage or Inlet lies between the Islands of Zeland and Funen, and is about 16 miles over, and is called B [...]ltsound, or the great Belt. The third passage is between Funen and Jutland, not above eight miles over, and is called the lesser Belt.
Of Zeland.
ZEland, of old Codanonia, the greatest Island of the Baltick Seas, is situate near the Main Land of Schonen, from which 'tis separated by a narrow Streight, abou four miles over; which is called the Sound: through which all Ships must pass that have any Trade or Commerce in these Seas, and pay a Toll or Imposition to the King, according to their bigness, or Bills of Lading; by which ariseth his greatest Revenue; And for the security of this passage, there are built two very strong Castles, the one in this Isle called Cronenburg, the most delightful Seat in the World, affording a profitable and pleasant Prospect of all Ships that Sail through the Sound; the other in Schonen, or Scandia, called Elsenburg. In the Reign of Queen Elizabeth our Eastland-Fleet was by the King of Denmark threatened to be sunk in case they passed this Sound or Straits of Elsenour, yet they made the Adventure, having only one Man of War, viz. the Minion, and kept their course, maugre all opposition, without any wound received forwards and back again.
The chief City of this Island is Haphnia Kiobenhaven, Danis. Koppenhagen Ger. Kopenhaven Belg. Copenhage Gal. Copenhagen Angl. the Met opolis of the whole Kingdom, sometime the Residence of the King, a University, Seated near the Sea, with a good Port, and safe Road for [Page 49] Ships; Fortified with a Strong Castle, containing one of the Fairest Arsenals in Europe; wherein is a Celestial Globe six foot Diameter.
Christiern the Fourth having laid the foundation of a New City in the little Island of Armager, joyned it to the old by a Bridg, and called it by the Name of Christierns Haven; so that now it is divided into two parts; in the New Town is the Royal Castle, the Mint, the Exchange, and the Arsenal before mentioned. This City was taken by Frederick Anno 1522, and in the year 1536 after a years Siege it was surrendred to Christiern the 3d. The Citizens now enjoy the greatest priviledg of any City in Europe.
Roschildt is the Burying place of the Danish Kings. Elsenour is near to the strong Castle and Palace of Cronenberg, the Fortifications whereof was and is the Key of the Baltick Sea, enlarged into the Sea with incredible charge and pains by Frederick the 2d. The Surrender of this Castle to the Swedes by a Stratagem, Sept. the sixth 1658, was like to have lost Copenhagen, and consequently the whole Kingdom.
Fredericksberg is a Fortress built in a pleasant Plain, oftentimes the place of the Kings retirement; but most famous for that solemn Interview and Entertainment that happened between the late Kings of Sweden and Denmark upon the Conclusion and Ratification of the Roschildt Treaty. Other places are Kallenburg, Rinstead, Koge. Korsoer is the place where K. Charles of Sweden landed his Army in his Second Expedition against Denmark, Aug. 8. 1658, five Months after the aforesaid Interview of the two Kings at Frederixburg. Nestwood, Waringburg was the first place where the King of Sweden set his Foot in Zeland in his first Expedition. In this Island are reckoned 340 Villages.
The Island of Fionia or Funen, is the assignment of the Prince of Denmark; 'tis Seated between Zeland and Juitland, separated from the first by a narrow passage called the Belt, from the last by a narrower, called Midle-far-sound. 'Tis a fertile Soil, and pleasant situation.
Its chief place is the well Traded Odensee, an Episcopal See, formerly the Seat of the General Assemblies of the Kingdom, now kept at Copenhagen: adorned with two fair Churches, and neat buildings; near this place Count Guldenlew the Vice-roy of Norway was overtaken in his Coach by Charles King of Sweden in his first Expedition. Other Towns, are Midlefare, Swinberg, with several other good Towns, four Royal Castles, and 264 Villages, besides Gentlemens Houses.
Alsen is a small Island belonging to the Dukedom of Sleswick, whose chief place is the Castle of Sunderberg, giving Name to a Branch of the Royal Family, the Duke of Holstein Sunderberg.
[Page 50] Arroe or Aria, is a small Island belonging also to the Duke of Sleswick.
Langland and Laland, the first is the largest, the other the most plentiful in Corn and Chesnuts; whose chief place is Naskow a Town well Fortified.
Falster, is a small Island fertile in Corn, its chief place is Nicopin, of a pleasant situation, called the Naples of Denmark.
Mone Isle is about twelve Miles long, and six broad, the chief place is Stekoo where the Swedish Forces found a greater resistance than in any of the other Islands.
Huen or Ween is remarkable for the observations of that famous Astronomer Tycho Brahe.
The Island of Bornholm was granted to the Crown of Sweden by the late Treaty of Peace; but since, the Danes have exchanged it for an equivolent propriety of certain Lands in Schonen.
Cross we now over the Sound, and take notice of the other part of this Kingdom, which lies on the East Continent, called Scandia, under which general Name it contains the whole Kingdom of Norway, the greater part of the Kingdom of Sweden, and some part of Denmark. That which belongs to Denmark is divided into three Provinces, Haland, Schonen and Bleking, now under the King of Sweden, by the Roschilt Treaty; yet here mentioned, because the places in the Map are more plainly seen than in the Map of Sweden.
Haland, is a Province for fertility of Soil, sweetness of Air, store of Fish, plenty of Lead and Brass Mines, scarce inferior to any; its chief places are Wansbourg, Laholm, Helmstat, Falkenburg, and Torkow.
Schonen, is the pleasantest Country in all Denmark, most abundant in fruits, and shoals of Herrings; its chief places are Lunden, the Metropolitan Archbishoprick of Denmark, with its famous Dial, where the Year, Month, Week, Day and Hour throughout the Year, as also the Motions of the Sun and Moon through each Degree of the Zodiack, the movable and fixed Feasts, &c. are distinctly seen, being finely adorned and set forth in variety of delightful Colours. Other places are Goburgam, or Elsinberg, Fortified with an impregnable Castle, and one of the Forts defending the Sound over against Cronenburg, Lanscroon, Corona-Scaniae, Malmogia, or Elbogen, Tillburg, Ʋdsted, Walleburg, Simmers-haven, and Christiernstadt, or Christiern-dorp.
Bleking, is Mountainous and barren; its chiefest places are Christian [...]ple, Ahuys, Selborg, Ellholm, Rotenby, and Carels-haven, often mentioned in the late Wars.
It hath been an Hereditary Kingdom ever since the year 1660, for before it was Elective; so the Nobility do not enjoy those Priviledges which they did before.
[Page 51]The King stiles himself, Earl of Oldenburg and Delmenherst, as being the Eighth King of that House to which the Crown of Denmark fell in the year 1448, by the Election of Christiern the first; and is to this day in their possession.
The opinion of Luther hath been entertained in Denmark ever since the Reign of Frederick the First, who was Elected Anno 1523, so that there are two Archbishops, and thirteen Bishops for Denmark.
The Forces of this Kingdom may be known by their former, and now late Undertakings against the Swedes; by which it appears, that they can raise a strong power at Sea, and make good Levies at Land, for defence of their own Dominions.
The Revenue of this King consists chiefly in the great Impost laid upon all Ships which pass through the Sound, which is the Key of the Baltick; also in some Crown-Lands, a great yearly Toll made of the Cattel; as also of the Fish transported into other Countries.
The Danes are generally of good Stature, clear of Complexion, and healthful; crafty and provident in their affairs, peremptory in their assertions, and opinionated of their Actions; Religious, Just in their Words and Contracts, good Soldiers both at Sea and Land. The Women are fair, discreet, and courteous, fruitful of Children. The Danish Ladies love hunting, and more freely entertain at their Tables, than in their Beds, those that come to visit them.
For great Captains and men of War, it is famous; for Godfrey or Gotricus, who endangered the Empire of France; for Sweno and Canutus the Conquerours of England. For men of Learning, Tycho Brahe the Prince of Astronomers, Hemingius a Learned Divine, Bertholinus a Physician and Philosopher, John Cleverius, the Historian and Geographer.
Of the KINGDOM of NORWAY.
NOrvegia, Lat. Nerigos Plin. Norway, Angl. contains the Western part of the Peninsula of Scandinavia; the Eastern part being part of Swedeland. A long ridg of Mountains making the separation, leaving Norway toward the Ocean, and Swedeland toward the Baltick Sea. From hence are transported Train-Oyl, Pitch, Stock-fish, Masts for Ships, Deal-boards. The Coast of Norway, though of a large extent, has few good Ports by reason of the small Islands and Rocks that inviron it, and the Gulf of Maelstroom which swallows and endangers all the Ships that come nigh [Page 52] it. Herbinius tells us, that this Northern Charybdis or Vorago, by the Inhabitants Moskestroom, is forty miles in extent. Kircher saith 'tis thirteen miles in Circumference; that it hath a motion ascending and descending six Hours, by sucking in waters, and as many throwing them forth again. That part which lyes toward the Pole, is full of Forests and Mountains, wherein there are some few Mines of Copper and Iron. In the year 1646, was discovered near Opslow or Anslo, a Mine of very good Gold, which gave the Inhabitants occasion to say that they had got the Northern Indies. But that Boast endured no longer than the Mine, which presently vanished for fear of being ri [...]ed.
Opslo, Ansloye Galis, the Ansloga of old, it was burnt down in the time of Christiern the Fourth King of Denmark, and since called Christiana; 'tis a Bishops See. Aggerhad is a Castle near to it full North from Seagen, the most Northern point of Jutland. Stafanger is a Sea-Town, with a good Port, near which is the Fort Doeswick. There is the Herb Ossifraga of Norway which sna s the bones of Cattel that tread upon it. East of Drontheim lies the Country of Jemperland, formerly part of Norway, but was by the Treaty of Bromsbroo Anno 1645, yielded to the Swedes, to whom it is still subject.
This Kingdom has five Governments, with as many Castles, Bahus, Aggerhus, Berghen-hus, Dronthem-hus, and Ward-hus. That of Bahus, with a Castle of the same name upon a Rock, was delivered to the Swedes by the Treaty of Roschilt, Berghen is the better City, the Seat of the Vice-Roy, with a new Fort called Fredericksburg; and a Port into which Vessels have an easier entrance, and where they are safe from the Winds, by reason of the high Mountains which inviron it: the Merchants of the Hans-Towns have there a House and a Magazine. Dronthem, in Latin Nidrosia, the Court of the ancient Kings of Norway, is very much fallen to decay, yet it still [...]tains the Title of an Archbishoprick, and the Remains of one of the fairest and most magnificent Churches of the North: Ships ride s [...]f [...] [...]e Harbour, but they must have very good Pilots to carry them in. Here the People make a kind of Bread of Barly-Meal, and Oates, which they bake between two hollow Flint-stones, which Bread ke ps thirty or forty years. The Norwegians are little subject to sickness, and of such a Constitution, that when they are in a Fever, one slice of Bacon does them more good than a potched Egg: their great inclination to Sorcery, makes them have the reputation of Selling the Winds to the Seamen.
Finmark, which makes part of Lapland, advances into the Frigid Zone, so that day or night continues alternately for several Months together. The Inhabitants claim nothing of Property, but take the first [Page 53] place that pleases them, here to day, in another place to morrow. They live upon Fish, and Hunting, and only pay an acknowledgment of certain Skins to the King of Denmark, and carry their Fish to Berghen. The Castle of Wardhus, with a Burrough of 300 Houses, the most Northernly of the whole Continent, is in the middle of a little Island, where it serves only to force the payment of certain duties from those that Traffick to Arch-Angel in Moscovy. The Haven is in the Western part of the Island, which is separated from the Land by an arm of the Sea, about a Quarter of a League broad, through which the Ships make Sail, and the places adjoyning are not so subject to the Ice, as other parts of the same Sea.
As for the Norwegians, we have not read of them in any ancient Author; both Name and Country seem more lately to have been given from their Northern Situation; uniting with the Danes and Swedes, they were better known in the time of the French Empire, by the name of Normans; under which appellation in the time of Charles the Simple they got the Province of Normandy, conferred on Rollo the first Duke thereof, Anno 912; afterwards setling in their own Country, they were called Norwegians, from their Northern Situation, Governed by their own Kings till their final Subjugation by the Danes, which was by means of the Marriage of Haquin the last Prince of N [...]rway unto Margaret Queen of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, a second Semi [...]amis in the History of those times; who having once got sooting in Norway so assured themselves of it, that they hav [...] ever since possessed it as a Tributary Kingdom, so that now Norway and Denmark are both fellow Subjects under the same King.
Of Swedeland.
THE Monarchy of Sueovonia, or Suecia Lat. Sweden Incolis, Suede Gal. Suetia Ital. is the most ancient in Europe, if it be true, that it has had above a hundred and fifty Kings; and that the first among them was the Son of Japhet, one of the Sons of Noah. Perhaps for this reason it was, that at the Council of Basil a Swedish Bishop had the Confidence to demand of the Presidents the precedency before all the Bishops [Page 55] of Christendom. Some Historians begin to reckon the Kings of Sweden from Jermanicus; and demonstrate to us, that the Kingdom was Elective till the Reign of Gustavus de Vasa, or Ericus, who made it Hereditary to his Family in the year 1544; and at the same time put down the Roman Catholick Religion, to Embrace the Lutheran Doctrine; under this pretence of Religion Charles the Ninth of Sudermania, deprived his Nephew Sigismund of his Crown, who had been the 13th Elective King of Poland of that Name. In the Reign of the Emperor Charles the Great, we find them to have been a Free State different from that of the Danes, entertaining then Harioldus and Ragenfridus Kings of that Nation, driven out by the Sons of Gotericus. In the Reign of Sweno the First, and Canutus the Great, they were subject to the Danes. By Queen Margaret about the year 1387, they were again subdued to the Danish yoke; after long Wars sundry defections and recoveries, not fully delivered until the year 1525, freed by Gustavus aforesaid, and ever since commanded by Princes of their own Nation. The ancient Inhabitants of this Nation are supposed to be the Suiones, or Sitones of Tacitus. Inhabiting the greater Scandia of Ptol. by Aimonius called the Sueones, in his 48 and 101 Chap. By Jornandes de Rebus Geticis, the Suethici, at this day by long corruption the Sueci, giving Name to the Country now called Suetia, or Swedeland, extended for a great space of Land betwixt the Baltick and the Frozen Seas.
The King of Swedeland stiles himself King of the Swedes, Goths, Vandals, Great Prince of Finland, Duke of Estonia, and Carelia, Lord of Ingria; and bears in his Arms three Crowns. The present King is Charles the Eleventh, of the Family of the Palatine of Deux Ponts. The Goths and Vandals are famous in History for their Conquests: So have the Swedes been in the last Age through the valour of their late Kings, and the conquests they have made upon their Neighbours, which had made them almost Masters of the Baltick.
The Peace at Bromsbroo near Christianople, Anno 1645, obliged the King of Denmark to restore Jempterland and Herendall to the Swedes, and to surrender him the Isl [...]nds of Gotland and Oesel to perpetuity, with the Province of Halland for thirty years.
The Peace of Roskil near Copenhagen 1658, surrendered Halland wholly to the Swedes, together with Schonen, Bl [...]king, and the Island of Bornholm, (which afterwards returned to the Danes by exchange of other Lands) the Fortress of Bahus, and the Bailywick of Drenth [...]m.
The Peace at Copenhagen 1660, confirms the Treaty of Roskil, except for the Bailywick of Dronthem; and acquires the Island of Ween.
[Page 56]The Acquisitions of the Swede from the Empire by the Peace of Munster, were the Dutchy of Lower Pomerania, and in the Ʋpper-Stetin, Gartz, Da [...] and Golnau, the Island and Principality of Rugen, the Isles and Mouths of Oder; the Dukedoms of Bremen and Ferden; The City Signiore and part of Wismar, Wildhusen in Westphalia, the priviledg to attempt the rest of Pomerania, and the new Marquisate of Brandenburgh.
The Treaty of Oliva near Dantzick 1660, was so advantageous to this Kingdom, that the King of Poland there utterly renounced the Title of King of Swedeland for the future; and consented that Livonia from thenceforth should be Hereditary to the Crown of Sweden. This was intended of Livonia upon the North of the River Duna, where only Dun [...]mburgh was reserv'd to the Crown of Poland, according to the Truce made at Stumsdorf for 26 years, Anno 1635.
The Peace with Muscovy restor'd to Sweden all that the Grand Duke had taken in Livonia.
The King of [...]weden pretends to the Succession of Cleves and Juliers, by Title from his Great Grand-father, John Duke of Deux Ponts, who Married Magdalene, the thirteenth Sister to Duke John-William.
In the Estates of this Kingdom, the Country-men make a Corporation, or Body, as well as the other Orders.
Swedeland contains that part of Scandinavia, which is the best, as lying toward the East. The cold Weather is there very long, and sometimes very bitter; however the Inhabitants do not so much make Use of Furs, as they do in Germany; they only wear Night-Caps, Woollen-Gloves, Just-a-corps, and make great Fires of Wood, with which they are well stored.
There are so few Sick People among them, that Physicians and Apothecaries have little or no Practice. The Inhabitants are equally Rich, and their greatest Revenue consists in Copper, whence the most part of the Europeans fetch it, to make their small Money, their Cannon, and their Bells. The City of Stockholm alone has in the Castle above 800 Pieces of Great Artillery; and it is believed, that in all the Kingdom, there are above 80000. Upon review of the Militia made 1661, fourscore thousand Men were Mustered in Arms.
This Country being so full of Mountains and Woods, afford very little Corn; so that in times of Scarcity, the Poor are forced to eat very bad Bread. The Commodities of the Country, besides Copper, are Butter, Tallow, Hides, Skins, Pitch, Rosin, Timber, and Boards. The Cities are very subject to Fire, in regard the Houses are all built of Wood. The Lakes and Gulfs are more considerable than the Rivers: Nor is there any Trade but upon the Coasts, where there is no venturing [Page 57] without a Pilot, because of the great number of Rocks. The Ice there is so thick, that Waggons go safely upon it. In other places, the Snow affords them the Conveniency of Travelling in Sledges. The Horses are fit for War; for, besides that they are easily kept, and rarely sick; they are well used to the Road; they carry their Rider swimming, they readily take wide Ditches, they are Couragious and Nimble; and will Assail the Enemy of their Rider with their Heels and Teeth both together.
Under the Name of Sweden are comprehended the Countries of Gothia, Suecia, Lapponia, Finlandia, Ingria, and Livonia: wherein is contained 35 Provinces (besides the Acquisitions [...]foresaid) wherein Bertius reckoneth 1400 Parishes: The two first toward the West, and the three last toward the East; the Gulf of Finland between them both.
Gothland, whether so called from the G [...]s, or falsely affecting that more Glorious Name, cannot well be known; is divided into Ostre-Gothland, and Westro-Gothland: And those that Conquered Spain were called Visgoths. Calmar is a strong City, and the place where the Swedes usually set Sail for Germany: The Cittadel is as highly esteemed in the Northern parts, as that of Millain in the South. Norkoping is full of Copper-Forges, for which reason most of the Europeans fetch Cannons from thence. Link [...]ping a Bishops See, where Olaus Magnus was Born, is Remarkable for the Victory of Charles of Sudermania, afterwards King of Sweden. There are several other Cities, whose Names terminate in Koping: that is the Market-place. [...]mburg, where King Charles the Ninth died, is a new Town, with a Port upon the Ocean, Lodusia Sans. Daleburg is a fair Town, well f [...]rt [...]ed with a s rong Castle.
Swedeland communicates its Name to other Provinces of this Kingdom; of which, Stockholm, or [...]i [...], is the Capital City, accommodated with a Royal Castle, and a Sea-Port at the Mouth of the Lake M ler, which they formerly had a Design to have cut into the Wener-Lake, to have joyned the Baltick and the Ocean together, so to spoil the Passage of the Sound. This Wener Lake is said to receive 24 Rivers▪ and disburden its self at one mouth with such noise and fury, that it is called the Devils-mouth. This City is far better [...]urni [...]h'd than it was before the War with Germany. In the Year 1641, they began to streighten the Streets, and build their Houses Uniform. The Harbour is very Secure, so that a Ship may Ride there without an Anchor. It has three Channels, which carry the Vessels between certain Islands and Rocks. The Kings Ships lie at Elsenape: Ʋpsal, Defended by a great Castle, where is the Metropolitan Church, where the Kings [Page 58] are usually Crowned, and where formerly they kept their Courts. The City is adorned with an University, and the most [...]ble Mar [...]s in all thos [...] Quarters. The Cathedral has been a St [...] [...]ilding, as they say, lin'd▪ or, as it w [...]re, W [...]d within w [...]old, and cov [...]d with Copper. Car [...]l [...]ta [...] upon the Wener, is not [...] [...]or its abundance of [...]rass. Strongues is a Bishops S [...] ▪ Ar sia, now W [...]erus, was rich in Silver Mines.
L [...]ni contain no Citi s: It has only certai [...] Habitations divided into five Countries that bear the Names of their Rivers. The Laponers are very small, the tall [...]st [...]t being above four foot hig [...]; nevertheless, formerly six hundr d of them put to the Rout above an hundred thousand M [...]s [...]ites that came to In [...]d [...] them. They wear no other Habit but Ski [...]; and when they are Young, they so inure themselves to the Cold, that afterwards [...]ey easily endure it, without any Clothes. They have neither Woollen nor Linnen; only they have pieces of Copper, which they call Chippans, which they exchange for Necessaries. They have neither Bread, nor Corn, nor Fruit, nor Herbs, nor Wine, nor Cattel, nor Butter, nor Eggs, nor Milk, nor other Supports of life. But they have no want of Water: And they have a kind of Wild Deer, which are very swift, the Flesh whereof they live upon. There is a second part of Laponia in Denmark, and a third in Muscovy. The Mount Enaraki has three Apartments of Lodging for the Deputies of the three Nations.
Finnonia seu Finnia, Finland is a Dutchy, which some Kings of Swedeland were wont to Assign for their Brothers Portion. The Chief Cities whereof are, A [...]o, a Bishoprick; and Viburgh, or Viborch a chargeable Fortress. There is one particular place in this Province near Razeburg, where Needles being touched, turn continually. Biorneburg, Cajenbourg, with other places you will find in the Map; and Kexholm taken by Pontus de l [...] Garde.
Ingria, vulgo Ingermanland, by the Russians, Isera, was taken from the Muscovites by a Treaty in the Year 1617. It is but small, but considerable for the Chace of Elkes, and for the Situation of the strong Fort of Noteburgh, in the midst of a great River at the Mouth of the Lake [...]adoga. Carald [...]d by the Russes. This Garison was taken by the Swedes, all the Soldiers within being destroyed by a Distemper that took them in the Mouth, and hindred them from eating.
The Mountains that part Norway and Sweden, are by Ortelius called the Doss [...] Montes, Sevo Montes of Plin. accounted 300 miles in length, and now in various places have divers Names, not much material here to mention.
[Page 59]The Commod [...]es of this Country are Copper, Lead, Brass, and Iron, Ox-Hides, Goats and Buckskins, Tallow, Furs, Honey, Allom, and Corn.
The Inhabitants naturally strong, active and stout Soldiers, industrious, laborious, ingenious and courteous to Strangers. The Women discreet and modest.
The Christian Faith was first planted here by Ausgarius Archbishop of Bremen, the general Apostle of the North.
The Forces of Sweden are very powerful, being able to put to Sea more then 100 Sail of Ships, and into the Field forty or fifty thousand of Horse and Foot.
And for deciding of Controversies, &c. every Territory hath its Viscount, every Province its L [...]n, every Parish its Lanas-man, or Consul; and there l [...]eth an appeal from the Consul to the Laymen, and from the Laymen to the Viscount, and from the Viscount to the King, who alone decideth the same. Teste Sanson.
Livonia, Germ. or List [...]ndt, is divided into two parts, viz. Esth [...]nia, or Eften on the North. and Litlandia, Leithland, or [...] on the South, was entirely Surrendred by the Polander, except Dunembergh: Formerly the Order of Carry-Sword Knights Resided there; but in the time of Gregory the Ninth, that Order was United to the Teutonick. Afterwards the Polanders and Muscovites enjoyed it. Riga is the Capital City of Livonia: The Germans, English, and Hollanders drive a great Trade there in the Summer, while the Sea is open: In the Winter the Natives Trade into Muscovy upon their Sledges. It stands upon a Plain, upon the River Duna, which in that place is about a quarter of a League over. The Fortifications thereof consist of six Regular Bastions, several Half-moons, and Pallisado'd Counterscarps.
In the Year 1656, an Army of an hundred thousand Muscovites came to catch cold before this City, which Valiantly Repulsed them. Pernaw is a well Fortified place: And Derpt, in Latin Tu [...]atum, Situate on the Beck; taken by J. Basilius the Great Duke of Muscovy▪ as was also Felin, a strong Town. Dunabourg, an Impregnable Fortress, eight miles from Riga, well Garisoned by the Poles. Revel directs the Trade from Livonia into Musco [...]y: 'Tis a Bishops See, and a well Traded Port. Nerva is a strong place, from whence the Neighbouring River derives its Name, where the Brave Pontus de la Gardia was Drown'd. By the last Treaties between the Crowns of Sweden and Poland, the Exercise of the Protestant as well as the Catholick Religion is permitted in Livonia, as also in Curland and Prussia.
The Island of Gothland is the biggest in the Baltick Sea, for therein [Page 60] there are five or six Ports belonging to the Swede: In several of the Rocks there still remain the Ancient Gothish Characters. And the City of Wisby still preserves certain pieces of Marble, and Houses that have Gates of Iron or Brass, Gilded or Silver'd over, which testifie the great Antiquity of the place. This City first Established the Law for Navigation in the Baltick, and began the Sea-cards. Other Islands are Dagho and Oesel upon the Coast of Livonia, belonging to the Swedes.
Of Muscovy, &c.
Of Muscovy, &c.
MƲSCOVY is properly but the name of a Province so called, of which Moscow is the chief City, which hath communicated its Name to all the Provinces under the Dominion of the Grand Czar, or Tzar. This Country is part of the European Sarma [...]i [...], or S [...]ythia; called also Russia Alba, or the Great Russia, whose ancient Inhabitants were the Rhuteni, or the Roxolani of Ptol. the Rossi, of Cedren. The Basternae Tacit. teste Willich. From thence some think it called Russia, others tell us 'tis called Russia from the colour of the Snow which colours the Fields for almost three Quarters of a year. 'Tis the Vastest Country in Europe: A Territory so large, that were it Peopled answerable to some other parts of the World, would either make it too great for one Prince, or that Prince too powerful for his Neighbours: But the Eastern parts thereof are vexed with the Asiatique Tartars, who, like Aesop's Dog, will neither dwell there, nor suffer the Muscovites. The Western parts almost as much harassed by the Swedes and Poles: The Southern by the Turks and European Tartars; and the Northern pinched by the coldness of the Air: This excess of cold in the Air was so vehement, that in the Year 1598, of 70000 Turks that made an Inrode into Muscovy, 40000 were frozen to death; and water, thrown up into the Air, will turn to Ice before it falls to the Ground: Nor is it an extraordinary thing for the Inhabitants to have their Noses, Ears, and Feet frozen off; such is their Winter. Nor is their Summer less Miraculous; for the heaps of frozen Snow, which covered the Surface of the Country, at the first approach of the Sun, are suddenly Dissolved, the Waters dried up, the Earth dressed in her gaudy Apparel; such a mature Growth of Fruits, such flourishing of Herbs, such chirping of Birds, as if there were a perpetual Spring: And though they Sow but in June, yet the Heats of July and August strangely quicken their Harvest.
The whole Country generally is overspread with Woods and Lakes: and is in a manner a continual Forest, irrigated by several Lakes and Rivers. Here grow the goodliest and tallest Trees in the World, affording shelter to multitudes of Cattel and Wild Beasts▪ whose Skins [...]re better than their Bodies; and here is the inexhaustible Fountain of Wax [Page 62] and Honey, as likewise all kinds of Fowl, and small Birds in great plenty; most sorts of Fish, excellent Fruits and Roots: especially Onions and Garlick: Here is the Corn of Rhezan and Volodimira, the Hides and Leather of J [...]rousl [...]u, the Wax and Honey of Plesow, the Tallow of Wol [...]gda, the Oyl and Cavayer about Volga, the Linnen and Hemp of great Novogrodt, the Pitch and Rosin of Duvin [...]z, the Salt of Asr [...]acan and Rostof, the [...]rmins and Sables, and black Foxes Furs of Siberia, where the Hunters have the Art to hit only the Noses of the Beasts, preserving their Skins whole and clean.
The Muscovites are naturally ingenious enough, yet not addicted to Arts or Sciences; they do not trouble themselves with the height of the Heavens, or the Magnitude of the Earth; they amuse not themselves with Syllogisms, nor wrangle whether Logick be an Art or Science. And the plainness and paucity of their Laws makes Atturnies and Sollicitors as useless there as Philosophers. Nor are they much addicted to Traffick and Husbandry, being naturally lazy, it must be force or necessity that compels them to labour. Drunkenness is very familiar with them, and Aqua-vitae or Tobacco, like the Liquor of Circe, turns them into Swine. They are great lyars, treacherous, crafty, malicious and revengeful, quarelsome, tho the height of their fury is Kicking; their Houses mean and ill-furnished, their Lodging is hard, and their Diet homely; born to slavery, and brought up in hardship.
They are for the most part fat and corpulent, strong of Body, and of good proportion, only great Bellies, and great Beards are in fashion; and the Women, though indifferent handsome, yet make use of Paint. They are much retired, and seldom in publick, very respectful to their Husbands, who look upon them as a necessary evil, beat them often, and treat them as slaves.
They only teach their Children to write and read; which suffices them, though they presume to be Doctors. They take for their Sirname, the proper name of their Father. They write upon Rolls of Paper, cut into long scrowles, and glu d (for 25 or 30 Ells) together; They wear long Robes, under which they have close Coats down to their knees, but they tye their Girdles under their Bellies: they make their Collations with spie'd Bread, Aqua-vitae, and Hydromel, that is, Wat [...]r and Honey mixt.
There are two things remarkable amongst the Muscovites, one is, that they begin the day at the rising of the Sun, and end it at the Sun-setting, so that their Night begins at the Suns-setting, and ends at its rising. The other is, they begin their year the first day [Page 63] of September, allowing no other Epoche than from the Creation of the world, which they think to be in Autumn, and they reckon 5508 years from the Creation of the World to the Nativity of our Saviour, whereas most of our Chronologers account but 3969.
As for their Armies, they generally consist of a 100000 or 200000, but then you must count the Beasts. Botis Frederowitz Grand Duke of Moscovy, toward the beginning of this Age, appeared with an Army of 300000 Men. Alexis Michaelowitz after the defeat of Stephen Radzin, had an Army no less numerous, when the dispute was about stopping the Turks Progress into Poland. Infantry is better esteemed by them than Cavalry, being more able to sustain a Siege, and patiently to endure all imaginable hardships, rather than yeild; as they did in our times at the Castle of Vilna, and in the Fortress of Notebourg. As to the forming a Siege, the Muscovites understand little, as they made appear before Smolensko 1633, before Riga 1656, and before Azac 1673. Their Forts are generally of Wood or Earth, upon the windings of Rivers, or else in Lakes. The chiefest strength of the Kingdom consists in Forreign Forces, to whom they give good allowances in time of War. The Prince bears the Title of Grand Duke, he boasts himself descended from Augustus, and stiles himself Grand Czar, or Tzaar, that is to say, Caesar. The habits which he is said to wear, make him look like a Priest: they that treat with his Ambassadors have the greatest trouble in the world to give him his Titles, because of their so extraordinary pretensions. In the year 1654, to the end he might make War in Poland, and uphold the Cossacks; the Great Duke pretended, that some of the Polish Lords had not given him his due Titles; and that they had Printed Books in Poland in derogation of his Honour. One of his Predecessors was so cruel, that he caus'd the Hat of a French Ambassador to be nailed to his head, because he refus'd to be uncovered in his presence. He commands absolutely, and the Muscovites call themselves his Slaves; and he calls them in contempt by a diminutive name, Jammot Pierrot. His will is a Law to his Subjects, who hold it for an undeniable truth, that the will of God and the Great Duke are immutable. His Treasure is very large, for he heaps up all the Gold and Silver he can lay his hands on, in his Castles of Diolikzen and V [...]l [...]gda, and never makes his Presents or his Payments but in Skins or in Fish, or else in some few Hides, or Pieces of Cloth of Gold.
The Religion of the Muscovites differs little from that of the Greeks: For they follow their Faith, their Rites and their Ceremonies. The principal part of their Devotion after they are Baptized, consists in the Invocation of their Saints, for every house hath its Saint Pictured, and hung up against the wall with a small Wax-candle before it, which [Page 64] they light when they say their Prayers. The Pictures of the Virgin Mary, and of St. Nicholas their Patron, are in great Veneration amongst them. And the sign of the Cross is the ordinary Preface to all their Civil Actions. On Sundays and their Festival Days, they go three times to Church, Morning, Noon, and Evening, and are standing, and uncovered at the time of Divine Service. Besides their Ordinary Fasts on Wednesdays, Fridays, and the Eves before Holidays, they have four Lents every year during which they eat neither Butter, Eggs, nor Milk, only the first week of their chief Lent serves them as a Carnaval, but after this the most strict of them eat no Fish but on Sundays, and drink nothing but Quaz or fair water.
They commonly take the Communion on a Fasting-day, at Noon-service, and if any one receives it on a Sunday, he must not eat Flesh that day. 'Tis administred in both kinds with Leavened Bread, and Wine mingled with warm water. They believe no Transubstantiation, nor reckon no Adultery but marrying another mans Wife. They believe no Purgatory, but hold two distinct places where the Souls remain that are separated from the Bodies. Yet allow Prayers for the Dead. They hold Baptism of great Importance. And admit Children of seven years old to come to the Sacrament. All their Images are in flat Painting. They never feast but upon the Annunciation of the Virgin. They have a Patriarch at Musco, the chief of their Religion. Three Archbishops or Metropolitans at Rosthou, at Susdal, and at Grand Novogrode: Bishops at Wologda, at Resan, at Susdal, at Twer, at Toboleska, at A [...]racan, at Casan, at Plescou, at Colomna; and almost in all the Provinces of the Great Duke, being all chosen out of the body of their Monks. They have this good quality, that they force no mans Conscience; they hate the Roman Catholicks for the exorbitances committed by them, when the Polander's became Masters of Musco, in the year 1611. But there are likewise some Idolaters of them toward the North.
Muscovy is divided into two parts, the Southern and the Northern; that toward the River Volga, this toward Duvina. Volga, it was the Rhe of Ptol. Tertaris, Thamar Armenis, the greatest River in Europe, throws it self into the Caspian Sea, after it has rowl'd above seven hundred Leagues. The Duvine, after it has run by the Cities of most Trade in Muscovy, by six mouths empties it self into the Gulf, or St. Nicholas, which is called the White Sea, because of the now that environs it.
The Donn, which separates Europe from Asia, begins not above a hundred Leagues from the place where it ends, and yet it winds above six hundred miles, first toward the East, and then toward the West, [Page 65] formerly a conjunction of these three Rivers was designed, to the end the principal Seas of our Continent might have participated one with another, to facilitate the Trade of the Ocean, Mediterranean and Caspian, but the contrivance fail'd. There are few good Cities in these parts, none or very few being pav'd, and those that be, are pav'd with Wood; very few Fortified or Wall'd, but have till'd Land between the Streets. The Houses are low and made of Wood and Loine, a Man may go to Market and buy one of these Houses ready built, and so to be carried away; great fires happen oft'times, by reason both of their Timber buildings, and for that the combustible matter is easily set on fire by the great quantity of Tapers which they light before their Images, and which the Muscovites, who are very apt to be drunk, take no care to put out.
Musco, which is the Capital City, and the Residence of the Grand Duke, seems rather to be a huge heap of Hamlets, than a good City. It had above 40000 Houses, but now there are far less, since it has been so often plundred by the Lesser Tartars, and the Poles; and especially since the last fire that happened there. It hath three Walls, one of Brick, another of Stone, a third of Wood, separating the four Quarters of the Town. The greatest Ornament of the City are the Churches, of which St. Michael's is the chief, in which the Tombs of the Tzars are placed; the Steeples of the Churches are covered with Copper, whose glittering seems to redouble the brightness of the Sun, called Cremelena.
The Tzars Castle is about two miles in Circumference, and contains two fair Palaces, one of Stone, and the other of Wood built after the Italian fashion; besides the Imperial Court, there are several other spacious Palaces, for the Bojor's or Nobility, as also for Priests, amongst which that of the Patriarch is the most Magnificent, and over against the Czars Palace is a fair Church built after the Model of the Temple of Jerusalem, from whence it is so called; near to which is the great Market for all Wares and Merchandizes. Volodimere, the Residence of the Prince before Musco was, lies in the most fertile part of all Muscovy, defended by a Castle. The Rivers of Musco and Occa are those whereby the Merchants convey their Goods by Water to the Volga. Little Novogrode is the last Village in Europe, toward the East; Pleskou is well Fortified, as being the Bulwark against the Poles and Swedes. Novogrode the Great, has been one of the four Magazines of the Hans Towns, and a Town so Rich and Potent, that the Inhabitants were wont to say, Who can withstand God and great Novogorod? But in the year 1577, the Great Duke Ivan Vasilowitz took it, and carried away (as 'tis reported) [Page 66] a hundred Waggons laden with Gold and Silver; yet it is still a Town of great Trade; in the year 1611 it was taken by the Swedish General Pontus de la Gardie; and in the year 1613, redelivered to the Tzar of Muscovy upon the Articles of Peace. Archangel is the Staple of all Muscovy, by reason of its Haven: The Duties paid at coming in and going out, amount to above six hundred thousand Crowns a year. The English were the first that began to send their Ships thither; since they have been followed by other Nations of Europe. Formerly the Trade of Muscovy was driven by passing through the Sound, and putting in at Nerva, but the great Impositions put upon the Merchandizes, by the Princes through whose Countries they were to pass, made them forsake that place. Rezan was the place that held out when the Tartars had taken Muscow; the Governour whereof when he had got the Original of the Articles of the Treaty Signed by the Grand Czar from the Tartarian General, refused to surrender the Town, or deliver back the Schedule, which was the occasion of the Tartars overthrow, and the recovery of Moscovy, and the taking of Casan, Astracan, &c. St. Nicholas also drives a great Trade at the entry of the Duvine. These are the only places that belong to the Grand Duke upon the Ocean. Troitza near Muscow, is the most beautiful Convent in all Muscovia, whether the Grand Tzars do usually go in Pilgrimage twice every year. Colmogorod is renowned for the Fairs that are kept there in Winter time: The Duvine bears great Vessels to that place so called. Oustioug is in the middle, of the Country, where it drives a good Trade, as being Seated in a place where two Rivers meet. Besides the White Sea is full of Shoals and Rocks at the entry into it and then the Snows melting, and the Torrents swelling in the Spring-time, carry the Water with such an impetuosity, that Ships can hardly get in; however there is great store of Salmon caught there. Kola and Pitzora in Lapland receive Trading Vessels.
As for the Conquests of the Great Duke in Asiatic Tartary, the principal places we Astracan and Casan, which bear the Title of Kingdoms, besides Zavolha, and Nagaia. Then Casan is a great City, with Walls and Towers of wood, seated upon a Hill. 'Tis Inhabited by Russians and Tartars, but the Cittadel is Walled with Stone, and kept only by Russians; Astracan was formerly the Seat of the Nagayan Tartars, it lyes at the mouth of the River Volga in the Island Delgoy 50 Dutch Leagues from the Caspian Sea; 'tis environed with a strong Stone-wall, upon which are seated 500 Brass Cannon, besides a strong Garison. Its many Towers and lofty Piles of Buildings makes a noble prospect. 'Tis a place of great Traffick, especially for Silk. In this Country [Page 67] grows the Plant Zoophyte, that resembles a Lamb, it devours all the Herbs round about the Root; and if it be cut, it yields a liquor as red as blood: the Wolves devour it as greedily as if it were Mutton. Locomoria toward the Obi, is inhabited by People, who, they say, are Frozen up six months in the year, because they live in Tents environ'd with Snow, and never stir forth till it be melted. They are broad faced, with little Eyes, their Heads on one side, and bigger than the proportion of their Bodies requires; short Legs, and Feet extreamly big. Thus they appear clad in Skins, with a piece of wood instead of Shoes, these Skins they wear in the Winter, with the hairy side inward; in Summer, with the hair outward: to sew them, they make use of the small bones of Fish, and the Nerves of Beasts instead of Needles and Thred; they are the best Archers in the world. The Fingoeses express their thoughts better by their throats than by their tongues. These Countries go all under the Name of Siberia, a Province which affords the fairest and the richest Furrs, and whither the Lords in disgrace are banisht. The River Pesida bounds it, for no man dares go beyond it, though Horses and several other things have been seen, which make us believe that it is as considerable as Cathay, which cannot be far from it.
Of Poland.
POLONIA, or Poland, which was formerly but a part of Sarmatia, is now a Kingdom of as large extent as any in Europe. It is an aggregate Body, consisting of many distinct Provinces, United into one Estate, of which Poland the Chief, hath given Name to the rest. It is 800 miles in length, and the breadth comprehending Livonia, is almost as much.
[Page 69]According to the Polish and Bohemian Historians, they were with the Bohemians Originally Croatians, descended from the Sclaves, and brought into these parts by Zechus and Lechus, two Brethren banished out of their own Country. But this is refuted by Cromerus. The more general opinion, is that they were Sarmatians, who upon the departure of the German Nation towards the Roman Frontiers, flocked hither, and by reason of their common Langave or mixture with the Sclaves of Illyricum, thus accounted; and being united in the common Name of Sclaves, setled in that part which we now call Poland; the Estate hereof being much improved by the Conquest of many Sarmatian Counties. But whether Zechus and Lechus the Founders of the two Nations, by all Historians, were Strangers or Native Inhabitants, is uncertain, since all ancient History is silent herein. The time when these should arrive here, according to Historian reports, was Anno 649 under Lechus, a time indeed near unto the general flittings of the Barbarous and Northern Nations, and therefore the more probable. In Anno 963 they Received the Gospel; Anno 1001, they had the Title of King conferred upon them by Otho the Emperour. His Revenue is computed to be 600000 Crowns per Annum, arising from Salt, and Tin, and Silver Mines: His Houshold Expences, and Daughters Portions being at the Publick Charge. Nor do the Wars at any time exhaust his Treasure. It is very Fertile in Rye, Wax and Honey. Other Commodities are, Flax, Masts, Cordage, Boards, Wainscots, Timber, Rosin, Tar, Pitch, Match, Iron, Pot-Ashes, and Brimstone. It is well Furnished with Flesh, Fowl, and Fish; Rich in Furrs, the fairest of which are brought thither out of Muscovy. Near Cracovia, or Crakou, they dig Salt out of the Famous Salt-Pits that make a kind of City under Ground, and yield a great Revenue. They boyl it in Russia, but in Podolia the Sun makes it. They have the Conveniency both of the Black and Baltick Seas; but are not addicted to Traffick, neither are they well provided with hips. The Rivers called the Vistula, & Vistillus Plin. Istula Ptol. Visula Mela. Bisula Amin. Vulge Wixel vel Weixel. Weissel Incolis. Vistule Gal. Vistula Ital. The Niemen, the Chronus of Ptol. Memel Ger. Niemen Sclavis, test. Cromero & Decio. But by Rithaym. & Eras. Pergel. [...], Sheld. And the Duina, or Duna, empty themselves into the Baltick. The Borysthenes, Arist. &c. Naparis Herod. Dnieper Decio. Brisna Lunel. Beresina Pucer & Eberstenio Dnester & Nester Cromero. Nieper Mr. Cluver. Briet. The Bogg, Hypanis Arist. Herod. Plin. &c. And the Niester, the Tyras of Herod. Ptol. Tyra of Strab. & Plin. now the Nester, or Niester, Teste Cromer & Eberstin. into the Black Sea. The Vistula runs by very fair Cities, but the Mouths of Borysthenes under the Jurisdiction of the Turk, who, in the year 1672, [Page 70] took the Ʋkraine into his Protection, having subdued all Podolia, after the Surrender of the Fortress Kamienick. This Kingdom is Elective, being the only place in Europe where the People at this day freely retain and practise the Privilege to Elect their King; yet the next of the Blood-royal commonly succeeds.
The Government is an Aristocratical Monarchy, where the Senators have so much Authority, that when we name the Quality of the State, we may call it the Kingdom and Commonwealth of Poland. The Senate is composed of Arch-Bishops, Bishops, Palatines, Principal Catellains, and Great Officers of the Kingdom. The Prince, like the King of Bees, or a Royal Shadow, cannot Act against his Nobles, without the Consent of the Senators: Yet his Dignity is so far considered, that never any one Attempted against the Life of any of his Predecessors. Their Kings were more anciently Free and Soveraign; but by the common calamity of Elective States now bereft of Royal Right and Prerogatives, having limited power, Governing according to the strict Laws and Directions of the Council and Diet, who solely have full liberty to consult of and determine the main affairs of the Kingdom: These are of two sorts, 1. The Senate aforesaid: 2. The General Diets which are composed of the Orders aforesaid of the Senate or Council, and of the Delegates of each Province, and chiefer City, sent in the name of the rest of the Nobility. These are for the more high and important businesses of Republick Kingdoms, not determinable by the Senate.
Warsaw, or Varsovia, is usually the place of Election, and Crakow, or Cracovia, that of the Coronation. The Arch-Bishop of Guesna, Primate of the Kingdom, Crowns the King, and has almost all the Authority during the Interregnum; for then he presides in the Senate, and gives Audience to Embassadors. He also contests with the Cardinals for Precedency; and therefore there are few in Poland. His Revenue is above 150000 Livres a year. The Kingdom has three Orders; the Church, the Nobility, and the Third Estate, which comprehends all those which are not of the Nobility.
Though all sorts of Religions are here to be found, yet the Roman Catholick is most predominant, therefore the Clergy are next in Superiority, to the King; and then the Palatines and Castellans. Written fixed Laws they have but a few, if any; Custom and Temporary Edicts being the Rule both of their Government and Obedience.
The Polanders wear long Garments, shave their Hair upon the Chin, and leave only one tufft of Hair upon their Heads, in Remembrance of Casimir the First, whom they fetched out of a Monastery to be their [Page 71] King. They are generally handsome, tall, well Proportioned; good Soldiers, and speak the Latin Tongue very fluently. The Gentry are more Prodigal than Liberal; Costly in their Apparel, Delicious in their Diet; very free and liberal, but the Peasants no better than Slaves. The Absolute Power they pretend to, and ill Usages of the Nobles towards the Commonalty, and Feuds one with another, was certainly the cause of the Revolt of the Cossacks, and produced all the Disorders in the Kingdom. Their Cavalry is very considerable; insomuch, that if they were but United, they might be able to bring into the Field above an 100000 Horse. The Confidence they have therein, and their Fear to render a Knight or a Burgher too Potent, has made them Neglect Fortifying their Towns. Their Horses are of a middle size, but quick and lively; pompously Harnessed in Silk, Gold, Silver, and Precious Stones. Their Weapons are generally a Scymitar, Sword, Battle-Ax, Carbine, Bows and Arrows. The Cossacks had always a peculiar Discipline in War, though they were the same Nation. At first, they were Voluntiers that made Incursions upon the Turk and Tartars. King Bathors reduced them into a Body, and joyned to them two thousand Horse, to whom he assigned the fourth part of his Revenue. Their Habitations are in the lower parts of Volhinia and Podolia, which they call the Ʋ kraine; which Country is the best Peopled, and the most Fertile in all Poland. There are other Cossacks that live in the Islands of the Borysthenes, which is not Navigable, by Reason of the Falls, which they call Porowis. Their Custom was formerly to put to Sea with several flight Vessels, and to plunder the Territories of the Great Turk that lye upon the Black Sea. Some years since, these People Revolted, notwithstanding the Lot which was offered them of Kudack upon the Borysthenes, and began the Misfortunes of the Kingdom; for they Leagued themselves with the lesser Tartars, and put themselves into the Great Turks Protection: Insomuch that we may safely say, that the Invasion of the Swedes, the Hostilities of the Muscovites, the Irruption of the Transylvanians, the Treachery of the Cossacks, the Rebellion of whole Armies in Poland and Lithuania, the different Factions of the Kingdom, the Contests of the Neighbouring Nations, gave a cruel Blow to this Crown, and were the causes that moved the Great Turk to make War upon them.
Poland contains Ten great Divisions; four to the West, and upon the Vistula: Poland, Mazovia, Cujavia, and Prussia the Royal. Six toward the East; and to the West of Borysthenes, Lithuania, Samogitia, Polaquia, Nigra Russia, Volhinia, and Podolia. These Provinces have been gained, for the most part, either by Arms, or Alliances. They are divided [Page 72] into Palatinates, the Palatinates into Castellains, and the Castellains into Captainships. They call the Government of places Starosties. Besides these Provinces, there is one part of Muscovia, which was yielded to the Muscovite in the year 1634; after that Ladislaus the Fourth before he was King, had the year before valiantly Relieved Smolensko, and reduced to utmost Extremity an Army of an hundred thousand Muscovites, who were constrained to ask him Pardon to save their Lives. That Treaty which they call the Treaty of Viasma, gained to Poland, Smolensko, Novogrodeck, Sevierski: Czernihou, and other places. The Truce for thirteen years, beginning February 1667, leaves the Grand Duke of Muscovy in the Possession of Smolensko; as also of that part of the Ʋkraine, to the East of Borysthenes, and regain'd to the Crown of Poland, Dunenbourg, Pol [...]czk and Witepski. Ducal Prussia (where stands Konigsberg, or Mons Regius, a fair City, University, and Mart) generally by our Seamen called Queenborow, belonging to the Elector of Brandenburgh, who is absolute Sovereign of it, independent from Poland. The City is so much the bigger, because it incloseth two others within the same circuit of Walls. Pinau and Memel are two Forts upon the Sea, of the greatest concernment of any in that Dominion. Curland is a Dukedom, for which the Duke, of the House of Ketler, does Homage to the Crown: His Residence is at Mitaw, the chief of the Province of Semigallia in Livonia; near this City Zernesky the Polish General, and Lubermisky the great Chancellor, vanquished the Swedish Army, and killed 14000 upon the place. And Vindaw was the Seat of the great Master of the Teutonick Order.
Poland, the best Peopled, is Divided into Ʋpper and Lower. In the first stands Cracovia, or Crackow the chief City in all Poland, where the Kings and Queens are Crowned: Inhabited by a great Number of Germans, Jews, and Italians, encompassed with two strong Walls of Stone; on the East-side is the Kings Castle, on the West a Chappel, where the Kings are Interred. Upon the Confines of Silesia stands the City of Czentochow, with the Cloyster of Nostre-dame of Clermont; an extraordinary strong place, and which the Swedes Besieged in vain twice, in the Years 1655, and 1656. Sandomiria, or Sendomierz, a Walled Town and Castle upon a Hill. Lublin, or Lublinium, is a Walled Town, with a strong Castle Environed with Waters and Marishes. Here are held three great Fairs at the Feasts of Pentecost, St. Simon and Jude, and at Candlemas, and much resorted unto by Merchants. The Lower Poland, though lesser than the Higher, is nevertheless called Great Poland; because it is more a part of the Kingdom than the other. The City of Guesna there Seated, in the Palatinate of Kalish, is very [Page 73] Ancient, and the Seat of the first Kings; so called from an Eagles Nest, which was found there while it was Building, and which gave Occasion to the King of Poland to bear Gules, an Eagle Argent Crown'd, Beak'd and Armed Or, bound under the Wings with a Ribband of the same. Kalick, Calisia, is a Walled Town upon the Prosna, naming the Country. The Province of Mazovia only has above thirty or forty thousand Gentlemen, the most part Catholicks; Warsovia, Warsaw, is the Capital thereof, and of the whole Kingdom, in regard the General Diets are kept there, and because its Castle is the Kings Court. In Cujavia stands the City Wladislau, where the Houses are Built of Brick; and the Lake Gopla out of which came the Rats that Devoured King Popiel. Posnania, or Posen, is a Bishops See seated amongst Hills upon the River Warsa, fairly built of Stone, subject to Inundations, chief of the Palatinate. In which is also Miedzyrzecze, a strong Town upon the Borders of Schlesia, impregnably seated amongst Waters and Marshes. Koscien, a double Walled Town amongst dirty Marshes. Sivadia, Sirad, a Walled Town and Castle seated upon the River Warsa, naming the Country; sometimes a Dukedom belonging to the second Sons of the Kings of Poland. Lancicia, Lancitz, a Walled Town with a Castle mounted on a Rock, upon the River Bsura. Rava, built all of Wood, with a Castle naming the Palatinate. Plozko and Dobrzin, are two Palatinates on the other side of the Nieper. Prussia Royal, which, belongs to the King of Poland, are several Cities, which the Knights of the Teutonick Order Built: The Lakes and the Sea-Coast afford great store of Amber. Marienburgh, Mariiburgum, is a strong Town, where Copernicus was born; a Town of good Trade, with a fair Wooden Bridge over the Vistula. Dantzick, Gedanum, one of the Capital Hans-Towns, drives all the Trade of Poland, and has not its equal over all the Baltick Sea: It is a Free Town, and is Priviledged to send Deputies to the States of the Kingdom. The King of Poland has some Rights there upon Entry of Goods, and upon the Custom. The City of Elbing contends for Priority in the States of Prussia. The Generous Resolution of the Towns-men to maintain the Authoriry of their King against the Swedes, without accepting the Neutrality, was the Preservation of the whole Kingdom.
Lithuania is the greatest Province of all those which compose the Estates of the Crown of Poland. It received the Christian Religion 1389, United to Poland 1569. It has the Title of a Grand Dukedom, wherein there are also to this day as many great Officers as in the Kingdom of Poland. The Country is so full of Marshes and Sloughs, that there is no Travelling in Winter for the Ice. Vilna, the Capital City, incloses so many sorts of Religions, that there is no City in the [Page 74] World where God is Worshipped after so many different ways, unless in Amsterdam; a Liberty too much allowed in most parts of Christendom, but rara temporum felicitas. There are also in Lithuania eight parts or Palatinates, viz Breslaw, M [...]sco, Mscizlaw, Novogrodeck, Poloczk, Troki, Vilna and Witepsk, as also the Dutchy of Smolensko, Novogrodeck, Czernihou, with the Territories of Rohaczow and Rzeczych and Sluckz, whose chief places bears the same name; other chief places of Note in Lithuania you may find in the Map. Samogitia is a Country where the Inhabitants live very poorly; it hath no Palatinate, but its chief place is Rosienne, whose houses are built of Mud, and Straw-walls, teste Sans. Polaquia communicates her Name to the Polanders, who call themselves Polacks, as Descended from Lechus, their first Prince. Its chief places are, Bietsk [...], the strong Augustow, and the well Fortified Tycassin, or Tywckzin, where the Kings Treasure is kept. Russia Nigra has several Names; some call it Black Russia, by Reason of the Woods; others Red, because of the colour of the Earth; and some Meridional, because of its Situation towards the South. Leopol, or Lemberg, an Archbishoprick, is the Principal City, but Zamoski the stronger; it contains also the Castelwicks of Chilm and Blez, and this is by most Geographers esteemed to be in the Higher Poland. Volhinia claims for her Capital, Kiou, Polonis. Kioff, Germanis; an Ancient City, having once 300 fair Churches, but destroyed by the Tartars; still a Bishops See, acknowledging the Patriarch of Moschow, and of the Communion of the Greek Church; Seated upon the Borysthenes, where the Cossacks have often had their Retreats: It was once the Seat of the Russian Emperors. Taken and destroyed by the Tartars 1615, and now said to be taken by the Turks in the War 1678. In Podolia stands the well Fortified and Impregnable Kamienick olim Clepidava teste Cleaver, which has formerly withstood the Armies of the Turks, the Lesser Tartars, the Transylvanians, and the Walachians; but at length was forced to yield to the Power of the Grand Signior, in the Year 1672; since re-taken by the Poles, but by the last Treaty delivered to the Turks; as is also Oczakow the Axiace of Strab. Plin. & Ptol. 1684. the Fortress of Jaslowic in Podolia was surrendred, which consisted of 500 men. And Dassow at the Mouth of the Borysthenes.
In the year 1626, the Cossacks entred the Bosphorus with 150 Sail of Saicks or Boats, each Boat carrying 50 armed men, and have 20 Oars on a side, and two men to an Oar; and on the Grecian-shore burnt Boyno-devi and Yenichioi, on the Asian-side Stenia, and put Constantinople into a general Consternation.
[Page 75]On the Banks of the River Niester Count Esterhasi fell upon the reer of the Turks, killed 500 on the place, took their Baggage with divers Prisoners, and gave liberty to many Christian slaves. The next day he charged another party, kill'd a great Number, and got a considerable Booty. And afterwards having got more Recruit, he joyned Battel with them, and slew 1200 on the place, gave liberty to 1400 Christians, took divers of their Commanders, with their Bag and Baggage, with much Gold and Silver in Plate and Money.
1624 forty thousand Horse of Tartars enters into Podolia, and made Incursions as far as Socal, but at Burstinow were overthrown, thirty thousand slain, and two thousand Prisoners taken, the greatest defeat that was ever given to the Tartars.
Upon a Hill between Tyr River and Chocin, the Turks an Tartars being 60000 under Abassa, received a great loss by Konispotzki the Polish General, with 2500 Horse 1684.
Lesser Tartary.
THE Lesser Tartary which lyes in Europe, is so called to distinguish it from the Grand, which makes part of Asia; it is also called Percopensis, and Crim, from the names of the principal Cities, situated in the Peninsula; formerly called Taurica Chersonesus. The Nogays Tartars must not be omitted, that lye between Tanais and Volga, nor the Tartars of Ocziakou, between the mouth of Borysthenes and the Niester; nor [Page 77] the Tartars of Budziack already mentioned, to the East of Moldavia, between the mouths of the Niester and Donaw. Besides all these, there are some that are settled also in Lithuania and the Ʋkraine, adjoyning to the Black Sea.
The Black Sea is very Tempestuous; so named, and so famed from the terrible and frequent Shipwracks that happen in it, for want of skilful Pilots, and good Havens. And the people that Inhabit about it, are naturally barbarous and wicked, without any Religion, and under no Government.
The Circumference of this Sea was reckoned by Eratostenes, Hecataeus, Ptol. and Ammianus, Marcellinus, to be 23000 Stadia, or 2875 miles.
The Thracian Bosphorus is certainly one of the comeliest parts of the World, the Chanel is about 15 miles in length, and about two in breadth in most parts. The Shores consist of rising grounds covered over with Houses of Pleasure, Woods, Gardens, Parks, delightful Prospects, lovely Wildernesses, watered with thousands of Springs and Fountains; upon it are seated four Castles well fortified with great Guns, two, eight miles from the Black Sea, and the other two near the mouth of the Chanel, built not above forty years ago to prevent the Cossacks, &c. from making Inroads with their Barks.
Palus Maeotis is by the Turks called Baluck, Denguis, that is Mare Piscium, for 'tis incredible what a number of Fish is caught in that Lake. And 'tis reported that they usually take Fish there, which weigh eight or nine hundred pounds, and of which they make three or 400 weight of Caveer. Their Fishing lasts from October to April. The waters do not rise or fall, though it partakes of the River Tanais, and the intercourse of the Euxine Sea.
From the Chanel of Palus Maeotis to Mingrelia 'tis reckoned 600 miles along the Coast, which consist of pleasant Mountains, covered with Woods, Inhabited by the Circassians, by the Turks called Cherks, by the Ancients Zageans, by P. Mela, Sargacians, a Country reckoned by the Turks not worth the Conquering, nor the charge of keeping.
The Commodities that the Turks exchange for with the Inhabitants are Slaves, Honey, Wax, Leather, Chacal-skins, a Beast like a Fox, but bigger; and Zerdavas, which is a Fur that resembles a Martin, with the Furs of other Beasts that breed in the Circassan Mountains. The Cherks are a people altogether Savage, of no Religion, unfaithful and perfidious. They live in Wooden Huts, and go almost naked. And the women till and manure the Ground. They are sworn enemies to those that live next to them, and make slaves one of another. They live upon [Page 78] a kind of Paste made of a very small grain like to a Millet. But of this Country little is known to us, and what is discovered is by means of the Slaves that are brought from thence into Turkia, who are in a manner Savages, from whom nothing of certainty is to be expected.
Crim Tartary is a Peninsula about 200 miles in length, and 50 in breadth, wonderfully populous, and exceeding fruitful, abounding in Corn and Grass, but Wood and Fuel is scarce.
The Towns on the Sea-side are Precop, Lus lowa, Mancup, Crim, Caffa, Kers and Arbotka, which lies between the Black and Moeotan or Ratten Seas, near to which is a great field 50 miles long, enclosed with water, where the Tartars in Winter do keep their Hergees or Horses.
Within the Land are Carasu, and Bakessy Seray. The Town of Astamgorod stands upon the Neiper, in former times there dwelt in it two Brothers Ingul and Ʋngul; who falling at variance, and that ending in cruel Wars, the whole Country adjacent (though pleasant and fruitful) became a Wilderness, and now lyeth waste, being a vaste Desart 500 miles over, and a thousand miles long, from Precop unto the County of Muscovy.
Caffa, known to the Ancients by the name of Theodosia, is a great Town, and place of good Trade, wherein are reckoned 4000 Houses, 3000 Inhabited by Mahometans, Turks, and Tartars, about 1000 families of Armenians, and Greeks, who have their several Bishops and Churches, that of St. Peters is the biggest, but fallen to decay; every Christian above 15 years of Age pays a Piaster and half, Tribute to the Grand Signior, who is Lord of the City; which is guarded with two Castles, the Castle upon the South-side commands all the parts; there are Boats, and is the Residence of the Bassa. Provisions of all sorts are very good and cheap. Their chief Trade is Salt-fish, Caveer, Corn, Butter and Salt. Formerly possessed by the Genoese, but taken by Mahomet the Great 1574 hath since been subject to the Turks. In 1627, it was besieged and taken by the Cossacks, 750 miles reckoned from Constantinople.
Precop, in Latin Precopia, Seated near the place where stood the Eupeterea of the Ancients. Bakessy Serai, or Basha Serrail is the Residence or Court of the present Kans of Tartary. Mancup is a Strong Town where the Kan is said to keep his Treasury.
German or Crim was the ancient Seat of the Kans, supposed to be the Taphrae or Pliny, or Taphras of Ptolomy.
Kers, stands upon the Bosphorus Cimerius, or the streight of Capha, not far from the Panticapaeun of the Ancients. Oczakou is situated near the influx of the great River Borysthenes, built in or near the place of Olbia.
[Page 79] Tanas or Tanais of Ptolomy, situate 20 miles from the mouth of that River, is the last City in Europe now subject to the Turks, who have there a Garison, and by them called Azac, or Azow. 450 Miles from Caffa, and 1300 from Constantinople. In 1637 it was besieged and taken by the Muscovites and Cossacks. In the year 1641 it was not recovered, though with much blood and slaughter of the Army of Sultan Ibrahim; for it cost 3000 Spahees, 7000 Janizaries, and 800 other Soldiers, besides Moldavians, Walachians, and Tartars, and yet the Turks were forced to raise the Siege, and return home. However the next year it was abandoned by the Cossacks, and left a sad spectacle of despair and ruin.
The ancient Inhabitants of the European Tartary, or Sarmatia Europaea, were of the Scythian Race; but in Chersonese it self dwelt the ancient Tauri, against whom Darius King of Persia made his fruitless war, with an Army of 700000. In the actions of the Greeks and Romans we hear nothing of them, unless that the Emperor Trajan took the City Taphre. Afterwards growing great, by Conquering the Asiatique Tartars, Mahomet the Great made himself Master of Caffa and Azow, thereby Commanding both Moentis and the Euxine Seas. And in the time of Selimus the first, who had Married a Daughter of this Crim Tartar, the Turks and Tartars grew into a League: And though the Kan or Prince be Elective, yet he is Chosen out of the true Line, and confirmed by the Grand Signior, who have always taken upon them a Power to Depose the Father, and Constitute the Son, or next of that Lineage, when found remiss in affording their Auxiliary helps to the War, or guilty of any disrespect, or want of Duty to the Ottoman Port.
The Tartars are Esteemed as Brothers, or near Allies with the Turks, to whom, for want of Heirs Male in the Ottoman Line, the Turkish Empire is by an Ancient Compact to descend; the Expectation of which doth keep the Tartars in much Observance, in hopes one day to be Lords of the World.
In the Year 1663, the Tartars, called to the Assistance of the Turks, made such Incursions into Hungary, Moravia and Silesia, Sacking and Burning Cities and Towns, that they carried away 160000 Captives, which they Sell to the Turks, who go thither to Trade for this Merchandize, which is the most profitable Commodity that Tartary affords: Young Boys and Girls are rated at the highest price; the latter, if beautiful, are, like Jewels, held at an unknown Value, though few of them escape the Lust of the Tartars. They live very hardly, and feed especially on Horse-flesh, which dying in their March, they never examine his Disease, but putting the Flesh under their Saddles, baking it between the heat of the Horse and the Man, it is judged sufficiently prepared, a Dish fit for their Prince.
[Page 80]And as the Men are Nourished with a Diet of raw Flesh, Herbs, and Roots, such as the Earth Naturally produces, without the Concoction of Fire to prepare it for their Stomacks; so also their Horses are of a hardy Temperament, patient of Hunger and Cold, living usually upon Roots and Leaves of Trees.
Their Towns or Villages consist of Huts rather than Houses, or Hurdles made of sticks, and covered with a coarse Hair-cloth, of which Villages there are accounted 200000; so that taking one Man out of every Village, they quickly form an Army of so many Fighting men. These Portative Houses, which they call Cantares, they put them upon Wheels, and dwell in them more in the Summer, than in the Winter.
They never mind Sciences, but understand what they know by common sense; and therefore 'tis said of them, That they have eaten their Books, and carry them in their Stomacks.
They are said to be so much of the Nature of Dogs and Cats, that they are born blind, and do not see clear till after five days. Their Eyes are not very large, but very black; far asunder, but quick and piercing. They are rather little than big, but very large Limb'd: Their Breasts high and broad, their Necks short, their Heads big, their Noses flat, their Teeth white, their Faces round, their Complexion tanned, and their Hair black and coarse; whilst they are young, their Mothers bathe them in Salt-water to harden their Skin.
Some of them now grown Wealthy, by the Market of their Slaves, throw off their homely plads, to wear Sables; and some, more frugal, build Houses. Sir John Chardin tells us at Donslow or Salinae 50 miles from Caffa, there 200 Vessels are yearly laden with Salt, and that about a mile from that place was a Tartarian Habitation, but not above ten or twelve Houses with a little Mosque, only round about them were a great number of Tents round and square, very well closed, as also several Waggons, well closed and covered, which serve instead of Houses. He also tells us that some of their Tents were hung with Tapestry, as also the Floors covered with the same, and the outside covered with Furs; and every Family hath one of these Tents, and two others, one for their Slaves and Provisions, another for their Cattle. That they store up their Corn and Forage in deep Pits or Magazines under the Ground, as do most of the Eastern people. The Riotous and Dissolute addict themselves to Strong-waters, and a Drink called Beza, giving themselves up to a Gluttony as Brutish as that which is Natural unto Swine, having no Use of Sauces to provoke their Appetite, but rest delighted with the meer contentment of Idleness and a full Stomack.
[Page 81]I shall only add this account of Tartary by Massellini an Italian, Physician to the Grand Vizier: I for my part found Tartary a very pleasant Country, plentiful of all Provisions, and the people much more courteous and obliging to strangers and Christians than the Turks are. That as to their Morals few Nations less vicious, being extreamly severe and faithful, having no Thieves, or false Witnesses amongst them, little injustice or violence, and live together in union and peace. And that the captive Tartars in Poland are very faithful and just in whatsoever they promise, or are entrusted with.
Of MOLDAVIA.
[Page 82] MOLDAVIA has sometimes been called Great Walachia, and Walachia on this side the Mountains. It is very Rich in Honey and Wax, for which, the Tenths of the Prince amount Yearly to above 200000 Crowns. You shall meet with several Heaps of Stones, which they report to have been cast up by Darius King of Persia, when he made War against the Scythians. The Capital Cities thereof are, Jassi, or Jassum, the chief Town for Wealth and Trade. 2. Soczova, Soczow & Suchzow, was the Sucidava of Ptol. Ant. the Vaivod's Seat. 3. Chotezin, Arcobadara. Baud. a place of great strength near the Niester, and the Ordinary Magazine of the Country; the place where the Poles were Defeated under King Sigismund Augustus; and where King John Sobieski, a little before his Election, won the most memorable Victory in our Age. The Eastern part, called Bessarabia, lies upon the Black Sea, and belongs to the Grand Signior, who is Master of the Mouth of the Danow and Niester; and who uses all ways imaginable to Subdue the Rich Provinces of the Ʋkraine. Its chief places are Bialogrod, Bialogred Moldavis, Beligrad Turcis, a strong Town near the Mouth of the River. Kilia is the Callatia & Callacis Ant. Calatis Strab. & Plin. teste Laz. But Laonicus tells us that Callatia is now called Calliacra. And Niger saith 'tis called Pandalla, on the Euxine Sea. Ackerman Turcis, Moncastro Incol. is the Hermonassa Plin. & Mel. the Hermonactus Ptol. teste Nigro Nester Alba. Turcis teste Leuncl. Moncastro is the Tyras of Ptol. teste Herbersti. Zothezavia, Nigro, a strong place on the same Coast. The Plain of Budziack, 12 Leagues long, and half as broad, is possessed by the Dobruce Tartars, who are the greatest Robbers in those parts. They are about 15000, and lye about Bialigrod.
Of WALACHIA.
WALACHIA, which lies to the South-East of Transylvania, and extends along the Danaw, was called Walachia Transalpina, to distinguish it from Moldavia. It is watered by a great many Rivers. Some of the Mountains are enriched with Mines of Gold: And for the Horses, they are the best in Europe. The Prince, who is sometimes called Hospodar, and sometimes Waywode, that is to say, Chief of the Troops, Resides at Terwisch, Incol. Tervis Gal. Targovisco Ital. Tergowisch [Page 83] Germ. Tergovistus, or Tergoviscum. Lat. Auth. Olim Tiviscum Ptol. Taros & Turo teste Lazio. And pays to the Grand Signior 26000 Liures Annual Tribute. Its other places are, Brailano the Piroboridava of Ptol. teste Nigro, the Town of most Trade, Situate on the Danaw, memorable for the Destruction and Slaughter made by John the Vaivod of Moldavia.
Zorza, with its strong Castle, taken by Sigismund, Anno 1596.
Bucaresta is Remarkable for two Bridges; the one of Boats, laid by Sinan Bassa; the other of Stone, the Work of the Emperor Trajan.
Of TRANSYLVANIA.
TRANSYLVANIA, Erdeli Hung. Siedm-grodzka. Ziemea, Sclavis, is so called, as being Seated beyond the Woods, or rather Mountains, that separate it from Hungary. The Germans call it Sieben burghen, by reason of the Seven Cities which the Saxons Built there, viz. Hermanstat, Cronstat, Nosenstat, Medwich, Schiesburg, Clausenburg, and Weissenburg. The People of this Country are of two sorts, Cicules, or Zeklers, Saxons, or Hungarians. The Zeklers are said to come out of Tartary, or are rather the remains of the Hunns, who quitted their Names, that they might not be Odious to their Neighbours. They are settled chiefly in the Northern part; at Orbay, at Kisdi, at Czick, at Girgio, at Marous, at Arania, and Sepsi. Their Capital City is Newmark. The Saxons or Hungarians are Originally Descended from the Germans; and call themselves the Nobles of the Country. Hermanstadt Ger. Czeben & Zeben Hung. the Cibinium & Hermannopolis of the Ancients, yielded by the Turks 1659, after much Slaughter and a stout Resistance; is the Residence of the Prince, a strong City, well Fortified both by Art and Nature. Waradin, or Wardeyn, has been extraordinarily Fortified by the Turks, who have there made a Magazine of Arms ever since the Year 1660. Cronstat, Kronstat Germ. Brassow vel Brassowa Hung. Brassaw Incolis, the Patrovissa of Ptol. Stephanopolis, Corona & Praetoria Augusta, Vet. is Remarkable for a fair Library, and a kind of Academy, and the most Noted Empory of the Country. Nosenstadt, Germ. Bistritia & Bestercze Hung. the Nemidava Vet. [...] in Old Manuscripts; is a pleasant and sweet Town. Clausenburg Germ. Koloswar Hung. Claudiapolis, Vet. Zeugma Ptol. & aliis. Besieged by the Turks, [Page 84] Defended by D. Retani, and Relieved by Scheniden with 6000 Men 1661. But Lazius tells us that Zeugma is the Zazsebes Hung. or the Mulenbach Ger. three Leagues distant from Clausenburg towards the South, seated in a pleasant Plain, beautified with handsome Buildings, and is the Court of their Judicature.
Wassemburg, Germ. Gyula-Feieruar. Hung. Albajulia, or Alba-Giulia, the Apulum of Ptol. was the Ordinary Residence of the Prince, or Vayvod of Transylvania. Varhel Incolis, Gradisch Selavo, Veczol & Venecz, teste Lazio, is the Zarmigethusa, or Zarmisogethusa of Ptol. & Ʋlpia Trajana, Vet. Megies, or Medgis Hung. & Megeswar, Medwisch Germ. the Pirum of Ptol. Mediesus Lat. Segeswar Incol. Schiesburg Ger. Sciburgium is the Sandava of Ptol. teste Lazio. Janova Besieged by the Grand Vizier 1658, and taken.
The Country Naturally abounds with Wine, Corn, Fruit, and Cattel. The People are much of the same Nature with the Hungarians, to whom they have been for a long time subject, but are somewhat more stubborn and untractable; and speaking the same Language, with some difference in the Dialect only.
One of the Principal Revenues of Transylvania consists in Salt, which is chiefly made at Torda; from whence they send it into Hungary by the River Marish. There are also Mines of Gold and Silver, and sometimes great pieces of pure Gold are found in the Rivers, that weigh half a pound: So that the Hungarians, when they possessed Transylvania, called it their Treasury. There are several sorts of Religions in Transylvania; for Catholicks, Lutherans, and Calvinists had the free Exercise of their Religion there, ever since the beginning of this Age. The two Families of Bathori, and Ragotzi, have afforded this Country several Princes: It being made a Soveraignty in the Year 1512, by John Zapolia, by favour of Soliman the Great. The last Ragotzi, who was slain in Battel against the Turks, in the Year 1659, was the fourteenth Prince: He styl'd himself, By the Grace of God, Prince of the Kingdom of Transylvania, Lord of one part of Hungary, and Earl of the Ciculians. He paid Annually to the Grand Signior a Tribute of 30000 Dollars; the Ministers of the Port have advanced it to five hundred thousand Rix-dollars. The Emperor as King of Hungary, pretends to have the Right of Installation of the Prince of Transylvania: For the Emperor Rodolphus Established Botscai, upon Condition that the Principality should return, for defect of Issue Male.
The Ancient Inhabitants were the Anartes of Caesar, the Anarte of Ptol.
Of Hungaria.
HƲNGARIA Lat. Indiginis Maglar. Slavis Wagierska, Germanis Hungerland, Gallis Hungrie, Italis & Hispanis Ongaria, now vulgarly, but improperly called the Pannonia of the Ancients.
The ancient Inhabitants were the Jaziges, Metanastae of Ptol. included within the Rivers Danow and Tissa, and the Capatian Mountains: Part of the Dacii lying East of the River Tissa, or Tibiscus. The Paones [Page 86] or Pannonii inhabiting beyond the Danow, betwixt it and the Savas, afterwards it was the Seat of the Huns, Longabards and Avares, and lastly of the Hungarians. So called from the Huns and Avares, a people known by the Rapines they committed in several parts of Europe under Attila one of their Kings, whose mighty Acts, and numerous Forces are very remarkable. He it was that over-ran most part of Germany, and great part of Italy, that forced his way through all the Nations between him and France, beating down all the Towns and Fortresses before him. That compelled the Emperor Theodosius to buy his Peace at 6000 Pound-weight of Gold, and a yearly Tribute. Sacked and burnt A [...]quilea and M [...]l [...]n, fought the great Battel with Aetius the Roman General, where were ten Kings present, and 200000 slain.
Once a great and flourishing Kingdom, whose Dominions extended as far as the Adriatick and Euxine Sea. Now divided by the Danow into the Upper Hungary, lying North of the River; and the lower Hungary lying towards the South, containing before the Turkish Subjection, 54 Juridicial Resorts or Counties, Viz. Abanvivariensis, d'Abanvivar 1. Albensis, d'Ekekes-Feveruar 2. Arvensis d'Arva 3. Barsiensis de Bars 4. Barzodiensis de Barzod 5. Bathiensis, de Bath 6. Bihoriensis, de Debreczin 7. Bistriciensis, de Bistricz 8. Bogrogensis de Bodrogh 9. Castriferrensis, d' Sarvvar 10. Cepusiensis, de Czepuss 11. Chonadiensis, de Chonad 12. Comariensis, de Komara 13. Gevinariensis, de Gewinar 14. Hewesensis de Hewecz 15. Hontensis de Sag 16. Javariensis, de Gewer 17. Liptoviensis, de Lypeze 18. Moramarusiensis, de Moramaruss 19. Musoniensis, de Muzon 20. Nitriensis de Neytracht 21. Novigradiensis, de Novigrad 22. Orodiensis Czongrad 23. Pelysiensis Pelicz 24. Peregiensis, de Peretzaz 25. Pestensis, de Pest 26. Ptosegiensis de Posega 27. Posoniensis, de Poson 28. Risiensis, de Kreiss at Creutz 29. Sagoriensis, de Sellia 30. Saladiensis de Salavvar 31. Sariensis, de Saraz 32. Semlyniensis, de Semlyn 33. Sigetensis, de Szygeth 34. Simigiensis, de Zegzard 35. Sirmiensis, de Szerem 36. Soproniensis, de Sopron 37. Strigoniensis, de Gran 38. Temesuensis de Temesuar 39. Toln [...]nsis, de Tolna 40. Torantaliensis, de Thurtur 41. Tornensis, de Torna 42. Transchiniensis, de Transchyn 43. Turocensis, de Owar 44. Valconiensis, de Valpon 45. Varadiensis de Varadin 46. Varaniensis, de Baranguar 47. Vesprimiensis, de Vesprim 48. Ugoghensis, de Ugoza 49. Unghensis, de Unghuuar 50. Zabolcensis, de Chege 51. Zagrabiensis de Zagrabia 52. Zatmariensis, de Zatmar 53. Zolnocensis, de Zolnock 54.
First, Invaded by Amarah the second Ottoman Emperor of the Turks, with almost incredible numbers of men, who yet found that the valiant [Page 87] off-spring of the once Victorious Huns were not so easily subdued, but stood as the Bulwark of the Christian World for 300 years, putting a stop to the Turkish Conquest, and further Invasion into the other parts of Europe, no other Nation being able to check their unruly rage, nor set bounds to their Empire. Yet such was the unhappy fate of that people, that after long Wars sundry Victories, and brave Resistances, it was for the greatest part inthralled to the Turks, the rest containing about a third part, obeyed the German Emperor of the House of Anstria, Descended from Anne Sister to Lewis the Second, the last Native Prince, slain by Solyman at the Battel of Mohacz.
But those that write the History of Hungary, tell us that though scruples of Conscience, and Contests about Religion, have been the pretentions of the Discontents and Rebellions there, yet Ambition and Soveraignty have been the cause of the Wars and miseries of that bleeding Country. That their own Divisions indeed contributed to their Subjection; for neither the Roman Eagle, nor the Ottoman Crescent had waved proudly over their lofty Towers, had not the Civil Dissentions of the Inhabitants by wounding deep each others bosoms, made way for the enemy.
The Soil of Hungary is very fertile; the Plains, which are exceeding lovely, bear Corn in abundance; and the little Hills produce excellent Wines; those of Tokay are highly esteemed; the Sirmian Wines are very rich and pleasant. And its deep Pasturages are stored with infinite Herds of large and fat Cattel.
It also exceeds most Countries of Europe, in Mines of Gold, Silver, Tin, Lead and Copper; as also Baths and Mineral Waters, some of a strong nature, which falling upon the ground is turned to a Stone; others again flow in Winter, and freeze in Summer; others which falling into Ditches make a kind of mud, out of which tried and melted they make very good Copper; and others there are that turn Iron into Copper.
The Veins of the Copper Mine (near Newsol) are very large, and the Ore is very rich; in a hundred pound of Ore they ordinarily find 20 l. of Copper, sometimes 30, 40 to 60 in the hundred; there are also two Springs of a Vitriolate Water, which turns Iron into Copper in 14 days time, and the Copper thus changed, is more ductile, maleable, and more easily melted than the other.
Three Hungarian miles from Newsol, and two from Chrenmitz, there are divers Hot Baths of great esteem, and much frequented; at Boinitz there are also five natural Baths, of a gentle heat, and delightful to Bathe in, being beautified by Count Palsi, then Palatine of Hungary.
[Page 88]It produces abundance of Salt, and other Provisions for human sustenance, plenty of Deer, Hares, all sorts of Poultry, Patridges and Pheasants, great store of Sheep, great numbers of Oxen, of which 100000 are yearly sent into Italy and Germany.
The Hungarians are generally Warriers and good Soldiers, strong of Body, well proportioned, and valiant; more addicted to Mars than to Minerva, cruel, and great Eaters. Their Habits, as well as their Manners, are not far different from those of the Turks; their Language is a kind of Sclavonian, but differing in most places. But yet the Latin, the Turkish, and the High Dutch are in use among them. There are two Archbishopricks, Strigonium, and Colocza, with ten Bishopricks, the half whereof are in the hands of the Turks; Four Orders of Persons have Liberty to sit in their General Assemblies, the Prelates, Barons, Nobility and Burgesses. The dignity of Palatine is the most considerable, next to that of the King, for which reason the Hungarians will admit of no King but one of their own Nation. The Archbishop of Strigonium is Primate and Perpetual Chancellor of the Kingdom, and Crowns the King after his Election.
The chiefest strength of the Country consists in Light Horse: The Horsemen are there called Hussars, and the Infantry Heiduques. Besides Extraordinaries, the Emperor draws out of what he possesses in Hungary about a Million of Liures every Year; that is, from the Silver Mines, his Imposition upon Houses, and his Tax upon Cattel Exported. The Grand Signior requires a Caraz from those that are under his Jurisdiction; who pretends to all Hungary, and the Dominions belonging to it, by vertue of the Submission made to Solymon by Sigismund, Son to King John, Count of Cepusa; and by the Queen his Mother.
The chief Rivers of Hungary are, first the great Danubius of Polyb. Strab. Plin. & aliis, Danubio Ital. & Hispan. Danube Gallis. Danaw & Thonaw Germanis, which runneth quite through Hungary, making a Course for above 300 miles from Presburg to Belgrade, and from thence passing by the shores of Servia, Bulgaria, Wallachia and Moldavia, with many Mouths it entereth into the Euxine or Black Sea. Having from its first source performed a Course of above 1500 miles.
No River whatsoever, so far from its discharge into the Sea, affordeth more Naval Vessels of strength and sufficiency for Fight. The Emperor hath his Vessels of War built like Gallies at Vienna, Presburg and Comorra, and an Arsenal for Provision of more, upon occasion. The Turk once had his Vessels at Gran, Buda and Belgrade.
[Page 89]Nor hath any River afforded the like Signal Engagements and Encounters at this distance from the Sea. At the Siege of Belgrade, Mahomet the Great brought 200 Ships and Gallies well stored, up the Stream. And the Hungarians sent as many down from Buda, that after a sharp Encounter, they took twenty of the Turkish Vessels, and forced the rest on shore, near the Camp; so that Mahomet caused them to be set on fire to prevent the falling of them into the Enemies hand. At the Siege of Buda the Christians had 24 Galliots, 80 small Pinnaces, and about 100 Ships of Burden, and other great Boats, when all miscarried under Co. Regensdorff.
At the Siege of Vienna by Solyman, Wolfgangus Hodder did a good piece of Service with his armed Vessels from Presburg, who sank the Turkish Vessels that came from Buda with the great Ordnance to batter the Walls of Vienna.
Nor doth any River afford so large and well peopled Islands; the most considerable is the Island of Schut, or Insula Cituorum, with its several Islands in it, containing many good Towns, besides many Villages well peopled, and well fortified against the Incursions of the Turks and Tartars. And the Island Raab made by the great and lesser Rivers Raab. There is also another Island against Mohatch; another at the entrance of the Dravus; and a new Island hard by Belgrade; fifty years since there was no face of an Island, but by the setling of the Ouse or filth brought down by the Savus and the Danube, it is now full of Trees, and what advantage or disadvantage this may be to Belgrade, doubtless, a little time may shew, tho the Turks once were very secure and fearless of any forces in these parts. Between Vicegrade and Vacia there is St. Andrews, or Vizze, a fair and large Island. A little below Buda there is Ratzenmarckt Island, extending in length 40 miles, containing many Villages in it. Here the Turkish Forces Encamped when they came to raise the Siege at Buda.
2. The Tibiscus, Ptol. Tibesis, Herod. Pathissus, Plin. Tisianus, Jornand. Tissia, Laz. vulgo Teiss. Arising in the County of Moramarusius, out of the Carpatan Mountains. At Tokay it takes in the Bodroch or Bodrogus; at Kaschaw the Tareza, the Hewatz, Hewath, or Hernach meets, and rolling down the Mountains, receives the Scheya and Gayo Rivers at Onoth, and a little further they all four fall into the Teisse. At Zolnock the Zagywa, the Turna, Sarwizza and Genges, fall into it. At Czongrad the Kalo, the Sebeskeres, the Fekierkenz olim Chrysus R. Keureuz incol. Kraiss. Germ. At Seged, the Marisus Strab. Marus Tac. Maros Hung. Merisch, or Marisch Germ. Marons Incolis. Lastly the Temes River falls into it, near its own confluence into the Danube, between Petro Varadine and Belgrade. By this River Teisse cometh down the great quantity of Natural Salt-stone taken out of the many Salt-Mines in Hungary and Transylvania, and carried [Page 90] into the adjacent and neighbouring Countries.
3. On the West-side of Hungary is the River Arabo Ant. Narabo Ptol. Now the Raab rising in Styria, and falling into the Danube by Javarin or Rab, receiving the Lauffnitz, Binca, and Gurtz. A considerable River, and famous, for in the year 1664, Germany was much alarmed at the raising of the Siege of Canisa, and taking the Fort Serini, much more at the Turks passage over this River Raab; but the extraordinary valour of the Christians, especially the French, put them to a shameful flight, so that after 8000 lost upon the place near St. Gothard, crowding in heaps to pass the River, the Horse trampled upon the Foot, and the Foot throwing themselves headlong into the water, together with the Horse, sunk down and perished, so that the water was died with blood, and the whole River covered with Men, Horse and Garments, all swimming promiscuously together; no difference here between the valiant and the coward, the foolish and the wise, all being involved in the same violence of calamity; so that the waters devoured a far greater number than the Sword, whilest the Grand Visier Achmet standing on the other side of the River was able to afford no kind of help, and as void of all counsel and reason, knew not where to apply a remedy; such a defeat and dishonour since the time that the Ottoman Empire arrived to its greatness, such a slaughter and disgrace that it suffered, no Stories to that time make mention of; which occasioned a Truce for 29 years between the two Empires, by which Truce the Province of Zatmar and Zabolch granted to Ragotzi, returned again to the Emperor. That the Castle of Zachelhyd be demolished. That Varadin and Newhausel remain to the Turks.
4. The Dravus Melae, Draus Plin. Drabus Strab. Darus Ptol. La Drava Ital. Le Drave Gal. Drau Incol. Trab Hung. which arising among the Mountains of Saltzburg and Carinthia, runneth a long Course of about 400 miles, through Carinthia and Hungary, falleth into the Danube at Drazat over against Erdoed, or Erdewdy, the old Teutoburgium of Ant. and Ptol. D. Brown tells us, that it is a good stream as high as Villach, where there is a Bridg over it, and at Clagenfart he passed over it upon two long Wooden Bridges, and an Island in the middle between them.
5. The Savus Ptol. Saus Strab. in MS. Sheldeni [...], Sabus Solin. La Sava Ital. Saw Germ. Le Save Gal. is a noble River, arising in the Mountains between Carinthia and Carniola, and swelling by the accession of many Rivers, after a Course of above 350 miles, entereth the Danube at Belgrade. At Crainburg not far distant from the Head, it was a considerable stream, which afterwards so enlarged as to make remarkable Islands, one at Sissex by Zagrabia, the other Metubarris at the West of old Sarmium.
[Page 91]6. Upon the North of Hungary are the Rivers arising from the Capathian Mountains, which divide Poland from Hungary, viz. the Gran and Ipola, which uniting together runneth into the Danube, over against Strigonium or Gran.
6. The Neytra which passing by Newhausel, entereth the Danube, over against Komara.
8. The Wagg, or Vagus, which Stuckius saith, equals the Po in Italy, at Fristat, 50 miles from its entrance into the Danube; it is a very large River, and hath a long Bridg over it. And at Trenschin it hath a considerable Bridg over it.
9. Besides these there are others esteemed Fluvii non ignobiles, viz. the Leytha, which entereth the Danube at Altemburg or Owar, and the Bounds of Austria.
10. The Sarvitza, or Orpanus, arising near Vesprinium, and passing Alba Regalis, runneth into the Danube at Jeni, or Nova Palanka, over against Bathmonster.
11. Curassus, or Crasso, fatal to Lewis the second King of Hungary.
12. Walpo, or Vulpanus, over which there is a Bridg at Walcovar.
13. The River Bosnath, Boswetha, or Bacunthus, which falleth into the Savus, not far from the old Surmium.
As this Country excelleth in Rivers, so it hath many considerable and long Bridges, not to mention the Bridg of Boats over the Danube, between Gran and Barchan, nor of that Bridg of Boats between Buda and Pest, where the Danube is half a mile over, which is so contrived as to open a passage for Boats and Vessels of Burthen to pass; nor shall I name those already mentioned. There is a handsome and well contrived Bridg at Calotza. But that over the Danube at Esseck is scarce to be parallel'd by any other; Built partly over the Dravus, and partly over the Fens, which are often overflowed, and is five miles in length. Having Towers built upon it at the distance of every quarter of a mile, supported by great Trees erected under it, nine or ten in a rank unto each Arch, and handsomely Railed on each side. It cost the Turks 300000 Dollars, and six years time to build it. That part of the Bridg which was over the Dravus was burnt down by Count Serini in the late Turkish Wars between Leopold the Emperor, and Sultan Mahomet 4th, and is now supplied by a Bridg of Boats, somewhat below the former.
As Hungary aboundeth in Rivers, so 'tis not without its notable Lakes, viz. the Lake Balaton, or Platzee, the Volcaea, of old extending a great length between Vesprinium and the Dravus, with some strong Forts upon it; which put a stop unto the cruelty of Solyman's Soldiers, when they destroyed all from Buda unto this Lake.
[Page 92]There is also the Newsidlar Sea, by the Hungarians Terteu, by Plin. Peiso. A pleasant Lake, seven German miles long, and three broad; in the Commotions of Botscay 14 Villages about this Lake were burnt by the Turks, Tartars, and Rebellious Heyducks.
The Rivers and Lakes of Hungary are abundant in Fishes. The Tibissus or Teisse is esteemed the most Fishy River in Europe, if not in the World. 'Tis commonly said, that it consisteth of two parts of Water, and one of Fish; and the River Bodrack which runs into the Tibiscus as aforesaid, not far from Tokay is so full of Fish, that in Summer-time when the River is low, the people say the Water smells of Fish, tho the River is thirty fathom broad, and eight and a half deep. This exceeding fertility some ascribe unto the Saline Tinctures, both of its own stream, and others accessionary unto it, which lick the many Salt Mines under ground, and so may carry some principles of faecundity with them. The Danube aboundeth with many good Fishes, as Trouts, Perches, large and delicious Carps; a Fish called Scheyden, much exceeding a Pike. At some seasons great store of Hausans, some 20 foot long, esteemed a good Dish, and somewhat like Sturgeon, with many other sorts. And as the Rivers are full of Fish, so in the Winter they are covered with many sorts of Fowls.
The most considerable Cities of Hungary, are Buda, Hung. Aquincum, or Acincum Ptol. & Ant. teste Clev. Sicambria & Curta aliis. By the Germans called Offen, by the French Bude, by the Spaniards, Italians, and English, Buda; so called as some tell us from Buda, the Brother of Attilla, Anno Dom. 401. Others suppose it so called from Budini, a famous Scythian people who engaged with Attilla in his famous Expedition. Yet others tell us it was called Bada, from the so many Renowned Baths in it. 'Tis distant from Belgrade 49 German miles, and from Vienna 54, teste Baud.
First taken from the Heathen Successors of Attila by Charles the Great 791, taken from the Hungarians by Sultan Solyman, Anno Dom. 1526. Recovered the year following by King Ferdinand Brother to the Emperor Charles the Fifth, who was Elected King by the four Orders of the States of the Kingdom. But in the year 1529 it was retaken by Solyman, and committed to John Zapolia Prince of Transylvania. Ann. 1541, K. Ferdinand sent his General Roggendorf with an Army of 40000 men, and 40 Cannon. But the Turks coming in to their Assistance with a numerous Army, the Germans were forced to raise the Siege: Whereupon the Sultan politickly seized upon the City, sent the young Prince Sigismund with the Princess his Mother into Transylvania, and kept the Town in his own hands, and made it the Seat of a Biglerbeg or Vice-Roy, [Page 93] whose authority extended over all the Bashaws of Hungary. In the year 1542, it was besieged by Joachim Elector of Brandenburgh, who was forced to draw off and quit the Siege. 1598 or 9, Count Swartzenburgh besieged it, but the attempt miscarried. Anno 1602, General Rosworm also with the Imperial Army attacked it in vain.
Whosoever shall read of the Sieges of 1684, and 1686, will find the Story of the most famous Sieges in the World, where Blood was spilt like water, and many brave men found their Graves; where the Assailants equalling if not surpassing Titus storming Jerusalem, and Abdi Bashaw no less bravely obstinate in defending his Trust, than Villerius upon the Walls of Rhodes. But upon the second of September 1686, the same day of the year when it was taken by Solyman; after it had groaned under the Tyrannous yoke of the Ottoman 145 years, was this great and strong City, the Capital of Hungary, reduced under the obedience of the Emperor Leopold the First, by the Prudence, Constancy and Conduct of the Couragious Duke of Lorrain; the Terror of the Musselmen, and the Greatest General of this Age. The Turks have formerly experienced the Valour of Huniades and Scanderbergh: They have feared the Courage of the Duke of Merceur: They have trembled at the Conduct and slaughter of the Valiant Count Serini; but much more reason have they to dread the Martial Duke of Lorrain: He it was that near Preshurg routed the Rebellious Army of Teckley: He it was that defeated the Turks near Calenburgh: He it was with the King of Poland that raised the Siege of Vienna: He it was that vanquished the Enemy near Barkan, and rescued the King of Poland when the Polish Army was in Confusion: He it was that relieved the City of Gran, and routed the Army of Zeitan Ibraim Basha: and lastly, He it was that whilest the Grand Vizier Soliman looked on with a potent Army, won this Glorious Conquest, Buda.
Not far from Buda in the year 1578, was fought a Battel of so strange a fortune between the Christians and the Turks, that the Conquerors were conquered, and the vanquished got the Victory. Other Cities are Poson, Hungaris Presburg, Germanis Pesonium & Pessonium, the Flexum of Ptol. & Ant. The City is pleasant, the Castle stately, where the highly-esteemed Crown of Hungary is kept; the Labyrinth, Fish-Ponds, and Fountains are Noble, it is the Capital of what the House of Austria possesses, ten German miles from Vienna: Since the Loss of Alba Regalis, it is the place of Election and Coronation of the Kings of Hungary, Cassovia, Chaschaw incolis & Caschow, lies towards the Mountains, having the fairest Arsenal in the Country. Eperies, Eperiae, is much frequented, by reason of the Fairs which are there kept; where [Page 94] also there is a Salt-Mine about 180 Fathom deep, the veins of Salt are large, and there are pieces of 10000 l. weight; the colour of the Salt-stone is somewhat gray, but grinded to powder, it becomes white; nor is the Salt always of one colour, but of divers; there are some pieces so clear and hard, that they carve them into divers Figures.
Sabaria, of Plin. Ptol. & Amm. Stain. am Angern. Germ. Szombatel. Hung. teste Lazio, but by Cluver it is Sarwar, Hung. Rothenturn Ger. of Old, the Metropolis of Pannonia Superior, the Birth-place of St. Martin. Some Report, and others believe that Ovid was Buried there, in his Return towards Italy.
Nittria, Hung. Neytracht Ger. a Bishops See. Freistat, or Calgotz, Hung. a fair large Town, but Burned by the Turks. Schemnitz, the greatest of the Mine-Towns in Hungary, and where great quantity of Silver Ore is every day digged. It hath three fair Churches, and three Castles, and several Mines; those of Windschacht and Trinity are the chief, the last 70 Fathom deep; the one is much esteemed, and of a black colour, covered with a white Earth.
There is also often found a Red Substance which grows to the Ore, called Cinnaber of Silver, which being grinded with Oyl, maketh a Vermilion as good as the Cinnaber made by Sublimation. There are also found in these Mines, Crystals, Amethysts, and Amethystine mixtures; as also Vitriol Naturally Crystalliz'd in the Earth. And as there is great variety in the Silver Ore, as to its mixtures with Earth, Stones, Marchasite, Cinnaber, Vitriol, &c. so also in its Richness; some holding a great Proportion of Silver, in respect of others: A hundred pound-weight of Ore sometimes yields but half an Ounce, or an Ounce of Silver; sometimes two Ounces, 3, 4, 5, and so to 20 Ounces; what is Richer, is very rare.
Most of the Schemnitz Ore holds some Gold, which they separate by melting the Silver, then granulating it, and after by dissolving it in Aqua-fortis made out of a peculiar Vitriol, prepared at Chremnitz, whereby the Gold is left at the bottom, and is afterwards melted, and the Aqua-fortis is Distilled from the Silver, and serveth again for Use.
Chremnitz, Carpates of old, is the Oldest Mine-Town, and the Richest in Gold of all the rest; 965 years they have Worked there: the Mine is about 10 English miles in length, and there is one Cuniculus, or Horizontal Passage 800 Fathoms long, and the depth is about 170 Fathoms; and the Leopold Pit is 150 Fathoms deep.
Of the Gold Ore, some is white, some black, some red, some yellow; that with black spots within white, is esteemed the best.
[Page 95]There is also a Vitriol Mine at Chremnitz about 80 Fathom deep, the Ore whereof is reddish, and sometimes greenish. This Ore is infused in water, and after three days the water is poured off, and boiled seven days in a Leaden Vessel, till it comes to a thick granualated whitish Substance, which is afterwards reduced to a Calx in an Oven, and serveth in the making of Aqua-fortis, or the separating water used at Schremnitz.
Newsol, or Bistricia, has the greatest Copper-works in Hungary, the Copper being very strongly united to its stone-bed, or Ore; the Separation is effected with great labour and difficulty, it being burned and melted 14 times before it becomes fit for Use.
At a little Village called Smalnik there is a Rivulet which changes particles of Iron into Copper. The leaves of Oaks that are by the bank-side, falling into the water are insensibly eaten through, and the most gross particles of this water getting therein, it is turned into a leaf of Copper, which being exposed to the Sun, or only to the Air, hardens, and always retains its former figure of an Oaken leaf.
At Glas-Hitten, seven English miles from Schemnitz, there was once a rich Gold Mine; but since the over-running of the Country by Bethlem Gabor, it is lost. 'Tis much frequented by reason of its natural hot Baths.
Eisenbach four miles English from Glas-Hitten, and five or six from Schemnitz, is also noted for its Hot Baths, the sediment of which is red, and turneth into Stone, and it turneth Wood into Stone.
At Hern-Grundt, an Hungarian mile from Newsol, in that Mine were two Springs of a Vitriolate water, which turn Iron into Copper.
The seven chief Mine-Towns are Schemnitz, Chremnitz, Newsol, Koningsberg, Bochantz, Libeten, & Tiln.
The strongest places belonging to the House of Austria, were, Javarin, Comara, and Leopolstat, the Bulwarks of Christendom. Javarin, Gallis Raab, stands in the Plain, out of sight, environed by the Danow; and Raab Germanis, Gewer Hungaris, Giavarin Italis, Rab. Incolis, Yanick Turcis. It was the Arabo of Ant. the Narabo of Ptol. Is Fortified with seven large Bastions covered with Brick, and four Cavilliers, or Ravelins between. It was Besieged by Sinan Bassa, in the time of Sultan Murat the Third, who, at one Assault lost 1200 Men; but by the Treachery of Count Herdeck, 'twas Surrendred; after recovered by a Notable Surprize of Count Swartzenburg, and Count Palfi, with a great Slaughter of the Turks 1606. Here also are several sorts of Warlike Engines and Instruments.
[Page 96] Komora, Comora, is the Crumenum, Asaum of Ant. & Comaronium & Bragaetium, is Moated by the Danow, and strongly Fortified. The Island of the same Name, formerly called Schutt, contains above 300 Villages, and above 15000 Inhabitants, with the conveniencies of Hunting and Fishing. Filleck, Filecum, Tokay, Tokaeum al. Trissum, Zatmar, Zatmaria, and Kalo, have been likewise Fortified by Order of the Emperor, who keeps hard-by several Armed Gallies.
Agria, Egar Ger. Erlaw Hung. Erla Incolis. Temeswar, and Canisia, have also their several Bassa's, as being upon the Frontiers. The Turks call Temeswar, The Invincible; by some thought to be the Zuro [...]dra, or Zurobara of Ptol.
The City of Gran, Strigonium, Laz, or Ostrogon, Bregaetium Clav. was the Birth-place of King Stephen, the first Christian King of Hungary. Besieged vain by John King of Hungary; taken by Solyman, August the 10th. 1542, rceovered by Count Mansfelt; but re-taken, or basely delivered in the time of Sultan Achmet to Aly-beg the Turkish General.
Vicegrade, Hung. Plin. Demberg Germ. the Castle of this place is Seated upon a high Rock, where the Crown of Hungary was formerly kept: and where the Kings of Hungary did often reside, was taken by the Imperial Army, June 16. 1684. Over against it lieth Maroz, or Fristat.
Neoseliun, Newhausel Germ. Owar Hung. which several times hath bravely withstood the furious Assaults of the Turks; but in Anno 1663, the Turkish Power was so great, and the Magazine took fire, that it was forced to yield; and had not some other Christian Princes joyned their Assistance to the Emperor, and so stopt the Turks Carrier, his Ambition and Success had farther enlarged his Dominions. In August 1684, it was taken by Storm, and the Turks Army defeated near Gran.
Albajulia Lat. Stulweissenburg G. Ekekes Feierwar Hung. Stolni Biograd Sclavis, Albe Royale Gallis, Alba Regalis Scrip. Pann. once famous for the Coronation and Sepulchers of the Hungarian Kings, taken by the Turks 1543, lost again 1595, when Sir Tho. Arundel forcing the Water-Tower took the Turkish Ensign, and for his Valour was made Count of the Empire, and Lord Arundel of Wardour. A strong Town, betrayed by N. Keresken the Governour thereof, upon Promise of a great Reward; but Selimus, the Son of Solyman, for his Treason, caused him to be put into a Barrel stuck full of Nails, and to be tumbled up and down, till he miserably died.
The Emperor Ferdinand the Second Besieged Canisia, or Canischa Ortel. when he was Arch-Duke, but could not take it. Nor was Leopold Ignatius more Fortunate in the Year 1664. The Retreat of the Duke of Mercure from Canisia was one of the Noblest Actions of our Age. Quinque [Page 97] Ecclesiae, Furfkirchen Germ. Otegiazac Hung. Petschen Turcis teste Leunclavio taken by the Turks 1543, by some thought to be the Teutoburgium of Ant. and Ptol. Others tell us 'tis the Amantia of the Ancients, tho some think Amantia to be Almaz, it is the place where Solyman died, during the Siege of Zygeth, in the year 1566. Mohaez is Remarkable for the Defeat of the Christians in the year 1525. And for that of the Turks 1687. Pont d' Essek, Famous for the Action of Count Serini, who burnt it in View of all the Turkish Army. And for the Campagne of 1687.
Anno 1682 Villeck was besieged by the Bassa of Buda with 25000 Turks and Tartars, but after a brave resistance in September it was surrendred without the Governours consent, and afterwards demolished, and the Walls levelled with the ground.
At the same time Lewentz was also abandoned and possessed by the Enemy. And the Winter following the Turks and Hungarian Rebels seized themselves of the Fortresses Atsol, Newsol, Schimnitz and Chremnitz. Anno 1595, divers Hungarians besieged Papa, and after a long Battery it was delivered to them, who sold the Inhabitants to the Turks. But the Imperial Army advancing, many of the Rebels fled. And some of the chief promoters of that disturbance were impaled alive.
Near Altemberg the Imperial Horse and Foot being divided in passing a River, after a sharp dispute, the Turks seized upon the Imperial Baggage valued at 40000 Guilders, when also the Princes of Savoy and Aremberg soon after died of their Wounds.
1684 the Castle of Ʋnguar was besieged by Teckley, and taken by Storm, and most of the Garison put to the Sword.
Upon the Hills near Vaccia the Duke of Lorain attacked a Body of 20000 Turks commanded by the Vizier of Buda, of whom were slain 3000, 1500 taken Prisoners, with seven Pieces of Cannon, eighteen Standards, the Vizier and two Bassas slain, a Bassa and ten Aga's prisoners, and of the Dukes Army not a hundred men lost.
1684 Virovitza, the Key and Entrance into Sclavonia, Capitulated, and 600 Janizaries marched out, and left it to the Imperialist after 113 years possession.
1684 Zeben was invested by General Schuts, and surrendred upon discretion, all the Hungarians being about 120, were by the Count D'Bargarzzi cut in pieces in revenge of Count Teckleys Impaling alive divers of the Garison of Cziezuar which was surrendred to him upon Articles.
Barthfield, a place fortified with good Walls, several Towers and Redoubts, the Garison consisting of about 400 men, Capitulated, and was put into the Command of the Imperialists.
[Page 98] Mongatz and Tokay are two strong places, and in 1683 were in the hands of Count Teckley.
Makowitz was Surrendred to General Schultz, Octob. 1684.
In the year 1663 Leventz a strong place was delivered up to the Turks.
Schinta the Magazine of the Emperors Arms and Artillery, was assaulted by the Vizier, but being stoutly repulsed, he raised his Camp, and came before Novigrade a Castle on a High Rock, encompassed with a Ditch of 34 foot deep, Garisoned with 600 Soldiers, and well stored with Victuals and Ammunition, yet resigned unto the Turks.
1663 At the shallow passages of the River Muer, Count Serini with 500 men overthrew a party of 30000 Turks and Tartars under the Command of the Basha of Temiswar, and so delivered Croatia from a total destruction.
In Jan. 1664. Berzenche was surrendred to Count Serini and Bakockza. And Quinque Ecclesiae for its perfidious Act was by the Count after a furious assault took by Storm, and in recompence of its treacherous stratagem put all the Inhabitants to the Sword, pillaged and fired the Town, which rendred it a horrible spectacle of Fire and Sword.
At Zigeth, consisting of an old and new Town conjoyned by a Bridg which crosseth a famous Marsh or Fen. N. Serini the Great Grandfather of the aforesaid Count Immortalized his Fame and Memory with the loss of his Life, against Solyman the Great in the year 1565, with an Army of 600000.
Serinswar built by Count Serini, yielded to the Turks, and was demolished. Leiva, before whose Walls C. Susa, and the Christians obtained a great Victory against the Turks and Tartars; and assaulted Barchan a Palanka opposite to Gran.
Since the Battel between Syclos and Mohatz 1687, the chief Places belonging to the Turks in Hungary are Agria, Hatwan, Gyulla, Great VVaradin, and Temeswar in the Ʋpper Hungary, Canissa, and Alb [...] Regalis in the Lower Hungary.
Of Germany
THE Name of Germans is much controverted amongst Authors, some think them so called by the Romans, who seeing the people so like unto the Gauls, called them Germans to the Gauls. Others derive it from Ger, signifying all; and man, whence also came the Name of Almaine, which some fabulously derive from Alman, whom they would have to be the 11th King of the Dutch, or Germans. Others from the [Page 100] River Atmul, by later Writers called Almannus, whereunto they should border. Others more probably from the Dutch Allensen Mann; Signifying all sorts of men, or all hardy and valiant. The many opinions also and great differences we have found amongst Authors in the Interpretations of the many ancient German Nations, makes me at present not to mention them. 'Tis generally agreed, that the Gomerians, or Cimbri, were the first Inhabitants of Gaul, Germany, and all the Nations of the North and West of Europe; and that the Gauls their Off-spring under their Captain Segovesus victoriously ranged over all Germany, from whom have sprung the ancient Inhabitants of this Country. Divided they were into several Nations, and these also subdivided into lesser Tribes. The first Nation of the Germans, who made the Romans as well feel their Swords, as know their Names, were the Cimbri, Tentones, and Ambrones upon their Invasion of Gaul and Italy, who were overcome and Destroyed by Marius.
After this, Caesar, upon his Conquest of France, having passed the Rhine, and provoked the Germans, stirred up a tedious War; all other Adventures were easie to the daring Romans: Nothing could give Check to Caesars Fortune, only the Germans; who at last, were rather Triumphed over, than Subdued by their greatest Armies. How little was their Progress? How inconsiderable were their Acquests, after so long a War? which continued for more Generations, than others lasted Years: And indeed some part of Germany, viz. that beyond the Elbe and Danube, was never so much as Attacqued. Endangered once by Drusius in the Reign of Caesar Augustus, but freed by the Victory of Arminius, and the death of Varus and his Legions; neglected afterwards as a people unconquerable, or not worth the conquering. Towards the wain of the Roman Empire, the Names of the ancient Inhabitants by little and little worn out and quite extinguished through their Fights and Butcheries amongst themselves; their Transmigrations into foreign Countries, their affection and union into new Names, and the Fleetings and Invasions of the Sarmatians, and more Eastern people, Germany became confounded, and peopled with thirteen, for the most part differing Names, of the Saxons, Almans, French, Thuringiens, Boioarians, Huns, Lombards, Avares, Hungarians, Danes, Norwegians, Suethide or Sclaves, whose Original fortunes, Kingdoms and States issuing from them, I must refer for a larger Treatise of Geography, if God permit. But the fatal period of the Roman Empire drawing on apace, the Franks, Burgundians, Almains, and other German Nations, break through their Guards, dispossess the Romans of all Gaul, Rhetia, and Noricum, till in the end, the French prevailing over the rest, extend [Page 101] their Empire over all the Modern Germany, chiefly by the Valour of Charles the Great, created Emperor of the West part of France and Germany. Afterwards in the time of Lodovicus Pius, the Son of Charles, the Great Empire of his Father was parcelled out into many parts, viz. Italy, France, Burgundy, Lorrain, and Germany, amongst his Sons and Nephews, with the Title of Kings; by which means, the Kingdoms of Lorrain and Germany, United in the Person of Lewis the Ancient, were aliened from the French, and possessed by the great Princes of Lorrain, Saxony, Suabia, and Bavaria: As also by them dismembred into many Principalities and Inferior States, all passing under the Name of Alman, or Germans.
Germany is now bounded on the East with Poland and Hungary; on the West with France, Switzerland, and the Seventeen Provinces; on the North with the Baltick Sea, and Denmark; and on the South with the Alps, which part it from Italy.
The length whereof, from East to West, viz. from the Borders of Lorrain to Poland, is 766 miles; the breadth from North to South, viz. from the Baltick Sea, to the Southermost part of Tyrol, is 657 miles of the same Measure, viz. 73 to a degree. 'Tis situate in the Northern Temperate Zone; the longest day in the Southern parts being 15 hours and an half; in the most Northern, 17 hours and a Quarter.
'Tis a spacious Country, and very Populous; the People of strong Constitution, of a good Proportion and Complexion; very ingenious and stout, much given to Drink, but of an Honest, Noble Nature: The poorer sort great pains-takers; and the Nobles either stout Souldiers, or good Scholars.
The Women are of good Complexion, but corpulent; good Bearers, and fruitful Breeders.
The Title of the Father descends to their Children; so that every Son of a Duke is a Duke, and every Daughter of a Dutchess is a Dutchess; whence it follows, that the Nobility being too much multiplied, is no less impoverished.
The Language here generally spoken, is the High-Dutch; a Language very Ancient, and hath less commixture with the Latin than any which is used in these Western parts.
No Country in the World is either better Planted with goodly Cities, or more Pleasant and Healthful. A Country abounding with Mines of Silver and other Metals; plentiful in Corn, Wines, Salt, Flesh, Linnen, Quick-silver, Allom, Saffron, Armour, and Iron-works.
The Germans are excellent Mechanicks, eminent for Water-works, Chymistry, and Printing: Memorable is the story of Regiomontanus's [Page 102] Wooden Eagle, that flew a quarter of a mile to meet the Emperor Maximilian; but especially famous is this Region, for the two Grand Inventions of the latter Ages, viz. That fatal Instrument the Gun, first found out by Bertholdus Swart a Frier. The Mystery of Printing first discovered by a Soldier.
The Religion of this Country is divided into Papists and Protestants; the latter again divided into Lutherans and Calvinists.
About the year 1250, the Empire being greatly distracted into many Factions, each Faction chose a King of the Romans or Emperor. The Empire thus fluctuating for about twenty years. The Princes met at Quidlinburg, and made a League of Defence together; and meeting at Francfort they chose Radolphus Earl of Hapsburg in the year 1270, who gaining Austria, and other Territories adjacent, was the first Arch-Duke of Austria, about 1280.
About the year 1500 the State of Burgundy, which comprehended also the Low-Countries, was by Marriage with the Heiress thereof, added to the House of Austria.
About the same time (under Maximilian the First) the publick Courts of Judicature called the Imperial Chamber, the Supream Tribunal and Appeal of Justice was fixed at Spire, and the Empire divided into Ten Circles.
About 1519 Charles the Fifth, Son of Philp King of Spain, Son of Maximilian the Emperor, succeeded his Father in his Estates of Spain, Burgundy, the Low-Countries, Austria, &c. and by Election, his Grandfather Maximilian in the Empire also. Under whom the German Empire rose to its greatest height and enlargement.
Under this Charles all Germany was rent into two grand Factions or parts, Roman Catholicks, and Protestants, occasion'd by Martin Luther, born at Isleby in Saxony, who first only taxed the abuses, and observed the corruptions of the Church, after makes a general defection, Anno 1524. This was no sooner done, but the Reformers make a new Schism, and divide between Luther and Zuinglius 1524, which rose to two grand Factions afterwards, by the name of Lutherans and Calvinists. Hence rose other Sects also, pretending higher Reformation in Religion, so that in the year 1525 Tho. Munzer occasions the Rustick War. And in the year 1534 succeeded the Anabaptists at Munster. And in Anno 1547 began the Smalcaldick War in Hassia, where Caesar prevails and ruins their League, soon after the Protestants prevail and procure the Passavian Peace, Anno 1552. But in the year 1618 the Bohemians rejects the Emperor, and Elects the Count Palatine King of Bohemia, and Crown him at Prague. Hence the Bohemian War arose, and [Page 103] spread over all Germany, changed first into the Saxon, then into the Swedish War, Anno 1620. The Duke of Bavaria overcoming the Bohemians, the Palatinate was ejected out of the upper Palatinate out of the Electorship, as well as out of the Kingdom of Bohemia. Anno 1625, the Duke of Saxony is slain. Anno 1630, the King of Sweden enters Germany in the behalf of the Protestants, and Princes Liberty. 1632 The King of Sweden, and Tilly the General of the Imperialist after several Victories and Conquests both dies. 1635 The Duke of Saxony and Brandenburg makes Peace with the Emperor: And the King of France denounceth War against the Empire. Anno 1636 the Duke of Saxony is slain, and the Imperialists are driven out of Pomerania by the Swedes. 1639 Saxony and Bohemia invaded. The War continues hot by several Sieges and Battels till 1648, when Munster Treaty ensues, and so the thirty years wherein had perished about 325000 was ended. This Peace of Munster changed the Empire to that State that it is now at. For the King of Sweden carried away the Dukedoms of Bremen and Verdin, Lower Pomerania and Stetin, with other places in the Upper Pomerania. The Island or Principality of Rugen. The Isle of Wollin, the River and Port of of Odor. The Baliwick of Poel and New Closter. The Signory of Wismar and Wildhasen in Westphalia, &c. The King of France was to have the Cities and Bishoprick of Mets, Toul, and Verdun, with Moyenvic, Pignerol, Brisac. The Landgravedom of Alsatia the Higher, the Baliwick of Hagenaw, and the Fortress of Philipsburg. The Palatine of the Rhine is restored to his Estate in part, and made the Eighth Elector and high Treasurer of the Empire. And the Protestants were asserted into full Liberty of their Religion; which Name arose in the year 1529, at the General Assembly of Wormes, when the Elector of Saxony, the Landgrave of Hessen, the City of Norimberg and others protested against the Decrees of Caesar, and appealed to an Universal Council.
Germany is now an Elective Empire, wherein there are several Sovereign Estates, of which the Emperor is chief, who Governs by Diets, which are almost like the General Estates of France. The Principal Articles of the Government are contained in a Fundamental Law, or Original Constitution and Agreement, called Aurea Bul [...]a, or, The Golden Bull; which treats of the Election of the King of the Romans, the Duty of the Electors, of their Priviledges, of the Authority of the Emperor; and lastly, of the means to maintain the Peace and Repose of the Empire. This Bull is a little Book, the Original whereof, being written in Parchment, contains 24 Leaves, and 30 Chapters; and was constituted as the perpetual and fundamental Law of the Empire, [Page 104] to be altered by the Emperor, no not with the Electors consent, by Charles the Fourth 1356. The Election of the Emperor ought, 'tis said, to be made at Francfort upon the Mein, though this Order, in the last Elections, has not been Observed. Besides the Assemblies that concern the Affairs of the Empire in General, there are three other sorts; that of the Electors, for the Election of the Emperor: That of the Deputies, whither the Emperor sends a Commissioner. And those of the Circles like the Assemblies of the States in the great Provinces of France. Of these Circles there are ten in the Empire, that is to say, of Austria, Bavaria, Suabia, of the Upper Rhine, of the Lower Rhine, Westphalia, Ʋpper-Saxony, Lower-Saxony, Franconia, Burgundy; but this last is now no more summon'd. Every Cirle has a Director Ecclesiastick, and a Secular Director, who preside together at their Assemblies. Two or three Circles may meet when one of them is attacqued from without, or in confusion within.
The Empire as it retains the Title, so it is almost like that of the Romans, though it contains not so large an extent of Ground. The Princes that compose it are of five sorts: The Emperor, who is now of the House of Austria, the Electors, the Ecclesiasticks, the Princes secular, and the Free Cities: In the General Diets are three bodies; that of the Electors, that of the Princes, and that of the Imperial Cities. There are reckon'd above 300 Sovereignties in Germany who do not acknowledg the Emperor, but only in point of Homage and mutual Agreement.
The House of Austria has three sorts of Dominion; those of Austria, which are Hereditary to him; those of Bohemia, which he now claims as his Right; and those of Hungary, which he hath by Election. Out of this House of Austria the German Emperors have been Elected for above 400 years, ever since the time of Hen. 4th. when the Lords of the Empire began to undervalue his Authority, and Pope Gregory the Seventh taking occasion thereby Excommunicated him, and Ordered the Imperial Scepter should bs given to another; Then the Germans abolished the right of Succession, and assumed to themselves that of Electing the Emperors.
The Emperor who is of that House, usually in his life time, causes his Son, or his Brother, or his next Kinsman to be Crowned King of Hungary, afterwarwards King of Bohemia: then if he finds the Princes disposed to it, he causes him to be Elected also King of the Romans, that is, his perpetual Vicar and Successor presumptive to the Empire.
Without the Revenue of his Hereditary Territories, he would scarce have wherewithal to support his dignity; for under the Title of Imperial [Page 105] he possesses no Land: his principal Rights are the Election and Investiture of Feif [...]y, the Grant of Privileges, and the Right of Legitimation. He may make Laws, give Letters of safe Conduct, establish Posts, make Parliaments, settle Universities, erect Burroughs into Cities, create Offices, and out-law Cities by Proclamation; lastly, he may make Kings, Dukes and Marquesses, and he is superior to all the Princes of the Empire, who for that reason have a great Respect for him.
The Electors are Eight in all, viz. the Arch-Bishop of Mayence, Arch-Chancellor of Germany, the Arch-Bishop of Treeves, Arch-Chancellor of France, the Arch-Bishop of Cologn, Arch-Chancellor of Italy; the King of Bohemia, Great Cup-Bearer, the Duke of Bavaria G [...]eat Steward, the Duke of Saxony Great Marshal or Constable, the Duke of Brandenburgh Great Chamberlain, and the Prince Palatine Great Treasurer. These Electors pretend that their dignity makes them equal to the Kings of Europe, and, which is of greater moment, for that they Elect and Crown the Emperor; after which the Pope, by usurpation, pretends a Right to confirm the Election and Coronation. Four Voices of these Electors suffices to advance any one to the Imperial Dignity: and at present the King of Bohemia only has his Seat in the Election. The Secular Electors may not nominate themselves. Nor can the Lands of their Electorates be alienated. In the House of Saxony the Electorship belongs only to the Eldest, who shares the other Seigniories with his Brothers. The Elector of Brandenburgh is the most Landed of all the rest; next to the King of Bohemia, his Dominions contain above two hundred German Leagues in length, but are for the most part separated one from another; and by the late combustion, and the Fortune of War, he is become the most considerable Prince of that Quality in the Empire. Anno 1000 under Otho the Third, the Electors had fixed their Electorship, which first began by permission under pretence of avoiding confusion, and for the good of the common Interest; some tell us that the Electors were Instituted after the death of Otho the Third. And others say, it was in the time of Rodolph of Hapsburg. The Ecclesiastical Princes are, The Arch-Bishop of Saltsburg, the Grand Master of the Teutonick Order; several Bishops, and other great Prelates, Abbots and Abbesses, who have no voice, but embodi'd; these Princes are almost absolute over the Temporality of their Benefices; neither has Christendom any Prelates so Potent as they. Their Elections to their Dignities belongs to the several Chapters, wherein neither the Pope nor the Emperor has any Right to intermeddle.
Among the Secular Princes there is the Arch-Duke of Austria, the Princes of the Electoral Houses, some Dukes, Marquesses, and Landgraves: [Page 106] there are also some Earls and Barons who differ only in name and method of the Empire.
They have their Seat in a Body which has four Voices in the Estates of the Empire. But they have also every one their Voices in their particular Assemblies, and some of them Coyn Money. There are some Noblemen in Franconia, in Suabia, in the Country of the Rhine, and in the Lower Alsatia, who are as absolute in their own particular Territories, as the most Potent Lords of the Empire in theirs; several Principalities in Germany are possessed by one Prince alone, and many times one Principality belongs to many. The Free Cities, which are as so many Republiques, are of two sorts, viz. Imperial, and Hans Towns. The Imperial bear the Eagle of the Empire in their Arms, either entire or divided; and they have a Right to send their Deputies to the Diets of the Empire, where their Corporation has two Voices. They exceed the number of fourscore, and are considered either as lying upon the Seats of Suabia, or the Seats of the Rhine; and they are thus divided from the several Seats where the Deputies of the Cities take their places, the Deputy of the City of C [...]logn takes the first place upon the Rhine-Seat, and the Deputy of Ratisbourn takes the first place upon the Suabia-Seat: Some are govern'd by Noble Families, others live under a Popular Government.
The Hans Towns are in league together, to aid one another reciprocally in time of distress, as also for the maintenance of the liberty of their Trade, and to preserve themselves from being overcharg'd with Impositions by foreign Princes; but that League at this day is little regarded by several of these Cities, whilest every one endeavours to stand on their own bottom, and do their own business themselves. Of these, Lubeck, Cologn, Brunswick and Dantzick are the four chief; Lubeck may summon all the rest together with the advice of five of the Cities which are next adjoyning to her.
The most famous Rivers in Germany are the Rhine, the Danube, the Elb, the Odar, and the Veser, the Ems. The Rhine, Rhenus, Caesar Strab. Plin. &c. Rhyn or Rhein Germ. Le Rhein Gallis, Rheno Italis, ariseth out of the Alps in two Fountains distant about a days journey asunder, the one called the Vorder Rhein, or Anterior Rhenus, sourceth out of the Hills of the Leponti, and Mountain Luckmanier. The further, named the Hinder Rhein, or Posterior Rhenus, out of the Alps, and the Mountain der Vogel. These meeting together about a German mile from Chur or Coire of the Grisons, afterwards continued in one Channel towards the North by the Cities of Constance, Basil, Spire, Worms, Mentz and Cologn; encreased by the way with the addition of several other [Page 107] great Rivers, unto the Fort Schenken-Schans; from whence it is conveyed into the Ocean by four Branches or Channels, first of the Wael by Nimmengen, Tiel and Bommel, until it loseth its name in the Maes. 2. The Leck into which the Rhein diverteth at Duerstede, and is carried into the Maes betwixt Dort and Rotterdam. 3. The Rhine extended from Schenken-Schans by Huessen, Arnhem and Wagening, unto Duerstede, where the main River being diverted by the Leck, with a small Current, it is continued by Ʋtr [...]tcht, and through Holland unto Leyden, where in the sandy Downs betwixt it and the Sea, it leaveth its name, and under another name of the Ʋlict it is turned towards the South, falling into the Maes at Sluys over against the Bre [...]l. The fourth Branch is the Is [...]l, drawn from the Rhine near Arnhem, and passing by Zutphen and Daventer, falleth into the Zuider, or South-Sea, at Campen. The main Channels of the Rhine in the time of Caesar were the Rhine which then fell into the Ocean, at the place where is now Catwick in Holland. And the Vahatis or Wart, making the Island of the Batavians of Tacitus. Chiefer Rivers received into the Rhine are the Neckar, Nicer & Necarus, Flav. & A. Marc. arising in Silva Nigra, or Swartzwald near Rotweel, and falls into the Rhine at Manheim near Hiedelberg. The Main Maenus Tac. out of the Mount Fichtelberg passing the Towns of Bamberg, and Wurtzburg falleth in below Francfort. The Roer Rura. Scrip. Belgig. in Westphalia, flowing hereinto at Duesburg, The Lippe, Luppia, Tac. Lupias Strab. rising not far from Paderborn empties it self at the Wesel. The Aar issuing out of the Alps of the Leponti near the Hill of St. Gothard, is discharged hereinto near Waldshut. The Ill, Ellus Flavius, out of Suntgew, after the receipt of almost infinite lesser Rivers, falls in a little below Strasburg. The Moselle, Mosella Tac. Aus. arising out of the Mountains of Vauge at the Confines of Lorrain, is disburthened hereinto at Coblentz.
The Danaw Ger. le Danube Gal. Danubio Ital. & Hisp. Danow Ang. Danubius Polyb. Strab. Plin. &c. ariseth in Schwartzwald, distant about two hours journey from the head of the Neckar, and running Eastwards through Suavia, Bavaria, Austria, Hungaria, Bulgaria, &c. after above 1000 miles course it poureth into the Euxine Sea with a great violence through six Channels, according to Plin. through seven, according to Sol. Strab. and A. Marc. Th [...] lower part of this River was called Ister. Strab. puts the beginning of this Name at its Cataracts, Ptol. at the Town Axiopolis. Plin. where it arriveth at Illiricum. Appian at the Confluence of it with the River Savus. The greater Rivers received hereinto in Germany, are the Iser, Isara. The Leck, Lycus, Inn. Aenus of Ptol. The Nab, or Nabas, and the Marckh or Moraus.
[Page 108]The Ems Germ. Amis & Amusia Strab. Amisus & Amasus Ptol. & Plin. It ariseth in Westphalia near Paderborn, and is disburthened into the German or British Ocean.
The Weser, Visurgis Plin. Visurigis Ptol. Bisurgis Strab. Iturgis Ovid. hath its beginning in the Hilly Forrest of Duringer-Waldt passing by the Towns of Hamlen, Minden, and Bremen, and having received the Fuld, and the Aller, floweth into the German Ocean, the part towards the head is called Wierra, Verra al. Wertz.
The Elbe, Albis of Plin. Strab. &c. riseth out of the Hill Risengebirg, being part of the Sudatae, incircling Bohemia, and passing by the Towns of Dresden, Wittenburg, Meydburg, it falleth into the German Ocean below Hambourg; towards it beginning in Bohemia, it is called the Labe. Greater Rivers which empty hereinto are the Muldaw, Muldavia. The Egra, the Saltza, Sala of Strab. The Spree. Suevus of Ptol. Unto this River reached the Roman Discoveries, and the French Conquests.
The Odor, Odera, Viadrus Ptol. This ariseth out of the Hill Oderberg near Olmuntz in Moravia, passing by Breslaw, Glogaw, Francford and Stetin, with the Rivers Neisse and Warta received thereinto; it is disburdened into the Frisch-huff at the two Islands Ʋsedom and Vollin with three Mouths, Pfyn, Swine and Diuvenow, and so into the East or Baltick Sea.
The chief Mountains of Germany were the Abnobi & Abnobae of Ptol. & Plin. near the Heads of the River Danow, and the Neccar now called Schwartz-wald by Scuto, and Willychio. Die Baar.
The Sudatae of Ptol. or Suditi. Vandalici Montes, Dioni, are the Hills encircling Bohemia, covered with the Woods Gabreta and Luna, Wendenberg & Fiechtilberg teste Baud.
The Sarmatici Montes seem to be the same with Sevo of Solinus & Plin. and Carpates of Ptol. between Poland and Hungary. Now Crapack & Tarczal, & Ben Munch. & Wartzgarten, & Biescid & Scheneberg, Snepesi, & Bies-sciady, Russis. Melibocus Mons, & Tatri Sclavis, Hartzwaldt, Pirkhermero. Brockersberg Peucero. By others Vogelsburg. The Hilly Country of Hessen between Franconia and Turingia by B. Rhenano.
Carvancas, are the Hilly Tracts of Tirol and Carinthia, now Brenner Pyramio.
The Albanus of Ptol. Albius Strabo, are the Mountains of Stiria, now Schwanberger-Albn, or Affder Alben. Laz.
The Baebi Montes Ptol. are the Crabaten, or Krabaten Mount. in Croatia, Cetius Mons, seu Cesius, Liv. & Ptol. now Kalenberg, or Halenberg in Austria, continued a great length between the Danow and the Dra, and distinguished into sundry particular Names of Schneberg, Deubsperg, Herieberg, Hengsterberg or Heustperg, Semering & Plaitz. The common bounds sometimes of the Countries Noricum, and Pannonia.
[Page 109]The most famous Woods were the Hercyni Caes. Tac. & Plin. Hercina Claud. It began after Caesar at the Rhiin, and the Confines of Helvetia, and was continued Eastwards along the course of the Danube unto the Dacii in Transylvania, containing then in breadth nine days journey, in length more than sixty. Parts and remainders of this Wood were all those vast Desarts and Forest of the Daci and Sarmatae, whose parts are Martiana Silva, were the Woods covering the Hills Abnobi, and from their dark shades called Schwartzwald, or the Black Wood.
The Bacenis of Caesar, the Semana Silva of Ptol. now Duringerwaldt, or Silva Turingica, upon the Borders of Bohemia towards Bavaria.
Gabreta Silva Ptol. now Behaimer-waldt, or Silva Bohemica Mont. the Woods of the Mount Sudaetae towards the W. & N.
Luna Sylva are the Woods of the Sudetae towards Passaw and the South.
The Chorography of this great but Heterogeneous Country, as was said, is divided into many Estates, and those Estates absolute or independent. For the better Survey of which, we will consider Germany in three great Parts, Viz. First, Germany about the Rhine: Secondly, Germany about the Danube; and Thirdly, Germany about the Elbe and Oder.
Let us begin with Germany about the Rhine; and first with the Free County of Burgundy, now the French County, which is every where so fertile, that it is called the Flower of France; its chief places are Besancon, Civitas Visontiensis Ant. Vesuntio Caesar. Visontium Ptol. a fair City, of good strength, and a University, an Archbishops See. 2. Dole, Dola Sequanorum, a Town of great Strength, Riches, and Beauty, and Famous for its College of Jesuits; besides, here are numbred 20 Walled Towns, and about 160 Lordships. This Country was subject to the Princes of Austria of the House of Spain, and under the Spanish Government, Besancon excepted, which was a Town Imperial, and belonging immediately to the Empire. But in the year 1668 the French King, under the pretence of his Wifes Title, with a surprizing swiftness conquered it in the midst of Winter, in less than fifteen days; one of the greatest actions that ever was performed: It amazed all Europe, and caused the Spaniard to quit their pretentions to the Crown of Portugal. However the Treaty of Aix la Chapelle restored it again, but first they dismantled all the strong Places and Holds, and would have destroyed the rich Salts-pits, had not the Interposition of England and Holland prevented; but in the year 1674, Gray, Wesoul, and the loss of other places began the compleat Conquest of that Country by the taking of Besancon, Dole, Saline, &c. nor could the Duke of Lorrain, and Count Caprara relieve it, though they desperately engaged the Enemy at the Battel of Sieren.
[Page 110]North of Burgundy lyes the Principality or Dutchy of Lorrain, Lotharingi [...], Lo [...]theringen, Lorreign; the Duke whereof is a Prince of the Empire, and the Country was reckoned a Feodatory thereof. And by the Py [...]nian Treaty the said Duke was to be restored to his Dutchy of Lorrain, with all the places and Towns which h [...] had possessed in Mentz, [...]aul, and Verdun, surprized by Henry the Second King of France, and since. But France after several new pretenc [...]s and quarrels in 1663, Invested Marsal by the Count of G [...]iche, the delivery of which by the Duke of Lorrain, tho it calmed the tempest, yet after continual Incroachments upon his Jurisdiction, the Limits of his Territories and his Soveraignty it self; one of the French Generals in 1668 was ordered to seize his Person had he not preserved it by leaving his Dukedom, which now France possesses it all.
Chief Places whereof are Metz, the Divodurum of Ptol. and Tac. Civitas Medio matri [...]um of Ant. M [...]tae, & Metis, ali [...]s: The Royal Seat sometimes of the French Kings of Austrasia or Westrick. An Imperial City seated on the Mosel, at the Confluence of the Selna River; Besieged by Charles the Emperor with 100000 Men, Ann. 1552, but despairing of success he left it, and afterwards casting off his Empire in the Monastry of Justus, he ended his life.
2. Toul, Tulium Ptol. Cit. Lucorum & Tullo Ant. a Bishops See, and a Town Imperial upon the River Mosel: Built by Tulius Hostilius, as the French Writers say.
3. Nancy, Nanceium & Nasium Ptol. Seated upon the River Murra, the Residence formerly of the Duke, once strongly Fortified, remarkable for the Disaster of Charles Duke of Burgundy, who lost the Battel and his life near her Walls 1476. Taken by the French Anno 1637. And Ann. 1661 her Fortifications were Dismantled.
4. Verdun, Virodunum & Verodunum Ant. a Town Imperial, and a Bishops See upon the River Meuse.
The Estates of the Dutchy of Cleveland contained whilest it was the entire Patrimony of those Dukes, 1. The Dutchy of Cleves. 2. Of Juliers. 3. Of Berg. And 4th. the Earldom of Marck. Cleve was made an Earldom Anno 911, for want of Heirs it devolved into the Empire 1350. Charles the Fourth gave it to Adolph Bishop of Colen; Sigismund the Emperor made it a Dukedom 1417. Its chief Places are Cleve, Clivia, Cleef incolis. 2. Wesel, Weselia. The Dukedom of Juliers was United to Cleves by Marriage 1496. Its chief Places are Juliers al. Gulick, Juliacum Ant. belonging to the Prince of Newburg. 3. Aken Flandris, Ach Germanis, Aix la Chapelle Gallis, Aquisgrana Italis, & Aquisgranum, from its Hot Baths. Vetera Ptol. & Ant. aliis. But Pyramius [Page 111] and Pighius tells us that Stanten in the Dutchy of Cleves is the Vetera of the Ancients. And Simlerus will have it to be Berck upon the Rhine. Thermaegrani Rheginoni, destroyed by Attila, since fan [...]s for being the Metropolis of the Empire of Charlemagne, and for his [...]urial-place, and also for the Tomb of the Emperor Otho the Third, ruined by the Normans 882, destroyed by fire 1146, and again 1224 it was fired; 1624 it was taken by the Spaniards; 1656 it was again almost destroyed by fire, viz. twenty Churches and Chappels, and about 5000 Houses. Now famous for its Holy Relicks, and much visited by Pilgrims from many parts, as also for the Treaty of Peace 1668. Two Leagues from Aken is a Mine of Lapis Calaminaris, which have been wrought upon for 300 years.
Montensis Ducatas, the Dutchy of Mont or Berg, its chief City is Dusseldorp, a Town and Castle, formerly the Seat of the Dukes of Cleves and Juliers, &c. Here is also Duytsburg an Imperial City, Dispargum, Asciburgium & Disporum of old.
In the County of Marck chief Places are Soest, or Zoest, Susatum of old, and Dortmund, Tremonia & Dortmania, both free Cities. The Dutchy of Berg, and Earldom of Marck belongs now to the Marquis of Brandenburg, that of Cleves and Juliers to the Duke of Newburg. Meurs is a Town honoured with the Title of an Earldom, subject to no other Prince but the Emperor.
Adjoining to these Countries are the three Electoral Arch-Bishopricks:
1. The Arch-Bishop of Mentz, who is first in Dignity, being Chancellor of the Sacred Empire; and hath the Priviledg of Crowning Caesar, except at Aix la Chapelle, which then belongs to the Elector of Callen. His Jurisdiction and Territories, like some of our Diocesses, lies dispersed in several Countries. His chief places are Mentz, or Muntz Germany, Mayence Gallis, Magonza Italis, Macantiacum Ptol. Magontiacum Tac. Mogontiacus & Mogantiacum A. Marc. Cit. Moguntiacensis Ant. Moguntia Rheginoni, Magontia Eutropio, the Metropolis then of the Province of Germania prima. Here is said was first Invented the Noble Art of Printing by John Gutenburg Knight in the year 1440. It was an Arch-Bishops See in 745. And was taken by the King of Sweden 1631, who there kept his Christmas. An Academy 1482. 2. Aschafenburg, or Asciburgiam, Aschafenburg the place of the Arch-Bishops Residence, 3. Erford in Turingia, Bicurgium Ptol. teste Pyramio Erphordia & Hercino Phordia & Erfordia, Erfurdt Incollis, Erford Gallis, a City large, rich, and populous, accounted amongst the chiefest in Germany, Governed in manner of a Free State, but in 1664 reduced again to the obedience of [Page 112] the Elector of Mentz (ope Gallorum) 1392 was founded a University.
2ly, The Arch-Bishop of Collen, a fair and goodly Country, lying upon the left-shore of the Rhine: Its chief Places are, 1. Collen Germ. Cologn Gal [...]is, Colonia Agrippinensis Plin. Agrippinensis Ptol. Colonia Agrippinensis & Oppidum Ʋbiorum Tac. Colonia Agrippina & Agrippinensis Ant. The Metropolis of the Province of Germania Secunda, and a famous Colony of the Romans brought hither in the Reign of the Emperor Tiberius, by Agrippina Daughter to Caesar Germanicus, and Wife to the Emperor Claudius. The Rome of Germany. An Imperial City, but does Homage to the Arch-Bishop. The Cathedral of St. Peter's is of vast and stupendious greatness. Caesar's Bridg over the Rhine is one of the antientest in Europe. Here also are said to lye the Bodies of the three Kings that came from the East to Worship our Saviour. 2. Bonne, Bona Ptol. Castra Bonensia Tac. now the Residence of the Elector, Seated in a pleasant and fruitful part of the Country. This Arch-Bishop is Chancellor of Italy, and second in Dignity. He is also Prince and Pastor of the Country and Jurisdiction of Leidg, a Country very healthy and pleasant; where are reckoned 25 Walled Towns, and 1700 Villages. But the description of this Country I shall refer to that of the Spanish Provinces, being intermixed with them. And shall here only say, that Liege is seated on the River Maez, near that Valley wherein two Legions of Julius Caesar under Sabinus and Cotta were destroyed by Ambiorix Captain of the Eburones.
3ly, To this succeeds the Arch-Bishoprick of Triers or Treves, Diocesis Treverensis, extended along the course of the Moselle from the Confines of Lorrain unto the Rhine. A Country rather pleasant than fruitful, hilly and full of Woods, rich chiefly in Minerals of Iron and Lead: Chief Places are, 1. Trier Germ. Treves Gallis, Treveri Italis, Colonia Treverorum Tac. Augusta Mela, Augusta Treverorum Ptol. Augusta Libera Pliny. Treveris, Salviano, Civitas Treverorum Ant. the Metropolis then of the first Belgica, and Residence of the Vicar-General of Gaul, seated upon the Moselle, now an Arch-Bishops See, and chief of the Country, whose Bishop is Chancellor of France for the Emperor. Built and named from Trebeta Brother to Ninus King of Assyria, Anno ante Christum 1496, teste Baud. Its ancient Inhabitants were the Treviri of Caesar and Liv. the Treveri Plin. & Melae, the Triviri Ptol. 2. Cobolentz al. Coblentz, Legio prima Trajana Ptol. Confluentes Ant. seated at the Influx of the River Moselle and Rhine. A Town populous and well built, the Country about it very pleasant and fertile. 3. Hermanstein, Hermanni Saxum, also Ernbretstein or Erenbreitstein, a strong Castle, notable for its long Siege 1636, opposite to Coblentz.
[Page 113]Next to these lies the Palatinate of the Rhine: Palatinus inferior Rheni Psaltz, die Rhein, or Nder Psaltz Germanis, Palatinat du Rhin, Gallis. This Country (before those unhappy Wars betwixt the Emperor Ferdinand the Second, and Frederick the Fifth Count Palatine of the Rhiin (whereby it was much ruinated) was accounted the most fruitful and pleasant through the whole Germany, especially for its excellent Rhenish Wines. Chief Places are Heidelburg, Heidelburga, seated on the South-side of the River Neccar in a Bottom amongst Hills. It was a University ever since the year 1346, founded by Rupert Count Palatine, and much frequented. In the great Church was kept that famous Library, which was afterwards carried to Rome, and added to the Vatican. Upon the Town-house is a Clock with divers motions. This Elector Carolus Ludovicus is Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter, Great Treasurer of the Empire, and together with the Elector of Saxony Vicar of the Empire. By the Treaty of Muns [...]er 1648 he was restored to the Lower Palatinate. In his Palace or Castle of Heidelburg are divers things remarkable, viz. the Grotes and Water-works. The Great Tun which contains about 200 Tuns. Other places are Manheim, Manhemium, a Town and strong Fort at the Confluence of the Neccar, or Necker and Rhine. The Bridg over the Moat of the Cittadel into the Town is also remarkable. Not far hence stands the old Castle Psaltz, whence the Palatinates seem to have their Name of Psaltz Grave.
Within the Limits of this County, and intermingled with the Lands of this Prince Palatine, are the Bishopricks of, 1. Spiers, Neomagus of Ptol. Noviamagus Ant. Nemetes Caes. & Plin. teste Rhenano. Spira Italis, Spire Gallis, famous for the Imperial Chamber there kept, fixed at Francfort in the reign of Maximilian the First, afterwards at Worms, and now lastly in the year 1530 translated hither. 2. Of Worms Borbetomagus Ptol. & Bormitomagus. Cit Vangionensis & Wormensis of Ant. Latino rec. Wormacia, famous for the many Imperial Parliaments there formerly held as aforesaid; near which place Adolphus Earl of Nassaw, and King of the Romans was slain in the year 1292 by Albert Duke of Austria. There is also belonging to this Bishoprick of Spire, Odenheim, or Udenheim Ger. Philipsburg Gal. Neomagus Ptol. teste J. Heroldo; taken by the Germans from the French 1675.
West of this Palatinate, if not belonging to it is Zuueybrucken Incolis, Deuxponts Gallis, the chief City of the Dukedom of the same Name, by others called the Dukedom of Biponts. Charles Gustavus was Son of John Casimer, a younger Brother to the Duke of Zuueybruck, but whether it belongs to the Swedes or Prince of Newburg, [Page 114] do not certainly find, I think it was taken by the French much about the time that the Prince of Lutzelstein received a French Garison 1674. To this also let us add the Lantgraves of Darmstad.
Of ALSATIA.
SOuth of this Palatinate lies the Province of Alsatia, Elsass, or Elsatz Germ. Alsace Gallis, a Country that scarce yieldeth to the best in Germany for pleasure and fertility, abounding with Corn, Wine, and sundry sorts of delicious Fruits. It is divided into the Upper and Lower Alsace, to which the French Geographers add Suntgow and Brisgaw, though all other reckon the latter to belong to the Circle of Schwaben. Chiefer Towns in the Lower Elsatz are Weissemborg, Alba Sebusiana, seu Wissemburgum. Hagenaw Hagenoia, once both Imperial Towns, now subject to the French; as is Zabern, Taberna Ant. once the chief Seat of Justice of the Bishop of Strasburg. But the chief City of all Alsatia is Strasbourg, populous, strong, and well built The Church is one of the Wonders of the World, for the bigness, the sumptuousness, and the marvellous height of the Steeple, 574 foot, and the inimitable Structure. The Arsenal is also very considerable, and well provided with all sorts of Ammunition and Arms; yet surrendred to the French 1682. The Argentoratum, Legio Octava Augusta Ptol. Argentoratum & Cit. Argentoracensium Ant. Argentina Italis. A Bishops See and Imperial City. In the Higher Alsatia are Schlestat, Sclestadium, Elcebas of Ptol. & Ant. Colmar built out of the Ruines of the Argentuasia, of Ptol. & Ant. Destroyed by Attilas and the Huns. Ensisheim the Uruncis of Ant. The Upper Elsatz belonged wholly to the Arch-Dukes of Austria, the Lower to the Bishops of Strasbourg. Both challenged the Title of Lantgraves. But since the Treaty of Munster, the French have enjoyed the greatest part. Chiefer Towns in Suntgow are Mulhausen, a Town Imperial, confederate with the Switzers. Montbelliard, Mons Belligardus, Montpelgard Germanis, stands upon the Confines of Alsatia and Burgundy, and was subject to the Duke of Wirtemburg, until it was seized upon by the French; it is noted for its strong Fortress, and for a Dispute between Beza and Jac. Andrea alias Schmidliaus. Chief Towns in Brisgow, or Brisigavia beyond the Rhiin are Friburg, Friburgium a University, built by the Duke of Zeringen 1112, now possessed by the French; not far from whence are to be seen the Ruins of Zeringen Castle, from whence the ancient Dukes were Entitled. Brisach, Mons Brisiacus Ant. a Fortress then of the Romans, now of the French.
[Page 115]Come we now to the Estates beyond the Rhine, under which we will take in Franconia, Hassia, and Westphalia.
Of the Circle of Franconia.
THE Circle of Franconia is divided into three parts, viz. 1. Into Ecclesiasticks, 2. L [...]ick, 3. Imperial Cities. So that 'tis governed by many distinct Princes, some of greater, others of less power and Dominion; but the Title of the whole is given to the Bishop of Wurtsburg. A Country hedged on all sides with Forests and Mountains, within plain, healthy and pleasant, tolerably fruitful with Corn and Wine. The chief of the Ecclesiasticks are first the Bishop of Wirtzburg, Bisthumb. Wurtzburg incolis, Evesche de Wurtsbourg Gallis. Whose chief places are Wurtzburg. Herbipolis quasi Herebipolis, Wirtzburg quasi Mustopolis, olim Marcopolis, & Paeapolis, teste Irenico & Artaunum Ptol. teste Petro Apiano, seated upon the Main in a pleasant Plain, environed with Meadows, Gardens, and Vinie Downs. 2. The Bishop of Bamberg, Gravionarum Ptol. teste P. Apiano Bamberga & Pamberga & Papeburga, in Script. German. This City is large, fair, and entirely Catholick. The Bishop is the first of the Empire, it acknowledgeth no Metropolitan, but depends immediately upon the Pope. 3. Mergentheim, Mergetheim & Morkenthal, & Mariental, Mergethum seu Mariae Domus, the Residence of the Great Master of the Teutonick Order. These were some German Gentlemen who waited upon the Emperor Frederick the First in his Expedition to the Holy Land, who took the Croisado, and were Installed at the Church or Hospital of St. Mary Jerusalem, and called Marianites. Their Order differed nothing from the Templers, of St. John, but in form and colour of their Cross. After the taking of Jerusalem by Saladine, these Knights went to Ptolomais; from whence Frederick the Second sent for them into Germany to fight against the Prussians and Livonians, who at that time were Pagans; which War began in the year 1220. In a little while after these Knights had made themselves Masters of a Country of very large extent, and obeyed the Order till 1525, at which time Sigismund King of Poland gave the Investiture of Prussia unto Albert Marquis of Brandenburg. In the year 1563 the Great Master became Secular again, and took part of the Lands subject to the Order, with the Name of Duke of Courland.
4. The Bishoprick of Eichstadt, or Aichstadt, Ala Narisca Ant. & Aureatum teste Gasp. Brocio, near the Danube. The chief of the Laicks [Page 116] are the Marquesses of Cullembach and Onsbach, the Counts of Holac, Wertheim and Erpach, or Erbach, who find their Original from a Daughter of Charlemagne, who married to a Gentleman after she had carried him upon her back through the Court of the Palace. The Imperial Towns are, 1. Nuremberg, Norimberg, Nurnberg Germ. Nerobergae & Noricorum Mons, Norica Caesari. A place of great Trade, and well frequented by Merchants. The fairest, most priviledged, richest, and best Governed in Germany. Here the new chosen Emperor ought to hold his first Diet; and here are the Ornaments used at the Coronation of the Emperors, viz. the Royal Crown: The Dalmatick Gown: The Imperial Cloak, &c. Here was Maximilians Wooden Eagle, that flew a quarter of a mile and back again. And here the Burgers have power to imprison their Children, and cast them alive into the River. Here Charles the Great designed to make a Communication of passage between the Danube and the Rhine, by joyning the Rednitz and the Atmul Rivers, whereby there might have been a Commerce by Water from the Low-Countries to Vienna, and even unto the Euxine. But some inconveniencies in the attempt, and his Warlike diversions made him give over that Noble design.
2. Frankfort, Francfort, or Franckfurt. Francofurtum & Francphordia Helenopotis, olim Trajectus Francorum. The passage or Ford of the Franks. A Free City, and reckoned in the Circle of Franconia by most Geographers, though I rather take it to be in the Circle of the Higher Rhine. It is renowned for its Book-Fairs, or Marts, in March, and in September. For its Fortress, and for the Election of the Emperor. It is a large and strong place, divided into two parts, Frankfurt and Saxenhausen, by the River Maein, united by a Stone-Bridg.
Other Imperial Towns in Franconia, are 1. Schweinfurt, Suevorum Trajectus, Swinphordia & Suvinfurtum, seated in a fruitful Soil. 2. Rotenburg al. Tuberum, seated upon the River Tauber, which some say is like Jerusalem for its Situation upon Hills, and for its many Turrets. 3. Weinsheim Vinisima & Vinshemia Winshaim. 4. Altdorff a University 1623.
Of HASSIA.
ADjoining to Franconia on the North-west is the Landgravedom of Hessen, or Hassia, of a healthy Air, and a fruitful Soil in Corn, and Pasturages. The greatest part of the Country is now divided into [Page 117] two Families, the one of Cassel, the other of Darmstat of the youngest House; chief places belonging to the Landgraves are Cassel, Cassella & Cassilia, Castella Cattorum & Stereontium Ptol. teste Pyramio upon the River Fuld, the chief Seat of the Landgraves. 2. Marpurg, or Martpurg, Marpurgum & Martis-burgam, Mattiacum Ptol. teste Ortel. & Amasia, Baud. upon the River Lohn, an University founded in the year 1426 by Lewis Bishop of Munster. Here the Landgraves have a stately and magnificent Castle, mounted upon a high Hill without the Town, enjoying a pleasant prospect, and one of their chief places of Residence. 3. Darmstad with its Castle, is the Seat and Inheritance of the youngest House of the Landgraves. Part of this Country of Hessen belongs to the Abbey of Fulda, one of the richest and most celebrious in Europe. Anno 1640. it was taken by Bannier, and here he heard a Voice in the Air, Be gone, Bannier, be gone, for now the time is; yet he lived to get that Victory at Homberg in Hassia, between Fridberg and Francford: But at the Battel near the River Sale, valorously defending a Bank, he was forced to yield, and goeth to Halberstade, where voiding much Blood and Matter through an Imposthume, or breaking of a Vein, he put an end to his life, and to all his toyl and labours. This Abbey was founded by St. Boniface an English man: This Abbot is a Prince of the Empire, and Arch-Chancellor of the Empress, calls himself Primate of Gallia; his County is called Buchen, Buchovia, from the plenty of Beeches. To which we may add the Abbey of Hirchfeld betwixt Hessen and the Rhine, and intermingled lies the Confederation of Wetteraw, or a Combination of many Estates, viz. 1. Earls or Counts of Nassaw, from whence the Illustrious Grave Maurice, and other Princes of Orange are descended. 2. Solms well allied. 3. Hanaw, the Counts whereof have large Estates, and a Justice from which their Subjects cannot appeal. 4. To this Country belongs the Counts of Waldeck, subject to the Lantgraves. The Barons of Limborg have a Title of Semperfre. The Counts of Swartsbourg are great in Riches, with many others.
Of WESTPHALIA.
COntiguous on the North of Hessen lies the Circle of Westphalia; a Country full of Woods, which nourish many Swine, which make excellent Bacon; and abounding as plentifully in other places with Corn. This Country is divided amongst the Ecclesiasticks, Counts and Imperial Cities. The Bishops are 1. Munster, a City seated on the [Page 118] River Ems, Monasterium ol. Minigrado & Miningrade, built by Charles the Great. In the year 1533, called New Jerusalem by the Anabaptist; and their King, John of Leyden, King of Sion, who being at last besieged and taken, was put on the top of a Steeple in an Iron Cage, where he was eaten up by Flies and Wasps, together with two of his Companions. 2. Of Padeborn, or Paderborn incolis, of a miraculous Foundation. 3. Minden, Minda, once a Bishoprick, but now setled upon the Marquess of Brandenburg with the Title of Prince, by Munster-Treaty, as also is Ferden. 4. Of Osnabruck, or Osenbrug, Osnabrugum seu Osnabrucum so made 776. a Carolo Magno. The alternate possession whereof is given to the Duke of Brunswick for his Cession of his Bishoprick of Halberstat.
The chief Counts of Westphalia are first of East-friezland, who in the year 1653 was raised to the Dignity of Prince, whose Seat is at Aurick, or Auricum. 2. The Counts or Prince of Oldenburg, & Delmenhorst, are totally extinguished by the death of Anthony Gunther in the year 1656. However famous in that the Kings of Denmark are descended from it ever since Christian Earl of Oldenburg was chosen King of Denmark, Ann. 1448. 3. Of Schawenburg. 4. Of Benthem. 5. Of Tecklenburg. 6. Of Ravenspurg. 7. Hoy. 8. Lingen, Lip, &c.
The free Cities are, 1. Embden, the Amasia Ptol. teste Cleverio. 2. Herverden. 3. Brake. 4. Soest. 5. Dortmund in the County of Marck. 6. Lemgow in the County of Lip. The Title of Westphalia as Ducal is usurped by the Archbishop of Collen, ever since the proscription of Duke Henry, Sirnamed the Lion.
Our second Division of Germany was that of the Danube, wherein may be comprehended first Suevia, Italis, Schwaben, Germanis, Sovabe, Gallis.
Of the Circle of Suevia or Almaigne.
THE Circle or Dukedom of Schwaben or Almaigne, for by these two Names the ancient Dukedom was called. The State was erected under this last Title by Clovis King of the French. The first Dukes were but Governours under the French during pleasure. After the division of the French Empire by the Sons of Lewis the Godly; and that the Empire was translated to the Germans, they became Hereditary. The first that transmitted this Honour to Posterity was Frederick the First, created Duke of Schwaben, or Almaigne by Henry the Fourth. Conradinus taken [Page 119] Prisoner in Italy in his Wars against Charles Duke of Anjou, and afterwards beheaded at Naples, without Heirs, was the last Duke of Scwaben, and in whom ended the Succession and Family of the Fredericks. After this Disaster the Dukedom for want of Heirs falling to the Empire, became scattered into sundry lesser States, viz. Ecclesiasticks, Laicks and Imperial Cities. The Bishops are, 1. of Ausbourg, whose Residence is at Dilling: 2. Of Constauce, whose Residence is at Mersburg. 3. Of Coire in the Grisons. Other Grand Prelates are, first the Abbot of Kempten: 2. The Grand Prior of the Order of Maltha, whose Residence is at Heitersheim about two German Miles South of Brisach and Freiburg.
The Secular Princes are, 1. The Duke of Wirtenburg, who was raised to Ducal Dignity in a Diet held at Worms 1495. He hath a Country where the Mountains abound in Mines, Vines and Woods. The Forest of Schwartz-waldt, are well stored with Timber-Trees, Game and Venison of all kinds; the Vallies are a continuation of Meadows, covered with Cattel, and watered with Brooks full of Fish; the Plains are thick set with Gardens like those of the Hesperides. His Residence is at Stutgard, Stutgardia, seated near to the Necker. There is no where to be seen fairer Rows of Orange-Trees, Grotta's better contrived and beautified, Fountains more artificial, nor Fruits more pleasant to the sight or tast than here. They that have been at Tubing, Tubinga [...]ol. Augusta, know how many Princes, Counts, Lords, Barons, and Gentlemen have been bred in that Noble College and University, where are excellent Professors in all Faculties, principally in those which are worthy of Illustrious persons. In this Country are reckoned 63 Cities, 158 great Towns, 645 Villages, 537 Water-mills, and 14 Abbeys of large Revenue. He hath a fair Militia of Horse and Foot, and many Fortresses.
2. Of the Marquisate of Baden and Durlach: The Marquess of Baden after the death of Philip the last of the Hochbergian Branch, was united into that Anno 1503, who dying in the year 1515. His Lands were parted between his two Sons Bernard and Ernest, who are now the Heads of two principal Branches, into which this House is divided, viz. Baden and Dourlach, whose Country lies adjacent to the Rhine intermingled up from Basil to Philipsburg, a Country pleasant, and Soil fruitful; chiefer Towns are Baden, giving name to the Country, and so called from the Hot Medicinal Baths thereof. 2. Dourlach, the Title of the second Son.
3. Of the Counts of Hohenzolleren: The Lords of this House are Hereditary Chamberlains to the Emperors since the time of Maximilian [Page 120] the First. Their Castle of Hohenzolleren was ruined by Henrietta Countess of Wirtemberg and Montbelliard, but reedified about the year 1480, at which time Philip Duke of Burgundy, Albert Elector of Brandenburg, Albert Duke of Austria, and Charles Marquis of Baden, laid the first stone of it, using a Tray, a Trowel, and a Mallet, all of Silver.
4. The Counts of Fustemberg, who are very renowned in History, a Prince of the Empire.
5. The Counts of Helfenstein, having flourished above 1000 years, expired some years since.
6. The Counts of Ottinguen, or Oeting, are divided into two principal Branches, that of Waldenstein is Catholick, that of Ottinguen Lutheran.
7. The Fuggers are not very ancient.
8. The Papenheims are very famous.
9. The Baron of Walburg is considerable. Besides these there are some parts wholly belonging to the Empire.
10. Constance, Constantia, seated on the Bodenzee, belongeth to the House of Austria. Anno 1548, it was out-lawed by Charles the Fifth; and is famous for the Council here held, Anno 1414, where were assembled the Emperor Sigismund, four Patriarchs, 29 Cardinals, 346 Archbishops and Bishops, 564 Abbots, and Doctors, 16000 Secular Princes and Noblemen; 450 Harlots, 600 Barbers, 320 Minstrels and Jesters. The business was the deposing of three Popes, Gregory the 12th at Rome, John the 23d at Bononia, and Bennet the 13th in Spain, and setting up Martin the Fifth. And the degrading and burning of Hierome of Prague, and John Hus without any respect to the safe conduct of the Emperor Sigismund.
The Bodenzee by Plin. Lacus Acronius & Brigantinus, is about 8 Dutch Miles in length, and 3 in breadth, and in its greatest depth at Mersperg about 600 yards. At the Island Meinaw in the year 1647 the Swedes digging, found a Treasure to the value of five Millions.
The chief and Imperial Cities of Schwaben are, Ausburg, or Auspurg & Augshurg, from Augusti Burgum, where Augustus setled a Roman Colony after Claudius Drusius. Nero Germanicus had brought it into Subjection, Druso Magus of old, and afterwards Augusta Tiberia. Augusta Vindelicorum Ptol. & Augusta Vindelicium Ant. famous for its Magnificence, Town-House, for being a Bishops See, and Imperial. 2. Ʋlm, Ʋlma, seated at the meetings of the Rivers Iler, Blave and Danube; of great state, large, rich, and well fortified, being six miles in compass. Here the Danube begins first to be Navigable.
Kempten Campidunum was the ordinary Residence of the ancient Dukes of Swaben, and the native place of Hildegardis Wife to Charlemagne.
[Page 121] Dinkelspiel was often taken and retaken in the late Wars. Essinguen is a pretty Town upon the Neckar under the protection of the Duke of Wirtenburg. At Hal is made great quantity of Salt. Hailbrun is an Imperial City, yet pays the Tenth of its Wines and Grain to the Duke of Wirtemburg.
Kaufbegeren bought its liberty for [...]5000 Livres. Lindaw stands upon an Island in the Lake Constance, and [...]joyned to the firm Land by a Bridg 290 Paces long, belonging to the Emperor, who hath given it the priviledg of coining Money. Memingam is very ancient. Mulhausen is noted for its Gardens and Mills. Nertlingen is remarkable for the Battel which the Swedes lost 1634, where General Bannier was slain, and Gustavus Horn taken Prisoner. Northausen for its Imperial Assemblies and Turnament held there. Rotwiel for the loss of Martial Guebriant 1643, for being a Retreat to the Cimbri when beaten by the Romans. Wimpsel, or Winfelun, signifying Weibspris, for the unheard cruelties of the Huns upon that Sex. Here Fortune triumphed over Valour, and Magnus Duke of Wirtemburg died in the Battel 1622. Lastly to name no more, Guemund, Gaudia mundi, noted for its Turnaments, and otherdastimes.
Of BAVARIA.
THE Circle of Bavaria, Bayern incolis, Baviere Gallis, Baviera Hisp. & Italis. Olim Boioaria & Vindilicia, is divided into the Dutchy and Palatinate. The Dukedom is divided into three parts, the Higher, the Lower, and the Bishoprick of Saltzbourg, a district and distinct Jurisdiction of it self. The Higher Bavaria is generally overspread with Woods, cold and barren. The Lower somewhat more fruitful, and abundantly more pleasant. In the Upper Bavaria chief places are, Munchen, Monachium, or Munick upon the River Iser, the Residence of the Dukes of Bavaria, and one of the fairest Palaces in Europe, enjoying a most sweet and happy Situation among the Woods, Gardens and Rivers, famous also for its seizure by the King of Sweden, who found a vast Treasury herein. In the Lower Bavaria are, 1. Ingolstat, Ingolstadium, a noted University founded in the year 1471; and is famous for putting the first Affront upon the King of Sweden in Germany, and forced him to raise the Siege by Lewis Duke of Bavaria. 2. Regensperg, or Regensbergh, Ratisbona, famous for the Diets held there, and for its long Bridg; a fair and large City beautified with a great number of Churches, Chappels, and other places dedicated to Religious uses. 'Tis [Page 122] a Bishops See, and Town Imperial. 3. Passaw, Patavium, Boiodurum, Ptol. & Ant. and Batava of the Author of the Notitia, then a Garison-Town of the Romans, the station of the Cohort of the Batavians, now a Bishops See, seated at the meetings of the Rivers Danube, Inn and Ills, and divided into three Towns, Passaw, Instat, and Ilstat.
Donavert was a Free City till the year 1607, at what time it incurred the Imperial Ban or Proscription, which was executed by the Duke of Bavaria, who brought it into Subjection, and holds it still under his Laws. Confined with [...]n the Dukedom of Bavaria lies the Archbishoprick of Saltzburg, of a dry Rocky and barren Soil, some fresher Vallies excepted, rich chiefly in Minerals. The only Town of Note is Saltzburg, Salisburgum, al. Juvaria of Ant. & Castrum Juvaviensi of the Notitia, the Mansion then and fixed Residence of part of a Cohort of Roman Soldiers, now an Archbishops See, whose Revenues are the largest in all Germany, seated upon the River Saltzach, where lies Interred the Body of Paracelsus.
The Country of the Upper Palatinate or Nortgow from the more Northern Situation of it as to the Dukedom, is a Country rough and hilly, rich chiefly in Minerals of Iron. Amberg, Amberga Cantiaebis, Ptol. teste P. App. upon the River Ills, enriched chiefly by the Commodity of Iron digged out of the Neighbouring Hills. The Castle of Luchtemburg mounted upon a Hill gives Name to the Lantgraves so called. Newburg upon the Swartzach, is the place whereof are stiled the Princes Palatine of Newburg. The second Branch of the House of the Elector of the Rhine, to whom this Palatinate did belong; but in the year 1623 the Emperor Ferdinand the Second transferred this Palatinate, with the Electoral Dignity from Frederick the Fifth, Count Palatine, to Maximilian Duke of Bavaria, and the Munster-Treaty conferred to Bavaria the first Electorship, and an eight place was new erected for Charles Lewis of the Rhine, provided that if the Gulielmine Branch happen to fail before the Rodolphine, the latter shall re-enter into their ancient Electorship, and the new created one shall be wholly abolished.
The only Arch-Dutchy in Europe is Austria, or Oost-reich divided into the Upper and Lower Austria, and hath united to it, as Hereditary possession of that House, the Provinces or Dukedoms of Stiria, Carinthia, Carniola, the County of Tirol, with that of Chilly, and Marquisate of Windish-Marck.
Of AƲSTRIA.
THE particular Dukedom of Austria extended on both sides of the Danube, is a Country pleasant, healthy, and abundantly fruitful in Corn and excellent Wines. Its chief Cities and Places are, 1. Vienna, Juliobona Ptol. Vendum Strab. Vindibona Ant. & Ʋnidomana of the Author of Notitia & Ala Flaviana. Fabiana Heyl. Wien Ger. Wetsch & Petz Turcis, & Berch teste Brown. Viena Italis, Wiedun Polonis, Widen Bohemii, Vienne Gallis, the Metropolis of Germany, seated upon the South-side of the Danube, the greatest River in Europe. In Circuit about 5000 Geometrical paces. It is Famous for her University, for four great Piazza's, adorned with Marble Fountains and Statues; for its Cathedral of St. Stephen (whose Steeple is about 465 foot high, consisting of hewen stone, and carved into various Figures of Men, Birds, and Beasts) the Emperor's Treasury, the Arch-Dukes Gallery, the Treasury of the Church, and the Sepulchre of Otho. The Arsenal, the College of the Jesuits, the Church and Convent of the Benedictines, of the Dominicans, and of the Franciscans, are worthy of Remarque. Within the City there was also the Hochbrug, or High Bridg, which is made by the crossing of two Streets at equal Angles; the ground of one Street being as high as the tops of the Houses of the other, so that to continue it they were forced to build a Bridg or Arch in the lower Street to pass over. In the Suburbs, the greatest Curiosities were the Favorith, or the Empresses Garden; that of the Bishop, and of the Earl of Thaun, of the Prince of Ausburg, and others: the Church and Monastry of the Carmelites, of the Augustines; the Hermitage of the Capuchins, and the Spanish Monastry; Remarkable also for plenty of Wine, of Craw-fish, and Sallets in Winter. 'Tis likewise accounted the Bulwark of this Country against the Turks, being as strong, as well Fortified; built with part of the Money obtained for the Ransome of Richard the First, King of England, taken Prisoner in his return from Palestine by Leopold the fifth Duke of Austria. Famous for the Repulse it gave Solyman, and the whole power of the Turkish Empire, when of 200000 Men he brought before it, he carried away but 118000, Anno 1529. And as Famous for this last Repulse of September the 12th. 1683, for being closely besieged by the Prime Vizier with 200000 Turks, Tartars, Cossacks, and Hungarian Malecontents on the 12th of July 1683, and as valorously defended by that Magnanimous Hero Ernestus Rudiger Count Starenbergh as Governour, was then manfully relieved by the Invincible Prince, [Page 124] John King of Poland, the Electors of Bavaria and Saxony, the Duke of Lorrain, Prince Waldeck, P. Salme, P. Louis of Baden, and the Marquis of Brandenburgh, Baraith, &c. During this Siege the Turks were said to have lost 70000, and in the Battel more then 20000 men; that the Christians lost 10000 or 15000 during the Siege, and about 3 or 400 on that great and Signal Victory when the Turks formidable Army was totally defeated, their Camp (which was infinitely rich) their Baggage, Cannon, and Tents all taken, and Vienna happily relieved when brought to its last extremity.
Other places in Austria are, 2. Lintz, Aradate of Ptol. the Residence of the Emperor during the Siege of Vienna, not great but as neat and handsome a City as most in Germany. The Houses built of white Freestone, and the Castle is of the Modern Fortification. Here is a Bridg over the Danube; besieged by 40000 Peasants of Austria in the time of Ferdinand the Second, at last overcome by Papenheim.
3. Ens Anisia, upon the River Anisus, or Onusus, near which stood the Lauriacum of old, now Lorch a Roman Garison, and afterwards a Bishops See.
4. Melcke, Nomale, or Mea Dilecta, once the Seat of the Marquesses of Austria, noted for its noble Cloister of Benedictines, which overlooks the Town, and the Tomb of St. Colman there much honoured. At Stein is a Bridg over the Danube. Crembs is a Walled Town.
Baden about four German miles from Vienna, is a pretty Walled Town, seated near a part of Mount Cetius, which divided Noricum from Pannonia. Most remarkable for its Baths, which are much frequented, and are nine in Number.
Newstat is one of the chiefest Cities in Austria, it is of a square figure, with a Piazza in the middle of it. Here was Count Peter Serini and Frangipani Beheaded as chief Contrivers of the Hungarian Revolt.
Pretronel, or Haimburg, the same, or near to the Carnuntum of Plin. & Liv. Carnus of Ptol. a strong Hold of the Pannonians, in vain attempted by the Romans 170 years before the Incarnation, subdued in the time of Augustus, and made a Roman Colony. Here resided the Emperor Antonius Philosophus three years, and died at Vindihona, now Vienna. And here Severus was Elected Emperor, ruined in after-times by Attila in his Incursions into these parts.
The Marquisate of Stiria, alias Steirmarck, is a Hilly and Mountainous Country, rich chiefly in Minerals. The Inhabitants are much troubled with a Disease called Struma, or the Kings-Evil, a swelling of the Throat proceeding from their more cold and moist Air, or from their more sharp and piercing Waters mingled with Snow, or with the virose [Page 125] streams and particles of Mercury, or other Minerals descending from off their Mountains.
Its chief Place is Gratz, Graiacum Graeciam & Savaria upon the Mur. Petaw is the Petavium of Ptol. and the Petobio of Am. Marcel. & Paetovio Ant. Racklespurg & Pruck, or Poreig, the Bolentium and Muri pones of the Ancients. Seckavar, Sekou a Bishops See, and Cell, are of the greatest Pilgrimages in the Austrian Territory.
Carinthia lies on the West of Stiria: Its chief Places are Clagenfurt, near the Lake Werdsee, Claudia Plin. teste Laz. A fair four square Walled Town, with a fair Piazza in the middle, adorned with a Column of Marble, and a Statue of the Virgin upon it, also with a Statue of the Emperor; also with a noble Fountain in the middle, over which is a large prodigious Dragon of stone, and of Hercules with his Club standing before it. At Bleyburg are Lead-mines, where they have worked 1100 years, and the Pit is 110 fathom deep.
2. St. Veit, or St. Faith Vitopolis, seated upon the Confluence of the Rivers Glan and Wunich, a Walled Town with six Churches, and a Piazza with a remarkable Fountain. In sight of St. Veit are four Hills with Chappels upon them, to all which upon one day of the year the Inhabitants go in devotion on foot, which is near thirty English miles. Not far from St. Veit is a place called Saal or Solva Ager Solvensis, or Zolfeldt; a place fruitful in Antiquities, among others that of the Kings Chair used at the Installing of the Duke of Carinthia, which among other Ceremonies whether he be King, Prince, or Emperour, either himself or his Substitute receives a gentle box on the Ear from a Country-man.
3. Lavemondt, or Lavanmynd, Lavanti Ostium, a Bishops See.
4. Villach Juliam Carnicum & Vacorium of Ptol. teste Jovib. Sabel. upon the Dra. And 5. Gruck a Bishops See.
The Dukedom of Carniola, by the Germans Krain, is rich in Corn, Wine and Oyl: Chiefer Towns are Laibach, or Laback, Labacum the Pamporta of Strabo, and Nauportus of Plin. Memorable for the story of the Ship Argonauta wherein was brought the Golden Fleece from Pontus Euxinus, stopped here by the bordering Mountains, and carried over Land to the Adriatick Sea, and so brought back again unto Greece. Krainburg is a very strong place. And Gorecz, Goritium near the Adriatick upon the River Lisonze, belongs to the Arch-Duke of Austria; as also the Earldoms of Lilley and Windishmarck, the chief place of the first beareth the same name; the chief place of the latter is Metling, the Metallum, or Metalum of Strab. App. Here also is the Zirchnitzer-See, or the famous strange Lake Zirknitzer, or Zirichnitz Lugeum, or Lugae [...] [Page 126] Palus of Strab. Palus Liburniae, & Japodum palus, a Lake about two German miles long, and one broad. Every year in the Month of June, the water of this Lake descendeth under ground through many great holes at the bottom, and in the Month of September returneth again by the same holes, and with a speedy ascent springs up to the height of 14 or 15 foot, and affordeth plenty of Fish; and when dry it yields store of grass for Cattle. Idria about ten miles from Goritia or Noreia of old, and is famous for its Quick-silver Mines, one of which is between 120 and 130 fathoms deep. 'Tis seated amongst the Mountains upon a River of the same Name that runneth into the Zisonzo, near which Odoacer King of Italy was slain in Battel by Theodorick King of the Goths.
Trieste, Tergestum, is a Port-Town of the Emperors in the Adriatick Sea, as is also Aquileia, once the Metropolis of the Carni, but destroyed by Attila 452, and by the Longobards 590, so that 'tis now p [...]r and mean, both properly are in Italy.
Ponteba, or Pont Fella is the exact Confines between the Venetian and the Imperial Dominions; on the one side of the Bridg live Italians subject to the Venetians; on the other Germans, subjects to the Emperor.
West of Carinthia lies the Country of Tirol; of a fertile Soil, and in many places, Silver Mines; whose chief places are, Inspruck, Aeniponi, seated on the Oenus, or Inn River, which gave Name to the third Branch of Austria, where the Arch-Dukes have a Magnificent Palace, sometimes the seat of Charles the Fifth, and Ferdinand the First. 2. Trent, a Bishoprick seated on the River Adesis; famous for the General Council there held by Pope Paul the Third and his Successors, against the Doctrines of Luther and Calvin: It began in Anno 1545, and continued off and on, for the space of eighteen years. Brixen, Brixia, is a famous Bishoprick in this Country.
Tyrol is a Castle that gives Name unto the greatest Country of Europe. Schwatz and Stertzingen, are rich in Silver Mines.
And now we are come to our Third Division of Germany about the Elbe and Odar, where we may consider Saxony the Higher and Lower Circle. The first comprehending the Estates of the Dukes and Electorates of Saxony, of Brandenburg and Pomerania. The other containing the Dutchies of Holstein, of Bremen, of [...]uneburg, of Brunswick, of Lavenburg, of Meklenburg, &c. Then the Kingdom of Bohemia, with the Dutchy of Silesia, and Marquisate of Moravia.
Of the Higher Saxony.
WE shall consider first the Estates of the Dukes and Electorate of Saxony. And here for the better information of the Reader in a matter of much Intricacy, and which without the general knowledg of the Saxonian History (which is too large here to be inserted) cannot well be made plain and intelligible, we shall therefore contrary to what other Authors of Geography have done in their descripions of Saxony, tell you, That whether Albert the third deceasing without issue in the year 1412, in whom ended the Dukes Electors of Saxony of the House of Anhalt; Or whether Erick the Fifth of the House of Saxon Lavenburgh lapsed his time of demanding the Investiture of the Electorship; 'Tis certain that Frederick the First, Sirnamed the Warlike, Marquis of Missnia, and Lantgrave of Thuringia, was created Duke Elector of Saxony by the Emperor Sigismund in the year 1423, by this means the Title and Dignity of the Electors and Dukes of Saxony was quite removed out of the ancient and true Saxony, and confined within Thuringia, Misnia, and the Country about Wittemberg, called the Dutchy of Saxony, or Ober Sachsen. The only possessions of the Modern Dukes. Only by a further accumulation in the year 1583, the House of Heneberg totally failing, that of Saxony took possession of it by vertue of a Conferternity made between those Princes in the year 1554. And also that since the last War of Bohemia the Emperor gave the Upper and Lower Lusatia to John George Elector of this House, who died the 8th. of October 1656, and was Interred the 4th. of Febr. 1657, with more then Regal pomp, there being 3500 persons in Mourning, and 24 Horses of State, covered with Black, and the Electorate Eschucheon Embroidered thereon, every one of them led by two Gentlemen.
This Elector bequeathed by his last Will to John George his Eldest Son, the Lands inseparable from the Electoral Dignity, viz. the Dutchy of Saxony, together with the Upper and Lower Lusatia, with some Baliwicks about Dresden; to Augustus, the Administrator of Magdeburg, with twelve Baliwicks about Hall, and in Thuringia. To Christian, the Diocess of Mersbourg and some Lands in Vortland, and in the Mountains. To Maurice, besides the Diocesses of Naumburg and Zeitz, all that of his Electoral Highness in the Principality of Heneburg. These are all the Princes of Saxony of the Descendents of the Elector Augustus, Brother [Page 128] to Maurice Duke of Saxony of a younger House, who have their Habitation at Hall, at Mersburg, at Naumburg, and at Dresden; for John Frederick, Sirnamed the Magnanimous, of the House of Frederick the First, Sirnamed the Warlike aforesaid, was in the Protestant Wars taken Prisoner by the Emperour Charles the Fifth, by whom he was deprived of his Lands and Electorship, which was given to Maurice aforesaid, his Kinsman; but after five years Captivity or Imprisonment, his Lands but not the Electorship were restored to him again, which his Successors now possess; which are now divided into three Branches, viz. of 1. Altembourg and Coburg: 2. Of Weymar: 3. Of Gotta and Eisenach. To these we may add the Principality of Anhalt, which is divided amongst many Princes, who reside at Dessaw, at Beremborg, at Pleskaw, at Zerbst, and at Cotsen. Intermingled with these are the Counts of Mansfield, Hohenstein, Schwartzburg, Stolberg, &c. with two Imperial Cities, Northausen and Mulhausen, and the University of Jena; all these Estates are contained within Misnia, Thuringia, or Duringe, and Saxony, or Sachsen, and Lusatia, or Lavenitz. Other chief places are, 1. Misnia, or Meissen, seated upon the Elbe, whence the Province had its Name, a Bishops Sea, adorned with three fair Castles or Palaces of the Bishops, Burgraves, and of the Dukes of Saxony. 2ly, Lipsia, Leipsig, or Leipsick not very large, but wealthy and populous, beautified with fair Buildings of Stone, viz. the Castle, and St. Nicholas Church. 'Tis a rich Empory and noted University, seated upon the River Elster, having three Marts in the year: Famous also for two great Battels fought near unto it in the last Swedish Wars. One between Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden, and Count Tilly General of the Imperialists, 1631, wherein the Swedes obtained a great Victory: Tilly was wounded, and lived not long after. In the other Torstenson the Swede overcame Arch-Duke Leopoldus Gulielmus and Octavio Piccolomini Generals of the Imperial Army. And about a mile and half from hence at Lutzen another great Battel was fought 1632, between the King of Sweden and the Imperial Army commanded by Wallenstein Duke of Friedland, wherein the Swedes obtained the Victory, but the King of Sweden was slain; and on the Imperial side that famous Godfrey Count of Pappenheim; for that Victorious King could not die but conquering, and Pappenheim ought not to fall but in the company of so great a Prince. But the chiefest is Dresden incolis, Dresda Italis, the Seat and Residency of the Elector of Saxony, Grand Marshal of the Empire, seated upon the River Elbe, over which there is a very noble Stone-Bridg of 17 Arches; 'tis well fortified after the Modern way, with a strong wall, and a large Ditch, having three Gates. Places most worth the seeing here are the Italian Garden in the [Page 129] Suburbs. The Hunters House in the old Town. The Electors Palace. His House for wild Beasts. His Stable. His Arsenal, and his Kunstkammer, or Collection of Rarities. Here the Lutheran Women mourn in White, and say Grace.
4. Freiberg, a noted place, with others adjacent, for its Silver Mines; a round well walled City, with a Piazza, Castle, and five Gates. In St. Peter's Church is the fair Monument of Duke Maurice Elector of Saxony which in Octob. 1632, upon the surrender of the Town, cost 80000 Dollars to save it from being ransacked and defaced.
5. Wittenberga, Wittenburg, in ober Sachsen, in an open Plain upon the Elbe, strongly fenced with Bulwarks, Walls, &c. a noted University for Lutheran Divines, where also are the Sepulchres of Luther, born at Eisleben in the Earldom of Mansfeldt; And of Melancthon.
South of Misnia, if not comprehended in it, lies a little Country called Voitland, or Viteland, which seemeth to take its Name from the Juites or Vites, who together with the Saxons and Angles conquered Britain, and gave Name to the Isle of Wight. Its chief place now is Zwickaw, Cignea in Scrip. Germ.
Marchia Brandeburgensis.
THE Marquisate of Brandenburg is a large Country, well stored with Woods, Lakes, and Fens, and in some places with Corn. It is generally divided into two parts, the old and the new Marquisate. The Metropolis of the old is Brandenburg, or Brennoburgum, a Bishops See, and the first Seat of the Marquisses, giving Name to the Country. The Metropolis of the New is Francfurt, Francofurtum ad Oderam, a University 1506, enjoying a pleasant Situation among Corn-fields, and Viney-downs, so that Ceres and Bacchus seems both enamoured of it. Berlin, Berlinum, seated in the midst of the Province, is the place of the Prince Electors Residence.
Costrinum, Costriin, Custrin & Kustrin, is a very strong Fortress, said never yet taken. Havelburg is the Seat of a Bishop. Besides this Marquisate whereunto the Electoral Dignity is annexed, there belongs to this Prince the Dutchy of Prussia in Poland. The Dutchy or moiety of Pomerania. The Reversion of the Dutchy of Magdeburg. The Dutchy of Cleves and Earldom of Mark, The Principalities of Halberstat in Brunswick, and Minden in Westphalia, which he had in lieu of his Resignation of the Higher Pomerania to the Swede. The Dutchy of Crossen, and [Page 130] Lordship of Pregnitz in Silesia. The Jurisdiction of Cotbuss, or Cotwis, and other Towns in Lusatia, or Laussnitz. The Branches of this Family are the Marquisses of Cutembach and Onspach.
Of Pomerania, or Pomeren.
POmerania lies extended all along the shore of the Baltick Sea, divided into the Upper and Lower Pomeren, now Royal and Ducal Pomerania, the first belonging to the Swedes, the latter to the Elector of Brandenburg. A Country plain, populous, and abundantly fruitful in Corn, Pasturages, Honey, Butter, Wax and Flax.
Chief Places in Pomerania Royal are Stettin, Stetinum, memorable for its brave Siege, and as brave defence in the year 1676. when taken from the Swedes, since restored again.
2. Wollin, when Julinum a flourishing Emporium Anno 1170. sacked by Waldemarus King of Denmark. 3. Gripswald, a noted University. 4. Wolgast, over against the Isle Ʋsedom. 5. Straelsundt, alias Sundis, a well Traded Empory over against the Isle Rugen.
Chief Places in Ducal Pomeran are Camin a Bishops See, over against the Isle Wollin. Colberg at the mouth of the River Persandt. Coslin upon the River Radnie. Newg [...]rten upon the Hamersbeck. Stargard upon the Ina. Rugenwal upon the Wipper, are all considerable Towns.
This shall suffice for the Higher Saxony, or the Eighth Circle of the Empire, come we next to that of the Lower Saxony, which contains,
Of the Dutchy of Mecklenburg.
MEckelburgiensis, sive Megalopolitani Ducatus, lies next to Pomerania, along the Coast of the Baltick Sea, of a fruitful Soil, and rich in Corn. The Princes or Dukes whereof are now divided into two Branches; the chiefs whereof make their Residence at Suevin, or Schwerin, and at Gusteen, or Gustrow, and have now each of them a moiety of the Dutchy▪ and are said to be derived from the Vandal Princes. However in the late German Wars the Emperor made these Princes feel the weight of his indignation, giving their Lands to Wallestein a Silesian Gentleman, (a great Captain indeed, and renowned Soldier, who by a strange Ingratitude, and Devilish ambition, came to a miserable end; the Duke of Biron, and the Earl of Essex had such like designs, and as [Page 131] Tragical Catastrophies.) Nevertheless they reentred into it by the Arms of the Great Gustavus their Cousin-German 1631. And tho Munster-Treaty took Wismar, yet gave them in Exchange the Bishopricks of Ratzeburg and Suerin, turned into Principalities.
Other chief places are Wismar, Wismaria, a Hans-Town, and noted Port upon the Baltick, founded out of the Ruins of the great and ancient City of Mecklenburg, or Megalopolis, Anno 1240. taken by the Elector of Brandenburg 1676, from the Swedes, but restored again. 2. Rostock, Rosarum Ʋrbs & Rhodopolis, a Hans-City, noted Port, large, rich, and well Traded, a University founded Anno 1415.
Come we next in course to Holstein, which is under the Homage and right of the Empire, but being in possession of the House of Denmark, we shall refer its Description to that Kingdom, and speak of the Dutchies of Brunswick and Lunenburg.
Of the Dutchies of Brunswick and Lunenburg.
THIS was a part of the ancient Dukedom of Saxony, till the Proscription of Henry, Sirnamed the Lion, by the Emperor Frederick Barbarosa; but by the Mediation of Henry the Second King of England, his Father-in-law, (being reconciled unto the Emperor) had the Cities of Brunswick and Lunenburg with their Countries, restored unto him; afterwards erected into a Dukedom by the Emperor Frederick the Second, whose posterity enjoyed these Dukedoms jointly till the year 1430. when they were divided between William the Victorious, who had the Title of Brunswick, and his Uncle Bernard who had the Title of Lunenburg, and in their posterity both these Dutchies do still continue.
Of Brunswick al. Brunswigensis, Appiano. The South and East parts towards Hessen, &c. swell with Woody Mountains and Hills, parts of the ancient Hercinian, the Northern part more plain and fruitful in Corn, and other Commodities.
Chief Places are, Brunswiick, al. Braunswyck & Brunsviga; the Tulisurgiam of Ptol. teste Appiano, upon the River Oacer, and one of the chief Hans-Towns, containing about seven miles in compass, fair, populous, and strongly fortified with a double Wall, peopled with industrious Inhabitants, jealous of their Liberty; Governed in manner of a Free Estate, held under the right of the Princes. Its chief Trade is in Hides and Mum. 2. Goslar, G [...]slaria, a Town Imperial. 3. Wolfenbuttel, a very strong Castle, and the Residence of the Dukes of Brunswiick, where [Page 132] is a famous Library; within these Territories were also included the Principality of Halberstat, now under the Elector of Brandenburg, and the Bishoprick of Hildersheim, the Abbey Quedelnburg, whose Abbatess was sometimes Princess of the Empire, now subject to the House of Saxony. Hannover is the Seat and Title of another Branch of the Dukes of Brunswick, whose Duke is a Catholick, in whose Territories are Calemburg, Grubenhagen, Gottingen, and Hamelen, where the Inhabitants keep the Records of the famous Piper, who in 1284. drew the Boys of the Town into a Cave, who were never after heard of.
Lunaeburgensis Ducatus, Hertzogthumb Lunenbourg, incolis: Dutche de Lunebourg Gallis. The Country is plain, the Air sharp and healthful, and the Soil fruitful. The chief Town is Lunenburg, Lunaeburgum, upon the River Ʋlme, now one of the Six Hans-Towns, large, populous, and adorned with fair Buildings, whose chief Trade is in Salt. Cell, or Zell, is the Residence of the Dukes.
Of Bremen, Episcopatus Bremensis.
THIS Diocess or Arch-Bishoprick of Bremen is a Country whose extreme parts along the Elbe and Weser are very fertile for Corn and Pasturages, the more inner parts wild and barren. Bremen an Arch-Bishops Sea, gives name to the Country; it is seated upon the right side of the Weser, large, populous, rich, and well Traded, and strongly fenced, and is famous for its Art of dressing Leather, and Cloth, and for their Fish.
Stada, Stadt, a noted Hans-Town, accounted the most ancient in Saxony, and once the Staple of the English Merchant-Adventurers, now the place where the Ships pay Tole, strongly fortified. Bremersforde, a Castle, and Village, where the Arch-Bishop resides. Charlsstat, is a strong Fort built by the Swedes near the mouth of the River Weser. This Country with the Principality of Ferden in Westphalia now belongs to the Swedes by the Treaty of Munster.
Of Lawenburg.
THIS Dutchy gives Name to the Princes of Saxon Lawenburg, who are Branches of the same House with the Princes of Anhalt. Its chief place is Lawenburg, or Laubenburg, upon the Elb, a fine Town, but the Castle is ruined, and the Duke lives at Ratzeburg, though he [Page 133] hath nothing there but the Castle, the Town belonging, as was said, to the Duke of Mecklenburg.
Of Magdeburg, Ditio Magdeburgensis.
THIS Diocess lies extended on both sides of the Elb, betwixt Brandenburg, and the proper Saxony. The chief Town is Magdenburg & Magdenburg, incolis. Magdburg al. Magdeburg: antiquis monumentis Pathenopolis. Mesuium Ptol. testis Appiano. A Burgraveship of the Empire, and Arch-Bishops See, giving name to the Country. Reedified by Editha Wise unto the Emperor Henry the First, and Daughter to Edmund King of England, and thus named in Honour of her Sex. Her Effigies in stone is in the Cathedral Church, with 19 Tuns of Gold which she gave thereunto; though others say it was from the Worship of the Virgin Diana. A place of great state, large and fair, and strongly fortified, once the Metropolitan City of Germany, famous in the Protestant Wars for a whole years years Siege against the Emperor Charles the Fifth. But sacked and burnt by Tilly, and 36000 persons put to the Sword and destroyed 1631. and the Town almost ruined. 'Twas also famous for the first Turnament which was in Germany, which was performed here in the year 637. by the Emperor Henry, Sirnamed the Fowler.
These are the chief parts of the Lower Saxony, and contain the ninth Circle of the Empire.
Of BOHEMIA.
BOiemum, Tac. Beiohemum Paterc, Bomi Ptol. Boheim Germ. Boheme Galli [...], Boemia Hispanis, Bohemia Italis. Czeskazem incolis teste Brieto. This Kingdom is environed about with Mountains and Forests, as it were with Fortifications. The Air sharp and piercing, the Country rough and hilly, rich in Minerals, and yielding sufficient plenty of Corn, and other necessary Provisions, Wine excepted. First inhabited by some of the Germans, who were dispossessed by the Boii, who gave Name unto the Country. The Boii were routed by the Marcomanni, a people of Germany. And these were also ejected by the Sclaves under Zechus Brother unto Lechus the Founder of the Polish Monarchy, about the year 649. called in their own Country-language Czechi, but named from the Country they seized upon, Boiohaemi, upon their first arrival. This people [Page 134] were Governed by Dukes until about the year 1086. when Ʋratislaus or Ʋladislaus was created the first King of Bohemia, in a Diet at Mentz by the Emperor Henry the Fourth about the year 1199. Power was given to the States to chuse their Princes, before being Elected by the Grace of the Emperors, since which time the Kingdom continued Elective, though most commonly enjoyed by the next of blood, until the Royal Line being extinct, the Kingdom was devolved upon the House of Austria.
Chief Places are, Praga Italis, Prag incolis, Prague Gallis. Marobudum Ptol. teste Sans. & Briet. the Capital and Royal City of the Kingdom of Bohemia, seated upon the River Muldaw, by the Bohemians, Ʋltave; it consisteth of three Towns, the Old, the New, and the Lesser. 'Tis an Arch-Bishoprick and University, where in the year 1409. were reckoned above 40000 Students under the Rectorship of John Hus. The greatest remarks are the Emperors Palace, and Summer-house. A fair Cathedral Church built 923. The Palace and Garden of Colaredo. The Palace of Count Wallestein Duke of Freidland. The Bridg being 1700 Foot long, and 35 foot broad, with two Gates, under two High Towers of Stone at each end. Near Prague that deciding Battel was fought, Novemb. 8. 1620 between Frederick Prince Palatine of the Rhine, Elected King of Bohemia, and the Emperor Ferdinand the Second, where the Victory fell unto the Imperialists, Prague forced to yield, and King Frederick and his Queen forced to fly into Silesia.
Teutchin Broda by the River Saczua, a strong place when taken by Zisca, who then forced the Emperor Sigismund to fly out of Bohemia.
Janikaw, where was fought that famous Battel of Febr. 24. 1643. between Torstenson, and the Imperialists, the success gave the Swedes the advantage of proceeding further.
Czaslaw is the place where Zisca was buried, that famous Bohemian General, who fought when he was blind, and when dead wished his friends to make a Drum of his Skin.
Guttenburg, or Cottenburg, is famous for its Silver Mines.
Egra is a strong City, accounted the second of Bohemia, and chief Magazine of the Country.
The Mountains of the Giants in Bohemia, called Riphaei or Cerconossi, are famous for three things, for their Signification and Prognosticks of all Tempests, for the rarity of Plants, Stones and Gems there growing, and for a Spectrum called Ribenzal, which is said to walk about those Mountains in the form of a Huntsman. Anselmus de Boot tells us that Rudolphus the second, King of Bohemia, had a Table of Jewels which he calls the Eighth Wonder of the World; it was wrought with [Page 135] uch Art that the Jewels which were set together with invisible joints, presented a most pleasant Landskip, naturally representing Woods, Rivers, Flowers, Clouds, Animals, &c. the like not to be found in the World.
The Waters of Carolina al. Karsbad, found out Anno 1370. in the time of Charles the Fourth, will in a Nights time turn Wood into a stony crust.
That the Loadstones of Bohemia will give the point of the World, but not draw Iron, and that a Needle touched with one of those Stones never points directly North, but decline eight or more degrees to the last.
That Mummies as good as any in Egypt have been found in Bohemia, (a whole man of Myrrh, Amber) Bones of Giants and Unicorns horns, are dig'd out of the Mountains. See the Hlstory of Bohemia. Bohuslao Balbino & Soc. Jes. in fol. Prag. 1679.
Other chief Towns are Pilsen, large and Walled, Tabor upon the River Lauznitz. Koningsgratz Ger. Hradium Reginae, Kralowikradetz Boh. Kuttenburg Ger. Kutnahora Boh. Budereiss Ger. al. Budeiowice Boh. Leitmeritz Ger. al. Litomierzitze Boh.
To these we may add the County of Glatz upon the Borders of Silesia.
Of Moravia, Marherin, or Mahren.
IS a Country lying open only towards Austria and the South, upon the other sides environed with Mountains and Forests; plain within, and exceedingly populous, pleasant, and fruitful for Corn, Wine, and Pasturage. The Air somewhat unhealthy, being debarred from the cleansing East and Northern Winds. Once a Kingdom, now a Marquisate, subject to the Bohemians, an Appendant of that State since Anno 1417. when Sigismund the Emperor gave it to Albertus King of Bohemia.
Chief Places are Olmutz, or Olmuntz Germ. & Olmuez. Olomucium & Olomuncium Latino. Holemane Boh. the Eburum of Ptol. teste Pyram. & Appiano, rather Barouua teste Laz. A University seated on the River Morava, or Marckh, which running quite through the Country, entereth the Donaw near Presburg, and gave name to the Country; large and strongly fortified, taken by the Swedes, but restored by the Treaty of Munster.
2. Brinnum, Brin. Ger. Brno Bohemis, the Arsicua of Ptol. Vilano, but by Sans. 'tis Hradisch. Walled, and hath a strong Castle, famous for the Siege of 1645. by the Swedes, seated upon the River Schwartz.
[Page 136]3. Iglaw Germ. or Igla, Czihlawa Bohem. on the River so called, seated upon a Hill on the Frontiers of Bohemia, well fortified, having a large Piazza.
4. Znoimum, Znaim, Germ. Znoymo Bohem. seated upon the River Theya, which divideth Moravia from Austria, is famous for the death of Sigismund the Emperor, and for its Painted Houses, and for its Sieges of 1645.
The M [...]ravians are a plain dealing people, stout and good Soldiers.
Gradisco near Olmutz, is famous for its Myrrh and Frankincense, which contrary to the common custom groweth immedately out of the Earth; and the Frankincense groweth naturally in the shape and likeness of those parts which men and women most conceal, teste Dubravivo in his Bohemian History.
Of Silesia, Schlesingen & Schlesien.
THIS Dutchy is watered in the middle by the River Oder, wholly encompassed with Hills and Mountains, except towards the North. The Air therefore sharp and piercing, lying open to those blustering Winds. The Country is plain, rough, and Woody, yet abounding in Corn, the Hilly parts yield plenty of Brass, and other Metals.
It was once subject to the King of Poland, afterwards it submitted, or was subjected to the Kings of Bohemia, and is now an Appendant of that State. The ancient Inhabitants among others were the Quadi, against whom when M. Antonius the Emperor made War, and being in a great strait, the Legion of Christians in his Army by their Prayers obtained from Heaven not only Thundershot and Artillery, which destroyed the Quadi, but gentle showers which refreshed the faint and dying Romans. Xiphil. in his Dion.
Chief Places are Breslaw Ger. Wratzlaw Bohem. Vratislavia. The Budorgis, or Budorigum of Ptol. Pyramio & Curio. By Ortel. Budorgis is Rattibor. A Bishops See 970. burnt in the year 1341. now one of the fairest Cities in Germany, with strait and open Streets. Other Places are Glogaw, Crossen, belonging to the M. of Brandenburg. Lignitz, Schweinitz, Olaw, Opp [...]len, Troppaw, Ratibor, Teschen, &c.
Thus have we surrounded Germany, and finished the Survey thereof.
As to the Revenue of the Emperor, 'tis not worth mentioning. It had need therefore of some Prince, whose own Estate is sufficient to support the Grandure and Dignity of so august a Title.
Of Helvetia, or Schwitzerlandt.
This Country which should have followed Germany, being misplaced in the Copy, is therefore here inserted.AT what time this whole Mountainous Tract, containing many several Nations, was comprehended under the general Name of Helvetii, they were grown to so great a Multitude, by a long Peace and want of Traffique, that the Country, being Barren, was no longer able to maintain them; so that setting Fire to their own Towns, they resolved to seek out new Dwellings; but their passage being stop'd [Page 194] by Caesar, he so wasted them by several Defeats, that they were forced to crave leave to return into their own destroyed Country: After this, they continued Members of the Roman Empire, till Conquered in the times of Honorius and Valentinian, by the Burgundians and Almains, betwixt whom it was divided; after taken by the French, it was made a part of the Kingdom of Burgundy; and at length, by degrees, brought under the Power of the House of Austria, by the Force of the Emperor Albert, the Son of Rodolph of Haspurg: But the People being over-burthened by the Oppression of their Governors, taking Occasion by the Factions of the Empire, and the Weakness of the Austrian Family, they contracted a League Offensive and Defensive, for Preservation of their Liberty; into which entered those of Switz, Ʋren and Ʋnderwald, 1308. more strictly 1315. To these joyned Lucern 1353. Zurich, 1351. Glaris, Bearn and Zug, 1352. Friburg and Soloturn, 1481. Basil and Schafhausen, 1501. Appenzeet 1513. called Switz, from the name of the Village where first began this Confederacy, or because the most Famous and most Potent of them; not all united into one Confederation till the Year 1513. Of no great Reputation, till the War made upon them by Charles Duke of Burgundy, whom they Defeated in three Battels at Granson, Morat and Nancy.
This Country is in Length about 240 Miles, and 150 in Breadth; very Mountainous, affording Deers, Wild Goats, and Bears. The lower Parts of these Mountains afford rich Meadows, and Nourishing Pastures for Cattel, wherein consists their greatest Wealth. In some Places they have good Wines and Corn, if the Care and Industry of the Husbandman be not wanting. This is said to be the Highest Country in all Europe; yet is no place more stored with Lakes, and the Rise of more Famous Rivers, which run through all Parts thereof, viz. The Rhine Northward, through the 17 Provinces; the Danube Eastward, through Germany, Hungary; the Poe Southwards, through Italy; and the Rodamus Westward, through France.
As the Soil, such are the Inhabitants; of rude and rugged Dispositions; more fit for Arms than Civil Occupations; Serving any Prince that will Hire them. In a word, they are tall, well proportioned, and strong; naturally Honest, Frugal and Industrious; great lovers of their Liberty.
As for the Body of their State, it consists of three distinct Parts, viz. 1. The Schwitzers. 2. The States which are Confederate with them. 3. The Praefectures, which are Subjects to the Schwitzers.
The Schwitzers are comprehended in 13 Cantons, viz. Suitia Switz, Ʋria Ʋren, Transilvania Ʋnderwald. Luceria Lucern, Tugium Zug, Berna Bern, [Page 195] Tiguriam Zurich, Basilea Basil, Friburgum Friburg, Salodorum Soloturn' Abbatis cella Appenzeel, Glarona Glaritz, Scaphusia Schaf hausen, these make the Body of that Commonwealth, enjoying many Rights and Privileges, which the others do not.
The second Member is made up of the Towns and States Confederates with them for the Preservation of their Liberties, viz. The Rhoetii or Grisons, who in the year 1408, united in a perpetual League with Ʋren, Switz, Ʋnderwaldea, Lucern, Zurich, Glaritz and Zug.
The Valesii, Valaise or Walisland, who in the year 1533. entered in League with the seven Catholick Cantons.
The Town of St. Gal, in the year 1452. obtained the Protection and Confederacy of the six Cantons of Zurich, Bern, Lucern, Switz, Zug and Glaritz. The Abbot of St. Gal only with Zurich, Lucern, Switzt and Glaritz.
Mulhausen & Mulhusium, & Arialbinum Ant. teste Simlero, in Alsatia, a Town Imperial, joyned in a perpetual League with all the Switzers, 1515.
Rotweil & Rotevilla, in Suavia, a Town Imperial not far from the head of the Danow, united 1519. with all the Cantons.
Bienna, Bienne teste Baudrand, rather Biel, upon the Bieler-Lake, was taken into the League with Bern, 1547.
Neocomium, Naufchastal Gallis, Nowenburg Germ. with Bern, Lucern and Friburg.
Geneva, first with Friburg, then with Bern and Zurich.
As for the Prefectures of the Switzers, they are such lesser Parcels and Adittaments as have arrived to their State, and are Subject to their Authority, either by Gift, Purchase or War, viz. the Town and Country of Baden, Bremgarten, Mellingen, Rapersvila or Raperchswil. The free Provinces of Wagenthal. The Country of Tergow al. Tergea. The Country and Town of Sargans and Walenstat. The Prefectorship of Rheineck. The Vallies of Locarn, Lugan, Mendrisi, and Madia. The Balliages of Belinzona, Gasteren and Ʋlzenach. Of Granson, Morat, and Orbe, and Schwarzimburg, and the Count Verdemburg. All which Cantons, as well as their Allies, are as so many distinct Commonwealths, Governed by their Magistrates, and independent upon one another. They have two sorts of Religion amongst them, the Roman Catholick, and the Protestant: The Catholick Cantons are five, or, as some count, seven; the five Cantons are, Ʋri, Switz, Ʋnderwald, Lucern, and Zug: They that reckon seven, add Friburg and Soleure. But Zurich, Bern, Basil and Scasouse are Protestants; Glans and Appenzel are Protestants and Papists mix'd together: The Catholick Cantons Assemble at Lucern, [Page 196] and the Protestant Cantons at Aran. The General Assemblies are held yearly at Baden, which bears that Name from her Baths. Every Canton is free to engage where it sees convenient. Among all these Cantons, Zurich has the Precedency: Bern is the most Powerful. Basil has the finest City, the Residence, and the Rendezvous of several learned Men. The Canton of Schasouse has a City, famous for Trade; and in Solothure stands a City of the same Name, where the most Christian King's Embassador Resides. Ʋren, Switz, Ʋnderwald, Glaris, and Appenzel have only Burroughs: The Order of the 13 Cantons, according to their Precedency, is Zurich, Bern, Lucern, Ʋren, Switz, Ʋnderwald, Zug, Glaris, Basil, Friburg, Solothure, Schafhausen and Appenzel.
Amongst the Allies of the Cantons, the Grisons are the most Powerful of all. Their City of Coire is the place whither the Merchandizes of Italy and Germany are brought, by reason of its Situation upon the Rhine, which in that place begins to grow Navigable.
The Chief Cities in these Cantons, are Zurich the Tigurium of Caes. & Liv. pleasantly Situate at the end of a Lake, called Zurich-Sea, or Tigurinum Lacum, divided almost into two equal parts, by the River Ligamus, which runs out of the Lake, but joyned together by two Bridges. The Houses built of Timber and Painted, many four or five Stories high. The Streets narrow, but paved with Flints and Pebbles. 'Tis well Fortified, besides the Wall, with good Earth-works and Trenches. It hath a University. Its Citizens are Rich, given to Merchandise, Busy and Industrious. To this belongs the Power and Authority of summoning the General Diets, and having the first place in both Assemblies.
Near Zurich was Zuinglius Slain, aged 44 years, whose Heart remained whole in the midst of the Fire, after his Body was consumed. As also the Heart of Bishop Cranmer in England, as 'tis reported.
Below Zurich upon the Ligamus, enjoying a most happy and pleasant Situation, lieth the Town of Baden, named thus from the hot Baths thereof, beautified with fair Buildings. The Seat of their General Diets, much frequented and resorted to; also for its publick and private Baths, not so much for Health as Pleasure. The chiefest Virtue, is the quickning Power they have upon barren Women; for here the Men and Women promiscuously wash together, and which is worst, in private too.
Basil Ang. Basil Germ. Basle Gal. Basilea Ital. Basilia Mercel. The Arialbinum of Ant. teste Cluver & Sanson. A City large and fair. The Houses built of Stone for the most part, and painted, compassed with a double Wall and Trench, Rich and Populous. The River Rhine divides [Page 197] it into two parts, which are joyned together by a Bridg of fourteen Arches. In this City are said to be 600 Fountains. It gives Title to a Bishop, who is not suffered to lodg in the Town one Night. Spantalus an English Man was the first Bishop here. 'Tis an University founded by Pope Pius the 2d.
Here was Erasmus buried; and here was held that Council, where it was decreed that a General Council was above the Pope, An. 1431.
Near hereunto is the Village Augst, where stood the City Augusta Rauracom, Ptol. Rauriaca of Plin. and Basilia & Civitas, Basiliensium of Ant.
Bern, seated upon the Aar, with whose Streams, Island-like, it is almost round encompassed; on that side which is not, it is strongly Fortified with Bastions and Out-works. 'Tis built of Stone, and hath one long Street, with narrow Porticoes, or Cloysters on both sides. The great Church is one of the handsomest Stone-Fabricks in all Switzerland.
Lucern is seated upon both sides of the River Russ, issuing forth of the Lake Lucern and Waldstetten-See, a neat City, and pleasantly seated; it hath four Bridges over the Russ, one for Carts, the other foot-Bridges, one near a quarter of a Mile long. The great Church stands without the City-wall, and is noted for its great Organ. The City is well traded, and much frequented by Strangers, being the ordinary Road between Italy and Gremany, and the Rendezvous of their Merchandise passing that way.
Altrof an open Village, is the Chief of the Canton of Ʋren. The Village of Switz gave Name to the Country. Stantz is the chief of the Canton of Ʋnderwald. Glaris gives Name to that Canton. Zug is a walled Town upon the left Shore of the Zugen-See. Appenzel was sometimes the Seat of the Abbots of St. Gall, then Lords of the Country; now gives Name to the Canton. Solothurn, Solothurum of Ant. upon the Aar, was the place of Martyrdom of Ʋrsus and his 66 Theban Soldiers, in the Reign of the Emperor Dioclesian. Friburg upon the River Sana, is a handsome Town, and Head of the Canton.
Schaf-hausen is seated upon the River Rhine, where all Boats and Flotes that come down the River, unload, because of the Catarract, or precipitious Descent of the Rhine at Wasserfal. Here, as at Zurich, the Citizens wear Swords when they go abroad.
Chief Towns of the Confederate-Estates, are Geneva Caes. Genevra Ital. Gneff Germ. is pleasantly seated at the lower end of the Lake Lemanus, now Genfferzee, or the Lake of Geneva, divided by the River Rhoscu, into two parts, which are joyned together by two Wooden Bridges, strong and well fortified with Ramparts and Bastions of Earth; [Page 198] and well governed, where Vice is discountenanced, yet Sports and Exercises allowed upon the Lords Day; the People Industrious in Trading, and Provisions plentiful. Losanne, Lausanna, the Lausonium Ant. is a great Town and University upon Lacus Lamani.
Coira vel Coria Ital. Chur Incolis, Caria Ant. & Diac. is the Capital City of the Grisons, almost environed with Mountains, a Bishops See, whose Inhabitants are all Protestants, except the Bishop, who hath nothing to do in the Government of it, yet Coins Money which is currant there. This Rhaetia, or Country of the Grisons, is divided into three Parts. 1. Lega Della, Casa Dio, or Foedus Domus Dei. 2. Lega Grisa. 3. Dicci Dritture, or Foedus decem Jurisdictionum.
Sion Ital. Sitten Ger. Sedunum Caes. & Plin. is the chief Town of Valesiae or Wallislands, reaching along the Course of the Rhosne. A Bishop-See, seated upon the Rhosne in a Plain, under a steep biforked Mountain, spiring up in manner of two high and precipitious Rocks; upon the top of the one is the Cathedral Church, and the Houses of the Canons upon the other, which is much higher. The strong Castle called Thurbile, in Summer-time the pleasant Recess of the Bishops, the Key of the Country.
Martinack is the Octodurus of Caes. & Civit. Valensium Ant. St. Mauriaz Agaunum, now St. Moritz, closed with a Castle, and two Gates upon the Bridg, and the Mountains which shut up the Country, which is within most pleasant, fruitful, and happy in Corn, and excellent Pasture; where is also Salt Springs discovered, An. 1544. near Sitten. Also divers Fountains of hot Medicinal waters. Without, the Country is environed with a continual Wall of horrid and steep Mountains. The surprise of it alarmed all Europe, when seized upon by the Count Fuentes, for the King of Spain.
Mellingen, Bremgarten and Meienberg, chief Places of Wagenthal, lie upon the Russ River. Biel appertaineth to the Bishops of Basil, Newenburg to the House of Longeville in France, both confederate with Bern.
The chief Places of Targow, are St. Gal, seated amongst Mountains not far from the Rhine, and the Lake Bodenzee, or Constance. The City is Rich and well Governed, inhabited by an industrious People, in making Stuffs and Linnen Clothes. From the famous Monastry hereof, are named the Abbots, Princes of the Empire, and of great Power and Reverence in this Country. Frawenfeld is the chief belonging to the confederate Cantons.
Chief Places in the Italian Prefectures, are Locern & Lorcarnum, seated in a pleasant and fruitful Plain, betwixt high Mountains, and the Head of the Lake Magione, the Verbanus Lucas, Strab. & Plin. and
Of the SEVENTEEN PROVINCES, Or, the LOW-COUNTRIES.
BY the Latins that Tract is called Belgium, from the Belgi, the most Potent People heretofore of all these parts; which upon the Confusion of those Ancient Limits of Germany and France, did contain 17 distinct Estates, or Provinces: It is also called Germania Inferior; by the English, the Low-Countries; by the Dutch, Netherlandt; by the Italians, Spaniards, and French, Flanders; from whence the Inhabitants were generally called Flemmings.
'Tis a Country seated very low, between the Banks of the Rhine and the Sea-shore, from which 'tis Defended by extraordinary Charge and Industry with Banks and Ramparts. For Hubandry, 'tis the best cultivated; for multitude of Towns and Villages, the best Peopled; for their neatness, the most Remarkable; and by reason of their several Manufactures, the most Rich of any Country in Europe.
'Tis bounded on the North with the German or British Ocean, which also separates it from Great Britain, on the West; and on the South and East it borders upon France and Germany.
The Ancient Inhabitants were partly Subdued by L. Drusius, in the time of Augustus Caesar; the other were before overcome by Julius Caesar: After which subjection they remained under the Roman Empire until the Expiration of that Empire, when they were involved in that Publick Calamity, under the Victorious French who here succeeded the Romans; the whole was contained under the Name and Kingdom of Austrasia, or Oostinreich. After that the French Monarchy became divided amongst the Posterity of the Emperor Lewis the Godly, this part hereof broke into sundry new Principalities and Governments, and became divided into 17 States, or Provinces, whereof some Entitled their Governours, Dukes; others, Earls; others, Lords.
Their Names are these: Four Dukedoms, Brabant, Limburg, Luxemburg, and Guelderland. Seven Earldoms, Holland, Zeland, Zutphen, Flanders, Artois, Hainault, and Namur. One Marquisate of the Holy Empire, comprehending Antwerp. Five Signories, or Lordships, Malins, Ʋtrecht, Over-Yssel, Friesland, and Gr [...]ningen. Two of these, Flanders and part of [Page 138] Artoise, appertained to the Soveraignty of the Kings of France, quitted unto Philip the Second King of Spain by Henry the Second, French King, in the League of Cambray. Brabant, Flanders, part of Artois, Limberg, with Malines, and the Marquisate of the Sacred Empire, became added to the Dominion and Family of Burgundy by Philip the Hardy. Holland, Zealand, West-Freisland, Hainalt, Luxemburg and Namur, by Philip the Good: Gelderland, Zutphen, Ʋtreicht, Over-yssel and Groningen, by the Emperor Charles the Fifth. Since this Union they were Governed in manner of Free Estates by their Princes and Magistrates, making a distinct Nation and Commonwealth by themselves. Duke Charles the Fighter, Prince hereof, had an intent to unite the parts then under his Government into one entire Kingdome by the name of Burgundy. But the Provinces being Soveraign, and had their several Laws, Priviledges, &c. this project took no effect. In the reign of Philip the Second King of Spain Heir of the House of Burgundy, and in the year 1566. began those memorable Civil broils, so long afflicting those rich and flourishing Countries, continued with the spoil and ransacking of all their chief Towns and Cities, with the unspeakable misery and calamity of a bloody War of 48 years; a War which cost the King of Spain the Lives of 600000 men, and 150 Millions of Crowns, and England not fewer than 100000 men, and above a Million of Money. At last, part of the Provinces were forced to continue under the Spanish Yoak, and part recovered their Liberty; so that now there are in the Low Countries two Estates, or Dominions, far differing one from another; for the one is a Republick, or rather, several Republicks United and Confederated in one, and therefore called the Ʋnited Provinces, and (commonly from the Principal Province) Holland: The other, for the most part, did belong to the King of Spain, as Heir to the House of Burgundy, and is called the Spanish Provinces, or Flanders; but of the late Years the French King hath Conquered most part thereof.
As the Country is divided, so is also their Religion; for the Spaniards strictly follow the Romish, and the States-General indulg the free Use of all Religions, but countenance only that of the Reformed Churches, according to Calvin.
The Men for the most part, are well proportioned, unmindful of good Turns and Injuries; of good Invention, Frugal, and of indefatigable Industry.
[Page 139]The Women, generally of good Complexions, Familiar, Active, Laborious, and conversant in Affairs in the Shops and Houses.
Their Language, for the most part, is Dutch, with little difference in the Dialect; but in the Provinces adjoining to France, they speak a corrupt and imperfect French, from their Language called Walloons.
The Air is Temperate, and more wholesome than formerly; the Winter more long than cold, and the Summer like the Spring in Southern Countries.
The Soil towards Germany is Woody and Hilly; but towards the Sea full of Pasture and Meadow-ground, which breed great store of Cattel, which make Cheese and Butter plentiful.
Of the UNITED PROVINCES, Or, Dutch Republique.
THE Ʋnited Provinces are so called, because of the Union which they made together in the Year 1579. They are Seated toward the end of the two Rivers, the Rhine and the Meuse, in the Northern part of the Low-Countries, between the Dominions of the King of Spain in Flanders, and many principalities of the Empire. The Princes of the Empire, which are Neighbours to them, are, the Duke of Newburgh, [Page 141] in his Dutchy of Juliers; the Elector of Brandenburgh, in his Dukedom of Cleves; the Elector of Cologn, the Bishop of Munster, the Count of Bentheim, and the Prince of East-Freezlande, in the Territories of the same Name.
The Ʋnited Provinces, which formerly acknowledged the King of Spain, afterwards became Independent; or, to speak more properly, so many Commonwealths of themselves, which yet all together make up but one Republique, [...]nder the Title of The Ʋnited Provinces of the Low-Countries; so that the Dignity remains with the States-General, but the Absolute Authority (in Matters excepted in the Alliance) abides in the States of every Pr [...]ince. The Arms of this Commonwealth is a Lion holding a Bundle of seven Arrows close tyed together, in allusion to so many Provinces Confederated by the same Allia [...]e. And yet these Provinces have not been always so well United, but that they have sometimes rather [...]sembled a Body with so many Heads, some of which looked one way, and some another.
There is no Dominion in the World of so small an Ext [...]nt, that has so great a number of Fortresses; and which seems to be better Defended by the Natural Situation of the Country it self; for it is Fortified by the Sea, and several Rivers; that is to say, the Rhine, the Meus [...], the Waal, the Issel, &c.
Besides the Ʋnited Provinces, and the Territories belonging to them, the States have certain Towns in Brabant and Flanders. They have in Flanders the Sleuce, Middleburgh, Ardemburgh, the Sass of Gaunt, Axel, and Hulst. In Brabant Lille, Bergen-Opzoom, Breda, Boisleduc, and Grave. They had also Dalem and Fauquemont, in the Dutchy of Limburgh; and Maestricht, in the Bishoprick of Liege: but those places have been won from them by the King of France, only Maestricht is restored, and at this present in their possession. In Germany, they had upon the Rhine Orsoy, Wesel, Reez, Emeric, and Genep, in the Dutchy of Cleves; and Rhineberg, in the Electorate of Cologne. But those places are returned to their right Owners. Upon the edg of Westphalia, they have a Garison in Embden, and in the Forts of Fideler and Leer-ort, which belongs to the Prince of East-Friesland.
Of these Ʋnited Provinces, four lye toward the West, Holland, Zeland, Ʋtrech, Guelderland, and Zutphen. Three to the East, Overyssel, Friesland, and Groningen. In their Assemblies, these Provinces have always given their Voices in this Method, Guelders and Zutphen first; then Holland, Zeland, Ʋtrech, Friesland, Over-Yssel; and lastly, Groningen, with the Ommelands.
[Page 142]Each Province sends their Deputies to the Hague, where they compose three Colledges or Assemblies; the States-General, the Council of State, and the Chamber of Accompts. In the Assemblies of the States-General, it behoves all the Provinces to give their Consent in general and particular, to the Resolutions there taken, there being no such thing among them as Plurality of Voices. Gueldres takes place first, as being the Eldest, and because her Plenipotentiaries first propos'd the Union. The Admiralty sits in five places, and has five Magazines; at Roterdam, Amsterdam, Horn, or Enchysen, Middleburgh, and Harlinghen; the three first in Holland, the fourth in Zeland, and the fifth in Friesland.
The Earldom of Holland and Zeland, together with the Neighbouring Country of VVest-Frisia was given unto Theodoric Son to S [...]gebert Prince of Aquitania, by the Em [...]eror Charles the Bald. By Arnulph their fourth Prince, quitting the French Allegiance, they were first made subject to the Soveraignt [...] of the German Emperors. In John the Second, became added to the House of Hainalt. In William the Third, to the House of Bavaria. In Philip the Good, to that of Burgundy. In Philip the Second, to that of Austria. In whose reign, after forty years War they were acknowledged a Free Estate by his Son Philip the Third.
The Province of Holland is of most Power and Consideration, as giving Name to all the rest: It is Situate very low, and therefore fenced with Banks and Ramparts to keep out the Sea; it is also fenny, and full of Marshes, and therefore trenched with innumerable Dikes and Channels, to make it fit for Dwelling.
Remarkable indeed is the Industry and Trade of the Inhabitants; that, having little or no Corn, yet they are always provided, not only with sufficient for their own Use, but to supply their Neighbours. Having no Timber of their own, they spend more in Building of Ships, and fencing their Water-courses, than any other Country: And having no Flax or Wool, they make more Cloth of both sorts, than all the Countries in Europe, except England and France.
The whole compass of this Earldom is not above 180 miles, but in breadth no where above three hours Journey from the Sea: It contains 23 Walled Towns, and 400 Villages; the chief whereof are,
1. Amsterdam, Situate on the Lake, or Sea, called Tie, and the Dike or Channel called Amstel in Latin, Amstelodamum & Amsterodamum; built upon Piles, like Venice; and by the late Addition of the new to the old, may now vie with the richest and fairest Cities of the World: [...]amous for its great Trade to the utmost parts of the Earth; and as [...] to some for its Toleration of all Religions. 'Tis the Market [Page 143] or Shop, where the Rarities and Commodities of all Countries are exposed to Sale.
Dort, Dordracum, Situated upon four Rivers, hath the first Voice; as the Town where the Earls of Holland and their Subjects reciprocally bound themselves each to another. There it is that they Coin their Money, and their Magistrates have the Privilege to go with one of their Guards. In the Year 1421, of a City upon the Continent, it became an Island, through a most Dreadful Inundation, that Drowned about 100000 People, and 80 Villages; pleasant and large. Harlem, Harlemum, is the place where they make their finest Linnen Cloth, and the whitest in the whole Province. Famous for the Invention of Printing by Lawrence Jans, and its Inhabitants for breaking the Pelasian Chain. The Duke of Alva having taken it, committed very great acts of Bloody Cruelty therein. Delpht, Delphi, Delft, is the Burying-place of the Princes of Orange, and of great Trade for Cloathing; famous for the Story of the Storks, who covering their young ones in the fire-time, all perished in the Flames; and infamous for the Birth of David George, who called himself King and Christ, who died in 1556 at Basil, and three years after his Bones were taken up and burnt. Leyden, Luddunum, Batavorum, is the Eye, or, as others will have it, the Garden of Holland; as well for the cleanness of their Streets, as the beauty of their Houses. It is also famous for its Antiquity, for its Library, and the Excellent Edition of Books there Printed; as also for the entire Defeat of the Spanish Army. In this City was born that Taylor, who, to his ruin, was made King of the Anabaptists in Munster. Goude, Gouda, has this Advantage, to be Situated among Springs, and where the Inhabitants enjoy the purest Air in all Holland. Rotterdam, Roterodamum, the place where Erasmus was Born, is the best of the twelve Cities which they call small ones, by reason of its great Trade upon the Meuse. The Hague, Haga Comitis St. Gravenhage, la Hage, which is the Residence of the States General, is not a Burrough-Town, but a Village, the best Built, and as delightful a place as most in the World. The Texel, Texelia, is a Port to the North. Famous for its Harbour. The Brill, Briela, has the same Advantage towards the South; in the Island of Voorn the rest of the Coast is all Sands, with some small Shelter for Fisher-boats; with the Islands Over-flac, and Gorre.
There is also the rich and daily Butter and Cheese-Market, Gorkum, Gorichemum, on the Wale; a strong place, and one of the Keys of Holland: The fair and commodious Haven, Schonhoven, Schonhovia. The strong and rich Goude, Gouda. Oudwater, &c.
Elstein on the Yssel, or Fossa Drusiana al. Itala, with their Cables, Cordage, [Page 144] and other Trade. The Butter and Cheese-Town, Alkmear, in the Marches. Memorable for the defeat the Inhabitants gave T [...] Alva, meerly because he gave them no way to escape. Important Enchusen, or the Zuder Sea, good and Rich Havens. Horn and Edam, Famous for Ships and Cheese, and the Sea Nymph that learned to spin.
Zeland, Zelandia, is the Province which was first set at Liberty, and last consented to the Peace with Spain: At this day it contains the greatest part of the Prince of Oranges Possession. That of Vacheren, Walachria, in the Map contains ten Dutch miles in compass, is the fairest of all in the Low-Countries, with the City of Middleburgh, the Capital City of the Province, and the Staple for Wines; a str [...] and large Empory. Flushing, Flissinga, the Key of the Netherlands, is [...] a good Harbour. Once an English Garison, and a Cautionary Town where the Renowned Sir Philip Sidney was the first Governour, and died in that Service. The strong Sea-Town, Vere, Veria, having many Staples for Herring, and other Commodities: Famous for the most Noble and Illustrious Family of the Veres, now Earls of Oxford.
The second Island is Schouwen, Scaldia, in the Map 2. containing six miles in Circuit; its chief Town is Zerick-Zee, noted for Madder and Salt; and Brauwershaven, inhabited by Fishermen; here was first invented the marting of Herrings. The third is Zuiit-Bevetland, in the Map (3) whose only Town of note is Goes. The fourth is Duueland, or Duyueland, named thus from the abundance of Pigeons there breeding. It hath no Town of Note, but is memorable for the bold passage of the Spaniards under Mondragon cross the Sea in the year 1575. and for that in the year 1520. it was overwhelmed with a deluge of waters. Tolen is an Island so called from a Town of that Name, divided from Brabrant by a narrow Creek or Arm of the Sea. The more ancient Inhabitants of these Islands were the Mattiaci of Tacitus. They contain in all 8 Walled Towns, and about 100 Villages. The Country is low, flat, and Marshy, rich in Corn and Pasturage, unhealthful, and subject to Inundations, being kept in and defended from the Sea by Banks.
The Bishoprick or Lordship of Ʋtretcht, Ʋtricesium Amm. was first occasioned by one Willebrod, an English man, the Apostle of those parts, and first Bishop hereof about the year 611. during the Regency of Pepin the Fat. The Successors of this Willibrod by the Liberality of the French Kings and German Emperors attained unto, as well the Temporal as the Spiritual Jurisdiction, together with that of Overyssel unto Charles the Fifth, by the consent of Henry Count Palatine then Bishop, seized upon the whole Temporal Dominion hereof, leaving only the Spiritual to the Prelates, which also since by [Page 145] the Usurpation of the States hath likewise been taken from them. It has a Capital City of the same Name; Inhabitd, for the most part, by the Nobility of the Country: first called Inferius Trajectum, or Ʋltrajectum▪ Ʋtricesium Amm. There is also the Thorow-fare, Rhenen, the fair and strong Amersfort; the Frontier-Town, Montfort. Wick de Duerstede, the Batavodurum of Tac. & Ptol. They reckon about Ʋtrecht 56 Cities, to the farthest whereof you may go by Water from Ʋtrecht in one day.
Guelders, Gueldria. Guelders was first founded by two Brothers, Wickard and Luppola, first made Guardians of the Country by the Inhabitants in the reign of the Emperor Charles the Bald. It was made an Earldom by the Emperor Henry the Third, made a Dukedom by the Emperor Lewis of Bavaria. After the decease of Charles of Egmond, the last Duke, by composition between him and Charles the Fifth Emperor, this Province with the Earldom of Zutphen, united for a long time in the House of the Dukes of Gelderland, descended upon the Emperor Charles the Fifth, and added by him to his other Provinces of the Netherlands under Philip the Second; the greatest part shoke off the Spanish yoak, and now with Zutphen Governed in manner of a Free Estate, confederated with the rest of the United Provinces, a third part of Golderland excepted, where stands the Towns of Ruremond, Guelders, Venlo, Watchtendonc, Stralo, and Grol, remaining yet subject to the Arch-Dutchess, or Spaniards; who in the year 1627. attempted in vain to bring the Rhine to the City of Gueldria, and into the Meuse, to deprive the Ʋnited Provinces of the Trade of Germany. Nimmegen, Noviomagus al. Neomagus, the Capital City of the Dutchy of Gueldria, Founded by Magus King of the Gauls; taken by Prince Maurice in the year 1592. Opposite to it is that Fort Knotsenburg, large Built by the States in the Quarter of Batavia, where the Ancient Batavians Inhabited. Arnheim, Arenacum, in the Veluwe, the third Capital City of Guelders, and the Ordinary Residence of the Dukes thereof.
The Town and Country of Culemberg: The strong and Martial Venlo, Venloa: The Natural and Artificial Fortified Ruremond, Ruremunda.
The strong and encompassed Frontier Bommel, Bommelia; the Fort Voorn and Crevecour making it Impregnable.
The Province of Zutphen bears the same Name with the Capital City, and passes sometimes for a fourth part of the Dutchy of Gelders, having no Voice in the Assembly of the States-General, but only conjoyned with this Dutchy. In the Siege of which was slain that Honour of Chivalry and Mirrour of Learning, Sir Philip Sidney. In this Province also stands Groll, Grolla, and eight or nine small Cities more.
[Page 146]In Over-Issel, Trans Issallania, (so called from its Situation beyond the Issel) where the Rhine and that, share their Streams together, by means of a Channel which Drusus formerly made; stands Deventer, Daventria & Davontria, a Capital City; being a famous Passage over the Yssel, first taken by the Earl of Leicester for the States. And in Drent stands Coeverden, Coverdia, one of the most Regular Pentagons in Europe. And Zwol, the Suvolla of old.
Friesland, Frissia, affords good and strong Horses, and Cattel of an excessive bigness. It has been Governed by Princes and Dukes; and, as they say, by Kings too, who kept their Courts at Staveren, Stauria. Franiker, Franicheria, is an University. Leuwarden, Levardia & Leovardum, has a Parliament; and Dockum, Docum, the Admiralty of the Province. Schelling, Schellingia, is a small Island upon the Coast, wherein are several Towers that give Signals to Vessels.
Groeningen, that has the last Voice in the Assembly of the States-General, has but two Cities, Groeningen, Groninga, and Dam, Damum. Groningen is of that consequence, by reason of its Situation on the Frontiers, that the Duke of Alva had designed a Cittadel there. In the year 1672. the Bishop of Munster not able to take that City, yet took several other Towns from the Dutch. The Province is full of Pasturage, which affords good stuff for firing.
The chief Commodities of the Natural growth of these Provinces are Butrer and Cheese; the rest being Manufacturies which they make out of such Materials as they fetch out of other Countries: But the Commodity that hath been of greatest Advantage to them, is Fish; and that not caught upon their own Coast neither. Their Herring-Trade, by computation, is worth 450000 l. per Annum: And that of Cod-fish 150000 l. Sterling Yearly.
Generally the people are inclined to Navigation, and a Sea-faring Life; and many being Born on Shipboard, and bred up at Sea, know no other Country; so that their Natural inclination, and necessity of employing themselves that way, hath exceedingly increased their Shipping; so that 'tis thought they are Masters of more Ships and Vessels of all forts, than almost all Europe besides.
But that which is the just Admiration of all Men, these Seven Provinces are become greater, and more potent than Seventeen, in riches and power: Nay, they have out-done some of the greatest Princes in Europe. Their Cities are many and splendid; and yet there are more Sects among them than Cities, and almost as many Creeds as Heads; yet so Wise in their Meetings, as never to Discourse of Religion. Their Country (in general for its Dimensions) is full [...]r of People, Cities, [Page 147] Towns, Castles, Forts, Bulwarks, &c. for Military Defence, than any one Country in Europe. Their Naval Forces prodigious, befitting Wonders rather than Words; even a terrour to the great Princes of the World. For their Trade, it far exceeds that of the Neighbouring Princes; and in the Oeconomy of it, much more prudently managed: To every Town they Assign some Staple Commodity; as, to Dort, the German Wines, and Corn; to Middleburgh, the French and Spanish Wines; to Rotterdam formerly, now to Dort, the English Cloth: To Harlem, Knitting and Weaving, &c. which maketh their Towns so equally rich and populous.
One Miraculous Accident I must not forget, because mentioned by all Writers, viz. That Margaret Sister to Earl Floris the 4th. being about 42 years of Age, brought forth at one Birth 365 Children, half Males, half Females, the odd one a Hermaphrodite; they were all Christened by Guido Suffragan to the Bishop of Ʋtrecht, in two Basons, which are yet to be seen at the Church of Lasdunen, the Males John, the Females Elizabeths; immediately after they all died, and their Mother also.
Of the SPANISH Netherlands.
THESE Provinces are so called, because Subject to the Monarchy of Spain. It carries also the Name of Flanders, from that Province, which is the fairest, the richest, and the best Peopled part.
Of these Spanish Provinces, four are Frontiers of France; the Counties of Flanders, Artois, Hainault, and the Dutchy of Luxemburgh. Five in the middle, viz. The Dukedom of Brabant, the Marquisate of the [Page 149] Holy Empire, the Signory of Malines, the County of Namur, and the Dutchy of Limburgh. There are also two Feifs of the Empire; the Bishoprick of Leige, and the Arch-Bishoprick of Cambray. The Kings of Spain were once Masters of these Provinces, and for the preservation thereof, have expended a good part of their Gold and Silver brought from the Indies, in the Wars they maintained against the Dutch and French.
The County of Flanders, Flandria Latinis, Ʋlaenderen by the Inhabitants, Flandre French, Flandes Spaniards, & Flandra Italians, is so full of People, that it seems to be but one great City, and the loveliest County in Christendom. All along the Coast lie banks of Sand, that cover very Rich places. In the Neighbouring Sea are several Sands and Shelves, nevertheless Ships Ride there safe enough. It formerly was divided into Dutch Flanders, Gallican Flanders, and Imperial Flanders; This belonged sometimes unto the Kingdom of West France, and held by the Princes thereof under the Fief of this Crown; quitted unto Philip the Second King of Spain, and to the Heirs of the House of Burgundy by Henry the Second King of France, and the League of Cambray.
In Flanders, the principal places are Gaunt, Bruges, Ipres, and Lille. Gaunt, Gandaurum, Ghendt & Gand by the French, is one of the biggest Cities of Europe: But though it have several Rivers that still bring a Trade to it, yet has it not the five and thirty thousand Families that Anciently it had, when it was able to Arm four and twenty thousand Men. 'Tis famous for the birth of Charles the Fifth, and of John Duke of Lancaster, commonly called John of Gaunt. Bruges, Brugae, is the best Built in the Province; and the Citizens are the handsomest, and most Gentile in all the Low-Countries. The Spaniards, who had the Channel of this City stopped up by the taking of Sluce, have some few years since made another able to receive Vessels of four hundred Tun. Ostend, Ostenda, is a Town whose Haven they can never block up, and which was once the Theater of War, when it held out a Siege for above three years, being Garisoned by the English, and under Sir Horatio Vere, who was then Governour thereof, at which Siege the Spaniards are said to have lost one hundred thousand men. Ypres has so many Channels and conveyances of Water under ground, that it is said the Foundations are of Lead. Lille, Insula, Gal. L'Isle. Incol Ryssel, or Ter Issel, upon Dole, the Capital of Walloon-Flanders, is one of the best in the Low-Countries, by Reason of its Wealth and Commerce. All the other places of Flanders are generally considerable, either for their Beauty, or for their Fortification, for eminent Sieges, or Remarkable Battels. Tournay, Tornacum & Dornick, Baganum of Ptol. Civit. Turnacensium of Ant. an Ancient [Page 150] City; is fair, great, strong, rich, and well Peopled: This was the first Town that submitted to the King of France, after a formal Siege, who has set up a Parliament, and built a very strong Cittadel to secure it. It is observed of Tournay, that it was taken four several times upon St. Andrews day: 1. By Henry the VIII. King of England. 2. By the Emperor Maximilian the First. 3. By the Emperor Charles the Fifth. 4. By the Duke of Parma, Douay, Dracum, upon the Confines of Artois and Haynault, is indifferent strong, the Church of Nostredam is about 1200 Years old: It is a Staple of Corn, and Honoured with an University. Courtray, Cortracum, upon the Lis; an Ancient Town, and of great Importance by reason of its Situation; 'tis the best in the County next the Capital places, and the Inhabitants are excellent Artists in Diapring Linnen-Cloaths. Dunkirk, Dunquerea, Duinkerk, a Town of great Importance, by reason of the conveniency of the Port, and is one of the most considerable Purchases of the French King; taken by the Duke of Orleance 1644. Graveline, Gravelinga, Grevelinghen, not far from it; a very considerable and strong Town. Furna, & Furnes, the Residence of Lovis the XI. during his Retirement with the Duke of Burgundy: The Soil is so fertile, that the Low-Countries, as the Natives say, would have produced as much Riches as the Indies, had all their Territories been as fruitful as that of Furnes. Near Niue or Neoportus was fought that memorable Battel betwixt the Arch-Duke Albert and the States, where by the valour of the English, and the excellent conduct of those Noble and gallant persons Sir Francis and Sir Horatio Vere, the Victory next under God was gained for the States.
Artois, Artesia, United to the Crown of France by the Pyraenean Treaty, from which it was dismember'd, is a Province extraordinary fertile in Corn. Arras Gallis, Artrebatum, the Origiacum Ptol. Atrecht Belgis, the Capital City thereof consists of a High and Low Town, both very strong; since the last Conquests of the French King, the River which belongs to it has been made Navigable for Vessels to go beyond Doway. Hesdin, Hesdinum, is a Regular Hexagon, by which the River was Navigable as far as Montrevil. Bapaume, Bapalma, is a place that cannot well be Besieged, because there is no Water in all the Neighbourhood. Lins is famous for the Victory of the French in the year 1648. where the Prince of Ligne and the Marquis of Grana were taken with 20 Captains, 6000 and 200 common Soldiers, 40 Great Guns, and 90 Insigns. Bethune makes excellent good Cheese: And Terroane, Tervanna, Terwin, is known by its Ruins. St. Omers, Audomaropolis & Fannum S. Aadomari, is a strong City, surrounded with Marshes, wherein there are Floating Islands.
[Page 151] Haynault, Hannona, by the Dutch Henegow, according to the Report of the Inhabitants, and the Records of the Province, acknowledgeth only God and the Sun for their Supreme Lords; however it has now two other Lords, the French King, and the King of Spain. Mons, Montes, by the Dutch, Bergben, the Capital City, Fortified with three Moats, is Governed by a Soveraign Council Independent from the Parliament of Malines. It has also Canonesses that prove their Nobility for 300 Races, and are permitted to Marry. Near Mons the valiant Earl of Ossory did wonders, and so desperately engaged the French, that the Duke of Luxemburg was never so roughly handled. This County of Hainault contains four Principalities, Barbancon, Chimai, Conde and Ligne. 3 Marquisates, Aisaux, Terlon, Vergnies; and 15 Counts. The Estate is ancient, being sometimes a part of the great Earldom of Ardenne, from which it was divided and made a distinct Earldom by Alberick Sirnamed the Orpheline, one of the youngest Sons of Brunulph Count of Ardenne, slain by Dagobert a French King, who had this part with title of Earl given him by Sigebert King of Austrasia to be held under the Soveraignty of the French Kings. After long continuance and often changes, it was by Jaqueline the last Princess (wanting Heirs) surrendered (together with Holland, Zealand, and West-Friesland united in Families) unto Philip the Good Duke of Burgundy her next Kinsman. In whose House the right (but the possession in the French King) now remaineth, at least the greatest part. Valentiennes, Valentiana, is a great, fair, and well fortified place, taken by the French 1677. lying upon the Scheld. Quercetum, Quesnoy; Landdecium, Landrecy; Avenna, Avesnes; Philippevilla, Philipville; and Marienburgh, Mariaburgum, are strong places, all in the French Kings Power; as also Aeth, Athum, a considerable Town, together with Binch, Binchium; Marimont, not far from it, was one of the fairest Houses in all the Country, Mary Queen of Hungary having omitted nothing that might adorn the Structure. The Battel of Senef 1674. was one of the most remarkable Exploits of that exquisite General, the Prince of Conde.
Luxemburgensis Ducatus. The Dutchy of Luxemburg, Luceburgum so called from the Image of the Sun there worshipped. It is a strong place of Defence, but surrendred to the French 1684. It was sometimes a part of the Principality of A [...]enne. By [...]e Emperor Charles the Fourth made a Dukedom in the person of his brother Wenceslaus. By Elizabeth the last Princess wanting Heirs, it was sold to Philip the Good Duke of Burgoign; Has a City that bears the same Name. Thionville, Theodonis Villa: Lewis the 14th. of France was not much advanced in the fifth year of his Age, ere he began to triumph over his Enemies at [Page 152] the memorable Battel of Rocroy 1643. and the gaining of Thionville by the Conduct of the Duke D'Anguien. Montmedi, Mons Medius. Danvilliers, Damuill [...]rium, belong to the French King: And Yuoix Yuodium, by the French Carigan. There are some Lands in the Forest of Arden that belong to the Bishop of Liege; that is to say, Bovilion, Bullionium, with the Title of a Dutchy, and a strong Castle upon the Rock, or high Hill, whereof was named that famous Godfry of Buil [...]on Duke of Lorrain, and the first of the Latins, King of Jerusalem. St. Hubert, to whom the Huntsmen make particular Devotions: And Rochefort, that beheld the French Victors over the Spaniards, at the Battel of Avin, in the year 1635.
Brabant, Brabantia, in the middle of the Low-Countries, has four Capital Cities of as many Countries, Brussels, Lovaine, Breda, and Boisleduc. Brussels, Bruxella, is a City very well Peopled; the Seat of the Governour, in whose Palace is room enough to lodg several Kings. The Channel that runs to Antwerp is one of the greatest Undertakings in the Low-Countries, wherein there are prodigious Sluices; for the Making whereof, Sums of Money, no less prodigious, were expended. The Church of St. Gudula is one of the fairest in all the Country. The Neighbourhood of the Forest of Sognies lies very convenient for Hunting. Lovaine, Lovanium, which some affirm to be the Capital City of Brabant, is one of the biggest Cities of Europe, with a famous University, which gives the Natives occasion to call it a City of Scholars; Brussels, a City of Curtesans; Antwerp, a City of Merchants; and Malines, a City of Advocates, by reason of its Parliament. Tillemont was taken by force in the year 1635. by the French and Hollanders. Niville is made Remarkable by her Canonesses, for the fine Linnen-cloth made there; and for the fair High-ways round about it. Breda and Boisleduc, by the Dutch Hertogenbosch, Busium Ducis, belong to the States-General of the Ʋnited Provinces, as also Bergen-opzoom and Grave. Bergen-opzoom is famous for the notable resistance it made to Spinola 1622. All these places are very strong; and Boisleduc is so Naturally, as well as Artificially Fortified, by reason of its Marshes, that before it was taken it was thought impregnable: It belonged to the Family of Nassaw, a strong Town of War, after a stout, long and resolute Siege taken in by the Arch-Dutchess Isabella, afterwards retaken by a few venturous Gentl [...]men, who hiding themselves in a Boat covered with Turf, were conveyed into the Castle, which they mastered, and the next day made the Prince of Orange Lord of it again. The Brabanders claim a Privileg [...] to debate of nothing out of the Limits of their Country; of whom E [...]asmus's Proverb was, Brabante quo magis senescunt eo magis stultescunt.
[Page 153]The Marquisate of the Holy Empire derives its Name from its Situation, lying upon the Ancient Bounds of France, and the Empire, and whither the Emperors were wont to send Governours, which they called Marquesses. There is only the City of Antwerp in it, Atuacutum & Aduatacum Jou Becano, Andoverpum al. Antuerpia, Antwerpen incolis Antwerp Ang. Anveres Hisp. Anvers Gal. Antorfi Germ. Anversa Itali [...]. One of the fairest and most pleasant Cities in all the Low-Countries; for which Reason, Charles the First called it his Holy-day City: The Importance of the Situation hath caused it to be strongly fortified with ten great Bastions, and one of the strongest Cittadels in Europe; flank'd with five great Bastions lined with Brick and Free-stone. This Cittadel was Built toward the highest part of the River, that it might command the City, and be succoured from that part of the Country which was Subject to its Prince. The Duke of Alva, who Built the Cittadel, caused his Statue to be set up, which was afterwards taken down. The Jesuits in Antwerp have a Church Built all of Marble, which is said to be the fairest which they have in the World. Formerly this City has been reckoned to have contained above 200000 Persons, and to have had above 2500 Ships upon the Scheld: But she has lost much of her Trade and Grandeur ever since the Dutch became Masters of the Entrance into her River. There is also in Brabant the Dukedom of Arschot, the Marquisate of Bergen-opzoom, the Earldoms of Hoochstraten and Megen, the Baronies of Breda, Diest and Grimbergen.
Malines is the Residence of the Parliament of the Catholick Provinces of the King of Spain. Her Territories are very small; consisting of about nine Villages, yet making one of the 17 Provinces. And it is Reported that the Women of Malines, when they are ready to Lye-in, go into Brabant to be brought to Bed, to the end their Children may enjoy the Privileges of the Brabanders.
Namur, Namurcum, is a Town of consequence, by reason of the passage over the Meuse, in that part where the Sambre falls into her. Marble, Slate, and Sea-coal are thence Transported. Charleroy, Carolo-regium, upon the Sambre, is one of the best Fortresses of the Low-Countries, since it fell into the hands of the French, restored by the Treaty of Nimeguen to the Spaniards.
Limburgh, Limburgum, has only the Town of the same Name, which is of any Remarque, with a strong Castle upon a Rock; taken by the French King in the year 1675. Walkemburg, Falcoburgium, and Dalem, two Earldoms, are part of this Dutchy.
The Country of Liege, belongs to its Bishop, to whom the Inhabitants formerly gave the Title of Grace. He is Elected by the Chapter, [Page 154] who formerly Resided at Tongres, or Tongeren, Civitas Tungrorum Ptol. & Advatuca Tongrorum. Here flourished in the time of the Romans, an ancient Bishops See, after the Invasion and spoil by Atilas and the Huns, by whom the Town was sacked and destroyed in the year 498. It was removed by St. Savatius to Maestreich; afterwards in the year 713. by St. Hubert it was removed to Luick or Leidg, where now it resteth. The Bishoprick is of a large Extent, and has many places within the Limits of the Neighbouring Provinces. Leige, Leodicum & Leod [...]um, is a City of Trade; and, as they say, the Paradise of the Ecclesiasticks. It is Remarkable, that in the year 1131. there were among the Canons of the Cathedral Church, nine Sons of Kings, 14 Sons of Dukes, 29 Sons of Earls, and 7 Sons of Barons. The Elector of Cologne, Prince thereof, caused a Cittadel to be Built there. The Cathedal of Liege beareth the Name of St. Lambert, who was Bishop of Maestrich, murthered by Dodo, &c. about the year 622. The Cittadel standeth upon a Hill, and is of great strength, built to keep the City in subjection, since the year 1649. Maestreich, for its Fortifications, and the famous Sieges which have been laid to it; in that of 1673. the English signalized their Valour under the Conduct of the Duke of Monmouth. The Treaty of N [...]miguen restored it to the Dutch, who now possess it. The Quarry of Stone about a quarter of a mile from the Town is one of the noblest in the World, far surpassing the Cave of Custoza or Cubola, said to be 500 fathoms in breadth, and 700 in length. This is two miles in length under ground, high and stately, no Labyrinth can be contrived more intricate, and yet all parts uniform. The Spa is a neat Village in the Forest of Ardenna, seated in a Bottom encompassed with Hills. A place which for the vertue of its Miniral Springs is as famous as beneficial to Mankind. Maestreich, Trajectum ad Mosam, is composed of two Towns, Maestreich that formerly was said to belong to the Duke of Brabant; and Wick, that was an Appurtenance to the Bishop of Leige's Territories.
Cambreses, now almost environed by the Territories of France. The City of Cambray, Cameracum, by the Dutch, Camarick; has two good Cittadels, the Guard whereof was seldom committed to any other than Natural Spaniards. There is a Sun-Dial of singular Workmanship, wrought by a Shepherd: It is a Town, which in times of Peace yearly exposed to Sale above 60000 Pieces of fine Cloth. It was taken by the French at the beginning of the Year 1677, though before, the Kings of Spain, uncontradicted by the Emperor, did appropriate to themselves the Temporal Jurisdiction of Cambray, as being of the same Nation; and the Arch-Bishops thereof in vain sollicited for their re-establishment. [Page 155] Those Prelates were called Arch-Bishops, and Dukes of Cambray, Earls of Cambresis, and Princes of the Holy Empire, though generally they neither had Seat or Voice in their Diets.
The Extent of these Provinces is but small, but it is one of the best peopled, and Richest spots of Ground in the World; more wholsome than formerly; towards Germany Hilly and Woody, as we have said; but towards the Sea, generally fertile and full of Pasturage. The Principal Rivers of the 17 Provinces, are the Rhine, the Meuse, and the Scheld. The Rhine rises in Switzerland, running chiefly through Germany. After it has divided it self at Fort Schenk, as it enters into the Low-Countries it mixes with several other Rivers, and loseth its Name in the Sand a little below Leyden in Holland. The Meuse, which falls out of France and Lorrain, has this Advantage above the Rhine, that she retains her Name, and preserves her Waters unmix'd till she fall into the Ocean, where she makes several good Ports. The Scheld was formerly the Limits between France and the Empire, in the time of Charles the Bald. At Gaunt the Lis, a Navigable River, falls into it; and before it wholly loseth its Name, it divides it self into two principal Arms; of which, the Left, which they call the Hout; and the Right, which flows to Tolen, falls into the Meuse. Besides these Rivers, and those that fall into them, there are Cuts, Channels, and Marshes, which serve the Inhabitants both for Traffique▪ and Defence.
Of France.
FRance Anglis, Francia Italis & Hispanis, Franckreich Germanis, Alfrangua Turcis, Gallia Caes. Plin. &c. The first Inhabitants of France were the Ancient Gauls, who passing the Alps, under the Conduct of Bellovesus, Conquered the nearest parts of Italy, called Gallia Cisalpina: and under that of Segovesus, over-ran the greatest part of Germany. The same Nation under the Command of Brennus, discomfited the Romans, [Page 157] at the River Allia, sacked the City, and Besieged the Capitol. These were the Men who ransacked Illyricum, Pannonia, Thrace, and Greece; and Plundered the Temple of Delphos: But at last were totally subdued by Julius Caesar, but not without much difficulty; for they did not then sell their Liberty at so cheap a rate as other Nations did, 1192000 of them being slain before they would submit to the Roman Yoak; by whom the Country was divided into four parts, viz. Narbonensis; or Bracata, containing Languedoc, Dolphin, and part of Savoy. 2. Aquitanica, (from the City Aqua Augusta, now D' Acque) comprehending Gascoign, Guienne, Saintonge, Limosin, Querci, Perigort, Berry, Bourbonnois, and Aurergne. 3. Celtica, containing the Provinces of Bretagne, Normandy, Anjou, Tourain, Maine, La Beause, the Isle of France, part of Champagne, the Dukedom of Burgundy, and the County of Lionoise. 4. Belgica, containing Picardy, the remainder of Champagne, Burgundy, and the Spanish Netherlands. Long it stood not in this state, for about the year 400 Honorius being Emperour; the Goths having over-run Spain and Italy, sent part of their Forces and subdued Gallia Narbonensis, calling it Langue de Goth, afterwards corruptly Languedoc. Then extending their Conquest unto the River Ligeris, now Loire, they founded a Kingdom, the principal Seat whereof was at Tholouse.
About the same time the Burgundiones, or Burgundians, a people that Inhabited part of the Country of the Cassubii, and part of the Country of the Marquisate of Brandenburg, together with the Vandalls and Sueths, seized upon other parts of France, and constituted a Kingdom called Burgundy, comprehending both the County and Dutchy of Burgundy, the County of Lionoise, Daulphine, Savoy and Provence, whose chief City was Arelate, now Arles.
About the same time also, the Franks, a German Nation, having passed the Rhine, seized upon the adjacent Territories of France, where founding a Monarchy (under their first King Pharamond, al. Waramond) gave it the Name of France.
France lies excellently compact together, between the most Flourishing States of Christendom, and in the middle of the Northern Temperate Zone, where the Inhabitants breathe a most serene and healthy Air. In short, it is Rich, Fertile, and well Peopled; there being reckoned in it about 4000 good Towns and Cities.
Its Length from Calais to Toulon is about 620 miles, 73 to a degree, the Breadth from Brest to the Borders of Lorrain, or from Baione to Nice in Piedmont is not more than 492 miles. I well know all other Authors falsely makes it much more. Most of her Cities are equal to Provinces, and most of her Provinces are equal to Kingdoms.
[Page 158]Her Corn, her Wine, her Salt, her Linnen Cloth, her Paper, and several Manufactures inrich the Inhabitants.
The Limits and Bounds of this Kingdom have been various; at present, saith a French Geographer, the Kings Conquests cannot be bounded, d [...]d [...] not by the Rhine, nor by the Ocean, nor by the Pyreneans, nor by the Alps. And those that are not altogether strangers to the world will acknowledg that of all the Kingdoms of Europe there are none but may be said to be inferior to France in some respect or other. The greatness of its Territories, the populousness of i [...] the number of their Nobility and Gentry, their natural Courage, with the advantage of their Military Actions, and Warlike Exercises, the Situation of their Country, the fruitfulness and riches of the Soil; the prodigious quantity of all Commodities and Manufactures, and the great Revenues of their Kings. These Advantages have in all Ages raised in them aspiring thoughts of the Erection of a new Western Empire. And how far this present King has gone (by his Acquisitions of late years) the rest of the Princes of Europe may consider of.
The Kingdom is Hereditary, and by an Ancient Constitution, as they pretend, called the Salique Law, never falls into a Female Succession. And by the Law of Apennages the younger Sons of the King cannot have partage with the Elder. The King's Eldest Son is called the Dauphin. The Monarchy, which has stood ever since the year 420, hath been upheld by the three Royal Races, of Marovinian, Carolinian, and Capetine, in a Line of 65 Kings. Pepin, the short Son of Charles Martel deposed Childerick the last of the Merovignian Line, the Pope approving and confirming of it.
About the 918 Hugh Capet Earl of Paris outed the Caroline Family. Since this Capetine Race has gone in three Families; first in a direct Line till 1328. then in the House of Valois, till Henry the Fourth, of the House of Bourbon, Anno 1589.
Among other Titles, the King hath that of Most Christian, and Eldest Son of the Church, bestowed upon him by the Pope.
The Arms have been Three Flower-de-luces Azure, in a Field Or, ever since Charles the Sixth.
The Christian Religion was here first planted by Martialis among the Gauls; but among the French by Remigius, in the time of Clovis the Great. At present the people are divided, some following the Roman, others the Reformed Religion, which have occasioned two several Massacres, viz. that of Merindol and Chabrieres 1545. upon the Borders of France and Savoy; the other that at Paris 1572. and now this late Persecution.
[Page 159]The Kingdom is composed of three Orders, or Estates; the Clergy, the Nobility, and Commons. There are 16 Arch-Bishops, 106 Bishops, besides those of Arras, Tournay, and Perpignan: 16 Abbats, Heads of Orders, or Congregations; about 50000 Curateships, besides many other Ecclesiastical Dignities: Several general and particular Governments, 12 Ancient Peerships, and divers of new Creation; a great number of Principalities, Dukedoms, Marquisates, Earldomes, Baronies, and other Lordships: Eleven Parliaments, eight Chambers of Accounts, 22 Generalities, or Publick places of Receipt of the Kings Revenue.
There are four Principal Rivers: the Seine, whose Water is accounted the strongest in the World, and more wholesome to drink than Fountain-water. The Loire, King of the French Rivers; the Garonne, most Navigable; and the Rhone, or Rosne, most rapid. By others thus Characterized; the Loire the sweetest, the Rhone the swiftest, the Garonne the greatest, and the Seine the richest.
The Seine riseth in Burgundy, watering Paris and Roan, disburdening it self into the English Channel. The Sequana of Caesar.
The Loyre riseth about the Mountains of Avergne (being the highest in France) watering Nantes and Orleance, and augmented with 72 lesser Rivers, mingleth its sweet Waters in the Biscain or Gascogne Sea. The Ligeris of Caesar.
The Rhone, or Rhosne, springeth up about three miles from the Head of the Rhine, watering Lions, Avignon, &c. and taking in 13 lesser Rivers, falleth into the Mediterranean Sea near Arles. The Rhodanus of Caesar.
The Garone running from the Pyrenean Hills, glideth by the Walls of Bourdeaux and Tholouse, and with the addition of 16 other Rivers dilates it self into the Aquitain, now Biscain Ocean. The Garumna of Caesar.
The Mountains by Ancient Authors were the Geb [...]nna by Caesar, Cammani Ptol. & Ital. running along by Langued [...]c, Chevennes and Avergne, now les Sevennes.
The Jura Caes. Jurassus Ptol. which divideth the French County from Savoy and the Swisses, now called by several Names.
The Vogesus, almost Encircling Lorrain, and dividing it from Alsatia, and Bourgondie, now Dauge Mons, &c.
There are several Divisions of France, which respect the Church; the Nobility, the Courts of Justice, and the Finances. But it suffices here to say, that the general state of the Kingdom was held, Anno 1614, after the Majesty of Lovis the XIII; and that then all the Provinces met under 12 great Governments: Four of these Governments lie toward [Page 160] the North upon the Seine, and those other Rivers that fall into it, viz. Picardy, Normandy, the Isle of France, and Champagne.
Towards the middle, adjoyning to the Loire, Bretagne, Orlenoise, Bourgogne, Li [...]nnoise. The other four, toward the South, near the Garonne, viz. Guienne, Languedoc, Dauphine, and Provence: Under the Orlenoise is comprehended Maine, Perche and Beauce: On this side of the Loire, Nivernois, T [...]uraine, and Anj [...]u; above the said River, beyond it, Poiciou, Angoumois, and B [...]rry.
Burgundy hath Brest: Under Lionnois are comprehended Lionnois, Auvergne, Bourbonnois, and Marche: Under Guienne is Bearne, Gascogne and Guienne it self, Saintonge, Perigort, Lim [...]sin, Querci, and Rovergue: Under Langued [...]c is Cevennes.
In each of these Governments are several great Cities, the chief of which I shall speak of in Order, viz. In Picardy the Storehouse of Paris for Corn is, 1. Calais, called by Caesar, Portus Tecius; Portus Britannicus, Morinerum Plin. & Prom. Icium Ptol. held by the English near 200 Years, being taken by Edward the III. after eleven Months Siege, in Anno 1347. and unfortunately lost by Queen Mary 1557. seated opposite to Dover in England, from which it is distant about ten Leagues: A strong Town, of great Importance, and accounted the Key of France. Not far from Calais at a place called Agincourt was the Flower of the French Nobility taken and slain by King Henry the Fifth of England, viz. 5 Dukes, 8 Earls, 25 Lords, 8000 Knights and Gentlemen, and 15000 common Soldiers.
2. Bulloign, Cesoriacum Navale Ptol. Portus Morinorum Plin. Civit. Bononensium Ant. Portus Gessoriacus of Caesar: a strong Frontier-Town, taken by Henry the VIII. of England, 1544. at which time the Emperor Maximilian bore Arms under the English Cross.
3. Amiens, Samarobrina Caes. Samarobriga. Ptol. Civit. Ambianensis Ant. a Walled Town, seated upon the Seine; well Fortified with an Impregnable Cittadel, built by Henry the IV. But most Famous for its Cathedral, so beautified within, and adorned without, that 'tis the fairest and most lovely Structure in the West of Europe.
4. St. Quintin, Augusta Romanduorum Ptol. Civit. Veromannorum Ant. Quinctinopolis, & Fanum St. Quinctine in Scriptis Gall. two Leagues from Augusta Veromanduorum, now Vermand, Baud. Crecie the French Cannae, famous for their great Overthrow, and the Victory of the English in the Reign of Philip the Sixth. A strong Frontier-Town, Memorable for the Battel there, Anno 1557. where King Philip the II. of Spain, with the English, under the Command of the Earl of Pembroke, overthrew the whole Forces of the French.
[Page 161] Laon, a Bishops Sea, whose Bishop is one of the Twelve Peers of France, Laudunum Ant.
Soissons, Augustata Vessonum Ptol. a Bishops See, the last place the Romans held in Gaul, driven out by Clovis the Fifth.
5. Guise, of most Note for the Dukes of Guise; a Family that in a little time produced two Cardinals, and six Dukes, besides many Daughters married into the best Houses of France.
In Normandy, formerly Neustria, are, 1. Rouen, or Roan, Rothamagus Ptol. Rotomagentium Ant. seated on the Banks of the River Seine, over which there is a Famous Bridge of Boats. Taken by Henry the Fifth after six Months Siege, where were famished 50000, and 12000 Starvelings turned out of the Town. An Arch-Bishops See, and Parliament. In the Chief Church, called Nostre-Dame, is the Sepulchre of John Duke of Bedford: It is a place of as great a Trade as any in France, and one of the Principal Cities where Exchanges are used.
2. Dieppe, a City of some Trade, being a common Landing-place for the English, in their Passage into France. And is famous for its fidelity and allegiance to Henry the Fourth when the Guisian Faction in derision called him King of Dieppe.
3. Falaise, once a strong Town; Memorable for the Story of Arlet the Skinners Daughters, of whom Duke Robert begat William the Conqueror; in spight to whom, and disgrace to his Mother, the English call Whores, Harlots. Here also was the Roy d' Juidot, and Verneil when besieged by Philip the Second of France. King Richard the First of England to keep his promise, broke through the Palace of Westminster, and raised the Siege.
Haure de Grace, Newhaven by the English, in Latin, Franciscopolis; a Cautionary Town to Queen Elizabeth. Portus Gratiae of old.
Auranches Ingena Ptol. Civit. Abrincantum Ant.
Constances, Constantia Ant. Cherbourg Caesaris Burgum, a strong Sea-coast Town.
Bayeux Cit. Bajocassium Ant. Caen Cadomum, graced with a University founded by King Henry the Fifth King of England; and the Abbey with the Tombs of William the Conqueror, and Maud his Wife.
Lyseux Cit. Lexoviorum Ant. Eureux Mediolanum Ptol. &c.
The third Government is the Isle of France, whose City is Paris, formerly Lutetia, because seated in a Clayie Soil. A City, that for its Riches, Power, and Number of Inhabitants, may contend with any in Europe: Seated on the Seine, and on a Soil so fertile, that no City knows such Plenty; 'tis Dignified with the Ordinary Residence of the King, its Chief Ornaments are the Palace of the Louvre, so much fam'd [Page 162] abroad: The Palaces of the Nobility, viz. That of Luxemburg, its Palace Royal, its Church of Nostredame, its University, containing five Colleges; the Halls of Justice, the Courts of Parliament. The English held it for 16 years, and there Crowned King Henry the Fifth King of France.
In this Province, about three miles from Paris, is seated St. Dennis, famous for the Sepulchres of the French Kings: The Beautiful House of Fountain-Belle-eau, esteemed one of the fairest Palaces in Europe. As also the Royal Mansion of St. German, seated on the Ascent of a Hill, seven miles from Paris down the Water. And Bois de Vincennes, in which Henry the Fifth ended his days.
Senlis is the chief City of the Dukedom of Valois, which gave name to the French Kings of the Second Branch of the Capets, which begun in Philip Valois, Ann. 1328. in his Reign was fought the Battel of Crecie, Anno 1343. where was slain John King of Bohemia, 11 Princes, 80 Barons, 120 Knights, and 30000 common Soldiers.
In Champaigne the chief City is Rheimes, Famous for being the place where the French Kings are commonly Crowned and Anointed: Therein also is Langres, Andomatanum of Ptol. the Seat of the Twelve Peers of France. Trois the meeting-place of Charles the Sixth, and Henry the 5th. Kings of France and England, where the Victorious King was espoused to Katherine Daughter to King Charles aforesaid.
Bretaigne, or Britany, of old Armorica, so called from the Britains, who flew thither in the time of the Saxons Tyranny over them in England. Formerly the Titles of the Earls of Richmond. Its Sea-Port Towns are, Brest, Vendana Portus, seated upon a spacious Bay, the Key, the Bulwark and best Harbour in France. St. Maloes, Aletha & Maclovium, built on a Rock; a strong, fair, and populous City, yet often spoiled and damaged by the English. Inland Towns are, Nants, Condivincum Ptol. Cit. Namnetum Ant. seated on the Banks of the Loyre; and Rennes, Condate of Ptol. Cit. Rodanum Ant. the Parliament-City for this County. Vannes, Dariorigum Ptol. Cit. Venetum Ant. (Situate on a capacious Bay) the chief Town of the Old Veneti. Quimper Corentin, Corisopitum Ant.
Orleance, as it comprehends Maine, Perch, Beauce, Nivernois, Touraine, Anjou, (the Title of Henry the Second King of England, and Earl of Anjou,) now the Title of the third Son of France. Poictou, Angonnois, and Berry, hath these chief Cities.
1. Orleance, of Old, Gennabum of Caes. & Strab. Cenabum Ptol. Aurelia, Its pleasant Situation on the Loire makes it very beautiful and delightful. Once the Seat Royal of its own Kings, now the Title of the Second Son of France. It long felt the force of an English Siege, where died Great Montacute Earl of Salisbury. On the chief Bridg of this City is [Page 163] the Statue of Joan the Pucelle de dieu, or Maid, so assistant to the French in Repelling the English, and raising the Siege of Orleance, May the 12th. (1429.) Burnt alive by the English, Anno 1431. after which time the Affairs of the English grew worse and worse; for in Anno 1435. Charles the Burgundian fell off, and in 1453. Talbot, a man of great Valour and Conduct, was slain, and nothing was left to the English but Calice of all that the English had got in two and forty years.
2. Mans (Cit. Cenomannorum by Antonius: by Ptol. Vidinum.)
Vendosme which gave Name to Antonio Father to Henry the Fourth.
3. Chartes, Carnutum, Ant. Ptol. Autricum, seated on the Loire: a fair and pleasant City, Dignified with a University for the Study of the Civil Law.
4. Nevers, Noviodunum, Caesar. Nivernum al. Nivernium Ant. upon the Loire, Dignified with an Ancient Dukedom.
5. Tours, Caesarodunum Ptol. Turonum Ant. where the Protestants are said first to have begun in France, and were called Hugonots: Nigh to this place it was that Charles Martel, Father of King Pepin, in Anno 732. discomfited an Army of about 400000 Saracens, of which were slain near 370000.
Blois, pleasantly seated, and in a good Air: where the Duke of Guise the first mover of the Civil Wars, and contriver of the Massacre at Paris, was slain by the command of Henry the Third.
6. Angiers, by Ptolomy called Juliusmagus, Andeglaevum Ant. of a large Circuit, well built, seated in a good Air, and made a University. Beaufort, belonging to the Duke of Lancaster, nigh which Town was the Duke of Clarence, Brother to Henry the Fifth, slain.
7. Poictiers, by Ptolomy, Augustoritum, Pictavium Ant. a University, Famous for the Study of the Civil Law, and for greatness said to be next to Paris. In the Vine-fields, two Leagues from the City, was fought that memorable Battel between John of France, and Edward the Son of King Edward the III. Sirnamed the Black Prince, who with 8000 men overcame the French Army of 40000, whereof 10000 were slain, besides Nobles, Prisoners taken were King John and his Son Philip, 70 Earls, 50 Barons, and about 12000 Gentlemen.
8. Rochel, seated on the Acquitane Ocean: a place of great Trade, and of greater strength before it was dismantled 1627. witness its many Sieges Anno 1570. by Jarvil, Anno 1573. by Byron with an Army of 50000. men, and 60 Pieces of Artillery. 1575. and 76. it was attempted by Land [...]riau in 1577. by Lansac. In the troubles of 1585. and 88. it was the Retreat of the King of Navarre, and Prince of Conde. Her Commodities Rochel-Wine, Salt and Brandy. Rupella Ant. Mortus Santorum Ptol.
[Page 164]9. Angoulesme. Enculisma al. Cit. Etolinensium Ant.
10. Bourges, a Town of great strength by Nature, and well Fortified by Art: Situate in a low Flat, amongst deep impassible Bogs and Marshes: 'Tis an Arch-Bishoprick, and one of the best Universities in France, called Avaricum in Caesar's time, of old Bituricum Ant. Varicum Ptol.
Sancerre a strong Town, memorable for a desperate and long Siege in the Reign of Charles the Ninth.
In the Province of Bourgondy, once a Kingdom, is, first, Dijon, Divionum, built by the Emperor Aurelian: proud in her Parliament, and for giving Birth to St. Bernard, seated upon the Soasne. Next are Auxerre, Antissiodorum Ant. Chalon, Cabullinum Strab. Caballinum Ptol. Cavillonium Caesar, Castrum Gaballionense Ant. Mascon, Castrum Matisconense Ant. seated upon the Soasne, the best Hold of King Charles the Seventh in his hard Wars against the English.
Alize, now a small Village, formerly Alexia, the chief Fortress of Vercingeterix, who had 70000 Men in the Town, when Besieged by Caesar; and an Army of 300000 Gauls at the back of Caesar, to relieve their fellows; notwithstanding all which, the Town was yielded to Caesar, and Vercingeterix sate at his feet, and became his Prisoner. Philip the third, Grandchild to Philip the Hardy, united to this Dutchy almost all the Belgick Provinces, but Charles his Son in the War against Lewis the Eleventh, lost his Men, Money and Life at the Battels of Granson, Morat and Nancy 1476. afterwards this Dutchy was seized on by the French.
Adjacent to, and in the Government of Bourgondy, is Brest, the chief Town thereof is Bourg, or Briss; a place well built, and so strongly Fortified, that it is esteemed impregnable.
This Country was by the Duke of Savoy delivered to Henry the IV. of France, in lieu of the Marquisate of Saluces, 1600.
In the Province of Guien, wherein are the Provinces of Gascoign, Guien, and Bern, are many Cities, the chief whereof are, Bourdeaux, Burdegala Strab. & Ptol. Cit. Burdegalensium Ant. seated upon the Banks of the River Geronne; famous for being the Birth-place of King Richard the II. of England: At present Honoured with an University and Parliament, and is a place of good Trade. Near to this City is the small Village called Greve, which yields those Excellent Wines, called Graves Wine.
About the year 1259. Lewis of France gave unto Henry the Third of England, the Dutchy of Guien conditionally that he should renounce all Title to his other Inheritances. It continued English till 1452.
[Page 165]In the particular Guien is the Province Saintonge, whose chief place is Saintes, Mediolanum of old Strab. Mediolanium Ptol. Cit. Santorum Ant. 2. The Province of Perigort, whose chief place is Perigueux. Vessuna of Ptol. Cit. Petrogoriorum Ant. Environed with Viney-Downs, divided into two Towns. 3. The Province of Limosin, whose chief place is Limoges. Ratiastum Ptol. Lemovicum al. Lemavicum Am the Prison of Beggers. 4. The Province of Querci, whose chief place is Cahors, Dueona Ptol. Cit. Cadorcorum Ant. a Rich and Fair City. 5. The Province of Rovergue, whose chief place is Rodez, Segodunun Ptol. Cit. Rotenorum Ant.
In the Province of Gascoign are several Countries, whose chief Cities or Towns are, Bazas, Cossium of Ptol. Cit. Vasatum Ant. Dax or D'Acqs, Aquae Augustae of Ptol. Cit. Aque [...]sium Ant. Auch, Augusta of Ptol. Cit. Ausciorum Ant. an Archbishops See. Agen, Aginium Ptol. Agennensium Ant. Condom, Condomum, a Bishoprick. Bajonne, Baiona Merc. near Spain.
In the middle of the small River Vidosa between France and Spain, is the Island Faisans (not mention'd by any Geographer I know of) where Cardinal Mazarine and Don Lewis of Harro began the Pyrenean Treaty the 13 Aug. 1659. and whence in the year 1660. hapned the Interview between the two Kings, and the Reception of the Iafanta; when the Island was divided in the middle, and a House built so that at the Table where the two Kings sate to eat, the King of France sate in France, and the King of Spain in Spain.
In the Government of Lionoise, are the several Provinces of Lionoise, Avergne, Bourbon, and March.
In Lionoise, the chief City is Lyons, by the Ancients, Lugdunum; seated upon the conjunction of the Rosne with the Soane, esteemed the second City of France; a Famous Mart-Town, Ancient, and the See of an Arch-Bishop, who is Primate of all France.
In Avergne is Cleremont, Claro Montium, upon its high Mountain.
In B [...]urbon, Moulins, the Centre of France. Molinum, of old much resorted unto from all parts of France for its Hot Medicinal Baths. Gergobia al. Gergobina Caesar, teste Parad. & Belfor.
In March, Gueret and Bellac, are the most considerable.
In the Government of Languedoc are, 1. Tholouse, Talosa Caes. Strab. Ptolomy, Seated on the Garonne, the Seat of an Arch-Bishop, and an University; near whose large Fields, called by old Writers Campi Catalaunici, which I rather think to be the Fields near Chalons, memorable for the overthrow of Attila King of the Huns whose Army consisted of 500000, of which 180000 that day lost their lives, by Aetius the Roman Lieutenant, who was rewarded (by Valentinian [Page 166] Emperor of the West) with the loss of his Head. 2. Narbon, Narbo of Caes. Plin. & Narbona Suet. A. Mar. in the Roman Infancy the most Populous and greatest Town in France, and the first Roman Colony ( Carthage Excepted.) To which Archelaus (Son to Herod King of the Jews) was banished by Augustus 3. Montpillier, Montpessulanus, seated on a high Mountain twelve miles from the Sea; an University for the Study of Physick, the Country about affording variety of Medicinal Herbs; memorable for the Resistance it made against Lewis the XIII. in the last Civil War about Religion. Nismes, Nemausus, Strab. Mel. Nemausium Plin. & Ptol. & Nemausensium Ant. In the year 1270. Languedoc returned to the Crown in the days of Philip the Third.
In the Government of Dolphin, (which is the Title of the first Son of France) is Vienna, Situate on the Rosne; an A.B.'s See, and the chief of this Province; 2. Valence, a Bishops See, and University for the Civil Law; a Rich, Strong, and well Traded Town; the Title of Caesar Borgia when he cast off his Cardinals Hat. 3. Grenoble, Cit. Gratianopolita Ant. Accusionorum Col. Ptol. Grationopolis Sido. & P. Diac. a Parliament-Seat; Briancon, Bigantio Ant. Gap, Cit. Apencensium Ant. &c. Of the Seven Wonders of Dauphine, see Allard Sylva in Latin Verse, which are, 1. The Burning Fountain: 2. The Tower Sane Venin: 3. The inaccessible Mountain: 4. The Wine-Fats of Sassinage: 5. The Vinous Fountain: 6. The Manna of Briancon: 7. And the Fountain of Barberon.
Provence took its name from the Romans, who being called in by the Marsillians, possessed themselves of this Country until Stilico called in the Burgundians, of which Kingdom it was a member, until the time of the Ostrogoths Anno 504. In the year 1480. Rhene Grandchild to Lewis Duke of Anjou, Brother to Charles the First, gave it to the Lewis the Eleventh King of France. Chief Towns are, 1. Marseilles, Massillia, commodiously seated on the Mediterranean Sea, enjoying an Excellent Haven and Road for Ships; a place of great Trade, and well frequented with Merchants, and a Colony of the Phocians.
2. Aix, Aqua Sextiae, a Parliament Seat; near this Town the Cimbri consisting of 300000 fighting men, as they passed by Marius, asked his Soldiers what Service they would command them to Rome; but in their march through the Alpes, having divided themselves, Marius put them all to the Sword; who had slain Q. Servilius Caepio and his whole Army after his surprisal and pillaging of the Aurum Tolosanum. 3. Arles, Arelate Plin. & Arelatum Col. Ptol. 4. Toulon, Tauroentium Ptol. Taurentium Strab. the best Sea-port Town in all France. On the North-West of Provence lies the Principality of Orange, whose chief place is Orange, [Page 167] Arausia Plin. Arusio Strab. Col. Arausiorum Ptol. C. Arausinorum Ant. Famous for many Rare and Wonderful Antiquities; belonging of Ancient Right to his Illustrious Highness the Prince of Orange, but of late years seized upon by the French King.
South of which lies the County of Venasin, so called from Avenio, now Avignon, the chief City of it; Famous for being the Ancient Seat of the Popes, for about 70 years; said to have 7 Parish-Churches, 7 Monasteries, 7 Nunneries, 7 Palaces, 7 Inns, and 7 Gates to its Walls.
To these Governments might be added Lorrain, the French Comte, Alsace, most part of the Spanish Provinces, the County of Rousillon on the Coast of Spain, being now under the French King's Conquests; but for Method and Order-sake, I shall refer them to their proper place.
The chief Islands of France, are, 1. Strong Bell-Isle, Venetica San. Calosus. 2. Salt Nermoustier. 3. Ree, the Out-work to Rochel, fatal to the English 1627. 4. Oleron, Ʋliaras, where Richard the III. gave those Laws as Lord of the Sea, known to the World by the Title of The Laws of Oleron. 5. The Tower d'Cardovan in the Mouth of the Garonne. 6. The Isle Ouessant, Ʋxantus, by the English, over against the Lizard. In the Mediterranean lye the Isles de Eres the Staechades of Ptol.
Of Spain.
SPAIN by the Greeks first called Iberia, not from Iberus the most famous River in that Kingdom; nor from Iberi a people of Asia; Quid igitur (inquit Bochartus) Ehraeis [...] Eber, Chaldaeis [...] Ebra, vel ibra est transitus, & quicquid est ulterius. Inde plurale ebrin vel ebrin, terminus & fines significat; Merito igitur Iberi dicii, qui ex Phoenicium sententiâ terrarum fines ultimos habitarunt. It was also called Hisperia either from [Page 169] Hesperus a King thereof, or rather as being the furthest Country Westward. So also by the Greeks and Romans it was called [...], from Pan, the companion of Bacchus. By the Phoenicians Spania, or Sphania, a Country of Rabbets or Conics; lastly by the Moors Mus-Arabia.
Conjointly with Portugal, it makes a great Peninsula, being encompassed with the Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea; only towards the North-East, for 240 miles, it is firmly tack'd to the Continent by the Pyrenean Hills.
It is situate in the most Western part of all Europe, in the most Southernly part of the Northern Temperate Zone, and the longest Summers day is about 15 hours.
As for the Dimensions, it is said to be in length from Porto on the Mouth of the River Duero, to Cape Creus in Catalonia, 600 Geometrical Miles. And from Cape Gibralter to Cape Penas, in the Bay of Bisca, for the breadth is 480 miles. By Cluver 760 miles in length, and 600 in breadth.
Heylin, who follows Josephus, saith this Kingdom was first Inhabited by the Progeny of Tubal the Son of Japhet, being the Descendants of the Iberii, who came in under Panus.
Cluver saith, that the Celtae, a great and Potent Nation, descended from Aschenaz, were the first that did people Spain, and caused the whole Country to be called Celtiberia.
The next Forreigners that came into Spain, were the Phoenicians, Sailing from Tyrus, as Diodorus and Strabo relate it. Then the Greeks or Rhodians; afterwards the Carthagenians did overrun a great part of it (under the conduct of Amilcor, Asdrubal, and Annibal) even from the Western Ocean, to the Pyrenes; destroyed Saguntum, now Morvedre, built new Carthage; and had not Annibals ill Fate hurried him for Italy, the whole Country had been subdu'd to the State of Carthage.
But the Carthagenians being overcome by the Romans, in the second Punick War, it fell under the Dominions of the Romans, by whom it was divided into three Provinces, Boetica, Lusitanica, and Terraconensis: Baetica was bounded on the North and West by the River Ana, now Guadiana; on the South by the Mediterranean Sea as far as Almeria: on the East it was separated from Terragon by a straight line from Almeria to Cuidad Real, and contained the Kingdoms of Granata, Andaluzia, part of New Castile, and Estremadura, and was inhabited by the Turduli Eastward, and by the Celtici towards the West.
Lusitania was bounded on the North by the River Durius, now Duero; on the West by the Ocean; on the South by the River Guadiana; on the East by a line drawn from Cuidal Real to Samora, a Town seated [Page 170] on the River Duero, and contains almost all Portugal, part of Old, and part of New Castile.
The rest of Spain went to the making up of the Province of Terragon.
The Romans also divided Spain into two parts; the one Citerior, the other Ʋlterior; the first comprehended the Province of Terragon; the latter did comprise Baetica and Lusitania, and so remained until the time of Honorius the Emperor, when Gundericus King of the Vandals made an Eruption out of Germany, and over-ran it about the year of our Lord 400. The Vandals were not well setled in their New Conquest, when the Goths seized on this Country, forcing the Vandals into Baetica, and after into Africa, and so made the Conquest absolute. The Sarracens and Moors invaded it in the year 720, under the Conduct of of Musa and Tariff, who were invited in by Julian, who was sent on an Embassie to the Moors of Africa by Roderick the Gothish King, but in the mean time deflowred his Daughter Cava, which the Father took in such indignation, that he procured the Moors to come into Spain, who after a Battel that lasted seven days, in which Roderick had 130000 Foot, and 35000 Horse; and Tariffe had 30000 Horse, and 180000 Foot, the Moors were Victorious; and having harassed the whole Country, Founded several Kingdoms therein; but the Moors not long enjoyed the sole Sovereignty therein, for the Goths having recovered themselves, the Moors by little and little were brought under. Heylin tells us that at last Spain fell into a 12-partite division, viz. Leon and Oviedo, Navarre, Corduba, Gallicia, Bisca, Tolledo, Murcia, Castile, Portugal, Valentia, Catelogue and Arragon. But I chose rather to follow Clever, Mercator, Sanson, who all agree that at last Spain fell under the Command of several more powerful Princes, and was parted into 15 grand Divisions, most of which carried the Title of Kingdoms; five lie upon the Ocean, Biscaia, Astruria, Galicia, Portugal and Andalusia; five upon the Mediterranean, Grenada, Murcia, Valentia, Catalonia, and the Islands of Majorca, Minorca, and Yuica; and five Midland, viz. Arragon, Navarr, the two Castiles, and Leon.
Afterwards the whole Country was reduced under the Power of the Kings of Castile, Arragon, and Portugal, and under these three Titles it is that the King of Spain at present possesseth his large Dominions which he Governs by Eight Vice-Royes. But in the year 1640. the Duke of Braganza was proclaim'd King of Portugal, and ever since it continues Independent.
The People of Spain are of a swarthy Complexion, black Hair, and of good Proportion, stately in all their Actions, of a Majestical Gate and Deportment, grave and serious in their Carriages, in Offices of [Page 171] Piety very devout, not to say superstitious; obedient and faithful to their King: patient in Adversities, not prone to alter their resolutions, in War too deliberate, Arts they esteem dishonourable, much addicted to Women, and naturally proud.
Their Women sober, discreet, indifferent handsome, clear complexioned, loving to their Husbands and Friends, yet by them so narrowly watched and overlooked, that 'tis hardly possible for them to have conference with any other man.
In matters of Religion they are Roman Catholick, and are most strict to the Rites of the Roman Church, and of the Faith and Doctrine therein professed; the Inquisition being introduced against all other beliefs; only there are some Churches in Toledo where the Mus Arabic Office is used.
The Language is not the same in all places; in some parts it hath a mixture of the French: in Granado and part of Andaluzia it partakes much of the Moorish: In other parts there is the Gothish Arabick, and old Spanish, but that which is common to them all, is, the Vulgar Spanish, or Castilian, which hath much affinity with the Latin, and is said to be a brave lofty swelling Speech.
Their Civil and Imperial Laws generally used among them, are inter-mixed with many Customs of the Goths; the Edicts and Constitutions of their several Kings, those of the Goths first committed unto writing, and to order, by Euricus first King of the Goths: those of Castile digested by Ferdinand the Fifth into seven Books, called Partidas, which are read and disputed on in the publick Schools, as well as the Decretals, the Code, the Pandects, or any other part of Civil or Common Law.
The Country is not very fertil in Corn or Cattel; but where it is productive of the Fruits of Nature, it yields to no part of Europe for Delight and Pleasure; but for the most part, it is either over-grown with Woods, or cumbred with Rocky Mountains; the Soil of a hot and Sandy Nature, and deficient in Water; their chief Food being Sallets and Fruits, which appear in greater Ripeness and Perfection than in other places.
In Recompence of Corn and Flesh, they have several Rich Commodities, viz. Wines, Oyls, Sugar, several Metals, Rice, Silk, Licoras, Honey, Wax, Saffron, Anniseed, Raisons, Almonds, Oranges, Limons, Cork, Soap, Anchovies, Soda Barrellia, Samack, Wool, Lambskins, Tobacco, &c. besides the Gold and Silver which they bring out of America, whereby they furnish themselves with those other Conveniences which they want: In the year 1618, it was affirmed, that since the first Discovery thereof by Columbus, the Spaniard had drawn out of it above fifteen hundred [Page 172] and thirty six Millions of Gold, of which the European Merchants share the greatest part: And their Necessity of Purchasing Foreign Commodities, empties their Purses; and their getting of this Gold and Silver depopulates and weakens the Country.
The Horses of this Country are in general Esteem, but those of Andaluzia more than the rest; however, they Travel upon Mules and Asses, by reason of the roughness of the Mountains.
Here lived in ancient times the Giants Geryon and Cacus, overcome by Hercules. Seneca the Tragedian, and Seneca the Philosopher, Quintilian the Orator, Lucian and Martial, Pomponius Mela the Geographer, Fulgentius and Isidore Bishops, Arius Montanus, Osorius, Tostatus, Masius.
For Soldiers it had Theodosius the Great, Barnard del Carpio, Cid Rues Dias, Sancho of Navarr, Ferdinand the Catholick, and Charles the Emperor.
The Mountains of Spain may be distinguished into six greater Ridges continued and knit together, and whereof the rest are parts: The first are the Pyrenei Montes Strab. Mons Pyrenaeus Plin. Pyrene Ptol. Los Montes Pyreneus Hisp. Les Montes Pyrenees Gal. Monti Pyrenei Ital. extending from the Cantabrian Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, once the Bounds between France and Spain, which in several places have divers Names, which we shall not here mention.
The second are the Idubeda of Strab. Mela. Ptol. & aliis, the [...], Seld. extending from the Pyrenes near the Springs of the River Ebro, Southwards, towards the Levant Sea, having divers Names in several places.
A third Row of Mountains are coasting all along the Shore of the Cantabrian Ocean; the Juga Asturum Plin. a more eminent top hereof is the Mountain St. Adrian, from whose top Vasaeus Brugensis saith, he saw both the Cantabrian and Mediterranean Seas, now Sierra d'las Asturias, & Monte d'Oca. Vill. Sierra d'Oviedo, Coquo. Vindius Mons, Ptol.
A fourth Ridg or Branch of Mountains are the Orospeda of Strab. the Ortospeda of Ptol. which at Alcaraz part into two Branches, the one tending towards Murcia and the Levant Sea. The other passing through Granada, ends at the Strait of Gibralter, the Extreme Point whereof was called Calpe.
One of the two Famous Pillars of Hercules opposite to which on the African side of the Straits was the Mountain Abila, the other Pillar the narrow Sea between was from hence called Fretum Herculeum, now the Straits of Gibralter.
Out of the Orospeda about the Town of Alcaraz brancheth the fifth Ridg of the Mountain called Sierra Morena, running along the River Guadalquiver, until it ends at the Atlantique Ocean. The Mons Marianus [Page 173] of Ptol. and the Saltus Castulonensis of Caesar. The Scene of the Warlike Exploits of Don Quixot de la Mancha.
The sixth Branch begins about the Springs of the Duero, and keeping the River Taio upon the left-side, parteth New Castile from the Old, and divides Portugal into two parts, ending at the Town Sintra, some 30 miles from Lisbon. Some Authors reckon this the Idubeda Branch. But we find not any known Name new or ancient, only part hereof in Castile was by Pliny called Juga Carpetanta, and part of it in Portugal, Lunoe Mons by Ptol. The chief of its New Names are Sierra de Tornas Vaccas Montas d'Avela, & Sierra Molina.
The Principal Rivers of Spain, the Duero, Durius Plin. very full of Fish. The Tagus Strab. now Taio, Renowned for its Golden Sand. The Guadiana, Anas Strab. which, they say, runs under Ground. The Gualdalquiver, Baetis Strab. the deepest of all. The Ebro, Iberus Strab. famous by its Name: They all of them have their Sources in Castile, but are not so Navigable as those in France. The Guadiana has given occasion to the Spaniards to say, that they have the Richest Bridge in the World, upon which generally feed above 10000 Sheep, and over which a good Army may March in Battel-array. The Ancients may have seem'd to have called this River very properly Anas, by reason it dives into the Earth, and rises out again as a Duck does in the Water. Some of the Moderns say, that they are certain Mountains that swallow up this River. Others affirm, that it only falls into the Dikes and Graffs which the Country People make to Water the Country, which is very Barren; however, this is certain, that this running under Ground happens to be near the Springs of Guadiana, and not towards Merida, as marked down in the Old Maps: To say truth, this is one of the three Miracles of Spain; of which, the two others are, a City encompassed in fire; that is, with Walls of Flint-stones, as Madrid; and a Bridg over which the Water runs, as is the Aquaduct of Segovia.
The Cities of this Kingdom have their Names from their Excellency: Sevil the Merchandizing, Granada the Great, Valencia the Fair, Barcelona the Rich, Saragossa the Contented, Valadolid the Gentile, Toledo the Ancient, Madrid the Royal. It comprehends 8 Arch-Bishopricks, and 45 Bishopricks. The Arch-Bishopricks are, Toledo, Burgos, Compostella, Sevil, Granada, Valencia, Sarrogossa, and Tarragon. There are several very considerable Sea-Ports, Passagio, St. Andrews, Coruna, Cadiz, Cartagena, Alicant, &c.
Biscaie, formerly called Cantabria, is Mountainous and Woody, which furnish them with Timber to build more Ships than all the Provinces of Spain besides: It hath also so great a Number of Mines and Iron Forges, [Page 174] that the Spaniards call it the Defence of Castile, and the Armory of Spain. The Biscayners, who were the Ancient Cantabrians, enjoy very great Privileges, and boast themselves never to have been thoroughly Conquered either by the Romans, Carthaginians, Goths or Moors, They use a different Language from that of the other Inhabitants of the Country, and is said to be the ancient Language of Spain; for as they remained in their Liberties not Mastered, so in their Language not altered. They differ from the rest of Spain also in Customs, yielding their Bodies, but not their Purses to the King; not suffering any Bishop to come amongst them; and causing their Women to drink first, because Ogno a Countess would have poysoned her Son Sancho. The Land, as well as in the Country of Guipuscoa, is very well Tilled; for they pay neither Tax nor Tenth, nor Right of Entry. Their chief Cities are Bilboa and St. Sebastian; places of great Trade, especially in Wool, Iron, Chesnuts, and Bilboa Blades. Great Vessels cannot come near Bilboa, being seated two miles from the Ocean, but upon a High tide. It was built, or reedified out of the Ruins of the ancient Flaviobriga of Ptol. by Diego de Harro 1300. The Port of St. Sebastian has a very fair Entrance, being Defended by two Castles, the one toward the East, seated high; the other to the West, upon a low Rock. St. Andero and Passagio are two Excellent Ports, Fuentarabia the stronger place, and further Town in Spain, and Guataria the Native place of Sebastian Cabot, who was the first that compassed the World, in the Ship called the Victory; Magellanus, who went Chief in that Expedition, perishing in the Action. Laredo Portus, Lauretanus, hath a spacious Bay. Placenza, upon the River Denia is inhabited by Blacksmiths. Tolosa upon the Orio River. Asturia, called by some the Kingdom of Oviedo, is the Title of the Eldest Sons of the Kings of Spain, being called Princes of Asturia. The younger Children whereof are called Infants ever since the Reign of John the First. Hence were the small but swift Horses which the Romans called Asturcones, the English Hobbies. It was the Retreating place of the Kings of the Goths, and several of the Bishops, during the Invasion of the Moors; for which Reason, Oviedo, Lucum Asturum of Ptol. & Ovetum; the Capital City thereof is called the City of Kings and Bishops; and indeed gave Title to the first Christian Kings after the Moorish Conquest; for as the Lust of Roderick, a Gothish King of Spain, first brought in the Moors, so the Lust of Magnutza a Moorish Viceroy, proved the overthrow and loss of the Kingdom. Other Towns are Aviles on the Sea-shore, near Cape de los Penas, of old Scythium Prom.
[Page 175] Galicia is not so fertile as well Peopled; its former Inhabitants were the Gallaici, whence it had its Name. St. Jago Compostella, which Bishoprick and University is there Famous for the Pilgrimages which are thither made by those that go to Visit the Reliques of St. James, the Spaniards Patron. Coruna, by the English the Groine, is often mentioned in our Spanish Wars in Queen Elizabeths days. The Flavium Brigantium of Ptol. Brigantium of Ant. Strong, and the chief Bulwark of Galitia; is memorable for the goodness and largeness of her Port: The Rich Silver Fleet, of above thirty Millions, put in there in the year 1661, to avoid the English, who, to surprize it, had way-laid all the Points of the Compass to Cadiz. Lugo is the Lucus Augusti of Ptol. and Ant. the Lucus of Plin. now a Bishops See. Orense is the Aquae Calida of Ptol. the Aqua Caleniae of Ant. a Bishops See. Tuy is the Tude of Ptol. Tyde Plin. a Bishops See. There are about forty other Ports in this Province, of which, Rivadeo, Ponte Vedra & Bajona, are the most considerable.
Andaluzia, formerly Vandalitia from the Vandals. By Pliny Conventus Cordubensis, is so fair a Country, and so plentiful in Corn, in Wine and Olives, that it passes for the Granary and Magazine of the Kingdom. Sevil in this Province, is the Magazine of the Wealth of the New World. The Hispalis of Strab. Ptol. and Plin.
It is in compass six miles; compassed with stately Walls, and adorned with no less Magnificent Buildings, insomuch that there is a Spanish Proverb, Chi non ha Vista Sevilla, non ha Vista Meravilla.
The River Baetis, or Gaudelquiver, separates it into two parts, which are joined together by a stately Bridge; from hence the Spaniards set forth their West-India-Fleets, and hither they return to unload the Riches of the Western World. It is Dignified with an University, wherein studied Avicen the Moor, Pope Silvester the Second, here also were two Provincial Councils held Anno 584, and 636. and the See of an Arch-Bishop, who is Metropolitant of Andaluzia and the fortunate Islands. Here was Isodore Bishop. From hence comes our Sevil Oranges, and here lies the Body of Christopher Columbus, Famous for his Discovery of the New World.
Not far from hence are to be seen the Reliques of the Italica, of Strab. Ptol. and Ant. the Ilipa Italica Plin. the Country of the Emperors Trajan and Adrian, now an obscure Village about a League East from Sevil. Cordova, that Honoured Antiquity with Lucan, and the two Seneca's; [Page 176] and was more considerable in the time of the Moors than now. The Principal Church was formerly one of the biggest Mosques among the Muhumetans, next to that of Mecca. Corduba of Strab. Ptol. and Mela, a famous Colony of the Romans, and Head of a particular Kingdom, so called; now a Bishops See, and Seat of the Inquisition for this Province. Jaen is the Oningis, or Oringis of Livi, teste Moral, taken by Scipio Africanus from the Carthaginians. Ecya is the Astigi of Plin. Astygis of Ptol. the Astrapa of Liv. taken by Lucius Martius, or rather destroyed by the Inhabitants, read Sir W. Rawleigh fol. 744. Iliturgis Ptol. & Ilurgis & Illiturgis Plin. Iliturgi. Liv. Lietor teste Marian, Aldea el rio Car. Clusio, Andujar, Floriano Andujur el viejo Amh. Moral. Castulo Ant. Castulon Ptol. Plin. Castaon Strab. Caslono Car Clusio. Caslona la voja Florian. between Alcazar and Baeza, seated on the Guadelquiver, not on the Ana, as Heylin saith, which being under the Romans, was surprized by the Gerasenis, but slain by Sertorius entring after them at the same Gate; built 100 years before the War of Troy, teste Mariana. Here Hanibal is said to have took his Wife Himilce, and was one of the last Towns that held out for the Carthaginians, the chief City of the Oritani, seated upon an high Mountain, rather in New Castile than in Andaluzia near Ʋbeda. St. Lucar, at the mouth of the Guadalquiver, is a Town of great Trade; the West-India Gold and Silver Plate has sometimes stop'd at the Tower of the Port, which is called the Golden Tower; but generally that Fleet puts in at Cadiz, or Port St. Maries, which is near to it. Xeres de la Fontera, stands not far from that place where the Moors totally Defeated the Goths, in the year 714; after which, they harassed all Spain, without controul; and from hence come our Sherry-Sacks. The Acta Regia of Strab. & Plin. the Asta of Ptol. & Ant.
Medina Sidonia, the Asindum of Ptol. Asido Caesariana of Plin. whose Duke was General of the Invincible Armado, 1588. Tariffa was so called from Tariff General of the Moors in their first Spanish Invasion; which Lodovicus Nonius thinks to have been the Famous Tartessus of H [...]rod. Strab. and other Authors, rich in Gold and Silver, and visited by the continual Fleets of the Tyrian Merchants, and by the Phocensis in the Reign of Arganthonius, a little before their Expugnation by Cyrus, and by some thought to be the same with that Tharsis from whence Solomon's Ships did fetch his Gold for the Temple at Jerusalem. Some makes this the same with the Carteia of Mela, Ptol. & Plin. Cartha of Ovid, Cartaea of Steph. as Curio, Mariana and Becan. but Moralus will have Cartheja or Carteja, to be Algezira, whose position now is alike uncertain, but both seems to me to be the Gibal Tariff of the Arab. or Gibralter. [Page 177] Gibralter, which now gives a Name to the Famous Streight which joyns the Ocean and the Mediterranean, and parts Europe from Africa, called by the Ancients Fretum Herculeum, Gaditanum, & Tartessiacum, now Estrecho de Gibralter, Hispanis. This Streight is in length 36 miles from Cape Trafalger to Gibralter, in breadth at the Entrance 18 miles, at the narrowest place about 7 English miles. Pales is the Port from whence Columbus first Embarqued, upon his Intentions of a New Discovery: And Cadiz, Cales Angl. & Batavis, Cadice Ital. Gades Caes. Plin. & Mela, Gadira Ptol. Erythia, & Tartessos, Strab. Continusa Dionys. Is the Harbour of the Rich Plate-Fleets, a Port so Important, that Charles the Fifth Recommended the conservation thereof in a special manner to his Son Philip the Second. Antiquity there shews us the Foot-steps of a Temple Dedicated to Hercules, with two Columns, either of Copper or Silver, which the Natives aver to be the Pillars of that Hero, as well as the two Mountains upon each side of the Streights of Gibralter: they Report, that in this Temple it was that Julius Caesar wept when he called to mind the Prodigious Conquests which Alexander the Great had gain'd at the Age of three and thirty Years, the consideration whereof carried him to those High Enterprises; as Scipio was incited by the Actions of Zenophon's Cyrus.
The Kingdom of Granada under the last Kings of the Moors (who lost it in the Year 1491.) was far more Rich, and better Peopled than it is at this day: It was also much more Fertile; for the Moors had a thousand Inventions to water their Lands, by means of Cuts and Trenches, bringing the Water from great Reservatories which they made in the Mountains, which are called Montes d'los Alpayaras olim Alpuxarras.
The Situation of this Kingdom, and the Position of the Towns, agrees with the Relation or Description which Julius Caesar has made. The City which bears its Name, Granatum, al. Granado, is the biggest in all Spain; its Buildings are of Free-stone, Fenced about with a strong Wall, on which are 130 Turrets, and it hath 12 Gates. It is very pleasant Dwelling there, by reason of the pureness of the Air, and plenty of Fountains; the Moors placing Paradise in that part of Heaven which is the particular Zenith of this place. Malaga, Malaca Ptol. Strab. Mel. Ant. a strong Town, and Bishops See. Velez Malaga is the Sex of Ptol. Sexitanum Ant. Sexi Firmum, & Julium Plin. Is Famous for the Excellency of its Wines and Raisins. Munda is Notable for Julius Caesar's Victory over Pompey's Sons. For near unto this place in a Wood was fought that notable and last Battel between Caesar and Pompey's Sons, the Honour of the day fell to Caesar, though not without [Page 178] great loss. In other Battels he used to say he fought for Honour, in this for his Life; which not long after he lost, being murthered in the Senate-House. Almeria is the Abdara Ptol. Abdera Mela, founded by the Tyrians Strab. by the Carthaginians, Plin. Antiquera is the Singilia Plin. Alhama the Artigis of Ptol. noted for its Medicinable Baths. Gaudix is a Bishops See. Loxa enjoys a pleasant Situation. Muxacra is thought to be the Murgis of Ptol. Plin. Huesca the Osca of Ptol. Vera the Vergao of Plin.
Murcia is said to be the Garden of Spain, by reason of the plenty of Excellent Fruits in those parts, and so abounding in Silver Mines that the Romans kept 400 men at work. The City also that bears its name, the Menralia of Ptol. drives a great Trade in Silk. Cartagena, built by Asdrubal of Carthage, Father of the Great Hannibal, and taken in the second Punick War by Scipio Africanus, twice sacked and razed by the Barbarous Goths and Vandals; re-edified and fortified by Philip the Second King of Spain; Is a good Sea-Port, a safe and large Harbour. Caravaca affords the wood for the Cross, to which the Spaniards attribute a power to preserve men from Thunder.
Valencia is the most delightful Country of all Spain. The City (besides the name of the Province) bears the name of Fair and Great Valencia. An Arch-Bishops See, the Valentia of Ptol. Plin. &c. seated not far from the mouth of the River Durias by Mela, Turium Plin. Turia & Turias by others; now Guadalaviar, Clusio. A University, where studied St. Dominick the Father of the Dominicans. Here were born under contrary Stars Ludovicus Vives, and Pope Alexander the VI.
Cullera a Sea-Town, at the mouth of the River Xucar, formerly Sacron after the name of the River, and is famous in Plutarch for the Victory of Sertorius against Pompey.
Denia, Dianicum of Ptol. Strab. Plin. and Solin. gives Title to the Marquess of Denia, since Created Duke of Lerma.
Alicant is known by the good Wines, which are Transported from thence. Upon the Sea-shore at a place called Morvedra, are to be seen the Ruins of the Antient Saguntum of Polyh. the destruction whereof by Hannibal occasioned the second Punick War. A Town so faithful to the Romans, that the Inhabitants chose rather to burn themselves than yield to Hannibal: Founded by the Zachynthians. Here is also the Promontory Ferraria of Mela. Artemisum Strab. & Dianium Cic. Plin. & Ptol. Puncia del Emperador, or Attemuz teste Beuth. now Cabo Martin, the refuge of Sertorius in his Wars against Metellus and Pompey.
Laurigi teste J. Mariana, is the Lauro, or Lauron of Plutarch, the Laurona of Floro, which Sertorius besieged and burnt when Pompey with his whole Army stood nigh, and yet durst not succour it.
[Page 179] Xelua is by Florian. the Incibilis, or Indibilis of Livi, where Hanno was overcome by Scipio; but Baud. saith, Incibilis is now Trayguera, 20 Spanish Leagues distant from Xelua, or Chelua.
Gandia gives title to the Dukes of the House of Borgia.
Segorbe or Segorve, is the Segobrega of Strab. and Plin. testae Vasae. Clus. and Tarap. but the confusion of Authors makes me uncertain what it now is.
The Islands of Majorque and Menorque, are the antient Baleares, the Inhabitants whereof were exquisite Slingers, and great Pyrates; they accustom their Children to hit down their Breakfast with a Sling, or else to go without it; and yet as nimble as they were they were constrain'd to beg aid of Augustus against the Rabbets that destroyed their Lands. The Books of knowledg writ by Raymund Lul [...]y are very much studi'd at Majorque. The Soil of Yvica has a peculiar quality to destroy the Serpents that are bred in the Island Tormentera.
Arragon is overrun with the Branches of the Pyrenean and Idubeda Mountains, and is in most parts dry and scanty of water, yet the River Iberus runs through the middle of it. Its chief places are Saragoca, Caes. Augusta of Ptol. Strab. Plin. Ant. &c. a Colony and Municipium of the Romans before called Salduba. Under the Moors it was the Head of a particular Kingdom, recovered in the year 1118. by the Christians, and made the Residence of the Kings of Arragon, an Arch-Bishops See, and University and Seat of the Inquisition, and Vice-Roy for the Province. Taracona, or Tarazona, the Turiaso Ptol. Turiasso Plin. is a Bishops See. Calatajut upon the River Xalo, founded by Ajub a Sarazen Prince, half a mile from which was the ancient Bilbis of Ptol. and Bilbilis of Strab. the Country of the Poet Martial. Fraga upon the River Senga Gallica, Flava Ptol. & Gallicum of Ant. Balbastro is the Burtina of Ptol. Bortina of Ant. Huesca the Osca of Strab. Ptol. & Ant. was the place where Sertorius (in Plutarch) kept the Children of the Spanish Nobility as Hostages for their Fathers fidelity, but the Fathers revolting, the Children were cruelly murthered. Jacca amongst the Mountains was the first Seat of the Kings of Arragon. Ainsa and Benhuari, have been the Capitals of two little Kingdoms, Sobrarbia and Ribagorca, or Riba Curtia. Monzon is a place where formerly the States of Arragon were wont to Assemble.
Navarr was the second Kingdom for Antiquity in Spain, but surprised and taken by Ferdinand the Catholick, Anno 1512. without one blow given. The King and Queen of Navarr being at that time both French Subjects; the Country is plain, yet on all sides environed with mighty Mountains, well watered with Rivers, and fruitful: Chiefer [Page 180] Towns are Pampelona, Pompelon of Ptol. Strab. & Ant. first founded by Pompey the Great after the Wars ended with Sertorius; a Bishops See, and Seat of the Vice-Roys seated in a Plain upon the River Arga. At the Siege of which Ignatius Loiola a Cantabrian, defending it against the French, was almost killed by a wound of his Leg, which occasion'd a New Order to the Church, viz. the Society of the Jesuits, vide Monferrat in Catalonia.
2. Viana, the Title of the Navarren Prince. Nigh this place Caesar Borgia Son to Pope Alexander the Sixth, was slain by an Ambush. Teste Guicciardine.
3. Victoria (is the chief of the little Country called Olava, or Olaba, between Navarr and Biscay) first built, or rather reedified out of the Ruins of the ancient Villica of Ptol. Anno 1180. by Sanctius King of Navarr. This Country is divided into six Merindida's or Governments, one of which lying on the other side of the Pyreneans, is called Low Navarr, and is in the hands of the French King.
The Kingdom of Castilia was at first named Bardulia, and was the most prevailing Kingdom of all Spain, either by Conquest or Intermarriages, divided into Castillia la Veia, or old Castille, and Castillia la Nueva, or New Castile. Chiefer places in Old Castile are Burgos, Bravum & Masburgi Ptol. teste Tarapha, & Burgi, once the Royal Seats of the Kings of Castile, now an Arch-Bishop See.
Avila, the Abala of Ptol. of which Tostatus, Sirnamed Abulensis, was Bishop, who is said to have writ as many sheets as he lived days.
Soria is the place where the great Standard of the Kingdom is kept, not far from which towards the Springs of the Douro stood sometimes that famous Numantia, in which 4000 Soldiers withstood 40000 Romans for 14 years, and at last gathering all their Money, Goods, Armour, &c. together, laid them on a Pile, which being fired they all voluntarily buried themselves in the flame, leaving Scipio nothing but the name of Numantia to adorn his Triumph.
Segovia is the Segubia of Ptol. Segobia Plin. & Ant. a Bishops See, near which yet standeth an ancient Aquaeduct of the Romans.
Calahora upon the Ebro was the Calagorina of Ptol. Calaguris of Str. and Calagurris of Ant. a Town of the Vascones, and of the Orator Quintilian.
Logronnio upon the said River was the Juliobriga of Ptol. and Juliobrica of Plin.
New Castile, is a Country for the most part Champian and plain, affording sufficient plenty of Corn, Fruits, and other necessary provision: Chiefer Towns are, 1. Madrid, the Mantua of Ptol. Madritum al. the Seat of the Kings of Spain, and now one of the most fair and populous [Page 181] places of the Kingdom, well built with good Brick-Houses, many having Glass-Windows, which is very rare in all Spain, the most considerable Buildings are the Piazza, the Prison, the Kings Chappel and Palace, the Palaces of the Duke of Alva, of Medina de los Torres, &c. The English Colledg of Theatines, Il Retiro, &c. Out of Town St. Perdo, and the Escurial, or the Magnificent Monastry of St. Laurence, which is about seven or eight Leagues from Madrid, amongst the Spaniards passeth for the Eighth Wonder of the World, and is said to have cost King Philip the Second above twenty Millions of Gold, no great Sum for a Prince, who is said to have expended 700 Millions of Gold during his Reign.
2. Toledo, the T [...]l [...]tum of Plin. and Ant. then the chief City of the Carpetani, mounted upon a steep and uneven Rock upon the right shore of the River Taio, with whose circling streams it is almost encompassed. By the Goths it was made the Chamber and Royal Seat of their Kings. Under the Moors it became a petty Kingdom, and their strongest hold in those parts; after five years Siege in the year 1085. recovered by Alphonsus the Sixth, King of Castile and Leon. Now an University and Arch-Bishops See, the richest in Europe, whose Bishop is Primate and Chancellor of Spain.
Alcala de Henares, is the Complutum of Ptol. and Ant. an University founded by F. Ximenes Cardinal and Arch-Bishop of Toledo.
Calatrava upon the River Gaudiana, abandoned by the Templers, and now gives name to the Order of Knights so called, confirmed by Pope Alexander the Third 1164.
Alcaraz gives Name to the Mountainous Tracts of Sierra de Alcaraz.
Cuenca, a Bishops See, and Seat of the Inquisition, once an Invincible Fortress of the Moors against the Christians, yet won from them Anno 1177, by Sanctius the Second King of Castile.
Siguenca, or Siguenxa, is the Segontia Strab. Plin. the Secuntia of Liv. & Secontia Ant. Segontialacta of Ptol. a City of the Celtiberi, now a Bishops See, having a fair Cathedral.
The Kingdom of Leon, was the first which the Christians established after the Invasion of the Moors. The City which bears its name, has in it a Cathedral, famous for its beauty. The Church of Toledo is magnified for its wealth; that of Sevil for its bigness; that of Salamanca for its strength. The City of Salamanca is honoured with an University, which has the Priviledg to teach the Hebrew, Greek, Arabick and Chaldee Languages: They talk here of the Valley of Vatuegas, lately discovered in the Mountains of this Kingdom, and which was never known before from the time of the Moors Invasion; discovered by the occasion [Page 182] of an Hawk of th [...] Duke of Alva's, which was lost amongst those Mountains: His Servants clambering from one Hill to another in search of it, at last happened into a pleasant and large Valley, where they spied a Company of naked Pataco's or Savage people, hemmed in amongst those many Rocks or Mountains. And then told their Master, that instead of his Hawk th [...]y had found a New World in the midst of Spain. Upon further discovery and inquiry they were thought to be a remnant of the ancient Spaniards who had hid themselves amongst these Mountains for fear of the Romans.
Of Catalonia, and the County of Roussillon.
CAtalannia, rather Catalonia, by the French Catalogne, is variously derived by Authors; some from Gothalonia, of the Goths and Alani; some from the Castellani, the old Inhabitants hereof: Others from the Cattalones, who also had here their dwellings; others from the Catti of Germany, and the Alani of Sarmatia, now Lithuania.
Paulus Hieronymus asserts it to be 170 Italian miles long, and 130 broad: Boterus tells us there is numbered in this Province one Dukedom, viz. Cardona; three Marquisates, 11 Earldoms, many Baronies and Lordships, 56 Cities, or Walled Towns, and six hundred thousand Inhabitants, among which were 10000 French Shepherds and Husbandmen.
Some Authors tells us the Country is Hilly, and full of Woods, yielding but small store of Corn, Wine and fruits; some say it abounds with Corn, Wine, and Oyl. Others tell us it is more enriched through its Maritine Situation, than by home-bred Commodities.
Chief places are Barcelona, Barcinon of Ptol. Barchino of Mela, and Barcino of Plin. and Ant. a Roman Colony Sirnamed Faventia by Plin. Seated upon the Mediterranean Sea betwixt the Rivers Baetulus of Mela, now Besons and Rubricat or Lobregat River, won from the Moors by Lewis the Godly, Son to the Emperor Charles the Great. It's now a rich and noted Port. A Bishops See and Academy, said to be built by Hamilcar. Ant. Beath, saith it was built by Hercules. 'Tis the Seat of the Vice-Roy and Inquisition for the Province. 'Tis beautified with stately Buildings, both private and publick, with delightful Gardens: Its Port hath a Bridg or Mole of 750 Paces into the Sea, for the better securing of Ships.
Terragona, Terracon Strab. & Ptol. Terraco Plin. Mela, & Solinus, is pleasantly seated about a Mile from the Mediterranean Sea, upon the East of [Page 183] the River Tulcis, now Francolino, teste Coquo, founded by Cn. and Pub. Scipio during the second Punick War; a Repository of ancient Monuments; Vid. Nomium c. 85. Afterwards made a Roman Colony, and the chief Town, giving name to the Province Terraconensis. It was An. 1572. an Archbishops See, and Academy founded by Cardinal Gaspar Cervan.
Lerida, Llerda Ant. Strab. Ptol. Plin. Lucan. A Bishops See and University, seated upon the Rivers Sicoris, now Segre, or Segor, and not on the River Linga (as Heylin saith) and the chief City of Arragon. Its adjacent Fields are well stored with Vines, Corn, Fruits and Oyl, oftentimes besieged by the French, and as often relieved by the Spaniards. And is Famous for the Encounter which happened nigh unto it, between Herculejus the Treasurer of Sertorius Army, and Manillius Proconsul of Gallia, wherein Manillius was discomfited, and his Army routed.
Cerdona is a Dukedom of the same Name, where are three things remarkable, a Mountain whose Earth is like Meal, or Flower. A Fountain whose water is of the colour of Red Wine. A Salt of divers Colours, but if pounded it appears only white.
Tertosa, by the French Tortosa, a Bishops See, seated upon the River Ebro, Dertosa Ptol. & Ant. Dertossa Strab. Dertusa Plin. a Roman Colony, Fortified with two Castles. Vide Marin. Siculum.
Girona Gerunda Ptol. Ant. Plin. a Bishops See and Dukedom, gives Titile to the Eldest Sons of the Kings of Arragon, built by Gerion 513 years after the Flood, teste Beuthero.
Vich, by J. Mariana, the Ausa of Ptol. Corbio of Liv. Vicus. & Aquae Voconiae, a Bishops See. 'Twas the Randezvous of Count Monteries Country Militia, when he attempted the relief of Paysarda, but the passages were too well secured by the French.
Not far from the right shore of the River Lobregat ariseth the pleasant Mountain Edulius Mons Ptol. & Medulius by others, now Monserrato, a noted place for Miracles. Here Ignatius Loyola laid the foundation of the Society of Jesus, Anno 1522. This Mountain is said to be two Miles high, and four Miles in Circumference, stuck full with Anchorets Cells; and honoured with a much frequented Chappel and Image of the Blessed Virgin; whose ravishing description, read in Nonius Bibliothec. Hisp. and in Zeiler's Description of the place in his Iteneries of Spain.
Rosas, or Roses, the Rhoda of Ptol. and Rhodope of Strab. founded by the Emporites or Rhodians, under the Pyrenean Mountains, a strong place.
Puig de Cerda, or Puigcerda, by the French Puicerdan, is the chief Town of the Carotani; Jugum Carratanorum near the Pyrenean Mountains, upon the River Segre & Sicoris▪ one League distant from I l [...]via.
[Page 184] Llivia, Livia by Julian, Toletanus de expeditione Wambae Regis Jothorum, Julia Libyca Ptol. & Plin. Linca or Linea Florian; by others Insa; in Sheldens Manuscript, [...].
Campredon a walled Town, near the Springs of the River Ter of Old Sambraca, the Sehendunum of Ptol. Jonquera by the French, Junquera by the Inhabitants, Juncaria Ant. & Plin. [...] in Shel. Manuscript, 'tis in the little County of Ampurdan, near the Passage of Le Col. de partus.
Cap de Cruex by Florian, is the Aphroditium of Ptol. Templum Veneris, & Venus Pyrenaea of Strab. & Plin. Portus Veneris Mela; but Baud. tells us that Port Veneris is now called Port Vendres, five Leagues distant from Aphrodisium Prom.
Cadaques near Roses, is the Cap de Quires of the Gazete, 1683/4.
Balaguer, Ballegarium in Seriptis Hisp. by others Bergusia, seated upon the River Segre, and is famous for the Siege of the French, 1645.
Of the County of Roussillion.
ROussillion by the French, is included betwixt two Branches of the Pyrenaean Mountains, beginning at the Mountain Cano; The one extending to Colibre and C. de Creux, a Promontory that is the furthest point Eastwarst of Catalonia; the other Branch running out unto Salsas. This Country was pawned by John King of Arragon, 1462. to Lewis the 11th of France, for 300000 Crowns; and restored to Ferdinand the Catholick, by Charles the 8th, 1493. that he might not be hindred in his Journey to Naples, teste Botero.
Francis the first King of France, partly to requite the Emperor Charles the 5th, for the War he made in Provence, and to get into his Hands Perpignan, one of the Doors of Spain, sent his Son Henry with an Army to force it, An. 1542. but the Town was well fortified, so bravely manned, and so well stored, that his Journey proved as dishonourable to the French, as the Invasion of Provence and the Siege of Marselles had been to the Emperor.
Places of most Note, are Perpignan, Papirianum & Perpinianum, built out of the Ruins of Ruscinum, An. 1068. by Guinard Earl of Rossillon, seated in a pleasant Plain upon the River Thelis or Thetis, a rich and flourishing Empory, and a strong-hold against the French, till the year 1642. Vide Nonium & Marianum.
Colliure & Colibre, by the French Collioure, Elleberri Mela, Elliberis Plin. Iliberis Livi, Illeris Ptol. Illyberis Strab.
[Page 185] Elna, by the French, Elne; Helena, of the Ancients, seated upon the River Tech, once an Episcopal-See, but in An. 1604. it was translated by Clement the 8th to Perpignan.
Cerat, Ceretum, near the River Tech, was the meeting-place of the French and Spaniards Commissioners, for regulating the limits and bounds of their Kingdoms, An. 1660.
Bellagardia is a strong place, often taken and retaken by the French and Spaniards, seated near the entrance of Pertus into Catalonia.
Sal, Salsulae of Mela and Ant. taken by the French, 1640.
Between France and Spain, are the Pyrenaei Montes, which tieth Spain to the Continent. The Cantabrian Ocean siercely beating on the West; and the Mediterranean gently washing the East ends of them; the highest part whereof is Mount Canus, upon which in a clear Day may be seen both the Seas: The French side of these Hills, are said to be Naked and Barren; the Spanish very fertile, and adorned with Trees: Here was Ronce Valles, so famous for the Battel betwixt the French and the Moors, in which Rowland, Cousin to Charles the Great; Oliver, and others of the Peers of France, were put to the Rout, and 20000 of the French.
The other Dominions of the King of Spain, next to France, are the Spanish Provinces, or Flanders, and the French County, Conquered in part by the King of France. In Italy the Dutchy of Milan. Final, Orbitello, the Protection of Piombino and Porto Longone, the Kingdoms of Naples, Sicily, and Sardinia, &c. In Africa, Oran, Marsal-quiver, Mellilla, Pennon de Velez, Ceuta, and the Isle Pantalarea, all along the Coast of Barbary, upon the Mediterranean Sea. To which we must add the Philipine Islands in Asia, and the greatest part of the Islands and Continent in America.
Of Portugal.
POrtgual is a Kingdom of above five hundred years Erection, in the Western part of Spain, anciently called Lusitania, taking the present Name from Porto, a Haven-Town at the Mouth of the Dueras, where the Gauls used to Land, and therefore called Portus Gallorum, and since [Page 187] Portugal, or rather from Portus and Cale, then a small Village not far from it; of old Portus Calensis, now Portugal. The length of it from South to North is about six score Leagues. The breadth thereof about 25 or 30 Leagues, and in some places fifty. It is scated upon the Ocean.
The experience of the Inhabitants in Navigation, has caused their Kings to be known in all the four Quarters of the World; where they have had many Kings their Vassals: as also the convenience of bringing into Europe the most rare and precious Merchandizes of the East. Their Conquests have extended above five thousand Leagues upon the Coast of Brazile, and in the East-Indies, their design being only Trade. It is true, that of late for several years, they have not made any great Progress or farther Advantage, by reason of their War with Spain, and the great Garisons which they are forced to keep against the Hollander, which has caused them to surrender some Places into the hands of the English upon the Royal Match between Portugal and England, viz. Tangier and Bombay.
The Provinces of Portugal have all their particular Commodities; they afford among other things store of Citrons and excellent Oranges.
They have some Mines; for the Greeks and Romans sought in Portugal for that Wealth, which the Portuguezes search for in the Indies. They are so well Peopled, especially toward the Sea, that there are to be reckon'd above six hundred privileg'd Towns, and above four thousand Parishes. The Roman Catholick Religion is only professed there; and those that are of the Race of the Jews, are forc'd to baptize their Children.
There are three Arch-Bishopricks, Lisbon, Braga and Evora; and ten Bishopricks; the Arch-Bishops of Lisbon and Braga, have each of them 200000 Livres Rent. There are Inquisitions at Lisbon, at Coimbra, and at Evora; and Parliaments at Lisbon and Porto, places of general Receipt of the King's Revenue. Twenty seven Places have their Generalities, which are called Comarques, or Almoxarifates. The Order of Christ that resides at Tomar, is the most considerable which they have. The Kings are Grand Masters thereof; for upon that Order depends all their Conquests from abroad. The Knights wear a red Cross, and a white one in the middle, whereas the Knights of Avis wear a green Cross, and those of St. James a red one, who have their Residence at Palmella near to Setuval. It is said that the Revenue of the Kingdom, setting aside that of the Indies, amounts to above ten Millions of Livres.
In the year 1640 this Kingdom revolted from the King of Spain, and at that time it was an admirable thing to consider that a Secret of [Page 188] so great importance, should be carri'd on with such an exact Secrecy, among above two hundred Persons, and for the space of a whole year: The principal Motives to this Revolt was, for that the King of Spain gave leave to others besides the Portugals to Traffick into the East-Indies, together with the Tribute of the sixth part, which the King caus'd to be published in the year 1636, whereby he exacted five per Cent. of all the Revenues and Merchandizes of the Kingdom. It consists of six Provinces, which are as many General Governments, Entre-Douro and Minho, Tralos-M [...]ntes, Beyra, E [...]trema dura, Alen teio, and the Kingdom of Algarve. Entre-Douro and Minho, is the most delicious part, and so well Peopled, that for 18 Leagues in Length, and 12 in breadth, it contains above 130 Monasteries well endow'd, 1460 Parishes, 5000 Fountains of Spring-water, two hundred Stone-Bridges, and six Sea-Ports; some call it the Delight and Marrow of Spain. Porto by the Dutch, and by the English Port a Port, a City, containing about 4000 Houses, is a place of great Trade, and Braga, Braecaria Augusta of Ptol. Bracara of Ant. and Braecae of Plia. is renown'd for the several Councils that have been held there, and for the pretension of the Arch-Bishop who claims to be Arch-Bishop of all. Trales-Montes is stored with Mines, and adorn'd with the City of Braganca the Capital of a Dukedom of 40000 Duckets Revenue, wherein there are also fifty little Towns and other Lands, which Entitle the Duke of Braganca to be three times a Marquis, seven times an Earl, and many more times to be a Lord. The Princes of that Name, who are now in Possession of the Crown, usually Resided at Villa Viciosa; and had a Prerogative beyond the Grandees of Spain, to sit in publick under the Royal Canopy of the Kings of Spain. Beyra is fertile in Rye, Millet, Apples and Chesnuts; Her City of Coimbra, formerly the Residence of Alphonsus the first King of Portugal, who enjoyed a longer Soveraignty than any Prince, since the beginning of the Roman Monarchy, attained to, faith Heylin; Sapores the Son of Misdales King of Persia, whose Father dying, left his Mother with Child, and the Persian Nobility set the Crown on his Mothers Belly before she was quick, came short of him by two years; is famous for the University, and for the Bishoprick, which is reckon'd to be worth above a hundred thousand Livres of Annual Rent. Estremadura produces Wine, Oyl, Salt and Honey, which the Bees there make of Citron Flowers and Roses; her City of Lisbon, Oliosippon of Ptol. Olisipon of Ant. Olysippo of Solynus, and Olysipo of Pliny, a Municipium of the Romans, sirnamed Faelicitas Julia, the Royal Seat of the Kings of Portugal, an Arch-Bishops Sea, the Residence of the Vice-Roys, a flourishing Empory; situated upon five rising Hills upon the right Shore of the River Tagus, Tajo incolis, about [Page 189] 5 Miles from the Ocean, having the advantage of the Ebbing and Flowing of the Sea. It is said to contain 32 Parish-Churches, 350 Streets, 11000 dwelling Houses, 160000 Inhabitants, besides Church-men, Strangers and Courtiers; and with the Suburbs, about 7 Miles in compass; the Capital City of all the Kingdom, one of the fairest, richest, the biggest and best peopled of Europe. The little Town of Belem, which is near to it, is the Burying-place of many of the Kings of Portugal. Santarim is so happy in the great number of Olives that grow round about it, that the Natives boast that they could make a River of their Oyl as big as Tagus. It was the Scabaliscus of Ptol. the Scabalis of Ant. and Pliny, sirnamed Praesidium Julium, then a Roman Colony, and a juridicial Resort, named from St. Irene, a Nun of Tomar, here martyred and enshrined. Setubal, the Salatia of Ptol. is well situated and well built, and is a Town of good Trade; it is the best Haven in all the Kingdom, 30 Miles long, and 3 broad; her Salt-pits, and her Wines, by what the Portuguezes relate, bring a greater Revenue to their King, than all Arragon to the King of Spain. Alen teio passes for the Granary of Portugal, by reason of the Corn which it produces. The City of Evora claims the next place in Dignity to Lisbon. In the year 1663 the Portuguezes overthrew the Spaniards in a memorable Battel, near to this City. Elvas is famous for its excellent Oyls, and for the Sieges that it has prosperously held out against the Spaniards. Ourique is the place where was fought that famous Battel which occasioned the Proclaiming the first King of Portugal; Portelegre is a Bishops See; Beja is supposed to be the Pax Julia of Plin. and Ptol. Algarve, tho small in extent, it assumes the Title of a Kingdom, and was reunited to the Crown by the Marriage of Alphonsus the 3d, with Beatrice of Castile: It produces Eggs, Olives, Almonds, and Wines which are very much esteemed; and indeed the word Algerbia in the Language of the Moors, signifies a fruitful Champaign.
Chief Towns are, Tavila, or Tavira, the Balsa of Ptol. and Plin. Faro is seated near the Cuncum Promontorium, now Capo St. de Maria. Silves is the ancient Ossonaba of Ptol. the Onoba of Mela, the Sonoba of Strabo, by the Moors Excuba, by the Spaniards Estoy, by some Estomber. Lagus is seated near the Promontorium Sacrum of Strab. and Ptol. now Cape St. Vincent from the Relicks of the Holy Martyr brought from Valentia by the persecuted Christians, flying the Cruelty of Abderrahman, the first King of the Spanish Moors; removed afterwards to Lisbon by King Ferdinand.
Of Italy.
ITaly Anglis, Italia Incolis & Hispanis, Italic Gallis, Welschlandt Germanis, Wolska Zemia, Polonis, Ʋloska Sclavonice; called also by the Ancients, Ausonia, Camesena, Oenotria, Hesperia, Janicula, Salevmbrona, Saturnia, &c. once Empress of the then known World; still the fairest and most delicious Country of Europe. After so long time, so many Ages elapsed, it is not certainly decided who were her first Inhabitants; [Page 191] nor whether some one Nation did plant here, after the Confusion of Babel; or that it was peopled by little and little, as several Nations did arrive; 'tis equally dubious whether it received its general Name at first, or whether particular Parts had first their Appellations: 'Tis certain that several Nations, at sundry times, did transport themselves thither from Greece, and Peopled all the Sea-Coast, said to be Janus, An. Mun. 1925. after whom came Saturn out of Creet, Evander or Oenotrus out of Arcadia, with their followers; after them arrived some Trojans, under the conduct of Aeneas, whose kind entertainment by Latinus King of the Latins, occasioned the Wars between him and Turnus King of the Rutuli; but after the Romans grew Potent, all Italy fell under their Subjection until the time of Honorius; after which several barbarous Nations, viz. Goths, Vandals, Herules and the Huns, passing the Alps, over-ran all Italy, and divided it into several Kingdoms. And when these were ejected, or at least subdued by the Lieutenants of the Emperor Justinan, it was once more united to the Empire, till the Empress Sophia envying Narsis Honour, recalled him from his Government; whereupon he opened the Passage of the Country to Albonius King of the Lombards, who possessed themselves of that Country, calling it by their own Name Longobardia. These were at length subdued by Pepin King of France, who was called into Italy by the Bishop of Rome. After that, the Seat of the Roman Empire being fixed in Germany, Italy was reduced into several Parcels and Factions, so that the Soveraign Princes thereof at this day, are 1. The Pope, Pontifex Maximus, under whose Dominion are these Provinces or Estates, viz. Campania, Romania, Sabina, Provincia Patrimonii St. Petri, Ʋmbria, Marchia Anconitana, Ducatus Castrensis, Territoria Orivetanum, Perusium, & Civitatis Castelli, Ducatus Ʋrbini, Romandiola, Bononiensis Ager & Ducatus Ferrariensis.
2. The King of Spain, Rex Hispania, to whom belongs. Regnum Neapolitanum, Sicilia, Sardinia, Ducatus Mediolanensis, Marchionatus Finarii in Liguria, with others upon the Coast of Tuscany, viz. Orbetellum, & tratus adjacens, called by the Inhabitants, Stato delli presidii, Principatus Plumbini, & Ilua insula, Isle de Elbe.
3. The Venetians, or Republica Veneta, under whose Dominion are Istria, Foro Julium, Marchia Tarvisina, & Ducatus Venetus, Vulgo le Dogado, Territoria Patavinum, Rhodighinum, Vicentinum, Veronense, Brixianum, Bergomense, & Cremense.
4. Duke of Savoy, Ducatus Sabaudiae, to whom belongs Principatus Pedemontium, and part of Ducatus Montis-Ferrati, & Comitatus Nicaea.
[Page 192]5. The great Duke of Tuscany, Magnus dux Heturiae, egente Medicea, under whom is the greater part of Heturia, viz. Florentina, Pisana, & Senensis, Petiliano, now Potegliano, and Apua, now Ponte Moli. As also the Islands Gorgona, Igilium, now il Giglio, Gianutum, Mons Christi, &c. and Argous Portus, now Porto Ferraio, or P. Ferraro, in Ilua Insula, now lle Elbe, in Mari Tyrrheno.
6. The Genoans, or Res Publica Genuensis, upon the Coast of Mare Ligusticum, to whom belongs also Corsica & Capraria Insula.
7. Dux Mantanus e gente Gonzaga, under whom is Ducatus Mantanus, and the greater part of Ducatus Montis Ferrari.
8. Dux Mutinensis e gente Estensi, under whom is Ducatus, Mutinensis & Rhegiensis, Principatus Carpensis & Corregiensis, and great part of Carferonianae, or Carfagnana.
9. Dux Permensis e gente Farnesia, who enjoyeth Ducatus Permensis & Placentinus, Ditio Bussetana, and great part of Principatus Vallis Tarri.
10. Lucca, or Res Publica Lucensis, in Heturia.
11. Dux Massae e gente Cibo, containing Ducatus Massae, & Principatus Carrariae, in Heturia.
12. Dux Mirandulanus e gente Pica, containing Ducatus Mirandulae & Comitatus Concordiae.
13. Dux Guastallae e gente Gonzaga.
14. Dux Sabulonetae, under the Dominion of Spain.
15. Princeps Castillonis e gente Gonzaga.
16. Princeps Sulphurini e gente Gonzaga.
17. Princeps Monoeci e gente Grimalda, under the Protection of France.
18. Princeps Masserina e gente Ferraria Flisca, & Marchionatus Crepacorii.
19. Princeps Plumbini e gente Ludovisia, containing Principatus Plumbini & Ilua Insula, now Elbe Isle, under the Dominion of Spain.
20. Comes Novellariae e gente Gonzaga.
21. Res Publica S. Marini.
Marchio Fosdinovi e gente Malas pinae, in Valle Magrae.
The Emperor of Germany has Aquilea, and the Country of Goritz, as also Tergeste, Pedana & Pisino in Istria. The King of France hath Pignarol with its Dependencies.
Episcopus Tridentinus, is under the Dominion of the Count of Tirol.
Lastly, The Swisses have four Italian Prefectures, viz. Lugan, Locarn, Mendrisia and Madia, which before the year 1512. did belong to the Dutchy of Milan.
Luganum, upon the Lake Lucanus, Paulin. Lago de Lugano, Ital. Luwertzzee, Helvet.
Chiavenna Ital. Clevenna Ant. Claven, 10 Italian Miles from the Lake Como. The Larius Strab. & Plin. the Comacenus of Ant. & P. Diac. Lacus Insubriae, aliis Lago di Como Italis, Cumersee Germa, Bormio Ital. Worms, Germ. & Sondrio, are the chief Places in the Valtolina, valis Tatina & Volturena Provincia.
The Lake of Geneva is crossed by the Rhosen, and yet they never mix their Waters together. And there are Tempests upon it, even in fair Weather, because it lies at the foot of the Hills. The Natives report, that Julius Caesar threw his Treasure into this Lake, when he was pursued by the Switzers; but hitherto they have sought for it in vain.
The Waters of all the Lakes and Rivers in this Country, are observed to be of a greenish Colour, as the Sea-water, and yet are not Brackish or Salt.
Italy is situated in the middle Temperate Zone, in shape of a Leg, between the Mediterranean Sea, and the Gulf of Venice. The Alps (which F. Livi calls the Walls of Italy and Rome) guard it towards those parts where it borders upon France, Savoy, Switzerland and Germany. The Apennine cuts through all the length of it. Po, Adige, Tiber and Arno, are the biggest Rivers.
The Italians are Polite, Ingenious, Subtil, and very prudent in Conversation, pleasant in Carriage, obliging, extreme in their Customs, temperate in their Diet, faithful to their Friends; but these Dispositions are much sullied by four Vices, Revenge, Lust, Jealousy and Swearing.
The Women for the most part are handsom, of good Wit, and modest Behaviour, Saints in the Church, Angels in the Streets, Magpies at the Door, Syrens in the Windows, and Goats in the Gardens.
Their Cities are therefore the fairer and better Built, because the Nobility and Gentry usually have their Habitations in them.
Their Language is Courtly and Eloquent, much of the Latin; but the. Tuscan Dialect, as being more polished, is received at the Court of Rome, and among Persons of Quality.
The Italians count not their Hours as we do, from 12 to 12. beginning at Mid-day and Mid-night; but begin their account from Sun-setting, reckoning from 1 to 24 Hours for a Day: And therefore necessitated to alter and new-set their Clocks every Day, the setting of the Sun being a moveable Point or Term.
[Page 200]In Italy are a vast number of Religious Houses, where young Women of Quality, who for want of sufficient Fortunes or Personal Endowments, cannot get Husbands suitable to their Birth or Quality, their Parents for a small matter dispose of, and settle them there for their lives.
There are also Hospitals for the Entertainment of poor Travellers, who have their Diet and Lodging for three days (Gratis), besides a piece of Money when they go away.
There are also Hospitals to take care of all exposed Children that are brought and put in at a Grate on purpose; for at the ringing of a Bell an Officer comes and receives the Child, and carries it to a Nurse, and there it is maintained till it be grown up.
The Nobility and Gentry of Italy chuse rather to spend their Revenues in building fair Palaces, and adorning them with Pictures and Statues, in making Orchards, Gardens, Walks, than in keeping Great Houses, and plentiful Tables. And certainly 'tis better Charity to employ poor people, and give them Money for work, than to give them Money freely, and suffer them to live in Idleness.
One Phoenomenon observed at Rome by Mr. Ray was, that in sharp Frosty weather in the middle of Winter, the water in the Fountains was so hot that he thought it had been heated over the fire.
Italy is divided into three great parts: 1. The Higher part, which is Lombardy, Longobardia, containing the greatest part of Gallia Cisalpina, in which lies the Dutchy of Savoy, the Principality of Piedmont, the Dutchy of Montferrat, the Commonwealth of Genoua, Riviera di Genoua, the Dutchy of Milan, Stato di Milano, of Parma, Stato del Duca di Parma, of Modena, Ducatus Mutinensis, Stato del Duca di Modena, of Mantoua, Stato del Duca di Mantoua, the Territories of the Venetians, Stato di Venetia, and the Bishoprick of Trent.
2. The middle part, wherein are the Dominions or Land of the Church, Stato della Chiesa, or Ditio Ecclesiae. The Estates of the Great Duke of Tuscany, or Ditio Magni Ducis Heturiae sou Tuscio. And the Commonwealth of Lucca, Dominium Reipublicae Lucensis.
3ly, The Lower, in which is the Kingdom of Naples, Regno di Napoli.
4ly, To which we may add a fourth, viz. the adjacent Isles Sicilia, Sardinia, Corsica, &c.
Of Savoy and Piedmont.
THE Ancient Inhabitants of this Mountainous Country, were generally called by the Name of Allobroges; of whom the first mention we find in Story, is the Atonement made by Hannibal, in his passage this way, between Bruneus and his Brother, about the Succession of the Kingdom; afterwards subdued by the Romans, under the several Conducts of C. Domitius Aenobarbus, and Qu. Fabius Maxianus: [Page 202] After which, Coctius, one of the Kings of these Allobroges, was in special Favour with Augustus Caesar, whence it had the Name of Alpes Coctiae, and by that Name reduced into the form of a Province by Nero. In the declining of the Roman Empire, it became a part of the Kingdom of Burgundy, and passed, with other Rights, to the Empire of Germany.
Amadis the II. Earl of Maurienne, was, by the Emperor Henry the IV. Invested with the Title of Savoy: And Amadis the VIII. Created the first Duke by Sigismund, Anno 1397. But the main Power and Patrimony of this House, was by the Valour of the two Earls, Thomas and Peter, in the years 1210, and 1256, who got by Conquest a great part of Piedmont; to which the Marquisate of Saluces was United by Marriage of the Daughter to Charles Duke of Savoy, whose Successors kept Possession of it, till Francis the First, pretending some Title to it, in Right of his Mother, a Daughter of the House of Savoy, annexed it to the Crown of France; from which it was Recovered during the Civil Wars of France, by the Savoyards, about 1588, by whom 'tis still possessed: By Reason of the difficult and narrow Ways, and those full of Thieves, it was once called Malvoy; but the Passages being opened by the Industry of the People, and purged of Thieves by good Laws, it was called Savoy, or Salvoy, Sabaudia Lat. Savoia Italis, La Savoye, Gallis.
It is full of those Mountains which we call by a general Name of Alps, though several Branches have their peculiar Names: Mount Cenis, and little St. Bernard open the two most considerable Passages into Italy. 'Tis a Country Healthy enough, but not very Fruitful, except some Valleys, which are very fertil and delighful.
The Common People are Naturally Dull and Simple, and unwarlike, but the Gentry Civil and Ingenious. It passes for the most Noble and primier Dukedom of Christendom; the Power and Presence of whose Dukes are the more considerable, because Masters of the most part of the Passages out of France into Italy; and by the Possession of Piedmont, the County of Nice, and other Signories.
Under the name of Savoy are comprehended these six parts, Sabaudia propria, La Savoye. Genevensis Comitatus, Le Genevois. Mauriana, La Maurienne. Tarantaisia, La Tarantaise. Fossiniacum, Le Fossigny, & Cabillicus Tractus, Le Chablais.
Chambery, Cambericum, Camberiacum, or Cameriacum, Civaro, Cic. teste Caenali, & Forum Vicontii, teste Pineto, is the Capital City of the Dukedom, and the Residence of a Parliament; Fortified with a strong Castle, and good Outworks.
[Page 203] Montmelian, Monmelianum, is the place of strength, with a Cittadel that defends the rest of the Mountains, almost inaccessible, where they say the Keys of Savoy are Locked up.
Monstiers, Monasterium, is an Arch-Bishops See, the Civitas Cantorum of Ant. Annecy, Annecium, was the Residence of the Bishops of Geneve.
Ripaile was the Retiring place of Felix the IV. before and after his Pontificate, that Prince living at peace in such a retirement from business, that it became a Proverb, To live at Ripaile, of those that only took their pleasure, and lived at ease.
Other Places are Cluse, Clusae. Fannum Sancti Johannis. St. Jean in Mauriena Valle. Thonon, Thononium, or Thunonium. Le Bourg St. Morice. In the Mountains bordering on this Country and France, are the Progeny of the Albigensis, which about the year 1100. stood for the Liberty of the Church, and the Doctrine of their Predecessors; and about the year 1250. they were almost utterly ruined by the Popes and French Kings. The remainder preferring their Conscience before their Country, retired up into the Mountains, and by their Industry and good Husbandry, made the very Rocks to bring forth Herbage for their Cattel, and here they worshipped God according to the Reformed Churches until the latter end of Francis the First, when happend the Massacre of Merinianum, or Marignan Gallis, and Chabrieres. And in the year 1662. and 1663. they were again persecuted and Massacred by the Savoyards: Mr. Ray in his Travels of 1663. met with some of the Protestants of Lucern and Angrona at Turin, who told him that they were in number about 15000 Souls, and 2000 Fighting-men; that they dwell in 14 Villages, that they are the only Protestants in Italy, and have maintained their Religion 1200 years. But what hath been done to them since 1684. History is silent.
Within the Limits of Savoy is the Signory of Geneva, about eight Leagues in compass, seated on the Lake Lemanus, divided into two parts by the Rhosne, well fortified, and a flourishing University, Governed by a Common Council, consisting of 200, the four chief whereof are called Sindiques. The Church-Government consisteth of Lay-men and Ministers, begun by Calvin, Anno 1541. Formerly it was the Soveraignty of the Duke of Savoy (and therefore mentioned in this place) but since the resistance of the great Siege 1589. they have stood on their own Liberty, and reckoned a Commonwealth.
Of Piedmont, Piemont Gallis, Principatus Pedemontana, Lat. Gallia Subalpina, Plin. &c.
IT is now in the possession of the Duke of Savoy. The ancient Inhabitants whereof, were the Salassi, Libyci, and Taurini, all vanquished by the Romans, subdued afterwards by the Lombards, of whose Kingdom it remain'd a part till its subversion, and then became divided into several Estates, till conquered by Thomas and Peter Earls of Savoy, in Anno 1481.
Possessed after by the French, upon pretence of a Title by the aforesaid Marriage; after recover'd by the Savoyard, Anno 1588. And in the year 1600 compounded with Henry the Fourth, the County of Brest being given in Exchange for the Marquisate of Salusse, Marchesato di Saluzzo Italis, whose chief place is Saluzzo Ital. Saluce Gal. Augusta Vagiennorum, & Salinae Ptol. of which together with the rest of Piedmont, and some places of importance in Montferrat, this Family of Savoy do now stand possessed of.
A Country very fertile in Corn, Cattel, Wine and Fruits, Hemp and Flax, compared with Savoy and Switzerland, but inferior to the rest of Italy, to which it did belong.
It contains 15 Marquisates, 52 Earldoms, 160 Castles or Walled places. Divided into these parts, viz. Ducatus Augustanus, le Duche de Aouste. Marchionatus Segusinus, le Marquisate de Suse. Marchionatus Eporediae, le Marquisat d' Juree Marchionatus Salutiarum, le Marquisat de Salusse. Marchionatus Cevae, le Marquisat de Ceva, Comitatus Astensis, le Comte d' Aste, Dominium Vercellense la Seigneurie de Verceil. To which is added Canavensis Tractus, la Canavese.
The Principal Town whereof is Turin, Augusta Taurinorum Polib. Plin. Ptol. Taurasia App. & Liv. the Court and Palace of the Duke of Savoy, situate on the River Po, a place very important for the Guard of Italy, and Fortified with a strong Cittad [...]l; adjoym [...], to it is a Park of the Duke's, six miles in Circuit, full of Wo [...], La [...]es, and Pleasant Fountains, which makes it one of the sweetest Situations in Europe: The See of an Arch-Bishop, and an University where Eresmus took his Degree.
Vercelli, Vercellae, Plin. & Ptol. Verceil Gallis, a strong Town, bordering upon Milain; and by the Pyrenean Treaty restored to the Duke of Savoy.
[Page 205] Nice, or Nizze, Nicaea Strab. Liv. Ʋrbs Vediantiorum, built out of the Ruins of Cemeneleum, Ptol. Cemelion, Plin. Cemela. Not. Six miles Northwards. Seated at the Influx of the River Varus, near the Sea; beautified with a Cathedral Church, the Bishops Palace, a Monastery of Nuns, and an Impregnable Cittadel, famous for the resistance of a Navy of 200 Sail, under the Turkish Admiral Barbarosa, Anno 1543. Given by Joanna Ludovico II. to the Duke of Savoy 1365. The Country is called Nicaeensis Comitatus, la Contado di Nizza, Incolis. Ie Comte de Nice, Gallis. And is famous for the Astronomer Hipparchus, and the Poet Parthenius. Near which is the Harbor Villa Franca, where the Dukes Gallies do ride. — Jurea, or Hiurea is the Eporedia of Ptol. Eporredia Plin. Eporadia Strab. Eporadir Ant. [...] Sheld, a Bishops Sea, and gives Title to the Marquisate del Juree. Coni Cuneu [...], taken by the French 1641. now it belongs to the Duke of Savoy, a strong Walled Town. Suse Segusium, Ptol. Segusio Plin. & Ant. is the chief place of the Segusinus Marchionatus. Ceva the Ceba Caseum & Cebanum Plin. and gives name to a Marquisate. Aouste, Aosta & Augst Germ. Avost & Aoste Gallis, is the Augusta Praetoria Plin. & Ptol. and the chief of Augusta Ducatus, anciently a Roman Colony, and now for greatness and beauty of her Buildings may compare with the most stately Cities of Lombardy. Saluzzo Italis, Salutiae, Salinae, & Augusta Vagiennorum of the Ancients, Saluce, Gallis, is the chief place, Marchesato di Saluzzo. Carmaniola, now Carmagnola, is seated two miles from the Po River, and nine from the Tenarus. Quieras is the Cherasceo, or Cuirasco, Carrea Plin. Clarascum & Chierasco, is Famous for the Peace made Anno 1631. The Principality of Masseran is under the Government of its own Prince, (e gente Ferrera Flisca) who is a Dependant on the Pope.
Pignarol, Pinaroliam, Pinarolo Ital. Fortified with a Castle of great Importance; Sold by Charles Emanuel, to Lewis the Thirteenth of France, Anno 1631. a Commodious Pass from France to Italy on all occasions.
Of Montferat, or Montis Ferrati Ducatus, Monferrato Italis, Monferrat Gallis.
THE Estate or Country of Montferat doth in part belong to the Duke of Mantua, and the rest to the Duke of Savoy, a Mountainous Country, but of a fertil Soil. The River Tenarus parts the Possessions of Mantua from that of Savoy.
[Page 206]Chief places belonging to the Duke of Mantua, are the Impregnable Fortified Casale, or Casal, upon the Po, Bodincomagum & Bodincomagus of Plin. & Ptol. Anno 1640. the French beat the Spaniards off from the Siege of Casal, and in their Camp took 60000 Duckets, and a Chariot that cost 8000 Duckets.
It is Fortified with a Castle and strong Cittadel; the surest Key to the Estate of the Duke of Mantua, and indeed to all Italy.
Alba, Alba Pompeia, where Pertinax the Roman Emperor was born, but Barbarously murthered by the Pretorian Soldiers; now belongs to the Duke of Savoy, since the Peace of Quieras, or Pace Clarasci.
Trin Gallis, Trino Italis, Tridinum & Tridinium Veteri, a Walled Town, restored to the Duke of Mantua by the Peace aforesaid.
Acqui, Aquae Statellae Strab. Aquae Statyella Plin. belonging to the Duke of Mantua.
Chief Rivers are the Great and Little Doire. The Stura, and the Denarus, and the Bormio.
Of the State of Genoua, Res-publica Genuensis il Genovesato seu Riviera di Genoua.
ONce very large, at present containing only the Ancient Liguria, in the Continent, the Isle Corsica and Capraria.
The old Ligurians were a stout and warlike Nation, vanquished by the Romans, and made one of the 11 Regions of Italy, in Augustus Caesar's Division; and one of the 17 in the time of Constantine the Emperor. A Country very Mountainous in the Land, and full of craggy Rocks to the Sea, but among those Hills are Rich Valleys, abounding in Citrons, Limons, Oranges and Vines, which produceth excellent Wines.
'Tis in length about 150 Miles, in breadth not one fourth part so much, tho some pretenders to Geography tell us, 'tis 800 in length, and not so much in breadth.
The chief City whereof is called Genoua, of old Genua; first built by Janus the first King of Italy, but miserably destroyed by Mago the Brother of Hannibal; built again by the Senate of Rome, but again ruined by the Lombards, and re-edified by Charles the Great, situate on the Shore of the Ligurian Sea, full of stately Palaces richly adorned within and without, to which are joyned pleasant and delightful Gardens. Its Strada Nuova or Newstreet, being a long and spacious Street; on each [Page 207] side embellished with stately Palaces, for the most part all supported with vast Pillars of Marble, not to be parrallel'd in the World: Among which is the Jesuits Colledg and magnificent Church, but inferior to a new Church, over one of whose Altars (to omit other Ornaments of an excessive Value) are placed four Pillars of wreathed Aggat of an incredible Greatness. The Palace of the Doria with its famous Bird-Cage. To which we may add its new Mould built even in the Sea, which make the Port (encompassed with fair Buildings, in form of a Theatre) twice as large, and much safer than before; opposite to which, on a Pharos is a Lanthorn of great bigness, to give light to Sea-men in the Night. This City is in Circuit about 8 Miles, fortified towards the Sea by Art, towards the Land by Art and Nature. Now Genoua, la Superba. The Inhabitants are addicted to Trade and Usury. The Women are allowed the Liberty of the Streets.
Other places of Note, are Sarzana or Serezana, a strong Fortress within the Confines of Tuscany. Principatus Monoeci, Monaco Incolis, Mourgues Gallis, Hercules Monoeci Portus of old, is a small, but a strong Town, seated upon a Rock under its own Prince. Gente Grimaldi, An. 1641. It received the French Protection. Finale is the Polliopice of Ant. teste Siml.
Oneglia is a Principality under the Duke of Savoy, teste Baud.
Savona, Savo Liv. famous for the Interview of Ferdinand of Spain, and Lewis the 12th of France, as also for yeilding three Popes to the Church of Rome. Vintimiglia Abiniminium Ptol. Albintimilium Tac. Albintemelium Cic. Vintimilium Var. and Albenga Albingaunum Plin. Albigaunum Ptol. both well fortified.
As for their Government, the principal of their Magistrates hath the Name of Duke, to whom there are assistant 8 Principal Officers, which with the Duke are called the Signeury, which is also in matters of greatest concern subordinate to the General Council, consisting of 400 Persons, all Gentlemen of the City, who with the Signeury constitute the whole Body of the Commonwealth.
Their Forces have been 10000 ready to Arm at any time, and 25 Gallies always ready in the publick Arsenal, 4 Gallies at Sea to secure their Trade.
They are now under the Shelter and Protection of the Spaniards.
Of the Dutchy of Milan. Ducatus Mediolanensis Stato de Milano.
WHose Ancient Inhabitants were the Insubres, but is now under the Obedience of the King of Spain, seated in the best part of Lombardy, rich in Natures gifts, and for its wonderful Fertility, esteemed the Flower in the Garden of Italy, and the Noblest Dutchy in Christendom; the ways are there very pleasant, set out almost as strait as a Line, with channels of running Water, and rows of Trees on both sides; the most desirable Place to live in that can be seen, if the Government were not so excessive severe, that there is nothing but Poverty over all this rich Country.
Its chief City is Milan, Mediolanum Strab. Plin. Milatio Ital. M [...]yland Germ. which tho so often ruined, and its Foundations sown with Salt; having been Besieged 40, and taken 22 times; yet it exalts it self as the fairest, and greatest City of all Lombardy, seated in a wide Plain, environed with several Rivers, strongly guarded with a spacious and almost impregnable Castle, besides its other Fortifications, the Buildings fair and stately, three especially very Magnificent, its Castle or Cittadel, Hospital or Lazarette, its Cathedral or Dome; here are 36 Monasteries of Nuns, 30 Convents of Friers, 96 Parochial, 11 Collegiat Churches, most of which are stately Structures, beautified with curious Paintings, Images and Sepulchres. In the Cabinet of the Chanoine Setalla, are [...]are Curiosities, both of Art and Nature.
The whole City is about 10 Miles in compass, exceeding Populous, containing 300000 Inhabitants; very Rich, having many Families of Nobility and Gentry, of great Commerce by reason of its Merchants, Shopkeepers and Artificers, and a general Staple for all Merchandizes from France, Spain, and other Parts of Italy and Germany.
Other Places in Milan, are 1 Pavia, Papia seu Ticinum, made an University by Charles the 4th, guarded with a Castle, and adorned with the richest Cathedral in Europe, worth 300000 Crowns per Annum, famous for the Battel in which Francis the first King of France was taken Prisoner by Charles the 5th. 2. Alexandria, or Alessandria, now the strongest Work of the whole Dutchy; well fortified against the Assaults and Batteries of the French. 3. Cremena, seated on the Banks of the Poe, a Place of good Trade, its Houses stately, its Streets large, beautified with curious Gardens, famous for its high [Page 209] Tower and Cathedral Church. Here Vitellius Soldiers were defeated by the Forces of Vespasian, and the Town fired by them. Lodi is the Laus Pompeja of the Ancients, a Frontier Town, but a miserable Garison, 20 Miles from Milan, in the Venetian Territory. Tortona is the Dertona Ptol. & Plin. Derton, Steph. Derthon or Darthon, Strab. taken by the French, 1642. after delivered to the Spaniards. Novara, Crema & Mortara, are also considerable. Her Lakes are Lago Magiore, Varbanus Lacus of Strab. in length 300 Stadia, 56 Miles, and 6 broad, with her two Borremean Islands, the loveliest Spots of Ground in the World. 2. Lago Del Coma. 3. Lugani Lacus, or Lago di Lugano. Its Rivers are Ollius, now Oglio River; Abdua, now Adde River; Lambrus fl. hodie, Lambro River, Ticinus fl. now Tesine River, which runs with such a force, that in 3 hours with one Rower, Dr. Burnet was carried 30 Miles. Sencia fl. or Scesia River. 4. Coma, or Comum, where the Plinies were born, on the South of the Lago de Coma, aforesaid, a Lake 48 Miles in length. Laricus Lacus, Strab. & Plin.
Of Modena.
THE Dukedom of Modena, Ducatus Mutinensis, Stato del Duca di Modena, contains the Cities of Modena and Reggio, with the Territories adjoining to them; Modena the Capital City, anciently better known by the name of Mutina, famous for the first Battel between Antony and Augustus Caesar. Now the Residence of their Duke, whose Palace, tho not outwardly Great, yet is richly adorned within; whose Cabinet or Museum, is well furnished with choice of natural Rarities, Jewels, &c. Brissello, Brixellum Plin. & Ptol. famous for the Death of Otho the Roman Emperor, who here Slew himself, because his Army was unfortunately Vanquished by Vitellius. Reggio, Regium Lepedi, a Place that has occasioned great Stirs between the Popes and the old Dukes of Ferrara. Here are many Sculptors both for Ivory and Wood.
Of Parma.
THe Dukedom of Parma, Ducatus Parmensis, or il Ducato di Parma, is much of the same Nature for Soyl and Air, as Modena.
Its chief City Parma, is seated in a Fruitful Plain, 5 Miles distant from the Appennine, about 4 Miles in compass, adorned with many rich and stately Structures, very Populous, and well inhabited by Gentry, [Page 210] who are much addicted to Learning, Arts, and Arms, the grounds about this City are of excellent Pastorage, which feed abundance of Sheep. Here is made the curious Parmasan Cheese so much esteemed throughout all Europe.
The Duke hath here his Palace, a place of great Delight and State; its Churches are beautiful and rarely Embellished with Pictures and Images.
2. Piacenza, or Placentia, famous for the Resistance which it made both to Hannibal and Asdrubal; now renowned for its Fairs quarterly kept; which all Italy, Germany, and other Countries do frequent, and here make their Exchanges.
The River Trebia was witness to the overthrow or the Romans by Hannibal.
Of the Dutchy of Mantua.
THe Dukedom of Mantua, Ducatus Mantuanus, Ducato di Mantoua Italis, is a Country plentiful in Corn, Pasture, Wines, and all sort of Fruit; Mantoua the chief City is seated in a Lake, 20 Miles in compass, by Nature very strong and well fortified; having no entrance but over Cawsies. The Dukes Palace is fair and stately, and the best furnished in all Italy, except his Palace at Mirmirolla, 5 Miles from the City, which for the Pleasures and Delights thereof, and for its rich Furniture and beautiful Gardens, may acceptably entertain the best Prince in Christendom. Mantoua is of great Antiquity, Schottus saith, 'tis 4 Miles in compass, hath 8 Gates, and about 50000 Souls. It was miserably attacked by the Germans, 1619. and by the Emperor Ferdinand 2d's Army in the year 1630. The Dukes yearly Revenue is said to be 400000 Crowns; yet the present Duke is very poor, being indebted to the Venetians, as Leti saith, four Millions of Crowns. There are besides four or five small Princes, but Soveraign Lords, viz. Novellara, Guastella, Bozolo, Sabionetta, whose male-line is failed; Castiglione and Solfare.
As also of the Estate of the Dutchy of Montferrat, which doth in part belong to the Duke of Mantua, the other part to the Duke of Savoy, as aforesaid.
Of the States of Venice.
THE Demeasnes of the Venetians are very full of Rivers, Lakes, and Channels; 'tis a Republique of above 1200 years standing, and the Bulwark of Christendom against the Turks. The chief City is Venice, or Venetia, Seated at the bottom of the Adriatick Sea, or Gulf of Venice, built on 72 Islands, distant from the main Land about five miles, and defended from the fury of the Sea by a Bank of (some say) 60, others 35 miles in length, open in seven places, which serve for passages for Boats or Gondola's, of which there are 1300, but for Ships or Vessels of great burden, the only passage is at Malamocco, and Castle Lido, which are strongly fortified; it is about eight miles in compass, having about 4000 Bridges, of which that of the Rialto is the chief, built over the Grand Canal. The Lagunes, or Shallows of Venice, sink of late so much, that the preserving it still an Island is like to become as great a charge to the Venetians as the keeping out of the Sea is to the Dutch.
Its Arsenal is the most beautiful, the biggest, and the best furnished, in all Europe, being about two miles in Circuit, where they always keep 200 Gallies, with all Materials for War.
Its Magazine of all sorts of Engines and Arms for Sea and Land, among which are 1000 Coats of Plates garnished with Gold, and covered with Velvet.
But above all, its Church of St. Mark, Reported to be the fairest and richest in all the World; a Church of Admirable Mosaick Work, with Pillars of Marble, Porphyry, &c. and for the inside, the Riches of it are so great, the Images, Tombs, &c. so glorious, the Altars so adorned with Gold, Silver, Pearls, and Precious Stones, that all the Treasury of the State may seem to be amassed in the Decking of it.
In this City are 200 particular Palaces, built of Marble, adorned with Columns, Statues, Pictures, &c. of great Value, of such Grandeur, as that they are fit to Lodg, and give Entertainment to any Prince; 17 Rich Hospitals, 56 Tribunals, or Courts of Justice, 67 Parish-Churches, 26 Monasteries of Nuns, 54 Convents of Friers, 18 Chappels, 6 Free Schools, and its Piazza's sumptuously adorned with Statues, Paintings, &c.
As for the Religion of this State, though they Tolerate that of the Greek Church, they profess that of the Church of Rome, but with Caution and Respect to their own Authority.
[Page 212]Of their Forces some estimate may be made by the Arms they brought against Lewis the XII. where they had 2000 Men of Arms, 3000 Light Horse, and 30000 Foot, most of their own Subjects, without any Detachments from their Forts or Garisons.
And a signal Evidence of their Power at Sea, was their great Fleet set out against the Grand Signior for the War of Cyprus, Anno 1570. in which they Manned out one great Gallion, 11 great Gallies, 25 tall Ships, and 150 Gallies of lesser size. To sum up all, they once held a War for seven years together against all the Princes of Europe, except England; in all which time, they neither wanted Men nor Money.
We may conclude therefore, That as Europe is the Head of the World, and Italy the Face of Europe; so Venice is the Eye of Italy, the fairest, strongest, and most Active part in that Powerful Body.
The Annual Revenues of this Republick, according to Mr. Rays information, was about five Millions, and 300 and 20000 Venetian Duckets yearly.
Other Cities with their Territories belonging to the State of Venice, are the pleasant Vicenza, or Vicentia; the Healthy, Populous, and Fruitful Brescia, Brixia. The strong Fortresses Crema, six miles of which is the famous Cave of Custoza 4000 Foot long, and 3000 broad, and three miles in Circuit, with its stately Temple Sancta Maria della Cruce, and Bergamo: The pleasant Physick-University Padoua, Padua, the Patavium of the Ancients, built by Antenor, and is famous for the Birth of Livy, Zabarel, and Maginus, noted for the Civility of the Men, and Chastity of the Women, with its Garden of Simples. Tarvisium, Trevigi, with its excellent Wheat. Verona, with its Hill Baldus, Famous for Medicinal Herbs. The Territory of Friuli, where is the well fortified Palma. Feltre and Belluno. The Territory of Istria, Istrie Gall. Hystereich Germ. where is Triest, or Tergestum, Petana, now Pedena, belonging to the Emperor. Citta Nova, or Aemonia, Parenzo, Parentum, and Pola. Rovigo once belonging to the Dukedom of Ferrara, with Chioggia, the Bulwark of Venice.
Besides all these, the State of Venice commands a great part of Dalmatia, with the Islands Corfu, Cephalonia, Ithaca, Zant, Cithera, and others. The Isle of St. Maure, and the strong Prevesa, were in the year 1685. conquered from the Turks.
The Bishoprick of Trent, which belongs to its proper Bishop, is in the Protection of the House of Austria: Its chief City of the same Name, is Inhabited by Italians and Germans, and is Famous for the Council held there. But of this we have Treated of more at large in the Description of Tirol in Germany.
Of the Estates of the Church or Pope.
THE Second part of Italy, according to our Method, contains the Estates of the Church, of Tuscany, and Lucca: The Territories of the Church are the more considerable, because the Pope, to whom they belong, is a Spiritual as well as a Temporal Prince, Chief and Sovereign Pontifex, as he styles himself, of all Christendom: Patriarch of Rome, and of the West; Primate and Hexarch of Italy, Metropolitan of the Suffragan-Bishops of Rome, and Bishop of St. John Lateran.
The chief City is Rome, formerly the Capital City of the most considerable Empire in the World; Mistress of the fairest part of the Universe: Famous for her great Men, that excelled in Valour, Justice, and Temperance: The Seat of Kings, Consuls, and Emperors; said to have been 50 miles in compass, and her Walls Fortified with 750 Towers. But now not having the Moiety of its former pristine splendor and Magnitude, scarce containing 11 miles in circuit; yet few Cities can compare with her, if we consider her Antiquity, her Churches, her Palaces, and other Curiosities. Here was the Capitol saved from the Fury of the Gauls by the Cackling of Geese. It was twice burnt, once in the Civil Wars of Marius and Sylla, and in the Wars of Vespasian and Vitellius. Here was the Temple of Janus open in the time of War, and shut in the time of Peace, which hapned but three times during all their Monarchy: 1. In the time of Numa: 2. After the Punick War: And 3ly, in the Reign of Augustus, when our Saviour was born. Nor must I forget the Ponte Molle, a mile out of the City, anciently Pons Milvius, where Constantine was shewed the Cross, with these words, In Hoc Signo Vinces. This City is seated on the Banks of the River Tyber (formerly upon ten Hills, though now chiefly in the Campus Martius.) On the top of the Vatican Hill is the proud Palace of the Popes, large enough to Entertain three Soveraign Princes at once, and their Attendants; beautified and enriched with excellent Paintings and Curiosities, with the Garden Beluedere, famous for its rare Plants, delightful Walks, and curious Statues. On this Hill is the Church of St. Peter, the most splendid and famous in all Rome; the most sumptuous, stately, and magnificent Structure in the World, of that Majestick bulk and greatness, that it exceeds in all dimensions the most famous Temples of the Ancients; in length 520 Foot, and 385 in breadth; adorned with Paintings, Tombs, and other choice Reliques. My Bounds will not permit to speak of its other Churches, Hospitals, [Page 214] Monasteries, Convents; of its Libraries, as the Vatican, the Jesuites Colledg, &c. The Palaces of the Cardinals are stately Structures, and richly adorned; to which are joyned pleasant Gardens. Here are several Piazza's, abundance of Antiquities and Statues, which I shall not name; but may not forget the Castle of St. Angelo, which, for its strength, is esteemed impregnable, unless starved; and here the Pope liveth in more State than any Prince in Christendom. The chief of the other Cities and Territories belonging to the Estates of the Church, are Bologna (alias) Bononia; famous for its Study of the Civil Law, for the Pope's Palace, or retiring-place; Rich, Populous, and well Inhabited by Nobility and Gentry, the chief University in Italy. Ferrara, Ferrarea, with its Iron Mines, beautifully built, adorned with many Suburb-Edifices; in the midst of it is a spacious Market-place, into which do open about twenty Streets, uniform and strait, and Comachio. The once fair Haven Ravenna, in the Province of Romandiola, when Caesar Augustus kept his Navy here; famous for the Seat of the Emperor Honorius, and Successors of the Gothish Kings; of the Exarchs, and of its Patriarch: now the Haven is choaked up, and its Land covered with Water. Cervia, invironed with Fens, and is famous for its great quantity of Salt, as Fienza is for its Earthen Ware. Ʋrbin, Ʋrbinum, seated at the bottom of the Apennine Hills, once famous for a sumptuous Palace, and a most excellent Library; as also for Polydore Virgil, the Author of the History of England. Rimini, Ariminum of old, the taking of which so frighted Pompey, that he left Rome. Other places are Fano, the Sea-Port Town to Ʋrbin. Senigaglia, the Seno-Gallia of old; and Pesaro, both Maritine Towns. On the Banks of Metro, of old Metaurus, was fought the great Battel betwixt Asdrubal the Brother of Hannibal, and the two Consuls, Livius and Cl. Nero, where 56000 of the Carthaginians were slain, 5400 taken Prisoners, as Livy writeth.
Ancona, in Marchia Anconitana, or Strato Marcha del Ancona, the best Haven of Italy, towards the Adriatick Sea: And here I must not forget Loretto, or St. Maria Lauretane, famous for the Church of the Virgin Mary; a stately Structure, richly adorned with Presents, Offerings, and Gifts of Princes, Nobles, &c. whose Organs and other Musick makes an Harmonious Sound to those that go on Pilgrimage thither, either for Devotion, or Penance. Ascoli is the Asculum, near which was fought the second Battel between the Romans and Pyrrhus; it was also the Seat of the War called Bellum Sociale. Macerata the Seat of the Governours of this Province; Firmo the Strong.
Perugia, or Perusia, is chief of the Province so called, seated on the Banks of Tyher, in a rich and fruitful Soil: Here it was that Augustus [Page 215] Besieged L. Antonius, and Fulvia, the Wife of M. Antony; and near to this City is the Lake de Perugia, of old Thrasemene, of about 30 miles in compass; near whose Banks Hannibal slew Flaminius, and 15000 of his Romans. Spoleto, in the Dutchy of Ʋmbria, of great Antiquity, where are yet remaining stately Aquaducts, the Temple of Concord, and the Ruins of a spacious Theater. Here is also the high Orvieto, in the Province of Orvietin, seated on a high Rock. In Terra Sabina are Narni, Nequino, and Terni. In Campania Romana, the chief places besides Rome are Ardea, now ruined, once the Seat of Turnus King of the Rutuli, the Rival and Competitor to Aeneas; taken by Tarq. Superbus, the refuge of the Romans, when the Gauls had taken Rome; as is also Alba Longa, once the Seat of the Sylvian Kings after the Duel between the three Brethren of the Horatii and Curatii, it was ruined by Tullus Hostilius. Iteranni of old. And the River Allia where Brennus with his Gauls overcame the Roman Army of 40000, and marched to Rome, and had agreed for 1000 pound weight of Gold to forsake the City, but before the payment of the money they were vanquished by Camillus. Alba, the Seat of the Sylvian Kings. Palestrina, Praeneste, of old the refuge of Marius against Sylla, who killed 12000 of the Citizens when he took the Town. Ostia built by Ancus Marcius, seated at the mouth of Tibur, but its Haven stopped up; whose Bishop Consecrates the Pope. Lavinia, so named from Lavinia Daughter to Latinus King of the Laurentini, married to Aeneas. Trivoli, Tibur of the Ancients.
Chief places in the Patrimony of St. Peter, are Veii a City once of great strength, wealth, and compass. In the assault of which 306 of the Fabii were slain in one day, only one Child left at home, who restored the Family, and was the Ancestor of Fabius Maximus, the Preserver of Italy against Hannibal. After a Siege of ten years, this City was taken and destroyed by Furius Camillus. Civita Vecchia, Maritine Town, abounding with Allom. Here are kept the Popes two Gallies, maintained by 30000 Duckets, the yearly Tribute of 40000 Curtezans. Terracina is the ancient Anxur near the Promontorium Circeium, now Monte Circello, famous for the dwelling of the Enchantress Circe. Monte Fiascone, where is the so much celebrated Wine near the Lake Volsinii, now Bolsena. Viterbo is a large and well-situate Town, where is the Monument of Pope John 21, in the Domo. Here are Sulphure-Wells, and hot Springs.
Intermingled with the Estate of the Church, lies the Dutchy of Castro, with the Town of Ronciglione, the Country of Citta di Castello, Strato del Duca di Parma, whose chief place is Castellana. The Sabatia, [Page 216] now il Ducato di Bracciano, the Title of the Family of the Ʋrsines, near the Lake so called. And lastly, the Republick of Marino, a little Town on the top of a high Hill or Rock. The whole Territory is but one Mountain about three miles in length, and about ten miles round, containing three Villages more, and eight Corn-Mills, and two Powder-Mills, and about four or 5000 Inhabitants, of fighting-men about 1500. It hath been a Free State or Commonwealth for about a 1000 years, as the Inhabitants boast.
Of Tuscany, La Toscana.
TƲSCANY comprehends the greater part of the Ancient Hetruria, or Etruria, and is a Country full of spacious Fields, and fruitful Valleys, swelled here and there with pleasant Mountains, abundantly stored with delicious Wines, and other Blessings of Nature: Its Metropolis is Florence, Florentia, or Fiorinza la Bella, a fair and flourishing City, about six miles in compass; seated in a fruitful and pleasant Plain; the River Arno divides it into two parts, which are joyned together by four fair Stone-Bridges: Famous for the Stately and Magnificent Palace of the Great Duke, richly adorned; and for the largeness of the Building, the Architecture, and Ornaments of it, as also for the Gardens, Fountains, Statues, Rarities, in the Gallery, in the Closets, Armory, Argentoria & Theriotrophium, equalling, if not surpassing most Palaces in Europe. The Cathedral, or Domo St. Maria Florida, is also one of the chief Ornaments of it; as also the New Chappel of St. Lorenzo, said to be the most rich and magnifick Structure in the World.
The second City is Pisa, once a rich, populous, and flourishing City when a Free State, now poor, and much desolate; seated at the entrance of the River Arno into the Sea, recovered to the Florentines by the Valour of Sir John Hawkwood, an Englishman, now much eclipsed of its former Riches and Power: Memorable for its fair Aquaduct, of about 500 Arches; its Cathedral with Brazen folding Doors, curiously engraved; and its Steeple so built, that on all sides it seems crooked at the top, ready to fall on the Head of the Spectator.
Siena, an Inland City, seated in a large, pleasant, and fertile Territory; enriched with Mines of Silver, and store of Marble; adorned with beautiful Buildings; as, the proud Palace, the lofty Tower of Mangio, its Domo built of black and white Marble; part of it paved with inlaid Marble, containing part of the History of the Bible.
[Page 217] Legorn, or Livorno, Portus Liburnus of old, a fair and beautiful City, accounted the strongest, and one of the principal Towns of Trade, in the Mediterranean Sea, and the Scale of the Florentine Dominions, by whom it was purchased of the Genoyses for 120000 Duckets; now the Residence of many Merchants and Strangers. The Haven within the Mole is but small, but there is good riding for Ships without. Here the Wind is Easterly in the Forenoon, and Westerly in the Afternoon, and after Sunset no Wind stirring. At Pistoya first began the Quarrels of the Neri and Beanchi, and of the Guelfe and Ghibellini.
The Commonwealth of Lucca is about 80 miles in compass, very fertile, and so well Inhabited, that in two or three hours time it can have ready 30000 men in Arms. The chief City, Lucca, is a Free Town, rich, and splendid; well Fortified, and Adorned with many fair Edifices, and stately Churches, of which, that of St. Martin is the chief: 'Tis seated in a Plain about two miles in Circuit. It bought its Liberty of the Emperor Rodolphus, and hath been ever since very zealous to preserve so fair a purchase. It was the Meeting-place of Pompey, Caesar, and Crassus, where they joyned into a Confederacy. And here the Women walk the Streets more freely than in other Cities of Italy. The publick Revenue is thought to be 100000 Crowns per Annum. Their Olives the best in Italy.
Adjoyning to Lucca are the Principality of Malespine, and the Principality of Massa, containing only Massa and Carrara; the last is often the Residence of the Prince, the other is noted for its white Marble.
The Great Duke in all his Dominions is Supreme and absolute Lord, and imposes what Taxes and Gabels he pleases; every House pays to him the Tenth of its yearly Rent. No House or Land sold, but at least one Tenth part goes to him. No Woman married but he hath 8 per Cent. of her Portion. And every one that goes to Law pays 2 per Cent. of what he sues for. Every Heifer pays a Crown. And not a Basket of Eggs that comes to Market but pays some Toll. Besides the Territories of Florence and Pisa, called the old State, of which he is absolute Soveraign; and the Territory of Siena, called the New State, for which he is Feudatory of the King of Spain: He is also possessed of a great part of the Isle of Elba, which he holds of Spain; part of Graffignana, bought of the Marquesses of Malespina. The Earldom of St. Fiora purchased of the Strozzi. The Marquisate of Sarano. And the Earldom of Pitigliano and Sarano, and some other small places for which he is Feudatory of the Emperor. Radicofani in Tuscany, and Burgo San Sepulchro in Ʋmbria, for which he is Feudatory to the Pope.
[Page 218]His Cittadels and Fortresses are well Fortified, and provided with Ammunition and Victuals, in which he keeps four or 5000 Soldiery in constant pay. He is able to send into the Field 40000 Foot, 3000 Horse. He can put to Sea twelve Gallies, two Galleasses, and twenty Ships of War.
Intermingled in the Territories of the Great Duke are the Principality of Piombino, Noted for some Mines of Lead; Fortified with a strong Castle, in the Hands of the Spaniards; as also some other Ports and Pieces on the Sea, viz. Telamon, Remarkable for the great Battel fought near unto it by the Romans and the Gauls, where Attilius was slain, but the Victory was got by Aemilius, with the slaughter of 40000, and 10000 Prisoners of the Enemies.
Estat delli Presidi, Orbitello, Portus Hercole, and Monte Argentaro, are all subject to the Spaniards, and strongly Garrisoned by them.
Of Naples, or Neapolitanum Regnum Latin. Regno di Napoli Incol.
THE Third part of Italy we have comprehended under the Kingdom of Naples, of large extent, and very Fertile; abounding with Wines and Wheat, and famous for its brave Horses: Here you may see large and beautiful Fields, over-shaded with rich Vines, thick and delightful Woods, watered with sweet Fountains, wholsome Springs, Medicinal Waters, Baths of divers Virtues; enriched with Mines of several Metals, and decked with sundry Physical Herbs: Replenished with sair and beautiful Cities and Towns.
The chief City is Naples, one of the fairest in Europe; Seated on the Mediterranean shore, amongst pleasant Hills, and fruitful Fields; Fortified with four brave Castles, besides a strong Wall, Ditches, Towers, &c. Enriched and Beautified with many superb Structures, and Magnificent Churches, Monasteries, Colledges, Palaces of Princes and Nobles, with pleasant and delightful Gardens, a commodious and safe Port and Haven, where are kept store of Gallies. Here was the Rebellion under Massanello, and in this City the Disease Morhus Gallicus was first known; and nigh unto it stands the Hill Monte Grogo, formerly Vesuvius; no less famous now for its Grogo Wines, than of old for its casting forth smoke and flames of fire. Upon the very top is a great Pit or Hollow, in form of an Amphitheater of about a mile round. Near to which is the Grotta di Cane, where the venomous vapour ascends not above a foot from the Ground.
[Page 219]Other places of Note, are important Cajeta, on a Capacious Bay. Delicious Capua, the Pleasures whereof enervated the Victorious Arms of Hannibal. Nola was witness of Hannibal's overthrow by Marcellus. Near Cuma was the Lake Avernus, with its unwholsome and Sulphureous stink, so infecting the Air, that the Birds flying over, lose their Lives. At Puteoli, now Pozzuolo, was the Bridg of Ships to Baiae three miles over, made by Caligula in a Bravado to awe Neptune, and to exceed the like Acts of Xerxes and Darius. Misenum was one of the Stations of Angustus's Armada, as Ravenna was the other that awed the whole Roman Empire, and the Burial-place of Misenus the Companion of Aeneas, teste Virg.
Baiae famous for Antiquities, viz. the Sweating Vault, or Bagne de Tritoli, and Monte de Cenere raised by an Earthquake.
And here was Aeneas's Descent into Hell, Fabled by the Poets; and the Cave, or Grot of one of the Sybills. The Grot or Hole through Mount Pausilypus, about a mile in length, and 12 Foot high, and broad enough for two Carts to pass one another. Amalfi, where was invented the Mariners Compass, Anno 1300. by Flavio. The Physick School Salerno, Nero's 100 Churches under Ground in the Rocks, and his admirable Fish-pond within the Earth, within a mile of the Sea; in the Cathedral is the Monument of Hildebrand, or Pope Gregory the 7th. and the Sea-shore Polecastro, once Buxentum. The well-traded Mart; Lanciano, four miles from the Adriatick. Theate, now Viti di Chieti, seven miles from the Sea. Sulmo, Ovid's Birth-place. The Lakes Lesina and Varanus, memorable for Eels; and for that draining cannot diminish them, nor floods encrease them. Locris is famous for the Law-maker Zaleucus, and for the Victory of Cunomus an Excellent Musitian upon Aristonus of Rhegium of the same Profession. Gallipoli affording abundance of Oyl. Manfredonia, an Arch-Bishops See, with its Capacious Harbour, and Impregnable Castle. Populous St. Severine, the Rich Soiled Barri. The high, steep, and full of cragged Rocks, Angelo, ol. Garganus Mons, a place Defensible by Nature, and strong by Art. The Important Haven-Town, Berrulum, now Berletta. The poor Village Cannae, near the Banks of Aufidus, now Lafanto, once memorable for the great Defeat that Hannibal gave to the Romans, of whose Army he slew 42700 in one place.
Rich Lecca. The Choaked Haven Brindisi. The Capacious Port [Page 220] Otronto, Hidruntum of old, taken by Mahomet the Great, Anno 1481. The once well Fortified Rossanum, now Rosano. Old Tarentum, where lived Archytas, so famous for his Flying-Dove. The Ancient Cosentia, now Cozenza, on seven Hills; seated between two Rivers, of which the one turneth Hair red, and Silk white; the other Hair and Silk black. St. Euphemie, where Roses grow thrice a Year. And Desolate Rhegio.
To conclude, here are in this Kingdom Twenty Arch-Bishops, One hundred twenty seven Bishops, Thirteen Princes, Twenty seven Dukes, Twenty four Marquesses, and Ninety Earls.
The Fourth General part of Italy, we said, might comprehend the Islands of Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, &c.
Of Sicily.
OF all the Islands in the Mediterranean-Sea, Sicily is the most Eminent, both for its Repute and Bigness: It was once, if we may credit the Ancients, joyned to the Continent, parted by an Inundation of the Sicilian Sea from Italy; now divided by a small Channel a mile and half broad, between Messina and Regio, called the Far, or Phare of Messina; once terrible from the frightful [Page 222] Names of Scylla and Charybdis: the first a Rock, towards the North in Italy; the other a Gulf, or Whirlepool, on Sicily-side, which gave the Occasions of the Proverb, Incidit in Scyllam cupiens vitare Charybdim; now not so dangerous or affrightful to the skilful Pilot.
It had its Name from the Siculii, a People of Italy; before that, it was called Sicania, from King Sicanus, who came thither before the Trojan War, with a great Number of Iberians. By the Greeks, called Trinacria; by the Latins, Triquetra, from its three Promontories. It is placed under so favourable an Aspect of the Heavens, and so rich a Soil, that the Mountains themselves, even to the tops thereof, are found fruitful.
The People that now Inhabit it, are Ingenious, Eloquent, and full of Talk, prone to Revenge, Subtle, Envious, and Flatterers, Valiant and greedy of Honour, not much addicted to Traffique or Labour.
This Island was famous for Aeschylus, the first Tragedian of Fame; Diodorus Siculus, the Historian; Empedocles, the first inventer of Rhetorick; Euclid, the famous Geometrician; Archimedes, the Mathematician, who made a Sphere of that Art and Bigness, that one standing within, might see the several Motions of every Orb.
The chief Places are, 1. Messina, of great Strength, as well by Nature as Art; strongly Walled, fortified with Bulwarks, a strong Cittadel, and a commodious Haven; beautified with fair and stately Buildings; the chiefest Place of Traffick in the whole Island, well frequented with Gentry, Citizens and Strangers, who live in great Delight and Pleasure. It lately, in a Rebellion, was under the Command of the French; but they abandoning it, 'tis now returned to the Spanish Government, who have four Castles, and the City as many in their Command. The City Gates stand open all Night, for any to go in or out. The Government is by six Jurats, four of the Gentry, and two of the Citizens.
Its other Places of Note, are Syracusa, once the Metropolis of the whole Island; the greatest and goodliest City of the Greeks; of a strong Situation, and excellent Prospect: The Ruins and Foundations of it do still demonstrate its pristine Grandeur. Noto, a City which heretofore contended with Syracuse for greatness situate on a very high Rock, unaccessable on all Sides but by one narrow Passage.
The fair and capacious Harbor Passari, the never fortified Haven Augusta. The Navel of the Island, Castro Giovanni, with its Mines of Salt. Leontini, with its Lake, the Fishing whereof is yearly worth 18000, some say 500000 Crowns. The Midland-town Enna, where [Page 223] Pluto is said to have Ravish'd Proserpine. Paraymus now Palermo, Situate on the West Cape of the Island, beautified with large Streets, delicate Buildings, strong Walls, and Magnificent Temples, with its Artificial Haven, forced out by a mighty Pierre, a Work of vast Expence; an Arch-Bishops See, an University, and Competitor for Trade with Messina. The Port Trapani, was the Drepanum of old, affords the best Seamen.
The Ruined Erex, near Mont St. Julian, the Seat of King Acestes, who so kindly entertained Aeneas and his wandring Trojans. The Ancient Catania, the strong Taormina, Tauromenium, near where the Cyclops dwelt; near Milazzo was Sextus Pompeius Defeated by Augustus. Gerganti the Agrigentum & [...] of old, is Famous for the Tyrant. Phalaris, and the brazen Bull of Perillus.
The chief Hills in this Isle, are Mont Hybla, Famous for its Bees and Honey; and Mount Aetna, for its once continually sending forth Flames of Fire; the Flames now commonly not being so great and visible as formerly; but the extraordinary Eruptions and Conflagrations, when they happen, are still as terrible and amazing, as Ruinous and Destructive to the Countrey.
The Ancient Aegathes, at the West end of Sicily, are famous for the Defeat of Catullus by the Carthagenians in the first Punic War.
Sardinia, Sardegna Ital. Zerdegna Hisp. Strab. & Cic. Sardon Hesy. Sandaliotis Plat. Ichnusa Plin. once a Carthagenian Colony; the next Island to Sicily for greatness in the Mediterranean, where the Earth is more benign than the Heavens; the length about 45 German Miles, the breadth about 26. Its chief Places are, Calaris Plin. Carallis Ptol. now Cagliari, the Seat of the Vice-Roy; a good Haven, and well frequented. Here is the Beast called Mufoli, of whose Skin is made the right Cordovant Leather. Here is also the Herb, from whence comes the Proverb, Risus Sardonicus.
Corsica was first called Therapne, afterwards Cyrnus; in Length about 30 German Miles, the breadth about 20. It was first Inhabited by the Tusci, afterwards by the Carthagenians, then by the Romans, then by the Saracens, and now by the Genoans. The most considerable Places now, are Adiazzer, Calui, Bonifaci and Bastia: Of old, Aleria and Mariana were the most noted.
The chief of the Ligurian or Tuscan Islands, are Elba, Ilua Plin. Ptol. Mela. Aethalia Strab. about 40 Miles Compass; famous for its two Ports, Porto Longone, and Porto Ferraro; the first belongs to the Spaniard, the other to the Duke of Florence; other Islands are, Gorgona, Capraia, Monte Christo, Giglio, &c.
[Page 224]The Isles of Naples are 18 in Number, the chief of which, are the Impregnable Ischia, AEnaria Plin. The Acylum of Ferdinand King of Naples, in the time of Charles the 8th of France. 2. Prochita. 3. Capria, the Retirement of Augustus and Tiberius.
Aeoliae or Vulcaniae & Lipararae Insulae, & Hephaestiades Graecis, now the Isles of Lipari, are about 12 in Number; two of them, viz. Stromboli and Vulcano, do still Burn and Flame, and are famous for the Fable of Aeolus, and for the first Naval Victory of the Ancient Romans.
The Islands in the Adriatic-Sea, are Isola di Tremiti, formerly Diomedeae Insulae, so called from Diomedes, King of Aetolia, who after the Trojan War setled here.
Of Sclavonia; by the Germans or Dutch Writers, WINDISHLANDT.
SClavonia, L'Esclavonia Gallis, Schlavonia Italis: According to the Latin Authors; It did contain Illiricum Hodiernum, viz. Dalmatia, Croatia, Bosnia, & Sclavonia propria: But now, as it is properly taken lying between the Dravus and Savus, it is part of the Kingdom of Hungary, and contains the Countries of Sermien, Valcowar, Posega, Waradin and Zagrabia: A Country more fit for grazing of Cattel, [Page 226] than for Tillage (for the Sheep bring forth twice a Year, and are Shorn four times:) Its chief Commodities are Horses for Service, Oxen, and other wild Beasts, which yields them abundance of Hides, Tallow, Butter, Cheese and Wooll; as also Wine and Oyl, with some Veins of Gold and Silver. Its chief Places, are Posega or Segovitza, a Place of great Strength, and Gradiska, Gradischa, Graciana of old, under the Tyranny and Bondage of the Turkish Garisons. Zagrabria, Sisopa, Ptol. teste Mol, & Agram. Waradin, Variand aliis Varasdinum, teste Lazio Varia-Castra in Libro Notitiae, belonging to the House of Austria; and Copranitz or Caproncaea, a fair and strong Place, under the Power of the Venetian. Sirmisch Germ. Sercim Hung. Sirmium of old, Valcouvar, Valcum Ant. Veltz, Simlero. Virovitza, the Key and Entrance into Sclavonia, An. 1684. Capitulated, and 600 Janizaries marched out, and left it to the Imperialists, after 113 years Possession.
The Castle of Butschin and Walpo, surrendred to Count Dunewaldt in Sept. 1687. Esseck was also deserted by the Turks, where were found 52 pieces of Canon, 4 Mortarpieces, and a vast quantity of Ammunition and Provision. Possega scituated about 4 Miles from the Save, was also at the same time abandoned, and left by the Turks, and Garisoned by Count Dunewaldt.
Of Croatia, or Crabaten.
CRoatia. By this general Name were all the more Inland parts of Sclavonia, called. The reason of the Name we find not; it was brought hither first by the Sclaves. It is a Country, for the most part, Cold and Mountainous, yet reasonably Fruitful, with all necessary Provisions for the Life of Man; were it not for the Oppression and Neighbourhood of the Turks, to whose Injury it is continually exposed: Its chief Places are, 1. Sisseg, Famous for the notable Resistance which the Turks there found, Anno 1598. 2. Wihitz, once the Metropolis of the Countrey; strongly Fortified by Nature and Art, but taken by the Turks, Anno 1592. But the chief Place in Croatia belonging to the Emperor, is now Carelstat, the Residence of the Governour or Vice-Roy, Count Herberstein, Anno 1685.
This Country contained anciently the more Inland part of Lyburnia.
Of Bosnia.
BOsnia Italis, Bosnia Gallis, Bossen Germ. was anciently accounted a part of Croatia; by Ptol. part of Illyricum; by Cluver part of Panonia. To me it seems to contain the more Inland part of the Dalmatia of Plin. and Ptol. and together with it, it was united to Hungary, under the Homage whereof it was erected into a Kingdom, but of a short continuance; for, in the year 1464. Mahomet the Great surprised and took it, and converted it to a Province of the Turkish Empire. The Places of most Importance therein, are Jaicza or Jazyge, for its Situation on a Rocky Precipice, an unfordable River Plena, and an inaccessible Castle, accounted Impregnable. 2. Bosna Serajum, Bosna Serai, the Metropolis and chief of the Country. 3. Banialucum & Vammelucha, formerly Banjaluch, the Residence of the Bosnian Kings. Named thus from the River Bosna, or from the River Bessi, a People of the lower Maesia, expulsed thence by the Bulgarians, and fleeing hither. 'Tis now a Turkish Province commanded by a Bassa, and contains the Dutchy of St. Sabba, now Hertzegovina, teste Lucio.
Of Dalmatia, Illiricum Polyb. Illiris Ptol. Illiria Steph.
THis Province was by the Ancients divided into Liburnia on the West, and Dalmatia on the East, now Vulgo Schiavonia, teste Baud. It lies along on the Sea-Coast of the Adriatick Sea, and is now possessed by the Venetians and the Turks; the chief places possessed by the Venetians, are Spalato, Spalatum olim Epetium, now Zarnoavia, or Zarnouniza, teste Lucio, a Maritime Town, and the Emporium of the Venetians; seated in a most pleasant Valley in a Peninsula, joyned to the firm Land of Dalmatia, by an Isthmus of about a Mile over, and is guarded by a prodigious Precipice of Mountains to the firm Land, through which it hath only one Passage, which is defended by a Fort, built upon a Rock, just in the Entrance, with an open Port, but unsecure Bay for great Ships.
Clissa, supposed to be the Andretium of Strabo, and Anderium of Ptol. is a strong Fort more by Nature than Art, Situated upon a Rock, which stands just in the middle of the Passage between the Mountains, which is so narrow, that not a Man or Horse can pass by without the [Page 228] License of their Castle. It is now in the Possession of the Venetians, taken from the Turks, 1647. under the Conduct of the Signior Fescolo; it is about 8 Miles North of Spalato, and 4 from Salona.
In 1647. Obraozza, Carino, Ortissina, Velino, Nadino, Ʋrana, Tino and Salona, were subdued to the Venetian Arms, by the prosperous Success of Foscolo. And Sebenico Besieged by Mahomet Techli, who was forced to raise the S ege with the loss and slaughter of many of his Soldiers.
Zegna, the Senia of the Ancients.
Zara, the Jadera of Ptolomy; strongly Fortified, and well Manned; of a commodious Situation, almost encompassed with the Sea, only the East end joyned to the firm Land; new very strong, being secured by divers Redoubts, and 4 Royal Bastions, and a new Line of Fortification, which makes it the most considerable and strongest Place in all Dalmatia.
Sehenico is a strong Fortress, seated on a rising Hill, whose spacious Port is secured by the Fort of St. Nicolas, and the Hills, by a Cittadel, and the new Works of St. John. Salona, a Roman Colony, and the ordinary Arsenal for their Navies; well known in Ancient Stories, for the Retreat of Dioclesian, and the Garden of his Retirement, after he had renounced the Empire.
Trau, Tragurium of Strabo and Plin. is situated between the firm Land, and a little Island Bua joyned to the Land by a Stonebridg, and to the Island by a Wooden-bridg; it is about 18 or 20 Miles West from Spalato.
Lessina is the Isle which Ptol. calls Pharia, Strabo Pharos, very high, Rocky and Mountainous, reckoned about 100 Miles in compass; at the South end is a good Haven, where is the Town, having a Cittadel on the top of a steep Rock. The place is noted for the Fishing Trade of Sadelli, which are like Anchovies; 100 Miles from Zara, 30 Miles South from Spalato, and 30 Miles North from Lisse.
Almissa, the Peguntium of Ptolomy, or Pigantia; seated on a high Rock, and Defended with a strong Castle, now belonging to the Turks, teste Baud.
Castle Novo, a strong Fortress within the Gulf of Cataro, taken by the Venetian, under the Conduct of General Conaro 1687. Cataro, Ascrivium Plin. Ascrivion Ptol. a strong Hold also of the Venetians against the Turks. But Mr. Wheeler saith, 'tis the first Town belonging to the Turks.
Budua, the Butua of Ptol. is the last place of the Venetians on the Dalmatian Shores. Places more belonging to the Turks, are Narenza, Dulcigno, or Ʋlcinium of old, a City of indifferent good Trade, where the Franks have a Consul; containing about 7 or 8000 Inhabitants. [Page 229] Scudari, the Scodra, of Old; strongly Seated on a steep Rock, Memorable for the years stout Resistance which it made against Mahomet the Second; but taken Anno 1578. by the Turks. And Al [...]sio, the Lissus of Old; the farthest Town of all Dalmatia, where Scanderbeg was Buried.
Of the Commonwealth of Ragusa.
THIS is a small Commonwealth, whose Town and Territories are in Dalmatia, upon the Gulf of Venice, and which pays Annually to the Turk 50000 Livres, as being environed by the Territories under his Jurisdiction▪ and not able to subsist without the Grand Signior's Leave. It makes some Acknowledgment also to the Venetians, as Masters of the Gulf. It keeps good Correspondence also with the Princes of Italy; and endeavours to preserve themselves under the Protection of the King of Spain, to whom it pays Tribute, in the Person of the Vice-Roy of Sicily. The Gentlemen must Marry Ladies, if they desire to be accounted Nobles of Ragusa. Contrary to the Custom of other Nations, they count the Age of Men from the Conception, and not from the day of their Birth. The Revenue of the Republick is about 300000 Livres. The Inhabitants addict themselves altogethe [...] to Trade. In the year 1667. a great misfortune befell the City, it being almost all swallowed up by an Earthquake. Their Principal Port i [...] that of the Holy Cross, Santa Cruce, about nine miles from the City. The chief Governour is called the Rector; but his Government lasts but one Month. The Citizens change every day the Governour of their Castle: Neither do they let him enter into his Command but in the Night, and then they blind his Eyes. The Turks have a kindness for the Ragusians, because they pay their Tribute exactly, and because they have, by their means, all the Commodities of Europe, which they stand in need of. They give them those Privileges, which they grant to no other Christian; for they permit them to buy Provisions in their Dominions: For the Country about Ragusa is so Barren, full of Rocks and Stones, that if it brings forth any thing, 'tis by means of the Earth which they fetch from other parts. The Town is well Built, and Fortified with Walls, and a Castle; a Noted Empory, and of a good Trade; the Epidaurus of Old.
1. Sabioneera is a Town Seated on a long slip of Land, (opposite to Curzola) belonging to the Republick of Ragusa, where are many delightful and fruitful Gardens.
[Page 230]2. Santa Croce, the Entrance good, the Port large, deep and secure, being every way Land-locked by Mountains round it, covered with Vineyards, Gardens and Houses of Pleasure of the Ragusians.
3. Budua, the Bulua of Ptol. is the last place of the Venetians on the Dalmatian Shores.
4. The Gulf of Lodrin was anciently the Gulph of Apolonia, where Caesar narrowly escaped with his Life and Fleet. 'Tis a dangerous passage, about 150 miles over.
Curzola by Strabo, Corcyra Nigro, once belonging to the Republique of Ragusa, but taken from them by the Venetians by a cunning Exchange. The Town is of the same Name, and seated upon a Peninsula, is a Bishops Seat and Walled, besides which there is about five Villages.
Along the Coast of Dalmatia lies a great cluster of Islands, Debronicha Turcis, Liburnides Insulae by Strab. the Names of the chief you will find in the Maps, most of them belonging to the Venetians, which are said to contain 40000 Inhabitants.
Of SERVIA.
SERVA, or Zervia, as some call it, contains part of Moesia Superior, and part of Dalmatia of old, it had once Kings of its own, now extinct. It was once under the Hungarian Kings; now wholly possessed by the Turks. It is now divided into Maritine and Midland Servia, teste Joan. Lucio, Servia Maritima olim Chulmia, now Herzegovina, extendeth towards Dalmatia and Albania. Servia Mediterranea is divided into two parts, viz. Rascia and Bosna. It is a Fruitful and pleasant Country; consisting of Plains, Woods, and Hills, not without stout Men, good Horses, Wines, and Convenient Rivers. Once well stored with Mines of Gold and Silver, but those now decayed, or lost; and the People gross and Rude, addicted to Wine, and false in their Promises.
[Page 232]Its chief places are, Belgrade, once the Bulwark of Christendom, bravely resisting the Power of Amurath the Second, and Mahomet the Great; repulsed by the Valour of Hunniades; at which time Mahomet himself was wounded in the Breast, lost his Ordnance, and 200 of his Ships, destroyed by a Fleet which came from Buda; but taken by Solyman 1520. Seated she is upon the confluence of the Danube and the Savus, having the great Rivers Tibiscus, the Dravus, and Morava running into the Danube not far from it; as brave a Situation for Trade, as any Inland place in Europe. It is now adorned with two large Bezeste [...]ns, or places where the Richest Commodities are Sold; with a Noble Caravansara and Moschea, with a Metreseck, or Colledg for Students.
Zenderin, Sing [...]dunum Ant. Semendera Lat. Simedro Graec. taken by Amurath the Second, 1438.
Soph. Scupi Ptol. by the Turks called Ʋrchupia; a City of great Trade, Seated in the Reinotest part of Servia, or Moesia Superior, or rather on the Confines of Macedonia. It is a fair and large Town, having a great Number of Moscheas; once a Bishop's, after an Arch-Bishop's See; now noted for a great many Tanners, that make Excellent Leather.
Great Actions have been hereabouts performed in the times of the Romans, especially by Regillianus. Hereabouts also stood Paroecopolis, and Ʋlpianum of old.
Jagodna is pleasantly seated in a fair Country, half way from Vienna to Constantinople.
Halli Jahisar is a considerable place, where there is a Church with two fair Towers.
Lescoa, or Lescovia, seated upon the remarkable River Lyperitza, the Maeaneder of Moesia.
The Hills between Servia and Mercedonia are a part of Mount Haemus, of which the M. Clissura one of the Spurs or Excursions, shines like Silver, consisting of Muscovia Glass.
Ʋrania is a strong Pass, which the Castle commandeth, and locks up the passage into Maced [...]ia.
The chief Rivers of Servia are, 1. Morava, Moschius of old, is divided into two Streams, the one named Morava di Bulgaria, the other Morava di Ser [...]i, which uniting run into the Danaube at. Zenderin; so that by this River the Commodities of Servia and Bulgaria are carried into the Danube, and so dispersed in Hungaria, Austria, &c. Not far from which was that great Slaughter of the Turks by Hunniades, who with 10000 Horse set upon the Turkish Camp by Moon-light, slew 30000, and took 4000 Prisoners; and Remarkable Lyperitza, the Maeander of Maesia, which Dr. Brown saith, that in less than twelve hours they passed it 90 times.
Of Bulgaria.
BƲLGARIA is a Country generally full of Woods and Desarts, the most unpleasant, and unpeopled of all the Dacian Provinces; but the lower parts not without some Plains and Valleys.
The Inhabitants of a Natural fierceness, yet patient of Toyl and Labour.
Its chief places are, Sophia Procop. Sofia Italis, Sophie Gallis, the Tibisca of Ptol. teste Nig. & Mol. the Seat of a Beglerbeg, under whom are 21 Sangiats; Seated in a long and fruitful Valley three miles distant from a high Mountain, covered with Snow all the year. It is Beautified with many fair Hanes and Baths, a stately Colledg, and fair Mosques.
Axiopolis, Galacz teste Laz. Flotz. Merc. & Colanamik. Baud. on the Banks of the Danaw, which from this Town begins to take the Name of Ister. Mesembria, Situate on the Euxine. Mercianopolis, much mentioned in the Stories of the Goths, for the Fights and Battels they had there with the Emperor Claudius. Nicopolis, by the Turks Sciltaro teste Leunc. & Nigeboli, memorable for the Founder of it, the Emperor Trajan; more for the many great Battels fought near unto it, whereof one was by Sigismund the Emperor, and King of Hungary, who with an Army of 130000 Christians Besieged it, and Bajazet came to the Relief of it, got the Victory, with the loss of above sixty thousand Turks, killed 20000 Christians, and most of the rest took Prisoners. The Second between Michael, Vaivod of Valachia, and Mahomet the Third, over whom Michael got a Remarkable Victory. Varna, the Dionysiopolis of the Ancients, on the Euxine Sea; Remarkable for the first flight of Hunniades, and the Death of Ʋladislaus King of Hungary, 1444. Silistria, the Ordinary Abode of a Turkish Bassa. Ternova, the usual Residence of the Princes of Bulgaria. Budina, once of great Importance, but burnt to the Ground by Hunniades, not far from the Old City Oescus. Triballorum Acridus, the Birth-place of Justinian; by the Turks called Giustandil. Tomi, or Tomos, to which Ovid was Banished; some say, 'tis at this day called Tomiswar; others would have it to be Kiovia. Dinogetia Ptol. Din [...]gutia & Diniguttia Ant. Denigu ex Tab. recens Drimago Nigro. Callatia, Callacis Ant. Calatis Strab. & Plin. Kilia Laz. vulgo Bialogrod. Calliacra. Laonico Pandalla Nig. Istropolis Plin. & Ptol. Istros Strab. Istria Arriano. Stravico Castal. Grossea Nig. & Prostaviza Baud. much subject to the irruptions of the Dobrusian Tartars.
Of Greece.
GREECE, once the most Celebrated part of the World, in the present Latitude and Extent thereof, hath for its Eastern Bounds the Aegean Sea, the Hellespont, Propontis, and the Thracian Bosphorus: For its Southern, the Cretian and the Ionian Sea; on the West, the Adriatick Sea; and on the North, only United to the rest of Europe by the Mountain Haemus.
[Page 235]Confined at first to Attica, and the parts adjoyning, only then called Hellas, from King Hellen, the Son of Ducalion; the Inhabitants Hellenes in Sacred Writ; and Greece, from King Graecus, the Son of Cecrops, the first King of Athens, communicated afterwards to Thessaly, to Peloponnesus, then to Epirus, and lastly to the Macedonian Empire.
The first Inhabitants of Greece did live each under their proper Magistrates in several Cities, until Philip King of Macedonia, clearing his own Country of the Iberians, Subdued Achaia, Thracia, and a great part of Peloponnesus. And succeeded by Alexander his Son, who retained his Father's Conquests, and Vanquishing Darius the great King of Persia, and other Kings of India, Founded the Grecian Monarchy, but in the height of his Successes died, being Poysoned at Babylon. Afterwards the Romans became Masters of it; and after that the Goths and Huns did rather Harrass than Inhabit. Lastly, the Saracens, now the Turks and the Victorious Venetian share it under their Obedience.
Hence it is that Greece hath lost its former Division of Countries, and their Names, and received new; that which was particularly called Greece, is now called Livadia; Peloponnesus, Morca, Thessaly, Janna; Epirus, Canina; Macedonia is divided into four parts; that next Janna is called Camenolitari, that which Borders upon Dalmatia is called Albania; that next to Thrace is named Jamboly, and the midst of the Country retains its Old Name Macedonia. Lastly, Thracia is now called Romania.
The Grecians, once a Nation in matters of Government Famous, in Arms Glorious, in Arts Admirable; addicted to the love of Vertue, Civil of Behaviour, affectors of Liberty, and every way Noble; only in their Commonwealth Principles, and Civil Dissentions unhappy. But now under the Turkish Yoak, their Spirits are low, their Knowledg is Ignorance, their Liberty contented Slavery; their Vertues Vices, their Industry Idleness: They are generally of good Proportion, and of a swarthy Complexion: Their Women very well favoured, brown, and excessive Amorous: In Habit and Garb both Sexes generally follow those under whom they live.
Their Primitive Language needs no Commendation, being well known for its lofty sound, Elegancy, and significant Expressions, genuine Suavity, and happy Composition of words; Excellent for Philosophy and the Liberal Arts, but more Excellent for that so great a part of the Oracles of our Salvation is delivered therein; but now not only the Natural Elegancy is lost, but the Language almost devoured by the Lingua Franca, Turkish, and Sclavonian Tongues.
[Page 236]The Christian Religion was here first Planted by St. Paul, who went into Macedonia, passing thence to Thessalonica, from thence to Athens, and thence to Corinth, watering the greatest part of Greece with the Dew of Heaven: But now considering the Tyranny of the Turks on the one side, and the Temptations of Preferment on the other, 'tis almost a Wonder there should be any Christianity left amongst them; yet the Gates of Hell cannot prevail against this afflicted Church; for its members are endued with a Divine Humility, patience and constancy; their Priests are reverenced, the Articles of Faith and Rules of a Holy life preserved; their Fasts and Feasts observed; the power of the Keys Exercised, and the Judicature of the Church preferred before that of the Divan. As to the material Points of their Religion, I shall refer to the Description of my Scripture Maps.
This Country hath formerly been Famous for Miltiades, Aristides, and Themistocles of Athens; Lysander and Agesilaus of Sparta; Pelopidas and Epaminondas of Thebes; Aratas and Philoparmeus of Achaia; Pyrrhus of Epirus, Philip of Macedon, Alexander the Great, brave Commanders. For Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, Divine Philosophers: For Demosthenes, Isocrates, Aeschines, Eloquent Orators. Hesiod, Homer, &c. Excellent Poets. Solon and Lycurgus, Eminent Law-givers. Xenophon, Thuciades, Plutarch, Herodotus, Famous Historiographers; with several other Authors and Promoters of Arts and Sciences, too tedious to relate. But to proceed to the Provinces.
The Inhabitants of Greece were of old divided into three sorts, viz. the Iones, the more famous whereof were the Athenians. The Dores, the most renowned of whom were the Lacedemonians; and the Aeoles who sent Colonies into Asia, near to Phocaea. By the ancient Writers called Achei, Achiai, Argivi, Danai, Dolopes, Dores, Dryopes, Hellenes, Iones, Myrmidones, and Pelasgi.
The Province of Romania, or Romelia, is the Ancient Thrace, by Stephanus, Aria; by some Scythia; by Josephus, Thyras, from Thyras the Son of Japhet; by the Turks now called Romeli: A Country neither of a Rich Soil, nor pleasant Air, yet well Inhabited. But the chief Glory of this Province, and of all the Ottoman Empire, is the Renowned City Constantinople, formerly called Lygus, Byzantium, and Nova Roma, now by the Greeks Istampoli, and by the Turks Stambol; seated in the Latitude of 40 Degr. 56. In shape Triangular, commanding the Propontis, Bosphorus, and Euxine Seas; Seated on a Haven so deep and Capacious, that the Turks, for its Excellency, call it the Port of the World. At this day the chief Buildings are the Turks Seraglio, and the Temple or Mosque of St. Sophia, for Beauty and Workmanship exceeding Admirable to behold.
[Page 237]The Seraglio is a vast place, inclosed and divided from the rest of the City with a wall three miles in Compass, wherein are stately Groves of Cypresses intermixed with delightful Gardens, Artificial Fountains, and all varieties of Pleasures which Luxury can effect, or Treasure procure. The principal Beauty of the City is the situation of it on the Mountains; Crowned with Magnificent Mosques with Gilded Spires, reflecting the Sun-beams with a marvellous splendor.
Other Cities of this Province are Andrianopolis, or Hadrianopolis Ptol. formerly Oresta Lampridio. Ʋscudava, seu Ʋscadama Ammiano, Andernopolis, & Turcis Endren, teste Busb. a fair, large, and well composed City, with fair and stately Mosques, especially one built by Sultan Soliman the Second, a very Magnificent Structure.
Galipoli, formerly Callipolis, seated near the Hellespont within the Sea of Marmora, the first City that ever the Turks possessed in Europe, surprized by Soliman, Anno 1358.
Below Galipoli is the straitest passage of the Hellespont, formerly famous for Xerxes's Bridg, but especially for the two Castles, Sestos and Abidos, noted for the Story of Hero and Leander, now called the Dardanelles, or Old Castles, the New Castles being at the mouth of the Hellespont, and are the Bulwark of Constantinople, as the Castles on the Thracian Bosphorus are on the other side. Galata or Pera, is opposite to Constantinople, where live all the Foreign Ambassadors, Residents and Envoys. Belgrade is 12 or 15 miles Northwards, where are the Summer-Houses of the Nobility, and the Costly Aquaducts that supply Constantinople.
St. Stephanoes is Inhabited most by Christians. At Great Schecmashe are the Seraglio's of the Nobility. Selimbria hath Mosques, a Bazar and Greek Churches. Heraclea Leunc. Heraclia Soph. Perinthus Plin. & Ptol. its Harbor makes it a Peninsula of four miles in compass; now an Arch-Bishops See, and its Church the best in Turkie: Noted also of old for the Palaces of Vespatian, Domitian and Antoninus, Emperors of Rome; as also for its Amphitheatre cut out of one entire Marble.
Rodeste, Redaestum Plin. Bisanthe Ptol. Rodosto Sophi, 30 miles from Heraclia, seated on the side of an Hill, at the bottom of a Bay, peopled with about 15000 Inhabitants, Christians, Turks and Jews, much frequented, but of little Trade.
Myriophyton by the Greeks, Murston by the Turks, it hath about 200 Houses, about five miles from Rodesto.
Abdera, now Asperosa, was the birth-place of Laughing Democritus.
Aenos, now Enio & Eno Grec. Ygnos Turcis, a Town of great strength and safety, therefore an honourable Prison. Lisimachia, once of great [Page 238] Importance, now Heximily, said to be built out of the Ruins of Phillipoli, from Philip the Father of Alexander.
Cardia, Cardiapolis Ptol. was the Birth-place of Eumenes, a Curriers Son, but a famous Warrier, Quae Steph. & Pa [...]s. [...]adem Lysimachiae & Hexamilio.
The Province or Kingdom of Macedonia was so called from a King Macedo Son of Osiris. Others say it had its name from a Son of Jupiter and Thyae; or as Solinus says, from Maced [...], a Son or Grandchild of Ducalion, called also Aemathia Plin. & Peonia, Aemonia Livio. Formerly it contained several Provinces, (the Names whereof are in my Sheet-Map of Greece) and 'tis said was inhabited by 150 several Nations. By the Ancients it was divided into four Principal parts, viz. Prima, Secunda, Tertia, Quarta. That towards the West, or the Fourth part, is now called Albania. That part towards the N. E. first and second part is called Jamboli. That in the middle retains the Name of Macedonia Propria. That towards the South is called Comenolitari, containing part of Macedonia Tertia, and some part of Thessalia.
The chief Towns of Albania, or Pars Occidentalis Macedoniae, are,
1. Dyrrachium Caes. Cic. Ptol. &c. & Epidamnus Thucyd. Plin. &c. Du [...]azzo & Drazzi Turcis, once memorable for the Valour of Seaevo, who alone so long resisted Pompey's Army, that he had 220 Darts sticking in his Shield, yet was Caesar foiled. It was taken by Bajazet from the Venetians, Anno 1499.
2. Inaccessible and Impregnable Croia, thought by some to be the Epicaria of Ptol. George Castriot, or Scanderbeg, took it by a wile; but Amurath the Fourth lost his Life before it. The Antigonia of Ptol. teste Soph. & Lazzio.
3. Aulon of Plin. & Ptol. now Valona, situate over-against Otranto in Italy, and about 60 miles distant, 30 miles from Valona, Landwards riseth a Fountain of Pitch mentioned by the Ancients, with which mixing Tar, they Careen Ships.
4. Apolonia Liv. & Ptol. Pollina, Piergo, & Sossopoli, teste Baud. Ceres Nigro, a Town of great note in the times of the Romans, and the Key of Greece, memorable for the Study of Augustus Caesar.
5. Ssestigrade, or Vestigrade, the Sphetia of Laonic. Turcis Sucrige teste Leund. Oxypyrgium Grecis, teste Soph. one of the last Towns taken by Scanderbeg, as Dibra was the first.
The Rock or Island Sassino six miles from Valona, boundeth the Gulf of Lodrino; Drilo, Strab. Ptol. & Plin. Drinax Nigro, Drino aliis. Le Golphe dy Drin Gallis. Golfo Dello Drino Italis. Not far from this Island N.E. are the Falls of Piscaria, the Fish they pickle, the Rows they salt and dry in the Sun, and so make Botago.
[Page 239]Other places are Albanopoli, forty miles from Durazzo, and 35 from Alessio in Dalmatia. Eladafagni the Daulia of Ptol. teste Mol. & Locvida, Lychnidus Liv. Diod. & Ptol. Lychnidion Polyb. Lychnittus Herod. & Steph. A Lake and Arch-Bishoprick of Macedonia, Justiniana Prima, then Achrydus, L'Ochrida, Turcis Giustandil.
Chief Towns in Jamboli were, 1. Stagira Plin. Steph. Diod. Stantira Ptol. the Country of Aristotle, teste Laertio, now Liba Nova, teste Soph. or Macra teste Nicaeta.
2. Pallene Plin. Phlegra Herod. Patalene Ptol. Patalents Mol. Canist [...]o Soph. Tarcho, or Tarso Nardo. Sacred to the Muses.
3. Amphipolis Herod. Thucyd. &c. Neapolis Ant. Christopoli Soph. Emboli Turcis.
4. Cavalla, Oesima Thucyd. & Ptol. the Cabyla Ptol. Cavyla Cedreno teste Leoncl. & Bucephala teste Brietio.
5. Contessa, which gives its name to the Gulph Golfo di Contesa Castaldo. Golfo di Monte Santo, Soph. the Strymonicus Sinus of Ptol.
6. Thessalonica, now Salonichi Soph. to whose Inhabitants St. Paul writ his Epistles; very populous of Christians, Turks and Jews, and of great Commerce seated at the bottom of the Gulph Salonichi. The Sinus Thermaeus, or rather Thermaicus of Strab. & Ptol. distant from Constantinople about 320 miles, and from Durazzo about 230 miles.
7. Siderocapsa the Chrysites of Liv. teste Bello, & Scydra Ptol. famous for its Mines of Gold and Silver, so advantageous to the Turk as the report exceeds belief.
8. Mount Athos of Liv. & Strab. Acroathon, or Acrothon Plin. & Mela. Acrothoon Herod. Athos, Aeron a Graecis [...], now Cima di Monte Sancto. Sanct Laure, & Agios Laura. Monastir a Turcis & Seididag teste Leunct. Inhabited from the beginning of Christianity with Hermits, afterwards with Monks according to the Order of St. Basil. It stands in a Peninsula very fruitful, being 160 miles about, where they have 20 Monasteries, and about 600 Kaloiis. They pay 1000 Dollars a Month, and have safe protection. The Town Kareis is in the middle of the Mount, where there is a Turkish Aga, and a Market. Their Churches and Furniture are exceeding rich, and all are daily employed according to their several degrees and qualifications.
Torone of Plin. & Mel. a Torone filia Neptuni teste Steph. Longo Soph. Castle Rampo Nardo & Pineto. Rainero vel Reinero Nigro. Agiomana, or Aiomana Casteldo; from hence Toronaicus Sinus, now Golfo di Agiomana, or Aiomana Cast. Golfo di Rampo vel Rampa Nardo.
Towns in Macedonia properly so called, and in Comenolitari are, 1. Pella of Strab. Plin. Ptol. &c. Jeniza, or Janizza Soph. Zuchria Nigro, the Birth-place of Alexander.
[Page 240]2. Piidna of Ptol. Steph. &c. Chitro Soph. taken by Cassander the Son of Antipater, who Murthered Olympias the Mother, Roxane the Wife, and Hercules the Heir apparent to Alexander the Great.
3. Berrhaea, or Berraea of Plin. Str [...]. Ptol. &c. Veria Soph. Boor Turcis teste Leunct. where St. Paul and Silas Preached.
4. Adessa Ptol. Edessa Liv. & Polyb. & Aegaea aliis. Vodena Mol. Soph. & aliis.
5. Andaristus Ptol. Vostanza teste Theveto aliis Erisso.
6. Tyrissa Ptol. Ceresei Mer. Dinorigriza & Xer [...]libado aliis.
7. Stobi of Plin. Liv. & Ptol. in Pelagonia regione, Starachino Nardo.
8. Antigonia in Mygdonia reg. Coiogna Pineto, aliis Antigoca.
Of Thessalia.
THE Province of Thessaly was called Aemonia & Pyrrhaea; by Strabo. Estiaeotis, by Plin. Dryopis, by Diod. Argos Pelasgicum by Homer. Comenolitari Cast. Thumenestria Geufraeo Lamina Lazio. But the greatest part is now called Ianna teste Brietio. It is a Country no less Fruitful than Pleasant, famous for the Hill Olympus, visible at a great distance, consisting not of one rising Peak, but extending a great way in length from East to West, Remarkable for the Exploits of Paulus Aemylius, of Appius, Claudius, and of the Consul Martius, of which, see Sir Walter Rawleigh, Lib. 1. Cap. 7. For the Mountains of Pelion and Ossa. For the Hill Othrys, the Hill Oeta, where Hercules is said to have Burned himself with a poysoned Shirt. For the pleasant Valley of Tempe, called the Garden of the Muses. For the Pharsalian Fields, where the Empire of the Roman Universe was Disputed in two great Battels; the one between Caesar and Pompey, the other between Brutus and Cassius on the one side, and Anthony and Augustus on the other. Here lived the Mirmidons over whom Achilles was Captain at the War of Troy. The chief places are, Larissa, Larizzo Soph. Yennee Sheir, Turcis, an Arch-Bishoprick, Inhabited by Christians, Turks, and Jews; pleasantly seated upon a rising ground, on the upper part whereof stands the Palace of the Grand Signior, reputed also for the Town where Achilles was Born. 2. Ternovo, a large and pleasant City, about ten miles Westwards of Larissa, where most of the Inhabitants are Christians, there being 18 Churches, and but three Mosques. 3. Dimitriada, Demetrias of old; by Plin. the same with Pegasa, of great strength by Art and Nature. 4. Pegasa, now Volo, in which the Ship called Argo was said to be Built. Armiro, Argos Pelasgicum al. Larissa, the Seat of a Turkish [Page 241] Sangiac. Domochi the Lamia of Polyb. Cic. Ptol. &c. Homile Ptol. Homolium Plin. Omole Strabo, Homolus Steph. Omolium Liv. a City and M. in Thessaly vide Virgil. L. 7. Aeneidos, now Lamina teste Mol. Lastly, Janna, which gives Name to the Country, an Arch-Bishoprick, that hath under it four Bishopricks, Argiro-Castro, Delvino, Butrinto, and Glykaeon. Doliche Ptol. is the Techala of Merc. & Briet. Alchria, Villano. Trica, or Tricca, once the Bishoprick of Heliodorus the Author of the Ethiopick History.
Of EPIRƲS.
THE Province of Epirus, now Canina, rather Chimera & L' Arta teste Baud. is Mountainous and barren, languishing under the Turkish Tyranny. Divided by some into Chaonia, Thesportia, Acarnania & Aetolia. But by Brietius into Chaonia, Thesportia, Cassiopaea, Acarnania, Amphilochia, Athamania, Delopia, and Melossia, once a Country very populous, until Paulus Aemilius destroyed 70 of their Cities in one day.
Places of most note were Dodona, memorable for the Temple and Oracle of Jupiter, situate in a fair Grove of Vocal Oaks.
Ambracia Caes. Cic. & Strab. Ampracia Herod. now L' Arta, the Regal Seat of King Pyrrhus, accounted by Hannibal, next to Alexander, the second great Soldier of the World.
Actium near Cape Figula, nigh unto which Augustus and Antony fought for the Empire of the World.
Nicopolis, now Prevesa, built by Augustus, yielded to the Venetians 1684. where were 200 Turks, who were conducted near to Arta, 44 Pieces of Cannon, 18 of Brass, and 1200 Inhabitants which remained, whereby the Turks have lost 100000 Crowns yearly by the Fishery. And after the taking of Sancta Maura by General Morosini, he caused his Troops to make a descent at Dagomestro, who advanced 50 miles into the Country, and Ruined the whole Province of Acarnania, and burnt two great Towns, called Ʋragosi, and Zapandi, and several Villages.
Cassiope, now Joanna, or Joannina, said to be the Metropolis of the Country, which I suppose to be the same with Janna in Thessaly.
Hecatompelon, in the Wars of Cyprus called Supoto, now Chimera.
Torone, now Perga. Buthrotus, now Butrinto, belonging to the Venetians. Anactoria, Plin. &c. now Vonizza teste Soph. Vodizza Leunc.
In this Province is Mount Pindus, Sacred to Apollo, and the Acroceraunian Mountains, the Rivers Acheron and Cocytus, said to be the Rivers of Hell; and here was Olympias the Mother of Alexander born.
Of ACHAIA.
THE Province of Achaia, once called Hellas & Graecia teste Plinio, Livalli & Rumelia teste Castaldo, of old divided into Boeotia, Attica, or Hellas, Megaris, Phocis, Locris Ozolae, Doris, Aetolia, & Opunorum regio. Now by the Turks called Livadia, a Country famous in the Authors of the ancient times, for the Gallantry of its men, and for the Stateliness of its Structures.
Places of most note in Attica were, 1. Athenes, [...], or Athini, vulgarly called Setines, in Lat. 38 degr. 5. min. A City heretofore adorned with all those Excellencies of strength and beauty which Art or Cost could add unto it; a large, rich and stately City, the Nursery of Learning, and the Source of all Arts and Sciences, once called the famous Athens, the City of Theseus: Built by Cecrops, and ruled by Kings 550 years, then by Archontes for 600 years; then by the thirty Tyrants, till expelled by Thrasibulus, and by the help of Epaminondas it obtained the Soveraignty of Greece, and many Isles of the Egaean Sea for 70 years; till it submitted to Philip of Macedon, and Alexander the Great. Afterwards was much destroyed by Sylly, but restored by Adrian the Emperor, and afterwards received various Fates, till it was enslaved by Mahomet the Second 1455. now taken from them by the brave Morosini 1687.
The Inhabitants are now, according to Esq Wheeler's Description 1675. about 10000, three parts Christians, the rest Turks, who permit no Jews to live among them. 'Tis an Archiepiscopal See, and has the Bishops of Salona, Libadia, Granitza, and Thalanta under it. It affords a vast number of Antiquities, viz. the Temple of Victory, by the Turks made a Magazine for Powder: The Arsenal of Lycurgus: Minerva's, or Parthenions Temple, Demosthenes Lanthorn, the Octogon Tower of the Winds, Theseus Temple, Adrians Pillar, the foundation of the Areopagus, the Theater of Bacchus, the Temple of Jupiter Olympus. Lastly, the Aeropolis or Castle on the South of the City, upon a hard Rock, and inaccessible on all sides, save the West. S.W. from this Cittadel is the Hill Musaeum, and the Mount Anchesimus, now St. Georgio. And S. E. from Athens is Mount Hymetus, now Televouni & Lambrarouni, where is plenty of Bees and Honey. All Provisions of Flesh, Fish, Fowl, Corn, Wine and Oyl are cheap here. Their Merchandizes are Oyl, Turky-Leather, Raw Silks, Pernocochi, Cake, Soap, Honey, Wax, &c.
The Town hath eight Platoma's, or Parishes, and about 50 Parish-Churches, 150 Chappels, and several Convents.
[Page 243]Its two chief Ports are Portus Pyraeus, now called Porto Lione, by the Franks, Turcis, Dracona; more South, Port Munichia, now Hagio, & Phalaras Portus, now Port Nicolo.
Other places in Attica are, 1. Marathon, famous for the Marathonian Bull slain by Theseus, and for the defeat of the Numerous Army of Darius by Miltiades, now a ruined Village.
2. Eleusis, or Eleusin Cic. & Strab. now Lepsina, buried in its own Rubbish, it lies at the Foot of the M. Kerata, or Gerata. Here was the Temple of Ceres, her Sacrifices called Sacra Eleussinia, and her Mysteries unclean and Devillish, and once the Fortification of the thirty Tyrants of Athens. A mile off West, is the Spring [...], i.e. Floridas, where Ceres sat weary with the search of Proserpina; and North is the Eleusinian Plain, and the Cytheron, now Elitita Mountains.
3. Phyle, now Bigla Castro, or Casha, Wheeler, was the place where Thrasibulus began his Exploit of Expelling the Thirty Tyrants, and delivering his Country.
4. Panormus, Strab. & Ptol. a Sea-Town, now Porto Raphai Soph. whence the Athenians sailed to Delos to carry the Presents to Apollo sent from the Hyperboreans.
5. Brauron, now Ʋrannia, where was the Temple of Diana.
6. Rhamnus, now Taura Castro, or Hebraeo Castro, famous for the curious Statue of Nemesis.
7. Pallene, now Angelopico, where the Athenians have their Country-Houses.
8. Pentelicus Mons, now Pendeli, where is a Monastery of 100 Caloires on a Mountain of curious Marble, in which are Grotta's incrusted with curious Congelations.
9. Promontorium Sunium, now Cape Colonni, from the white Pillars of Minerva's Temple yet standing; and the Town Sunium, one of the [...], or Burgess-Towns of the Athenians.
Places in Boeotia are, 1. Thebes, Tiva Soph. Stives & Stibes Baud. rather Thiva, Wheeler, in Lat. 38. degr. 22. min. Built by Cadmus teste Isodore, and fabled to be walled with Amphions Harp. Famous in old time for the Wars of Eteocles and Policines, Sons of Oedipus. Here lived Pelopidas and Epamonidas, who overthrew the Lacedemonians at the Battel of Leuctra and Mantinea. Northwards is the Thebean Lake, now Hylica Palus.
2. Aulis, now Aulide, is famous for the Grecians Shipping out for the Trojan War.
3. Lebadea, not Lebadia teste Baud. Badia, teste Zardo, now Livadio, or Libadia, Wheeler, and gives name to all Achaia.
[Page 244]The Christians have here four Churches, and the Turks five Moschs. Their Trade is in Woollen Stuffs and Rice, and near it is the Trophonian Cave and Grove, where was an Oracle given by Jupiter.
4. Ascraea, the Birth-place of Hesiod.
5. Chaerona, that of Plutarch.
6. Granitza, a Bishoprick.
7. Coronaea, the same or near to Dymnia, i. e. two Months, because Corn is sowed, ripe, and reaped in that time, teste Wheeler. Here were the Coronaei Agri, where the Games Pambriotia were Celebrated.
8. Alalcomene, probably now St. Georgio, where is a Convent, and two Churches.
9. Thespia, now Neocorio, hence Musae Thespiades.
10. Platea, now said to be called Cocla, in whose Plain was Mardonius slain, and 160000 Persians, and of the Grecians but 699.
11. Leuctra betwixt Thespia and Platea, now Parapagia, in whose Plains the Thebans overthrew the Spartans, some of whom had ravished Scedasus Daughters.
12. Thisbae, now Rimo Castri; it hath now about 100 Cottages of Greeks and Albaneses.
13. Tanagra of old, Graea & Paemandria, now Scamino, its Ruins are large; it hath about 200 Houses, and many Greek Churches; 'tis situate near Mount Cerycius, on the River Asopus that divides Attica and Baeotia, over against Oropus.
Its chief Lakes are, 1. The Lake of Livadia formerly called Copais & Cephisis, about forty miles in compass. The Streams and Torrents that fall into it would drown all Baeotia, but for the Subterraneous Channels, the Wonders of Art and Nature, that suck in the water, and convey it into the Aegean Sea: These Subterraneous Catabathra, are about fifty in all. 2. The Helica Palus, now Lake Thives.
Its chief Rivers are Asopus, now Scamino, and Cephissus River.
Its chief Mountains were, 1. Helicon a Poetis decantatissimus, Musis Sacer, by the Inhabitants called Eialia, now Zagara, Wheel. 2. Cithaeron Mons, Musis Sacer, now Elatea Mons, teste Wheel.
Chief Places in Aetolia are Lepanto, Naupactus Ptol. Neopactus Cic. Naupactum Plin. Lepanti Gallis, Epactos Graecis, Einebachri Turcis, teste Leonc. An Archiepiscopal City, now built from the Sea-shore to the top of a high Conical Mountain, having four Ranges of Walls before the Castle, which is seated on the top of the Mountain. Its Harbour is narrow at its Entrance, and shallow; where 'tis said, the famous Cosair Durack Bey, Basha of Candia resided. In the year 1408. it was subject to the Emperour of Constantinople, but the Emperor Emanuel gave it to the Venetians, [Page 245] who so fortified it, that in the year 1475. it destroyed 30000 Turks, and the Army forced to raise the Siege; but Bajazet the Second with an Army of 150000, attacked it by Sea and Land, and brought it to a most deplorable estate, and took it from them 1499. But in the year 1687. it was retaken by Generalissimo Morosini. The Trade is Leather, Oyl, Tobacco, Rice, Barly, Wheat, Furs, &c. Near this Town was that famous Sea-fight betwixt the Venetians and the Turks, where 29000 Turks were killed, 4000 taken Prisoners, with 140 Gallies, and 1200 Christian Captives redeemed, 1571. At the Entrance of this Gulf of Lepanto, by the Ancients Sinus Crisaeus, Sinus Corinthiacus, & Mare Alcyonum, said to be 100 miles in length; are two Castles called also the Dardanelles of Lepanto, not far from the Promontaries Rhium & Antirrhium, Capo S. Andrea, Baud. rather C. Antirio.
Other places in Aetolia are Calydon with its Forest, where Meliagar slew the wild Boar, now Aiton teste Cyriaco, rather Gallata, Wheel. Here the River Evenus, over which the Centaur Nessus carried Hercules Wife Dejaneira, to have ravished her. Also the River Achelous, much Fabled by the Poets. The Aetolians were a turbulent and unruly people.
Chief places in Locris are, Amphissa, Lambina teste Nigro, Anfisa Baud. Salona, Wheel. once the chief place of the Locrii Ozelorum, seated now on a Rock under a Mountain, that joyns Mount Corax and Parnassus, Musis Sacer apud Poetas, Parnaso & Liacura teste Soph. Licoura, Wheel. The Turks have here seven Moschs, and the Greeks six Churches, whole Bishop is under the Arch-Bishop of Athens: They Trade with Tobacco and Cottons.
Turcochoreo, thought to be the ancient Lilaea, is seated near the River Cephisus in the middle of a Plain between Mount Oeta and the Thermopylae, famous for King Leonidas defence; said to be a Town of the Locii Epicnemides, so called from the Mount and Town Cnemides.
Thalanda on the South-side of the River Platanius, a Bishoprick and large Town by the Ruins of Churches and Towers; a mile out of Town it seems to be the City Opus, hence Locrii Opuntii, & Sinus Opuntius.
Drepanum & Molycrium Strab. & Ptol. Trapani Nigro, now Capo di Pratras.
Chief Places in Phocis are Delphos, or Delphi, Salona Nigro, Castri Soph. & Wheel. once famous for the Oracle of Apollo, who delivered his sayings in Amphiboli's and dark Sentences, whereby he deceived his Devotee's, as Crassus and Pyrrhus; seated it was on the middle of the South-side of the Mount Parnassus, where Ducalion and Pyrrha swed themselves.
2. Daulis, now Dalia, noted for King Tereus who ravished Philomela.
[Page 246]3. Cirrha Plin. & Liv. Cyrrha Ptol. Aspropiti Zardo & Nardo, now Tramochi, Wheeler.
4. Anticyrrha Ptol. Anticyra Paus. famous of old for its Helebore, now in Ruins near to the Asprospiti Sinus.
5. Pythia, the Navil of the World, remarkable for the Assembly of the Amphictymes that condemned the Phocians for Sacriledg.
Chief Places in Megaris are Megara, seated in a Valley towards the Gulph of Engia, once comprehending two Rocks, now but one, having three or four Cottages of Greeks, much infested with Pyrates, famous once for the Secta Megarica of Euelid, and for the Fable of King Nyssa's Purple Hair.
2. Towards the Harbour Minoa is the ruined Fortress Nicaea, and the Dodeca Ecclesia; West are the Scironides Rupes, now Kakiscalia, or Bad Bay; and the ancient Cromium, the Bounds between Attica and Peloponnesus.
Peloponnesus, now Mor [...]a, is the most Famous Peninsula in the World; Bounded with the Sea only, where it joyneth to Greece by an Istmus of six miles in breadth; very Momorable for the Fruitless Design of divers Kings and Emperors to cut it through, and to make a perfect Island of it; and for the Isthmian Games instituted by Theseus; and for the Wall or Hexameli built by the Emperor Emanuel 1413. demolished by Amurath the Second 1424; 1463. rebuilt by the Venetians in 15 days, with 136 Towers.
A Country it was once abounding with all things, as well for the Delicacy and Contentment, as Necessary for the Life of Man; and for the bigness of it, none in the World hath suffered in the Ruin of so many brave and stately Cities, yet the best Inhabited of all Greece, being well Seated with Ports and Havens on all sides of it.
This pleasant part of Greece has not always had the name of Morea, as 'tis now called; Strabo saith that it was once called Argo, or Argos, from a famous City of that name within its Confines; and Aegialea from Aegialus a famous King of the Syconians. Apollodorus and Pliny calls it Apia, from Apis the third King of the Argives, Son of Aegialus, and also Pelasgia. Afterwards it had the Name of Peloponnesus from Pelops the Son of Tantalus King of Phrygia and Taygeta, now Morea.
As to its Bigness, Authors disagree, Isodore allows it 363 miles in Circuit. Bourdon 563. Porchacchi 573. Bleau, Sagredo, and Vianoli, makes it 600. Baudrand 550. Strabo makes the length 1400 Stadia. Sagredo makes it 170 miles from the Isthmus to Modon. Baudrand makes it 150 from Corinth to Tenarium Prom. and from C. Schilli to C. Tornese 175.
It was by Ptolomy and others divided into eight parts, Achaia Propria, [Page 247] Arcadia, Argia, Corinthia, Elis, Laconia, Messenia and Sicyonia. Pomponius Mela divided it in but six of those parts; he left out Corinthia and Siconia.
Morri and Baudranel make four Divisions, viz. Ducatus Clarentiae, the Dutchy of Clarence, or Chiarenza, which comprehends Achaia Propria, Sicymia and Corinthia. 2. Belvedera, which contains Elis and Messenia. 3. Sac [...]ania, or the lesser Romania, containing the ancient Argia or Argos. 4. Traconia, comprehending Laconia and Arcadia.
Places most Famous are, 1. Patras, an Arch-Bishoprick, known to the Romans by the Name of Augusta, Aroe Patrensis, called also Neupatria; by the Turks, now Badra and Balabutra, teste Leunc. Memorable for the Death of St. Andrew the Apostle, and now a Town of good Trade, in Raw Silks, Leather, Honey, Wax, Wool, Cheese, and Currants. Situate near the Strait which openeth into the Bay of Corinth, now Lepanto, a Strait Fortified on both sides with two Castles by Bajazet, to secure the Entrance of the Bay; taken by Andrew Doria 1571. Recovered by Solyman the Magnificent. July 1687. abandoned by the Turks, and possessed by the Venetians.
Chiarenza the Cyllene of Plin. Ptol. & Thucy. teste Soph. Antravida Nig. But Brietas will have Dyme. olim Stratos & Cauconia to be Clarenza, once the Capital City of that Dutchy, now some slight Traces of it are all that is visible. Six miles from the Cape Tornese, Chelonates Prom. Strab. and is the Castle or Fortress of Torneze, now by the Turks Clemouzzi, teste Wheel. Clemontii, Coronelli.
Pylas of Strab. Thucyd. &c. Abarinus Ptol. Nelea, Homero, teste Paus. & Coryphasium teste Steph. Navarino Soph. Zonichia Leunct. now Zunchio, or Navarin, 10 miles distant from Coron; is famous for its Port, where 2000 Vessels may ride at Anchor, about five miles long, and three broad, having an Island lying before it, on the right hand it is guarded with a strong Castle called New Naverin; on the other hand stands old Navarin, formerly called Pylus.
Modon, 10 miles from Coron, by the Turks Matum, by Plin. Methone; its Situation by Nature and Art makes it strong, having a safe and commodious Haven, taken first by the Venetians in the year 1124. In the year 1498. it was taken by Bajazet with a great Slaughter. And in the year 1685. retaken by the Venetians.
Coron, once Pedusus, Nisi, Laurenb, Epea, Paus. hath a strong and advantageous Situation on the right side of Cape Gallo, the Acritus Prom. of the Ancients, taken by Bajazet 1498. Taken again by General Doria 1533. but soon again returned to the Turkish yoke. But in the year 1685. after the defeat of the Turkish Camp, and a vigorous resistance, it was taken by assault, with a dreadful slaughter of all the Inhabitants, by [Page 248] the Venetians, who found 128 Pieces of Cannon, of which 66 were Brass.
Calamata the Abaea Ptol. Thuria & Aepea Strab. teste Soph. (but Abaea is Chioris, Mol. And the Thurium of Ptol. & Thyrea Plin. is now Cumestra, teste Mol.) The Thalame of Strab. & Paus. Theramne Plin. Therapnae Solino & Mela, teste Gemistro. But Niger will have Thalame to be Basilopotamo, or Vasilipotamo; and Mol. will have it Borboliza. It is seated at the bottom of the Bay of Coron, about a mile from the Sea, on the Bank of the River Pamisus of Strabo, Stromio Niger, defended with a strong Castle, with Regular Fortifications, taken by the Venetians 1685. Nigh to which is the Lake Lerna, where Hercules slew the Monster Hydra; as also Mount Tenarus, where was the Cave (called the descent of Hell) out of which he drew the Dog Cerberus; and Naemea was the place where he slew the dreadful Lion. As was also Zarnata a Fortress much favoured by Nature, but much more by Art, which was delivered up to General Morosini in sight of the Captain Bassa with a numerous and powerful Army, who dared not to attempt its succour.
Chielefa, is a Fortress of great importance for its advantages of Nature and Art, seated upon a steep Rock, a mile and half from the Sea; of a Quadrangular Figure, Flanked with five great Towers, not far from the place where once Vitulo stood. It surrendred to the Venetians 1686.
Passova is a Fortification seated in the Province of Maina, opposite to Chielefa, and Port Vitulo, yielded to the Venetians 1685. without a stroke, and demolished.
As also the Fortress of Maina built, where once stood the ancient Cersapolis, by the Ottomans called Turcotogli Olimienas, by the Greeks Castro di Maina, by the Turks Monige, demolished in the year 1570.
Mysitra, Seated in a large Plain, full of small Villages, Olive and Mulberry-Trees, about 25 miles from the Sea, the Mountain Taygetus commands it on the West; once Sparta, then Lacedaemon, once one of the most famous of the Grecian Cities, now shrunk to a little Town, scarcely shewing any Remains of its former Glory. Historians do not agree who was its first Founder, some say it was Spartus the Son of King Amiclas, others the Princess, King Lacedaemons Wife, who was called Sparta; some affirm it was Cecrops, and others attribute it to Spartus the Son of Phoroneus King of Argos, Contemporary with the Patriarch Jacob, and make it older than Rome 983 years. The Castle is so advantageously seated, that Histories assures us it was never taken. In the year 1687. surrendred to the Venetians.
[Page 249] Malvasia the Epidaurus, Limera & Monembasia of the Ancients, has a very advantageous Situation in a little Isle on a Rock, washed by the waves of the Archipelagus, yet enjoying several Sources of sweet clear Springs, inaccessible on all sides but one place, which is defended with a thick triple Wall, and joyned to the main Land by a Wooden Bridg, having a very spacious Port, and well defended; yet though its Scituation renders it almost invincible, yet by its ill fortune it hath undergone several Changes: Taken from the Greek Emperors by the French and Venetians, Anno 1204. In the year 1537. it was taken by Solyman, and during the Wars of Candia it was attacked by the Venetians and taken, who demolished the Fort, and left it. There is another Epidauras in Argia, called Esculapia Soph. famous for the Temple of Aesculapius. Pigiada Nigro, Cherronisi Soph.
Napoli di Romania, amongst the Celebrated Cities, once the Glory of Argia; this is now the chief, the Anaphia of Herod. Xenoph. & Strab. Nauplia Ptol. Napli Soph. built by Nauplius King of Eubaea, the Son of Neptune and Amimone, and Father to Palamedes. About two miles in Compass, almost surrounded by the Sea, and defended by a Castle, as the Harbour is by a Fort, built upon a Rock about 300 foot into the Sea, so that both Nature and Art have conspired to render it strong; now an Arch-Bishoprick, and the Residence of the Governour of the Province. Containing 6000 Greeks, besides a great number of other Inhabitants; first taken 1205. by the Venetians, joyned with the French; taken soon after by King Giovanissa, who left terrible marks of his rage and fury by putting the whole Garison to the Sword, and sacking the Town. Assaulted it was by Mahomet the Second with a powerful Army, but in vain; so Solyman also had no more fortunate success, but by agreement obtain'd it from the Republick. These two last places are all that the Turk now have in the Morea, so that the Venetians are now Masters of all that Country.
Argos, of this Name are three Cities in Greece, viz. 1. Argos Amphilochium in Epirus, now Anfilocha. 2. Argos Pelasgicum in Thessalia, now Armiro. 3. Argos Peloponnesiacum, once Phoronia, Jassia, Hyppobole, Diposa, or Dipsion. Seated on the River Inachus, now Planizza Soph. not far from the Ruins of the Ancient Mycenia; Founded by Inachus in the year of the World 2197. and continued for 546 years under Kings, then a Commonwealth, now only retains the Name of its passed Glory, though seated in a delightful Plain, about 24 miles from the Sea, abounding with Wine and Oyl, and all sorts of Grain, and defended with a Castle seated on a Hill. Here King Pyrrhus was killed with a Tile from the hands of an Old Woman.
[Page 250] Trapolizza, Megalopolis Polyb. Strab. & Christianopolis dicta teste Baud. Leondari, or Leontari Soph. by the Turks called Mora Orta, the Center of the Morea, the chief place in the once famous Arcadia, the Birth-place of Polybius the Historian.
Corinth, the Corinthus of Strab. and Polyb. Ephyro Lauremb. by the Inhabitants Coranto, and by the Turks Gerame. In the Lat. of 38 degr. 14. had its foundation from Aletes, who lived in the time of Cecrops 3066. So advantageously seated in the midst of the Isthmus, that some have called it the Eye of Greece, others the Bulwark of the Peloponnesus, and the splendor of Greece. This City formerly so rich and Magnificent, is now nothing more than a wretched Remnant of Wars and of Time, and hath preserved nothing more of its pristine Grandure than its own Ruins.
The famous Fortress of the Acrocorinthus, the Guard of Corinth, must not be passed by without a particular Remembrance. Built upon the point of a high Rock, and strengthened with a stout Wall very strong both by Art and Nature; yet after the taking of Lepanto, the Serasquier being terrified by the Venetian Forces, had set fire to it, and left it; where the Venetians found 45 Brass, and 4 Iron Guns 1687.
Thus have I as briefly as possible given an Account of the chief Cities now extant in the Morea, the Stage and Theater of Action in the late Wars.
The chief Mountains in this Peninsula are the Foloe, or Phole Mountain, near which was seated the City of Olympia, famed by the Poets for the Country of the Centaurs slain by Hercules, after his being Victorious over the Nemaean Lion, the Lernan Hydra, and the Erymanthan Boar.
Cyllene Mons, at the top whereof are yet to be seen the Remains of the Temple of Mercury.
Lyceus Mons, memorable for the Sacrifice of the Tyrant Aristarchus, made to the publick Rage of the Lacedemonians.
Menalus Mons, for its shady Groves, and refreshing Air, Dedicated to Pan.
Mons Sepia, for the Death of Epites stung by a Serpent.
Montes Poylizi, for Diana's Temple, called also Stymphalides.
Mons Mintia, or Mitena, which gives a Prospect to the Gulph of Coron, where the proud Fanes of Pluto and Proserpina once stood. At the foot of Mount Nonacres, at the foot whereof roul the fatal waves of Styx. Lastly, the Taygeta, Sacred to Bacchus, Ceres, Apollo, and Diana.
Chief Rivers are, Alpheus Ptol. &c. Carbon, or Darbon, vulgo. Orfea Soph. much famed by the Poets, who tell us also of its Subterraneous passage to its beloved Fountain Arethusa in Sicily.
[Page 251] Eurotas, now Vassalipotamos, Iris Niger Hemerus Plut. it runs by Misutra, and falls into the Gulf of Colchina; in Summer very dry and shallow, but in Winter sometimes overflowing its bounds.
Inachus, now Plannizza, once Cramavor, then Haliacmon, called Inachus from the Son of Oceanus and Thetis, whose story is well known.
I must not forget the River Pamysus, Strab. Plin. & Amathus, Panysus Ptol. Stromio, Niger, Tifeo, Giovio, which falls into the Gulf of Coron.
All Europe affords not a place comparable to this pleasant Peninfula. Its fruitful Plains flourish with plenty, adorned with the charms of variety. Its high Hills, though thought unpleasant objects for their cragginess, yet endowed with excellent Plants, and delicious Fruits; and its Climate is soft, serene and temperate. Here we may have the Melancholly view of the Imperial Seats of the Corinthians, Lacedemonians, Syconians, Mycenians, Elians, Arcadians, Pyleans, and Messenians, now lying buried in their own Ruins.
Of the Islands in the Aegean, Cretan, and Ionian Seas.
THE Islands that are adjacent to Greece, are, 1. Such as are in the Archipelago, or the Aegean Sea, which are about 43, and of late years have had 1450000 Inhabitants that paid the Harach or Pollmoney to the Turks; few or no Turks live in them, because of the Corsairs: Being Christians they are subject to the Metropolitan of Scio, and are governed by their own Archontes, and admire their own poor Freedom. 2. The Isles of the Cretan Sea, that are the Bar of the Arches. 3. The Islands of the Ionian Sea, now are all under the Venetian.
Of the Aegean Isles.
THE chief of these Islands are, 1. Negropont, by the Greeks called Egripos, but formerly Macris, Abantis and Eubaea, it lyes East of Achaia, from which it is said to be once separated by an Earthquake, which made the narrow Strait called Euripus, whose ebbing and flowing is not only seven times a day, but sometimes 11, 12, 13, 14 times in the space of 4 or 5 hours. This Island is Queen of the Aegean Sea, as well for fertility as greatness; about 100 miles in length, and 25 in breadth, and is plentiful in Sheep, Kids and Goats, Fish, Wine and [Page 252] Fruits, and all other Provisions. The chief City is Negropont, or Egripos, n a Peninsula near the place where Chalcis stood, a place formerly of great wealth and power, and since so well fortified, that it cost the Turks A.D. 1471. 40000 men in the taking of it from the Venetians; there S. Erizzo was murdered, and his beautiful Daughter Signora Anna refusing the splendid Courtship of Mahomet, was hewn in pieces by him. 2. Caristus, now Caristo, hence Columnae Caristiae. 3. The Promontory Capherus, now Doro, where Nauplius the Father Palemedes (having by his false fires in several parts of the Island, ruined and destroyed 200 Graecian Ships, and many thousand men) drowned himself, because Ʋlysses and Diomedes escaped. The whole Island is now under the Turks.
2. Stalamine, once Lemnos, memorable for the fabulous fall of Vulcan, and for the Entertainment of Jason and the Argonauts, by Hypsipyle, Daughter to King Thoas, Son of Bacchus and Ariadne; now noted for a Soveraign Mineral Earth against Infections, Poyson, and cures Wounds, &c. it is gathered August 6th. by the Greek Monks with much Ceremony, and many Religious Preparations, and made into small Pellets, sealed with the Turks Seal, and called Terra Sigillata, and so dispersed to the Merchants. 3. Sciros, the lurking place of Achilles, as Ortelius conceives; others think it to be one of Cyclades, more Southerly. 4. Thassus, now Tasso, 'tis 40 or 50 miles in compass, fruitful in Wine, &c. and Woody. On the North it has a Town situate upon a good Harbour. 5. Samothrace, quasi Samos Thraciae, formerly Dardania and Leucosia, it has plenty of Honey and wild Deer, and commodious Harbours, now much infested by Pyrates. 6. Imbrus, now Lembro, ten miles from Samothrace, and about 30 miles in compass, 'tis Mountainous toward the East, and has a well watered Plain to the West. 7. Alonesus, now Lanio. 8. Scopelius, now Scupelo. 9. Sciathus, now Siatta, of which little memorable.
3. The Gulf of Saron, now Engia, hath these Islands. 1. Egina, now Engia, the Country of Aeacus, who was Fabled to be Judg of Hell, with Radamanthus and Minos. It is 80 miles in compass, and has the Town Aegina, that consists of 800 Dwelling-houses, and from the Castle is a fair Prospect; here the Greeks and Latines have each a Church. Here is plenty of Corn, Cotton, Honey, Wax, Almonds and Carobs, and Red-legged Partriges. Betwixt the Islands Angestri, Metopi, Douronisa, Moni, and it self, is a Harbour where Ships may ride. 2. Cophinidia is S. W. And so is, 3. Calabrea, now Porus, 18 miles in compass, now inhabited by Albaneses; here Demosthenes was banished, and poysoned himself to avoid the Fury of Antipater. 4. Salamis, now Colouri, 50 miles in [Page 253] Compass; it has three Towns, 1. Colouri, has now about 400 Persons. 2. Metropis, 30 Houses. 3. Ambalachi, near this was the ancient City Salamis, near which was the Overthrow of Xerxes his Navy, where 200 of his Ships were sunk, and most of the rest taken by the Athenians, &c. Here also was the Birth-place of Solon, and the Royal Seat of Telamon the Father of Ajax. 5. Lypsocalalia. 6. Megala Kira, and Micra Kira, two Scoglio's, one formerly called Kaera, on which Xerxes sat in a Silver Throne to behold the fight of the Navies. There are other small Islands and Scoglio's which I omit for brevity's sake. The Inhabitants of these Islands had a Veyvode and a Caddi, but now they are left to themselves, and pay the Captain Basha 785 Dollars for all Duties.
4. The Cyclades, now the Islands of the Arches; the chief are, 1. Delos, formerly Ortigia, now S. Deli, because it comprehends the Island Rhencia West. It is now desolate, though formerly noted for the reception of Latona, where she was delivered of Apollo and Diana. Apollo had here a Temple, and the circumjacent Islands called Cyclades endowed it, and sent presents to it. 2. Mycone, or [...], 4 miles distant East, and 30 miles in Circuit. The Inhabitants are all Pyrates, yet Christians, and have 30 Greek Churches, and a Latin one. The Women are handsome, but not chaste. Here is plenty of Corn and Wine, but little Wood and Water. They are Tributaries to the Turks. 3. Tenos, now Tine, formerly Hydrusa, and Ophiusa, it lyeth high, being a large heap of Marble Rocks, but in many places covered with a fertile Soil. Its chief Town stands in the middle of the Island on a pointed Rock, on the highest part whereof is the Castle, which affordeth a curious Prospect over most part of the Archipelago. Here the Venetian General of the Archipelago resides. 4. Thermia, Polyaegos of old, in most Maps Firminia; it is much frequented by Paralyticks, Lame, &c. by reason of its many Baths and Hot Springs that are very Diaphoretick. 5. Seriphes, by the Greeks Serfo, in most Maps Serphanto, it hath a Town and Harbour on the Southside, with a Convent of Greek Monks. 6. Paros, or Pario, formerly Pactya and Minoa, famous for its good Air, and excellent Marble; it was dedicated to Bacchus, because Wine is here no more than Twelve-pence a Barrel; under the Marble Mountain is a Grotta with Figures of all sorts of Woods, Groves, Trees, Pillars, and rare Poetical Fancies, framed by the falling of Water congealed into Marble, which by Candle-light is a most surprizing Workmanship of Nature. 7. Siphanto, hath ten Villages, famous for excellent fruit, and beautiful Women. Here is a Monastery in which the Greek Nuns are first initiated. 8. Argentera, from a Mine of Silver, by the Greeks [...], [Page 254] by Ptolomy and Strabo [...], it hath some inhabitants. 9. Milo, 'tis said to have one of the best Ports of the World, now a refuge for Corsairs. 10. Bella-Pola, or Isola Brugiala, because burnt and blown up not many years since with Subterraneous fires. 11. Andros, once Cauros and Antandros. 12. Naxos, now Necsia, or Nixia, of old Insula Veneris and Dyonisia, remarkable for the goodness and plenty of its Wines, and for the excellent Marble Ophites. 13. Chia, or Cheos, now Zea, with others of less note.
5. The Sporades, from [...], because scattered in the Sea; the principal are 12 in number, 1. Astrypalea, now Stampalia. 2. Anaphe, now Namfio. 3. Helena, now Macronisa, where Paris enjoyed the fair Helena. 4. Sos, where Homer is said to be buried. 5. Lagusa. 6. Phocusa. 7. Phaecasia. 8. Philocandros. 9. Schinusa. 10. Strybia. 11. Thera, the Birth-place of the Poet Callimachus. 12. Gierra, &c.
6. Cythera, now Cerigo. S. of Morea the Birth-place of Venus and Helena. Its ill peopled, of a barren and Mountainous Soil; it has plenty of Sheep, Hares and Fowls, especially Turtles, Venus's beloved Birds. On the South it has a Town, and a good Harbour on the East-Point St. Nicolo. Here was the Temple of Venus, out of which Helena was stollen. On the South are the Scoglio's Ovo and Cerigotto. The rest of the Islands of the Aegean Sea we shall refer to the description of Asia Minor.
The Cretan Islands: 1. Candia, formerly Hecatompolis, Macronnesus, Idaea, Telchinia and Creta. It is seated in the mouth of the Aegean Sea, at the Entrance of the Archipelago, in sight of Asia and Africa; so advantageously situated, that Aristotle said it was the only proper Seat of an Universal Empire. It is above 270 miles in length, and about 50 in breadth. It hath been famous for the Wars of the Titans against the Gods, for its excellent Ships and Archers; for the Bull that ravished Europa; for the Amours of Pasiphae and Ariadne; for the cruelty of the Minotaur; for the Government of Saturn; for the habitation and Sepulchre of Jupiter; for the Laws of Minos and Rhadamanthus; for the Labyrinth of Daedalus; and many other things the Inhabitants boast of; but there is no belief of men that were always accounted Lyers, as Tit. 1.12. out of Epimenides. Anciently it had an 100 Cities, 40 remaining in the time of Ptolomy. 1. Gnossus, now Cinosus. 2. Cydon, now Canea, Mater Orbium, hence Poma Cydonia, now Adam's Apples. 3. Eleuthera, or Erythraea. 4. Miletum, named 2 Tim. 4.20. with Act. 27.7, 8, &c. and 21.17. 5. Gortyna, hence Spicula Gortynia, their best Arrows. 6. Dictamnum. 7. Ampelus. 8. Minoa, now Allemara. The chief Mountains are, 1. Ida, the highest in the Island, now called Psiloriti, from the top whereof may be discerned both Seas. 2. Dicte, now Sethia and Lasthi. [Page 255] 3. Leuci, a long Chain of Hills called of late, di Madara, la Spachia, and la Sfacioles. The Rivers are none of them Navigable, but the defect is supplied with good Harbours and Bays. The Mullet Scarus was a great Roman delicacy. Its Commodities are Muscadel Wine, Sugar, Sugar-Candy, Honey, Wax, Gum, Olives, Dates, Raisins, but little Corn. This Island was first Governed by Saturn, then by Jupiter, who was Interred at Gnossos; then succeeded Minos his Son, begotten on Europa; after that the Island was Governed by a Republick; and in the time of Pompey the Great it was subdued by the Romans; then the Emperors of Constantinople were Masters of it; after it was given to Boniface M. of Montferrat, who parted with it to the Venetians Anno Dom. 1204. But the Turks in the year 1669. after a War of 24 years quite expelled the Venetians, and so became Masters of it. This Island is now divided into four Territories, which bear the Name of so many Principal Cities, viz. Candia, Canea, Retimo, and Sittia. The Principal Fortresses are Grabates, Suda, and Spinalonga, held by the Venetians. Candia, the Capital City, so strong by Art and Nature, that it was the Bulwark of Christendom, and maintained it self against many long and desperate Sieges of the Turks, before it surrendered to them. Other Islands are, 2. Claude, Act. 27.16. now Gozo. 3. Dia, now Standia. 4. Letoa, now Christina. 5. Aegilia, now Cecerigo. Crete has one Archbishop, and eight Bishops.
The Ionian Islands.
1. Zant, anciently Zacynthus in North Lat. 36 degr. 30. min. The Town is stretched along the shore, and is very populous, according as the rest of the Island, that has 50 Towns and Villages, some Springs, it is infested with frequent Earthquakes. The Greek Church is here, and as in other places under the Venetian, much Latinized in their Doctrine, though they hate the Church of Rome. The Latines have here a Bishop, and divers Churches and Convents. The English, have a Factory, but no Priest, as in other places, and they seem to the Natives to live without Religion, to die without hope, as they are buried without decency, to the disgrace of our Reformed Church, and the great scandal of them that are without. Here is plenty of Currans, Wine, Oyl, Mellons, and other good Fruits. 2. Straphades, 2 Isles, 50 miles South of Zant; here live many Greek Monks well fortified. 3. Cephalonia, formerly Samos, Melaena, and Teleboe; 'tis 120 miles in Circuit, the greatest Isle in Ʋlysses Kingdom. Argostoli, a large Port every way Land-lockt, the Residence of the Venetian Proveditor; the chief Town is Cefalona, it affordeth abundance of Currans, Wine, Oyl, &c. 4. Thiaki, four or five [Page 256] miles over against Port Pescarda, it affords abundance of Currans. 5. Ithaca, formerly Dalichium, now Val de Compare, the Birth-place of Ʋlysses, now without Inhabitants, yet it has good Currans. 6. Echinades, five Scoglio's, now called Curzolari at the mouth of the River Achelous; near these were fought the Battels of Actium and Lepanto. 7. St. Mauro, by the Greeks Leucas, Leucada, and Nerilos; 'tis separated from Acarnania by a Streight of five Paces over, and three or four foot deep in water; the Castle is strong, called St. Mauro, Delivered up to General Morosini, July 1684. The Port is good, and named Chimeno, and the Island Leucas; 'tis inhabited with Turks and Greeks, most are Pyrats; 'tis thirty or forty miles in Compass, and fruitful in Corn, Pasture, Oranges, &c. 8. Corfu, formerly Corcyra, an 180 miles in Compass, but for a Rock West, the Town would be almost impregnable; in the Castle East resides the Venetian General by Sea and Land, to whom the other Islands appeal. The Ruined Towns are Cassiopia, now Cassopo. 2. Chersopolis, now Palaeopoli; here are also the Gardens of Alcinous, &c. The Inhabitants are very revengeful; here is plenty of Wine, Oyl, and Fruits, but little Corn. The Greeks have here a Proto-pappa subject to the Bishop of Cephalonia, but the Latins have a Bishop. Thus much for the Graecian Islands in the Aegaean, Cretan, and Ionian Seas.
The present State of the Countries, Forts, and other Places, which belong to the Europeans in the West and East-Indies.
THERE were at first but two Nations in Europe that Successfully undertook long Voyages by Sea, or who sent Colonies into Distant Climates: The Spaniards toward the West, and the Portugals into the East. These also obtained from Pope Alexander the Sixth, a Donation of all Lands undiscovered; but the other Europeans were not satisfied at the Pope's Liberality; for the English, Dutch, and French, would also have their share; since which time there have been several Changes in those Countries; that Rigor which the Portugal and Spaniard used to exclude all other Nations, serving only to destroy themselves.
The French have first in Canada, Montreal, the Three Rivers, Quebec, Tadousac, and other Places upon the great River of St. Lawrence, and upon Sufferance or Incroachment, they pretend to that which we call Nova Scotia, the Island of Cape Bretan. In New-found-Land, they have Bay Plaisance, and Bay Blanco.
2. Among the Islands called Antilles, part of St. Christophers, St. Bartholomews, Santa Cruez, St. Martins, Guadaloupe, La Desirée, Maria Galante, Les Saintes, Martinique, St. Aloisia, Grenada, and the Grenadins, La Tortue, and several Colonies in the Western part of the Spanish Island, otherwise call'd Sancto Domingo. 3. Upon the Southern Continent of America upon the Coast of Guyana, the Island of Cayene, where stands the Fort St. Michael de Ceperoux, now call'd Fort St. Louis: The Islands of Corou, Coonama, Comoribo, &c. 4. The Trade of the Coast of Africa, upon the Rivers of Senega: where they have a Fort: Also upon the River of Gambia, at Rufisque near Cape Vert, at great Sestre, at Ardra, and many other places in Guinie. 5. Fort Dauphin, and many other Fortresses in the Island of Madagascar, call'd by them the Dauphin Island. The Islands of St. Marie, Bourbon, and Diego Rois: The Bereaux, new Suratt, and other Places in the Mogull's Country. In the Kingdom of Tunquin, at Siam, in the Island of Java, and in other places.
The Spaniards possess the largest and best part of all America, where they have a great number of Cities: 1. In Northern America, New Spain, where are the Parliaments of Mexico, Guadalaira and Guatimala; the Islands of Cuba, Hispaniola, Boriquen, &c. besides St. Austins, and St. [Page 258] Matthews in Florida, and some part of New Mexico. In the Southern America, the Golden Castile, otherwise call'd the Continent, where are the Parliaments of Panama, and of the New Kingdom of Granada. Peru, where are the Parliaments of Quito, Lima and de la Plata. Chili and Paraguay, which comprehends the Country of Tucuman and de la Plata. The Islands also of Solomon in the South Sea. 3. All along the Coast of Africa upon the Sea-shore, Larache, Mahamore, and the Canaries. 4. Toward the East, most part of the Phillipine Islands, otherwise call'd the Manilles. They had also some part of the Molucques, but these they have long since quitted.
The Portugueses enjoy all the Coast of Brasil in Southern America, and all along upon that Coast, the Captainships of Para, Maranhaon; Ciara, Rio, Grande, Paraiba, Tamaraca, Pernambuco, Seregippe, Baia de Todos los Santos, Los Isleos, Porto Seguro, Spirito Santo, Rio Janeiro, & San Vincente. Toward the mouths of the Amazon River, Estero, Corduba and Cogemine. 2. In Africa, upon the Coast of the Kingdom of Morocco, Mazagan. Some Forts upon the River St. Dominic; Upon the Coasts of Guiny, Congo and Angola; and certain Habitations in the Island of St. Thomas. The Acores, Madera, and Porto Santo. The Islands of Cape Verd, and of the Prince, Fernando Poo, Annabon, &c. 3. Several places in the East-Indies, viz. Cafreria, upon the Coast of Monamotopa, the Castle of Sofala, the Village of Sena, a Factory with a little Fort at Cape Corientes, with other strong Houses upon the Entries of Guama, and the Rivers upon the Coast. In Zanguebar, which is upon the Coast of Melinda. The City and Castle of Mozambique, with the strong Fort of St. Mark; Factories, and some little Forts at Angoxa and Quilimarre. The Castle of Quiloa, and a Factory in the Island Monfia. The City and Castle of Mombaze, the Castle of Melinda, with the Villages and Factories of Pale, and Ampaze. The Trade of the Coast of Africa, from the Cape of Good Hope to the Red-Sea. In the Island Zocotora, at Aden, Fartach and Balsara. In Persia, Factories and half the Customs of the Island of Baharem and Congue: the Traffick to Benderrich, to Cape Jasques and other places. In India belonging to the Great Mogul, Damaon, with the Forts of St. John, Kielme, Matri and Barampor. Becaim, the Fort Bandera, otherwise call'd Manora, the Village of Tana fortified with three Bastions: the Rock of Asterim, Ougueli upon the Ganges; the Trade of Agra, Amadabat. Cambaye, Surat, Baroche, Bengala; and in Decan they have Chaul, with the Forts of Morro, Caranga, the Village of Massagan. Goa with her Fortresses in the Country of Bardes, and the Islands of Coran and Divar, and some other Lands about Goa. Upon the Coast of China, Macao. In the Island Solor, the Village and Fort of Larentoque: the [Page 259] Traffick of Persia, Golconda Aracan Pegu, Tanacerin, Ligor, Odia and other Places of Siam, Camboya, and the Island of Timor.
The English have extraordinarily augmented their Territories in America. They Trade to, and Possess all the Northwest part of America, New-York, New-Jersey, Pensilvania, Mary-Land, Virginia, Carolina, New-England, most part of the Isle of New-found-land, all Bermudas, Long-Island, Manhatten, now New-York, &c. Of the Lucaya Isles, as New-Providence, &c. Among the Southward Isles, Barbadoes, Barbouda, Anguilla, part of St. Christophers, Montferrat, Meuvis, Antigo, Dominico, and part of St. Vincent, St. Katherine's Isle, called the Island of Providence, Jamaica, and Trinity Isle. The Holy Point. They had some Colonies in Surinam, Maroni, Sinamari, &c. with some Forts upon the Coast of Guyana. In Africa, Tangier, near the Streights. Fort St. Andrew upon the River of Gambia. Fort St. Philip, toward the River St. Dominico. Tagrin, Madrebomba, Taxorari, Cape Corso, Emacham, or Naschange, and other places in Guinia, and the Island of St. Hellens. Madrespatan, and Fort St. George upon the Coast of Cormandel. The Island of Bombay, Angediva. A Factory at Surratt and Bantam, with Houses where the Presidents live. They have also Factories at Ispahan and Gombru, where they have half the Customs: a Trade at Agra, Amadabat, Cambaya, Brodra, Baroche, Dabul, Pettapoli, Maslipatan, at Balasor, Oguely, and at Daca in Bengal, at Prianam and Jamby in Sumatra. In Siam, Camboya, Tunquin, and the Island Formosa.
The Hollanders were expelled out of their New-Holland in America. However they still possess the Islands of St. Eustace, Saba, Curacco, where they have the Fort Amsterdam, and Tobago, or New Flushing, if not lately beaten out by the French. The City of Coro upon the firm Land. The Colonies of Rio Poumaron, where there is the New City of Middleburg, and the Fort Nova Hollandia, Rio Esequebe, a wide and great River, at whose mouth lyeth three great Islands, viz. Lugewaen, Magrieten, and Parrats Island. Higher up the River are seven other Islands, and further up the River is the Fort Kiick-over-all. Rio Demarary, and River Barbiezos. The Colony of Soronam, where is the Fort Pamaribo. The River Caperwaca, or Aperruvaca, and the River Winypoco, or Waiapoco, and other places upon the Coast of Guyana. In Africa, Arguin, and Goree, toward Cape Verd, where they have a Fort and Factories at Rufisque, at Porto d' Alé, and Joal. St. George of the Mine, the Fort of the Mine, the Fort of Nassau, or Mouré, Cormentin, Axime, and Botrou in Guiny upon the Gold Coast. Many Forts in Congo, &c. at the Cape of Good Hope, and at Table Bay two Forts more. In the Islands of Madagascar and St. Maurice. Upon the Coast of Malabar, Onor, Barcelor, Mangalor, [Page 260] Cananor, Cranganor, Cochin, Coulan. Upon the Coast of Cormandel, Tuticorin, Negapatan, Karkalle, and Gueldres near Pallecate. In the Indian Peninsula beyond Ganges, Malacca, with the Forts and Islands belonging to it. In the Island of Ceylon, Negombo, Colombo, Galle, Baticalo, Trinquilimaly, Jafnipatan, and a Fortress called Blakenburg in the Island of Mamar. In the Island of Java, Jacatra, called Batavia, and its Dependencies. The Isle Amsterdam, Leyden, Middleburgh, Delft, Encbysen and Horn. The Isle of Bima, part of the Molucca Islands. In Ternate, the Forts Tacomma, Talucco, Malaya, and Gammalamme. In Motir, the Fort of Nassau. In Machian, Taffaso, Tabilolla, Naflaquia, otherwise Nahaca, and Maurice. In Bachian, Gammadore, and Laboiia. In Gilolo, Sabou and Coma. In the Island of Amboyna, Coubella and Lovio. In the Banda Islands, Nassaw, and Belgia in Nera, and Revenge in Powleway. The Redoubt. Hittow in the Isle Hittow. In the Island of Solor, Fort Henry, Fort Janpaudam, otherwise called Roterdam near the City of Macassar. The Islands of Savo and Bocon near Macassar, with another Fort in Timor. Part of the Southern Land, which is called New-Holland, where lies Carpentaria, the Lands of Diemens, Witz, Endracht, Edels, Lewin, and Nuitz. Several Factories in Persia, as at Gombru, Congo, and Ispahan. In the Territories of the Great Mogul at Agra, Amadabat, Cambaya, Baroche, Surrat, Ogueli, Kasan-Basar, Daca, Patna, and Bipilipatan. In Decan at Fingerla, in Coromandel at Tenega-patan at Golconda, Maslipatan, Palicate, Datscheron, and Bincola-patan. In Pegu at Ava and Siriam. In Siam at Odia. In the Island of Sumatra, at Titou, Priamam, Indapout, Cillebar, Jambi, Palimbam, and other places. In the Island of Java at Bantam and Japatra. In the Island of Celebes at Manada and Macassar. The Trade of the Island of Zocotora. Upon the Coast of Arabia, at Mecca, Aden, and Fartach. In the Islands of Larek, Resem and others near to Ormus. At Porca, and most parts of Malabar. At Orixa in Bisnegar, in Aracan, in Pegu. At Tanazerim, at Pera, at Ihor, Pahan, Patane, Singora, Bordelong, Ligor, on the Coast of Mallaca. At Tunquin, Chincheo, and other places of China: And at Rima in the Island of Borneo. At Naugeseque near Japan. And excluding all other Nations, they pretend to the only Trade upon the Oriental Coast of Sumatra, Japan, Amboyna, Balli, and other places.
The Danes have also Colonies in both the Indies. They have New Denmark in the Northern part of America. The Fort of Frederick Burgh, with three Bastions that Command Cape Corso in Guiny; and the Castle of Christiansburgh in the same Country in the Kingdom of Accata. Krankebar, otherwise called Trango Bay, and Dansburgh upon the Coast of Cormandel.
Of Money or Coin.
MOney commonly is the mean for all Commodities: it is the Sinews and Strength of a State, the Life and Soul of Commerce. Geometricians say, That two Lines equal to a third Line, are equal one to another; so is Money a third Line by which all things are made equal in Value, not Materia prima, because it serves Actually to no Use, but potentially to all.
Coin seemeth to come from the French Coin, a Corner; for the Ancientest sort of Coin was cornered, not round.
The first Use of Money was to Supply every Mans particular wants by a Pledg thereof.
The most Ancient Money was of the purest Gold, because it had greatness of Weight, closeness of Parts, fixation, pliantness, or softness, immunity from Rust, and Beauty or Colour. And the Alchimists, who have most vexed that Body, say, that 'tis harder to destroy Gold, than to make it. Silver is next to it, and is more ductile than any other Metal, except Gold.
The pureness and fineness of Money, and the weight, is observable for the intrinsick value thereof. The outward Form or Character of the Prince or State for the extrinsick knowledg of Money.
The intrinsick value of Money or Coin is so much as there is pure Gold or Silver in it, in fineness and weight. As for Gold, it is divided into 24 parts, called Carrats; so that when 'tis said, Gold is 23 Carrats fine, there is a 24th part Allay mingled with it. Or if 22 Carrats fine, then there is a 12th part of Allay, &c. The Ancient Standard of Sterling Gold was in Edward the Third's time, 23 Carrats 3 grains and one half of fine, and half a grain of Allay. Dr. Chamberlain in his Present State of England, saith, 'tis now 22 Carrats of fine Gold, and 2 Carrats of Allay. The Silver is 11 Ounces and two penny weight fine, and 18 penny weight of Allay, which also agrees with what that Author saith 'tis now.
'Tis manifest that the most proper Measure in Nature for Gold and Silver, is weight; and the Practice of Antiquity doth confirm it; for the Shekel, Mina, Talent, and Drachme, both of the Romans and Grecians, were the names of several sorts of weight.
Of the Proportion between Gold and Silver.
This Proportion must needs differ in several times and places, according to the scarcity or abundance of those Metals; and indeed I find much variety amongst Authors, what it was amongst the Hebrews, both as to Times and Interpretations. Bodine alledges the same places to prove, that the Proportions were 25 for one, which other Authors do alledge to prove it to be above 45 for one; and others 10 for one. 'Tis the general consent, that in the times of the Flourishing of the Grecian Common-wealths, the Proportion of Silver to Gold was 12 to one. And Livy tells us, that the Aetolians agreed with the Romans to pay ten Talents of Silver, instead of every Talent of Gold.
In France in the Year 1614. the Proportion did arise to 13, wanting about a seventh part, to one of Gold.
In Germany in the Year 1610. the Proportion held 13 for one, sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less.
The Proportion in Spain hath for a long time been as 12 to one.
In the Ʋnited Provinces, by the Placcard 1622. it was about 12 and two thirds fine Silver to one of Gold.
And in England in the 14th. Year of Q. Elizabeth, the ancient Sterling Standard of Gold and Silver was altered, and a pound of fine Gold valued at 11 l. of fine Silver, and 7 s. 10 d. over. And in the Second Jacobi, the Proportion was 12 for one, but after raised by Proclamation. The Proportion was 13 l. of fine Silver to 1 l. of fine Gold, at 24 Carrats to the Pound: afterwards I find it at 14 and one third.
The raising of the Price of Money both of Gold and Silver, as it hath been ancient, so it hath been a great Confusion and uncertainty among Coins; for the As, which was Originally coined of a pound weight by the Romans, was in the first Punick War brought to two ounces, and the lesser parts of it were abated proportionably. By Papirius it was reduced to half an Ounce. The Denarii of Silver were at first currant for 10 As, at length reduced to a Drachma, which is 8 in the Ounce, and the lesser parts were abated in proportion. Afterwards it was worth 16 As. And their Solidiaurei were coined of 48 pieces in the pound; and in the time of Justinian they were 72 in the pound. And for some hundreds of Years most Princes and States have vied one upon another who shall raise their Money highest.
But as Money was first invented and chosen to be the Instrument of Exchange and Measure of all things, to avoid the trouble and chargeable Carriage of Commodities from one place to another: So was Exchange [Page 263] of Money also first devised to avoid the danger and adventure thereof from place to place.
By the Exchanges, all Princes Coins are brought into one and the selfsame quality and parity, for the real Exchange is grounded upon knowledge of the Part or Value for Value of the Moneys of each several Country according to their several Standards, abating or allowing according to the Value, Weight, and Fineness of the same, and so rectifying both the one and the other in equality and true Value.
But though the intrinsick value be the principal Rule by which Exchanges are squared, yet there are many other Circumstances which do vary and alter the Exchange: As the Plenty and Scarcity of money, the Occasions and Necessities of Princes; the Trade and Commerce of Merchants, whose Estates being continually traversed from one Country to another, and from one Coin to another, do give and take as their occasions and the Rules of the Exchanges conduce to their profit. Hence the Bankers in Italy, Spain, and France, being the great Takers and Deliverers of moneys at their several places of meeting, do concur in setting the Rates and Prices of Exchange for their own Commodity and Advantage, which are seen so variously to alter, and daily to rise and fall by those that use this Mystery, so that although I have given the common Estimate of Foreign Coins to the Standard of London, as they are commonly valued, yet according to the Rules of Exchange they will be very different.
Of the Roman Coin.
THE General Names for Money among the Romans are three, Moneta, Numus, Pecunia.
Moneta, (whence the French Monnoye) because it sheweth the Author, the Value, and the Time.
Numus, or Nummus, saith Vossius, a Numa, or rather of a Greek Original [...], from the Law.
Pecunia, Either from the Images of Cattel stamped upon it, or from their skin out of which money was Coined.
The Names of the Brass money among the Romans, were As, quasi Aes, the twelfth part of a Roman penny, value of our money 3 farthings; Semis, half an As; Triens, 1 third of an As; Quadrans, 1 fourth of an As; Sextans, 1 sixth of an As ½ of a farthing, &c.
[Page 264] Roman Silver Coins were the Denarius, the old in value at 8 d. three farthings; Denarius the new, in value at 7 d. half-peny. Sestertius being 2 and a half assis, in value 1 d. 3 farthings and a half. Bigatus, Quadratus, having the Image of a Chariot, the same with a Roman new Denarius. Victoriatus the Image of Victory, called Quinarius, in value 3 d. 3 farthings. Libella, the tenth part of the Roman peny, in value 3 farthings. Obolus the sixth part of the Roman Denari 1 d. ½.
Of the Roman Gold Coins, there was the Amient piece or Consul, ¼. of a l. of Gold in value 17 s. 1 d. 3 farthings. The Emperour's Coin or Piece 2/48 of a l. of Gold, value 15 s. Half a Piece called Aureus Drachmalis weighing one Drachme, value 7 s. 6 d. Tremissis Triens, or a third part of the Emperor's Coin, value 5 s.
As to the Coins of Gold after the translating of the Seat of the Empire to Byzantium, I find these, Constantine Pieces of Gold, value 8 s. 6 d. 3 farthings and 6/7 of [...] These were current until the days of Valentinian, who, as also Valens, Arcadius, Honorius and others, made their Coin somewhat heavier, but all differ'd little in the weight of their Coins; the Valentinian Piece of Gold called Sextulus, was accounted in value 10 s.
The chief Roman Coins valued with our Money, were the Talentum, containing 24 Sestertia, 6000 Roman pence, value 187 l. 10 s. Then the Sestertium containing 1000 Sesterces, was valued at 7 l. 16 s. 3 d. Libra, vel pendo, a pound, 12 ounces, 96 darms; 1/24 part less than the Grecian pound was, in value 3 l.
According to this account I find Camillus his fine, 500000 Pieces of Brass, was of our Money 1562 l. 10 s. vide Liv. Lib. 6.
So Rossius the Stage-player, his 1000 Deneers or Roman pence, his daily reward was 31 l. 5 s. vide Macrob. l. 3. c. 14.
Thais's demand of Demosthenes, 10000 Deneers, was 312 l. 10 s. 250000 Deneers the price of Cicero's Head to Antonius, was 7812 l. 10 s.
At this Rate likewise was the Supper of Caligula, valued at 78125 l.
And Julius Caesar gave unto Sevilia the Mother of Brutus, a precious Stone, which he bought 60 times, valued at 46875 l. The Heap of Brass-money gathered by Curio the Son of Valerius, viz. Sexcenties Sestertiums, value 468750 l. Max. l. 9. c. 1.
Aesop the Tragedian Stage-player left unto his Son Ducenties Sustertium, value 156250 l.
And the Remains of Crassus's Wealth after the 10th. to Hercules, and his Publick Treat of the People of Rome, and had given to all the Citizens 3 Months Corn, were 7100 Talents, value 1331250 l.
[Page 265]The Roman Treasury taken from Captives and Enemies, began by Julius Caesar, was Millies Sestertium, which is 1000 C, Thousand Sest. or 1 Million 100 M 000. and in value of our Money was 781250 l.
Emilius Paulus brought into the Treasury from the Macedonian Captives, Bis Millies Centies, that is two thousand hundred thousand H. S. or Sesters, valued at 1640625 l.
The Money which at five Triumphs was brought unto Julius Caesar by the Captives was Sexies, Millies Sest. viz. six Millions of Millions, value at 468250 l.
Lentulus the Soothsayer was worth before the Libertines impoverished him, Quater Millies Sestertium, viz. 4000 hundred H. S. valued at 3125000 l.
Julius Caesar in the beginning of his Consulship, took out of the Capitol 3000 l. of Gold, and put in so much Brass-money, valued at 108000 l.
Antiochus to have peace with the Romans paid them 1000 Talents, value 2812500 l.
And the Tribute laid upon the Asians by Antonius was 20000 Talents, value 37500000 l.
-
Roman Liquid Measures I find were
- Cochlear sive
- Ligulus 46080
- Cyathos 11520
- Acetabulum 7680
- Quartarios 3840
- Heminas 1920
- Sextarios 960
- Congios 160
- Modius 60
- Ʋrna 40
- Amphora 20
- Cadus 13½
- Medimnus 10
- Culeus 1
- The
Roman Measures of Length were,
- Digitus 80000
- Pollex 60000
- Palma the Less 20000
- Palma the Greater 6666⅔
- [Page 266] Pes 5000
- Cubitus 3333⅓
- Gressus 2000
- Passus 1000
- Stadium 8
- Millare 1
Their Square Measures were, 1. Actus minimus, 4 foot broad and 120 long, viz. 480 Square feet. 2. Clima, about 60 feet Square. 3. Porca, A piece of Land 30 foot broad, and 120 foot long, containing 3600 Square feet. 4. Actus Quadratus, half an Acre, or 4 Porca's. 5. Jugerum, an Acre of Ground in length 240 foot, in breadth 120, which maketh 28800 Square feet. 6. Centuria, 100 Acres, or 11520000 Square feet. 7. Saltus, a Forest or Land containing 4 Centuries, or 400 Acres.
- A Table of the
Roman Pound.
- Granum 6912
- Siliqua 1728
- Obolus 576
- Scrupulum 288
- Drachma 96
- Ʋncia 12
- Libra 1
- Or by another Author thus:
- Grains 5040
- Oboles 504
- Victoriatos 168
- Denarios 84
- Ounces 12
- Libra 1
As, Libra, Pondo, Solidus; a Pound was 12 Ounces Troy weight: So I also find,
- Grains 82½
- Oboles 6 6/7
- Scruples 3 1/7
- Drachms 1 1/7
- Denarios 1
And the Roman Talent to be,
- Mina 75 the same with the Hebrew 125 l.
- Libra 125 the same with the Hebrew 125 l.
- Ounces 1500 the same with the Hebrew 125 l.
- Peny-weights 10500 the same with the Hebrew 125 l.
- Drachms 12000 the same with the Hebrew 125 l.
- Scruples 36000 the same with the Hebrew 125 l.
Of the Grecian Coin.
Darius Stater, having the Image of Sagittarius, containing 2 Drams, was worth 15 Shillings English Gold.
The Stater of Cizicus weighing 28 Drachms, was in value 1 pound, 1 shilling.
The Talent containing 60 Mina's, and every Mina a hundred Drams; viz. 6 thousand Drams to a Talent, was valued at 187 pound 10 shillings Sterling.
The greater Talent of 8 thousand Drams, was valued at 250 pound sterling, so was the Talent of Egypt.
The Talent of Babylon at 7 thousand, was valued at 218 pound 15 shillings. The Talent of Aegina at 312 pound 16 shillings; and that of Alexandria containing 12 thousand Drachms, at 375 pound sterling.
The Grecian Silver Coins.
The Stater of Macedon was in value 2 s. 9 d. farthing, and 2 thirds, sterling.
The Stater of Corinth, 1 s. 8 d. half-peny, sterling.
The Didrachmum with the Image of an Ox, was in value 1 s. 3 d. English.
The Drachma marked with Minerva's Candle, weighing with the Roman peny, value sterling 7 d. half-peny.
Of Grecian Distances.
- The Dactylus or Digitus, a fingers breadth 96000
- [...], the lesser Palm of four fingers breadth 24000
- Spithame the greater Palme 12 fingers breadth 8000
- Pes, 4 Palms 16 fingers, less than the Roman foot by half 6000
- an Inch, greater than the Hebrew by one fourth 6000
- The Cubits were of 3 sorts, viz. of 18, of 20, and of 24 fingers in breadth 4000
- The Orgya, Passus, a pace; 6 foot 4 Cubits 1000
- Stradium, Orgyas, furlong 100 paces, 400 cubits, 600 feet 8
- Millare, 8 Stradïa or furlongs, a Mile 1
[Page 268]There was also the Parasanga about twenty nine or thirty furlongs, and the Schaenus which some make to be sixty furlongs, others but 32 furlongs.
The Grecian Liquid Measures were,
The Amphora of Attica, containing 12 Choos, 72 Zestes or Sextarios. Chus or Congius, is six Sextarios: the Amphoreos half of a Metreta.
Then there is the Cotile half a Sextarius, the Quartarius a fourth of a Sextarius, Oxibaphum an eighth, Chyathos the 1/22, Concha the 1/24 of a Sextarius, Mystrum the 1/48, Chemes the 1/60, and Cochlear the 1/120 of a Sextarius.
Of the Grecian Weights.
The lesser Talent of sixty pounds, the Pound of twelve ounces and a half, the Ounce of eight Drachms, the Drachm of three Scruples, the Scruple of two Oboles, one Obole of one and a half Lupine; so that a hundred Drachms of Attica are ninety six of the Roman; And the lesser pound of Attica is but seventy five Drams, the greater hundred: one pound of the greater is 1 ⅓ of the lesser, and the greater Talent contained 80 l.
The Physick Weights mentioned by Dioscorides and Galen.
The Mina or Pound of sixteen Ounces, and the Libra or twelve Ounces, ninety six Drachms, two hundred eighty eight Scruples, five hundred seventy six Oboles, and six thousand nine hundred and twelve Grains.
The parts of a Pound were Sextans two Ounces, Quadrans three Ounces, Triens four Ounces, Qui [...]unx five Ounces, Selibra half a Pound, Sextunx seven Ounces, Bes eight Ounces, Dodrans nine Ounces, Dextans ten Ounces, Deunx eleven Ounces, &c.
For the Hebrew Coins, &c. See Jerusalem.
Of the Coins, Weights and Measures of the Chief Cities in Europe.
Of Alicant.
ALicant, seated on the Mediterranean Shore, is a Commodious Road for Shipping; It affords Wines, Raisins, Licoris, Anniseeds, Hard Soap, Soda Barrilla, and Almonds.
The Coins, are Livers, Solds, and Deniers, 12 Deniers make a Sold, 20 Solds a Livre, which is about 5 d. Sterl. here are also Rials which they call currant Money, a single Rial being reckon'd above 6 d. Sterling: the Currant Money is of less worth than Plate from 7 to 16 per Cent. according to the Plenty or Scarcity of Pieces of Eight in the Country.
The Weights are the Cargo, Quintal, and Rove of 24 l. being 18 Ounces; and the Rove of 36 l. being 12 Ounces: all gross Commodities are weighed by 24 l. to the Rove, and 4 Roves to the Quintal, and 2 Quintals and half to the Cargo, the Quintal 96 l. because of 18 Ounces to the Pound, make 108 English.
Pepper, Cloves, all Spices, and other Commodities of Value, are sold by the Rove of 36 l. being 12 Ounces to the Pound, whose Quintal is 120 l. which is about 18 or 20 per Cent. less than the English 112 l. Here the Rove or Cantar is a quarter less than at Cadiz or Mallaga.
The Measure is the Vare, which makes 35 Inches English and ½.
The dry Measure is the Hanague, whereof five make 8 Bushel English.
The Wine Measure is the Cantar, which is about two Gallons English.
Note that 12 Barrachilia's is a Chiaze, which is equal with 4 Hommocks of Cadiz or Mallaga.
Salt at a Rial a Measure; you are according to Custom to have one Measure for the Ships use without Money.
Of Amsterdam.
THIS City by reason of its vast Trade to Foreign Parts, affords plenty of all known Commodities in the World; the several Commodities of Europe, the Drugs, Spices and Silks of Asia, the Product of Africa, and the Riches of America.
[Page 270]Their Money or Coin is often inhansed or debased as they see occasion, but commonly is found to be the same as in the account at Antwerp. Their Livre or Pound which is 20 s. Flemish, and 120 Stivers, makes a Pound of Gross, and 20 Stivers or Solds Turnois makes a Gilder, which is commonly 2 s. Sterling; and 6 Stivers is a Flemish Shilling, and 5 Stivers is reckoned as much as 6 d. Sterling. Besides these, all Coins of Europe do here pass currant, and are paid and received in Merchandize according to their Value. The Duccatoons are equal to 10 Dutch Shillings, or 60 Stivers; Patatoons are equal to 48 Stivers, or 8 Dutch Shillings.
Their Weight is the Pound of 16 Ounces, 100 whereof makes their Quintal, which makes at London 108 or 109 l. neat.
Their Measure is the Ell, which is ¾ of a Yard English; so that 100 Ells makes at London 74 Yards, or 60 Ells and a half, some say 59 Ells.
Of Antwerp or Anvers.
THE Former and Antient Trade of this City was as great and eminent as now Amsterdam is.
Commodities here found, are Tapestries, Pictures, several Manufacturies, and other the Commodities of Flanders.
Their Accounts are here kept by Livres, Solds and Deniers; which they term, Pound, Shillings and Pence of Grosses; 12 Grosses making a Sold, and 20 Sold a Livre or Pound Flemish.
The Currant Money here, as generally through all the Spanish Provinces, are (besides the Spanish and Imperial) Doits; of which 8 makes a Stiver, and 6 Stivers a Shilling Flemish; and 20 Stivers makes a Gilder, 6 Gilders a Pound Flemish; which is reckon'd for 12 s. Sterling, and 20 s. Sterling for 33 s. 4 d. Flemish; but in Exchange 'tis sometimes more than 36 s. Flemish for a Pound Sterling.
Their Weight is the Quintal of 100 l. of 16 Ounces per l. which makes at London 104 l.
Their Measure is the Ell Flemish, which is one fourth of a Yard English, so that 100 Ells Flemish makes 60 Ells, or 75 Yards English.
Corn is sold by a Measure called the Vertule, whereof 37 and a half makes a Last at Amsterdam, which is 10 Quarters English.
Wine is Sold by the Stoop, the Ame, and the Butt; 50 Stoops is one Ame, and 152 Stoops is a Butt: the Stoop makes at London 7 Pints, and the Ame 42 Gallons Wine-measure.
Of Bilboa.
BIlboa is a Town of great Trade, and much frequented by Merchants; Seated two miles from the Ocean: Its Commodities are Iron, Chestnuts and Wool.
The Coins are the same as used throughout Spain. Vide Madrid and Sevil.
As to their Weights, they make use of two Kintals, the one being 100 l. Subtle, which produceth at London 111 or 112 l. the other is only Proper for Iron, which makes at London 128 l.
Their Measure is the Vare, of which 109 makes 100 Yards English.
Corn is sold by the Hanega, 5 whereof makes a Quarter English.
Of Cadiz.
HEre their Weight of Gold is more than in Italy, the Pistol being two Grains heavier. To a Dobleon you must add 4 Grains; to a double Dobleon you must add 6 Grains.
Of Copenhagen.
COpenhagen, the Seat of the Danish Kings in Winter; Commodities are Hides, Tallow, Stock-fish, Armour, Cordage, Masts, Pitch, Tarr, Deals, Wainscot, Buck-skins and Salt-fish.
Coins here currant are the Dollars and Shillings; 66 Shillings makes a Rix-Dollar, which is 5 Shillings Sterling.
They keep their Accompts by marks of 16 s. Danish: and their Exchanges are made by Rix-Dollars, which is the currant Coin of the Kingdom.
Their Weights are the great and small Hundred, viz. one of 120 l. the other of 112 l. which are divided into 12 parts, or stones, at 10 l. per Stone.
They have also a Skip-pound, which makes 32 stone at 10 l. per Stone, which is 320 l. or 20 Lis-pounds of 16 pound mark, is a Skip-pound. And the 100 l. English is found to be 92 at Copenhagen.
Their Measures I find no where certain; the best that I can fix upon is that 100 Yards English makes about 163 Ells there.
Of Constantinople.
COnstantinople is the Seat and Residence of the Great Turk, enjoying the Advantages of the Euxine and Mediterranean Seas; of which 'tis Observed, That the first Emperor that Commanded, it was a Baldwin, and a Baldwin that lost it. That a Constantine Built it, a Gregory being Patriarch, and a Constantine lost it, a Gregory being Patriarch: And it was gained by Mahomet, and a Mahomet (according to the Turks Prophecy) shall lose it.
The Commodities are Grograins, Camlets, Mohair, Carpets, Anniseeds, Cottons, Galls, &c.
The Coins currant are Aspers, 80 whereof is accounted a Dollar, and 120 Aspers to the Sultanies of Gold: a Rial of 8 and a half is a Sultanie of Gold. The Lion Dollar at 75 Aspers. The German Sestine at 70 Aspers. The Rial of 8 for 80 Aspers. Sometimes the Sultanie, Hungar, or Chequin, is worth 10, 12, or 15 Aspers more than 80. And in Merchandize it doth pass for 90, 100, or 110 Aspers.
Thevenot tells us that the Aspers are little pieces of Silver stampt with the Grand Signiors Name, and are worth about 8 Deniers, or 3 farthings a piece. The Isolette is worth 55 Aspers. The Aslanies, or German Rix-Dollar, is worth 80 Aspers. The Piastre or Picade of 58 Sols, is commonly worth 90 Aspers, sometimes but 80. And then the Aslanie is worth but 75 Aspers. The Turkish Chequin is worth 2 Piasters. The Venetian is worth 10 Aspers more. And that a Purse contains 500 Piasters, or 45000 Aspers.
The Cantar which is 150 Rottes, the Rotte is 12 Ounces, the Ounce 12 Drams, the Drachm is 16 Quirats, the Quirat is 4 Grains. The Oque contains 400 Drams, 176 Drachms is a Lodero, and 100 Lodero's is accounted to be 42 Oques, and called a Quintar, or Cantar, which is 120 l. English.
Silk is sold by the Baleman, which is six Oaks, or 16 l. and one third English; but weighed by the Lodero, 13 Loderoes, and 112 Drams makes a Baleman.
The Mitigal, or Midical, is 1 Dram and a half, which is 24 Killats, 20 Mitigals of Gold is 3 Ounces English. The Chequin, Sultanie, or Hungar, is 18 Killats.
The Measure is the Picos, one of Cloth, 4 of which makes three Yards English, and is about 26 Inches and a half.
The Second is the Grogram or Chamlet Pico, containing 24 Inches, 24 whereof makes 16 Yards English.
[Page 273]Corn is sold by the Killow, and weigheth about 20 Oaks; and eight Killows and two thirds is a London Quarter.
Wine and Oyl is sold by the Meter, which makes 8 Oaks, and is about two thirds of a Gallon English.
Of Cracovia.
CRacovia, tho the Metropolitan City of Poland, yet of small Account in Trade.
Its Coins are the Gold Ducate, of the same value of the Hungarian Ducate. Groszes, Or [...]s, and Rix-dollars. 18 Grosz make an Ort, 30 Groze make a Gilder or Florin, 6 Gilders make a Ducate, 5 Orts of 18 Grosz makes a Rix-dollar, and 4 Orts of 22 and a half Grosz makes a Rix-dollar, which in Specie is worth 40 Polish Grosz, but in Buying and Selling it is accounted 36 Grosz. They make Contracts by Silver Gilders or Florins, but no such real Coin.
The common weight is the pound, 136 whereof is accounted a Quintar, which makes in London 114 pound circa; and the 100 pound of London hath yielded here about 120 pound.
The Measure of Length is the Ell, which is half of the English Ell, but their Linnens are sold by the Shock, which contains 57 Ells and a half English.
Of Dantzick.
DAntzick, Seated about an English Mile from the Baltick Shore, on the River Vistula; the fairest City, and greatest Trade of any in Prussia. Her Commodities are Wheat, Ric, Oats, Pot-ashes, Clap-boards, Oats, Flax, Hemp, and Canvas.
Their Coins are Dollars, Gilders, Grosz, and Pence. The Rix-dollar is worth 90 Grosz, which is commonly valued at 4 s. 6 d. Sterling. A Gilder is worth 30 Grosz, and 18 of their Pence makes a Grosz. So that a Gilder is about 1 s. 6 d. Sterling.
They keep their Accompts by Gilders, Grosz, and Pence. And they reckon one great Mark is 2 Polish Gilders, and one Polish Gilder is worth two lesser Marks, one lesser Mark is worth 15 Grosz, and the Grosz is 18 Pence. And a Grosz is worth 2 2/ [...] of a Farthing Sterling.
Their Weight is the Pound, whereof 116 l. at London makes 100 l. There is also the Skip-pound, and the Lis-pound, 16 or 14 Mark-pound [Page 274] is one Lis-pound, and 20 Lis-pound makes one Skip-pound by the small Stone of 24 l. But there is a great Stone to weigh gross Wares of 34 l. whereof 10 l. to the Skip-pound of 340 l.
Their Measure for Length is the Ell, 100 Ells whereof makes in London about 49 Ells.
The Measure of Beer is the Fat, which contains 180 Stoops.
The Measure of Corn is the Last, which contains 60 Sheffels, 56 whereof makes a Last in Amsterdam, or 10 Quarters and a half English. And 4 Sheffels make one Mud, which is the Ship-pound of 34 l.
Of Florence.
FLorence is Seated on a Fruitful and Pleasant Plain, near the Confluence of the River Arno and Chiani, first Built by Sylla, made a Colony by the Triumviri; razed by the Lombards, Rebuilt by Charles the Great, bought its Liberty of Rodolphus; and lastly, Subject to the Medices, now Dukes of Florence.
The Commodities that this City produceth are the product of the Dukedom, viz. Wines, Oyls, Silks both raw and wrought into several Fabricks, as Taffaties, Sattins, Velvets, Plushes, and Grograms.
The Coins here currant are Ducats of 7 Livers per Ducat, which is reckoned for 5 s. 3 d. Sterling. The Liver is 20 Solds, which is valued 9 d. Sterling. The Liver is also divided into 12 Craches, whereof 8 is a Julio, which is 6 d. Sterling; 5 Quatrins is a Crach, and 60 Craches makes a Liver.
They keep their Accompts generally in Livers, Solds, and Deniers, 12 Deniers to a Sold, and 20 Solds to a Liver.
The Weight is the Quintal or 100 l. of 12 Ounces to the Pound, which 100 l. makes at London 78 l.
The Measure is the Brace, and 4 Braces is a Cane, and 100 Braces are found to make 48 Ells and a half, or 60 Yards and a half.
Wine is Sold by the Cogno, which is 10 Barrels, each Barrel 40 Metadels, or 20 Bottles, and the Barrel is to weigh 120 l.
Oyl is Sold by the Orcio, or Barrel, and contains 32 Metadels, which should weigh 85 l.
Wrought Silks are here Sold by the Pound for Livers, and not by Measure.
Of Frankford.
FRancford is a Free City, Famous for the Election of the Emperors, as also for two Fairs or Marts for Books, Annually kept, the one in Lent, the other in September.
The Weight is the Pound of 16 Ounces, of which there is three Quintals, the one of 100 l. for fine Goods, the other of 120 for Gross Goods, and the third of 132 l. for Food; the 100 l. makes at London 108 l.
The Measures of Length are two, one for Linnen, the other for Woollen, both Ells differing about two per Cent. 100 Ells whereof make at London about 48 Ells.
Of Genoa.
THIS City is Inhabited by the greatest Money-Mongers in Europe. Their Coins here currant are Deniers, whereof 12 make a Sold, 4 Solds a Chavalet, 5 Chavalets or 20 Solds, a Liver, which is 1 s. 4 d. Sterling. 90 Solds makes a Crown of Gold, a Ducat in Silver is 4 Livers.
They keep their Accompts by Livers, Solds, and Deniers. 20 Deniers is a Liver, and 5 Livers a piece of Eight. Here note, that a piece of 8/8 currant Money is worth but 96 Solds. But St. Georges weighed 104 Solds.
Their Weight is the Pound of 12 Ounces, and 25 Pound is a Roue, 6 Roues is a Kintal; and 100 l. Genoua is 70 l. ½ English; and 1 Pound English is 17 Ounces Genoua; and 112 l. English is 58 l. Genoua. And the Quintal is 100 Rotelles, which makes 150 smaller Pounds, and is 106 l. English. The gross Quintal of 150 l. is of 18 Ounces to the Pound.
The Measure is the Cane, which is of two sorts, one for Silk, which is of 9 Palms, whereof 100 makes 26 Yards English; the other for Linnen and Woollen is of 10 Palms, and makes 2 ⅞ Yards English.
Wine is sold there by the Miserold, whereof 5 makes a Botta dimina, and two Barrels makes a Miserold, which is 100 Pints.
Oyl is sold by the Barrel, 14 whereof makes a Tun of 236 Gallons to the Tun.
Of Hamburgh.
HAmburgh is a Free City of the Empire, enjoying the Priviledg of a Hanse-Town; the Haven is guarded with an Iron Chain, the City adorned with nine Churches, a Senate-House, and Exchange.
The Merchants Exchange here for London by the Pound Sterling, for other places upon the Rix-dollar, at 54 Stivers.
A Dollar is here said to be worth 3 Whit-pence, one Whit-penny is worth 18 Shillings, one Shilling to be 12 pence, and one penny two Hellers. A Mark is 16 Stivers, and 7 Marks and a half is 20 s. Flemish.
Their Weight is the Pound, 120 whereof is their Quintal, and makes at London 107 or 109 l.
The Measure is the Ell, 100 whereof makes at London 48 Ells and a half, and 100 Yards at London makes about 162 and a half, or 163 Ells.
Corn is Measured by Schepel, 90 making a Last, and 83 Schepels is 10 Quarters English.
Of Lego [...]n, or Livorn.
COmmodities are Oyls, Wines, Silks raw and wrought, Anchoves, Anniseeds, Rice, Argal, with other Italian Commodities.
Coins are Quatr [...]ens, 5 whereof make one Scratch or Craca, 12 Scratches or Craca's is one Livre, which is 9 d. English, 8 Craca's is one Julio, which is 6 d. English, 6 Livres or 9 Julio's is one Dollar, which varieth according to the Exchange; 7 Livres is a Ducat which is 5 s. 9 d. English. And 7 Livres ½ is a Scudoe or Crown D'oro which is 5 s. 7 d. ½ Sterling.
The Accompts are kept in Dollars, Solds and Deniers, 12 Deniers to a Sold, and 20 Solds to a Dollar, Charges of Goods are kept in Livres, Solds, and Deniers, and brought into pieces of 115 Solds per piece, which is called short money, of which 5 Livres and 3 quarters is a Dollar, and 6 Livres or 120 Solds makes a Dollar, which is called Long-Money. Exchanges are with London for 56 s. d. per piece. Marseilles for 60 Surneise per piece. Naples Ducats 92 for — Pieces 100 Venice Ducats Debank 103 ¼ for Pieces 100. with Solds, 113 for a Dollar.
[Page 277]Commodities sold by the Pound 12 Ounces. All sorts of Silks in Julios, Cloves, Cinamon, Indigo, Cochineal, Storax, Benjamin Manna, and all other Drugs in Livres. Russia Hides, in Solds.
Commodities sold by the Kintal; Pepper, Cinamon, Cassia, Lignum, Nutmegs, Wax, Tinn, in Ducats. Cotten-wool, Cotten-yarn, Ginger. In Ducats; Gawles in Livres. Commodities sold by the 1000 l.
Lead, Campeach, Faxumbuck in Ducats; Pot-ashes in Dollars. Sugars of all sorts by the Kintal of 151 Pound in Scudoes or Crowns. Newfound-Land-Fish by the Kintal of 160 l. in Julio's, Herrings by the Barrel, and Pilchards by the Hogshead in Dollars.
Their Weight is the Pound of 12 Ounces, of which 15 and a half makes the Pound English, so that their Quintal of 100 l. is 77 l. three Ounces ⅞ English, or 145 l. there; is 112 l. English. By a late Accompt I find that their Kintal of 100 l. makes 76 l. English, and 148 l. there is about 112 English; and that their Kintal of Sugar is 151 l. a Kintal of Fish 160 of their Pound.
The Measures of Legorn, 4 Braces makes a Lane, which is 2 Ells English; 8 Braces is 5 yards English.
The Quintal of Allom is 130 l. which makes 100 l. 6 Ounces 5/ [...] English.
The Quintal of Wool is 160 l. and makes 123 l. ¾ English.
Corn Measure is a Stax, 3 Staxes is a Sack, 8 Sacks, or 24 Stars, is Moggio. A Stax, if the Corn be good, will weigh 50 l. English, 3 Sacks and three quarters makes the English Quarter. 63 Mina's at Genoua makes 100 Sacks at Legorn, and 12 Mina's makes a Tun of 40 Bushels Winchester Measure.
Wine is sold by the Coyno, which is 10 Barrels, one Barrel is 20 Flask, and 2 Mettidals is a Flask.
Oyl is sold by the Oxcio or Barrel, and should weigh 85 l. and hold 32 Mittidals.
Coxal and Colchester Bayes are sold by the Cayne in Livres, Serges and Perpetuanoes, Sayes, &c. are sold by the piece for Dollars.
Of Lions.
LIons is Seated upon the Conflux of the Rosne and Soane, is Famous for its Trade of Silks, and for Exchanges. Their Coins currant, and Accompts keeping, are the same with Paris.
For Weights, I find three sorts, viz. The Kings weight, the Towns weight, and the Silk weight.
[Page 278]The Town-weight is 100 l. of 16 Ounces, which maketh at London 96 l.
The Measure is the Alne, 7 whereof makes in London 9 Yards, so that 'tis about a Yard and quarter at London.
Of Lisbon.
COmmodities are, Honey, Wine, Oyl, Fruits, Fish, Salt, white Marble, Allom; and besides Drugs, Spices, Cottons, Callicoes, Precious Stones, Silks, and other East-India, Persia, Arabia, and China Commodities.
Coins are a Vintin, which is 20 Res, or 3 d. Sterl. A Rial, which is 40 Res, or two Vintins, 6 d. Sterl. A Teston is 100 Res. 400 Res is an Old Crusadoe or Crown. 500 Res is a New Crusadoe or Crown. 600 Res is a Piece of Eight. 1000 Res is a Mil Rea.
Weights are 16 Ounces to a Pound. 32 Pound is a Roue. 4 Roues is a Kintal. 54 Roues is a Tun. This weight is 2½, or 3 per Cent. greater than the English. The Quintal, which is of two sorts, the Greater Quintal, whereby they weigh Sugars and all Spices, except Pepper and Cinnamon, is divided into four Roues, each Roue being 32 l. which is 128 l. at 16 Ounces to the Pound, and is bigger than the English hundred by 16 l.
Pepper is sold by the Quintal of 121 l. which is just our Hundred, and Cinnamon by the Quintal of 128 l. English.
Measures are of two sorts, the one is the Vare for Linnen, Silk, or Stuffs; and in measuring, to every Vare is given an Inch, so that the Vare is 42 Inches and three quarters, which is almost an Ell English.
The other, called the Coveda, maketh three quarters of a Yard English, and to this there is no Advantage given.
Measure for Corn is the Alquier, three of which makes a Bushel of Winchester Measure, and 5 of the Alquiers makes the Hanaque, 15 Alquiers makes a Tun of Bristol Water-measure, 60 Alquiers makes a Moy of Salt. 100 Moys of Salt is 33 Weys English, 3 Alquiers makes a Bushel, 13 Chants makes an Allmuden, and 52 Allmudens is a Tun of Wine.
Of London.
WHEN Julius Caesar first entred this Island, certain Iron Rings were currant instead of Money; afterwards the Romans brought in the Use of Gold, Silver, and Brass Coins.
[Page 279]In the time of Richard the First, pure Money was Coined in the East of Germany, whereof some of those Easterlings were sent over for, and employed in his Mint; from thence our Money was called Easterling, or Sterling Money, as some think; but others say, of the Saxon word Ster weighty.
The Coins here, and throughout all England, as well Gold as Silver, are several, and of a different value, but all reduced to Pounds, Shillings, and Pence; all Coined of Gold and Silver; only in relation to the Necessity of the Poor, and Exchange of great Money, a small piece of Brass, called a Farthing, or fourth part of a Peny, hath been permitted to be Coined, but no Man enforced to receive it in pay for Rent or Debt, which cannot be said of any other State or Nation in the World besides. Four Farthings makes a Peny, 12 Pence a Shilling, and 20 Shillings a Pound Sterling.
No Monies in any Mint are made of pure Gold and Silver, because they are too flexible, and therefore Allayed with Copper. The Standard of Crown Gold is 22 Carrats of fine Gold, and two Carrats of Allay in the Pound-weight Troy, which is divided into 44 parts and a half, each part is to pass for 20 s. and the half part for 10, which is 44 l. 10 s. the Pound Troy. The Allay of some Gold Coins is all Silver, as the Guinea Gold, which renders the Gold Coins some more white, some more yellow. The Standard of Sterling Silver is 11 Ounces, and 2 peny-weight of fine Silver, and 18 peny-weight of Allay of Copper out of the fire; so that 12 Ounces of pure Silver without any Allay is worth 3 l. 4 s. 6 d. and an Ounce is worth 5 s. 4 d. half-peny, but with Allay it is worth but 3 l. and the Ounce 5 s.
Of Weights there are two sorts used throughout all England, viz. Troy Weight, and Avoirdupoise Weight.
The Monyers Divide the
- Pound Troy into 12 Ounces.
- The Ounce into 20 Penny weight.
- Penny weight into 24 Grains.
- Grain into 20 Mites.
- Mite into 24 Droites.
- Droite into 20 Perits.
- Perit into 24 Blanks.
'Tis also divided into 24 parts, which are called Carrats, so that each Carrat is 10 penny weight Troy, or half an Ounce. And this Carrat is divided into four parts, which are called Carrat-grains; so that the Carrat-grain is two peny weight and a half, or 60 Ordinary Grains; [Page 280] so there are 480 Grains in the Ounce, and 5760 Grains in the Pound.
By this weight are weighed Pearls, Precious Stones, Gold, Silver, Bread, and all manner of Corn and Grain, and this weight the Apothecaries do or ought to use, though by other Denominations their least weight is a Graln,
- 20 Grains makes a Scruple, ℈
- 3 Scruples makes a Dram, ʒ
- 8 Drams makes an Ounce, ℥
- 12 Ounces makes a Pound, £
Avoirdupoise Weight is reduced into several Denominations, viz. Tuns, Hundreds, Quarters, Pounds, and Ounces; so that
- 16 Ounces makes a Pound.
- 28 Pound makes a Quarter.
- 4 Quarters makes a Hundred, or 112 l.
- 20 Hundred makes a Tun.
By this weight are weighed all Grocers Ware, Flesh, Butter, Cheese, Iron, Hemp, Flax, Lead, Steel; also all things whereof comes waste.
All Measures in England are either Applicative, or Receptive.
The smallest Applicative Measure is a Barley-Corn, whereof,
- 3 In Length makes an Inch.
- 12 Inches makes a Foot.
- 3 Foot makes a Yard.
- 1 Yard and a quarter makes an Ell.
- 1 Foot and half makes a Cubit.
- 2 Cubits makes a Yard.
- 5 Foot makes a Geometrical Pace.
- 6 Foot makes a Fathom.
- 16 Foot and a half makes a Perch, Pole, or Rod.
- 14 Perch makes a Furlong.
- 8 Furl. or 320 Perches makes a Mile English.
So that a Mile, according to the Statute of Henry the Seventh, ought to be 63360 Inches, 1760 Yards, 1056 Paces, 320 Pole, or 5280 Foot, that is 280 Foot more than the Italian Mile; 60 Miles more exactly, 69 and a half, makes a Degree, and 360 Degrees, or 25020 Miles compass the whole Globe of the Earth.
[Page 281]Receptive Measures are two-fold: First, of Liquid or moist things: Secondly, of dry things, whereof about a Pound Avoirdupoise makes a Pint,
- 2 Pints makes a Quart.
- 2 Quarts makes a Pottle.
- 2 Pottles makes a Gallon.
- 8 Gallons makes a Firkin of Ale.
- 2 Firkins makes a Kilderkin.
- 2 Kilderkins, or 32 Gallons makes a Barrel of Ale.
- 9 Gallons makes a Firkin of Beer.
- 2 Such Firkins, or 18 Gallons makes a Kilderkin.
- 2 Such Kilderkins, or 36 Gallons makes a Barrel of Beer.
- 1 Barrel and half, or 54 Gallons makes a Hogshead.
- 2 Hogshead makes a Butt or a Pipe.
- 2 Butts, or 2 Pipes makes a Tun.
Consisting of 1728 Pints or Pounds; and a Barrel of Butter or Soap is the same with a Barrel of Ale. The English Wine-measures are smaller than those of Beer or Ale, and hold proportion as four to five; so that four Gallons of Beer-measure are five Gallons of Wine-measure, and each Gallon of Wine is eight Pound Troy weight; so that a Roundlet of Wine holds eighteen Gallons, half a Hogshead thirty one Gallons and a half, a Teirce of Wine holds forty two Gallons, a Hogshead sixty three Gallons, a Punchion eighty four Gallons, a Pipe or Butt a hundred twenty six, and a Tun two hundred fifty two Gallons, or two thousand and sixteen Pints.
Dry Measures are those in which any kind of dry Goods are measured, as Corn, Coal, Salt, &c. of which there is the Pint, two Pints make a Quart, two Quarts a Pottle, two Pottles a Gallon, two Gallons a Peck, four Pecks a Bushel, four Bushels a Comb or Curnock, two Combs a Quarter, four Quarters a Chaldron, five Quarters a Weigh, ten Quarters a Last or Weigh, which contains 5120 Pints; where note, that the Corn Gallon is bigger than the Wine Gallon, and less than the Ale or Beer Gallon, and is in proportion to them as 33 to 28 and 35, and is counted 8 pounds Troy weight.
Of Lubeck.
ITS Coins currant are the Rix-Dollars, worth 48 Stivers; the Merchants Dollar at 33 Stivers, the Slecht- Dollar at 32 Stivers, the Mark at 16 Stivers, the Guld is one Mark and 8 Stivers; the Real is 2 Marks and 14 Stivers, and 5 of their Stivers is 6 d. Sterling, and one Stiver is 12 Fenning.
Their Weight is the Pound, of which is made a Centner and a Schip-pound, one Schip-pound is 20 Lis-pound, or 280 l. 1 Centner is 8 Lis-pound. A Tun of Salt is 20 pound. A Stone of Flax is 20 l. A Stone of Wool is 10 l. one Pound is 16 Ounces, or 32 Lodt.
Their Measure is the Ell, 8 whereof make in London 5 Yards.
Of Madrid.
MAdrid, the Court of Spain, and greatest Village in the World: The Coins here, are the general Coins of Spain, viz. the Ducat which is 375 Mervedes in Exchange, and is called by some the Doblon of Castile. The Castiliano which is worth 265 Mervedes.
The Florin of Castile worth 265 Mervedes.
The Spanish Ducat hath eleven Rials of Plate, and a Rial is 34 Mervedes, a Ducat is generally valued about 5 s. 6 d. English, and the Rial at 6 pence.
Of Malaga.
MAlaga, Seated on the Mediterranean, abounds in Raisins and Wine. Their Moneys are general with all Spain.
They generally keep their Accounts in Beillon or Brass-money, by Rials, Duckets and Mervedes. 34 Mervedes make a Rial of Beillon, which according to the Law of the Kingdom should be worth 50 in the Hundred less than a Rial of Plate or Silver, upon the accompt 100000 Maravedis are worth about 61 l. English. But because the Silver Coin in Spain is now Cent. per Cent. better than the Money of Beillon, which is most part of Copper, 100000 Maravedis is worth but half of that money: So that Beillon is not intrinsecally worth so much as the Prince puts upon it.
[Page 283]Their Weight is the Quintal or C. which they divide into four Roves or Parts of 25 l. at sixteen Ounces per l. each Ounce contains sixteen Drams, each Dram 28 Grains; and this Quintal or C. makes in London 106 Averdupois.
Their Measure is the Vare, of 32 or 38 Inches English.
Wine-measure is a Rove, which is divided into eight small Measures called Sombres, and is in England four Gallons, and 25 of these fill a Pipe, which is a hundred Gallons English.
Oil-measure is the Rove of 25 l.
Dry measure is the Hanoque, which is divided into two Almodes, making one Bushel and a half in weight by heap, 144 l. by strike, 99 l. English.
Messena Weights and Measures.
TWelve Ounces is a Pound by which Silk is Sold. 2 Pound ½ makes a Rottella 100 pound, there is between 70 and 71 l. English, and 100 Rottella's makes a common Cantar, which is 176 l. English.
Of its Measure: 8 Palmes makes a Cane, which is reckoned 2½ yards English, but found above 84 Inches.
Coins are, 20 Grains, or 2 Carleens is a Tarrie, which is 5 d. Sterling. 30 Tarries makes an Ounce, which is 12 s. 6 d. Sterling. 12 Tarries is a Crown, or Scudo, which is 5 s. Sterling. 11 Tarries is commonly reckoned a Dollar as Exchange.
Accompts are kept in Ounces, Tarries and Grains, 20 Grains to a Tarrie, and 30 Tarries to an Ounce. Perpetuanoes are Sold by the piece for Crowns. Cloth, Bays, &c. by the Cane for Tarries. Pepper, Indigo, by the Cantar, for Ounces. Lead and Iron by the Cantar for Crowns. And Silk of all sorts by the Pound, for Tarries.
Of Millain.
THeir Currant Money are the Imperial Coins; other Coins, as Spanish, French and Italian pass here in Merchandize. The Crown of the Gold of the Sun is worth 96 or 98 Sol; the Ducat of Gold is in Circa a hundred Sol; the Ducat Imperial is valued at four Livers; a Crown of Gold Italian is five Livers and six Sol Imperial; and the Crown passeth in Commerce for a hundred and ten Sols, and the Ducat for as much.
[Page 284]Weight is the Quintal of a hundred pound, which makes at London seventy pound.
Measure is the Brace, a hundred whereof makes at London forty three Ells.
Of Marseilles.
AT Marseilles the 100 pound is in English 88 l. ½, and 8 Palms makes a Cane, which is 2 Yards ½ English. The Muld of Corn is 60 Bushels, or 7½ Quarters English.
Of Moscow.
THeir Coins are the Cuppeck, ten whereof make a Greven, and ten Grevens is a Ruble, which is about 8 s. Sterling, by some 10 s. Sterling. There is also the Altine, by which name all Receipts and Payments are made, 33 whereof, and one Crapeck, makes a Rubble, which is an Imaginary Coin and not Real, 3 Cuppecks make an Altine.
Weight is the Zelotneck, of which ninety six make a pound, forty pound a Pood, and ten Pood a Bercovet, so their Pood is thirty five pound English.
Measure is called an Archine, which is about 27 Inches in Circa, so that a hundred Archines are found to make about seventy five Yards English.
Of Naples.
THeir Commodities are Wines, Oyls, Silks raw and wrought, Saffron, Almonds, Argal, Brimstone and Anniseeds.
Their Coins are, Six Cavals, or Cavallas, makes a Turnese, two Turnesses a Grain, ten Grains a Carline, two Carlines a Tarrie, and 5 Tarries a Ducat; which is 5 s. Sterling.
Their Weight is a pound of twelve Ounces, which makes eleven Ounces ⅖ English, or 1/23, so that a hundred pound there produceth 71 pound English. A Dollar is valued at 96 Grains according to Exchange. 6 Ducats make an Ounce, by which the Customs are rated. All Goods paying 91 Grains per Ounce, according to the value. Accompts are kept in Ducats, Tarries and Grains, 20 Grains to a Tarrie, and five Tarries to a Ducat.
[Page 285]The Rottello is thirty three Ounces and a half, a hundred Rottelloes is the Cantar of 277 l. which produceth 196 l. at sixteen Ounces per l. in London.
Oyl is sold by the Salmo, five and a half is reckoned for a Tun, which is 236 Gallons English.
Of Nuremberg.
THeir Weight is the Pound of sixteen Ounces, of which are two several Quintals, the one of a hundred pound, the other of a hundred and twenty pound; and the hundred makes at London a hundred and eleven pound.
Their Measure is the Ell, a hundred whereof make at London about sixty three Ells.
Of Paris.
PAris is one of the three Cities in France where Exchanges are made, and gives the Rule in matter of Coin to the other Cities.
The Coins here, as generally through France, are Deniers; twelve whereof makes a Soul, and twenty Souls a Liver; and by these they keep their Accompts.
But the common Coins are the Gold and Silver Lewis's, the Gold Lewis weighing eleven Deniers, and twelve Grains, the same weight with the Spanish Pistol, and the same Standard; once it was ten Livers, now it passeth for eleven Livers; the French Liver is commonly reckoned to be one Shilling six pence Sterling, and the Golden Lewis 16 s. 6 d. English.
The Silver Lewis weigheth twenty one Deniers, and twelve Grains, little more than a Spanish piece of Eight, and about the same Standard, and now goeth for three Livers, or sixty Souls, and is accounted for 4 s. 6 d. English; but the Par in Exchange is sometimes less than 56, sometimes more than 72 d. Sterling, for a Crown French.
Their Weight is the Quintal of a hundred pound, at sixteen Ounces to the pound, which makes at London a hundred and ten pound Subtle.
Their Measure is the Alne, which makes about forty five Inches English.
Of Riga.
RIGA, an Archbishops See, and of great Commerce. Commodities here found, are Hemp both Rine and Pass, Flax, Osens and Stringflax, Clap-boards, Wainscots, Oars, Potashes, &c.
Coins are Rix-dollars, Guilders, and Grosz; thirty Grosz is a Guilder, three Guilders a Dollar; and a Guilder is one Shilling and six pence Sterling, as Vulgarly reckoned.
Weight is the pound, whereof twenty make a Lispound; and twenty Lispound a Ship-pound, which is three hundred and a quarter English.
Measure is the Ell, whereof a hundred sixty six and a half make a hundred Yards English.
Of Roan.
THE Kintal at Roan in Normandy is 104 l. English 119 l. The Aulne is 46 Inches English; but for Linnen, is allowed 24 Aulnes, for 20.
Two Deniers make a Dooble, 12 Deniers make a Sous, 20 Sous make a Liver, which is 1 s. 6 d. English, and is called a Frank; 60 Sols, or 3 Livers, is a French Crown, or Lewis, which weighs 21 Deniers, 12 Grains, and is 4 s. 6 d. English.
Of Rome.
THeir Coins are Duckets or Crowns of Gold, which is worth eleven Julios or Paulos; the Crown of Silver is worth ten Julios, the Julio is worth ten Bajoches, or forty Quatrins, the Bajoche is worth one Sold four Deniers small money of Rome.
Their Weight is the Quintal of a hundred pound, which makes in London eighty pound.
Their Measures are two, the one for Woollen, the other for Linnen; the one is the Cane, and eight Palms make a Cane, and thirty Canes is fifty five Ells and a half English.
The other is the Brace, which is three Palms and a half of the said Cane.
Of Sivil and Cadiz.
SIvil is the Fairest City of all Spain, and of the greatest Trade.
Its Commodities are Wool, Silk and Oranges, Gold, Silver, Tobacco, Ginger, Cottons, Sugar, &c. being the product of the Western Indies.
The Merchants keep their Accompts as in other places of Spain, in Mervedes and Rials; and the Exchanges are made upon the Imaginary Ducat of 375 Mervedes, which is something above 5 s. 6 d. Sterling. But the Rial in Sivil is worth but 34 Mervides, and so some keep their Accompts in Rials of 34 Mervides to the Rial, which is about 6. pence English, and so it is generally esteemed throughout all Spain.
The Doblon of Castile is worth 375 Mervides, but the Doblon currant of Carline money is 81/87 Mervides.
34 Mervides is a Rial. 8 Rials is a piece of Eight, and 32 Rials is a Single Pistol. 64 Rials is a Double Pistol.
Note, that there is an Advance of 6 per Cent. on Pieces of 8/8 above 8 Rials. And 2 Rials Beilloon is one Rial of Plate.
Their Weight is the Kintal of 100 l. Subtle, at 4 Roves to the Kintal, each Rove being 25 l. which Kintal is said to make about 108 l. in English.
The Common Measure is the Vare, a hundred whereof makes in London 74 Ells.
Liquid Measure is the Rove, which is about 4 Gallons English. Four Quarteels is a Somar. 8 Somars is a Rove for Oyl and Wine. A Hanaga of Corn is a Bushel and half English.
Of Stockholm.
STockholm is Seated in watry Marshes, upon the Lake Mellar, Secured by the two Forts Waxholm and Digne, besides Fortified with a strong Castle, wherein are said to be 400 Brass Guns.
Her Commodities are Iron, Steel, Copper and Lead, and other Minerals; also Honey, Wax, Tallow, Hides from Moscow.
Coins are the same generally currant in all Sweden, viz. Dollars, which are divided into Marks, 8 whereof makes a Dollar, by which they Exchange with other Countries.
Their Weight and Measure is the same, as far as I can find, with Riga.
Of Vienna.
THeir Weight is the pound, which in some Commodities is divided into 32 Cootes, and in some into 28 Pints; the 100 l. doth make at London 123 l. in Circa.
Their Measures are two, the one for Linnen, the other for Woollen; the hundred Yards at London makes here a hundred and three Ells in Linnen, and a hundred and thirteen Ells in Woollen.
Their Exchange is by Rix-dollars of eight Shillings Flemish, and by Ducats of Gold at twelve Shillings Flemish.
Of Venice.
THeir Commodities are Wines, Oyl, Rice, Paper, Quick-silver, Looking-glass, Anniseeds, Venice-Treacle, Aloes, Silk; the Commodities of Turkia, and the product of India, Persia, Arabia and Egypt.
Accompts are kept here by some in Livers, Solz and Grosses, reckoning 12 Deniers Gross to the Solz, and 20 Solz to the Liver, 5 Solz and 2 Deniers is a Grosz, and 24 Grosz makes a currant Ducat, which is 6 Livers 4 Solz.
By others in Ducats and Grosses, at 6 Livers and 4 Solz per Ducat, reckoning 24 Gross to a Ducat.
Others by Livers, Solds and Deniers of Piccoli, which is the currant Coin of the City.
The Ducat of Gold is worth 24 Deniers; the Liver of Grosses are of two sorts, one de Banco, usually valued at 4 s. 4 d. Sterling, the other at 3 s. 4 d. which varieth according to the Rise and fall of Money in Exchange.
By the Monthly Accompt of 1687, 'tis said that the Ducats which were worth 7 Livers, will go hence forward for no more than 6. The Pistols which were valued at 11, are set at 9 Livers 12 Solz, and the rest proportionable.
Their Weights are of 4 sorts, the 100 l. Gross is 158 l. Subtle, and 106 English.
The 100 l. Subtle for fine Goods, is 83 l. and a half Gross, and makes at London 64 l. some say 66. And 100 English is 151 Venice Subtle.
The 100 l. of Silver or Gold thread is 116 l. 8 Ounces Subtle.
The other is for Silver, Gold and Gemms.
[Page 289]Their Measures are two, called the Braces, the one for Silks, Damask, &c. of which 5 Braces makes 3 Yards English, or one Brace is 22 Inches 47/49 English.
The other for Stuffs, Linnen, &c. whereof 5 makes 2 Ells and a half English, or the Brace is 25 English Inches.
Wine is sold by a Measure called the Amphora, which is 4 Bigorzas; the Bigorza is 4 Quarts, the Quart 4 Sachies, the Sachie 4 Liras.
Oyl is sold as well by weight as measure, the measure is called the Miro, which makes by measure 25 l. and by weight 30 l. 3 Ounces.
Of the Coins, Weights and Measures of the Chief Cities in Asia.
Of Arabia.
THE Money of Arabia is called Larins, and are in Value as one of the French Crowns, only they want in weight 8 Sous of the French Crown, or Rial of Spain, which is about 14 per Cent. loss. These Larins are the Ancient Coins of Asia, but only currant in Arabia, and at Balsera, and along the Persian Gulf, where they take 80 Larins for one Toman, which is 50 Abassis. Another Author I find that saith, that all the Coins throughout all Arabia, especially Arabia Faelix, are the same, or at least do correspond with those under the Grand Signior's Dominions. In other places: viz. the Asper, 60 whereof (or rather 80) makes a Rial of 8 Spanish, or a Dollar; also 100 Aspers are reckoned for a Sultanie, Chequin, Zechin, or Sheriff, which are the common Gold Coins, and held to be about 8 s. Sterl.
That their Weights are also much the same with those of Turkey, viz. the Dram, of which 10 makes an Ounce, and 14 Ounces a Rotello, 24 Rotello's is a Fracello, which is 25 l. 12 Ounces English, 15 Fracello's is a Cantar, or, as 'tis called at Aden, a Bahar, making about 386 pound English.
Their Measure is also Turkish, viz. the Pico, Esteemed to be 26 Inches and a half English.
Of the Chief Cities in Turkey, &c.
Of Aleppo.
ALeppo is the most Famous City of all the Grand Signior's Dominions, and is Seated about 100 English miles from Alexandretta or Scandaroone, which is the Sea-Port and Road for all Ships to Lade or unlade their Goods, which are Transported by Camels to Aleppo.
Commodities are Silks, Chamlets, Galnuts, Valaneed, which is a sort of Acorn-shell (which the Curriers use to dress their Leather) Cotton, Yarn, Mohairs, Soap, Drugs of all forts, Galls, &c.
Coins of the Country are Shehees, of which 16 make a Piece of Eight, and 14 of them a Lyon Dollar. The Sultanie, which is two Dollars or Pieces of Eight, which is 80 Aspers, the Lyon Dollar is seventy Aspers.
Thevenot says that at Aleppo the Piaster of Rials is worth 80 Aspers. The Boguelle 70. The Schaiad 5 Aspers, and 16 Schaieds for a Piaster, and 14 for a Boguelle.
The Weights are the Dram, and the Rotello, which differs in Drams according to the Commodities.
The Rottulo is 4 l. 13 Ounces, that is 720 Drams.
The Rottulo for the Persian or Ledg-Silk is 680 Drams, 72¾ Ounces.
The Balladine Rottulo is 720 Drams, 74¼ Ounces. The Aleppo Rottle. Thev.
The Tripoli Silk Rottulo is the same.
The Castravan Silk Rottul is 600 Drams, 4 l. Engl. and 5 l. Marseilles.
The Aleppo Wells, is 120 Drams, 13 Ounces Engl.
The Cyprus Cotton Kintal of 100 Rottulo's is 506 l. Engl.
The Kintal of 100 Rottulo's is 625 l. Levorne.
The Oque contains 400 Drams.
Others tell us a Kintal of 100 Rottulo's is 430 l. Engl. called a Cantar.
A Wesno of Silver is 100 Drams, and there is a Wesno of 3600 Drams, 60 Drams to one Ounce, and 12 Ounces to the Rotello, which is about 4 l. 14 Ounces Avoirdupoise; so that 112 l. Avoirdupoise is 22 Rotello's 8 Ounces; and 100 Rotello's is a Cantar, which is 481 l. Avoirdupoise.
Gold, Silver, Precious Stones, &c. are sold by the Mittigal, which is one Dram and a half: a Dram is sixty Carrat [...], and a Carrat is four Grains.
[Page 291]The Measure is the Pico, which is 27 Inches, or three quarters of a Yard English.
The Measured Pike is ¾ of a Yard English.
Of Alexandria.
A Kintal is 103 l. English. A 100 Rottulo's is 101 per Marseilles. 330 Rottulo's is a Sciba. which is 120 l. Livorne.
Of Bagdat.
THevenot tells us that the Patman makes three Rottles of Aleppo, or 6 Oques and 3 Ounces. That the Abassi is worth there two Chais and ½. The Piastre Rial is worth 8 Chais, and each Chais 5 Paras, and the Para is 4 Aspers. The Boquelle is worth 7 Chais. The Turkish Chequin is worth 18. the Venetian 19 Chais.
Of Smyrna.
SMyrna Weight:
- 180 Drams is a Rottello.
- 100 Rottelo's is a Kintal of 45 Oaks, and is 119 l. English.
- 44 Oaks is a Kintal.
- 2400 Drams, or 6 Oaks is a Battman.
- 400 Drams is an Oak, which is 2 l. 11 Ounces, Avoir. English.
- 800 Drams is a Chigue.
- 250 Drams is an Oak Opium.
- 120 Drams is an Oak of Saffron.
- 146 Drams is a Pound English.
To reduce Rottelo's into Oaks multiplied by 9, and take the half thereof, cutting off the last figure, and multiply that by 20. To bring Oaks into Rottello's per Cont. that is multiply by 20, and divide by 9.
To bring Rottello's into Battmans, multiply by 3, cut off the last figure, and divide by 4, adding the remainder to the figure cut off, which mult. by 60.
To bring Battmans into Rot. mult. by 40, and divide by 3.
To reduce Battmans into Kintals mult. by 2, and divide by 15. To bring Kintals into Battmans multiply by 15, then take the half; for 7½ Battmans is a Kintal.
By the Kintal of 45 Oaks are Sold Cotten-yarn in sorts, Gawles, [Page 292] Allom, Lead, Brazeel-wood, Bees-wax, Valonea, Logwood, Steel, Sugar, Gums, Almonds. By the Kintal of 44 Oaks is sold Cotton-wool, and Sheeps-wool in sorts, Tin, Anniseeds and Boxwood.
By the Battman is sold several sorts of Silks. By the Oak is sold Pepper, Cloves, Mace, Benjamin, Galbanum, Sea-horse Teeth, Gum Arabeck, Indigo, Wormseeds, Cassia of Cairo, Senna, Rhubarb, Scamony, Aggarick, Cochincal, white Cordivants; and by the Cheque is sold Goats-hair, beaten or unbeaten.
Commodities are Raw Silk, which the Armenians bring out of Persia, Chamlet-yarn, and Chamlet or Goats-hair, which come from Angouri, Cotton twisted, Skins and Cordovants of several Colours, Calicuts White and Blew, Wool for Matrisses, Tapestries, Quilted Coverlets, Soap, Rhubarb, Galls, Valleneed, Scammony, and Opium.
The Custom paid by the English is 3 per Cent. as generally throughout all Turkey.
The Coins currant of Smyrna are the same with Constantinople, and they keep their Accompts in the same Nature, and therefore I shall refer you thither.
The Weights of Smyrna and Scio are the same, viz. the Dram, of which 180 makes a Rotello, 100 Rotello's makes a Quintal, which is 45 Oaks, and is 119 l. English; 400 Drams also make an Oak, which is 2 l. 11 Ounces and a half Avoirdupoise English.
Their Measure is the Pico, which is about ¾ of a Yard English.
Of Jerusalem, or of the Hebrew Coins, &c.
ALthough in all the Land of Judaea, Palestine, or the Holy Land, there is not now any City of Trade or Commerce, yet I cannot omit what was once Remarkable, and may be of use to many to know the Coins, Weights and Measures of the Jews in the Flourishing days of their State and Grandeur.
G ld. A Darkon, or Drakmon, of which we read, Ezra 8.27. and Ezra 2.69. in Greek [...], which the English render a Dram, the value was about 15 s. English; the Dram of Silver 1 s. 3 d.
Silver. A Gorah, rendred Gerah and Megna by the Chaldee Paraphrase, by the Greeks, Obolos; by the English, a Piece of Silver, 1 Sam. 2.36. Exod. 30.13. accounted to be about 1 d. ½
Silver. Argenteus, Heb. Ceseph, or Keseph, a Piece of Silver; when it standeth for a Shekel of the Sanctuary, it is in value 2 s. 6 d. when it stands for a common Shekel, it is 1 s. 3 d.
[Page 293] Argenteus Graecus the Attick Dram, Act. 19.19. valued at seven pence half-peny.
Brass. Assarius or Assarium, by the Rabbins Isor, by the Greeks Astarion; a Roman Coin weighing four Grains, the 96 part of the Pigah, or Shekel, Mat. 10.29. is in value one farthing and ¼.
Silver. Denarius the Roman peny, Mat. 18.28. with the Image of Caesar, Mat. 22.21. It was a fourth of the Silgah of the Caldeans, or Shekel of the Hebrews, in value seven pence half-peny English; and this was the common Peny.
Silver. Drachma, one fourth of the Shekel equal to the Roman Denarius or peny, Luk. 15.8, 9.
Silver. Didrachmum half a Shekel, the peny of the Sanctuary, Exod. 30.13. was 1 s. 3 d.
Gerah, in the Chaldee Paraphrase Megna, the Megah of the Arabians; one fifth of a Dram 1/20 part of a Shekel of the Sanctuary, three half pence English.
Keseph, Gen. 20.16. & 23.16. & 43.21. & 2 Sam. 18.11. the same with Ceseph, and Argenteus Hebraeus, the Chaldean Silgah or Jewish Shekel, 2 s. 6 d.
Keshitah Heb. a Lamb, Gen. 33.19. Josh. 24.24. Job 42.11. the same with Obolus and Gerah.
A Maneh of Silver contains 60 Hebrew Shekels, Ezek. 45.12. is in English 7 l. 10.
A Maneh of Gold it weigh'd 100 Hebrew Drams, 200 Grecian Drams, or 100 Shekels, 1 King. 10.17. 2 Chron. 9.16. of our Money it made 75 pound.
The Shekel from Shakal, Ponderare & Librare, was twofold, the Shekel of the Sanctuary, and the common Shekel, which was but half the other. The Shekel by some was reckoned as was said before for 2 s. 6 d. English; by Sir Walter Rawleigh at 2 s. 4 d. by Mr. Greaves, and the Primate of Ireland at 2 s. 5 d. according to which one Maneh of Silver will be 7 l. 5 d. of our money.
One Talent will make 362 l. 10 s. Gold is generally accounted to be 12 times as much in value as the like quantity of Silver. The proportion in England being one to 14 and one third, that is one Ounce of Gold is worth of Silver 3 l. 14 s. 2 d. and the Ounce of pure Silver is worth 5 s. 4 d. half-peny; so that a Dram of Gold at 17 s. 5 d. ob q ⅕, the Shekel is 2 l. 9 s. The Talent will be 4350 l. According to which Computation King David and his Princes gave towards the building of the Temple 838 Millions 477 Thousand 362 pounds 13 s. 6 d.
Of the Hebrew Weights.
The Common Weights were
- 8 Drams
- 4 Shekels
- 2 Staters
- 1 Ounce
or Weights of the Sanctuary.
- 16 Drams
- 8 Shekels
- 4 Staters
- 1 Ounce.
A Shekel is about the weight of an English half Crown, or half an Ounce.
☞ Mr. Greaves and Rivet saith that the distinction of a double Shekel, the one Sacred equal to the Tetra-Drachme, the other Prophane weighing the Didrachme, is without any solid Foundation in Writ, and without any probability of Reason in a Wise State.
The Hebrew Cubit contained of our measure according to Guildhall Standard, 17 Inches 40/100 or ⅖ of an Inch, exactly answering to the Roman foot and a half. It was a measure from the Elbow to the fingers end, vulgo a foot and a half, Deut. 3.11. The Holy Cubit contained two common Cubits, 1 King. 7.15. 1 Chron. 3.15. The Kings Cubit was three fingers longer than the common Cubit.
The Geometrical Cubit contained 6 common Cubits according to which was Noah's Ark built.
The Barah translated often Millarium, signifieth so much ground as may be Travelled in half a day between Meal and Meal.
Kaneh, Arundo, the Reed six Cubits and a hands breadth, Ezek. 40.5. the use of it was to measure Building, Rev. 21.15.
Stadium, a Furlong, containing 125 paces.
Zaghad, Zemed, and Beroth, Gen. 35.16. a little way or piece of ground containing 1000 Cubits, an Hebrew mile, about 500 English yards.
Zereth, Spithama, and Dodrans, a Span; Exodus 38.16. Isa. 40.12.
Dry Measure.
I find the Ephah is stated at 52 l. ½ which reduced into English Measure makes six Gallons one Pottle and half a Pint, and 10 Ephahs made one Homer; the Omer was 1 Pottle 1 Pint 3 Ounces, and 10 Omers made 1 Ephah.
Liquid Measures.
Their Liquid Measures were the Log, Hin, and Bath: The Bath is ordinarily reckoned of like Quantity with the Ephah, more exactly it is 52 Pints and a half, or by others 6 Gallons one Pottle and a half.
The Hin is one Gallon and three Quarters of a Pint, which is the 6th. part of a Bath.
The Log is the one 1/12 of the Hin, that is [...]/3 of a Pint, and ¾ of an Ounce, that is 3 Quarters of a Pint, wanting but the ¼ part of an Ounce; so that the ¾ part of a Hin is almost one quarter of a pint.
Of the Coins, &c. of Persia.
THE Commodities of Persia are Gold, Silver, Raw Silk in great abundance, some Drugs and Spices, Wine-Fruits, several Manufactories, viz. Carpets, Arras-work, Hangings, Cloth of Gold and Silve [...] and fine Cotton-Cloths.
The Coins in Persia are Real and Nominal; Real Coins are Bisti's, Sha [...], Mamo [...] and Abassis; a Bisti is a tenth of an Abassi, a Shaxet is a [...]urth of [...]bassi, and the Abassi is valued at 16 d. Sterling, or 18 So [...] 6 Deniers. The Nominal Coins are Larins, Ors and Tomond: A Larin is 2 Shaxes ½, and 80 Larins to a Tomond in Commerce at Gamron, but in no other place; an Or is accounted for five Abassis, 6 s. 11 d. English, and a Tomond for ten Ors or fifty Abassi's, which is in value 3 l. 9 s. English. Rix Dollars and Pieces of Eight pass for 14 Shaxets, or 3 Abassi's ½ per Piece.
Thevenot tells us, That the Piasters are commonly worth 13 Schais if full weight; 13½ a Bisti. The Bisti consists of 4 Casbeghis, of which 10 makes a Schais. The most currant Money are the Abassi's, Mamoudis, Schais and Casbeghis; the Abassi is of the value of 4 Schais, which is about 18 Solz French. The Mamoudi contains two Schais, which is about 9 Solz. the Schai about 4 Solz 1/ [...], and the Casbeghi 5 Deniers ½. The Tomond is worth 15 Piasters, or 50 Abassi's; the Bovello is worth 3 Abassi's or 12 Schais.
In Geometry Thevenot tells us the Persians make use of a certain Measure called a Farsange, which is 3 Miles. The Miles contains 4000 Cubits, the Cubit 24 fingers (which by an Experiment he made, he finds to be 18 Inches, or a common Foot and half, which is exactly the Cubit. The finger is 6 B [...]rly-corns laid side-ways so that the Mile will be [Page 296] 6000 common Feet. And a degree to contain 22 Farsanges, or Parasanges, and 1/7 which is much about a French League.
Their Weights are various, viz. the Maundshaw, which is about thirteen pound Avoirdupois for Silk.
The Maund Surrat contains two and a half of the other, and is used for gross Goods, especially at Gombrou.
The Load or Cargo which contains thirty six Maundshaws, makes about 486 l. Avoirdupois.
The Mittigal for Gold, &c. whereof six and a half makes an Ounce Venice.
The Rattee for Diamonds, Pearls, &c. wherein are twenty Vals, ard twenty three Vals makes an English Carack.
Their Measures are two, called Cavedoes, the greatest is an Inch longer than the English Yard, and the lesser is three Quarters of the other, agreeable to the Pico of Turkie.
Taffiner saith, their Wine as all other things are sold by weight, and not by measure; and that in the year 1666, the whole account of Wines made at Sciras amounted to 200025 Mens, the only weight for Wines, containing nine pound French at sixteen Ounces to the pound, or 4125 Tuns at 300 Pints to the Tun.
Of the Coins, &c. under the Dominion of the Great Mogul.
THE Commodities in Surrat, Cambaia, Amadabat, and generally throughout the Mogul's Country, are Precious Stones, Agats, Jasper, several Drugs, Civet, Sugar-Candy, Indigo, Lacque, Saltpetre, Musk, Borax, Ogium, Myraboles, Ginger, Sal-armoniac, Amber, and Rice; all sorts of Cottons, Callicoes of all sorts, Carpets and Coverlets of Leather, artificially wrought with Silks of all Colours, Sattins, Taffities, Velvets, several Manufactories of Wood Carved and Imbellished, as Desks, Chests, Boxes, Standishes, &c.
Coins. The Roupy of Gold weighs two Drams and a half, and eleven Grains, and is valued in the Country at fourteen Roupies of Silver, and the Roupy of Silver is reckoned at thirty Sous, so that a Roupy of Gold comes to twenty one Livers of France, the half Roupy comes to ten Livers ten Sous, and the quarter Roupy to five Livers five Sous.
As for their Copper money, the biggest sort is generally worth two Sous, the next one Sous, the next to that 6 Deniers, or a Pecha. In Surrat, [Page 297] Cambaja, Baroch, Boudra and Amadabat, five Mamoudies goes for a Crown or Real; and for small Money they use Almonds, whereof forty, sometimes forty four, goes for a Pecha, which is six Deniers in value; there is also little pieces of Copper, which are called Pecha's, whereof twenty they give for a Mamoudy; there is also in some parts shell-money, fifty or sixty of which makes a Pecha; as for the Mamoudy, it is always valued at forty Pecha.
Their Weights are various. As for Gold, Silver, Civet, Muks, Bezarstones, &c. they have the Weight called the Toll, which is 12 Masses, and is seven penny sixteen grains Troy weight English; nine Deniers eight grains French.
Thevenot tells us, That at Surrat, there are divers Heads of Weights and Measures; but the most common Weight used in Trade, is the Man, which contains forty Serres or pounds, and the pound of Surrat contains fourteen Ounces, or thirty five Toles. That all Gold and Silver is weighed by the Tole, which contains forty Mangelis, which makes fifty six of our Caracts, or thirty two Vales. A Vale is 3 Gongys. That two Tolets 11/32 makes one Ounce of Paris weight.
The Man makes 40 pound weight all the Indies over, but the pounds or Serres vary. The pounds of Surrat are greater than those of Galconda; and the pound at Agra is double to that at Surrat, viz. 28 Ounces or Serres.
The Silver Roupie is as big as an Abassi of Persia, it weighs a Tole, and commonly passes for thirty French Solz, but is not worth above 29 or 31 Pechas ½, sometimes 32½. The Pecha is worth something more than 10 French Deniers. And 68 Badan or bitter Almonds for a Pecha.
For Silk there is the Pice, which is five Mittigals and a half, or two Tolls.
The common Weight for other Commodities is the Sear, which is various in several parts; the Sear at Agra is twofold, the one is twenty six Pices, which is 26⅔ Ounces, the other is thirty Pices, which is 22 Ounces Avoirdupoise.
The Sear of Surrat is eighteen Pices, which is 13⅓ Ounces Avoirdupoise: Taffener saith 'tis ¾ of a pound, and the pound is sixteen Ounces.
There is also the hundred Weights called Maunds; forty Sears make a Maund of thirty three pound English, and forty Sear makes a small Maund of fifty four pound 2/4 of English. Taffener saith, the Men is 69 Pound at 16 Ounces to the Pound; but the Men which they weigh their Indico withal, is but 53 Pound.
[Page 298]Their Measures are called the Covado or Cobit, the shorter is used for Silk and Linnen, and is 27 Inches English; the other Covado is different in several places, viz. at Surrat, Cambaja, &c. it is thirty five Inches, but in Agra, Delli, &c. it is thirty two Inches.
All Grains and Liquid Commodities are sold by weight, there being no Concave Measure in any of the Moguls Territories.
Of Pegu and Arackan.
THE King of Pegu's Silver Coin weighs two Drams and a half, and twelve Grains, and makes about twenty Sous six Deniers. And his Fano's or little pieces of Gold weighs seven Grains; fifteen of which passes in value for a Real or French Crown.
The King of Arackan's Money weighs two Drams and a half, and fifteen Grains, and makes twenty one Sous: He Coins no Gold, but Trafficks in Gold uncoined; the Metal is not worth above fourteen Carats, one Carat being the third part of an Ounce.
Of the Money which the English Coin in the Indies.
THE Money which the English Coin at the Fort of St. George upon the Coast of Cormandel, they call Pagods (as those of the Kings and Raja's of the Country are called) are of the same weight for goodness, and passes at the same value, which is about the weight of the French half Pistol; but the Gold is of baser Metal, so that an Ounce is not worth above forty two or forty three Livers, and not going for more than 4 Roupies. And at the famous Port of Bombay, the English have built a strong Fort, and Coin both Silver, Copper and Tin, but that Money only passeth among the English, and the Villages along the Coast for two or three Leagues about, as 'tis reported.
Of the Money which the Dutch Coin in the Indies.
AT Palicate the Dutch Coin Pagods of Gold, and Roupies of Silver, being of the same Weight of those of the great Mogul or the King [Page 299] of Golconda and Visapor; they have also small Copper Money. Four Roupies to a Pagod, which is about six French Livers. There is also Fanons half Gold and half Silver, six and a half with half a quarter-piece make a Roupie, and 26½ a Pagod. Gazers are small Copper-pieces, 40 of which go to a Fanon.
Of the Money in Sumatra.
THE Money of Gold Coined by the King of Achen, is better than the French Louis in goodness; an Ounce being well worth 50 Franks; it weigheth ten Grains, and is worth 16 Sous, and 8 Deniers of French Money: Another Author saith, that the Coins here are the Cattee, which is 8 Tayle, or 6 pound 8 shillings Sterling. A Tayle is 16 Masses, or 16 shillings Sterling; and a Mass is 4 Cupany, which is twelve pence Sterling.
Their Weight is the Bahar, which is 200 Cattees, a Cattee is 29 Ounces Avoirdupoise English.
Of Goa.
THE Commodities natural of Goa are inconsiderable, but in Trade there is the Commodities of the Indies, of Persia, Arabia, China, &c. viz. Precious Stones, Gold, Silver, Pearls, Silk, Cotten, Spices, Drugs, Fruits, Corn, Iron, Steel, &c.
The Coins there, are the Pardaus Sheraphin, worth 300 Rees of Portugal, or 4 shillings 6 pence English.
The Pagod of Gold is worth 10 Tangas, and 4 Tangas in good Money is one Pardau, and one Tangas is worth 4 good Ventins, a Ventin is worth 15 Basaracos, and the Basaracos is about 2 Rees of Portugal Money.
The St. Thomas of Gold is worth 8 Tangas, and the Pardaus de Reales, is about 440 Rees of Portugal.
Their Weight for Spices is the Bahar, which is three Quintals and a half of Portugal Weight, and another for Sugar, Honey, &c. which is called the Maund, which is 12 pound of the aforesaid Weight.
Their Measures for Length are the same with those of Lisbon.
Their Measures for Grains, Rice, &c. is the Medida, 24 whereof is a Maund, and twenty Maunds is a Candel, which is about fourteen Bushels English.
Of the Coast of Cormandel.
THeir Commodities are Sugars, Pintadoes, Grains, Fruits, Drugs, Precious Stones, Christal, &c.
Their Coins are the Pagode of Gold, which is 36 Fanans; a Fanan is about 3 d. value, and so the Pagode is 9 s. but the true value is 8 s. 6 d. or thereabouts.
Their Weight is the Candet, which is 20 Maunds, a Maund 40 Sears or 22 Masses, which is 26 Pound 14 Ounces English.
Of Bantam.
THE Commodities are Pepper, Sugar, Preserved Ginger, Rice, Honey, &c. as also the product of other places.
The Money Coined here are only pieces of Copper Minted, in the midst whereof is a hole to hang them on a string which they call Petties, 1000 whereof are in value about 5 shillings Sterling. But the Merchants keep their Accounts by Spanish Reals of 8, which are Currant for all sorts of Commodities.
Their Weights are the Bahar, which is 3 Picals, or 369 pound English, the Pical is 100 Cattees, or 132 pound English; and a Cattee is 20⅞ Ounces English.
Their Measure of length is the Covet, that is one fifth of an English Yard.
Their Dry Measure is a Gantang which is 21 pound English.
Of Siam.
THE Commodities of Siam are Cotten, Linnen, Wine of Coca [...], or Indian Nuts, Benjamin, Lac, Calamba, Camphora, Bezar, and Gold.
The Coins there are a piece of Gold Coin, which weighs 18 Grains more than the French half Pistol, and is worth 10 s. 7 d. Sterling.
The Silver Coin is about the bigness of a large Hazel-Nut, weighs 3 Drams and a half, and 25 Grains, and is worth about 2 Shillings 5 pence Sterling.
[Page 301]Their Weights are the Bahar, which is of two sorts, the great Bahar is 200 Cattees, a Cattee is 26 Taile, a Taile is one Ounce and a half of Lisbon.
The small Bahar is also 200 Cattees, a Cattee is 22 Tails, a Tail is an Ounce ⅝ of Lisbon Weight.
Of China.
THE Commodities are Rice, Wheat, Wool, Cottons, Flax, Silk raw and wrought into several Sorts of Stuffs, Fruits, Honey, Wax, Rhubarb, China-Roots, Wines, Sugar, Camphire, Musk, Civet, Salt, Gold, Iron, Tin, Steel, Quicksilver, Saltpetre, Porcelaine Dishes, Precious Stones, Rubies, Saphires, Agats, Pearls, &c.
They pay their Money by weight, which is denominated by Talents and Measures.
In all the Kingdom of China there is no Money Coined either Gold or Silver; that which they make use of in payments is only in Lumps, or pieces of Gold or Silver of divers forms and weights.
The pieces of Gold by the Hollanders called Goltfchut is worth 1200 Gilders of Holland, or 101 l. 5 s. Sterling; the other piece which weighs but half as much, is in value according to its proportion; an Ounce of this Gold is worth 3 l. 3 s. English.
In Trade every man carrieth about him a pair of Sheers to cut and divide their Money; as also Scales and Weights to weigh it, and to proportion his Money according to the value of the Commodity he buyeth.
Their Weights are the Bahar, which is said to differ in several places; but the common Bahar of China is 300 Cattees, a Cattee is 16 Tailes, which is about 20 Ounces and 3 Quarters Avoirdupois; so that the Bahar is about 190 l. English.
There is also the Bahar for small weight of 200 Cattees, 22 Taile to a Cattee, and a Taile is one Ounce and a half Avoirdupois; so that the Bahar is 412 l. English.
Of Japan.
THE Commodities of Japan are Wheat, Millet, Rice, and excellent Barley, divers Metals, as Gold, Silver, Copper, Tin, Lead, Iron; their Pearls are great, but Red.
The Gold of Japan is in value worth 3 l. 15 s. the Ounce, there is [Page 302] one Coin or Piece of Gold which weighs one Ounce six Drams, which comes to about 6 Pound 11 Shillings 3 Pence; there is also another that weighs the third part of the great one, viz. half an Ounce 48 Grains, and comes to 2 l. 3 s. 9 d. Sterling.
There are also several Pieces of Silver called Ingots, some weighing 7 Ounces, at five Shillings the Ounce, comes to thirty five Shillings; others of two Ounces 3 Drams and a half, which comes to 12 Shillings 10 Pence ½ Sterling, and so proportionable in value according to their weight, are the rest.
There is also Copper Money, which they thred to the Number of 600, which is the value of a Tell or Taile in Silver, which the Dutch reckon to be worth 3 Gelders and a half, which is 6 Shillings 4 pence ¼ Sterling.
Their Weights are the Fiakin, which is 125 Dutch Pounds, one Fiakin makes 100 Cattees, one Cattee 16 Taile, one Taile 10 Maes, and a Cattee is by some accounted 21 Ounces Avoirdupois.
Their Measure for Length is the Tattany or Ichin, which is about 2 Yards ⅛ English, or 6 Rhynland feet; 60 Ickiens or Ichins is 30 Rhynland Rods, and 180 Rods is a Japan Mile.
Their Dry Measures are the Gant, which is 3 Cocas, which is three Pints English.
| Persian Money. | French | English | ||||
| l. | s. | d. | q. | |||
| A Bassi, or 2 Mamoudi's | 18 | 6 Deniers | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2½ |
| 1 Mamoudi's, or | 2 | Chayets | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0⅕ |
| 1 Cheyets | 5 | Double Casbekes | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0⅕ |
| 1 Bisti | 2 | Double Casbekes | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 74/100 |
| A Casbeke simple | 5 | Deniers ½ half peny | 0 | 0 | 7 | 2 41/100 |
| A double Casbeke | 11 | Deniers | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 82/100 |
| One Or | 5 | Abassi's | 0 | 6 | 11 | 1 |
| One Toman | 46 | Livers 1 Denier ⅕ Piaster- | 3 | 9 | 0 | 0 9/25 |
| Indian Money. | French | English | ||||
| A Larin of Arabia, &c. | 1 | Ecu, or French Crown | 3 | 10 | 3⅕ | |
| A Mamoudi's | 0 | 1 | 2 | |||
| A Roupy of Gold | 21 | Livers | 1 | 11 | 6 | |
| A Roupy of Silver | 30 | Sous | 0 | 2 | 3 | |
| A Pecha | 6 | Deniers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 ⅘ |
| Arakan-Money | 21 | Sous | 0 | 1 | 6 | 3⅗ |
| A half Roupy | 16 | Sous | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 ⅗ |
| Tipoura Silver | 22 | Sous | 0 | 1 | 7 | 3⅕ |
| Pagods | ½ | A Pistol: A Pistol in Gold is 11 Livers | 0 | 8 | 3 | |
| Fano's | 1 | Ecu | 0 | 4 | 6 | 0 |
| Achen Gold | 16 | Sous 8 Deniers | 0 | 1 | 3 | |
| Macassar Gold | 23 | Sous 8 Deniers | 0 | 1 | 9 | 1 ⅕ |
| Camboya Silver | 4 | Sous | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2⅕ |
| Siam Gold | 7 | Livers 1 Sous | 0 | 10 | 6 | 3⅗ |
| Siam Silver | 32 | Sous 4 Deniers | 0 | 2 | 5 | 0⅖ |
| Asem Fanos | 1 | Ecu | 0 | 4 | 6 | |
| Asem Silver | 23 | Sous | 0 | 1 | 8 | 2⅘ |
| China Goltscut | 1350 | Livers | 101 | 5 | 0 | |
| China Silver Pieces | 59 | Sous 8 Deniers | 0 | 4 | 5 | 2⅘ |
| Pegu Gold Fanos | 1 | Real | 0 | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Pegu Silver | 20 | Sous 6 Deniers | 0 | 1 | 6 | 1 ⅘ |
| Japan Gold | 87 | Livers 10 Sous | 6 | 11 | 3 | |
| Japan Silver Pieces | 30 | Sous | 0 | 2 | 3 | |
These Computations are made, supposing a French Crown to be in Value 54 d. or 4 s. 6 d. Sterling, the reputed Par, so that a Sous is in Value 9 d. & 10 Deniers 3.
| Amsterdam | Foot | 0 | 11 | 3 | 93 | |
| Ell | 2 | 3 | 2 | |||
| Antwerp | Foot | 0 | 11 | 3 | 98 | |
| Ell | 2 | 3 | 3 | |||
| Bologne or | Ell | 2 | 0 | 8 | 89 | |
| Bononia | Foot | 1 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 27 |
| Bremen | Foot | 0 | 11 | 6 | 94 | |
| Cairo | Cubit | 1 | 9 | 9 | 1 | 61 |
| China | Cubit | 1 | 0 | 2 | ||
| Cologn | Foot | 0 | 11 | 4 | 97 | |
| Copenhagen | Foot | 11 | 6 | 94 | ||
| Dantzig | Foot | 11 | 3 | 1 | 19 | |
| Ell | 1 | 10 | 8 | |||
| Dort | Foot | 1 | 2 | 2 | ||
| Florence | Brace or Ell | 1 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 23 |
| Francfort on the Main | 0 | 11 | 4 | 93 | ||
| Ell | 1 | 9 | 9 | |||
| Genoua | Palm | 0 | 9 | 6 | 1 | 42 |
| Greek Foot | Foot | 1 | 0 | 1 | ||
| Hamborough | Ell | 1 | 10 | 8 | 95 | |
| Leipsig | Ell | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 17 |
| Lisbon | Vare | 2 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 6 |
| Lovaine | Foot | 11 | 4 | 98 | ||
| Lubeck | Ell | 1 | 9 | 8 | ||
| Lyons | Ell | 3 | 11 | 7 | 1 | 9 |
| Mantua | Foot | 1 | 6 | 8 | 1 | 43 |
| Middleburg | Foot | 0 | 11 | 9 | 98 | |
| Millain | Calamus | 6 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 40 |
| English Feet | Inches | Tenths | Pounds | Parts of a l. | ||
| Naples | Palm | 0 | 9 | 6 | 1 | 43 |
| Brace | 2 | 1 | 2 | |||
| Cauna | 6 | 10 | 5 | |||
| Norimberg | Foot | 1 | 0 | 1 | 94 | |
| Parma | Cubit | 1 | 10 | 4 | 1 | 43 |
| Paris | Royal Foot | 1 | 0 | 8 | 93 | |
| Persian | Arach. | 3 | 2 | 3 | ||
| Prague | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 6 | |
| Riga | Foot | 1 | 9 | 9 | ||
| Roman | Foot on the Monum. of Cossutius | 0 | 11 | 6 | 1 | 23 |
| Of Statilius | 0 | 11 | 7 | |||
| Roman | Palm | 0 | 8 | 8 | ||
| Span. | Palm, or Palm of Castile | 0 | 9 | 9 | ||
| Span. | Vare, or Rod qt. 4. Pal. | 3 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Toledo | Foot | 0 | 10 | 7 | 1 | 00 |
| Vare | 2 | 8 | 2 | |||
| Turin | Foot | 1 | 0 | 7 | ||
| Turkish | Pike at Constantinople | 2 | 2 | 4 | 86 | |
| Venice | Foot | 1 | 1 | 9 | 1 | 53 |
| Vienna | 1 | 0 | 6 | 83 | ||
| Universal Foot, or a Pendulum, that will vibrate 132 times in a Minute. | 0 | 8 | 1 | |||
| Foot | Inches | Tenths | Pounds | Parts of a Pound | ||
ASIA.
ASIA is one of the Tripartite Divisions of our Continent; if we consider the Advantages, which the Author of Nature hath given it; Or the memorable Actions which have passed in it: That the first Monarchies and Religions have here had their rise: That the chief Mysteries both of the Old and New [Page 322] Law, were here laid open: That from hence all Nations of the World, and all Arts and Sciences, had their first beginning: We may justly prefer it before the other parts of the World.
It is seated in the Oriental part of our Continent, and most part in the temperate Zone; what it hath under the Torrid, being either Peninsula or Isles, which the Waters and Sea do much refresh.
It extends from Smirna in the West to the farthest part of Tartaria near Jesso in the East, four thousand and eight hundred Miles; and from the lowermost point of Malacca in the South to the Straights of Weigats in the North, it makes four thousand and two hundred Miles of sixty to a degree. In this length and breadth we do not comprehend the Islands which belong to Asia; which are as great, as rich, and possibly as numerous, as in other parts of the Universe.
Whether it took its Name from Asia the Daughter of Oceanus and Thetis, wife of Japetus, and Mother to Prometheus, or from Asius the Son of Atis, a King of Lydia, or from Asius the Philosopher, who gave the Palladium to the Trojans, or from the Phoenician word Asia signifiing Medium: These Originations to me are uncertain; most certain it is, that this Name was first known to the Greeks on that coast opposite to them, after it was given to that part of the Country extending to the Euphrates called Asia Minor, and at last was communicated to all that Oriental Continent.
Many are the Religions there followed; but the Jews, Mahumetans, and Idolaters far exceed the Christians in number. Idolatry began in the time of the Assyrians; Judaism among the Hebrews; Christianism in the Holy-land, but first so called at Antioch; and Mahumetanism in Arabia.
Mahumetanism is received by the four principal Nations of Asia; the Turks, Arabians, Persians and Tartars. The Turks give the most liberty, the Arabs are most superstitious, the Persians are most rational, and the Tartars are most simple. Some have made seventy and two Sects among them, which may be reduced to two: That which the Turks follow according to the Doctrine of Omar, and that which the Persians follow according to Haly's Instructions: These have their Patriarch at Ispahan, the Turks theirs at Bagdat. The Greeks have also their Patriarchs here, known under the Titles of Antioch and Jerusalem. There are also other Christians, as Jacobites, who have their Patriarch at Caramit, otherwise called Amida; the Nestorians, the Cophites, the Georgians, the Armenians, and the Maronites. The two later have two Patriarchs, the one at the Monastery of the Three Churches near Erivan in Armenia, the other at Canobin in Mount Libanus.
Asia towards the West is separated from Africa by the Red Sea, and [Page 323] by the Isthmus of Sues. It is divided from Europe by several Seas and Streights already mention'd in the Description of Europe. Toward the other Regions of the World, Asia is environed by the Tartarian, Chinean, Indian, Persian and Arabian Seas.
The principal Seas within the Country are the Caspian, the Euxine, and the Persian Sea. The Dead Sea is very small in respect of the rest, yet is it famous for being in the Holy Land.
The principal Rivers of Asia, are Euphrates, Tigris, Indus, Ganges, Croceus, Kiang and Obi.
Caucasus and Taurus, so celebrated by the Ancients, are the highest Mountains; but several Countries give them several other Names.
We find that the Air of Asia is almost every where Temperate. And if we consider her Gold, her Silver, her Precious Stones, her Drugs, her Spices, her Silks, we may aver it to be the richest as well as the most noble part of the World. Among other of her products, we most esteem the Diamonds of Narsingue, the Pepper and Ginger of Malabar, the Silks of Bengale, the Rubies and Lake of Pegu, the Porcelane of China, the Cinamon of Ceylan, the Gold of Surat, the Canfir of Borneo, the Cloves of the Molocca's, the Nutmegs of Banda, and the Sandal of Timor.
Of the Seven Wonders of the World, there were four in Asia. The Temple of Ephesus, the Mausoleum in Halicarnassus, the Walls of Babylon, and the Rhodian Colossus. The Statue of Olympian Jupiter in Europe. The Egyptian Labyrinth, and the Pyramids in Africa.
The Asiaticks have been always a Soft and Effeminate people, except the Mountaineers and the Tartars, who by their Incursions perpetually vex'd their Neighbours. Their Coats of Arms are nothing like those which the Families of Europe bear; being compos'd only of the Letters of their Names, to which they add sometimes the Names of their Predecessors. Their Embassies, considering the Presents they make one to another, are but a kind of Trade and Exchange of Merchants, wherein every one looks after the true value, and so to make his advantage.
Asia is in subjection to four Potent Monarchs, who are able to bring mighty Armies into the Field: The Grand Signior, who resides in Europe, the Sultan of Persia, the Cam of Tartary, at this day King of China, and the Great Mogul. Besides these, there are several great Princes in Georgia, in Arabia, in Tartary, in India, and in most pa t of the Isles. Several Nations also maintain their Liberty by living among the Mountains.
As to the Division of this part of the World, some Authors divide it into Interior and Exterior, in reference to Mount Taurus: By means [Page 324] of which Mountain the Greeks made two Grand parts, the first to the North, the later to the South. I shall first divide it into Terra Firma and Islands. The Countries of the Terra Firma toward the West, are Asiatick Turky, Georgia and Arabia. Toward the middle, Persia; toward the North, Tartary; to the East, China; and to the South, India, divided likewise into Terra Firma, which is the Empire of the Great Mogul; and into two Peninsula's, one on this side, the other beyond Ganges. The Islands in the Eastern, or Indian Seas, (which are the biggest, the richest, and more in Number than in any other part of the World,) are the Maldives, Ceylon, the Islands of Sonde, viz. Sumatra, Borneo, Java, &c. of Japon, the Philippines, and the Molucca's. There are some Isles appertaining to Asia in the Mediterranean, as Cyprus and Rhodes; and others in the Archipelago, as Metellino, Scio, Samos, &c.
So that Asia now stands divided in these Monarchies or Principal parts, Viz.
- Whose chief Cities are
- Turkie in Asia
- Georgia
- Arabia
- Persia
- Tartaria
- China
- The Empire of the Mogul
- India within Ganges
- India without Ganges
- Aleppo, Cairo, Smirna.
- Tefflis, Akazlike and Cori.
- Mecca, Medina, Mocha.
- Hispahan, Tauris, Sciras.
- Surmarchand, Balch, Camul.
- Pequin, Canton, Hanchew.
- Agra, Lahor, Surrat.
- Goa, Calicut, Golconda.
- Pegue, Siam, Mallaca.
Islands in the
- Oriental Ocean, Japan, Sumatra, Borneo.
- Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus, Rhodes.
- Archipelago, Metellino, Scio, Samos, &c.
Of Turky in Asia.
ASiatique Turky comprehends more than the Roman Empire, in this part of the World: Those Dominions did not often extend beyond the River Euphrates: This beyond the River Tygris.
[Page 326]Once the Temperature of the Air exceeding sound and healthful, now every five or six years the Pestilence destroys Millions.
The Soil formerly exceeding plentiful of all Fruits, both for use and pleasure, now generally waste and barren.
Once very populous and full of Stately Cities, now lamenting the Ruine and Destruction of them.
The Mahometan Religion is chiefly profess'd in most places thereof, only there are some Jews, and Greek Christians mix'd among them. As to their manners, a Cadi or Turkish Judge judiciously observ'd, that the Turks were to be blam'd for their Lechery, the Jews for their Superstition, and the Christians for their Litigiousness.
Most excellently Seated is this part of the World, for it lies in the midst of our Continent, in the temperate Zone, being water'd by the whole Course of Euphrates and Tigris, with the Convenience of Four Seas, the Mediterranean, the Euxine, the Caspian, and Persian Seas, by which it Commerces with the principal Regions of the World, and chiefly with that of the East-Indies.
Four great Provinces are in this Asiatick Turky. Anatolia, Turcomania, Diarbeek and Syria. Anatolia or Asia Minor is almost a Peninsula lying between the Black Sea, the Archipelago, the Mediterranean, and the River Euphrates. The ancient Greeks were wont to store it with Colonies, and the Grand Cyrus did not think his Empire considerable without it. For the same Reason have so many Battels been fought either to preserve or conquer it. The Ancients divided this Anatolia or Asia Minor into several lesser Parts or Regions, viz. Pontus & Bithynia, Paphlagonia, Cappadocia, Armenia Minor, Cilicia, Isauria, Pamphylia, Lycia, Caria, Jonia, Aeolis, Lydia, or Maeonia, Pisidia, Lycaonia, Galatia, Phrygia Major & Minor, Misia and Troas. Here I had intended to have given a larger Description of all the ancient Names of places, &c. contained in this Asiatique Turky, viz. in Asia Minor, Mesopotamia, Armenia, Assyria, Caldea, or Babylonia, Arabia, Terra Sancta, Syria, &c. But having lately purchased six Plates, vulgarly called Scriptural Maps, viz.
First, Of all the Earth, and how after the Flood it was divided among the Sons of Noah.
Second, Of Paradise, or the Garden of Eden, with the Countries circumjacent inhabited by the Patriarchs.
Third, The 40 years Travel of the Children of Israel through the Wilderness.
Fourth, Canaan, or the Holy Land, as it was divided among the 12 Tribes of Israel, and travelled through by our Saviour.
[Page 327] Fifth, The Travels of St. Paul, and other of the Apostles, in the propagating of the Gospel.
Sixth, Jerusalem, as it flourished in our Saviour's time.
I shall therefore here only give you the present State and View of those Countries, and refer you to my Description of those Map [...], which will be a most complete Epitome of the whole History of those Eastern Countries. It now contains four Beglegbegs, or principal Governments, that of Natolia, at Cutaye or Cute, Turcis, teste Leuncl. Cutaige or Chiutaie teste Band. Kietahi. P. Rycant. of Caramania at Cogni, or Gogni the Iconium of Cic. Zenop. Plin. of Amasia at Tocat or Siwas, or Suvas the Sebastiopolis of Plin. and Ptol. of Aladuli at Marazh, or Marasch, by the Turks Zulkadie. The City of Bursa, the Prusa of Strab. Plin. & Ptol. Prusias Solino, Bursa, Belon, Buruss Turcis, teste Leuncl. built by King Prusias who betrayed Hannibal An. Mundi 3297. taken by the Turks A. D. 1300. It was the Residence of the Kings of Bithynia, and of some of the Greek Emperors, and lastly of some of the Turkish Emperors, till they won Constantinople. The first of the Ottoman Race were buried there, except Solyman the first, who would be buried at the Mouth of the Dardanels near Gallipoli: It yields to none unless Constantinople, either for wealth or number of Inhabitants. Nicomedia, Comedia, Nicor, Isnigimid & Ismir Turcis, teste Leuncl. 'tis now a place of great Traffick for Silks, Cottons, Wooll, Linen, Fruits, Pots, Glasses, and other Commodities. Nice or Isnich, Nicaea of Strab. Plin. & Ptol. prius Antigonia Strab. Olbia Plin. Ancore Steph. Isnich & Nichor, Leuncl. Nichaea Soph. is famous for the first General Council of 318 Bishops Ann. 325. and for the Residence of the Grecian Emperors after the Franks had taken Constantinople, Anno 1201. Angouri & Angara Leuncl. Enguni Turcis, Ancyra Strab. & Plin. Angyra ex Codice Graeco, famous for Tamerlan's Victory over Bajazet Emperor of the Turks, and before that for Pompey's Victory over Mithridates, and now for good Chamlets. Troy, Pergamus, and Sardis, have been Royal Cities. Troy renowned for the Ten years Siege of the Greeks, whose Ruines also are mixed with the Remains of so [...] modern Structures. Pergamus, by the Turks Bergama, is about 60 or 64 miles N. N. W. from Smirna, watered by the River Cacus, is famous for the wealth of King Attalus, who overcame the Galatae or Gallo-Grecians in a bloody Battel, was confederate with the Romans against King Philip, for the [...]vention of Parchment, for the Birth-place of Galen, for its Tapestry, and for its being one of the Seven Churches. That of Sardis by H [...] Meone, for the Residence of Croesus, and other the Kings of Lydia Sinope upon the Black Sea, for its Copper Mines, and for the Residence of Mithridates, the most [Page 328] formidable Enemy of the Romans. Scutari, formerly Chalcedon, where the 4th General Council was held, 'tis now a miserable Village with heaps of ancient Ruines and Monuments of destruction. Abydos, now one of the D [...]danels, was famous for the Loves of Hero and Leander, and for the passage of Xerxes prodigious Army over a Bridge of 674 Gallies Foglia Vecchia, formerly Phocaea, the Mother of Marse [...]es; the firs [...] City which was taken by a formal Siege, by Harpagus Lieutenant to Grand Cyrus. Smirna, Ismir Turcis, for Trade by Sea and Land, is the most celebrated City in the Levant; hither the Western Fleets are bound, and from hence the fairest Caravans set out, feated at the bottom of a Gulph, which is seven Leagues in length, defended with a Castle or Fort in such a part of the Gulph, that no Ships can escape its Command.
One of the Seven Churches of Asia, at this day a great City, but not so great and beautiful as formerly; here are the Ruines of the Amphitheater, where it is said St. Polycarp was exposed to fight with Lions.
This City is very populous, wherein is reckoned no less than Sixty thousand Turks, Fifteen thousand Greeks, Eight thousand Armen [...]ns, Six or seven thousand Jews, besides European Christians.
Smirna is a place of great plenty, the Soil abounding with Oil and Wine. The Sea affords good store of Fish, and Fowl is very cheap. But the Heats are very excessive in Summer, and would be insupportable, were it not for the Breezes that come off the Sea about 10 in the Morning, and continues till the Evening, but the Plague and malignant Fevers that succeed it are more destructive. Over the gate of the upper Castle the Roman Eagles continue still Engraved, and a great Head of Stone, by the Turks called Coidafa, which some think it to be the great Amazon Smirna, which gave Name to this City.
Ephesus, Efeso Soph. Figena or Fiena cast. Ayasaluck Turcis, Rycant. During the Trojan War Pliny tells us it was called Alopes, then Ortygia, by Lysimachus Arsinoa, then Morgas, then Ephesus 45 Miles from Smirna, and about 5 Miles from the Sea upon the River Cayster, another of the 7 Churches of Asia. Once famous for the Temple of Diana, said to be Four hundred twenty five Feet in length, Two hundred and twenty in breadth, supported with One hundred and twenty seven Marble Pillars Seventy Feet high, Two hundred and twenty years a building, seven times fired, the last time was in the Night that Alexander was born.
Laodicea, more anciently Diospolis, one of the Seven Churches, now forgotten in its Name, and overwhelmed in its Ruines, which are by [Page 329] the Turks called Eskihisar, not far from a place called Dingizlee, inhabited by Greeks, seated upon the River Lycus.
Philadelphia, another of the Seven Churches, by the Turks Alashaher, or the fair City, is yet adorned with Twelve Churches which profess the Christian Faith. 'Tis seated on the Rising of the Mountain Tmolus, and watered with the River Pactolus. And is a place of Trade, being in the Road of the Persian Caravans.
Thyatyra, Akisar by the Turks, the last of the Seven Asian Churches, is a City well inhabited, and of a very considerable Trade of Cotton-wooll, which they send to Smirna.
Hierapolis, Seideschecher Turcis, teste Crussio & Leuncl. Pambuck-kalaf Smith, Aphiom-Carassar Tavenn. is seated over against Laodicea, where are now to be seen the Ruines of vast Fabricks, and the Grotta of Platonium of Strab. famous for those pestilential Vapors which it perspires.
Melaxo Mol. Melesso aliis, formerly Miletus, sent several Colonies abroad, and a long time withstood the Kings of Lydia. Halicarnassus, famous for the Mausoleum built by Queen Artemisia, in memory of Mausolus her Husband. Xanthus, famous for the stout Resistance of its ancient Citizens against Harpagus, Alexander and Brutus, in all which Sieges they suffered all Extremities imaginable. Sattalia, otherwise Antali, lends its Name to a Gulph hard by. Tarsus, Tarsos Plin. Tarso Europis, Terassa incolis, Tersis Turcis Leuncl. once a famous Academy, and Archbishoprick, and Metropolitan of Cilicia, built by Sardanapalus, Anno Mundi 3440. post Romam 60 Isodoro. It hath also been called Antoniana, Severiana & Hadriana, the place of St. Paul's Education. Cogni the Iconium of old, advantageously scituated in the Mountains. Tiagna, where the learned Apollonius was born. Amasia, Amasea, Strab. & Ptol. Amnasan Turcis, is famous for the Birth of Mithridates and Strabo, for the Martyrdom of Theodorus, and for the Residence of the eldest Son of the Grand Signior, built in the hollow of a Mountain. Zela not far off, built by Zeila Son of Nicomedes, famous for the Victory of Pharnaces over Strabo. Trebizond, Trapesus Strab. & Plin. Mel. &c. Trabisonda & Trebisonda Europaeis. Tarabasar Turcis teste Leunc. the Seat of an Empire of short continuance, viz. 200 years from the year 1261, to the 1460. now the Residence of a Turkish Basha. Tocat, the new Caesaria of old, is a fair City, and one of the most remarkable Thorough-fares in the East, where are lodged the Caravans from Persia, Diabequer, Bagdat, Constantinople, Smirna, and other places. The Christians have there Twelve Churches, and there resides an Archbishop, that hath under him Seven Suffragans. The on [...] place in all Asia, where Saffron [Page 330] grows; in the middle of the Town is a great Rock, upon the Top whereof is an high Castle with a Garison to command the Neighbouring Parts, 'tis govern'd by an Aga and Cadi; for the Bashaw lives at Siwas, which is the ancient Sebastia, a large City, three days Journy from Tocat. Laiazzo, the famous Issus near to Pylae Ciliciae, where several Battels have been fought. In modern Story, That of a Soldan of Egypt against Bajazet the second, Emperor of the Turks, wherein he was defeated. In the same place Alexander the Great defeated Darius in person. There Ventidius Bassus vanquish'd the Parthians. And Severus the Emperor overcame Pescenninus Niger his Rival in the Empire. Not far off stood the ancient Anchiale, built in the same day and year in which Tarsus was by Sardanapalus. Satalia, Attalia Ptol. Antali Turcis, teste Leunc. is famous for its rich Tapestries, and for giving Name to the Neighbouring Gulph, founded by Ptolomy Philadelphus King of Egypt. Among the Rivers of Asia the Less, there is first Thermodon, upon whose Banks the Amazons inhabited, now called Parmon. Hali, Halys. Strab. Ptol. & Pli. Laly Nig. C [...]silirma P. Gyl. Otmagiuchi & Aytotu Turcis, teste Leuncl. was the Bounds of the Kingdom of Cyrus and Croesus. Granicus toward the Hellespont, Granica Saus. Lazzara, teste Nig. was the Witness of the first Victory of Alexander the Great over the Persians. Pactolus, Strab. Plin. & Chrysorhoas Sol. now Sarabat. near to Sardis and Thyatira, was famous for its golden Oar; Meander, Strab. Plin. & Zenoph. Maeandros Ptol. now Madre, ex Aulocrene fonte oriens, for his Swans and his Windings. Cydnus near Tarsus, now Carasu Leuncl. whose Waters were so cold, that they kill'd the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, who bath'd himself therein. And Alexander, who did the same, was forsaken and given over by all his Physicians.
The most renowned Mountains of the Lesser Asia are Taurus, which divides all Asia into two Parts, as we have said already. It is the most famous Mountain in the World, for its Height, its Length, and for its Members Caucasus and Imaus. Ida, near to Troy, is famous for the judgment of Paris between the three Goddesses. On Mount Tmolus Midas preferred Pan's Pipe before Apollo's Harp. On Cragus was the Monster Chimaera made tractable by Bellerophon. On Latmus passed the Loves of the Moon and Endymion. Mount Stella for the fatal Overthrow of Mithridates by Pompey, and Bajazet's by Tamerlain.
Of SYRIA.
SYria, Soria, Italis; La Sourie, Gallis; Suristan, Turcis; Souristan, Incolis. By the Ancients it was divided into three principal parts, viz. Syria Propria, Phaenicia and Palestina, or the Holy Land. At present the Turks divide it into three Beglerbegs, viz. of Halep or Aleppo, Tripoli or Tarabolos, and Scham or Damascus, which contains 16 or 20 Sangiacks, whose Names and Situations being, for the most part, to us unknown, I shall follow the Ancient Geography, and first speak of
Syria Propria.
In the Division or Parts of this, I find much Contrariety among all Geographers, and in all Maps. Baudrand tells us, 'tis divided into Comagena, Phoenicia, Coelosyria, Palmyrena, and Seleucia. In another place he saith, its parts are Syria Propria, Coelosyria, Comagene and Palmyrene.
Cluverius saith, 'tis divided into Antiochene, Comagene, Coelo-Syria, and Palmyrene.
Golnitz divides it into Comagena, Seleucia, Coelo-Syria, and Idumaea.
Heylin into Phoenicia, Coelo-Syria, and Syrophoenicia; Bleau into Comagena, Coelo-Syria, Phoenicia, Damascena, and Palmyrena.
I come therefore to speak of the chief places in Syria Propria, which are,
1. Antioch, or Antiochia magna, Theopolis à Justiniano Imperatore, Rebbata à S. Trinitate, by the Turks Antachia Leuncl. once the Metropolis of Syria, situate on the River Orontes, now Assi or Hasei, 12 Miles from the Mediterranean Shoar. Once adorned with stately Palaces, Temples, &c. The Seat of some of the Roman Emperors.
The Suburbs, called Daphne, from Apollo's Mistriss so called, turned into a Laurel, now 5 Miles from Antioch, was accounted one of the most delicious places in the World, famous for the Oracle and Temple of Apollo, who was here worshipped in a Grove 10 Miles in [Page 332] Compass, planted with Cypresses, and other Trees, so full and close together, that the Beams of the Sun could not dart through, watered with pleasant Streams, beautified with Fountains, and enriched with Variety of Fruits.
2. Aleppo, Chalybon Rawolfio & Postello. Beroea, Berou, or Beroe. Zonara, Cedreno & P. Gyll. Hierapolis teste Bellonio. Sansone & Brietio. At present Aleppo or Halep is the greatest and principal City of all Syria, and one of the most famous of the East, and the 3d in the Ottoman Empire, if we consider it as the Rendezvous of the Caravans, and of the Turkish Armies; as the Magazine of Jewels, of Spices, of Silks, and other costly Commodities which are brought thither by Sea and Land, and from thence sent into other Parts of the World by the Port of Alexandretta or Scandaroon.
3. Hamah Leuncl. Hamous Bellon. Aman aliis & Damant in mappa Bleau. is the Apamea or Apamia of the Ancients built by Seleucus, and so called from the Name of his Wife, seated in the midst of a great Plain, encompassed with pleasant Hills abounding in Corn and Wine. Its Orchards stored with Variety of Fruits and Palm-Trees. Its Gardens watered with many Chanels drawn from the Orontes.
4. Hams, Hemz. Turcis, Haman Bell. Chemps Postel. & I. Kydo. Camalu Nigro, is the Emisa Euseb. Emissa Ptol. Hemesa Plin. for pleasant Situation much as the same with Hamah.
5. Seleucia, built near the Mouth of Orontes by Seleucus, esteemed the greatest City-Builder in the World, viz. 9 of his own Name, 16 in memory of his Father Antiochus, 6 bearing the Name of his Mother Laodicea, and 3 in remembrance of his Wife Apamoea, besides several others either built, repaired, or beautified by him. It had the Surname of Pieria, called also Soldin Nig. & Seleuche-Jolber. Leone Sidonienfi.
6. Zeugma, seated on the Banks of the River Euphrates, where Alexander the Great passed over on a Bridge of Boats.
7. Samosatha, Seempsat L. Sidoniensi near the Banks of the Euphrates, over which there was a Bridge for a passage into Mesopotamia, here was born Lucian, and Paulus Samosatenus, Patriarch of Antioch, who was condemned for Heresie.
8. Palmira, Amagara Ortel. Fayd. Sans. seated near the Desart of Arabia, famous for Zenobia, who stood in opposition with Gallienus for the Empire of the East, but was taken Prisoner, and led in Triumph through Rome by Aurelian.
9. Adada is memorable for the Victory that Aretus King of Arabia obtained against Alexander King of Jewry.
[Page 333]10. Damascus. Damasco Europaeis, Sciam Minad, Scham incolis Leuncl. Damas Gallis, once the chief City of Syria, and one of the most ancient in all Asia, seated near the River Chrysorrhoas, Pharphar Hebraeis, Adegele Bell. Farfar & Ferne Gist. in a Soil so fertile in Gardens, Orchards, and Vineyards, a place so pleasant with Rivers and Fountains so surfeiting of Delights, so ravishing with Pleasures, that some have called it, The Paradise of the World, famous for the Temple of Zacharias, garnished with 40 stately Porches, and adorned with about 9000 Lanthorns of Gold and Silver. Ruined and destroyed by the Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Parthians, Saracens, Tartars, by the Soldans of Egypt, and by the Turks. After the Battel of Issus, Alexander the Great found in Damas 200600 Talents of coined Mony, and 500 Talents uncoined.
Laudicha, Laodicea Cic. Strab. Plin. Laodice Polyb. so called from Laodice the Wife of Antiochus, and Mother of Seleucus, surnamed Cabiosa, called Lizza & Lyche Minad. & Olivario, 100 Miles from Damascus.
There was also another Laodicea, Ptol. upon the Sea-Coast, 30 Miles from Antioch West. Rhamata Hebraeis, Lyche incolis teste Mol.
Beritus, now Barutti or Berite, once much frequented by Merchants, and others, near which is that noted Valley where (as it is said) St. George, by killing the Dragon, redeemed the King's Daughter.
Biblus, now Gibbeleth, was the Habitation of Cinivas the Father of Myrrha, Mother to the fair Adonis, from whom the Neighbouring River took its Name; once a Bishops See now desolate.
I had almost forgot Alexandretta or Scanderone, the Sea-port of Aleppo, a confused heap of paltry Houses inhabited by the Greeks, who keep Fudling Schools for the Mariners, and other meaner sort of the People, only the dwellings of the Vice-Consuls are very convenient: But Tavernier saith, They must be Men who love Money that accept of those Employments, for the Air, like that at Ormus, is so bad in Summer especially, that if it doth not kill, yet they cannot avoid very dangerous Distempers; And after some stay there to remove to a better Air, is to endanger their Lives: But Auri sacra fames.
Of MESOPOTAMIA.
THE Padan Aram of the Scripture, Yrakin by the Persians, Jazeirey by the Arabians, Meredin by the Arminians, by the Turks Diarbeck, is a Peninsula between the Euphrates and Tygris on the West, South, and East; and on the North, the Mountains separate it from Turcomania; the South part desart and barren, the Northern part abounding with Corn and Wine.
A Country memorable for the Birth of Abraham and Rebecca; the long Abode of Jacob, and the Birth of his Children, the Original of the Hebrew Nation.
Successively subjected to the Babylonians. Assyrians, Medes and Persians; from them Conquer'd by the Romans, Recover'd again by the Persians, then sell into the power of the Sarazens, and now enslaved under the Turks.
Orpha or Ourfa, is the ancient Edesa, Edessa, Ptol. & Plin. Edesa Strab.
Erech by the Hebrews and Rages, as Villanovanus tells us, Orpha by Paulus Jovius. Rotas by Haithonus, Rhoas & Rhoa Niger. Orfa by P. Gyllius, Rohai al. Orrhoai Arab. The Capital City of Mesopotamia, where they dress the Yellow Cordovant Skins, the Blue at Tocat, the Red at Diabeker.
Carrha, known to the Romans for the death of wealthy Crassus, Orfa Baud. Heren. Nig. & Sans. Dr. Leonard Ronwolf, who in Anno 1575. was at Haran, tells us it was then called Ophra, 11 days Journy, or 232 Miles, from Mosul or Ninive; That it was a fair City, well inhabited, and richly furnished with Merchandize, but especially with fair Coverlets of divers Colours.
Tavernier and Thuenot tell us, That Ourfa is built where stood the ancient Edessa, memorable in the Church History for the Story of Abagarus; and in Roman History for the death of the Emperor Caracalla; and, by the Report of the Inhabitants, the place where Abraham lived: So that Havan, Edessa, Carrha and Orfa, seem to me to be all the same City. The Walls of the City are of Free Stone, with Battlements and Towers, but Ruinous within; upon the South-side there is a Castle upon a Hill, with some old pitiful Guns. The City is governed by a Bashaw.
[Page 335] Diarbeker, or Diarbequir, is also the Caramit or Caremu & Carahemit Turcis, teste Leuncl. the Amida of Procop. Ammaea Ptol. Hemit incolis olim Constantia dicta teste Baud. Zoriga Molet. seated near the Tygris, a Frontier Town of great Strength, the Seat of a Turkish Basha, containing two or three fair Piazza's, and a magnificent Mosque, formerly a Christian Church. 'Tis well peopled, containing, by Report, 2000 Christians, ⅔ Armenians, the rest Nestoreans, and some few Jacobites. Famous for its Red Marroquins, surpassing, in Colour, all others in the last, as also for excellent Wine and good Bread.
Bir, or Birigeon, is seated on the Euphrates, upon the Brow of a Hill, Plenty of Bread, Wine and Fish.
Sharmely Tav. Tcharmelick Thev. is a very good Town, with a fair Inn, and very good Baths round about it, near which is a Mountain, on the top whereof is a Fortress, with a Garison, which the Grand Visier in the Year 1631. after his loss at Bagdat, intended to have made his Refuge, but was strangled before he could accomplish his design.
Dadacardia Tav. The Ruines whereof denote it to have been a large Town, but now the Inhabitants have no other Habitation, but the Hollows of Rocks.
Cousasar Tav. Kodgiasar Thev. is a Village where you pay the Customs of Diarbequir Tav, rather of Merdin teste Thev.
Merdin, Marde Herod. Ptol. Merdino Onuph. Mirdin. Barb. Mirdanum Procopio, two Leagues from Kodgiasar, is a little City seated on a Mountain with good Walls, and a Castle, where is resident a Basha, who hath under him 200 Spahi's, and 400 Janizaries.
Karasara Tav. Caradene Thev. shews the Ruines of seven or eight Churches, and was once a great Town, one days Journy from Nesbin.
Nesbin is but the shadow of the ancient Nisibis of Strab. Ptol. Plut. Plin. and formerly a great Town, now hardly an ordinary Village.
Mosul, upon the West side of the River Tygris, is encompassed with Walls of rough Stone, plaistered over with little pointed Battlements on the Top. It hath a Castle built of Free Stone, and the Walls are about three Fathom high; on the Land side separated from the Town by a Ditch five or six Fathoms broad, and very deep. In the Castle there are six large Guns, whereof one is broken, and one is mounted; several Field-pieces, whereof two mounted.
The Tygris here in Summer is not broader than the River Sein in France, but deep and rapid, and in Winter 'tis as broad again.
[Page 336]And here I cannot omit what Thevenot affirms of Sanson's Map of this Country, viz. That besides the mistakes of Rivers, he hath made so many Faults in the position of Places in their Distances, as also in their Names, that nothing of the Country is true in the Map.
Diarbeck, taken in general, comprehends Arzerum, the Assyria of old, and Yerac the ancient Chaldea, or Babylonia, the chief Cities whereof are Babylon and Nineveh, which were heretofore very famous, now altogether ruined: Nineveh just over against Mosul, was the Residence of the King of Assyria, 24 Leagues in Circuit. The voluntary death of Sardanapalus, and the Repentance of the Inhabitants have renowned it in Story. Towards the Frontiers of Assyria inhabited a Warlike People, called, The Curds, where many great Battels have been fought, viz. That at Arbela and Gaugamela, Plin. or Gangamela Strab. now near to, if not the same with, Schiahrazur, the Seat of a Turkish Beglerbeg, Renowned for the Victory of Alexander the Great against Darius, killing above 400000 Persians, with the loss of 300 Macedonians. There the Califfs wan the Battel of Maraga, which made them Masters of all Persia. And near to Chuy, Selim defeated Ishmael Sephi, who had always been a Victor before. Babylon lay a small days Journy from Bagdat, which stands upon the Tygris, and is only a heap of Ruins in a place called Felougia, near to which they shew the place where stood the Tower of Babel, famous for the Confusion of Languages.
This Babylon was built by Nimrod, whom some affirm to be Belus. Semiramis and Nebuchadnezzar much augmented it: The first of the two having encompassed it with such Walls as were accounted one of the Seven Wonders of the World; and the high and fair Gardens upon the Terras were no less admir'd. It was taken by Cyrus, by Darius, by Alexander the Great, who died there, and by Seleucus. The power and wealth of Babylon was so great, that it contributed more to the Grand Cyrus, than the third part of all his Dominions. Next to Babylon, Seleucia, called Coche and Alexandria, then Seleucia, from Antiochus the Son of Seleucius, teste Martiano, now Bagdad, or Bagadat, teste Sansone; was the most considerable City in all Asia, and then Ctesiphon: Baghdat, or Bagadad, generally called Babylon, is not only the Rendezvous of several Merchants, but also of the Mahumetans of all parts of Asia, who go to visit the Sepulchres of Omar and Haly, and other Mahometan Saints. It was a long time the Residence of the Caliphs. Ulit, who was one of them, was Master of one of the greatest Monarchies in the World; for it extended from the most Western parts of Barbary, to the East-Indies. Another [Page 337] Caliph of this City, at his death left Eight Sons, Eight Daughters, Eight Millions of Gold, Eight thousand Slaves, and the addition of Eight Kingdoms to his Dominion. In the Year 1638. when Amurath the Fourth re-took it from the Persians, he caused three Men out of every Tent through his Army to be cast into the Moat, and over them a vast number of Bavins and Wooll-Sacks, that he might the more easily assault the Town. Kufa, or Mecha Ali, is a City for which the Mahometans have a particular Veneration, as being the Burying place of Haly. Bassora, or Balsora, is the Teredon of Strab. Plin. Ptol. a Town near the mouth of Tygris, which they of the Country call Shat. It is large and pleasant, by reason of its Palm-Trees. The conveniency of its Port furnishes India and Persia with Dates, which are Bread and Wine to those that know how to order them. Some few Years since, Balsora fell under the Jurisdiction of Ali-Bassa, who styl'd himself King thereof, who left it to his Successors, who enjoy it from Father to Son, paying a small Tribute to the Grand Signior, who is afraid to oppress him lest he should revolt, but these two last Places properly belong to Arabia.
Of CANAAN.
THis Country was first Inhabited by Canaan the Son of Cham, and called by his Name. He dying left it to his 11 Sons, that bore the Name of the Children of Canaan, at what time it contained [Page 339] 52 Kingdoms, and 5 Satrapes: Divided afterwards into 12 Tribes, that bore the Names of the Sons of Jacob and Israel, being conquered by Joshua, and possessed by the Israelites; who for 386 years were governed by Captains and Judges; after that, for 418 years, by Kings. From Rehoboam 10 Tribes revolted, who chose the fugitive Jeroboam for their King: His Successors were styled Kings of Israel, so that it then contained 2 Kingdoms, viz. 1st, of Judah, whose regal Seat was Jerusalem; 2d, of Israel, whose Seat was at Samaria. After 259 Years, the Israelites were led into Captivity by the King of Assyria, some say beyond the Caspian Mountains, from whence they never returned. And the Assyrians possessed their Land, and were called Samaritans. The People of Judah were also afterwards carried Captive into Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar, after set at liberty by Cyrus, and returned back under the Conduct of Zerubbabel. After this, they were called Jews and the Country Jewry; and for about 364 years they were governed by Aristocracy, until the Maccabees, who, after many Conflicts with their powerful Neighbours, uphold the Government 131 years; during which interval, the Romans under Pompey conquer'd Judea, and after the Death of Antigonus, the last of the Race of the Maccabees, Herod is made King by Augustus and Anthony, a man of admirable Virtues and execrable Vices, fortunate abroad, unfortunate in his Family; his Life Tragical, his Death desperate. After whose Death, the Kingdom was divided into 2 parts, half of it had the title of Ethnarch, the other half divided into 2 Tetarchies. Archelaus banished and dying in Exile, his Ethnarchy was reduced into a Roman Province, and the Government committed unto Pontius Pilate, by Tiberius Caesar, under whom our Saviour the Holy Jesus did suffer Death, when the Jews cried out, his Blood be upon Us and Ours. A wish not long after effected with all fulness of Terror, for the Calamities of the War inflicted by Gallus, Vespasian, and Titus, exceed both Example and Description, and destroyed about 110000 Thousand People. The Land destroyed and on every Head an Annual Tribute imposed: The Jews were quiet until the Reign of Adrian, when again they raised new Commotions, being headed by Berochab their counterfeit Messiah; but Julius Severus Lieutenant to Adrian razed 50 of their strong holds, and 985 Towns, and slew five hundred and fourscore Thousand; so that the Countries lay waste, and the ruined Cities became an habitation for wild Beasts, and the Captives were transported into Spain, and from thence again exiled in the year 1500.
In which Interval of time, the Country inhabited by other People, about the time of Constantine, embraced the Christian Religion: But [Page 340] in the Reign of Phocas, the Persians overran the whole Country of Palestine, inflicting unheard of Tortures on the patient Christians. No sooner freed from that Yoak, but they suffered under a greater by the execrable Saracens, under the Conduct of Omar, who were long after expulsed by the Turks, then newly planted in Persia by Tangrolipix. When the Christians of the West, for the recovery of the Land, set forth an Army of 300000, Godfry of Bologne the General, who made thereof an absolute Conquest, and was elected King of Jerusalem, in the 89th year of that Kingdom, and during the Reign of Guy, the Christians were utterly driven out and destroyed by Saladine, the Egyptian Sultan, who held it until Selymus the first, Emperor of the Turks, in the year 1517 added the Holy Land, together with Egypt unto the Ottoman Empire, under whose power it now is governed by two Sanziacks, under the Bassa of Damascus, one residing at Jerusalem, the other at Naplous. It is now for the most part inhabited by Moors and Arabians, those possessing the Vallies, these the Mountains; some few Turks, many Greeks, with other Christians of all Sects and Nations; some Jews, who inherit no part of the Land but live as Aliens in their own Country.
The Chorographical Division of Canaan.
This Land of Canaan, within Jordan, was divided into 5 principal Parts or Provinces, vix. 1st, Jewry in the South, where King Davids Throne was set and the Holy City built, comprehending the two Tribes of Judah and Benjamin. 2d, Samaria in the midst, the chief Seat of the 10 Tribes of Israel, containing the Tribe of Ephraim, and the half Tribe of Manasses. 3d, Galile in the North East, where Christ Jesus was very conversant, and was divided into the higher and the lower, containing part of Asher, all Napthali, and part of Zebulun. 4th, Phaenicia on the North-West part of Canaan, containing the Sea-coast of Asher and Zebulun. 5th, The Land of the Philistins upon the West of Canaan, whose Country was allotted to Judah, Dan and Simeon, these were always great Enemies to the Israelites; and from them was the whole Land called Palestine.
The Land of Canaan without Jordan, possessed by the Amorites who had diven out the Moabites and Ammonites, contained 3 principal parts; 1st, part of the Kingdom of Sihon King of the Amorites, in Heshbon, taken from the Moabites, which was given to the Reubenites. 2d, The Land of Gilead, which contained part of the Kingdom of Sihon, taken from the Ammonites; and part of the Kingdom [Page 341] of Og King of Bashan, which was given to the Gadites. 3d. The rest of the Kingdom of Og, with half Gilead, and the Region of Argob, was given to the half Tribe of Manasses: All which are delineated in the Map, as also the Names of the Chief Cities and Towns in each Tribe.
Once a Country so fertile, that it was called, A Land flowing with Milk and Honey; adorned with pleasant Mountains, and luxurious Vallies; neither scorched with Heat, nor pinched with Cold. The Wealth and Power of it so Great, the People, Cities and Towns so Numerous, that there was no Country in the World that could compare with it. But now remains a fearful Monument of Divine Vengeance, a sad and dismal Mirror for all other like sinful Countries to view their Destiny by. Jerusalem, though fallen from her ancient Lustre, deserves still our Remembrance. Once her Kings, her Princes, her Temple, her Palaces were the Greatest, the Richest, the Fairest, and most Magnificent in the World. Once a City Sacred and Glorious, the Seat of Infinite Majesty, the Theatre of Mysteries and Miracles, the Diadem in the Circle of Crowns, and the Glory of the Universe, but now Icabod: It was ruined by Nebuchadnezzar; Vespasian and Titus utterly razed it, and destroyed above Eleven hundred thousand People.
To describe this Country in all its Circumstances, to speak of its Laws, Religions, its Divisions, Wars, and Alterations; to write of all the various Transactions that have hapned in it, would require a Volume of itself. I shall therefore leave it to my aforesaid Description of this Part of the World, where I shall give a more particular Geographical and Historical Relation of its Cities, Towns, and other memorable Transactions, which will be a very useful and necessary Introduction into the Principia' of ancient Geography and History.
Of ARMENIA MAJOR, GEORGIA, &c.
ARmenia is divided by the River Euphrates into two parts, Major and Minor. The greater Armenia is by the Turks call'd Turcomania, by the Persians Thoura, Emnoe, or Aremnoe, by the Nestorians [Page 343] Zelbecdibes, by Sanson Curdistan, by Cluver Papul and Curdi.
The ancient Inhabitants were the Mardi, and Gordiaei; now the Turcomans and Curdes. The first are said to be descended from Turquestan in Tartary, from whence came the Turks. The later are descended from the ancient People of Assyria.
Ptolomy divided Armenia into four principal parts, which contained 20 Provinces, and 87 Cities.
Pliny accounted 120 Strategies, Governments, or particular Jurisdictions of every Province.
A Country much better known, and more famous in ancient Time than now. The Advantage of its Bounds, the Nature of its Situation, the Magnificence of some of its Kings, among which, Tygranes, Son-in-law to Mithridates King of Pontus, hath been the most Famous, its Greatness, Government and Riches, much contributed to its Renown.
In this Country are the Heads of four Rivers, Euphrates, Tygris, Phasis and Araxes.
Euphrates, Perath Moses, Frat Nicolaio, Morot sou Turcis, from one side of the Mountain Mingol falls this River, which divides Armenia and Mesopotamia from Asia Minor, Syria and Arabia, descends into Chaldea, where it waters the ancient Babylon, and joins with Tygris somwhat below Bagdat.
Tygris, Hidekel Ebraeis, Tegil Castal. & Pinero, Diglath Josepho, descends from the Georgian Mountains, falls into divers Lakes, loses itself divers times in the Earth, cuts through the Mountains, separates Mesopotamia from Assyria, washes the Ruines of Niniveh, receives the Branches of the Euphrates, and diseharges itself into the Persian Gulph.
Phasis or Fassa, hath its Head in the same Mountain with the Euphrates, and runs its Course towards the North; and after it hath passed 100 Bridges falls into the Euxian Sea.
Araxes, Arass, Achlar Leunc. Cajacz. Thev. runs Eastward, and joins itself with Kur or Cyrus, whose Rise or Spring is from the other side of the Mountain Mingol, and then falls into the Caspian Sea. Since these Rivers have here their Springs, Sanson tells us, That if there yet remains any marks by which we may discover the place where the Terrestrial Paradise was placed, it was rather in this Country, than in any other. But Sir John Chardin makes the River Phasis to arise from the Caucasus Mons, about 350 Miles distant, and to run South into the Pontus Euxinus.
[Page 344]The Armenians are generally of a healthy, strong, and robustious Bodies, their Countenance commonly grave, their Features well proportioned, and of comely Personage, but of a Melancholy and Saturnine Air. In their Humors, Covetous and Sordid, Heady and Obstinate; of a dull and stupid Apprehension, unless in Merchandize and Trade: Yet, 'tis observed, That those that are brought up in other Countries, are of a more acute Understanding, pleasing and merry in Behaviour; but the Women are commonly ill shaped, long nosed, and not so much as tolerably handsom. Ric.
Armenia was conquered in the Year 1515. by Selimus the First, and annexed to the Ottoman Dominions; yet the Armenians pretend, they cannot be made Slaves, by reason of certain Priviledges which their Predecessors obtained from Mahomet, when they assisted him to settle his Empire, upon which consideration most of the Merchants of Turky go by the name of Armenians.
The Armenian Church is Ruled by four Patriarchs, the chief of which resides at Etchmeasen Ric. Ecs-miazin Chard. Changlee Chilse by the Turks, or Ouch Chilse from the Three Churches, which are there built in a Triangle, about two or three Leagues from Rivan or Erivan.
The chief Places now are Erzirum, Theodosiopolis, P. Gillio, Sinera Minadaio, Aziris aliis, a Frontier Town, and Great Thorough Fare, the Residence of a Basha. The Houses are ill built of Wood, without any Order or Proportion, where are some Remains of Churches. Tavineer tells us, That though it be very cold, yet Barley grows there in 40 days, and Wheat in 60.
Erez, after Garisoned by Mustapha, was taken by Storm, and was Witness of Emirhamz first Contest with the Turks.
Cars, Carse, or Charsa Leunc. a large City, but thin peopled, seated in a good Soil, the Rendezvous of the Grand Signior's Army. A days Journy from Kars, are to be seen the Ruines of a great City called Anikagee, strongly situated in a Mersh, Tav.
Rivan, or Erivan, is seated in a plentiful Country now belonging to the Sultan of Persia, being taken by Sha Sefi, who put all the Garison to the Sword. 'Tis famous for its Trade of Silks, and plenty of Wine; not far from this City are to be seen the Ruines of the ancient Artaxata, the Seat of the ancient Kings of Armenia, teste Tavernier: So that Teflis in Georgia cannot be the Artaxata of the Ancients, as in our Geographical Dictionaries.
Nassivan, or Nachavan, the Nexuana of Ptol. according to the opinion of the Armenians, is the most ancient City of the World, three Leagues from Mount Ararat, the place where Noah lived after [Page 345] he came out of the Ark. There is seen the Ruines of a great Mosque, which, they say, was one of the most stately Buildings in the World, erected in memory of Noah's burying place.
In the Canderan Plains, not far from Nassivan, was fought a memorable Battel betwixt the Turks and Persians, where both the Emperors Selym and Ismael were present.
Van, the Artemita Plin. Artemitta Strab. Artemidita Ptol. is a great City upon the side of the wide Lake Arcissa, or Arsanias, now Lake de Vastan, seated on the Top of a high Mountain, and is the Seat of a Turkish Beglerbeg.
Betlis, by some said to be the Tigranocerta of Plin. & Tac. belongs to a Bey, or Prince of the Country, who neither acknowledges the Grand Segnior, nor the Persian Sultan. It is situate between two high Mountains, guarded with a Castle and Draw-Bridge. The Bey, besides the strength of his Passes, is able to bring above 25000 Horse, besides Foot, into the Field. Near this place the Persians obtained a great Victory over the Turks, in which were slain five Sanziacks, 800 Janizaries, 20000 Soldiers, 40 pieces of Cannon taken, and Solyman's Seraglio, in which were Beauties he not a little doted on, when Ebrahim Bassa was strangled by a Mute.
Old Julpha or Zulfa was the ancient Habitation of the Armenians, which Sha Abbas carried into Persia, and is thought to be the Ariammene of the Ancients.
Astabat, a League from the Aras, the onely Country that produceth the Ronas Root, whose use is to dye Red, and for which there is a vast Sale all over Persia and India.
Marante is famous for the burying place of Noah's Wife.
Sophiana is more like a Forest than a City.
The Convent of St. Stephens near Naksivan, was the retiring place of St. Matthew, and St. Bartholomew, in the time of their Persecution, a noted place for Devotion.
Of GEORGIA.
Between the Black Sea and the Caspian lies Georgia; so called by the Grecians from the word Georgoi, which signifies Husbandmen: Some will have this Name derive itself from that of St. George, the Patron Saint of all the Christians of the Greek Church. Under the general Name whereof, we comprehend Mingrelia, Gurgistan, Zuiria, and Comania: Provinces which the ancient Romans could not subdue, by reason of the ruggedness of the Mountains, which were known to the Ancients by the Name of Caucasus, made famous by the Fable of Prometheus. Mingrelia with Avogasia, are the same with Colchis, or little more: Famous for the Amours of Jason and Medea, and for the Conquest of the Golden Fleece by the Argonauts.
[Page 346] Gurgistan is the ancient Iberia; Zuiria answers to the ancient Albania; and Comania or Carcassia composeth some part of the Asiatic Sarmatia on the South of Don.
The ancient Kingdom of Colchis was not so small as now 'tis reckoned, when it extended from the Palus Maeotis, as far as Iberia, whose Capital City was also so called, where our modern Geographers place Fasso. The Corax and Phasis, famous Rivers in ancient History, now called Codours and Rione, serve for its Bounds, in Length 110 Miles, in Breadth about 60. It is now divided into three parts, viz. Mingrelia, Guriel, and Imiretta.
Mingrelia, Odische Incolis, is a Country full of Hills and Mountains, Vallies and Plains, almost covered with Woods. The Air is temperate, but very moist and unwholsom, in regard of the extreme wet Weather; so that in Summer the moisture of the Earth, being heated by the Sun, causeth frequent Pestilences, and other Diseases, very dangerous to Strangers. It abounds with many Rivers, which fall from the Mountain Caucasus, and discharge into the Black Sea, viz. Codours, the Corax of the Ancients. The Tacheur, which Arrian calls Sigamus. The Socum, supposed to be the Terscen of Arrian, and the Thasseris of Ptol. The Langur, the Astolphus of old. The Kelmhel, or Cobi of Arrian. The Cianiscari, Cianeus of the Ancients. The Scheniscari, or River Horse, by the Greeks Hippus. The Abascia, or Glaucus of Strabo, the Caries of Arrian, and the Caritus of Ptol. These two Rivers intermix with the famous Phasis, about 20 Miles from the Sea.
The Phasis, by the Turks Fachs, by the Inhabitants Rione, at the Mouth is about a Mile and half over. There are several small Islands in the Mouth of it, upon the biggest of which Sultan Morat built a Fortress in the Year 1578. when he attempted the Conquest of that Country, the Ruines of which are now to be seen, but no Remainders of the Temple of Rhea to be seen, which was Consecrated to the Worship of Christ in the Reign of the Emperor Zeno, nor any Ruines of the ancient Sebasta, or the famous Colchis now to be seen. And the City Fasc, placed where Cholcis stood by our late Geographers, is also a great mistake, teste Sir John Chardin, who was upon the place.
The Country produceth little Corn or Pulse, the Fruits are most wild and unwholsom; that which thrives best is the Grape, of which there is great Plenty, and the Wine most excellent, strong, and a good Body, pleasing to the Taste, and comfortable to the Stomach; so that if the People knew how to make it rightly, there would be no better in Asia.
[Page 347]Their usual Grain is Gom, which is as small as Coriander Seed, and very much resembles Millet, which is sowed in Spring-time after the same manner as Rice, by making a hole in the ground with their Finger, then put in the Grain, and cover it, which produceth a Stalk like to the Sugar-Cane, at the end of which there is an Ear that contains above 300 Grains. This boiled into a Paste is the onely Bread of all the Inhabitants of the Black Sea, from Palus Maeotis round to Trebizond.
Besides this Gom, they have Millet, Rice, Wheat and Barley, which two last they sow upon the Ground without plowing, for the Ground is so soft, that it takes root a Foot deep in the Mold, and comes up without any trouble.
The ordinary Food of the Country is Beef and Pork very plenty, and so good, that the World affords no better. Their Wild-Fowl is good, but scarce. Their Venison is the Wild Boar, the Hart, the Stag, the Fallow Deer and Hare, which are most excellent. There are Partridges, Pheasants, Quails, and Wild Pidgeons in abundance.
In the Mountains of Caucasus are bred great numbers of Eagles and Pelicans, Hawks, Hobbies, and other Birds of Prey, and other strange Fowl, unknown in our Parts. And the Forests produce a number of Wild Beasts, as Tygers, Lions, Leopards, Wolves and Chacals.
At Pigivitas is a Church with three Bodies, where they say St. Andrew preached in that place, and the Catholicos once in his Life goes thither to make the Holy Oil.
In Mingrelia are neither Cities nor Towns, only 2 Villages by the Sea-side. Isgaour is the chief Port and grand Market of Mingrelia. Anarghia is the most considerable Village built, where stood the ancient Heraclea. But all the Houses are scattered up and down in the Country, that you cannot travel a Mile, but you shall meet with three or four together.
There are about nine or ten Castles, at the chiefest whereof, called Ruos, the Prince keeps his Court. 'Tis surrounded with a slight stone Wall, and guarded with a few Cannon, but the rest of the Castles have none. Sapias is the name of two Churches, one of which belongs to the Theatines.
The Mingrelian Men are endued with all mischievous qualities, there is no wickedness to which they are not inclined. All addicted to Thievery, which they make their Study, Employment, Pastime and Glory. Assassination, Murder, Lying, are esteemed noble and brave Actions. Drunkenness, Fornication, Adultery, Bigamy, Incest, are Virtues in Mingrelia. Other wise good Soldiers, well shaped, Ride [Page 348] a Horse well, and handle their Lance with an extraordinary dexterity.
The Women of Quality are very handsom and well shaped, having Features and Glances very charming and obliging, naturally subtle and quick of Apprehension, extremely Civil and Complemental, otherwise the most wicked in the World. Haughty, perfidious, deceitful, cruel and impudent to procure their Lovers, or to destroy them.
The Education of Children in Mingrelia, is the most Lewd and Vicious in the World; their Fathers bring them up to Thievery, and their Mothers to Obscenity.
The Inhabitants of Caucasus that border upon Colchis, are the Alanes, whose Country was formerly the Northern Frontier of Armenia; The Suane's, the Gigue's, the Caracioles, by the Turks called Cara-Cherks, that is the Black Circassians, by reason of the Fogs and Clouds that darken their Sky, though else they are the fairest People in the World. Formerly they were Christians, and yet retain some Relicks and Customs of it, but now profess no Religion, but live by Robbery and Rapine, ignorant of all Arts and Sciences, more tall and portly than other People, furious in their Looks, and their Dispositions, and Courage no less savage; the most daring Robbers, and most resolute Assassins in the World.
The Nagayan-Tartars for the most part inhabit the Champaigne Land about Astracan, living in Tents fenced with Stakes and Palisadoes, to secure themselves from the Assaults and Insolences of Night Robbers, and the Kalmuc Tartars, who oftentimes surprize them unawares, and carry away both Men and Cattle.
The Country of Guriel is very small, separated from Mingrelia by the River Phasis: And in every thing, as to its Nature and the Manners of its Inhabitants, it resembles Mingrelia, for they have the same Religion, Customs and the same Inclinations to Lying, Robbery and Murther.
Gonie is a large Castle, four Square built, of hard and rough Stones, of a great Bulk, seated upon the Sea-side; it hath four Walls and two Gates, but no Trenches nor Fortifications belonging to the Prince of Guriel distant from Phasis about four Miles.
Akalzike is a Fortress, built upon the Descent of Mount Caucasus, seated in a hollow place among Hillocks, fortified with double Walls, and flanked with Towers, both built with Battlements after the Ancient manner, defended with a few Guns, and is the resi [...]dence of a Turkish Bassa. Adjoining to this Fortress is a large [Page 349] Town, consisting of about 400 Houses, all new, and of a late Erection, inhabited by Turks, Armenians, Georgians, Greeks, Jews and Christians.
Imiretta is called by the Turks Pachatchcouk, or Pachakoutchouk, the Little Prince; is a Country full of Woods and Mountains, but the Valleys are lovely, and the Plains most pleasant: Here Money is Coined, and here are several Towns, but as for the Manners and Customs of the Inhabitants they are the same as in Mingrelia. The King hath Four good Castles, viz. Scander seated upon the side of a Valley, Regia and Scorgia, both almost inaccessible in the Mountains, and naturally fortified; 4 Cotatis bearing the Name of the Town and Country round it; perhaps the Catatene of Ptol. 90 miles from the mouth of the River Phasis, built at the foot of a Hill, consisting of about 200 Houses, it hath a Fortress built with several Towers and a double Wall.
These Three Kingdoms are tributary to the Turks. The Tribute of the King of Imiretta is 80 Boys and Girls, from Ten to Twenty years of Age. The Prince of Guriel pays 46 Children of both Sexes. And the Prince of Mingrelia 60000 Ells of Linen Cloth made in that Country.
The Princes of Mingrelia give themselves the Title of Dadian, that is, the head of Justice.
Of GURGISTAN.
Georgia by our modern Geographers and the Persians, is called Gurgistan, by the Georgians Carthuel. By some Authors 'tis divided into four particular Provinces, viz. Imirette and Guriel, of which we have spoken of before; 3, Caket, 4, Carthuel. These two last are under the Persian Dominion; and this is that which the Persians call Gurgistan, and the Georgians Carthueli.
It is a Country full of Wood, and very Mountainous, yet encloses a great number of pleasant Plaines; and the River Kur, the Cyrus of the Ancients, runs through the midst of it.
The Temper of the Air is very kindly; their Fair weather begins about May, and lasts till the end of November. The Soil, if well watered, produces all sort of Grain, Herbs and Fruit in abundance; therefore as fertile a Country as can be imagined, where a Man may live both deliciously and cheap. Their Bread as good as any in the World, and their Fruit of all sorts is very delicious. Nor is there any part of Europe that produceth fairer Pears and Apples, or better tasted; nor any part of Asia that brings forth more delicious [Page 350] Pomegranates. Their Cattel very good and plentiful; their Fowl of all sorts is incomparable. There is no better Meat in the world than their young Porkers, of which there are abundance. The Caspian Sea and Kur River furnish it with all sorts of Salt and Fresh Fish; and there is also no Country where they drink more or better Wine: No Men are more addicted to their sensual Pleasures, and beastial Voluptuousness, that is, to Drunkenness and Luxury; neither are the Women less vitious and wicked, having an extraordinary Inclination to the male Sex, and contribute more to that torrent of Uncleanness, which overflows all the Country.
Nature, saith Sr. John Chardin, hath bestowed upon the Women of that Country Graces and Features which are not other where to be seen; so that 'tis impossible to behold them without loving of their more charming Countenances; nor more lovely Statures and Proportions can be pencilled forth by all the Art of man: They are Tall, clear Limb'd, Plump and Full, but not over-Fat, and extreamly slender in the Waste; but that which spoils all is their Nasty Shifts, and Painted Faces.
The Men are naturally witty, nor would there be more Learned men or more Ingenious masters in the world, were they but improved by the knowledge of Arts and Sciences; but their Education is so mean and brutish, having nothing but bad Examples, that those Parts are altogether drowned in Vice and Ignorance, so that they are generally Cheats and Knaves, Perfidious, Treacherous, Ingrateful and Proud.
There are several Bishops in Georgia, an Arch-bishop and a Patriarch, whom they call Catholicos: There are also many Churches, but nothing remaines of Christianity, unless the name of their Fasts, for they neither know or practise the least precept of the Law of Jesus Christ.
The Church-Men also will be as drunk, and keep Female Slaves for their Concubines, as well as others.
The Nobility exercise a more Tyrannical power over their Subjects than in Mingrelia, challenging a right over their Estates, Liberty and Lives, if they seize upon them, whether Wife or Children, they sell them or dispose of them as they please.
The Province of Carthuel containes no more than four Cities, Gori, Suram, Aly, and Teflis; Gori or Kori, Armatica or Harmastis, of old, teste Sans. is a small City seated in a Plain, between two Mountains, upon the bank of the River Chur, at the foot of a small Hill, upon which there is a Fortress built, which is garisoned by Native Persians.
[Page 351] Suram is a small Town, but the Fortress is large and well built, having 100 Men in garison.
Teflis, Artaxata Plin. Artaxia Tac. Artaxiasata Strab. by the Georgians Cala, by some Tebele-cala; is called also Darel Melec; by P. Jovius Choim, the fairest Citie in Georgia, seated at the bottom of a Mountain, at the foot of which runs the River Cur. The City is encompassed with strong Walls, defended with a large Fortress on the South-side; it contains about 14 Churches, six belonging to the Georgians, and the rest to the Armenians. The Cathedral, which is called Sion, is seated upon the bank of the River, built of all fair hewen Stone. There is not a Mosque in Teflis, though the City belongs to a Mahometan Emperor, and governed by a Mahometan Prince. The Bazars or Market-places are very fair and large, built of Stone. The Inns or Caravansera's are no less beautiful. The Princes Palace is one of the most beautiful Ornaments in Teflis, it hath been twice under the power of the Turks, once in the Reign of Ishmael the second, King of Persia, and in the Reign of his Successor. Solyman took it almost at the same time as he did Tauris.
The Kingdom of Caket is at present in subjection to the King of Persia, governed by his Viceroy. The Cities are all Ruines, unless that which is called Caket or Kaket.
In the Northern part of that Kingdom, the Amazons are supposed to have inhabited. Ptol. fixes their Country in the Asiatick Sarmatia to the West of Wolga. Quintius Curtius saith also that the Kingdom of Thalestris was near to the River Phasis; and Strabo, speaking of the Expeditions of Pompey and Canidius, is of the same opinion.
Quiria borders upon the Caspian Sea; its chief Places are Derbent, Caucasiae Portae, Plin. or Pylae Iberiae Ortel. Demir & Temir-Capi Turcis, Alexandria, Portae Ferreae, & Caspiae Portae, of old, now belonging to the Persians; it is a great Market for Slaves, and is a strong wall'd Town, said to be built by Alexander the Great. And Tarky, at this day under the Duke of Moscovy. Some Authors tell us of Stranu or Zambanach, which answers to ancient Albana, of Zitach or Gorgora, thought to be the ancient Getara, or Gagara of Ptolomy, and Chipeche to be the ancient Chabala.
It contains the Circassian and Dagestan Tartars: The Circassian Country is very fertile, producing good store of Fruit and Grain, and also good pasture Ground. The Men are very Corpulent and Robust, have broad Faces, but not square, like the Crims and Calmucks; of a swarthy yellow Complexion, shaving their Heads and Beards after a strange manner; a surly ill-natur'd People, good Horse men: Their Arms are a kind of long Bow, which they handle with great [Page 352] dexterity. Their Women are very fair and lovely, with Black Eyes, well proportioned in their Bodies, of a middle Stature.
The Dagestan or Daghestan Tartars inhabit the Hilly Country, which lies towards the Sea; the Men are in Shape and Habit much like the Circas-Tartars; their Arms are Bow, Arrows and a Scimitar: When they ride out they have Spears and Launces, a Helmet and Target; great Men-stealers, which they sell to the Turks and Persians. The Dagestan Tartars are subject to several Princes and Lords, who are independently soveraign.
About Derbent appear the Ruins of a Wall, which is said to reach as far as the Euxin Sea; and in many places of the Country appear the Ruins of many Castles.
Schamachy, Sammachi & Summachi, the Cyropolis of Ptol. Circambate, Persis; Cyseleth, Arabibus, was once a strong place, but in the wars of the Turks and Persians, it was dismantled, and made an open Village. The Streets are narrow, the Buildings low; it hath a spacious Market-place or Bogan, having several Shops and Galleries, rich in Merchandizes and Manufactories, but much subject to Earthquakes.
Of the ISLANDS about ASIA MINOR.
SOme of these Islands have been very remarkable to Antiquity, others to us at present. The most remarkable are:
1. Tenedos, Calydna & Leucophryn. Eust. Phenice & Lyrnessus Plin. [Page 354] Tenedo Soph. which produce most excellent Muscadine Wines and cheap, situate near the Mouth of the Hellespont opposite to Troy, famous for the concealing of the Grecian Navy.
2. Metelino, Lesbos seu Mytlena, of old Antissa, Pelasgia, Macarea, Hemerte, Lasia, Aegyra & Aethiope, Plin. & aliis. Its chief City is Meteline, which for its greatness, and excellency of its Wine, gives Name to the Island. Here was Sappho born, the Inventress of the Sapphick Verse: Pittacus, one of the Sages of Greece; and Arion the Dolphin Harper.
3. Chios, of old Aetalia, Aethale, Macris & Pityusa, now Chio or Scio, by the Turks Sacher, by the Persians Seghex, distant from the Ionian Shores about four Leagues, in compass about 124 Miles. It affordeth excellent Fruits in great plenty, but is most remarkable for its Musick, for its Honey, for the Church of its Convent of Niomene, once one of the fairest in the World, and for the Sepulchre of Homer. It was given to the Gennues by the Emperor Andronicus Palaeologus, and by them possessed Ann. 1565. It was by Selimus Secundus fraudulently surprized and taken, and now subject to the Turks.
4. To the West of this Island lies Psyra, a small Island now called Psara, witness of the unhappy Fate of a great part of the Venetian Fleet 1647. and the loss of G. Grimani then drowned.
5. Icaria, now Nicaria, of old Doliche, Macris & Ichthiesa. It abounds in Corn and Pasturage, in compass about 80 Miles, and is remarkable for the Shipwrack of Icarus. The poorest, and yet the happiest, Isle of the whole Aegean Sea; the Soil barren, but the Air healthful; their Wealth but small, but their Liberty and Security great.
6. Samos is one of the greatest and most remarkable Islands of the Archipelago, the Country of Pythagoras, and once a Kingdom, and governed by its own Kings. It is now about 26 French Leagues in compass, and counts 18 Towns and Villages.
The Ruines of the old City of Samos are six Miles in compass, over against the old City, about a Mile distant, stands the new, now called Megale Chora, where is the Residence of the Archbishop, lately in London, the Cadee Aga, &c. Mons Cercetius, or the Mountain Kerkis is the highest of the whole Island, and is covered with Snow almost all the Year, and hath a Lake on the top well stored with Eels.
The little Samos abounds with a Flower which hath a fragrancy like Musk, and hath also this quality, that Time doth not decay, but augment, the fragrancy of its smell. This Flower is transplanted [Page 355] into the choicest Gardens of Constantinople, and the Grand Signior wears it ordinarily in his Turbant.
Carlovasy is the second Town in the Island, having 500 Houses, and five Churches, a place of great Trade to Sea, and yet their Port is so unsafe, that they are forced to load their Vessels ashore, and so launch them off. Nor must I forget the Samian Vessels, sovereign for divers uses in Physick and Chirurgery.
Between Nicaria and Samos, lie the noted Rocks once called Melanthii, now Fornoli.
7. Pathmos, Palmosa, Soph. & Bel. now Patino, by Georgirenes, 36 Miles in compass.
Once famous for the Residence of that great Apostle St. John, and for those wonderful Revelations which that Evangelist had there, during his Banishment in the time of the Persecution under Domitian, which to him indeed was Apocalypse, but to all others Apocrypha.
The Port called Scala on the West side towards Naxos, is the best of all in the Archipelago, near which is a Rock of a great height, called Cynops, from the Magician in St. John's days. The Island is well stored with Vines, Fig-Trees, Lemon and Orange Trees, and Corn, but all subject to the Robbery of Pyrats, as well Christians as Mahometans; so that Poverty is their best protection against Rapine, and Patience the onely Remedy against their Tyrannical Oppression.
8. Heron, now Lero, about 18 Miles in compass, noted for Aloes.
9. Claros, now Calamo, 40 Miles in compass, very mountainous, once sacred to Apollo, abounding also with plenty of Aloes.
10. Cous, Cos, or Coa, formerly Meropes, Caria & Nymphaea, now Lango. Nig. Stancora Turcis. It is in compass 70 Miles, furnished with sweet and pleasant streams; and is famous for being the Birthplace of Hippocrates, the Reviver of Physick, and Apelles the famous Painter.
11. Carpathos, now Scarpante, in compass 60 Miles, stored with the best Coral.
12. Rhodus, Ophivsa & Telchinis, Strab. Asteria, Aethraea, Trinacria, Corymbia, Poessa, Atabyria, Macaria & Colossa, according to the Ancients, in compass is 135 Miles. Its Soil fertile, its Air temperate; plentiful in all things as well for Delight as Profit; full of excellent Pastures, adorned with pleasant green Trees. The Sun is here so constant, that it was dedicated to the Sun, and held sacred to Phoebus, to whom they erected that vast Colossus of Brass, accounted [Page 356] one of the Seven Wonders of the World, said to be 50 Cubits in height, every Finger as great as an ordinary Statue, and the Thumb too great to be fathomed, made by Charetes of Lindus. It was 12 years a making, and 66 years afterwards thrown down by an Earthquake. 900 Camels were laden with the Brass which was used about it to fasten and hold fast the Stones.
The Town or City is well fortified with a treble Wall, and five strong Fortresses, embracing a most safe and admirable Haven, given to the Knights of St. John de Acre, or Jerusalem, by Emanuel the Greek Emperor in the year 1308. but in the year 1522. after it had been defended against the Infidels 214 years, it was taken by Solyman the Great, and after six Months Siege it was surrendred, Villerius being the great Master, to the general dishonour of the Christian Princes in their tardy Succors.
13. Cyprus, of old Crypta, or Crypton. Ptol. It was also called Cerastis, Cethin & Cethina, then Amathusia, Paphia, Salaminia, Macaria, Citherea, Achamantis, Asperia, Collinia & Erosa. It is in circuit, according to Strab. 427 Miles. To Plin. 375. From the rocky shore of Cilicia 60 Miles, and from the Coast of Syria 100. During the Empire of the Persians and Macedonians, it contained nine Kingdoms; but by Ptol. divided into four parts, Salamina, Amathusia, Lapatha, and Paphia, so named of their principal Cities.
1. Salamis Ptol. Salamine Plin. was built by Teucer, when banished by his Father Telamon.
Afterwards called Constantia Steph. but destroyed by the Jews in the days of the Emperor Trajan.
And lastly, by the Saracens in the Reign of Heraclitus, from the Ruines whereof the Hamacostas, Fama Augusta, now Famagosta was erected by King Costa, the Father of King Katharin, famous in Story for the unfortunate Valor of the Venetians under the Command of Signior Bragadine, against the furious Assaults of the Army of Selymus II. conducted by Mustapha, who caused them all to be murdered but the Governor, whom he flead alive, after the Surrender of the Place upon honourable Conditions.
In Lapathia, where once stood Tremithus, Trimethus Ptol. Tremisausa, or Tremituge Soph. now stands the Regal City of Nicosia. Leucasia & Leucotheon Graec. Ledrinsis & Leutheon Soph. of a circular Form, and five Miles in circumference, taken by the aforesaid Mustapha Ann. 1570. with an uncredible Slaughter.
North of this, and upon the Sea, stood Ceraunia or Ceronia, Cirynia, Plin. Carynia & Cerinium Ortel. now Cerines, erected by Cyrus, a strong place, yet yielded to the Turks before it was besieged.
[Page 357] Amathus, now Limiso, Sacred unto Venus, and wherein the Rites and Sacrifices of her Adonis were annually celebrated, said to be built by Amasis, who was the first that conquered Cyprus. Our late Navigations tell us, that Larricho is the City from whence our Merchandize comes that is laden at Port Salines, or Larneca, so called, of the abundance of Salt that is there made, and here the Turk first landed his Army, the chief Port in Cyprus.
Further Westward is a Promontory, in form of a Peninsula, now called, Capo delle Gatte, formerly Curias, from a City not far distant of the same Name, now called Episcopia. On this Promontory is the Ruines of a Monastery of Greek Coloieros, who breed up Cats to destroy Serpents, and to return home upon the Sound of a Bell, and therefore by some called the Cape of Cats.
Phrurium Promont. now Bianco, is the place from whence they were thrown that but presumed to touch Apollo's Altar in the adjoining Grove.
Paphos Nova, Ptol. Nea Paphos, Plin. Palaepaphos, Strab. & Mela Paphium Polyb. now Buffo, or Bapho, built by Agapenor, five Miles from the old Paphos, said, by Ovid, to be built by the Son of Pigmalion, by his Ivory Statue; such, said to be, in regard of her Beauty. Others say it was built by Cyneras, Father and Grandfather to Adonis, who having sworn to assist Menelaus with 50 Ships, sent him only one, with the Models of the other in Clay, to colour his Perjury. Both places famous for the Worship of Venus, and the Sacrifices which her Votaries of both Sexes did perform in their natural Nakedness: But her Temples were razed to the Ground by the procurement of St. Barnaby, not only here, but throughout the Island.
Eastwards of Capo St. Pifano, formerly Pro. Acamas, was the City Arsinoe, now Lescare, Lusig. or Crisoca & Alessendretta, renowned for the Groves of Jupiter.
This Island boasts of the Births of Asclapiades, Solon, Zeno the Stoick, Apollonius and Zenophon. A Country abounding with all things necessary for Life, and therefore called Macaria; and afforded matter to build a Ship from the bottom of the Keel, to the top of her Top-gallant, and to furnish her with Tackle and Munition. In Summer exceeding hot and unhealthy, annoyed with Serpents. The Brooks, for Rivers it hath none, are often exhausted by the Sun, and for 36 years, in the time of Constantine, it never rained. It was first possessed by the Sons of Japhet, paid Tribute to the Egyptian Amasis, conquered by Belus, and governed by the Posterity of Teucer, until Cyrus expulsed the nine Kings that there ruled. After the Grecians [Page 358] repossest the Sovereignty, and kept it until the death of Nicocles; then it fell under the Government of the Ptolomi's; then the wealth of it allured the Romans to make a Conquest of it; restored to Cleopatra, and her Sister Arsinoe, by Antonius; but he overthrown, it was made a Roman Province, and with the Transmigration of the Empire, submitted to the Bizantine Emperors, governed by a Succession of Dukes for 800 years, when conquered by our Richard I. and given in Exchange, for the Titular Kingdom of Jerusalem, unto G [...]y of Lusignan, in whose Family it continued until Ann. 1473. It was then by Catharina Cornelia, a Venetian Lady, the Widow to King James the Bastard, who had taken it by Force from his Sister Carl [...]tte, resigned to the Venetians; who, 97 years after, lost it to the Turks, under whose Yoke it now groaneth. 'Tis for the most part inhabited by Greeks, whose Ecclesiastical Estate is governed by the Archbishop of Nicosia, and the 3 Bishops of Famagosta, Paphus and Amathus.
Its chief Mountain is Olympus, containing 50 Miles in its Basis, now called the Mountain of the Holy Cross, cloathed with Trees, and stored with Fountains and Monasteries, possessed by the Greek Coloicres of the Order of St. Basil.
Its Commodities are Oil, and Grains of several sorts. Wine, that lasteth for eight years. Raisins of the Sun, Citrons, Oranges, Pomgranates, Almonds, Figs, Saffron, Coriander, Sugar, Turpentine, Rhubarb, C [...]lloquintida, Scammony, &c. Cotton, Woolls, Chamolets, Salt, Sope, Ashes.
There are Mines of Brass, some Gold and Silver, Green Soder, Vitriol, Alom, Orpiment, White and Red Lead, and Iron, divers kinds of precious Stones, viz. the Emerald and Turky.
Thus having described the chief places of the Ottoman Empire, I shall also give a short account of their Government, Policy, Religion, &c.
In order whereunto, we need not so much regard their first coming out of Scythia, Anno 577. nor when they seized on Armenia Major, giving it the Name of Turcomania, Anno 844. nor when T [...]ingr [...]li [...]ix overthrew the Persian Sultan, 1030 nor yet when Cutlu Moses revolted from him, and made a distinct Kingdom in Arabia: But when Ottoman, by strange Fortunes, and from small Beginnings, swallowed up the other Families into the Ogusian Tribe, and united them into one Head, Anno 1300. from thence must we deduce the first Foundation of the Ottoman Empire: They [Page 359] had then no Government but what was Martial and Arbitrary in the highest degree; wherefore it is not strange, if their Laws are Severe, their Justice Rigor, their Government Tyranny: That their Emperor should be absolute, uncontroulable; whose Speeches may be irrational, and yet Laws; whose Actions irregular, and yet examples; whose Sentences and Judgments though corrupt and inconsiderate, yet are irresistable Decrees.
So that when one reflects on the small reward for Virtue, and no punishment for thriving Vice; how Men are raised by Flattery, Chance, and the sole Favour of the Prince, to the weightiest and and most honorable Charges of the Empire, without any previous deserts or experience of Parts or Abilities: When one considers, that one Frown of their Prince cuts them off, that their Treasure is their snare, and their Riches will inevitably effect their Ruin, though they have all the Arguments of Faithfulness and Honesty; one might admire the long contiuuauce of this vast Empire, and wonder at the increase of its Dominions.
But that which cements all Breaches, and cures the greatest Disorders, is the quickness and severity of their Justice, which makes every Crime, relating to Government equal, and punishes it with the last and extreamest punishment, Death. And to die by the Hand, or Command of the Grand Signior, with an entire Resignation, is accounted the highest point of Matyrdom, the greatest reward of Faithfulness, and the consummation of all honour. Otherwise this great Body would burst with the Poyson of its own ill Humors, and spread into ruinous Divisions.
The Youths, that are designed for the great Offices of the Empire, are called by the Turks Ichoglans, which are of Christian Parents, taken in the War, or presented from remote Parts, so that they have no other Relations nor Dependences; no other interest to serve, besides that of their Great Master, to whom they are taught by Education, and compell'd by necessity, to be faithful: And indeed they are the best adopted Instruments for such a Tyrannick Prince, whom he can raise without envy, and destroy without danger.
Their chiefest studies and learning is in Reading and Writing, being instructed in the Arabian Tongue, wherein the secrets and treasure of their Religon and Laws are contained, especially the Alcoran. The more Polite and Ingenious learn the Persian Tongue, which fits them with Eloquence, corrects the grossness, and inriches the barrenness of the Turkish Language.
They have some Books of Poetry, written both in Persian and Arabick; but as for Logick, Physick, Metaphysick, and Mathematicks, [Page 360] they are wholly ignorant of them: Some certain Rules of Astrology they have, with which they busie themselves in Prophesies of future Contingences in the Affairs of the Empire: As for Geography, the wisest or greatest amongst them have not the least inspection into it, nor durst their Seamen heretofore venture beyond sight of Land, having little knowledge of the Art of Navigation until some improvement, which of late they have made therein: As for History or Chronology, they understand so little, that the most Learned affirm Job to be a Judge in Solomon's Court, and that Alexander the Great was General of his Armies.
The Visier Azem, or Prime Visier, whose great Office of Charge and Trust, as it is the highest, so it is the nearest to Jove's Thunderbolt, and most exposed to Envy and Destruction. It being the Policy of the great Princes of the East to constitute one on whom all the blame of miscarriages in Government might be thrown, whilst they with the more freedom enjoy their Softness and Luxury. This great Minister, as he is the Representative of the Grand Signior, because to him all the power of the Sultan is immediately devolved; so he is the Head or Mouth of the Law, and to him are all Appeals made, and his State and Greatness lives in the Honour of him whom he represents, and his power, in respect of his Inferiors, is as ample as his Masters, who gives it him. Next to this Visier Azem are the several Beglerbegs, which are so many general Governments, upon which depend several Sangiacks or Provinces; there being in Turkie about 30 Beglerbegs, whereof 22 are Ha's, that is, such as have their Revenue allotted them in the places that they govern, collected by their own Officers according to Commission: Of which the first is Kiotahi or Choutaja of Anatolia, the yearly Revenue of which is a Million of Aspers, and hath under its Jurisdiction 14 Sangiacks, and the Command of 22 Castles. The 2d is at Cogni, or Iconium in Caramania, whose Revenue is 660074 Aspers, and contains 7 Sangiacks, and 20 Castles. The 3d Diarbeker, or Sangiar, whose Revenue is a Million 200660 Aspers, and hath 19 Sangiacks, of which 11 are properly belonging to the Ottoman Royalties, and are Curdian Countries, called Hukenmet or Saline, which have no Lords or Timariots to command them, but are absolute Masters of their own Estates. The 4th is Scham or Damas, whose Revenue is a Million of Aspers, and hath 7 Sangiacks, and 5 Sangiacks Saline. The 5th is Siwas in Armenia, which hath 900000 Aspers Revenue, and 6 Sangiacks, and 19 Castles. The 6th is that of Erzerum, on the Confines of Georgia, which hath a Revenue of a Million 200660 Aspers, and contains 11 Sangiacks, and 13 Castles. The 7th is the Government of Wan or Van in Media, of a Million 132209 Aspers, and hath 14 Sangiacks. The 8th is Tehilder, on the Confines of Georgia, with a Revenue of 925000 Aspers, and 9 Sangiacks. The 9th [Page 361] is the Government of Scheherezul in Assyria, which hath a Million of Aspers, and 20 Sangiacks. The 10th is Halep, or Aleppo, which hath 877772 Aspers, and commands 7 Sangiacks, and 2 in which are no Timariots. The 11th is Marasch, near the River Euphrates, being a Revenue of 628450 Aspers, and commands 4 Sangiacks. The 12th is the Government of Cyprus, or Kibros, allowed a Revenue of 500650 Aspers, and commands 7 Sangiacks, 4 with Ha's, and 3 with Saline, and 14 Castles. The 13th is Tripoly of Syria, or Tarabolas Scham, hath a Revenue of 800000 Aspers, and 4 Sangiacks. The 14th is Trabizond, formerly the Imperial Seat of the Comneni, seated on the Euxine Sea: This hath no Sangiacks, but the Revenue is 734850 Aspers, with 14 Castles. The 15th is that of Kars, hath a Revenue of 820650 Aspers, and commands 6 Sangiacks. The 16th is that of Mosul, or Nineveh, in Assyria, a Revenue of 681056 Aspers, and commands 5 Sangiacks. The 17th is of Rika, hath a Revenue of 680000 Aspers, and 7 Sangiacks: These are the Beglerbegs in Asia. Of those in Europe, the 18th, viz. that of Rumuli is the most honourable, the Seat of the Pasca or Basha is at Sophia, it hath a Million and 100000 Aspers yearly Revenue, commands 24 Sangiacks, whereof Morea was one though now made part of the Revenue of the Queen-Mother. The 19th is the charge of the Kupudan, or General of the White Seas, whose Revenue is 885000 Aspers; he is Admiral of the Turkish Fleet, and commands 13 Sangiacks, whose Residence is at Galipoli. The 20th is that of Buda in Hungary, it commands 21 Sangiacks. The 21st is that of Temeswaer, and hath 7 Sangiacks. The 22d is that of Bosna, now called Sclavonia, which commands 8 Sangiacks. Those that are with Salary, or paid out of the Grand Signior's Treasury, are first that of Grand Cairo or Misir, who hath a Revenue of 600000 Scheriffs or Zechins a year, and commands 6 Sangiacks, besides as much is the Tribute paid the Grand Signior, and another Sum of 600000 Zechins yearly goes for the payment of the Turks. The 2d is the Government of Bagdet or Babylon, which hath a Revenue of a Million and 700000 Aspers, and commands 22 Sangiacks. The 3d is that of Yemen in Arabia Felix, whose place of Residence is Aden, upon the Red Sea, which is now under the power of the Arabians. As is also the Government of Habelch, upon the Confines of the Abissines, now wholly lost to the Turk. And the Government of Bosra, or Balsera, a Maritime City in the Sinus Persicus, where were reckoned 26 Sangiacks, but now the Turks have no power there. Lastly, the Government of Labse, on the Confines of Ormus, where are 6 Sangiacks, but poor and inconsiderable.
To these, we should add the Governments of Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoly in Barbary, but these are now much fallen off from the Turk's obedience, and almost independent, and subsisting of themselves.
[Page 362]Besides the Dominions of the Grand Signior already mentioned, he possesses Suaquem upon the Red Sea; Dolfar and Elcalif, Asaph or Azac, at the Mouth of Don; Temrock, near the Palus Meotis; Caffa, and other places in Lesser Tartary; Bessarabia, Ocziacow, and Dussan, towards the Mouth of the Nieper, and the Kingdoms of Zibit and Ziden, in Arabia the Happy. All which may be seen in the following Map.
[Page 363]So that in less than 300 Years, the Turks have made Conquests in Europe, Asia, and Africa, as considerable as those of the Romans, who spent 850 ere they accomplish'd theirs.
The delightful Fields of Asia, the pleasant Plains of Greece, the Plenty of Egypt, the Fruitfulness of the Nile, the Luxury of Corinth, the Substance of Peloponnesus, Lemnos, Scio, with other Isles of the Egean Sea, the Spices of Arabia, the Riches of great part of Persia and Georgia, all Armenia and Assyria, the Provinces of Asia Minor, the Countries of Syria, Palestine and Phoenicia, the Principalities of Moldavia, Valachia, Romania, Bulgaria, Servia, and the best part of Hungaria, concur altogether to satisfie the appetite of this Turkish Sultan; all the Extent of this vast Territory, the Lands and Houses, as well as the Castles and Arms being all his, and at his sole Disposal and Gift; only to Lands dedicated to Religious Uses he disclaims all Right, and will not (to the shame of our Sectaries) violate the Penetralia of the Sanctuary.
The absolute and unlimited Power of this Prince is evident by his Titles, as, God on Earth, The Shadow of God, Brother to the Sun and Moon, The Giver of all Earthly Crowns, &c. And 'tis an ordinary saying, That the Grand Signior is above the Law, that the written Law is controulable, that his Mouth is the Law itself, and the power of an infallible Interpretation is in him.
It is vulgarly known to all, that their Law was compiled by Mahomet, with the help of Sergius the Monk, whose infamous Life is particularly recorded by many Authors, and too tedious to be repeated here: I shall therefore only say, that though there is a great diversity amongst Doctors, as touching the Explanation of their Law; yet there are five Articles or Fundamentals thereof, to which every Turk is obliged. 1. Cleanness in the outward parts of the Body and Garments. 2. To make Prayers five times a day. 3. To observe their Ramazan, or monthly Fast. 4. To perform faithfully the Zekat, or giving of Alms. 5. To make their Pilgrimage to M [...]cha, if they have means and possibility to perform it. The sole Article of Faith required to be believed, is, That there is but one God, and Mahomet his Prophet.
When Mahumetanism was first weak, and therefore put on a modest Countenance and plausible Aspect to deceive Mankind, then it courted and favoured the Christian Religion, drawing its Tenents and Doctrines in some Conformity to that Rule, confessing Christ to be a Prophet and greater than Moses, that he was born of a Virgin, &c. But as soon as its Government encreased, and that by Arms and bad [Page 364] Arts the Grand Signior had secured his Kingdom; his promises of Toleration and Indulgence were changed into a harsher Note, and his Edicts were then for Blood and Ruine; what knots of Argument he could not untie, he cut, and made his Spiritual Power as large as his Temporal. Yet towards his Followers, he rendred his Precepts easie and pleasant, acceptable to the Fancy and Appetite, as well as to the Capacity, of the Vulgar: Representing Heaven to them not in a spiritual manner, or Delights unexpressible, and Ravishments known only in part to illuminated Souls; but with gross Conception of the Beauty of Women, of the Duration of one Act of Carnal Copulation, of the beastly Satisfaction of a gluttonous Palate: And that Persuasion and Principle in their Catechism, That the Souls of those who die in the Wars against Christians are therefore immediately transported to Paradise, must necessarily whet the Swords, and raise the Spirits of the Soldiers, and is the Reason they run so eagerly to their own Slaughter, esteeming their Lives and Bodies at no greater price than the value of Stones and Rubbish to fill Rivers and Ditches.
The Mufti is the principal Head of the Mahometan Religion, or Oracle of all doubtful Questions in their Law, and is of great esteem amongst the Turks. When he passeth determination in any Case, it is brought to the Cadie or Judge, and the Grand Signior himself will in no wife contradict or oppose it; so that Law-Suits of the greatest moment are concluded in an hour without Arrest of Judgment, Appeals, or other dilatory Arts of Law.
The State of Marriage is accounted both Honourable and Holy amongst the Turks, yet the Priest or Churchman hath the least hand in the Solemnity, but it is performed by the Cadie or Judge. Polygamie is freely indulged to them by their Religion, as far as the number of four Wives. And lest this Confinement should seem a restriction of their Liberty, and free use of Women, every one may besides enjoy his Women Slaves, which is not much envied by the Wives, so long as they enjoy their due Maintenance, and a reasonable share in their Husbands Bed: For if neglected above a Week, she hath Remedy by Law; and if she be so modest not to sue for the Default, she is often so ingenious to contrive a supply of her Wants, being accounted the most lascivious of Women, and excel in the most refined and ingenious Subtilties to steal their Pleasure, which, if discovered, the Blood of her Family is reckoned tainted and disgraced; but the Husband, getting a Divorce, quits himself of his Wife and Dishonour together.
Amongst all the Priviledges that the Sultan enjoys above his Subjects, this one he has less than they, that he cannot marry, yet hath [Page 365] as many Women as serves his use, though never so libidinous, which are kept in the Seraglio, like Horses in Stables.
Circumcision is not reckoned one of the five Points which constitute a true Mahometan Believer, but is only proposed as a tryal and proof of Man's obedience to the more necessary parts of the Law.
They never Circumcise their Children until the Age of 7 years, and upwards; and then they do it by a Barber or Chyrurgion.
The Forces of the Turks are very numerous, their Armies well disciplin'd, and the Belief of Predestination, besides the use of Opium, makes them bold to undertake any Enterprize. Their Militia is of two sorts, one receives maintenance from certain Lands bestowed on them by the Grand Signior: And these again are either Zaims or Timariots, which together may amount to about 100000 Men, and come under the general denomination of Spahi's, and compose the Turkish Horse.
The other sort, which receive their constant Pay in ready Mony out of the Grand Signior's Treasury, are the Janizaries, who are now increased to the Number of an 100000, and the next main Sinew of the Ottoman Power; being considered in the Wars, they are the best disciplined Soldiery of the Turkish Camp.
Besides these in Egypt, there are 20000 Horse paid at the Charge of the Country, and 80000 Timariots. The Crim Tartars are also to furnish him with an 100000 Men, and the Prince in person to lead them, if the Grand Signior come into the Field, otherwise but half the number. And the Princes of Valachia, Moldavia, and Transilvania, are never excused from personal attendance in the Camp with 6 or 7000 Men apiece.
But the Ottoman Armies are not now so renowned for their Chivalry and Discipline, as in former times; that ancient Sublimity and Majesty of the Sultan is much abated, their Forces by Land decayed, their Maritime power weakned, nothing remains of their ancient Government and Valor; nor doth the Ottoman Court remunerate the Services, exalt the Interest of the Cavalry, or maintain the Reputation of the Janizaries; but grown rich and luxurious with Peace and Plenty, they are much declined from their Greatness and Power; for in this vast and large Empire Countries are depopulated, Villages abandoned, whole Provinces, as pleasant and fruitful as Tempe or Thessaly, uncultivated and turned into a Desert or Wilderness.
Of ARABIA.
THE Arabians were first called Ishmaelites, from Ishmael: Then Sa [...]s, from Sarah the Wife of Abraham: Though others derive the Name from Saara, which signifies a Desert: Others from [Page 367] Sarake, which signifies Robbery. They that deduce the Etymology from Sarah, affirm, That the Sarazens, being at first called Agarens, chose rather to bear the Mistresses than the Servants Name, and so changed their Appellation.
The Arabians, that live in Cities, go by the Names of Moors. They that live in the Deserts are divided into Tribes, and every Tribe into Families, which have every one a particular Cheik, who acknowledges the supreme Cheik. These vagabond Arabians boast themselves to be the most noble People in the World; for which Reason, they never ally themselves with any other Nation but their own. They could never be subdued either by the Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, or Turks: But, on the contrary, they have setled themselves in several parts of Africa, where they have a large Dominion. They wander up and down in that fashion, the better to find out Pasturage for their Cattel, and to free themselves from the oppression of the Turks. The Basha's of the Grand Signior, who are their Neighbors, and the Caravans, are forced to give mony to the Cheiks, to preserve themselves from being molested or despoiled by them in their Journies. Under Ulit, one of the Caliphs, or Arabian Princes, their Empire extended from Messa, upon the Atlantick Sea, to the River Indus; so that in length it exceeded the Roman Empire.
The Arabick Language is so enchanting, that 'tis a common Hyperbole, That the Saints in Heaven, and those in Paradise, speak it: And as in it the Holy Decalogue was given, so, as an Allay, therein was hatched the Delusive Alcoran, and therefore is generally received in Asia.
These Arabians, because of their continual lying in the open Fields, were once accounted the best Astrologers and Physicians in the World, as Rhasis and Mesue, Avicen and Averroes Philosophers; Algazal [...]; Hali, Albumazar Astrologers, great Geographers Leo and Abulf [...]da.
The Beduins and Bengebres, who are the most known People, are so inclined to Robbery, that their principal Maintenance consists in plundering of Passengers, claiming a Priviledge to demand Ishmael's Right from the Sons of Isaac. They are very dextrous on Horseback in managing their Bows and Half-Pikes, so that Thirty Turkish Musqueteers will hardly attack Ten of these Arabians armed after their manner.
Their Wealth consists in Herds of Cattle and Horses, which will travel great Journies; of which they make so great reckoning, that they keep a Register of their Breed, which is approved by certain Judges.
[Page 368]They sit at Meals upon their Heels; and the oldest among them wears the richest Habit, and the most gay Colours. Their Predecessors forbad Building, and Tilling their Lands; alledging, that were but to invite Enemies to invade, and make them a Prey to enjoy it.
The Succession of the Kingdom belongs to that Noble Person who was first born after the King was proclaimed. And, indeed, to compare the Manners and Maxims of the Asiaticks and Europeans together, we may say, That the Arabians are like the Italians, the Persians like the French, and the Turks like the Spaniards.
Arabia, in general, was first called Ethiopia, is subject to such excessive Heats, that People are constrained generally to Travel by Night. There are abundance of Mountains, but few Rivers. It is divided into three parts. The Stony, the Desert, the Happy. The two first belong almost, to the Turk; the Happy Arabia acknowledges several petty Princes.
The Stony Arabia Barraab, Nabathaea Ptol. Barrha Castald. Bengaucal Zeigler. Rathal-Albagh incolis, was anciently possessed by the Midianites, Moabites, Amalekites, and the Idumeans, or Edomites. The Lands of the Ammonites or Amorites, and of Og King of Basan, were parts of Arabia Petraea; though it be also true, that some part of Arabia Deserta belonged to the Ishmaelites and Amalekites, the Inhabitants thereof at this time pay a Tribute to the Basha of Cairo. Petra gave it its Name, which signifies a Rock, whereon it was built, was a place of great strength, and much noted as well in Holy Writ, as in prophane History. Besieged in vain by Severus, and before him by Trajan, who was compelled to throw away his Imperial Habit, and flie for his Life.
Yet Amaziah, King of Judah, after he had slaughtered 10000 of the Edomites, took it by War, and called it Joktheel, 2 Kings 14.7.
The Soldans of Egypt, for the exceeding strength thereof, kept therein all their Treasures. Of this place, see more in the Description of Canaan, and the bordering Countries.
Bostra, now Bussereth, is a place of good Esteem, I suppose the same with Petra.
Tor, or El Tor, upon the Red Sea, is a pitiful Haven, defended by a Four-square Castle; near to it are found Champignons, petrified white Coral, Seal-skins, Small Oysters, and somtimes Sea-Monsters like Men. They report that this was the Haven Ezion Geber, from which Solomon sent his Ships for Ophir. Mount Horeb and Sinai are famous in Scripture.
[Page 369] Arabia the Desert, or Beriara, is a place almost quite destitute of Water; or if there be any Wells, the Water is for little service Ana upon the Euphrates (the place where the Grand Signior's Tribute is paid, as the Lord of the Country) is the best place in it. There is one King in Arabia that has a moving and portative City, that is to say, it consists in Tents, which he can command them to carry where he pleases. Sumiscasac is thought to be the ancient Saba, whence the Magi set forth to adore Christ, and the Queen to visit Solomon.
But Sir Thomas Herbert tells us, That after the Flood Nimrod Sovereignizing at Babylon, his Brother Havilah seated his Colony in Susiana, Seba, Raamah, and Sabbata, in Arabia. Seba or Sheba fixed on the Western Coast adjacent to the Red Sea, where he built a City after his own Name, from whence the Queen came that visited Solomon, as he supposeth.
That Sabata planted the South-part of Arabia; and Raamah, or Rhegma, on the North-East part towards Balsera, where they built Cities after their Names, mention'd Ezek. 27.
In these parts was the Wilderness where the Children of Israel wandered 40 years. Here Moses established Ecclesiastical and Political Laws. Here was the burning Bush, the Water-bearing Rock, the Mountains of Sinai and Horeb, and Mount Hor where Aaron died.
The Happy Arabia, Hyaman or Aiman. Gemen or Giamen Turcis, Marmotta, Sarracenis; Sabaea, Plin. carries that Name, as being a more fruitful Soil than either of the two. It breeds excellent Horses, Manna, Cinnamon, Myrrhe, Balsam, Benjamin, Incense, and other Perfumes; so that if Aromatick Gums, Succulent Fruits, Fragrant Flowers, and such sort of Delicacies please thy Sense, say, Arabia is the Phoenix of the East, and with Danaeus, The Epitome of Delight, and with St. Austin, Paradise. The Air is temperate and healthful. The Country enriched with pleasant Streams and Fountains, whose Waters are Medicinal.
Aden is a Town of great Trade, standing in a little Peninsula, at the foot of a Mountain guarded with two Castles towards the North, and a small Fortress at the Entry into the Haven. The Portugueses, when they first setled themselves in the Indies, had a design to make themselves Masters of this City, as also of Ormus and Malaca. But the Turk prevented them from taking Aden, the King whereof they hung at the Yards-Arm of the Admiral's Gally. Since which, some other Revolutions have happen'd, so that the Natives of the Country have again dispossessed the Turks. Mecca and Me [...]ina are famous [Page 370] for the Pilgrimages of the Mahometans: For which they that make them, are in high esteem among the rest. They go particularly to Mecca, to pay their Devotions to a Four-square House, which they call The House of God, and pretend the same to have been built by Abraham. This City, containing about 6000 Houses, stands about a days Journy from the Red Sea, being the place where Mahomet was born, whose Body was afterwards translated to Medina, upon the discovery of Albuquerque the Portuguese's design to have surprized the Port of Ziden, otherwise Gidde, with an intention to have carried away that Mahometan Relique. The Country about Mecca produceth abundance of that sort of Berry of which Coffee is made.
Kufa, or Kalufa the Holy City, called Rastack, when walled by Omir, the Burial place of Mortis-Ali, Saint, King and Prophet of the Persians.
Medina is three days Journy from the Red Sea, the burying place of Mahomet, as the Turks pretend. The Sepulchre or Tomb wherein Mahomet lieth, is enclosed within an Iron Grate, and covered with Green Velvet, which is every Year made new, and sent by the Grand Signior, the old one being by the Priests cut in little pieces, and sold at great Rates, as Reliques, to the Pilgrims. In the Temple where this Tomb is placed, there are said to be 3000 Lamps of Gold and Silver, wherein is Balsam, and other rich Odors, Ointments and Oils continually kept burning. They would impose it for a Miracle, that his Tomb should hang in the Air by means of the Loadstone: But besides that there is no such thing, were it true, there were no wonder in it: For Democrates the Athenian, by the Order of Ptolomy King of Egypt, undertook to make the Statue of Arsinoe all of Iron, and to hang it up in the same manner. And in the Temple of Serapis in Alexandria, there was an Iron Sun that hung in the Air by the force of a Loadstone, being a rare piece of Workmanship.
The Prince of Mecca, called Sultan Sheriff, is one of the most potent Princes in all Arabia: His Residence is usually at Almacharana, seated on the top of an high Mountain of difficult access.
Sanaa is one of the greatest, fairest, and strongest Towns of Arabia, adorned with Vineyards, Meadows and Gardens.
Dafar is one of the chief Ports upon the Red Sea, next to Zibit near the mouth of the Red Sea, which is Fair, Rich, and of great Trade for Drugs, Spices, Perfumes, &c. Once the Residence of a Turkish Beglerbeg, before that the Seat of a King, beheaded by the Turks, at the same time when the King of Aden was hanged at the Yards-Arm of the Admiral's Ship. The Ports of Dolfar and Pescher are most [Page 371] renowned on the South-Coast for Frankincense. The Grand Signior, the Persian Sophi, and other Mahometan Monarchs, oft-times send him Presents, and the first allows him also some part of the Revenue of Egypt, because he is of the Race of Mahomet, and to oblige him to be kind to the Pilgrim Turks.
Fartach, a Kingdom and City near the Sea, Caxem, Gubelhaman, Alibinali, Amanziridin, Masfate, Mascalat and Jemen are so many Sultanies or petty Kingdoms in the Happy Arabia: Mascate, or Mascatsaif, not far from Rozelgate, Corodanum Ptol. Macin Amian. thought to be Rhaguma, Rhegma of Ptol. the Raamah of Ezek. 27.22. formerly belonging to the Portuguese, had, for a long time, all the Trade of the Indies to Mecca, through the conveniency of the Cities Elcatif, or the ancient Gerra, which communicates its Name to the Persian Gulph, and Labsa, or Lazarch. Sohar in the Eastern part had also formerly the Trade, but since the same hath been translated to Ormus and Gombron. Mocha upon the Red Sea is an open City, indifferently well built, and fortified with a small Castle. In it there live Jews, Persians, Armenians, Indians, and Banians: So that it is a Town of great Commerce; and there it is, that all the Pilgrims land that come from the Indies to Mecca. It hath also much increased in Riches and Repute, in regard that the Vessels that come from Sues to Aden, rather chuse to unlade there, to avoid the dangerous passages of Babel-Mandel, Diodori Insula. Arrian. teste Rhamusio.
OF PERSIA.
THE Kingdom or Empire of Persia, is at present, one of the greatest and most famous of all Asia; yet is but a part of the ancient Empire of the Persians; for the Assyrian Monarchy contained [Page 373] all that which both Turk and Persian at this day possess in that part of the World: And beginning under Ninus, lasted 13 or 1400 years, ending in that Notorious and Effeminate Epicure, Sardanapalus.
After which it was divided into that of the Medes and Babylonians, who continued it less than 300 Years. Then the Persians made themselves Masters of it during 200 and odd Years, under Cyrus Son of Cambyses, Son of Cyrus, Son of Darius, Son of Achamenes, Son of Perses, who saith Isidore gave Persia its Name. In Nimrod's days, called Chusa, or Cuth; in Chedorlaomers, and to Daniel's time Elam; afterwards Persia, from Persius, Son of Perseus, a Grecian Hero, Son to Jupiter, by Danae the Daughter of Acrisius. Afterwards called Arsaca, from Arsaces the Heroick Parthian. After by the Inhabitants, Artea. By the Tartars, Corsaca. By the Arabians, Saracdnea. By the Turks, Azamia and Axmia. Farsi & Farsistan Incolis.
The Macedonians and Greeks succeeded; for having ruined the Empire of the Persians, they gave a beginning to that of the Macedonians: But Alexander the Great held this Empire but few Years, and dying, it was Cantonized out among his Captains, who, taking the Title of Kings, waged War against each other, till the Romans seized the Western, and the Parthians the Oriental part of that Monarchy.
These Parthians freed themselves from the Rule of the Macedonians 250 Years before the Birth of Christ, and Reigned near 500 Years.
Artaxerxes restored the Persian Government 228 Years after Christ's Nativity. About the Year 605, the Caliph of Bagdat, Omar or Hoshmar the Third after Mahomet, became Master of it. So that Persia, after a long uninterrupted Succession of 28 Kings from Artaxerxes, sets in an eclipsed Cloud, and becomes fettered under the Iron Yoke of a Saracenick Bondage, once garnished with 22 Kingdoms, formidable to the Roman Emperors, and Mistress of the greatest part of Asia.
In the Year 1257 or 8, the Tartars exterminated the whole Race of the Caliph of Bagdat. And in the Year 1472. the Turcomans of Armenia got the Kingdom. But about the Year 1505, Ishmael Sophi once more re-established the Persians in the possession of the Oriental part of that ancient Empire, which now extends from the Tygris and Euphrates on the West, almost to the River Indus on the East; And from the Persian Gulph, and the River Oxus on the North, to the Persian and Indian Seas on the South.
But that you may the better understand the full Extent of the Dominions of this large Kingdom, I shall give you the true Number of [Page 374] the Provinces of the whole Continent of Persia, according to the old and new Descriptions of several Geographers.
And first the old Names by Cluver. were Gedrosia, Carmania, Drangana, Aracosia, Paropamisis, Bactriana, Margiana, Hyrcania, Aria, Parthia, Persis, Susiana, Assyria, Media.
The new Names Sarc. Cusistan, Elaran, Farsi, Arac, Elsabar, Diargument, Corason, Sablestan, Candahor, Sigestan, Chesimur, Kirman, Goadel.
2. By Baudran, old Names, Media, Hyrcania, Margiana, Assyriae pars, Susiana, Parthia, Aria, Paropanisus, Chaldea, Persia, Caramania, Drangiana, Arachosia, and Gedrosia.
The new Names are Servan. Gilan. Dilemon. Ayrack Agemi. Taberestan, Gorgian, Rhoemus, Churdistan, Corasan, Yerack, Cusistran, Farsi, Kherman, Sisistan, Macheran, Candahor, and Sablestan.
1. Therefore this Monarch possesseth a great part of the great Armenia, which we call Turcomania, especially that part which is seated between the two Rivers Kur and Aras, the Cyrus and Araxes of old: This Country is one of the most beautiful and richest pieces of Land in all Persia, by the Natives called Iran or Karahag.
2. Shirvan or Schirwan all along the Caspian Sea, part of Media Atropatia.
3. The Province Edzerbaijan or Azerbeyan; And these two Provinces make up the ancient Media, Sarch Clu.
4 Is Kylan or Guilan, Persis, which is the old Hircania, Strava M. Angiol. Diargument Merc. Hyrach. Eryth, and comprehends several other Provinces, as Mesandran, Lahetzan, Rescht and Kesker.
5. Is Estarabad, Tabristan, or Tocharistan, formerly Margiana, Jeselbash Cast. Tremigan Pineto, which extends to the River Oxus.
6. Zagathay or Sacathay Nig. is the Province of the Ousbec Tartars or Mauranahar, comprehending all the ancient Sogdiana, and part of Bractiana, &c.
7. Corassan, Sernere Merc. is some part of Bactriana, now Batter Ramus. Charossan. Castald. which also comprehends the Province of Heri, or Eri, remarkable for the greatest Trade of any in Persia. The Aria of old.
8. Sablestan, formerly Paropamifus. Calchistan Cast. Navagrat M. P. Ven.
9. The Territories and Cities of Candahor and Cabul, comprehend the ancient Aracosia, now belonging to the Mogul.
10. Is Sigistan Marc. formerly Drangiana; aliis Ilment.
11. Is Kirman, or Chermain, and comprehends all the Territories [Page 375] of the ancient Carmania bordering upon the Indian Sea, containing the Province of
12. Makeran, wherein is Circan, Patan, and the Desert of Dulcinda.
13. Chusestan Mind. Chus Merc. which was heretofore called Susiana.
14. Is Hierack, or Erack Agemi, the ancient Parthia, Nig. Charessen, and lies in the midst of all Persia, Arach Merc. & Minad. Tex. Alph. Hadr.
15. Is Fars, (which Laet calls Farc,) Farsistan Merc. and is the ancient Persia, whereof Persepolis was the chief City.
16. Is Diarbeck, Merc. Azamia Bel. formerly Mesopotamia, between Euphrates and Tygris.
17. Is Curdistan, or Arzerum, formerly Assyria, extending all along the East-side of the River Tygris, from the Lake Van, to the Frontiers of Bagdat.
18. Is Yerack, or Hierack-Arabi, otherwise the Country of Babylon, or Chaldea. These three last Countries being most now under the Turkish power, we have already discoursed thereof.
The Government of Persia is Despotick, or absolutely Arbitrary, the King having the sole power of Life and Death over all his Subjects, without any Tryals, or Law-proceedings. Nor is there any Sovereign in the World more Absolute than He; yet, in the exercise thereof, it is said to be gentle and easie, supportable both to Persians and Strangers. And for the Laws of Hospitality, they are so strictly observed, that the King will have all Strangers to be his Guests. The general Title given to the Kings of Persia is that of Sha, though the Vulgar call him by the Name of the Sophi, which is a proper Name. The Persians had ever a very great Veneration for their Sovereign. And, at this day, they believe it to be a greater Asseveration to swear by the Name of their King, than by the Name of their God, perhaps out of the same Belief with those of Achem in Sumatra, who say, that God is far off, but the King is near at hand. The Wealth of this King is very vast, as appear'd by the Treasure which Alexander found in the Coffers of Darius. And to descend towards our Times, Sha Sephi, one of their last Kings, had no less than 7400 Marhes of gold-Plate for the ordinary Service of his Court.
The King deceasing, the Eldest Son ascends the Throne, whilst his Brothers are kept in the Haram, and their Eyes put out; and oftentimes the Children of the King's Brothers and Sisters also, to avoid Competition for the Sovereignty, and Rebellion.
The State of Persia is distinguished, like most of the European States, into three Bodies.
[Page 376]The first of the Sword, which answers to the Nobility.
The second is that of the Gown, which answers to the Law and Religion.
The third is composed of Merchants, Handicraftsmen, and Labourers.
The Athemat Doulet is the Prime Minister in Temporals, the Sedre in Spirituals, whose Offices are much the same with the Grand Visier's and the Mufty in Turky.
The greatest part of the Lands in Persia belong to the King, and are farmed by private persons, the rest are measured, and pay so much a measure. The King hath also a vast Income by Merchandises that pay Custom and Toll.
The Commerce of this mighty Empire consists in the Trade of the Country, and Foreign Traffick. The Country Trade is in the hands of Persians and Jews. The Foreign Trade in the hands of the Armenians, who are Factors for the King and Noblemen.
Their Commodities are curious Silks, exquisite Carpets and Tissues, with other Manufactures of Gold, Silk and Silver, great quantities of Linen Cloth of all sorts of Colours. Their Seal-skins and Goat-skins are transported by the Hollanders into India and Japan, as also into Moscovy and Poland. The famous Ronas Root is transported over all India, great store of dried Fruits, of candid Quinces, and Boxes of Marmalet made at Balsera: Fruits pickled in Vinegar, sweet Water, Almonds, Raisins, and purgative Prunes; They vend abundance of their Camels into Turky, great store of Horses and Mules into India, and a prodigious number of Sheep and Lambs into Natolia and Romania.
The natural Complexion of the Persians is Tawney, as may be seen by the Gaures, the original Inhabitants of the Country; but the present Persians, by reason of their frequent Marriages with fair Georgian Women, have contracted a better degree of Comeliness and Beauty.
The Justice among them is very exact and speedy, Suits being determined upon the place. Murther severely punished, and extraordinary Care taken for the security of the High-ways, for Thieves find no mercy; and if a Merchant be robbed, the Governor of the Province makes good the Loss.
The Air of Persia varies according to the diversity of its situation; the Country of Edzerbeitzan is very sharp and cold, but healthy; the Air of Kilan is very unwholsom, but the Province of Mazandran, from September to March, seems a kind of Terrestrial Paradise. At Ispahan in the middle of Persia, there are six months of hot, and six months of cold weather. In the Southern Provinces the Heats are [Page 377] very excessive: In some parts the Snow falls three or four times in a Season, and somtimes very thick, but Rain there is very little. As for Woods, there are none in all the Country; and Springs are very scarce to Travellers. 'Tis a Country generally mountainous, out of some of which they dig Salt, as Stones out of a Quarry; and there are some Plains there, where the Sand is nothing but Salt. Of late several Copper Mines have been found out, of which the Natives make all sort of Kitchin Houshold-stuff; their Lead comes from Kerman, their Iron and Steel from Corazan and Kasbin; some Mines of Gold and Silver there were, but the Expence is more than the Profit. The Provinces of Guilan and Mazandran furnish'd all Persia with Oil. Armenia, Mengrelia, Georgia and Media abound in Vineyards, but their Vines they bury all Winter, and take them up in the Spring. The Flowers of Persia are not comparable to those of Europe for Variety or Beauty, nor are their Apples, Pears, Oranges, Granates, Prunes, Cherries, Quinces, Chesnuts, Medlers, and other sorts of Fruits so well tasted as ours; yet their Apricots, the better sort are better than ours, which when you open, the Stone cleaves in two, and the Kernel, which is only a small Skin as white as Snow, is most pleasant to the Taste; so likewise their Melons are most excellent, very plentiful, and more wholsom than ours.
Their Fowl are much the same as we have in Europe, and their Poultry are very plentiful, only there are no Turkies. All sorts of Water-Fowl are common in some parts of the Country, and as for Birds of Prey it wants none.
The Native Inhabitants are generally very inquisitive after future Events, consulting their Astrologers like Oracles; much addicted to ill Language, but never blaspheme God, nor subject to swear; naturally great Dissemblers and Flatterers, excessive in their Luxury and Expences, much accustomed to Tobacco and Coffee, and to make mutual Visits; generally addicted to Play and Pastimes, yet Men never dance, nor do they use walking to and again as we do.
The two great Sects amongst the Followers of Mahomet (which are most violent against each other,) are the Turks and Persians. The first hold Mahomet to be the chief and ultimate Prophet; the later prefer Haly before him, and esteem his Inspirations greater, and his Interpretations of the Law more perfect and divine; and their grand Festival is the Feast of Hocen and Husscin. The King permits the Carmelites, Capuchins, Austin-Fryers, and other Orders, to have their Houses and Churches in his Royal City of Ispahan, where their Superiors live in nature of Ambassadors for the Christian Princes: They are as superstitious as the Turks, and believe material enjoyments [Page 378] in Paradise, though others, more refined, affirm, That Beatitude consists in the perfect knowledge of the Sciences; and for the Senses, they shall have their satisfaction according to their quality.
Their Women are esteemed the handsomest in all Asia; their Horse the nimblest, their Camels the strongest: And in the Country they commend the Bread of Yezdecas, the Wine of Schiras, and the Women of Yez'd.
The Persian Language is so sweet, that it is only in use among the Women and Poets, the King and the Nobility generally speaking the Turkish Tongue.
The greatest Trade is at Bagdat for Turky, and at Gombron for the Indies. The Kings of Persia permit Strangers to trade upon their Coasts, but not to build Forts: And the Mogul and Emperor of China observe the same Policy in their Dominions. They lie between two potent Neighbors, the Turk and the Great Mogul. The strength of their Kingdom consists chiefly in its Situation, being surrounded by high Mountains, and vast Deserts. Ishmael Sophi brought into the Field an Army of 300000 Men against Selim Emperor of the Turks. And other Persian Kings have had Armies of 7 or 800000 Men: But generally their Armies now adays consist not of above 50 or 60000 Horse, besides 30000 which are always kept upon the Frontiers.
The Militia is divided into three sorts, which are the Corschis, generally called Kesel-Bashi, or Red-heads, in Number about 22000, all good Soldiers and Horsemen.
The second sort, the Goulams or Slaves, Renegado Georgians, who are about 18000, being also Horsemen.
The third sort are the Tafenkgis, who are composed of Men taken from the Plough, as most fit for Labor; they are Footmen arm'd with a Scimiter and a Musquet.
The Persians, especially the Rich, are much less subject to Sickness than the Europeans; nor are they much troubled with the Pox, for the dry Air of the Country is an Enemy to it; besides, they go often to the Bath, to sweat out the Venom of that Distemper; for as for any method of Physick they have none, Diet is the chief Remedy which the Physicians prescribe in all Diseases, and account most sovereign.
They divide the Natural Day into four parts, from Sun-rising to Noon, from Noon to Sun-set, from Sun-set to Midnight, and from Midnight till Sun-rise; and in the Vulgar Computation of Time, make use of Lunar Months, which they always begin from the first Appearance of the New Moon: But in their Astronomical Accounts, they [Page 379] make use of Solar Months. The first Month begins upon the 11th of our March, the day of the Vernal Equinox being the first day of their year, upon which day if a Persian hath not mony to buy him a new Habit, he will mortgage his own Body to have one.
The Persians betroth their Children very young, at nine or ten years; and among the Armenians some are married and lie together at five or six; their Law allows them but four Wives, but they may have as many hired Women as they please, and may also enjoy their Slaves whom they purchase; the Children both of the one and of the other are accounted Lawful, and inherit all alike. The Nobility of the Persians is founded upon their being descended from Mahomet, and these have the Title of Mir or Prince; and the Daughters that of Mirza or Princess.
The Persians wear Red Turbants, the Tartars of Giagatay Green ones: The Turkish Turbants are White, and the Greeks Blue. And as they are thus distinguish'd in the Colours of their Turbants, so if we regard the natural Enmities of Nations, we shall find as great an Antipathy between the Turks and Persians, as there is between the Chineses and Japanners, the Armenians and Nestorians, the Arabians and Abassines, the French and Spaniards, the Italians and Greeks, the Germans and Polanders, the Danes and Suedes, or the Moscovites and Tartars.
The Capital City of all Persia is Ispahan, built by Arsaces, who enlarged the Parthian Dominions, and called Dara, afterwards Aspadara, also Nymzamena by Ben. Jonas, Hagistan, Clu. Asbahawn by the Arabian Geographer Saphaon Mandevel. Spahawn Herb. Spahan, Aspachan, Izpaan and Hispahan, in some Maps and Authors. 537 Miles from the Persian Sea, 360 from the Caspian, 450 from Babylon, and 870 from Candahor: By which last distance, agreeing very near with what Tavenier makes it, viz. 390 Agats, (every Agat being a Province League,) I find Persia is at least 3 or 400 Miles too much in length in most Maps, and in some much more: As it is the Residence of the Persian King, and in the Centre of his Empire, Noble; as seated on a vast Plain, which extends three ways 15 or 20 Leagues, Fair and pleasant; for Air, healthy; considering her Palaces, Stately: her Gardens, Delicious and Fragrant; her Piazza's, and the Wealth of her Bazars or publick Market places, Rich and populous; only the Streets are narrow and dark, annoyed with Loads of Ordure and Filth; in the Summer dusty, and in the Winter miry.
Zulpha, or Jelphey Herb. is a little City, separated from Ispahan by the River Sonderou, and is a Colony of Armenians, who enjoy Lands [Page 380] and great Priviledges. They have 15 or 16 Churches and Chapels, and no Mahometans may live amongst them.
Schiras, Sherazz à Persis, Schirasium Baud. Sheraz Herb. Syaphas Ben Jonas, Xirias Don Garcias, Zyras P. Venet. Cirecatha Steph. Cyropolis Muslaedini-Saddi: A City no less ancient than great, according to that Proverb, Quando Schiras erat Schiras tunc Cairus erat ejus pagus, and is now the second City for Magnificence in the Persian Monarchy, pleasantly seated at the end of a spacious Plain circumvolved with lofty Hills, enriched by Trade, made lovely by Art. The Palaces rise so amiably, the Mosques and Hummums with their caerulean Tiles, and gilded Vanes amongst the Cypresses so glitter by reflecting the Sun-Beams in a curious splendor. The Vineyards, Gardens, Cypresses, Sudatories and Temples, ravishing the Eye and Smell; so that in every part she appears fair and delightful.
Here Cyrus, the most excellent of Heathen Princes, was born, and here his Body (all but his Head, which was sent to Pisagard,) lies entombed.
Here the great Macedonian glutted his Avarice and Bacchism.
Here the first Sybil sung our Saviour's Incarnation; And here a Series of 200 Kings have swayed their Scepters.
The Government of Schiras is one of the highest Commands for a Subject, and is particularly famous for the most excellent Wines in all Persia.
Tavernier tells us, That now it looks rather like a Town half ruined, than a City; And that there is a wonderful Well, which is 15 years rising to the Top, and 15 years falling or sinking to the Bottom.
Persepolis, by the Greek and Latin Authors, Elamis by the Persians and Oriental Nations, when in its Perfection, was the Metropolis of the World, & Totius Orbis Splendor, when in its flourishing condition, saith D. Siculus, and Q. Curtius, the Richest, the Noblest, and the Loveliest City under the Sun; so beautiful and so stately in its Structure, being most of Cedar and Cypress Wood; the Order of Building so curious and regular, as it was in that Age justly styled, The Glory of the World.
The Success Antiochus Epiphanes had at Jerusalem, when he sacrilegiously ravished ten Tuns of Gold, made him march to Persepolis with an Army, in hopes of getting the greatest Exchequer in the World; for though Babylon and Shushan were very Rich, the one furnishing the Macedonian Victor with 50000 Talents, the other with 9 Millions of Gold, and 50000 Talents in Bullion, yet in Persepolis there was [Page 381] found 120000 Talents, or, according to Strabo, 32 Millions, 750000 Pounds.
Time would fail me to mention the lofty Palace of the Persian Emperors, which for Situation, Prospect, Richness in Materials, and Curiosity of Art, rendred it incomparable, of that Majesty and Splendor as put the World's Conqueror into amazement at his entrance thereinto. But alas! this rich and famous City, yea, the Palace also, was at a drunken Feast, in a debauched Humor, by the Instigation of Thais, and at the Command of Alexander set all on Fire, an Act which the great Prince would have quenched with his Tears, but preceding Mischiefs are not amended by succeeding Lamentations: But of the Mausolea, the Temple dedicated to Anaia, or Diana, and of the Ruines of it at this day, called Chilmanor, or Chehelminor, Vide Herbert's Travels.
Comeshaw, where Sir R. Shirley was once Commander, thought to be the Caunaxa, where the memorable Battel betwixt Artaxerxes and Cyrus his Brother was fought. Others think it the same which Pliny called Paradona, or Orebatys of Ptol.
Near Gheez is a narrow Strait, the Mountains on either side are very precipitous and vastly high, not more than 40 Yards broad, and 8 Miles long, and is one of the three noted Passages through the Mountain Taurus, which leads to Hircania; through this Strait the fair Amazonian came to Alexander.
Periscow Herb. Firuseuch Val. is noted for the abundance of Pheasants, and other Game for Hawking.
Asharaff Herb. Escref de Val. is about two Miles from the Caspian Sea, in Latitude 38 degrees, 17 minutes, due North from Ispahan. Here Sha Abbas gave Audience to Sir Dodmore Cotton the English Ambassador, and is but 5 Miles from Ferrabaut the Hircanian Metropolis.
Ferrabaut, or Estrabut upon the Caspian Sea, some take this for the Remains of the old Amarusa, some for the Socanda Ptol. others suppose it to be the Phraata which Marcus Antonius besieged when he invaded Media, to be revenged for the death of Crassus the Rich, who, with 30000 of his Men, were slain by Phraartes the Pa [...]hian.
Omoul, by some Zarama, by others Zadracarta, where Alexander refreshed his Army in the persuit of Bessus the infamous Bactrian; others think it to be the Remains of Nabarca, where the Oracle of Dreams was famoused. The Inhabitants observe six or seven several Sabbaths.
At Damaon the Jews inhabit in great Numbers having, as they report, been seated, ever since the Transplantation from Canaan, by [Page 382] Salmanasser [...] 2 Kings 17.6. And also say, that upon the Damoan Mountain Noah's Ark rested.
Tyroan seems to be the Rhazunda of Strab. a City of about 3000 Houses. The Women are lovely and curious in Novelties, but the Jealousie of the Men confines them, yet vetitis rebus gliscit voluntas.
Susa, or Shushan, everywhere famoused, was one of the three Royal Palaces [...]he Median Monarchs so much gloried and delighted in was the place where Ahashu [...]rus kept his Court, and some other Kings: Alexander there espoused Statyra the Persian Princess, and Daughter of Darius, and Ephestion her Sister. Here he made a Feast for 9000 Guests, to each of which he gave a Cup of Gold. Here he got 50000 Talents in Silver, and 9000000 Millions of coined Gold, now Valdac or Baldach, P. Venet. Sustra Cast. Souster Sans. seated upon the River Choaspis, a River of such account with the Persian Emperors, that no Water but of Choaspis, no Bread but from Assos in Phrygia, no Wine but the Chalyb [...]nian in Syria, no Salt but from Memphis in Egypt could please their Palates. It was called Ulai in David, Eulaeus Plin. Tiritiri Sans. Here Cyrus the Great entertained his most beautiful Parthea. Here Alexander gave 10000 Talents to pay the Debts of those that had a mind to return into Greece, and received a Recruit of 30000 young Soldiers. Here it was also, that Esther obtain'd so much favor for the Jews, and where Haman was hang'd in the place of M [...]rdecoi. It is related that the Palace of Susa, built by Darius, was enriched by Memnon, with the Spoil of the great Thebes in Egypt, and that the Stones were fastned with Gold. Next to Persepolis, it was reckoned one of the most sumptuous Fabricks of the Kings of Persia, but this City is now waste and desolate.
Congo, or Bander Corgo, is a City upon the Gulph of Balsara, not much unlike Toulon in Provence: It rose from the Ruines of Ormus, as well as Gombron; and there is a Custom-house, of which the Persians and Portugueses divide the Profit.
Laar, Corrha, Ptol. Laodicea Pynetus; Seleucia Elymiadis, Appian. Lara Baud. Laar P. Venet. (gives its Name to a certain piece of silver Mony coined there, and) contains above 4000 Houses, and a little Cittadel. Some believe it to be the ancient Pasagardes, where the Grand Cyrus vanquished Astyages, and translated the Empire of the Medes into that of Persia. Calanus, an Indian Philosopher, suffered a voluntary Death there, in sight of the whole Macedonian Army. It has been much dispeopled by Earthquakes, which often happen in those Parts.
[Page 383] Larr is the Capital City of the Province, which formerly bore the Title of a Kingdom; 'tis enclosed on both sides with high Mountains, being built round about a Rock, upon which there stands a Castle, where the King keeps a Garison; the most part of its Inhabitants are Jews; there is no water but Rain-water, which doth not happen somtimes for three years together, which water standing in the Cisterns so long breeds Worms, and whether you strain or boil it, there will remain a Foulness and Corruption in it, which breeds Worms in the Legs and Feet of Men; and J. B. Tavernier saith, That at his Return to Paris the fifth time of his Travelling, he had one came out of his Left Foot an Ell and half long, and another from the Ankle of his Right Foot an Ell long.
At Jaarown, or Gaarom, about 20 Farsangs, or 60 English Miles from Larr, the Inhabitants are most Jews, who tell us, they are of the Issue of Reuben, Gad, and the half Tribe of Manasses, who by Tiglath Pilasser were carried Captive to this place, 2 Kings 17.6 And that the Off-springs of Dan, Zebulon, Asher and Naphtali were planted at Damoan.
Near this place is a precious Liquor or Mummy growing, carefully preserved for the King's sole use. It distills only in June from the top of those Mountains a most redolent Gum sovereign against Poyson, a Catholicon for all sorts of Wounds.
Tauris, (the Ecbatana of the Ancients, the Metropolis of the Empire of the Medes,) by the Turks Taberyz, by Ezra Achmetha, is a great City, and well peopled, the general mart for Turky, Moscovy, the Indies, and Persia; for all sorts of Merchandize, especially Silks.
Anno 1514, the Grand Signior Selym sent a Basha with an Army, and ransack'd it: 1530, Solyman invaded it with so much Fury, that it flamed many days; Reviving again, it was made prostrate to Ebrahim Basha's Luxury 1534. But 1585, it groaned under the greatest Suffering, when Osman Basha, Slave to Amurat, perpetrated all manner of Cruelty.
In the Year 1638, it was almost ruined by Sultan Amurath, but now Re-edified, the Buildings of Brick being baked in the Sun. At this City are seen the Ruines of stately Structures, or great Mosques or Temples of a prodigious Height and Magnitude. In one dedicated to Diana, the great Artaxerxes sequestred the fair Aspasia, whose Beauty made him and his Son Competitors Here are dressed the greatest part of the Shagreen Skins that are vended all over Persia.
Casbin. Cazbyn Herb. Kazvin by the Persians. The Arsatia of the Ancients, or Arsisaca of Strabo. Here Parmenio was killed, and [Page 384] Ephestion, Alexander's Favorite, dyed, and a Monument erected, upon which was spent 12000 Talents, or 7 Millions of Crowns. Then did the Altar smoke with Incense, and the Doctor was offered up in Sacrifice, and the dead Corps worshipped as a Deity. It is a great City without Walls, thought to be the Rages in Tobit, the best half of it is in Gardens, seated in a large and fair Plain, 30 Miles in compass. Here dyed Sir Robert Shirley, and Sir Dodmore Cotton the Ambassador who went for Persia, Anno 1626. having no gilded Trophies to adorn their Sepulchres, only their Virtues, which will out-last those bubbles of Vanity. Here also dyed Abbas the Persian Monarch in the Year 1628.
Sauvay Herb. Saba de Val. a City pleasantly seated upon a rising Hill, in a fruitful Country, much delightful for aerial Musick, especially the Nightingale,
About 11 Leagues from Tauris, is a Lake about 15 Leagues compass, in the middle of which is a little Hill that rises insensibly, out of which there bubble out many little Springs; and the Earth, which they water, is of two strange distinct qualities; for one sort serves to make Lime, the next to that is a hollow spungy Stone, and under that is a white transparent Stone, which is only a Congelation of the Waters of these Streams, for somtimes you shall meet with creeping Animals congealed therein; for one piece sent to Sha Abbas, Tavernier offered 15000 Crowns, in which was a Lizard about a Foot long.
Ardevil is not only famous for the Royal Sepulchres of Sha Sefi, and other Persian Kings, and for the Pilgrimages that are made to it; but also for numerous Caravans of Silk, which render it one of the most considerable Cities in Persia: It is of a moderate bigness, seated in a lovely opening of the Mountains, the Avenues of it are very pleasant, being Alleys of great Trees, and is watered with a River that runs thorow the middle of the City.
Sultany, Tigranocerta, Tigranopolis, and Tigranopetra, teste Appiano. Sultania, Jovio. Saua, Bonacciolo. Bitlis Baud. is a very large City; and if you will believe the Armenians, they will tell you, that there were once near 800 Churches in it.
Kom, Coom Herb. Gauna, Arbacta, or Coama of old, by some Hecatompolis, is one of the great Cities of Persia, in a fat Country, abounding with Rice and excellent Granates; that which is most remarkable [Page 385] is a large Mosque, where are the Sepulchres of Sha Sefi and Sha Abbas the Second, the Tomb of Sedi Fatima, the Grand-Daughter of Hali, and the Tomb of Fatima Zubra the Daughter of Mahomet.
Caschan is also a large City, and well peopled, stored with Silkweavers, which make the best purfled Satins mix'd with Gold and Silver. The Houses are fairly built. The Mosques and Baths are in their Cupoloes curiously caerulcated with a feigned Torquoise. The Buzzar is spacious and uniform. The Caravansera is the most stately Fabrick of that kind in Persia.
Bakuy gives its Name to the Caspian Sea; and near to it there is a Spring of Oil, which serves all over Persia to burn in Lamps.
Kirman towards the Ocean affords very fine Steel, of which they make Weapons very highly priz'd: For a Scymiter of that Steel will cut through an Helmet with an easie Blow.
Ormus formerly bore the Title of a Kingdom. As to the Name, it was called Organo and Gera by Verrerius, Necrokin by B. Jonas, Zamrhi by the Tartars, Vorocta by Niger, Ormusia by Josephus, Omiza Pliny. Amozon Ptol. Ogyris Theuetus, Curtius and Rufus, Ternia Strabo, where Prince Erythaeus was buried, from whom Mare Rubrum had its denomination. The Island is about 15 Miles in compass, subject to such excessive heats, that it produces nothing considerable but Salt, and is two good Leagues from the firm Land. There is not a drop of fresh Water in it but what is carried thither.
In the Year 1507. it was reduced under the Crown of Portugal by Alphonso d'Albuquerque. The fair and delicate situation of Ormus, for Trade and Commerce, as it was the Staple and Glory of the Eastern World, has occasioned some to say, That if the World were a Ring, Ormus was to be the Jewel.
In the Year 1622. Sha Abbas took it by the assistance of the English, commanded by Capt. Weddal; and then translated the Trade to Gombron, which he called by his own Name Bender Abassi. The Portugals lost about 6 or 7 Millions at the taking of the Town.
Gombrou, or Gomrou, Hacand Os [...]r. since the Fall of Ormus, is become a City of great Commerce, guarded with two Castles, in which are planted 80 pieces of brass Ordnance. The Air is so hot and unwholsom, that no Strangers can live there above 3 or 4 Months in the Year, but for 6 or 7 Months are forced to retire up in the Mountains 2 or 3 days Journy off. About 3 Miles from Gombrou, is the famous Bannyan Tree, of as great Repute, as the Idol Oak to our Druidae of old: Now all Nations that traffick upon the Indian Seas, and Land Caravans, carry Commodities thither, and bring from thence [Page 386] Velvets, Taffaties, Raw Silk, and other Persian Commodities: So that now Ormus is ruined, and may well be called Ormah, or destruction.
Baharem, upon the Coast of Arabia, is the ancient Tylos yet belonging to Persia, it is an Island famous for its Springs of fresh Water at the bottom of the Sea: For its Pearl Fishery, where are found the clearest, biggest, and roundest in all the Levant. The Air is so unwholsom and so hot, that no Strangers can live there, unless it be in December, January, and March; for the Wind is so sultry and stifling, that it suffocates and kills them presently; and somtimes 'tis so hot, that it burns like Lightning.
But at Bander Congo the Air is good, and the Soil and the Water excellent, only the Passage for Ships is dangerous, and therefore not so much traded to as the other.
The City Candahur, is the chief of one of the conquered Provinces of Persia, Sha Abbas left the possession of it to Sha Sefi, in whose time Alimerdenkan delivered it up to the Great Mogul: But Sha Abbas the Second, took it in the Year 1650, under whose power it still remains.
At Caramon-Shashoon, of old Counstia, was decided that Famous Contest for the Persian Crown 'twixt Artaxerxes and Cyrus.
Of Asiatick Tartaria.
THis is the Vastest Region of our Continent, in Bigness it equals all Europe, and contains all those great and spacious Provinces, which the Ancients called Seres, Scythia extra Imaum, Scythia intra [Page 388] Imaum, Sucae, Sogdiana and the greatest part of Sarmatia Asiatica, extending itself the whole length of Asia.
If we look back to their Original, we shall find that they were of all other, the most Antient people, patient in Labours, fierce in War, and strong of Body; their Flocks and Herds their greatest wealth; Silver and Gold they contemned as much as others coveted it; Meum and Tuum those common Barretors and Authors of Debate were not known among them: And the ignorance of Vice did as much contribute to their welfare, as the knowledge of Virtue doth to others.
The first grand attempt of these People, of which we find any mention, was when the Chazari or Chozars, in the time of the Emper Iustine, overspread all that vast continent between China and Boristhenes, conquered part of India, all Bactria, Sogdiana, and made the Persians Tributaries, and possessed also Taurica Chersonesus, called by them Cassaria or Cazaria: The residence of their Prince was about the mouth of the Wolga, which the Tartars called Athel, a large City of great trade by Nassir Eddin, called Belanjar; and by him and Abulfeda placed in 46 Deg. 30 Min. N. Latitude, which is within a few minutes where Olearius makes Astracan, and doubtless may be that which he calls old Astracan.
These Chazari did continue till about Anno Chr. 900. at which time they gave place to the Comanians or Cumanians, a Turkish Nation, who inhabited all that Tract of Land from the Neiper unto Turquestan; these were almost totally destroyed by the Tartars, soon after the death of Ingiz Chan, or Cingis Chawn, under the conduct of Batu or Bathy, Nephew to Hocata the Tartarian Emperor, only the King Kuthen escaped with 40000 men into Hungary, where they had a Country allotted them called to this day Campus Cumanus.
Bathy having destroyed the Comanians, established his own Dominions, and fixed his abode on the East of the River Volga, and built a place and called it Serai, which was a great and populous City, the Ruins whereof are now called Czarofsgorod.
But when Tamerlan, who was Vice Roy or General of those Countries comprehended between the Oxus and Iuxartes, had extended his conquests towards Balch and Chorasan, (the Aria of the Ancients:) Thuotamisch then Emperor of Serai, filled with jealousies of his growing greatness, gathered a great Army to invade him, whom Tamerlan met on the borders of his own Country, and after a most bloody sight gained the Victory; after which Success Tamerlan having subdued great part of India, Persia, Media, Armenia, Mesopotamia, Babylonia and Syria, resolved to requite the Invasion of Thuctamish, whereupon with an Army of 500000 Men, he marched through Media, [Page 389] passed the Portae Caucasae (now Derbent,) and over Volga, and at last encountered with Thuctamish. The Battel was long and doubtful, three days without intermission, at last Thuctamish was defeated and fled, leaving his Country exposed to the fury of his Enemies, who demolished Seraie with other Cities on the north and west of the Caspian Sea, and leaving the Country a desert, they returned into Persia. After this devastation, these Tartars, by discords, fell into several divisions, and Tamerlan dying, his great Empire was also divided amongst his Children; so that Tartarie is now divided into several Hords or Tribes; but the knowledge we have of them is so little, the Ataxie or disagreement and confusion of Authors that write of them, so great, that I am not a little doubtful what to write of them, that may be of any certainty for the Readers satisfaction; however in this obscurity we shall follow the light of the best reputed Geographers, and say, that the Asiatick Tartarie is divided into five great parts. The Desert Tartarie, Zagathy, Tarquestan, Northern Tartarie and Kin Tartarie.
The Desert Tartarie is so call'd, because most part of the Lands lie untill'd; for the Tartars are a people that hate Agriculture, and laugh at Christians for feeding on the Tops of Reeds, for so they call our Corn: The Inhabitants are divided into several Tribes or Hordes, of which the more considerable are, 1. the Nogajan Tartars or great Nagoy, whose Country is all plain and desert 400 or 500 miles in length, between Astracan and Samara, and 200 miles in breadth from Astracan to Yeike or Iaick River; it hath no fenced Towns or Habitations, though formerly there were divers, especially that of Czarofsgorod, said to have been 20 miles in Circuit, seated between the Rivers Volga and Actabon, in a fertile and healthful Country; and Astracan placed on a rising ground not far from the mouth of the Volga, about 50 miles distant from the Caspian-Sea, guarded with a strong Castle and encompassed with Water.
These Tartars are said to be more Tall and Proper than the rest, but ill favoured, broad Faces, flat little Noses, small hollow Eyes, and of Blackish or rather Tawny Complexion: The heat of the Sun for some months of the year is most excessive, and the Cold in the Winter no less extream.
Polygamy is much in fashion amongst them, having many Wives according to their ability; if one Brother die, the other takes all his Wives; and if all the brothers chance to die, then the Wives are devolved like other Goods and Chattels unto the Eldest Brothers Son; not suffering a Married woman in any wise to go out of the Kindred.
[Page 390]When they remove their Habitation, which is usually against the Summer and Winter, they carry their Houses in Waggons with four Wheels drawn by Camels.
2. On the North of great Nagoy dwell the Kalmuke Tartars, in a Country abounding with all things necessary for a comfortable subsistance: Their chief Commodities are Sables, Martens, Black Foxes, Squirrils-Skins, and other Furs, which they exchange with the Russes, for Aquavitae, Mead and Tobacco: Their Chief places are Siberia the head of a Province, as also is Tumen; Casan and Bulgar are the chief Towns of the Zavolhenses, and towards the North lie the Samoides, all subject to the Russes; the Kalmakes are accounted good Soldiers, and their Women are little inferiour in Skill and Valor. They own no religious worship, except some adoration to the Sun and Moon; and for their Diet, Horse-flesh is a great dainty, and any Carrion is good fare.
3. Next to the great Nagoy towards the East is Cassachy Horda, or Wild Tartars, who march up and down the Country (which is very desert,) much after the manner of the Nagoise.
4. Eastward from the Kalmukes towards the South live the Yurgeacheans, being a numerous and warlike People, governed by a Chan or King.
5. The Caragans lie all along the Caspian-Sea, between the River Yaike unto the River Iaxartes, a desert and barren Country, the People miserable poor, very Tawny and ill Favoured, having no Town except Presslannes on the south side of Iaxartes.
Most part of Desert Tartarie is under the jurisdiction of the Duke of Moscovie, and yield him great store of rich Furs.
Zagathy, Sacathy, Usbeck or Ouzbeg, contains the ancient Mergiana, Bactria and Sogdiana; Mergiana by Pinetus is called Tremighen, by Gastald Jeselbash: A Country so fruitful in Corn and Wine, that Strabo reports, how one bunch of Grapes, presented to Alexander, filled a Baket, two Cubits about, which encouraged him to found that City Alexandria, afterwards Antiochia and Selucia, since Indion. In this Country some think Noah planted, soon after he left the Ark; and that he, or some to his Memory, built the City Nissa, though others pretend Bacchus to be the Founder of it; and that from hence, Nimrod and his Followers departed into the Vale Shyna [...], which lies between the Rivers of Iaxartes, now Chesel and Oxus, a Country of different soil, and indifferent fertile, but much augmented by the Industry of the Inhabitants, who are the most ingenious of the Western Tartars, lovers of Art, and well skill'd in Manufactures and Trade. The City of Sarmarchand, the Marcanda of [Page 391] Ptol. Paracanda, Strab. was both the Cradle and Grave to Tamerlan the Great, who adorned it with an Academy, as is also Bochar, Bactria, of old Bactra; before that, Zoroastes and Zoroaspa, probably from Zoroaster, their first King slain by Ninus. A Town of great Trade, where lived Avicen, one of the most famous Philosophers and Physicians of the East; there are also Balch and Badaschian on the Frontiers of Chorozan. Sogdiana was a province subject to the Persians: Here Cyrus built the old Cyroscata or Cyropolis, which held out a long time, and was almost fatal to the great Macedonian Conqueror, but by him destroyed, in revenge of so great a danger. Not far from which that Infamous Regicide Bessus, after his perfidious dealing with his Prince, was apprehended and brought bound to Alexander, who abhorring his sight, ordered he should be delivered to Oxates the brother of Darius, to be disposed of as he should think fit. Here also was Alexandria, Oxiana and Alexandria Ultima.
Tarquestan lies east from Usbeck, and is subdivided into several Kingdoms; of which the best known are Cascar or Hiachan, Chialis or Turphan, Chiartiam, Cotam. Thebet or Tenduc and Camul: That of Cascar is the richest and is well stored with Rhubarbe. That of Ciarthtam is the least and sandy, but hath many Jaspers and other Stones.
Those of Cotam and Chialis have Corn, Wine, Flax and Hemp. Thebet or Tanguth is stored with Musk and Cinamon; whose Kings were formerly called Un-Chan or Prester John, a Title now erroneously conferred on the Abassine or Ethiopian Emperor in Africa; for Presbyter John was chief of the Kingdom of Tanchut or Tanguth, which the Tartars call Barantola, the Sarazins Boratai, and the Natives Lassa, which is by the consent of all knowing persons seated in Asia, next to the confines of the great Mogul, amongst the Mountains of Caucasus and Imaus. It was in the year 1248, when King Lewis was in the Island of Cyprus at Nicosia, that Ambassadors from one of the Tartarian Princes, whose Name was Ercalthay, informed the King, that the Great Cham of Tartary had about three years before been baptized, having been converted by the Empress his Mother, and Daughter of a King of the Indians; She having always been a Christan; and that their Master Prince Ercalthay, who had also for a long time been a Christian, was sent by the Great Cham with a potent Army against the Calife of Baldac, an Enemy of the Christians.
The Name of Presbyter John denoteth some Christian Prince, whose Dominions are placed by the consent of most knowing Persons, [Page 392] not among the Ethiopians, nor in any part of Africa, as most suppose, but in the Continent of Asia; but in what part, formerly 'twas, is not exactly known. Some Authors say they were Kings of Cathay, which is doubtful, because 'tis now discouered by modern Relations and Travels into those parts, that all Cathy is but the Northern part of China.
But it is more than probable, that besides that portion of Land, there is another large part of the World conterminate on the north and west, unto the Empire of China, which in former Ages had the Name of Cathay, and is the same with that of Thebet, by some called Begargar, &c. as aforesaid; which clearly appeareth by a Voyage of two Fathers from China to the Mogor, who tell us that at We [...]ala a Castle at the end of Barentola, the Great Lama or Priest did then reside and gave an account of their Christian Religion: And to me it seems further confirmed, by a Journy made into the Western Tartary, Anno 1683. By the Emperor of China, we have this account of those People In all the Western Tartary there is nothing to be found but Mountains, Rocks and Vallies; there are neither Cities, Towns or Villages, nor Houses. The Inhabitants lodge under Tents in the open Fields, which they remove from one Valley to another according as they find pasture. They pass their Life either in Hunting or doing nothing. As they neither Plow nor Sow, so they make no Harvest. They live upon Milk, Cheese and Flesh, and have a sort of Wine not much unlike our Aqua-Vitae, with which they are often drunk. In short, they care for nothing from morning to night, but to drink and eat like the Beasts and D [...]oves, which they feed. They are not without their Priests, which they call Lamas, for whom they have a singular veneration; in which they differ from the Oriental Tartars, the most part of whom have no Religion, nor do they believe any God. This part of Tartary lies without the prodigious Wall of China, for more than 300 Miles of which Wall, saith our Author, I can say without Hyperbolizing, that the Seven Wonders of the World, put together, are not comparable to this Work. And all that Fame has spread concerning it among the Europeans, is far short of what I myself have [...]. He also tells us, that divers of the Petty Kings, of the Western Tartary, came from all sides for 300 Miles, and some for 500 Miles, together with their Wives and Children, to salute the Emperor. That this Country is divided into 48 Provinces, and now tributary to the Emperor of China
[...], (which all Authors con [...]ound with a nonsuch Cathay,) [...] divided into several parts, of which I am able to say nothing, in the way of Chorography, nor much in History, only I find that [Page 393] the King of Niulhan or Niuche, called Xunchi, conquered China at twelve years of Age, with the Faithful assistance of his two Uncles; a young Conqueror, not only famous for his Success, but also for the Moderation which he used to his newly subdued People. And 'tis certain that these Tartars know of no Cities or Towns beyond the wall of China, therefore Cathay can be no other than the Northern part of China, and Cambalu is Pekin, and Quinzey answers to Hancheu.
The Northen Tartarie, which is called the true ancient Tartarie, is the coldest, most untilled, most barbarous, (and most unknown of all;) Some amongst them have their Kings, others live by Hords or Commonalities: As for their Names 'tis easie to give what names Men please in parts wholly unknown.
But in the year 1682 the Emperor of China made a Voyage into the Eastern Tartary: In this Journy (saith the Father Verbiest, who was the publisher of it,) we always went towards the North East, from Pekin, in all 1100 miles to the Province of Leao-tum; the way being about 300 miles, the Capital City whereof is Xin-Yam in the Latitude of 41 Degrees 56 Minutes; a City very fair, and pretty intire, and has in it the remains of an ancient Palace, where was no declination of the Magnetick Needle.
This Province is about 400 miles from the Frontier to the City, Vla; but all the Cities and Towns are intirely ruined, only some few Houses built of Earth, or the rubbish of old Buildings, and covered with Thatch or Straw.
That all the Country beyond the Province of Leao-tum is exceeding desert, where nothing is to be seen on all sides but Mountains and Vallies, Dens of Bears, Tigers and other devouring Beasts: Here and there a poor Reed-hut upon the side of some Brooks.
The City Vla, on the River Songoro Tart. Sumhoa Chin. lies in 44 Degrees 20 Minutes. The Needle there declines from the South to the West 1 Degree 20 Minutes, and is the fairest in all this Country, and somtimes also the Seat of the Empire of the Tartars.
But Kirin is about 30 miles from Vla, upon the River Songoro, (which takes it Course from the Moun. Champe,) Famous for having been the ancient Seat of our Tartars. That the Moscovites come oftentimes to the River Songoro to fish for Pearles. That the Distance of Kirin from Xin-Yam was 1028 Chinese Stadia, containing 369 miles; the Chinese Stadium being 360 Geometrical paces.
I shall only add, that by this relation it doth appear to me, that Niulhan or Niuche must be the same Country which is here called Lea [...]-tu [...], for the Emperors design was to visit the Sepulchres of his Ancestors.
Of INDIA.
THE Name of India is now given to the Empire of the Mogul, and to the two Peninsulas, one on this side, the other beyond Ganges, and the Islands scattered in the Indian Sea, which are all comprehended under the general name of the East-Indies; under which Appellation some Authors do also take in all the Oriental part of Asia. The old Inhabitants hereof were by Megasthenes said to be 122 several Nations; Originally descended from the Sons of Noah before their journy to the Valley of Shinaar; and Heylin saith, that the Plantation of India did precede the attempt of Babel. Its first invasion was by Semiramis with an Army of above four Millions, (if Ctesias and Diodorus Siculus say true,) who was met with by Staurobates an Indian King, with as great an Army, by whom she was overcome and slain. The next Invasion on this Country was by Bacchus the Son of Jupiter, companied with Hercules, who by force or by Arts overcame them, and taught them the use of Wine, Oil, and the Art of Architecture. After this Alexander invaded India, beginning first with Clophae Queen of Magaza. After with Porus, whom he vanquished and took, but giving them their Liberty and Kingdoms again, he returned into his own Country; after this they lived in peace under their several Kings until the year 1587, when discovered by the Portugals, after by the English, Dutch, &c.
OF THE Empire of the Mogul.
THis vast Empire comprehends the greatest part of the Continent of India: The present Mogul, who is the Sovereign, derives his Original from Great Temarleng, or Tamerlan, and is the Eleventh [Page 396] in a direct Line descendent from him; there are several Indian Kingdoms tributary to him, and he is esteemed the richest Prince in the world, and the most potent Monarch of Asia.
The Territories of his Country being his own Hereditary Revenues, the great Lords are but his Receivers, who give an account to the Governors of the Provinces, and they to the chief Treasurers and Comptrollers of the Exchequer. He is also the general Heir to all those to whom he gives Pensions, and his Will is a Law in the decision of his Subjects Affairs, and therefore they carry the Names of their Employments, and not of the Lands which they enjoy.
Sha Jehan, who Reigned Forty years, left behind him about 5 Millions, and the Throne that he made cost an 160 Millions, and 500000 Livres; besides six other Thrones set all over with Diamonds, Rubies, Emralds, and Pearls: Teste Tav.
The Mony of this Kingdom is of a good Alloy: The Mogul is able to bring 100000 Horse into the Field, but his Infantry is very inconsiderable, either for Number or Experience. He has a good number of Elephants, which do him great service; for they are sure of foot, and lie down and rise up very readily. The King is a Turkish Mahumetan, nevertheless the most part of his Vassals are Pagans: But as there are several sorts of People, so likewise there are divers sorts of Religions amongst them, which I shall briefly mention at the end of the Description of the East-Indies.
The Mogul's Country is very fertile and well peopled near the great Rivers. They make excellent Bread, having Corn and Rice in abundance: Victuals, in general, are very cheap, however the Inhabitants are very temperate and sober. The neighbouring Country to Tartary is full of Mountains and Forests, where the Mogul ofttimes takes his pleasure in Hunting, there being great abundance and variety of wild Beasts: And there it was that Alexander cut down the Wood for the Ships which he sent down the Indus into the Ocean. As for Remains of Antiquity there are few or none, the Moguls having ruin'd all the ancient Cities, which (according to the Ancients) were 30 large Cities, 3000 walled Towns and Castles, for natural Defence reckoned impregnable, which may not be improbable, if it were, as some affirm, the first Seminary or Station of Noah after his descent from Ararat, not far hence distant; and afterward the delight of Bacchus, which some think was the same with Noah; and from the wonderful increase of People, which appears by that huge Army Staurobates drew out in his defence against Semiramis the Assyrian Empress, both Armies containing 3 Millions.
[Page 397]And so well builded and planted was this part of India, that when Alexander, by the overthrow of Porus near the River Hydaspis, entered India, Herodotus and Curtius report that Alexander should say, He found greater Cities and more sumptuous Buildings in King Porus 's Dominions, than he had observed in all the World besides.
Indus is Navigable from Lahor to Sende, the Natives call'd it Pang-ab, by reason of the five Rivers that fall into it toward the upper part of its Course, which are now called Rauee, Behat, Obchan, Wihy and Sindar by Ptol. Acesines, Cophys, Hydaspis, Zaradras and Hispalis.
Ganges was formerly famous for its Gold, now for its Water, which is very pure. The Natives hold, that it sanctifies them, whether they drink, or whether they bathe in it.
There are in the whole Empire about 37 Kingdoms, the Names whereof are almost the same with those of the Capital Cities, viz. Agra, Attock, Bakar, Bakisch, Bando, Bengala, Berar, Buchar, Cabul, Kakares, Candahar, Candis, Canduana, Cassimere, Chitor, Delli, Gor, Guzarate, Haiacan, Jamba, Jenupar, Jesselmere, Jesual, Maluay, Mevat, Multan, Narva, Naugracut, Patna, Pengab, Pitan, Sambal, Siba, Soret, Tatta, Udessa. Teste Thev.
There are also some petty Territories, as the Raja's, which are of very ancient Extraction, and maintain themselves in Mountains and Fortresses that are inaccessible. Some of their Cities, that terminate in Pore, seem to retain the memory of Porus; as others by Scander, the Name of Alexander. The Dominions of the great Mogul are larger than the Persians, and equal to those of the great Turk. His strength lies in the Number of his Subjects, the Vastness of his Wealth, and the Extent of his Empire, his Revenue exceeding the Persian and the Turks both put together; but the Sophi surpasses him in Horse, in Arms, and warlike People: And with the Turk he keeps a good Correspondence, as being both of the same Religion. Guzerat yields him yearly above 18 Millions of Gold, and the Merchants of that Country are accounted the best in all India. It contains 3 fair Cities, Amadabat, Cambaya, and Surat, with about 30 others very considerable.
Amadabat, Amacastis Ptol. teste Herb. Amadavastis in Arrian. one of the greatest Cities in India, and of a vast Trade. The Buzzar is Rich and Uniform; The Castle Strong, large Moated; The Maus [...] leum Stately, compassed at a little distance, with the Dormitories of many Cambayan Potentates; and two Miles off, are the curious Gardens and Palace of Chawn-channa a Persian.
[Page 398] Cambaya, Camane Nigro. Barigaza, teste Baud. Syrastene, teste Stuchio, was call'd the Indian Caire, as well for its Greatness, as also for its Traffick, and the Fertility of the Soil. Here they shape the fair Agats that come from the Indies into several sorts of Workmanship, and in the Suburbs they make Indico. The Tides are so swift to the North of the Gulph, that a Horse at full Speed cannot keep pace with the first Wave. The Streets were formerly lock'd up every Night, but the Sea and its Trade is fallen away from it.
Sura [...], the Muzi [...]is of Prol. Herb. Si [...]astia, Sans. about 40 days Journy from Agra, drives as great a Trade as any of the Cities of Asia, though the Access to it be very dangerous; and the River Tappy or Tindy, which rising out of the Decan Mountains, glides through Brampore, and in Meanders runs by the Walls of Surat, and after 14 or 15 Miles circumgyring to and fro, discharges itself into the Ocean, so shallow at the Mouth, that it will hardly bear a Bark of 70 or 80 Tuns, so that the Ships are forc'd to unlade at Soali or Swali, remarkable for the mischance of Capt. Woodcock, who, at the taking of Ormus, had lighted upon a [...]rigat laden with about a Million of Ryals, which he seized, and coming into this Swali Road, the Whale sunk. Alas! the uncertainty of fading Pelf. The English and Dutch have there their Presidents and Factories, making it the greatest Mart in the East-Indies.
Baroche is of a great Trade for Cottons, the English have a very fair House there, not far from which place Tavernier tells us, That of a dry Stick, a Mountebank in less than half an hour made a Tree four or five Foot high, that did bear Leaves and Flowers.
Broudra is a great City, in a fertile Soil, and of a great Trade for Calicuts.
At Navapour near Surat, grows the best Rice in the World.
The famous Port of Bombay, the Milizigeris of Ptol. belongs to the King of England, where is built a strong Fort, and Mony is coined there.
The Portugals have had frequent Quarrels with the Mogul about their Fortress of Diu, the Patola of Ptol. teste Nig. & Pinet. Patalena & Hid spa Plin. & Strab. Petacal. Castaldo, Barace of Ptol. Adriano. Here, after Alexander had sail'd down the Indus, and arrived at this place, he invaded the Country of the Oxydracans, and stormed the principal place of the Mallyans, where temerariously mounting the Parapet, and violently leaping into the Town, followed but by 2 Officers, he had perished by the Darts and Weapons of his Enemies, had not the Army, as Men desperate, in his Rescue enforced their speedy Entrance.
[Page 399]This Island is about a League long, and four Musquet-shot broad, the Haven is barr'd with an Iron Chain, being under the command of the Cannon of the Castle. It was Nobly defended in the years 1539, and 1546, against prodigious Armies; so that the Mogul was forc'd to let them settle there to his extreme dissatisfaction: But the last Relations from those Parts brings News, that the Portugals have been at length constrain'd to abandon it.
Agra was of old (as some tell us,) called Nagara, before that Dionysiopolis founded by Bacchus. Nissa Justino, vide Hacluyt fol. 489. It contains the Capital City of the Empire, able to raise 200000 fighting Men upon occasion. The Prince receives a great Revenue for about 200 Stows that are therein. It is twice as big as Ispahan, but ill built, and without Walls; and has been enlarged since 1566, when Eckbar resided there, and having built a stately Castle or Palace, gave it the Name of Eker-Ahad. Deli, or Dehly, was the Residence of the Mogul before Agra, and so continues, since Sha Jehan had built the new City, and called it by his Name Jehan Abad, or Gehanabat, where the Mogul hath a stately Palace half a League in Circuit. Gouleor is a Castle where the Mogul imprisons the Princes of the Blood which he suspects.
Lahor is the Metropolis of that Kingdom, built upon one of the five Rivers that descend from the Mountains to swell the River Indus: It is the Rendezvous of the Caravans, and was the ancient Bucephalus, and has been, by Report, 24 Leagues in Compass. Naugracut shews an Idol, to which many come in Pilgrimage.
Fettipore, if the Water had been good, by this time had triumphed over all the Cities in India.
Bannaras, on the Banks of Ganges, is full of mishapen Pagods.
Cabul, the Chabura of Ptol. by some thought to be the Alexandria Arachosia, which the Macedonian built near the Mount Caucasus, whose City bears the same Name, is large and well fortified; of great Trade for Horses, Sheep, and other Cattel, and is in the great Road from Labor to Samarcand.
Mando is one of the fairest Towns of the Province of Malva, fortified with Walls and a Castle on the top of a Hill.
Siranaker is the chief City of Cassimere.
Multan is of a rich Soil, and great Trade for Callicoes, but decayed.
Attok, or Atek Tau, is one of the best and strongest Ga [...]isons the [Page 400] great Mogul has, and no Stranger is permitted to enter without the King's Passport.
Buckar stands where the Rivers Rawey and Chaul fall into the Indus. Lourebander and Diul are the Ports to Tatta. Janagar is the chief City of Soret, Beisher of Bankish, Dankalus of Kakares, Hardware of Siba. Jambu gives Name to its Province, as also doth Sambal.
Bikanar is chief of Bakar, and Narual that of Meuat, Pitan and Patna give Name to their respective Provinces; between the Kingdoms of Cambaya and Bengala are the Provinces of Candis, Chitor, Malucy, Berar, and Ranas, whose chief places are Brampore, Chitor, Rantipore, Shapor, the Sora of Ptel. by Baud. and Gurchitto. Jesselmere is the City where Ekbar was born. Asmere is famous for the Sepulchre of Hogi. Hendown, Bando and Janupar are three Provinces near Agra and Delli. Rotas is one of the strongest places in Asia.
Brampore, Baramatis Ptol. is a great City, but much ruined, with a Castle in the midst of it, of a great Trade for Calicuts, some painted with Flowers of divers Colours, others white and clear, and some striped with Gold and Silver.
Chytor is a City upon a high Rock, claiming Precedency for Antiquity amongst all the Cities of India, of old Taxilla, supposed to be the Metropolis, whence King Porus issued against great Alexander. After which Battel, Alexander celebrated the Bacchanalia at the Mount Maeres, and for 15 days glutted his Army with those mystick Fopperies, and constituted his Argy [...]aspides. And at Nyssa built by Bacchus upon the Bank of the Hydaspis, a Branch of the River Indus; Alexander reposed, famous in those days for the Sacred Mount, and incomparable Vines there abounding, which some think to be the first Plantation of the Patriarch No [...]h.
Scronge and Chitpour are of great Trade for painted Calicuts called Chites; those of Seronge are the most lively Colours, and lasting.
Hallabas, or Elabasse, the Chrysoborca in Plin. by some Nisua teste Herb. is a great City upon the Confluence of Jeminy and Ganges, which River there is no broader than the Seine before the Loure; and at some times in the year so little water, that it will not bear a small Boat; much resorted to by the Bannyans, for the Relicks of divers deformed Pagothia's. These Bannyans swarm in multitudes all over the Indies, sucking in the sweetness of Gain by an immeasurable thirst and industry: But the Moors and Gentiles often ravish it from them, for the Bannyan is no Hestor nor Fighter, but morally honest, courteous [Page 401] in Behaviour, temperate in Passion, decent in Apparel, abstemious in their Diet, industrious in their Callings, charitable to the Needy, humble to all, and so innocent, as not to take away the life of the smallest Vermin, believing the Transanimation of Souls into Beasts, a Persuasion though strange to us, was not to our Countrymen the Druidae of old.
Elora, not much above three hours from Doltabad, is famous for the many Pagods of Gigantick Figures of Men and Women cut in the Rock, so that if one considers the number of spacious Temples full of Pillars and Plasters, and the many Thousands of Figures, all cut out of a Natural Rock, it may be truly said, That they are Works surpassing Human Force.
The River Ganges, having received an infinite number of Brooks and Rivers from the North-East and West, discharges itself by several Mouths into the Gulph of Bengala, making several pleasant Islands, containing many Towns covered with lovely Indian Trees.
Patna is one of the greatest Cities of India upon the Banks of Ganges about two Leagues long, where the Hollanders have an House, because of their Trade in Salt-petre.
Daca is a great Town, about two Leagues long by the side of Ganges, where the English and Hollanders have very fair Houses for their Goods and Trade, reckon'd the Capital City of Bengala.
At Ouguely is the general Factory of the Dutch, and at K [...]ssen Baser is the House of the Director of all the Holland Factories in B [...]ngala. Kachemire, Cachmir and Kichmir, Thev. is esteemed the little Paradise of India, by reason of its Beauty. At Banareus upon the Banks of Ganges, and Jaganate, upon the mouth of it, are the ch ef Pagods, than which nothing can be more magnificent, by reason of the quantity of Gold and Jewels wherewith they are adorned, and millions of People repair thither to celebrate their Festivals.
Bengala, famous for its temperate Air, for the Fertility of the Soil, for the great store of Rice, for its Cane or Bamboo's, and its Calamba wood, which yields the most pleasant scent in the world. It gives its Name to one of the most famous Gulphs of Asia, called Golfo de Bengala, the Sinus Gangeticus of Ptol. Its yearly Revenue paid to the Mogul, comes to a Million and 500000 Roupies clear; the chief City thereof is Bengala, by some Satigan. Gange Ptol. Ganges Strabo. Thevenot calls this Province Oulesser; the Idolaters, Jaganat.
Besides these Countries, I find mention made by Mr. Tavernier,
1. Of the Kingdom of Bouton, of a large Extent, famous for Musk, Rhubarb, Wormseed, and Furrs, and the Caravan is three months [Page 402] travelling from Patna to Boutan, the way being generally through Forests, and over Mountains, which after you have passed, the Country is good, abounding in Rice, Corn, Pulse and Wine. They have had for a long time the use of Musquets and Cannon, and their Gunpowder is long, but of great Force: The Natives are strong and well proportioned, but their Noses and Faces are somwhat flat; and there is no King in the world, more feared and more respected than the King of Boutan.
2. Of the Kingdom of Tipra adjoining to Pegu, of whose extent there is no certain Conjecture to be made; there is a Mine of Gold but course, as also a sort of course Silk, which is the greatest Revenue the King hath.
3. Of the Kingdom of Asem, which is one of the best Countries in all Asia, producing all things necessary for human sustenance, yet Dogs flesh is the greatest delicacy; there are Mines of Gold, Silver, Lead, Iron, and store of Silk and Gumlake. Kenerof is the Name of the City where the King keeps his Court, and at Azo are the Tombs of the Kings of Asem; and 'tis thought that these are the first Inventers of Guns and Powder, which from thence spread into China. They have Vines, but make no Wine, but dry their Grapes to make Aquavitae; and of the Leaves of Adam's Fig-tree they make Salt. The Men and Women are generally well-complexioned, but swarthy, subject to Wens in their Throats, as well as those of Bouton and Tipra. They go Naked, only covering their Privy Parts; and a Blue Bonnet or Cap upon their Heads, with Bracelets upon their Ears, Arms and Legs.
The PENINSULA On this side GANGES.
THis Peninsula is comprehended between the Mouths of Indus and Ganges, and advances Northwards from the Estate of the Mogul to Cape Cormorin in the South, and on the East and West it is [Page 404] washed by the Ocean or Indian Sea. It is divided into two parts by the Mountains of Gata, which stretch themselves from the North to the South with several fair Plains on the top, and occasion several Seasons at the same time; for many times it is Winter on the one side, and Summer on the other. It belongs to above fifty Kings, the potentest of which by degrees subdueth the rest. The Portugals, English and Hollanders, have several places near the Sea, with Fortresses for the security of their Trade, which is generally in Spices, Jewels, Pearls and Cotten-Linen. The other places upon the Land are inhabited by the Natives, whose Petty Sovereigns, not being able to hinder the Settlement of the Europeans, are glad to entertain Commerce with them, and to crave their Assistance in their Wars one with another. This Peninsula may be divided into four principal parts; Decan, Golconda, Narsingua, and Malabar.
Decan acknowledges Visapour, Musopatta, Baud. Viziapour, Thev. for her Capital City, which is large but scambling; the Kings Palace is vastly big, but ill built, the Seat of Idalcan, or Dialcan, a Mahometan King, once very powerful; He took Dabul from the Portugals, besieged Cha [...]l and Goa, leading in his Army near two hundred thousand men, well provided with Ammunition, his Artillery great, having, as 'tis said, one particular Cannon that will carry a Bullet of near eight hundred pound weight, once tributary to the Mogul, but now absolute, Tav. who has won from him Dultabat of a great Trade, and one of the best Fortresses in the Moguls Empire, Bider, Paranda and other places, and built the great and new City of Aureng-abad, encompassed with a Lake, and adorned with a fair Mosque and stately Monument.
Goa, the Barigaza of old, is the residence of the Portugal Viceroy, and the King of Portugal's Magazine for the East-Indies, and Harbour for their Indian Fleet: 'Tis reported, that the Hospital of Goa is more Beautiful, Richer and better accommodated than the Hospital of the Holy-Ghost in Rome, or the Infirmery of Maltha: The City is very large, and though without Gates and Walls, yet with its Castles and Forts 'tis of great strength and force: Their Houses fair, their Palaces and publick Buildings very Magnificent, their Churches stately and richly adorned. Her Strength and Beauty took rise from the Decan Kings, from whom Anno 1509 Albuquerque the Victorious Portugal conquered it, and after that defended it against 70000 Foot and 3500 Horse, which Idulcan brought to reduce it with. 'Tis the bravest and best defended City in the Orient, seated in an Isle called Tilsoar, 30 miles in Circuit, surrounded by a fresh River, streaming from the mighty Mountain Bellaguate: The whole [Page 405] Isle so abounding in several little Towns, Fields, Groves and Gardens, replenished with Grass, Corn, Cattle, Fruit, Flowers and such self-ravishing Objects, that here the Portugals live in all manner of delight and pleasure, exceeding Proud and Stately, but Civil and Courteous; both Sexes given to Venery, and the Women excessively amorous of White Men, but much confined. The King of Visapour hath four good Ports in this Decan Territory, Rejapour, Dabul, Dunga of old, first yielded to the Mercy of Andragius Governor of Chaul, but soon taken by the Decanees, but recovered from them by F. Almeyda; and after great Slaughter of the Inhabitants and Rich Spoile burnt the City, repaired afterward by the Vice Roy of Goa: About the year 1620 taken by an English Captain, (Hall) who made the Daring Portugal know, that their Bravadoes to the English were not terrible.
Choul the Comane of Ptol. teste Cast. ravished from the Diadem of Decan by Almeyda in the year 1507. And in the year 1573 it was besieged by Misamoluc, the Decan Prince, with an numerous Army of Horse, Foot and Elephants, but he was forced to raise his Siege with Loss and Shame.
Crapatan and Mengrelia, which last is one of the best Roads in all India, and is famous for Cardamum, the best of Spices, and the Dutch have a Factory there.
The HISTORY of Sevagy Tav. Sivagi Thev.
THe Plundering of Surrat by Sivagy, and the desperate Attacks made upon some of our East-India Ships, especially that of the President Captain Jonathan Hide Commander, in the year 1683, by 1500 of his men, in three Ships and four Grabs, who were bravely repulsed with a great Slaughter, though those brave Men had not the happiness long to enjoy the Honour of that noble Action, the Ship being unfortunately cast away coming into the Chanel, and all the Men but two lost. These and many other of his Actions, have given many occasion to inquire what he is, and what Country he possesseth.
This Raja Sivagi born at Bashaim, the Son of a Captain of the King of Visiapour's, being of a restless and turbulent Spirit, rebelled in his Fathers life-time, and putting himself at the head of several [Page 406] Banditi and other debauched young men, he retired unto the Mountains of Visiapour, and made his part good against all those that came to attack him.
The King of Visiapour thinking that his Father kept Intelligence with him caused him to be arrested, and he died in prison. Sivigy conceived so great a hatred against the King that he used all endeavours to be revenged of him. And in a very short time he plundered Visiapour, and with the Booty he took, made himself so strong in Men, Arms and Horses, that he became able enough to seize some Towns, viz. Rasapour, Rasigar, Crapaten, Daboul, and to form a little State thereabout. The King dying about that time, and the Queens endeavours to reduce him being unsuccessful, she accepted the Peace he proposed to her, that he should enjoy the Territories which he had subdued, that he should be tributary to the Young King and pay him half his Revenue.
However he could not rest but plundered some places belonging to the Great Mogul, who therefore sent Forces against him under the Conduct of the Governor of Aurenge-Abat. But Sivigi having his retreat always in the Mountains, and being extreamly cunning, the Mogul could not reduce him. In the mean time to be revenged on the Mogul, he resolved to plunder Surrat, which he did for 40 days; so that none but the English and Dutch saved themselves, by the viperous Defence they made, by reason of their Cannon which Si [...] would not venture upon, nor durst he adventure to attack the Ca [...]le but marched off with the Wealth he got, which was reported to be worth in Jewels, Gold and Silver, to the value of Thirty French Millions, which was in the year 1664 when he was 35 years o [...] Age. And the Mogul s Affairs not suffering him to pursue his Revenge upon Sivigy, he still continues his Robberies and Pyracies upon all opportunities and occasions.
Mal [...]bar or Malavar is a low Country, with a delightful Coast, and well inhabited by people that practice Pyracy. There is a certain wind, which blowing there in winter, so disturbs the neighbouring Sea, that it rouls the Sand to the mouths of the adjoining Ports; so that at that time there is not water for little Barks to enter; but in the Summer time another contrary wind is there so violent, that it drives back the same Sand, and renders the Ports again navigable: The great number of Rivers in this Country renders Horses useless, especially for War. A Country most part of the year verdant, and abounding with Cattle, Corn, Cotton, Pepper, Ginger, C [...]ssia, Cardamum, Rice, Myrobalans, Ananas-pappas, Melons, Dates, Coco's and other Fruits.
[Page 407] Calecut or Calicut, thought to be the Town which Ptol. calls Canthapis, an Error of Niger and Bertius. Calicaris Herb. is a Town of Trade, where the Portugals first setled themselves, though not with that success as at Cochin, where they obtain'd leave to raise a Cittadel, which was the first Fort they had in the East-Indies; but that Fortress was taken from them by the Hollanders in the year 1662. The Prince of Calicut calls himself Zamorin, a Prince of great power and awe; and not more black of colour, than treacherous in disposition. Many deformed Pagotha's are here worshipped, but with this ordinary Evasion, That they adore not Idols, but the Deumo's they represent. And the Dutch General, who was Cook of a Ship, Crowned the King with those hands which had oftner handled a Ladle, than a Sword: And exacts a Tribute from all the Kings of Malabar, but most of them are dispens'd withall from paying it. Besides this Prince, there are in this Country the Kings of Cananor, Tanor, Cranganor, Cochin, Coulan, and Travancor, and 10 or 12 other considerable ones.
Cochin, Colchin of Ptol. Herb. not much inferior to Goa, pays Tribute to the Hollanders who keep the Castle. The Harbor is pester'd with Rocks and Shelves.
Coulan has been much richer, and better peopled than it is; for it had formerly above 100000 Inhabitants, Sopatpa in Arrian, and Co [...]y in Ptol. Zamoryn valu'd it for its Situation, for its Port, and its Fidelity. Since that, the Sands having stop'd up the Port, Goa and Calecut have got all the Trade from it.
Cananor, Calligeris Ptol. teste Castal. holds also some Islands among the Maldives, viz. the Isle Malicut, and the five Isles of Diavandorow.
Onor, the Hippocura of Ptol. teste Baud. produces a weighty sort of Pepper, and Black Rice, accounted better than the White.
Baticale and Gersopa, further in the Land, are the Capital Cities of their Kingdoms, included under the general Name of Canara.
To Malabar joins the fishing Coast, called the Coast of Manar, where they fish for Pearls in April for three weeks together. The Country, which contains about 30 little Cities, is dry and Sunburnt, having no other advantages but by the Fishery, for which they keep a Fair at Tuticorin; The most part of it is under the N [...]ic of Madure, the Hollanders possessing only the Island of Kings, where they have built a Fort, and to which there is no coming but by a Chanel, for the defence whereof they have rais'd several Works, for conservation thereof, being of so great importance to them, by reason that thereby they are Masters of the Banks of Manar. There is also found some Amber-greice; and heretofore near to Cape Com [...]rin, a Cape [Page 408] well known of old by Ptol. called Cory & Calligicum by Strab. Conomencina by Plin. Calusca & Colaicum. Comar by Arrian in his Periplus. Comara extrema, or Cape Comryn, there was a Pearl found that weighed above 30 Quintals.
Coromandel, or Corobander, Cartagar damna Ptol. so called, from the abundance of Rice which it produces, is famous for the best Ports of India. The City of Meliapore, Malipur incolis, St. Thomaso Lusitanis M [...]lange Ptol. or the Calurmina of Sophron. and St. Thomas's, Anglis, where that Apostle wrought many Miracles, and where (as their Traditions) he foretold the coming of White People into that Country. It is observed that the Off-spring of those that Martyr'd St. Thomas, have one Leg bigger than the other.
[...]liour is seated upon a small River, having five Foot of Water at the Mouth of it, which is about Cannon-shot from the City; but small Ships had rather harbor themselves at Pelicate, and the great ones at N [...]ga [...]t [...]n, which with Meliapor belongs to the Portugal [...].
P [...]licate, besides the Town, there is a Fort called Geldria, that belongs to the Du [...]h where they have their chief Factory, and where lives the chief Intendent over all the rest that are in the Territories of the King of G [...]l [...]da. In the Fort are generally 200 Soldiers, besides Merchants. The Bastions are well stored with good Guns, and the Sea comes up to the very Wall of it. Tavernier tells us, That when the Inhabitants fetch their Water to drink, they stay till the Sea is q [...]te gone out, then digging holes in the Sand as near the Sea as they can, they meet with fresh Water.
About 7 or 8 Leagues off, is Fort St. George, which belongs to the English, whose Port or Harbor is called Madraspatan.
The Kingdom of Golconda is a Country abounding in Corn, Rice, Cattel, and other Necessaries for Human Life; and Bagnagar is the Name of the Metropolis commonly called Golconda, which is the Name of a Fortress about two Leagues from it. The City is said to be little less than Orleance, seated upon a River, which near to M [...]slipatan falls into the Gulph of Bengala, over which River there is a stately and fair Bridge into the City, which is adorned with the King's Palace, and the Houses of the great Lords, and other Persons of Quality, the Merchants and Tradesmen living in the Suburbs, which are a League in length. In this City is to be seen the Foundation of a magnificent Pagod, which, had it been finished, had been the fairest in India; there is one Stone, which is an entire Rock, of such a prodigious Bulk, that 5 or 600 Men were five years before they could hew it out of its place, and they say that 1400 Oxen were employed to draw it away.
[Page 409]The Men and Women of Golconda are well proportioned and of comely statures, only the Country people swarthy; there are said to be 20000 Licensed common Women about the City and Suburbs.
The present King, descended from an ancient Family of the Turcomans, is a Mahumetan, and of the Sect of Hali, and pays the Mogul an annual Tribute of 200000 Pagods.
Maslipatan is a great City, and the most famous Road for Ships in the Gulph of Bengal, the Argaric Gulph of old, from whence they set Sail for Pegu, Siam, Aracan, &c. where, Bloom saith, the English have setled a Factory.
Concerning the Kingdoms of Narsinga and Bisnagar, which some Authors make two distinct Countries, though some others confound them together, I shall give you this account, That formerly the Territories of the Raja of Narsinga extended from Cape Cormorin all along the Coast of Cormandel as far as the River Guenga that falls into the Bengalan Gulph, near the mouth of the Ganges, the other Raja's being his Subjects; that the last Raja, who was at War with Ackbar the Mogul, brought into the Field four Armies, the first lay in that Province which is now called Golconda, the second was quartered in the Province of Visapour, the third in Brampore, the fourth in Doltabat. This Raja dying without Children, the four Generals divided amongst them the Country; but the Successor of the Mogul conquered again that of Brampore, of Doltabat, and part of Visapour; but the King of Golconda became Tributary to him, as was said before, so that 'tis very probable there are no such Cities as Narsingue or Bisnagar. Tavernier in his Travels makes no mention of them.
The last Relations tell us, that Gandicot, Tav. Guendicot, Thev. is one of the strongest Cities in the Kingdom of Carnatica, about 85 Leagues from Meliapour, and 1200 from Goloonda: And that the greatest Raja on that side Ganges is of Velour, whose Territories extend to Cape Cormorin, and who succeeded to some part of the Estate of the Raja of Narsingue; but in regard there is no Trade in his Country, he is but little known to Strangers.
Thevenot tells us, That the Usurpers were but three, viz. of Viziapor, of Bisnagar, or Carnates, formerly called Narsinga; and Golconda. Thus these Kings clashing together, the Kings of Viziapor and Golconda warred upon the King of Bisuagar, and seized upon several of his Towns, so that he was constrained to flie into the Mountains, and that his chief Town was Velour.
[Page 410]The Winter begins at Golconda in June with Rain and Thunder; the Air was little cold at Night and in the Morning; and in February the great Heats begin; Vines are plentiful there, and the Grapes are ripe in January. They have two Crops a Year of Rice, and many other Grains.
Some Relations make mention of the Naiques of Madure, the Helura Ptol. Mundiris Arriano. Modusa Plin. Tanaior and Gingi, the Orthura Ptol. teste Baud. Orissa Castal. of the Kingdom of Messur, next to that of Madure, but give us little of Remarque with Certainty.
Of the Peninsula Beyond GANGES.
THis Country in the elder Times was so Renowned for Wealth, that one Tract of it had the Name of the Silver Region, the other of the Golden Chersenese; yet, in truth, the Country itself was [Page 412] but little known in the Times of the Ancients, or the Interior part of it to us in these days. Our latest Discoveries tell us, 'tis dismembred and subdivided into almost as many Kingdoms and Estates as Cities and Towns, and into as many distinct Governments as there are Tribes and Nations amongst them; the chief Cities of which are Pegu, Triglipton, or Trigliphon of Ptol. by Castal. which was very considerable, when it comprehended two Empires, and 26 Kingdoms; and then it was that Gold, Silver, Pearls, and precious Stones were as common in the Court of Pegu, as if the whole Orient had brought all its Riches thither: But what its Revenues, what its Government, what its Forces and Riches now are, I do not certainly find.
On the North of Pegu near Bengala, is the City and Kingdom of Arachan, now said to be subject to the Great Mogul. Siriangh, or Sirejang, is a strong Fort on the mouth of the River, given to the Portugals by the King of Arachan, who, at last, were forced to yield it to the King of Ana, by whom the Governor was cruelly Tortured on a Spit,
Sandiva is an Island about 30 Leagues in compass, very fruitful, once subdued by the Portugals, but taken from them by the King of Arachan, Anno 1608.
2. Siam, of which our last Relation tells us, That 'tis a Country plentiful in Rice and Fruits: The Forests of large Bamboo's, are full of Rhinocero's, Elephants, Tygers, Harts, Apes, and Serpents with two Heads, but one has no motion.
The Rivers are very large, and overflow the Banks when the Sun is in the Southern Tropick. The Capital City is Siam, the Sobanus or Cortacha of Ptol. about 3. Leagues in Circuit, and walled, the River running quite round it; and in the Year 1665. fortified with very good Bulwarks by a Neapolitan Jesuit, whose Port Town is Bancock, six Leagues from the Sea.
The Natives are all Slaves either to the King or the great Lords; they have a great many Priests called Bonzes, very ignorant, yet greatly reverenced; they hold the Transmigration of Souls into several Bodies, and say, That the God of the Christians and theirs were Brothers.
They have 33 Letters in their Alphabet, and write from the Left to the Right, contrary to the Custom of other Indians.
Their King is one of the richest Monarchs of the East, and styles himself King of Heaven and Earth, though Tributary to the Tartars, as Conquerors of China. He never shews himself in Publick above twice a Year, but then in an extraordinary Magnificence. He hath a great kindness for Elephants, counts them his Favourites, and the [Page 413] Ornaments of his Kingdom, and styles himself King of the White Elephant, for which there hath been great Wars between him and the Peguan King.
Martaban, said to be the Triglipton of Ptol. on the Gulph of Bengala, once subject to Pegu, now to Siam; once a Kingdom, now of a great Trade, especially for Martabanes, which are Vessels of Earth, of a kind of Porcelain varnished with black, and much esteemed in all the East.
3. Malacca, the Aurea Chersonesus of old, in the Peninsula whereof are divers Kingdoms, all which, except Malacca, are Tributary to that of Siam; Tenasseri, Juncalaon, Quedda, Pera, and Malacca, are on the Western part; Ihor, Puhang, Patane, Burdelong, and Ligor, are on the Eastern Coast.
Malacca, the Tacola of Ptol. teste Alph. Adriano. (aliis Tacolais Juncalaon,) is the most famous, being great, rich, and powerful; An. 1511. the Portugals took it, and kept it till 1641. when the Hollanders took it from them. Among the Rarities of the Malacca, or rather of the World, is the Arbor Tristis, which bears Flowers only after Sun-set, and sheds them so soon as the Sun rises, and this every Night in the year.
4. Camboja, Forte Pytindra or Pityndra of Ptol. on the River Mecon, 60 Leagues up the River, once one of the three prime Cities in this part of India: The King thereof is, or lately was, Tributary to Siam, whose Manners and Customs the People much resemble. In the year 1644. four Holland Ships made into this River, and got out, notwithstanding all the opposition of the King of Camboja.
5. Chiampa, which communicates its Name to the Country, said to be a distinct Kingdom. It is seated near the Sea-side, and of good Trade for the Wood called Lignum Aloes; by some the Town is called Pulo Caceim.
Cochin China is said to be one of the best Kingdoms in all India; it borders upon China, of which it was once part; and whose Manners, Customs, Government, Religion, and other Ceremonies they yet retain, but their Language is that of Tonquin. Among the Rarities of this Country, is,
First, The Inundation which in Autumn covers with its Waters almost all the Country, making the Earth so fruitful, that it brings forth its Increase twice or thrice a year.
Secondly, Their Saroy Boura, or matter wherewith the Swallows make their Nests, which being steeped and moistned in Water, serves for Sauce to all Meats, communicating a variety of Taste, as if composed of several Spices.
[Page 414]Thirdly, Their Trees called Thins, the Wood whereof remains uncorruptible, whether in Water or Earth.
Sansoo is one of the greatest Cities of Chochin China, and greatest Trade, but now the Port, failing, it decays.
Haifo, or Faifo, is remarkable for its Forest of Orange and Pomgranate Trees.
Dinfoan is a good Port, but of a difficult entrance.
Tachan is an Isle where the Fowls retire during the Heats.
Boutan is a good Haven.
Checo, Kekio, or Kecchio, is the chief City of the Kingdom of Tunquin, and the ordinary Residence of the King, said to contain a Million of Inhabitants.
The Tunquineses, as well Men as Women, are for the most part well proportioned, of an Olive Complexion.
Their Habit grave and modest, being a long Robe that reaches down to their Heels, bound about at the Waste with a Girdle of Silk. Only the Soldier's upper Garment reaches no farther than his Knees, and Breeches down to the mid-leg.
They are naturally mild and peaceable, submitting to Reason, and condemning the Transports of Choler.
The Air is so mild and temperate, that all the year long seems to be but one continued Spring; Frost and Snow are there never known.
There are but two Winds which divide the whole Year, the one North, the other South, both continuing for six Months.
The Country produceth neither Corn nor Wine, but store of Rice, Aqua-vitae, and excellent Fruit.
Bodego is the place whence they embark the King's Body.
Cuadag is the Port where all the great Ships lie.
Cuaci is the Bounds between Tunquin and Cochin China.
Chancon is the place where St. Xavier died 1552.
The Country is adorned with many beautiful and fertile Plains, and watered with many great Rivers.
Two Ships, or at least one, goes yearly from Nangesaque to Tonquin, where is much Silk and Musk, and Lignum Aloes, which they truck for Scarlets, Linen, and Amber; the Alabaster the Dutch load for Balast
The King's Palace, before which the Dutch Ships ride at Anchor, is very costly, and their Bridges are all of Alabaster.
[Page 415]Modern Relations also mention the great Kingdom of Lao, which extends from Fourteen Degrees to Two and twenty and an half of Northern Latitude, and Fifty miles in breadth all along on the River Mecon, whose Capital is Lanjang in Eighteen Degrees of Latitude. As also the Kings of Ava, the Palibothra of Ptol. by Mercat. Palimbothaea Arriano. Bao, Brema, Ciocangue, and Tangu, which are said to be Tributaries to the King hereof.
About Twenty Leagues from the Coast Cambodia, lies the Bank Pracellis, being about an Hundred Leagues long, and Forty broad. The Indians relate, that it was a Kingdom in former Ages, but sunk by Earthquakes; and here it was in Anno 1660. the rich laden Ship Tergoes was shipwrack'd.
Of CHINA.
CHina has been called by as many Names as there have been Royal Families in it, but always accounted one of the most considerable Countries in the World, by reason of its Largeness, the Beauty [Page 417] of its Cities, their Number, and the politeness of the Inhabitants. It is also reputed that Printing the Silk Manufactures, Artillery, Powder, are more in use there than in Europe. Besides all things necessary for human subsistence and delight, it produces the most precious Merchandizes of the East; and Nature seems to have bestowed upon every one of its Provinces somthing of particular esteem; and some that have lived there affirm, that whatever is found dispers'd in the rest of the World, is there to be met with in one heap together; and some things that no part of the rest of the World affords.
China lies in a kind of a Square, and is so populous, that there have been reckon'd 60 Millions of People fit to be tax'd. The Rivers are so full of Boats, that it is thought they have more than all the Rivers of the World beside. The Revenue of the King is said to be an 150 Millions of Gold; or, as others affirm, 400 Millions of Ducats.
The Chineses laugh at our Maps, that place their Kingdom in one of the extremities of the World, averring, that they lie in the middle, as the Jews pretended for Jerusalem, the Greeks for Delphos, and the Moors for Granada. The Chineses also say, that they have two Eyes, the Europeans one, and that all other Nations have none at all. They have been always so jealous to conceal the Maxims of their Policies, that willingly they will not give Strangers admittance into their Country. The great Wall, or Entrenchment rather, 400 Leagues in length, was a work of more labor than use; for the Tartars have several times over-run China, notwithstanding that Obstacle. If you will believe their Histories, they will tell, you that the Tartars have troubled China for above these 4000 years. In these last years there have been strange Revolutions in this Empire; for after the Rebels had acted there as Sovereigns, the Tartars, under Xunchi their King, conquer'd their Country in less than seven years, beginning since 1643. Their Military Force was but small, the Men of Learning overpow'ring the Men of the Sword; so that the strength of their Kingdom was only their Number and their Policy. Their principal Nobility and Rulers were call'd Mandarins, and now the Tartar keeps his Tartar and Chinese Officers under the Title of Vice-Roys; the one for War, the other for Learning; there is only this difference, that now the Sword ore-tops the Gown, and the Mandarins are clipt of their Power, which they exercise with no small Pride over the People.
[Page 418] Paganism is generally receiv'd, yet Virtue is in high esteem. The publick is far richer in proportion than private Men. They continue their Writing from the top to the bottom in length. They have above 60000 Letters, but not above 300 Words, which are, for the most part, all Monasillables. So that whereas the Europeans have few Letters, but many Words, the Chineses have many Letters, but few Words, which they pronounce with a various Tone, denoting the various signification of the Word, so that they may be said to sing, rather than speak. The Chineses are so in love with their hair, that they will rather suffer Death than be shav'd.
All China is divided into 15 Provinces, which are bigger than large Kingdoms. There are 10 towards the South, that is to say, Junnan, Queicheu, Quangsi, Quantung, Fokien, Chekiang, Kiangsi, Kiangnang, or Nanking, Suchuen, and Huquang, which Provinces united some call by the name of Cathay or Katay, as they call the Southern, Mangin. The five to the North are Xensi, Xansi, Pecheli, or Peking, Xantung, Honan, to which they also reckon the Territory called Leaotung, and the Peninsula Corea.
The Isles of China are Ainan toward the South, near to the Coast of Fokien lie Quemoy and Eymuy; further off at Sea appears Fermosa and to the East of Cheklang are the Isles Chanque and Chexan.
The Province of Peking or Pecheli is the first in Dignity, and is divided into eight lesser Counties, containing 131 Cities.
The Metropolis is Peking, by the Tartars Xuntien, by Marcus Paulus Cambalu in 39 degr. 50. North Latitude, adorned with many stately Palaces or Courts: According to the Dutch Narration, the Emperor's Court was exactly square, containing 3 quarters of an hours walk, with 4 Gates opposite to the 4 Angles of the World; at the end of this Court stands a Bridge, on each side whereof stand three Elephants richly caparisoned and generally loaded with gilded Towers, through this you enter into another Quadrangle of 400 paces, at the end of which stand three stately Houses. Beyond this a third, and farther a fourth Court all paved with Free-stone, and being 400 spaces square. In this stands the Emperor's Throne, and four stately Edifices curiously built and covered with costly Roofs, adorned with gilded Galleries. Beyond this Court are several Orchards and Gardens planted with all sorts of Trees, and adorned with curious Buildings: And thus flourished the Palace of Pekin, rebuilt by the Tartars in Anno 1645.
[Page 419]In or near the Place of Paoting the Emperor Hoangti anciently planted the Seat of his Kingdom; and on the East-side of the City Hokien stands a great Temple, in the middle of which is a stately and great Image. Chinting is great and populous. Jenkin and Junyping are strong places for the defence of the Empire. The Garizon Tiencin lies on the Bay Xang, it is a Port or Haven Town to Peking and of a great Trade; and on the North-side lies the great Garison Xanghaie on the Island Cue.
Westward beyond the Province of Pecking lies Xansi, on the North whereof lies the great Wall, and behind that the Tartar Kingdom of Tangu and the Desert Xamo. This Province is divided into five Counties, having eighty six Cities, and though not very big, yet is pleasant. The City Taiyven is the Metropolis, which for its Antiquity of Building, stately and brave Edifices, is accounted amongst the best Cities of China: At the City Pingiany the Emperor Jau kept his Court within the Walls; and without the Gates of Fuencheu stands two stately, ancient and magnificent Buildings.
The Province of Xensi extends to the Kingdoms of Prester John, Cascar and Thebet, which the Chineses in a general name call Sifan, it is a large Province, and is divided into eight Counties, having one hundred and eighty Cities: Sigan is the Metropolis of the whole, seated on the River Guei, in a most pleasant and delightful place, of a noble Prospect and good Trade.
In the year 1625 a stone was found, in digging a Foundation for a house, inscribed with the Old Chinese and Syriack Characters, which contained the Christian Religion. Cungchand, Fungciang, Hanchung, Kingyang and Linyao, are the chief Cities of the Countries of the same names. Socheu is a strong hold and well fortified, and Xancheu or Cancheu is very strong, and the residence of a Vice Roy.
Xantung may justly be esteemed an Island, being washed by the Sea on one side, and separated by several Rivers on the other, and is divided into six Countries.
Chinan, the Metropolis of the whole Province, is very large and full of stately Houses, having two Lakes within its walls, out of which flow several little streams through the whole City; it is also adorned with several stately Temples. Among the great Cities of this Province, Lincing exceeds in Inhabitants, Buildings and Trade, but above all for its Porcelane Tower ninety cubits high, curiously adorned with Imagery and painting without, and within laid with Marble of divers colours smoothly polished; on the Top stands an Image cast of Copper and gilt thirty foot high.
The Province of Honan, by the Chineses thought to lie in the middle [Page 420] of the World, because it lies in the midst of China; it is divided into nine Territories or Countries, having one hundred and eight Cities. The chief City Caifung lies about two Leagues from the Yellow River, whose Water is said to be higher than the City: The other chief Cities are Qunte, Changte, Honan, Nunyang, and Juning.
Suchuen is a great Province and separated by the River Kiang, and is divided into eight Countries, containing one hundred and fifty Cities, besides Garisons. Cingtu is the Metropolis, and lieth in an Island, yet includes several Moats, over which are many Bridges, Paining, Xunking, Sincheu, Chungking, Quicheu, Luggan, are the chief Cities of the other parts of this Province.
The Province Huq [...]ng is divided also in the middle by the River Kiang. The Chineses call it the land of Fish and Rice, and the Storehouse of China, and have a Proverb, that the rest of the Provinces affords them but one Meal, but that of Huquang feeds them all the year long; it is divided into fifteen Countries, containing one hundred Cities great and small, and eleven Garisons.
The Metropolis whereof is Vuchang, on the south shore of the River Kiang, Hanyang, Siangyang, Tegan, H [...]angcheu, Kingcheu, Jocheu, Changxa, Paoking, Hancheu, Chante, Xincheu, Iungcheu, Chingyang and Chingtien, are the other chief Cities, and Chingcheu is the chief City of a little Territory of the same Name.
Kiangsi is divided into thirteen Countries, contaning 67 Cities; the chief whereof is Nanchang, once the Metropolis of the Empire: Iaocheu, Qua [...]sin, Kicukiang, Kienchang, Linkiang, Kiegan, Kancheu are other chief Cities. In this Province near Iaocheu, and no where else, is that Water to be found which brings Porcelane to perfection, especially when they intend it an Azure, Vermillion or yellow Tincture. The last Travellers into China tell us, that Porcelane is made of a particular Sand or Earth, which is fetched out of the County of the City Hoiecheu, in the Province of Nanking; nor is it necessary that the Earth should be buried a whole Age together, as others idly affirm; for the Chines [...]s only knead this Sand or Earth together, and make Vessels of it, which they bake in Furnaces for fifteen days; but the colouring of it is one of the chief Arts or Secrets which they conceal from Strangers.
The Province of F [...]kien is divided into eight Counties, and contains sixty Cities and Towns: Focheu or Hocksieu, is the Metropolis and chief of the Country; it is seated about fifteen Leagues westward from the Sea, on the Southern shore of the River Min, which with a wide mouth falls into the Sea, and brings both small and great Vessels up to the City walls; it is populous and of great Trade, [Page 421] where the Dutch also had somtime a Factory in the year 1662.
The City Chiencheu lies near the Sea, in a delightful Plain, with a large Bay, that the greatest Ships ride close under the walls. Chaucheu of great Trade for all rich and foreign commodities. Kienning upon the River Min, is a place or great Trade, for all commodities pass through it. Hinhoa is neatly built, adorned with many triumphant Arches and Colledges, for the encouragement of Learning.
Xaouw and Tincheu are also considerable. Foning is also fair and large, lying near the Sea. The Castle Ganhui near Changeheu hath a convenient Haven for Ships: And Tinyan is a Fort for the defence of the Sea-coast.
The Province of Chekiang exceeds all the rest in fertility of Soil, delightfulness in Prospects, and in plenty of Silk; it is divided into eleven great Countries, having eighty three Cities or Towns, besides unwalled places, Castles and populous Villages. Hanchew is the chiefest City, thought to be the ancient Quinzay. Kiahing is moted about with Rivulets of Water, full of stately and well built Structures; all the Streets are arched, under which they walk, as in a Piazzo, free from wind and weather: Niencheu, Kincheu, Chucheu, Kinhoa, Vencheu, Ningpo and Xoahing, all chief Cities and bravely adorned; not far from Ningpo lies Liampo, once much frequented by the Portugals. The whole Province of Chekiang is every where cut through with Rivers, Rivulets and murmuring streams, some natural, others artificial. The chief River Che, which gives name to the Country, of which they tell us, that annually upon the eighteenth day of the eighth Moon, (which is our October,) a prodigious Spring-tide happens, roaring extreamly in its ascent, beyond the loud murmur of Cataracts or Water-breaks, and comes with a head high and strangely mounted above the Waters.
The Province of Nanking, by the Tartars called Kiangnan, is the second in honour, in magnitude and fertility in all China: It is divided into fourteen great Territories, having Cities and Towns an hundred and ten; Nanking or Kiangning being the Metropolis, a City, that if she did not exceed most Cities on the Earth in bigness and beauty, yet she was inferior to few, for her Pagodes, her Temples, her Porcelane Towers, her Palaces and Triumphal Arches. Fungiang, Sucheu, Sunkiang, Leucheu, Hoaigan, Ganking, Ningue, Hoeicheu, are also eminent Places, and of great Note and Trade.
The Province of Quantung lies along upon the Sea-shore, having many convenient Havens and Harbors: It contains ten Counties and eighty great and small Cities. Quancheu, or Canton by the Portugals, is the Metropolis and chief of the Province; exceedingly beautified [Page 422] with Pagodes, Palaces, stately Structures and Triumphal Arches; fortified with strong Walls, Towers, Bulwarks and Redoubts, defended by five Castles. Of the greatest Trade, and the richest in the whole Kingdom. The other great Cities are Xaocheu, Hoeicheu, Chaocheu, Chacking, Liencheu and Luicheu. The Island of Ainan or Hainan, is reckoned for the tenth County, it lies in the Bay of Tunking, separated from China by a Chanel of about five leagues broad, where they fish for Pearls; it chief City is Kiuncheu or Ingly, fortified with strong Walls, handsom Buildings, and well seated for Trade, and the whole Island produceth all Necessaries for human sustenance.
Southwards of Canton lie many small Islands in the Sea, on one of which, or rather a little Rock, joyned to a great Island, lieth the City Macao, once possessed by the Portuguese, so naturally fortified that 'tis almost invincible, being defended with two strong Castles against the attempts of an Enemy.
The Province of Quansi in Bigness, plenty of Merchandise and pleasant Fields may compare with the rest. It is divided into eleven great Countries, which contain ninety eight Cities great and small, the chief whereof is Quilia full of stately Structures; other chief Cities are Gucheu, Kingyang, Cincheu, Nunning, Taping, Chingan and others.
The Province of Quicheu is divided into eight Counties, having great and small Cities, to the number of eighty one, of which Quiyang is the chief, Chinyveng, Tunying, Liping, are the next considerable.
The Province of Junnan, though the last in place, is not the least in extent and goodness, viz. in the abundance of rich commodities. 'Tis divided into twelve Provinces, contaning eighty seven Cities great and small, besides thirteen Garisons. The Metropolis Junnan boasts to be one of the best and greatest Cities in all China, flourishing in Trade and Riches, adorned with fair Structures and Temples. Jungning, Likiang, Yaogan, Tali, Manhoa, Kinghung and Lancand, are other chief places.
In short, they reckon in these Counties twelve hundred ninety nine Towns, two hundred forty seven great Cities, called Cheu, and eleven hundred fifty two little Towns, called Hien, yet as big an ordinary City in Europe. Martinius sets down thirteen hundred forty eight Towns, whereof one hundred fifty nine are great, called Cheu, and the other Hien. There are also great Garisons or Military Countries, every one with lesser Garisons under their commands, thirty seven in number; also several Forts and Castles to the number of one hundred seventy six. Besides these Towns and Fortresses, China is very full of innumerable Villages and Hamlets, so that it appears to be as one entire City.
[Page 423] Corea is divided into eight Territories; On the North it joins to Nieuche in Tartary; the South respects the Island Fungma or Quelpaerts, on which in the year 1653 the Ship Sperwer of Batavia was Shipwracked, and of sixty four men thirty six got to shore, who suffered many extreamities, and there found one of their Dutch Country men that had been prisoner twenty seven years. The whole Country is exceeding populous, full of Towns, built after the Chinese manner, whose Fashions, Language, Letters, Religion and Government, the Coreans follow. Its chief City is Pinjang, but by the aforesaid Dutch mens Relations, Sioor was the Royal City, from whence in the year 1666, in a Fishermans bark, in ten days, eight of them got to Gotto Island, and from thence to Nengesaque on the Island Dysma.
The Isle Formosa, once Paccand, now under the Tartars, abounds with Deer, wild-Goats, Hares, Coneys, Swine and Tygers, the Woods with Pheasants and Pidgeons, and the Ground produceth Rice, Wheat, Sugar, Ginger, Cinnamon, Coco-Nuts and several other necessaries for human Sustenance.
Their chief practice or special Virtues are Theft, Murder and Adultery; but if any of the Women prove with Child before they are thirty seven years of Age, when they are ready to be delivered the Midwife kneads it to death in the womb. They Write, Read and have Registers.
In Anno 1654 hapned a mighty Earthquake, which continued seven weeks with little intermissions: In December and January is generally the fairest Weather: Their greatest Rains are in July and August: The Mousons or stormy Seasons begin in October, and continue till March, which is called the Northern; the other, or Southern, begins in May and holds till September.
Against the North-East part of Formosa lies a rich golden Mine, surrounded by many Rocks, from whence in August, the Rains wash down great store of gold Oar, not far from the Fort Kelang, which the Dutch had in possession.
Taywan or Tayovan, upon the Isle Formosa, the utmost Northpoint, being distant almost a league, but the Southermost point within a Bow-shot of the Land, it is about two leagues and an half in Length, and a quarter in Breadth; on the North-side upon a Sand-Hill stands the Fort Zelandia, built by the Dutch, 1632; under the Castle Westward lies another Fort, guarded by two points of the Sea: A Bow-shot distant lies a strong Outwork, being the Key to the Castle, called Utrecht, Eastward from which stands the Town built by the Dutch: On the other side, on the main of Formosa, stands the Fort and Village Sakkam, well planted with Cannon; [Page 424] but in the year 1661 Coxinga and his Associates, being a crew of Rebels Chineses, took both the Island of Formosa and Tayoven from the Dutch, after a siege of ten Months, where Coxinga found ten Tun of Gold, forty pieces of Ordnance, and other things to a great value.
Of JAPAN.
THE Island of Japan, if it be an Isle, is not only one but many. for the Coast, discontinued with many Inlets, stands like a broken Wall, and the several falls of Fresh-water-Brooks and Rivulets, [Page 425] descending from the upper Grounds, with their mixt interweavings, both from Sea and Land, make a numerous crowd of petty Isles, the most spacious and wealthy whereof is Japan, by the Natives Nippon, formerly said to comprehend fifty three Kingdoms; but our later Relations tell us, that they are now fallen into the lap of one sole Monarch, who keeps his magnificent Court at Jedo. This Island extends in length seven hundred and twenty Miles, the breadth generally about one hundred and eighty, but various. The East looks towards Californea in America, though four thousand and two hundred Miles distant. I am not ignorant, that some Geographers have made them to meet, others bring them very near together: I have two Lunar observations and the co-herence of the Sea-chart with them to strengthen my assertion. The Air of these Islands is temperate, but for the most part snowy and cold; they abound in Rice, Pearl and Mines of Silver, very much esteemed, the Pearls are very large, but somwhat inclining to Red.
The Country appears more hilly than plain, amongst which are two wonderful Mountains, one vomiting continually flames, the other of a Prodigious height.
The Palm-Tree that grows there is of a strange quality, (if true,) for it endures no manner of moisture at the Roots, which is as destructive to them as Poyson. To make it to grow, it must be set in a hole full of filings of Iron and dry Sand; and if any Boughs or Branches are broke or torn off by Winds or any accident, if but nailed to the body, it will grow as well as if grafted.
The Japanners are generally tall of Stature, and well-set, and of a strong Constitution, being exercised in all manner of suffering, and separated from their Mothers and female Relations, believing that nothing makes them more tender and effeminate than to be near Women: They much delight in War and are good Soldiers, they exercise their Arms at twelve years of Age, and their Swords or Scimiters are of an excellent temper.
They have the most happy Memories in the World, a nimble Fancy, and solid Judgment: They are of a courteous Behaviour and civil Deportment, covetous of Honour and Reputation, impatient in Affronts and Disparagements. But unhappy it is, that these excellent Qualifications should stand taxed with as many notorious vices. Their Language is very curious, wherein they have several words to express one thing, some in derision, others in honor, some for the Prince, others for the People. Their Customs and Fashions are quite contrary to ours. They drink warm or rather hot Water; alledging that Cold causes Coughs and diseases in the [Page 426] Stomach, but that hot Water preserveth the natural heat, opens the Passages and quencheth the Drought sooner. To their Sick they minister very sweet and fragrant Potions. They never let bloud, which they husband as the chariot of Life. They esteem black Teeth, and mount the right side of a Horse. And it is scarce to be believed with what a studied opposition they differ from us; but though they differ in common Customs and Opinions, yet in the solid work of Government and Authority, they act by the same Rule and Policy, rising by degrees as we do, and ending in a sole Monarch, the Emperor, who rules not by the Power of his Riches, but by the number of Men, and is honorably attended in times of Peace at his Royal Palace: And in time of War is guarded with a strong and numerous Army.
The Jesuits, Franciscans, Jacobins and Austin Friers, had made a great Progress in the conversion of the Natives, in the year fifteen hundred ninety six; for they were reckon'd to be above 600000 Christians. But since the year sixteen hundred and fourteen, they have been all driven out of the Island, and no person dares profess Christianity but in private. Spaniards, Portugals and Priests are all expell'd; only the Dutch are permitted, in regard they strictly forbid their People to speak of Religion, and by Relation as little to profess it. There are several Tones or Princes among them, whose Power for the most part is confin'd to a single City. And 'tis observed, that when one of these Tones or Governors lose their Principalities, their Subjects lose their Goods. The Dayro had once the chief Command of the Japan Empire; but since the year 1550, the Dayro hath only the chief command in Ecclesiastical affairs, and is esteemed above the Emperor, who keeps all the power in his own hand. In the center of the Imperial city Meaco, stands the glorious Palace of the Dayro, which out-shines the Emperors Court, the Temple of Bonzi, or the stately house of the chief Bonfiosen: There is also the Imperial Garden so curiously planted, that the Eye seems never satisfied with so pleasant an object. This City is said to contain 90000 houses. At Dubo, not far off, is the stately Temple of the Idol Zacca, said to contain ninety thousand houses.
Jedo the second City in Japan, is very large and exceeding populous, the Streets are 60 Ikins long, which is 150 paces; at the end is a gate that is locked and guarded every night; it is famous for the great houses of the Nobility, the Emperors Banquetting-house, his Magazine, his Seraglio or Chandran, the Imperial Garden. The Empresses magnificent Palace, and the Temple of the Golden Amida; but in the year 1657, in two days time, this City lay all in Ashes, above a hundred thousand houses burnt, and as many Inhabitants destroyed, [Page 427] a great number of Palaces and Temples, and Forty eight Millions of Gold.
Saccai is one of the stateliest Cities in all Japan, fortified with an invincible Castle; and there is scarce any place in Japan, that for pleasantness surpasseth Jonda. Mewarry is a handsom City crown'd with many Spices: Akay is well fortified with a Castle and surrounded with a Wall: Osacca is a Stately and Imperial city, in the midst of which stands the much celebrated Temple of the Idol Canon or their Neptune. And before the Earthquake fifteen hundred eighty five, there was the fairest and largest Palace that ever Sun shined upon: And a large Castle built by Taicosama.
Tempe and Campania may not be compared to the pleasantness of Sajoja, so exceeding delightful, as the Dutch Ambassador tells us, that the whole Earth cannot shew a finer spot of Ground.
Onwari is situate on the hanging of a pleasant Hill, near which is a steep Rock, on which stands an invincible Castle, which is seen at a great distance.
Quano is the most artificial built City in all Japan; Piongo was ruin'd in the War of Kobanunga and the Emperor Cassas. Mia is curiously built and adorned with many Temples.
The stately City Occasacci is fortified with a strong Castle; Josinda is of a delightful Situation. Sarunga is a great but ruinous City. Facione is the place where is kept a strong Guard, formerly a famous City, but swallowed up, and shuffled into Ruins and Rubbish by an Earthquake, which are very frequent in Japan. Oudarro is a stately City, adorned with a sumptuous Palace and lofty Spires.
The other chief Islands about Japan are Bungo, Cikoko, Saykok, or Ximo, all one Island, but thus called by several Authors. 2. Tonsa or Xicoco, or Tokoese and Chiccock. 3. Firando and Gotto with innumerable others.
Congoxuma is the first City where the Portugueses landed and got footing in Japan and was their Staple: Nangesaque is the chief Staple and Residence of the Dutch in Japan, first built by the Portugues. This Lodge or Fortress lies on the small Island Disma, and is the Magazine for all Indian Commodities, and the best harbor for the reception of Merchant Vessels of any Port in Japan.
At this day the Hollanders pretend all Trade at Japan.
The extent of Jesso being Mountainous and abounding with costly Furs, is yet unknown, only that 'tis a vast, and wild Country full of Savage People, cloathed with Skins of wild Beasts, who can give no account further than they dwell.
Of the ISLES in the Indian Sea.
SUch is the Infinity of these Isles, that 'tis impossible to give a just account of them, I shall therefore only mention the most considerable: And first of the Maldives.
Of the Islands of the MALDIVES.
THE Maldives Islands, situate under the Equinoctial Line, derive their Name from the principal City called Male, and Dive which signifies an Island. They are reckoned to be about 12000, but that is supposed to be only by taking a certain Number for an uncertain: They are dispersed from the North-West to the South-East, into 13 Provinces, which the Inhabitants call Attollons, every one of which is fenc'd with a Bank of Sand; but some of them are only Sand-hills or Rocks, being all of them very little, for Male, the chief, is but a League about.
They are divided by Arms of the Sea, and environ'd with Rocks, which renders the Access to them very difficult: There are some Ports or Openings, one opposite to another, so plac'd, that they give an Entrance into the four Attollons, for the benefit of Trade, otherwise the Currents would carry the Vessels above 7 or 800 Leagues beyond. The Currents run six Months to the East, and six to the West, somtimes more, somtimes less: But the Sea being shallow, the Winds outrageous, and few Commodities to be had, these Islands are not frequented by the Europeans. The King of Maldives is called Rascan; his Kingdom never is governed by the Female Sex, and for his Revenue it consists in the misfortunes of others, that is to say, Wrecks at Sea. So that there is no trusting to the Maldives Pilots, who will cast away a Ship on purpose, that their King may have the Spoil. On the other side, the King himself uses to caress the Masters of Ships, and to invite them to his Island, to the end, that dying of the Distemper of the Island, which carries off Strangers in a short time, he may be Heir to their Goods.
The Natives are little, Olive, coloured, and Mahumetans: They are subject to violent Fevers and Sickness, by reason of the excessive heat. They shave with cold Water, catch Fish swimming, and will dive to the bottom of the Sea to find a convenient place where to cast their Anchors. They will fetch up out of the Sea, with an incredible easiness, an 100000 weight, by the help of a Cable, and some pieces of their Candon Wood. Their Coco's are very profitable to them, for of those they make Wine, Honey, Sugar, Milk and Butter. They eat Almonds instead of Bread, with all sorts of Food. They put every Trade into a particular Island; and to preserve their Wares from Vermin, they build their Storehouses upon Piles in the Sea, about an 100 paces from their Isles.
A Description of ZEILON, alias CEYLON, the Nangieris of Ptol.
THE Hollander is now Master of all the Sea-Coast; the Inland Country is under the King of Candy, and is divided into several Parts or Provinces, which lie upon Hills fruitful and well-watered, and are called in general Conde Uda.
[Page 431]This Inland Country of Conde Uda is strongly fortified by Nature, the Entrances being up vast and high Mountains, and the Ways so very narrow, that but one Man can go a-breast; and these Paths also are barricado'd up with Gates of Thorns, and two or three Men to watch and examin all that come or go.
Candy, or Conde by the Europeans, Hingodagul-neure by the Inhabitants, is the Chief or Metropolis of the whole Island, bravely situated in the midst of it for all Conveniences, but of late much decayed.
South of Candy, 12 Miles distant, lies Nellemby-neur, where the King kept his Court when he left Candy.
Alent-neur is the place where the King was born, and his Magazin for Corn and Salt. Badoula was burnt down in the time of War by the Portugals.
Digligy-neur is the place where the King now keeps his Court since the Rebellion Ann. 1664. its Situation is very Rocky and Mountainous, being a place for Safety and Security.
Anurodgbarro is one of the ruinous Cities where they say 90 Kings have reigned, distant from Candy 90 Miles Northwards.
Leawava affords Salt in abundance, the Easterly Winds beating in the Sea, and in the Westerly Wind (which makes fair Weather,) it becomes Salt.
Rece is the chiefest Flower of their Corn, which is of several sorts; some will be ripe in seven Months, others in six, five, four, and three, but all requires water to grow in. Their Seed-time is about July and August, their Harvest about February.
Of Fruits there are great plenty and variety, viz. the Betel Nut, whose Leaves are 5 or 6 Foot long, and have other lesser Leaves growing out of the sides of them; some of these Nuts will make People drunk, and giddy-headed, and purge, if eaten green.
There are also Jacks, which are as big as a Peck-Loaf, the out-side prickly like a Hedgehog, and of a greenish colour; the Seeds or Kernels do much resemble Chesnuts in colour and taste.
The Jombo is like an Apple full of Juice, and pleasant to the Palat; 'tis white, and delicately coloured with red, as if painted.
There are also Murro's, like Cherries, sweet to the taste; Dongs, like Black Cherries; Ambeloes, like to Barbaries; Carolla Cabella, Cabela Paradigye, like our Pears.
Here are also Coker-Nuts, Plantines, and Banara's of divers sorts, sweet and sowre Oranges, Limes, Partaurings, in taste like our Lemmons, but much bigger; Mangoes of several sorts, Pine-Apples, Sugar-Canes, [Page 432] Water-Melons, Pomgranats, Grapes black and white; Mirablins, Codiews, and several other.
There is also the Tallipot-Tree, which bears no kind of Fruit until the last year of its life, and then it comes out full of yellow Blossoms which smell very strong, which come to a Fruit round and hard, as big as our Cherries, but not good to eat; but the Leaf of this Tree is so broad and large, that it will cover 15 or 20 Men, and keep them dry when it rains; and the Pitch within the Tree is good to eat, and tastes much like to white Bread.
There is also the Kettale-Tree, which yields a delicious Juice, rarely sweet and pleasant to the Palat, which they take from the Tree two or three times a day, which Liquor they boil, and make a kind of Sugar.
The Cinnamon-Tree grows wild in the Woods as other Trees, and by them no more esteemed, being as plenty as Hazel in England. The Cinnamon is the Bark or Rind, which when on the Tree looks whitish, when they pull it off they scrape it, and dry it in the Sun. The Wood hath no smell, 'tis of a white colour, and soft like Fir. The Leaf much resembles Laurel both in colour and thickness. The young Leaves look red like Scarlet; if bruised, they will smell more like Cloves than Cinnamon. It bears a Fruit which is ripe in September, much like an Acorn, but smaller; it neither tastes nor smells like as the Bark, but being boiled in Water, it will yield an Oil, which when cold, is hard as Tallow, and white, and of an excellent smell; and 'tis used for Ointment for Aches and Pains, and to burn in Lamps.
There is also the Ovula, the Fruit whereof they make use of for Physick in Purges; and being beat in pieces in a Mortar, and soak'd in Water, it will Dye a very good Black; and rusty Iron lying one Night in the Water will become bright, and the Water black like Ink.
The Betel-Tree, whose Leaf is so much loved and eaten, grows like Ivy, twining about Trees or Poles, which they stick into the ground for it to run up by; and as the Betel grows, the Poles grow also.
Of Roots, they have Aloes, or Inyames of divers sorts; some they plant, and others grow wild in the Woods. These serve for Food, and for Sause, or a Relish to their Rice; some of them in a year or two will grow as big as a Man's Waste, others as big as a Man's Arm.
[Page 433]They have Herbs of several sorts, some in six months growing to maturity, the Stalk as high as a Man can reach; and being boiled, almost as good as Asparagus. They have Coleworts, Carrots, Radishes, Fennel, Balsam, Spearmint, Mustard. There is also Fern, Indian Corn, several sorts of Beans, Cucumbers, Calabassa's and Pumkins. And the Dutch have Lettice, Rosemary, Sage, and other European Herbs and Plants which grow well there.
The Woods are their Apothecaries Shops, where with Herbs, Leaves, and the Rinds of Trees, they make all their Physick and Plaisters, with which they will make notable Cures.
Of Flowers they have great variety, growing wild, as Roses red and white, and several other sorts of sweet smelling Flowers; one called the Sendric-mal, of a murry colour, and white, which opens at 4 of the Clock in the Evening, and shuts at 4 in the Morning, which serves them somtimes instead of a Clock.
The Pichamauls are a white Flower like our Jasmine, well scented, the King hath a parcel of them every Morning brought to him wrapt in a white Cloth; but the Hon-mauls are the chief Flowers the young People use, and are of greatest value among them.
They have Cows, Buffaloes, Hogs, Goats, Deer in great abundance, Hares, Dogs, Jacols, Apes, Tygers, Bears, Elephants.
There are Ants of divers sorts, some worthy our Remark, viz. the Coura-atch, which is a great and black Ant, living in the ground, making great hollow Holes in the earth, and have no sting.
The Vaco's are the most numerous, whose hinder part is white, and the head red. They eat and devour all they come at, except Iron and Stone. They creep up the Walls of Houses, and build an Arch of Dirt over themselves all the way as they climb, be it never so high; and in places where there are no Houses, they will raise great Hills, or Humbosses, some 5 or 6 Foot high, so hard and strong, as not easily digged down with Pickaxes, within full of hollow Vaults and Arches, where they dwell. Their Nests are much like Honey-Combs, full of Eggs, and young Ones: As they encrease in multitude, so they also dye in multitude; for when they come to maturity they have Wings, and in the Evening, after Sun-set, they issue forth in vast Numbers, that they almost darken the Sky, flying to such a height, as they go out of sight, and so keep flying, till they fall down dead upon the Earth.
Of the ISLES of SONDE.
The ISLES of SONDE.
THE Streight of Sonde gives its Name to the Isles of Sumatra, Java and Borneo, that lie not far from it. It is the ordinary passage for Vessels that are bound for China, and the more Eastern [Page 435] Seas; the Air of these three Islands is very unwholsom, nor do they afford those Provisions which the Continent doth. The Inhabitants of the Uplands are Pagans, of the Sea-Coasts Mahumetans. They have several Kings potent as well by Sea as by Land. They afford rich Commodities, especially Spices, which the Portugals, the Hollanders, and the most part of the other Nations of the World fetch from thence.
Sumatra is the most famous Island in all the East, for Largeness and Riches: For it is 300 French Leagues long, and 70 broad, having several Mines of Gold. It lies 10 Leagues from the Continent, and the Ancients believ'd it to be a Peninsula, by reason of the several little Islands that seem to join it to the Land. Six Kings command it; the King of Achem, best known to us; of Camper, Iambi, Menancabo, and Palimban. They have so well defended their Island, that the Europeans could never get footing on it. There is a Mountain that casts forth Flames like Mount Gibel. The Pepper of this Island is better than that of Malabar, because the Land is more moist. They find G [...]ld in grains, and in little pieces, after the great Flouds of water. The Inland part is inhabited by Barbarians, that will eat the Raw Flesh of their Enemies with Pepper and Salt. The City of Achem is the best in the Island, it has been better than it is, it lies half a League from the Sea upon a Plain, by the side of a River, as large as the Seine in France, but very shallow. There is also a Fortress upon the Bank of the River.
Java, governed by several petty Kings, every City having one: Among the rest, the Kings of Japara, Tuban, Jottan, Panarvan, Panarucan, and Palambuam. Many are Pagans, some are Mahumetans, and the most part acknowledge the great Materan, or the Emperor of Materan, who formerly claimed the Sovereignty over the whole Island. Upon the Coast grow Oysters that weigh 300 pound. The Isle produces such large Canes, that one alone suffices to make a Boat. It affords excellent Lignum Aloes, Salt from Jottan, and Gold and Pepper in abundance. The Southern Coast is last known. It is one of the largest Islands in Asia, and, for its Plenty, may be called, The Epitom of the World. The City of Bantam lies at the Foot of a Hill, environed by 2 Rivulets, and divided by another. The Port is large, and the most frequented of all the Islands of Sonde, for it affords all kind of Spices, Stones, and other Commodities of the East-Indies. The Spaniards call Bantam the Geneva of the East. Jacatra, or Batavia, is the Residence of the Consul for the Holland Company, ever since the year 1619. It is defended by a good Cittadel, with four regulated Bastions; it lies in a Bay, which being secur'd toward the Sea by some Islands, makes the best Road in all the Indies. Jortam, next to that, is one of the best Ports, and most frequented.
[Page 436] Borneo, the very biggest Island of all Asia, abounds in Mirobalans, and Camphire: It has several good Ports, but few good Cities. Some say, that this was the Java of Mark Poll of Venice, and that the Lesser Java was that already mentioned. The City is built upon Piles in the Sea, at the Mouth of a fair River, having a large and commodious Harbor. The Natives have a peculiar King of their own, as likewise has Bender-Massin. Sambos is the Capital City of the Kingdom, affording Diamonds.
Of the PHILIPPINE Islands.
The PHILIPPINE Islands.
PHilip the Second gave his own Name to these Islands, which are about Forty or fifty great ones; for should we reckon up little ones, they would make, by Relation, some Thousands, the most part of them very fertile, and the Inhabitants pay their Tribute in Soldiers. The Council of Spain oftentimes proposed the quitting of those Islands, because of the Expences of the Garisons: But because they lie convenient for the Trade between China and the Molucca Islands, the King was resolved to keep them. The Islanders are valiant, and preserve their Liberty in several places.
Luc'on, otherwise New-Castile, is the biggest of all the Philippine Islands. The City Manilla, which lends its Name to the whole Body of these Islands, is the Seat of the Viceroy, and an Archbishop. It is but small, but neat and well fortified, and safe from Mining, two thirds of the Town lying upon a River Navigable for Barks, and the third part lying upon the Sea. Besides Spaniards and Indians, there are several Chineses that resort thither, as to the Magazine of the richest Commodities in the world. Cavite, two Leagues from the City, is the principal Haven, secured from the Winds, and fortified with two wooden Forts. The Bay is 40 Leagues in compass, where there is a convenience to build great Gallions, however the North Winds blow hard upon it; the Bottom is bad, and Entrance difficult.
New Segovia, or Cagajon, is in the most Northern part of the Isle Luc'on.
Tandaya, or Philippina, is South-East from the Southermost point of Lucon, and the Straight between them is called the Straight of Manilla, esteemed the best and most pleasant of all the Islands, whose chief place is Achan.
The Island Mindanao has not been in the Spaniards hands, but a little while.
St. Juan or John lies North-East of Mindanao. That of Paragoya, or Calamianes of Boterus, the Puloam of Maginus, who discovered these Islands in 1520, and some others, obey their own Kings. Cebu and Matan are known the first by the discovery of Magellan, the other by the death of Magellan.
The Spaniards that are bound to the Philippines never sail through our Hemisphere; and therefore they would have these Islands, as well as the Molucca's, to be the Bounds of the West-Indies, which they, for [Page 438] that Reason, would have to reach as far as the Molucca's. Other Islands are Mindora, which gives Name to a Straight so called, Masbat, Negoas, Panay, Kapul or Bohol. Abuya, or Rebujan.
From the Philippine Islands Eastward, there lie several other Isles, called in Spanish by the general Name, Islas de las Velas, by the Dutch Isles de Lad [...]nes, or Larrons, of which I find nothing memorable except their Names in some Maps; And that the Inhabitants are poor, naked, and great Thieves.
Of the MOLƲCCA Islands.
The MOLƲCCA Islands.
THere are five of these Islands that carry the particular Name of Molucca's: These five Islands are very small, seated much about the Equinoctial Line, in an unwholsom Air for Strangers. They are under several Kings: The Hollanders have also some Fortresses there. They afford Nutmegs, Ginger, and Cloves; Ternate, the biggest of the five little ones, is eight Leagues about, with a Mountain that casts out Fire. It hath besides several Villages uninhabited in times of War, three Cities, or rather Forts, viz. Gammalamme, Mayloye, now called Orange, Tacony by the Dutch William Stad: The rest are Tidor very considerable, Motir, Machoan, Bachian.
The Molucco's are good Soldiers, and for the most part Mahumetans. Besides the Kings of Ternate, Tidor and Bachian, there are several others in the Celebes Islands, and Gilolo. The King of Macassar in the Celebes, particularly has a while since extraordinarily fortified his own City. He has always given Strangers free entrance into his Ports. In 1667, he treated with the Hollanders, and quitted the Portugals. But in 1668, the Hollanders obliged him to trade with no other Nations but them: And there was a Report, that the Dutch have since seized upon, and taken Macassar.
The Air of this Country is good, but the Heats are insupportable in the Day-time. Formerly the Natives of Macassar ate Human Flesh, for which Reason the Neighbouring Princes sent them all their Criminals.
Celebes is fertile in Rice, and the Land of Papous yields Gold, Ambergreece, and Birds of Paradise.
Banda is an Island towards the South of the Molucco's, with five or six other Islands about it, to which it gives its Name. It is the only Island in the World that produces Nutmegs and Mace: There is in it a burning Mountain, and in the year 1615, all the great Guns in the Island were spoil'd.
About four Years before the barbarous proceedings of the Dutch at Amboyna, they shot Captain Courtupt in his Boat, going from his House and Factory in Polleroon, to one of the adjacent Clove Islands, called Lantore, on which Island, not long after, some English suffer'd such unparallel'd and barbarous Cruelty by the Dutch, as a created Nature was capable of enduring.
In the Year 1617, the Inhabitants of Banda Island besought Capt. Bal, then President at Bantam, to receive their Island into his Jurisdiction, to defend them from the Tyrannies of the Dutch, who murdered [Page 440] them at their pleasures, and abused their Wives, whilst themselves were enforc'd to look on; protesting also, that they never gave the least consent to them to possess their Island, which was accepted of by the English; but in the Year 1622, they were forced by the Dutch to abandon the Banda Islands, and it is credibly reported, that after the English had left those Islands, the numerous shoals of Mackerel, which was the chiefest Support to the Inhabitants, and which came constantly in their Season, forsaked those Islands also.
Amboyna, towards the South of the Molucca's, gives its Name to some other Isles. It is an Island abounding in Cloves; for the buying and gathering whereof, the English had five Factories, the chiefest whereof was at Amboyna, the other at Hitto, at Larica, at Cambillo, and Lobo, who begun to be rich, when on the 11th of February 1622, began the barbarous proceedings of the Dutch against the English, where the two Elements of Fire and Water, although merciless of themselves, by making their Fury more deliberate, were here instructed to be more unmerciful, whil'st accurate Cruelty did torment even Invention itself to torment the Innocent. The Dutch have now several Forts there. 'Tis their best Colony, next to that of Batavia, and they have forced the Inhabitants of the Island to trade with no other.
And here let me Remark, how strange and admirable indeed it is, That a small Number of Merchants, assembled at first upon the single score of Trade, should, in a few Years, presume to make War in Countries so far distant, and to assail so many potent Kings and Princes; To plant so many Colonies, besiege so many Cities and Forts, expelling the Portugals in many places, surprizing the English, encroaching upon all. And lastly, setting forth so many Navies at such prodigious Charges and Expences, of about 12 Millions a year, that the most potent Sovereigns of the Universe cannot equalize.
Of AFRICA.
AFRICA, by the Ancients, was called Olympia, Hesperia, Oceania, Coryphe, Ammonis, Ortygia, and Aethiopia. By the Greeks and Romans, Lybia and Africa. By the Aethiopians and Moors, Alkebu-lan. By [Page 442] the Arabians Ifrichea or Ifriquia, by the Indians Bezecath, by the Turks Magribon; but the most noted Appellation is Africa, either from Apher an Hebrew word signifying dust; or from Epher or Aphar, one of the Nephews of Abraham; by the Greek Fablers, from Afer, a Companion of Hercules; by the Arabians from Faruch to divide or separate, or from the ancient name of Carthage, called Africa: By Bochartus from Feruc, a Corn Country.
Scituate it is, for the most part, under the Torrid Zone, the Aequator crossing it in the very middle, and therefore by the Ancients supposed unhabitable, and parched with the Suns excessive heat: But what they knew not, and thought almost impossible to be known, is now common; for the secrets of her deep and remotest Shores are now beaten up and tracted with continual Voyages, first by the Portugals, and after by the English and Dutch. So that now four famous Seas are known to be the bounds of Africa, on the North the Mediterranean, on the East the Red Sea or Arabian Gulf, on the South the Aethiopian, and on the West the Atlantick Ocean; so that 'tis divided from all the World by Sea, except Asia, whereunto it is joyned by a narrow Isthmus. The whole being formed like a huge Pyramid or Triangle, whose largest extent from North to South, and from East to West is differently set down by most Geographers, though contrary to others. I shall state it thus, the length from Cape Verde to Cape Guardafuy is 72 degrees of Longitude, which is 5256 miles; Sanson makes it 80 degree, which is 5840 miles, 584 miles too much: And its breadth, from Cape Bon to the Cape of Good Hope, is 72 degrees Latitude, which makes 5110 miles, at 73 to a degree.
Africa in General stands divided into these Regions or Parts.
-
Barbary.
- Fez.
- Morocco.
- Tremisen.
- Algier.
- Tunis.
- Tripoli.
- Barca.
-
Aegypt.
- Upper.
- Middle.
- Lower.
-
Billedulgerid.
- Tesset.
- Dara.
- Segelomesse.
- Tegorarin.
- Zeb.
- Billedulgerid.
- The Desert of Barca.
-
[Page 443]Desert of
Sarra.
- Zanhaga.
- Zuenziga.
- Targa or Hair.
- Lempta.
- Berdoa.
- Gaoga.
- Borno.
-
Negroland.
- Guinea.
- Benin.
- Tombotu.
- Biafara.
- 19 Kingdoms in all.
-
Aethiopia Superior.
- Aethiopia, or
- Abyssine.
- Nubia.
- Coast of Adel.
- Zanguebar.
- Coast of Ainan.
-
Aethiopia. Inferior.
- Congo.
- Monomotapa.
- Caffres.
- The Islands.
- The Canaries.
- Cape Verde.
- Madagascar.
- Malthar, with many other smaller Islands.
The greatest Rivers in Africa are Nilus, and Niger. The River Nilus is famous for its Greatness and Foecundity; it hath anciently had several Names; the Hebrews called it Nahar Nachal, the Inhabitants Nuchal; by the Jews it was called Shichor or Sihor; by the Greeks, Melas, Homer, Diodorus, Xenophon, &c. gave it the common Appellation of the Country, viz. Egyptus: Plutarch calls it Osyris and Syris; Apollonius Triton, Pliny Astraton, Diodorus Aquila, Cedrenus Chrysorrhoe; Dyonisius Syene: The Abyssines style it Abanha; the Negroes or Moors Takkui; the Inhabitants of Goyame, by Report of Sanatius, call it Gihon; and the Lybians and Africans, Nilus. It runs many Leagues, passes through several Lakes, divers Islands, and waters the most lovely Vallies in the World. The heads thereof, now well known, are in Aethiopia.
Kircher, from a Manuscript of one Peter Pais, (who in company of the Abyssine Emperor, in the year 1618, March 21, most accurately searched for it,) tells us, that it rises in the Country of Sahala, being part of the Province of Agaos, bordering on Goyam, whose Source or Spring-head first appears in two Founts, seeming perfectly round: The Diameter of each about 18 Inches, but in depth unfathomable. On the top of a Morass or Boggy plain, (which shaking Plain, saith Kircher, was once a large open Pool,) which, by length of time, contracted a Filme or Crust of Earth, made more substantial and firm [Page 444] by the growing and spreading of Grass and other Dust and Slime. Concerning this, see more in the Description of Aethiopia. The Cataracts or Falls, upon the confines of Aethiopia and Aegypt. And the Mouths that oft throw themselves into the Sea below Aegypt; where the Ancients have made seven, some nine, and the Moderns four. But now there are but two, when there is no inundation, Damiata and Rosetta.
Whatsoever was, or is the Number of the Ostiaries of Nile, ancient and modern Authors, as well as Maps, differ among themselves, for Pomponius, Strabo, Diodorus and Herodotus make seven, others, with Ptolomy, nine, viz. the Heraclean called also the Canopean and Naueratian; the Bolbitian; Sebennitian; Pathmetian, by Strabo; Fatnian, by Herodotus in his Euterpe Bucolian; the Mendesian; the Tanitian and the Pelusian. The other two were the Dialcos and the Pinaptimi, to which some add two more. William of Tyre, who had exactly search'd the Number of them upon the place, assures us, there were no more but four. To reconcile these Differences, give me leave to note, that when this River overflows the Country, it then dischargeth itself into other Chanels, which remain dry all the rest of the year, and then it is restrained to those four which were then the natural branches, now said to be but two when there is no Inundation, viz. Damiata and Rosetta, by which its Waters flow regularly into the Sea. The Water has a foecundating Virtue, and peculiar quality to fatten the Land, so that by its yearly inundation, which begins about the middle of June, and ends the beginning of September, Aegypt is made exceeding fruitful; for it not only produceth a Harvest plentiful, even to Admiration, but causeth an infinite encrease in all sorts of Cattel that water there, and breeds a prolifick faculty in Men and Women, even to Admiration, as makes Wonder stand amazed to see Nature turn prodigal. This made the Gymnosophists of Aegypt to make it one of their chief Numens, which they worshipped under the name of the Goddess Isis. This also was the cause of those noble Epithets bestowed on it, viz. the Gift of Jupiter, the Tears of the Gods, the Veines of Paradise, the Seed of the Gods, &c. The Moors and Negroes often call it The Fountain of Heavenly Water, and the Arabian Poets style it The Life of the Earth. Mr. Sands tells us, that in the year 1610, at Cairo, it usually did rise 23 Cubits, it rises generally sixteen Cubits. It is perceived by the retiring of the Cattel; by the marks which are in their wells; and by the weight of the slime of the River, which the people lay out at their windows to receive the Dew which falls, and Prognosticates the increase. The cause of this overflowing of Nile is variously conjectur'd, some say, that the Tempests of the Sea swell the [Page 445] River; others affirm, that the Sand which gathers at the month stops the Stream, and that the Northe [...] Wind drive it back again. Many Moderns believe, that it is swell'd and increas'd by the melting of the Snow, and the Rains that fall in great abundance, and at certain seasons in Aethiopia; and in regard that in Aegypt it is Winter, when Summer in Aethiopia, they say, that the Nile encreases when other Rivers decrease. Of late it hath been asserted, that the Nitre, which abounds in this River is the true natural reason of all these marvellous effects; which, being melted by the heat of the Sun, mixes with the Water, troubles it, ferments it, and swells it, and makes it exceed its bounds, so that the Mud, which the Nile carries along with it, neither comes very far, nor raises the banks any higher. The Niger retains the Name, which it received from those people whose Country it runs through, somtimes it runs under ground, and, before it falls into the Atlantick Ocean, divides itself into three principal Members, Senega, Gambia, and Rio Grande. Enfertiles all the Countries through which it passes; and in the Sand are found good store of Grains of Gold. The Water, having the same virtue as Nile, has made some believe, that these two Waters somwhere meet together. The Zaire is considerable for its Sweetness, and for its plenty of Water. The Zambera divides itself into three Currents, Cuama, Spirito Sancto, and Rio De los Infantes. The Ghir loses itself often in the Sand, and as many times retreives itself again.
The greatest Lakes are Zair, Zambere, and Zaflan, all three in Aethiopia. The Mountains of most Remark are the Great and Lesser Atlas, the Christal Mountains, Mountains of the Sun, Saltpetre Hill, Sierra Liona, Amara, Mount Table, and Isle Picos Fragosos, Montes Lunae, &c.
The Great Atlas (by the Natives Aydvacal, teste Marmot; by Aug. Curio, Anchisai; by Olearius Majuste;) runs through Africa, as Taurus through Asia, beginning in Marmarica, about 20 miles from Alexandria, extending Westward (with many Gaps and Breaks,) to the Atlantick Ocean, dividing Barbary from Belidulgerid. No Mountains in Africa are more celebrated for its wondrous height, that seems to reach to the Skie. The Poets feign'd, that Atlas sustained Heaven upon his Shoulders, by reason of its excessive height: Or else, because that Atlas, King of Mauritania, was the first that studied the motion of the Heavens.
The Lesser Atlas Coasts with the Midland Sea, extending from Gibralter to Bona, by the Spaniards Montes Claros.
The Christal Mountains are in Congo, near which is that of the Sun; Eastward appears Saltpe [...]re Hill. On the borders of Guinea appears [Page 446] Sierra Leona: Amara is the most noted of Aethiopia. Table Mount appears near the Cape of Good Hope, not far off are those called Ospicos Fragosos. And those of the Moon lie between the two Aethiopia's, and are the highest in Africa, and called by the Inhabitants Betsh. The Ancients took these Mountains to be the limits of the World.
The Isthmus of Sues, which keeps Africa from being a perfect Island, is about nine Leagues in breadth between the Red Sea, and the Chanel of Nile; for from one Sea to the other is above thirty five Leagues. Stories relate, that one of the Ptolomies, Queen Cleopatra, some of the Soldans, and others that have been masters of Aegypt, have assay'd in vain to dig through that Isthmus, and that they gave over the enterprise, as well by reason of the prodigiousness of the Toyle, as for fear of being greatly endamaged by the Red Sea, which was found to be higher than the Mediterranean Sea, and which with its bitterness would have tainted the River Nile, the only drink of the Aegyptians: And indeed all Authors agree, that the Waters of the Nile are sweet, healthful and nourishing. Ptolomy's design was to perform a work of Fame, by making Africa an Island. Cleopatra's intention was to carry her Ships into the Red Sea without any danger of falling into Augustus's hands. The contrivance of the Soldans was to carry the Trade of the Europeans into the East Indies, through their Territories, in hopes of some great Tribute. But none of them were able to attain their Ends.
Africa is the barrennest and worst peopl'd part of our Continent. H [...]r great Rivers are full of Crocodiles. Her Mountains and Deserts fill'd with Lions and other wild and cruel Beasts; the scarcity of Water producing many Monsters, while Creatures of several species couple and engender at the watring-places, where they often meet. There is no Creature in the World that grows so big, from so small a beginning, as the Crocodile, for it is hatch'd in an Egg, and grows every day as long as it lives, which is said to be an hundred years. The Elephants are very serviceable to the Africans; as also are their Camels and great Baboons. Dromedaries are a sort of Camels, less and swifter than the others. They have also wild Asses, Unicorns, Barbary Horses, Cameleons, little Monkeys and Parrots. Their Ostriches afford them fine Feathers, and their Civet Cats are esteemed for the excellency of their Scents.
Amongst a great number of different Tongues that are in Africa, the most general are the Beribere or African, which comes from the Ancient Punick and the Arabick; these two extend through all Barbary, Billedulgerid, Aegygt and Sarra, the Aethi pian in the greatest part of Aethiopia. The Language of the Negro's, which is different and hath divers Idioms.
[Page 447]Their Religions in Africa are for the most part Idolatrous, as Paganism, and Mahometanism, though there are also mixed amongst them vast numbers of Jews, and Christians of several sorts.
At this day Africa is possessed by five sorts of Religions, viz. Christians, Jews, Caffers, Idolaters, and Mahumetans. The Christians are partly Strangers and partly Natives, whereof some are Slaves to the Turks and Barbarians, others are free people. Of the Jews some are Natives, others are Strangers; divided they are into several Tribes, Wealthy and Numerous, but despised and abominated by the Turks and Moors.
The Caffers, or Libertines, hold many Athiestical Tenents, live together without Ceremonies, like our Familists or Adamites, inhabiting from Mosambique, all along the Coast, beyond the Cape of Good Hope.
The Idolaters are numerous, in Negroland, in both the Aethiopia's, and towards the Great Ocean.
The Mahumetans possess the greatest part of Africa.
Aegypt and most of the Coast, or the Red Sea and almost all Barbary belongs to the Turk, excepting the Kingdoms of Morocco and Fez, (which are govern'd by Kings of their own,) the Cities of the Pirates, and some others upon the Coasts that belong to the Christians. Aethiopia, Nubia, Congo and Monomotopa have their particular Kings. There are also Arabian Cheiques in Belledulgerid and Sarra. The Country of the Blacks is under several Petty Sovereigns, whose Jurisdiction is bounded somtimes within the limits of a Town. The Kings of England, and Portugal, and the Hollanders have several Ports upon the Sea-coast, for the better accommodation of their Trade into the Inland Country. The French also possess some places of Trade in Barbary, Guiney, and in the Island of Madagascar, which they call the Dolphins Island. The grand Master of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem is Lord of the Island of Maltha.
Of BARBARY.
BY the Name of Barbary was that part of Africa known to the Ancients which we call Zanguebar, whereas the modern Barbary lies all along upon the Mediterranean Sea, being the best, and best [Page 449] peopled, Country of all Africa, by reason of the convenience of Trade. The Romans, the Sarazens, the Vandals, the Arabians, the Moors, the Turks, have been successively Lords thereof, and have called the Cities by different Names; But, at this day, a great part of it is under the Turk. The Emperor of Fez and Morocco Rules the North-west part. The Spaniards, Portugals, English and Dutch, possess several places upon the Coast. Susaon, Constantine, Couco, Labes, are little Kingdoms that lie in the Mountains. Saly, Tituan, Algier, Tunis and Tripoly, belong to the Pirats; the three last, under the Protection of the Grand Signior, who sends a Basha to each, though they have but very little Authority. The French hold the place called the Bastion of France, and the Genoeses the Island Tabarque.
Barbary is inhabited by the Africans or Bereberes, oftner called Moors: There are also some Arabians who setled themselves there in the Year 999. They live in the open Field in Adouares, or Commonalties compos'd of several Families, which they call Baraques, where they have an 100 or 200 Tents set up in a Round.
The Inhabitants are generally of a duskish, or rather blackish Complexion, naturally Ingenious, and given to Arts and Literature, studious in their Law; very distrustful, inconstant, crafty, malicious, when angred; very active, good Horsemen, of a stately gate, costly in their Apparel, and jealous of their Wives, who are of a comely Body, well featured, of delicate soft Skins, and in their Dress exceeding sumptuous.
The Language spoken, at present, in most of the Maritime Towns is the Arabick, but in Fesse, and Morocco, the Punick, or old African, the ancient Language of the Country.
'Tis situate between 30 and 35 degrees of Northern Latitude, the longest Summers day about 13 hours one quarter, increased to 14 and one quarter in the most Northern parts; it is extended, in length, from the Atlantick Ocean to Egypt; in breadth, from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlas Mountains.
Barbary comprehends several Kingdoms that contain Cities of the same Name, Morocco, Fez, Telensen, or Tremisen, Algier, Tunis, Tripoly and Barca.
Of the Kingdom of Fez.
THis Country lies between the Mediterranean Sea and Morocco, on the North and South, and between the Ocean Atlantick, and the Argierine. Territories on the West and East, and contains the ancient [Page 451] Mauritania Tingitania. 'Tis now divided into seven Parts or Provinces, viz. Temesne, Fez, Azgar, Habat, Errife, Garret, and Chaus.
The chief places of the Province of Temesne are, 1. Rabat, Opinum olim Episcopalis Tingitanae, built, after the Model of Morocco, with its Aqueduct 12 Miles long, by King Mansor.
Anfa and Anafe on the Coast, seated in a delightful Plain, was once one of the most famous Cities of Africa for its Trade with the English and Portugals, and for its Riches, but being addicted to Piracy, was the cause of its Ruine, and of that of Almansor.
Muchatia on the Guer is now famous only for the Tomb of one of their Morabuts or Saints.
Adendum is noted for its many Iron Mines about it.
Tegaget for its store of Grains.
The Province of Fez lies between the Rivers of Suba, Sabur, teste Marm. & Cast. and Baragrag, the Salu of Plin. Ptol. &c. the Ornament of this Province, nay, of all Barbary is Fez, which the Mahometans call, The Court of the West, about a degree from the Ocean, and as much from the Mediterranean Sea, Volubilis Tingitanae, Ptol. Volubile, Plin. teste Marmol. [...], Seldeni, the fairest and best City of all Barbary; but the Romantick Description by Heylin, Blome, &c. is very different from our later Relations, so that I can write nothing of it with certainty.
The City of Mahmora fell into the hands of the Portugals in 1515, but retaken by the King of Fez, who there defeated 10000 Christians, and got 60 pieces of Artillery, taken again by the Spaniards, 1614. and fortified, having a good Port.
Sally, or Sale, is the Salu Plin. Ptol. & Sol. Sella, Jo. Leoni; Cela, Marm. is composed of two Cities, the Old and New; its Fortress is on a rising Ground, with an high Tower; in its Castle is the magnificent Tomb of King Manson and others; it hath a Trade with the English, French, Dutch, and Genouese, but 'tis most enriched by its Piracies.
Michness, between Sally and Fez, is encompassed with Gardens of excellent Fruits, as Pomegranates, Citrons, Oranges, Lemmons, Figs, Olives, Grapes, &c.
Asgar, or Azgar, towards the Sea, affords Fens and Marshes, where they catch store of Eels: And store of Forests, whence they have Charcoal and Wood, whose chief places were Elgiumha, or Elgiuhma, now only a Granary, where the Arabs store up their Corn.
[Page 452] Casar-Elcaber, or Alcazar, is a place of pleasure, built by King Mansor, famous for the Battel which Don Sebastian, King of Portugal lost in 1578. fought near this place; in which all three of the Competitors lost their Lives; Don Sebastian was slain in the Field, Muly Mahomet of Fez was drowned, and Abdelmelech of Morocco the Conqueror, died either with the labour and pains, or with the sickness with which he was seized before the Battel, and, amongst several others of eminent Quality, was that famous infamous English Rebel Stuckley slain.
Lharais, or Larrach, the Lixos of Plin. Lixa, Ptol. Lix, Sol. teste Marm. Arais, Africanis, once greater than the great Carthage, the Royal Residence of Antaeus, whom Hercules defeated, and from whence he brought the Golden Apples gathered in the Hesperides Gardens, is now one of the principal Fortresses of the Kingdom, delivered to the Spaniards by Muly Xecque 1610. for which he lost his Life by his own People.
Habat is one of the most considerable Provinces in Fez, its chief Cities are Arzilla, Zilia, Ptol. Zelis, Strab. teste Marmol. took by the Portugals 1471, but in the Year 1508, besieged by Muley Mahomet, and Oataz, who took the City and Castle, the Portugals securing themselves in the Tower, were relieved, and retook the City and Castle; retaken since by the Xerifs, who, at present, keep it. It was oftentimes the retreat or shelter of Gayland in his Wars against Ben Boucan, and Taffilette.
Tangier, Tingi, Strab. & Plin. Tingis, Ptol. Tingios Steph. Tangeri Marmol. some Writers tell us, it was first built by Phut. others say it was founded by Syphax Son to Antaeus, slain by the Lybian Hercules, and called after his Mothers name Tagena, but depopulated and ruined by the Civil Wars amongst the Natives. After which, the Romans, making themselves Masters of the Country, re-edified or founded this City, which gave name to the whole Country of Fez and Morocco, called, Tingitana Mauritana, under whom it continued, until the Goths overran the whole Country. These were dispossessed by the Africans and Arabians, first attempted, in vain, in the Year 1483, by the King of Portugal; but in the Year 1508, it was seized by the Governor of Arzilla for the King of Portugal, who strongly fortified it. In the Year 1661, it was delivered into the hands of the King of Great Britain, Charles II. as part of the Dowry of His Royal Consort Queen Katherine.
Tettuan, or Tetteguin, is a well built Town, and keeps many Christian Slaves,
[Page 453] Ceuta remains in the hands of the Spaniards.
The Mountains or Cavila's of this Province are very considerable, viz. Angera for Flax and Timber.
Gazar Ezzaghir once belonging to the Portugals. Chebib much enlarged.
The Province of Errif is very mountainous and woody, abundant in Barley, Vines, Figs, Olives and Almonds.
Gomer is seated on a River of the same Name.
Terga drives a Trade in Salt Fish.
Bedis, or Belis, with its Castle and Palace, maintain some Gallies, but much molested by the Fort Pinnon de Velez, held by the Spaniards in an Island hard by it.
Mizemma, or Bezuma, formerly great and well peopled, where the French intended to settle a Factory or Trade.
Of the Mountains or Cavila's, that of Beniguazeval, or Benzarael, can arm 25000 Men, and hath a Vulcano which continually casts out Fire. It found a months work for Taffilett's Army, after he had taken Fez by Stratagem.
Susaon is one of the most fruitful and most pleasant places of Africa, its People, under their Xeque, keeping themselves in Liberty.
Gebha, or Gebba, is the Sestiaria of Ptol. teste Castal. but according to Mol. Cabo de tres Forces, is the Sastiaria of old; And Cabo de tres Forcas is Metagonium, Strab. Metagonitas, Ptol. Castal. and Cabo de Casasa Mol.
The Province of Garret lies upon the Coast of the Mediterranean Sea, extending to the River Mulvia, which separates it from Teleusin; its chief place is Melilla, Ryssadirum Ptol. Rusader, Ant. Rusardir, Plin. teste Marmolio, now in the hands of the Spaniards, taken Anno 1 [...]97. by John Gusman Duke of Medina Sidonia. Chusasa was taken before by Ferdinand King of Castile, &c.
The Province of Chaus is very large, among its Cities Tezza is the chief, esteemed the third of the Kingdom, adorned with three Colledges, 23 Banians, many Hospitals, and 100 Mosques or Temples, and a magnificent Castle.
2. Turret, seated on a Hill in the midst of a Plain, very advantageously enclosed with strong Walls.
3. Dubdu, on the side of an high Mountain, from which many Fountains descend.
Among the Inhabitants of the Mountains some are rich, and others poor; some are fruitful in Vineyards, some in Fruits, and some in [Page 454] Pastures. In this Province is the noted Basket-bridge over the River Sebu, the Subur of Plin. & Ptol. teste Marmol. & Cast. between two high Rocks, 150 yards from the Water.
Gherseluin is beyond the Atlas Mountains.
Garsis is the Galapha of Ptol. teste Marm.
The Kingdom of Morocco, with that of Fez, contains the ancient Mauritania Tingitania.
'Tis divided into seven Provinces, viz. Sus, Hea, Guzula, Morocco, Teldes, Hascora, and Ducala, and contains the ancient Mauritania Sitifensis.
C. Ca [...]tin is the Usadium Ptol. teste Baud. Marmol. makes Usadium to be C. de Alguer. Mercat. makes Herculis Promontorium, to be Cabo Cantin.
Sus Province lies about the River Sus, and extends as far as Cape Non, whose chief City is Taradunt, where the English and French Merchants have a Staple for their Sugars, the onely Mart-Town of all the Country.
Tifelfeldt is the Tamusida, or Thamuside of Ant. teste Marmol.
Messa, seated at the Flux of the River Sus, is composed of three little Cities.
Tedsa, accounted larger, but not so rich as Taradant.
Teient on the Sus is composed of three Towns, each distant a Mile from the other, having their Temple in the midst.
The Fortress and City of Guarguessen belongs to the Portugals.
Aguar is a Promontory of great Importance, near which is Sancta Crux built by the Portugals.
Masagan, or Mazzagran, Cartennae, Cast. Mostagan Marm. Circelli Etrobio.
The Province of Guzula is not far from the Seat of the ancient Getuly; it hath many Boroughs and Towns, but no walled Cities or Fortresses, said, by Sansar, to be rich in Mines of Gold, Brass, Iron, &c.
The Province of Morocco, the chief City bears the same Name, the Bocanum Hemerum of Ptol. Hisp. Marueccos Gal. Maroc. teste Nig. & Curione, and was the chief of the whole Kingdom, and once the Metropolis of all Barbary, at which time it had 24 Gates, in Circuit contained 12 Miles, and about 10000 Families, strongly girt about with Walls, and adorned with many publick and private Buildings, especially one Mosque, accounted the greatest in the World, seated in the midst of the City, beautified with a stately high Steeple. A Castle as big as a Town, in the middle whereof is a Temple, on the top of whose Tower are three Balls of Gold esteemed worth 200000 [Page 455] Ducats, so fixed by Magick, as that they cannot be taken away. However now much of its Splendor is lost, and a great part of the City is deserted, and its Trade decayed.
Agmet, once so adorned with pleasant Gardens, fruitful Vineyards, and fertile Fields, that it was called the Little Morocco.
Elghiumha is but a small place.
Imegiagen is seated on an high Mountain, as is also Temella; Tenozze is a Town of some Note.
The Province of Hea is mountainous and woody, inhabited by an idle and barbarous People; its chief Cities are Tednest on the River Sauens, the Inhabitants most Jews.
Hadequis, Teguleth, Tejeut, are places of Trade.
Tesegfeldt, the Tamasida or Thamusida of Ant. teste Marmol. and Xleusugagen, are the most considerable of those in the Mountains.
The Isle Mogador near the Cape of Ocem, is distant from the Coast about two Leagues, where is built a Fort to guard the Mines of Gold and Silver which are in the neighbouring Mountains.
Gozoporto is the Suriga of Ptol. teste Curione.
Ducala Province is the most Northern part of the Kingdom of Morocco, whose chief Cities are Azamer, taken by the Portugals 1613, since retaken by the Moors, who have a strong Garison there, the Thymaterium Hanno, Thymiateria Steph. teste J. Marian. & Ramusio.
Magazan is so strongly fortified by the Portugals, that 200000 have in vain besieged it. Tite was by them dismantled. Asafi or Saffa hath a French Consul.
The Province of Hascora hath Elmadine for its chief City, once accounted the Capital of the Country, whose Inhabitants addict themselves to Arts, Traffick, and Manufactures. Tegodaft hath fair Women. Elgiumuha is governed by Artizans, as Tegodaft admits of none but Nobles. Bzo is a place of some Trade.
The Province of Teldes hath the rich City of Tefza, built by the old African Moors, beautified with many Mahometan Mosques, and its Walls a kind of Marble.
In these two Provinces are great quantities of Goats, of whose Skins are made the Cordovants; and of their Hair, plain and watered Camolets. Their Grapes are said to be as big as Pullets Eggs.
The chief Rivers of Morocco are the Sus, the Una of Ptol. teste Marmol. that waters the Southern part; the Tensift, that divides it in the middle, the Asama of the Ancients; the Ommiraby which separates [Page 456] it from Fez, the Rusibis Ptol. Rusubi Vic. Uticensi. Rutubis Plin. Umarabea, teste Marmol.
The Asifnual, that makes an Abyss or Gulph, like to that of Sivoli in Italy. The Agmet loseth itself under-ground.
The Commodities of this Country bearing the Name of Mercantil, are Flax, Hemp, Honey, Wax, Sugar, Hydes, Marokins or Cordavants, Course Twine, Dates, Almonds, Camolets, and other Manufactures, as Mats of a curious Straw, Mantles, Alheicks, and in some places store of Saltpetre. As for the fabulous abundance of Gold, there is no Truth in it.
The Kingdoms of Fez and Morocco ought to be considered in three sorts of Lands, Mountains, Campaigns, and Coasts. The Mountains and Vallies are almost all in the hands of the Alarbes and Barabars, who live partly Free, and partly Tributary to the Zeriffs. The Coasts, in part, belong to the Moors, and part to the Spaniards and Portugals; these holding those on the Atlantick, the other on the Mediterranean Sea.
The Alarbes are, by the Europeans, called Mountaineers, living in Haimas or Tents, more rudely and rovingly, shifting from Mountain to Mountain, according to their Exigences, or Fickle Humors, carrying with them their Itinerary Habitations, Robbery being their best Livelihood.
The other sort of Moors are called Barabars, or Brebers; these have fixed Dwellings, and live in Neighborhood, and gather into Aldea's, Cavila's, or Villages: Over these Barabars are subordinate Governors, or Almocadens, to whom they pay a dutiful Observance, their Vocation is Tillage and Grazing.
The Moors are of a large Stature, strong Constitution, stately Carriage, differing in Complexion, according to their conversing with the Sun and Air; jealous and revengeful; implacable in their hatred, and impatient till they have avenged an Injury.
The Female Moors, if preserved from the Injuries of the Sun and Weather, are generally well complexioned, full bodied, and of good Symmetry; those that live in Towns are enclined to Paleness, seldom stirring abroad, unless to visit the Sepulchres of their deceased Friends, in Devotion to pray for their Felicity, and in the Night-time to the Baths for Health and Cleanliness; but always closely vailed, that no part is visible but an Eye. In the state of Matrimony their principal study is to please their Husbands, and to render themselves delightful to their Conversation.
[Page 457]Those Husbands that are able, allow their Wives Negro's or Black Women, to do all the servile Offices in the Family, yet there is no Quality that sit idle, for the chief of the Morisco Dames employ their time in some thrifty Housewifery. In their Visits one to another, no Man, though never so near a Relation, can be admitted into their Society; to prevent which, she that makes the Visit, first sends to know whether the Husband be at home, if not, then she goes to her Gossips Apartment, where she is entertained with a Liberality that never injures her Husband: And if the Husband chanceth to return home in the interim of the Visit, he is careful to give no Interruption, but, upon Notice, quickly departs the House, which intimated to the Visitant, she also shortens the Visit. This prevents the custom of expensive Gossippings, with which in some Nations so many Wives are debauched, and Husbands beggar'd. The Women are, indeed, kept in great subjection and retirement, which makes Adultery a Stranger to their Bed: Nor can it reasonably be otherwise, seeing that the Wife is fully assured, that the very Attempt to pilfer a Pleasure, if discovered, will cost her her Life.
There is a great appearance of Piety, in the customary Expressions and Salutations of the Moors in the beginning of any Labour or Journy, with Zeal and Humility they will look up to Heaven, and with a low Voice say, Bismillah; that is, In the Name of God: Intimating, That nothing ought to be enterprized, but in the power and hope of the Divine Favor and Help. And when the Work or Journy is finished, they say, Ham der Illah, Thanks be unto God, denying all Ascriptions of Success to themselves. When they meet upon the Road, their Greeting is, El ham dillah al salam tipsi, i. e. God be praised that I see thee well. In passing by one another, Salem alleque, Peace be with thee. At the hearing of one another sneeze, they say — God be your Keeper. The like Air and Genius of Devotion and Piety is observable in their Letters.
This Country abounds with Giamma's, Moschs or Churches, to which the Moors perform a great Reverence and Liberality, never suffering them to be prophaned, nor to want a competent Stock to keep them in Repair; their Situation is East and West.
In greater Towns there are many Giamma's; in Tituan 15, in Alcazar more; in Arzilla 5, and in Fez 700.
The Moors have at this day no Schools of Science, like the European Universities and Colleges. As for the College called Amarodock in Fez, whose Structure cost King Aba Henan 480000 Crowns, and which has been so often celebrated for its delightful Situation, [Page 458] Mosaick Arches, and Brazen Gates, it is now wholly destitute of Students. There are only petty Schools to write and read; and when the Pupil can read the Alcoran with perspicuity, and understand the principal Points it contains, and bears good a affection to the Priesthood, and is informed of the Rites of the Giamma, which are few and easie, and is deemed competent for Age and Learning, then two or three Alfaqui's or Priests examine the Candidate, and being found deserving, they grant him Testimonials of his willingness and abilities to be an Alfaqui, and this is all the Education and Orders bestowed upon their Priests.
The Moors season of Prayers is five times in 24 hours: The first is about Noon; the second about Three of the Clock in the Afternoon; the third at the going down of the Sun; the fourth a little within Night; the fifth a little before day in the Winter. In their Addresses to these Holy Celebrations, the Moors use great tokens of Reverence, being very careful by washing, &c. in sitting themselves for the Giamma.
And here give me leave to hint, what some of these Men (which we count Barbarians,) have animadverted, That the irreverent Carriage in Holy Places, and sawcy Behaviour at our Sacred Solemnities by some of us Christians, are great Reproaches to our Religion, and often by them resented with Anger and Indignation.
Prayer, they style, The Key of Paradise, and, The Pillar of Religion; and generally maintain so careful a performance of this publick Duty, that no secular Business can detain them from, nor any thing divert them, at their Devotion.
As every Cavila have an Alcalib, or High Priest, chosen by the Alfaquis or Priest, who is possessed of the Giamma Gheber, or Great Church, wherein every Friday, which is their Sabbath, he expounds some Text of the Alcoran; so also every Cavila and Town have a particular Alcaddee, from whom they cannot appeal to any other but Alcaddee Gheber, or the chief of these Justi [...]ers, who is appointed to receive such Appeals, and is in constant attendance upon the King or chief Governor. The Alcaddees sit in the Gates of the Cavila, or some publick place, to hear and determine all Cases. And the Alcoran being the immutable Rule both of Civil Justice and Religion, therefore, according to the Letter and Interpretation thereof, the Alcaddee frames all his Definitions and Judgments: Here's no intreaguing the Plea, with Resolutions, Cases, Presidents, Reports, Old Statutes, but according to the fresh circumstances of the Fact, and the proof of what is alledged.
[Page 459] Adultery is a Capital Crime in the Moresco Catalogue, and the person Convicted thereof, without any regard of his Eminence or Quality, is certainly stoned to Death.
For the first Theft, the Convict is publickly whipped in the Market. For the second, he loseth his Hand. For the third, he dies exquisitely tormented, and then exposed to the Birds of Prey. All Homicide, or killing of a Man by a Man, is Capital.
Usury is totally forbidden by their Law, for Mahomet hath made it an irremissible Sin; but he that borrows Mony of another wherewith to traffick and gain, gives the Lender an equal share of the Profits; and it is usual for the Lender to forbear the Borrower, till he perceive him fr [...]udulent, careless, or unfortunate.
Marriage is in so peculiar an Estimation, that Mahomed made it the second of his eight Precepts; and the Moors are so generally observant of this Commandment, that few among them are found to live out of the state of Wedlock, if they are able to purchase a Wife.
Polygamy, Concubinage, and Divorce, are used by them; for Mahomed, that he might the better complease the loose Humors of his first Sectaries, made his Religion to contain many carnal Indulgences, denying nothing to Musselmen, that had any sensible compliance with their brutal Affections.
Of ALGIER.
THE Kingdom of Algier is Famous as well for its Riches and Forces, as for its Piracies of Christians, and its Barbarousness to its Captives. It was known to the Ancients by the Name of Mauritania Caesariensis.
[Page 461]Geographers divide it into five Parts or Kingdoms, Telensin, Tenes, Algier, Bugia, and Constantina: Grammajus tells us, That the Turks have established therein twenty Governments, whereof ten are upon the Coast, and ten within Land: To these he also adds ten Divisions more, but so intermixed and uncertain, that I shall not mention them.
But I shall proceed to a Description of the five principal Parts aforesaid; and first of the Province of Telensin, by the Inhabitants called Tremecen, from its chief City, which is the Timici of Plin. and Ptol. Marmol. distant about seven or eight Leagues from the Sea. In the decay of the Saracenical Empire, it usurped the Majesty of a Kingly Title, which, tho' much disgraced by being made subject to Abulthasen, King of Fez, after a Siege of thirty Months, yet at last it assumed its Liberty under divers Kings of its own; one of which, viz. Abdalla, shaking off the Spanish Allegiance, submitted himself and Kingdom to Solyman the Magnificent. It was once a City one of the greatest and fairest of Barbary, and very strong; for it sustained a Seige of seven years against Joseph the puissant King of Fez, and at last forced him to raise it.
Humain al. One is the Antient Artifiga, Sans. Cisira & Sïga of Ptol. Castaldo. in 1535. ruined by the Castilians. The Country about it abounds with Figs, Oranges, Pomgranats, and Cotton, of which the Inhabitants make divers Manufactures
Haresgol or Aresgol is the Siga of Strab. Plin. and Mela. teste Marmol by some Zerfen or Zersen: A Roman Colony and Residence of Syph [...]x, before he seized the Estate of M [...]ssi [...]issa. Its situation is on a Rock, surrounded with the Sea, except on the South side; once much greater than it is, but the ill treatment it hath received from the Kings of Fez, from the Califfs, from the Moors, from the Castilians, and from the Arabs, hath reduced it to that small Estate that it is now at, under the Government of Algier
Oran, which the Africans call Tuharan (rather Guharan) the Nubian Geog. Vaharan, is the Cuisa of the Antient Sans. The Quiza and Zenitana of Plin. the Buiza of Ptol. taken by Cardinal Ximines, in the year 1509. at which time the Spaniards lost but fifty Men, killed four thousand Moors, redelivered twenty thousand Christian Captives.
Marsa el Quibir Sans. Marzachibar Merc. M [...]rza Quivir Baud. Portus Magnus of Plin, and Mela; taken by the Marquess of Comares, an [...] 1505. for the Spaniards: It is one of the fairest, greatest; and securest Ports in all Africa.
[Page 462] Tefezara or Tefesre was the Astalicis or Astacilitis of Ptol. teste Marmol.
Hubbede or Hubet, is the Mniara of Ptol. the Mina of Ant. Marmol.
Guagida the Lanigara of Ptol. Marmol. is the capital City of the Province of Hanghad or Anghad, possessed by the Arabs, and noted for its Ostriches.
Beniarax, or Beniarasid, the Bunobora of Ptol. Sans. is the Capital Town of the Province so called; it contains twenty five thousand Inhabitants, and pays twenty five thousand Ducates of Tribute.
Calat-Haoara, or the Ʋrbara of old, is strong.
Moascar, the Victoria of Ptol. is the Residence of the Governour of the Algerins.
Batha is the Vaga of old, much ruined; but Villanov. and Mol. tells us, That Vaga is now Tegmedel.
Tenes is a Country both plain and mountanous, yielding Fruits, Wax, Honey and Cattel: Its chief City beareth the same Name, and by Sanson is the Jol and Julia Caesaria of Plin. Strab. &c. seated near to the Sea, having a Castle and Palace, formerly the abode of its Kings, now of its Governours: other places are Brisch alias Brexcar, the Icosium of Plin. and Mela. Sans. But Castal and Molet tell us, Icosium is Acor.
Meliana is on the Mountains, so is Beni Abucaed and Guanser the Zabacus of Ptol. which can raise two or three thousand Horse, and fifteen or sixteen thousand Foot.
Mostagan is the Cartenna of Mela. Ant. and Ptol. Marm. Mazzagran Cast. Circilli Etrobio.
The Government of Algier comprehends likewise that of Couco in the Mountains, Built on the top of a Rock, whose Governors have often disputed their Liberty with the Deys of Algier. These Mountains are two or three days Journey long, and their Approaches difficult. They yield Olives, Grapes, and especially Figs, which is the Kings principal Revenue: As also, Iron and Salt-Peter; the Plains afford Corn and Cattle. The Inhabitants are Bereberes and Azuages, well armed and couragious.
The Metropolis of this Province is Algier or Argier, Incolis Gezier, the Antient Jol built by King Juba, afterwards the Julia Caesaria, Plin. teste Marmol. But Sanson will have Algier to be the Ruscurian of Plin. the Rusaccurran of Ant. the Rhusuccorae Ptol. But Marmol. will have Ruscarar to be Garbele. Castaldus will have Algier to be Sald [...]e of Plin. Ant. and Ptol. 'Tis one of the richest and best inhabited Cities of all Africa, by reason of the Pyracies of the Inhabitants [Page 463] upon the Ocean and Mediterranean. It is said to contain fifteen thousand Houses, and near as many Gardens round about it, abounding with store of pleasant Fruits, with their Fountains, and other places of delight.
The Air about Algier is pleasant and temperate; the Land hath excellent Fruits, as Almonds, Dates, Olives, Raisins, Figs, some Drugs, &c. The Plain of Mottia, fifteen or sixteen Leagues long, and eight or ten broad, is so fertile, that sometimes it yields an hundred for one, and bears twice a year. But most of the Inhabitants live by their Pyracy, which doth so much enrich the place, that Cardinal Ximenes was wont to say, That they that could take Argier, would find Mony enough in that Town to Conquer all Africa. Among the Tombs without the City is remarkable, that of the fairest Cava, Daughter of Count Julian of Bettica, who having been ravished by Rodoric King of the Goths, was the cause of the Moors descent into Spain. The Emperor Charles the Fifth lost before Argier the fairest Navy he ever had in his life.
The City of Temendfust, or Mansora, is about six Leagues from Algier, the Iomnium Municipium of Ptol. the Lamnium, Ant. teste Sans. or Caffen teste Mol.
Teddeles, or Taddeles, twenty Leagues from Algier, is the Rusipisis teste Sans. Saldae. Merc.
Cercelle or Sarcelle, near Albatel or Sargel, is the Rusicibar Ptol. the Rusubiticari Ant. teste Baud.
Couco is a separate Kingdom in the Mountains, of so difficult access, and so strong, that it maintains its Liberty, said to be the Tubusuptus Ptol. teste Baud.
The Province of Bugia lies between the Rivers Major and Sufgemar, or Suffegmar, the Ampsaga of Mela, and Ptol. teste Marmol. And hath for its chief City Bugia, a large City, adorned with many sumptuous Mosques, s me Monasteries and Colleges for Students in the Mahometan Law, and Hospitals for the Relief of the Poor, guarded with a very strong Castle. The Igi [...]gili, Castal. Taba [...]ra or Tabraca, Fazell [...], Baldae M l. Marmol. & aliis.
Lub [...]z makes a separate Estate above Bugia, and consists only in Mountains of so difficult access, that they are scarce forced to pay Tribute.
Calaa is the Chief Fortress and Residence of their Z [...]que or King.
T [...]zli, and Caco de Tele [...]ta, are at the foot of the Mountains.
Necaus is the most pleasant place of all Barbary, every House hath its Garden, and every Garden is so embellished with Flowers, Vines, [Page 464] Fruits and Fountains, that it seems a Terrestrial Paradise. The Baga, and Bagaia, Divo Augustino, Lib. Conc. Vaga Ptol. and Sil. Vaganse Op. Plin. teste Marmol. and Vagal Ant.
The Province of Constantina hath sometime had its Kings. This Province is divided into three Parts or Quarters, viz. that of Constantina, Bona and Tebessa.
Constantina, which the Moors or Arabians call Cosantina, the Antients Cirtha or Cirta Julia, which in Roman History was the Residence of many Kings of Numidia, as Massinissa and Syphax. This Cirta was besieged and taken by Massinissa, where Sophonisba, the Daughter of Asdrubal, Syphax's Queen was; who had so many Attractions and Charms, that in the same day she was Captive and Wife to Massinissa, who, that she might not be led in Triumph through Rome, poysoned her self. Its situation on a Mountain, which hath but two Avenues, the rest being Precipices, makes it strong.
Bona is the Antient Hippo regius, the Bishop's See of St. Augustine; ab Africanis Bened & Ʋgneb, teste Marmol. Vaga, Silio. Aliis Biserta Vecchia, & Razamilara, teste Baud.
Tebessa the Ancient Thereste, is said to excel all other Cities in Barbary in three things, in the force of its Walls, beauty of its Fountains, and great number of its Walnut-trees.
Collo is the Collops Magnus of Ptol. Mabra is the Aphrodium Colonia, teste Mol. Castal. Stora is the Rusicada of Plin. Ptol. and Mela, teste Mol. and Marm. The Genovese have a Fortress in the Isle Tabarca: And the French a Bastion between the Isle Tabarca and Magazin, called Bastion de France, for the security of their Fishing and Commerce.
These two Provinces of Bugia and Constantina contain the Numidia propria of the Ancients, Guzuntina incolis, teste Marmol. A Country which hath suffered great Changes under the Romans, Vandals, Moors, and afterwards by Barbarossa.
Of TƲNIS.
THE Kingdom of Tunis was the Native Country of Amilcar, Hannibal, Asdrubal, Mago, and Massinissa; And Christianism also is beholden to it for the birth of St. Augustine, Tertullian, St. Cyprian, Lactantius, Fulgentius. The Kingdom of Tunis is divided into four Maritim Governments, and three or four Inland ones. The Maritim are Biserta, Goletta, Sousa and Africa. The Inland ones are Beija, Ʋrbs, Cayroan, to which some add a part of Billedulgerid: and contains the Africa propria of Old: In qua Punica Regna vides, Tyrios, & Agenoris urbem. Virg. Lib. 1. Aeneidos. The Libyphaenices Liv. Libophaenices Plin. Libophaenicia apud Salustium. This City grew from the Ruins of Carthage, once formerly Romes great Rivaless: and the Capital City of a large Territory first built by Dido, Anno Mundi 3070, about an hundred forty and three years before Rome, and two hundred and ninety years from the destruction of Troy. Tunis is now one of the fairest Cities in Barbary, a place of great Traffick, and much frequented, affording several good Commodities, viz. Saffron, Wax, Oyl, raw and salted Hides, hard Soap: Variety of Fruits, Wool, Spunges, Ostrich-Feathers, and chiefly Christian Slaves: The Tarsis of the Antients teste Sanut. memorable also, in the holy Wars, for the Sieges and Successes of two of our English Princes, Edward the First, and Henry the Fourth, when but Earl of Darby. As to the old Carthage, let me only say, that it was once one of the fairest Cities of the World; when in its Splendor it was three hundred and sixty stadia in circuit, like to that of Babylon. Its Inhabitants so rich and powerful, that they disputed with the Romans, as was said, for the Empire of the World, but now lies buried in its Ruins. Biserta is the antient Ʋrica, of Caesar. Cic. Plin. Ityca Polyb. and Ptol. Porto Farina, and Incolis Garal-mesha, Marmol. and Faz. Mazachares, N [...]g, Bensert, Arab. Biserta, Ital. teste Baud. Here is a fair Burse or Exchange for Merchants; two great Prisons for their Slaves, and some Bastions to defend the Port, which is good and large. Memorable for the death of Cato, consisting of a high and low Town, the one on a Rock, the other on the Sea. That of Sousa (the Ruspina of Ptol. teste Sans. but Mahadia is the Ruspina teste Mol.) is a higher and lower City, the first on a Rock, and of difficult access; the later on the Sea with a good Port. In the year 1619, the Duke of Savoy made an unsuccessful [Page 466] Enterprise upon them: Within this Government is the City Hammametha Arab. the Adrumetum. Plin. Hadrumitum Melae, Adrumittes Ptol. which by Adianus is now called Toulba, by Merc. Mahometta, which communicates its Name to the neighbouring Gulph in the bottom, whereon it is seated, having strong Walls, and a safe Harbor.
In the Government of Africa, Merc. Mahadia Incolis, teste Faz. El-madia. Sans. the Aphrodisium Ptol. is a City of the same Name, twenty Leagues from Mahometta. Its Situation is in a Peninsula, guarded with a double Wall, and good Ditches: Its Port capable to lodge fifty Gallies, but its entrance so narrow, that a Gally cannot pass without lifting up its Oars. Sanson makes El-madia to be the antient Thapsus, where Caesar defeated Scipio, and Juba, after which defeat Cato slew himself at Ʋtica, by Sans. now Benserta: And Scipio being met by Caesar's Fleet, passing his Sword through his Body, flung himself into the Sea: Juba retired to Zama, where he had left his Children and Treasures, but being refused entrance, he and P [...]trejas retired into a House in the Field, where they killed themselves.
Zamara is the Zama of Polyb. Strab. and Plin. teste Marmol. Zamamizon Plin. where Hannibal was overcome by Scipio, one hundred Miles from Mahametta, and one hundred and twenty from Tunis.
Goletta is a Fortress between Tunis and the Sea; under this Fort General [...]lake with the English Fleet fired the Pyrate Ships of Tunis in 1654. Cayroan was the Residence of a Caliph, or one of Mahomets high Priests. It is the antient Thesdrus, where Massinissa beat Asdrubal, while Scipio look'd on. Begge, Beja lies in a Soil so fertile in Corn, that the Natives say, That if there were but two Beja's, there would be more Grains than Atomes of Sand upon the Sea-shore. The River Gu [...]dibalbar Mol. makes so many windings and turnings, that you cross it twenty five times in the Road from Bona to Tunis. Rubricatus Mela. and Ptol. Armua Plin. Ardalio Oros. Ladog. Cast. Jad [...]g. I. Leon. But Bagradas Ptol. Strab. & Liv. Magrida Leon. M [...]grada Mar. Magiordeck P. Jovi [...], Macra Polyb. Bagrada Caes. is made to be the River Guadibalbar in the Maps of Ortelius and Sans. Between the Kingdom of Tunis, and the Island of Malta lie some little Islands, as Pantalarea belonging to the King of Spain, wherein is a Gulph, from whence the Vapors that thicken upon the Rock above, destill as much Water as serves for the use of the Inhabitants: the Cossyra Ptol. Cosura M [...]la. & Flac. Cosyra Plin. Cosura Strab. distant from C. Bona, olim Herm [...]ae vel Mercurii promontorium forty five Miles, and from Maltha olim Melita, ninety. Lampadosa and Limosa belong to the Knights [Page 467] of Maltha. In Lampadosa stands a Chappel, famous for the Offerings of both Turks and Christians. And it has been observed, that never any Sacrilegious Person went unpunish'd, that robb'd it. The first Lopadusa of Strab. and Ptol. The other Aethusa and Aegusa, teste Ort. Checara I. Italis, Circare Gallis, Querquene Merc. Charchana Faz. is the Circina and Circinna of old.
The Kingdom of Tripoli is a barren Country, considerable only for the Trade of Tripoli in Barbary, so call'd to distinguish it from Tripoli in Syria and Natolia.
Capes and Caps Nig. Castal. &c. is the Tacape of Plin. Cape Ptol. Capa Procop. Thacapae or Tacapae Ant. Upon the Coast of this Kingdom lie the two Syrtes, the little one is called, The Gulph of Capes, by Ortel. Golfo di Caps, by Faz. Golfo di Beito. In circuit, 190 Miles; the great one, The Gulph of Sydra, Golfo di Solocho, and Golfo di Palo, in the Charts, Gallis, Les Seiches de Barbarie. Baxos de Barbaria Hisp. Golfo de Sidra, Italis. In circuit about four hundred Miles, teste Baud. 625. Plin. infamous for the shipwrack of Vessels, inhospita Syrtis Virg. 4. Aeneidos. The Island of Gerbas, where the Spaniards were defeated in the year 1560. by the Infidels. And here it was also that Dragut the Pyrate escaped the famous Doria, it was the Lotophagites of Strab. and Ptol. Meninx Plin. Mirmex Polyb. Girba Ant. Gerbi, Faz.
Old Tripoli, formerly Sabrata, Sans. is now decayed: The Sabathra Ptol. Sabatra Plin. Raksanabes Villan. Saxambis Mol. But New Tripoli, of Old Ocea, is much enriched by Pyracy. Along this Coast are some Isles, where grows the fruit Lotes very sweet and pleasant, and on the South of Tripoli is the fairest and best Saffron.
Lepeda and Lebeda, Baud. the Leptis of the Antients well known to the Romans, and to the Arab. of Nubia, Zoara of old, Pisida noted for its scarcity of Water.
Of the Kingdom of Barca.
Cyreniaca, Lybia, Marmarica are now comprehended under the name of Barca, which begins on the part where formerly stood the Altars of the Phylenians, which were also the bounds between the Territories of Carthage and Cyrene; and after that to the Empires of East and West. It is a Country for the most part dry and barren, covered over in most places with a thick light Sand, continually moved about with the winds, turning Hills into Vallies, and Vallies into Hills. As infamous for the birth of Arius, who denied the Divinity of Christ, so, as famous for one of the Sybils, hence named Lybica. These Sybils were in number ten, viz. Persica, Lybica, Delphica, Cumaea, Samia, Hellespontica, Tiburtina, Albunea, Scythoea [Page 468] and Cumana, which last is said to have written the nine Books of Sybils presented to Tarquinius uperbus, which contained Prophesies, of the Name, Birth, and Death of Christ.
The chief places of most esteem in former times were, 1. Barca, of old called Ptolomais, of such account, that it gave name to the whole Country.
2. Cyrene, once of such Power, that it contended with Carthage about their Territories: The Birth-place of Eratosthenes, Callimachus, and Symon of Cyreen, who carried our Saviours Cross: Now called Carvanna, Corene, Villano and Cairoan. Baud.
3. Berenice on the great Syrtes, now Bernicho.
4. Herculis Turris erected in honour of Hercules for killing the Dragon, and robbing the Orchards of the Hesperides of their golden Apples, this Orchard being placed here by Ptolomy, by Pomponius in the Atlantick Islands, by Virgil and Pliny in Mauritania.
5. Alberton, of old Paraetonium, the Sea-port to the Temple of Jupiter Hammon, seated in the midst of a vast sandy Desert, as they tell us, encircled with a delightful and pleasant Grove, watered with wholesome Springs, refreshed with a temperate Air, shaded with Fruit-bearing Trees, whose Leaves were always green.
This Country is now the thirteenth Calsiliff or Government under the Turkish Bashaw in Egypt, called Bonhera or Barca the Southern part whereof is called the Desert of Barca, famous for the Temple beforementioned, for its Oracle, for the Fountain of the Sun, for the destruction of Cambyses Army; and for the visit of Alexander.
Rivers I find few, but one of same enough for all the rest, by Ptolomy called Lathon, by Pliny Lethon, by the Poets Lethe, and feigned to come from Hell, and to cause forgetfulness in those that drink it: Now Milel. teste Marmol.
Of EGYPT.
EGypt is bounded on the North with the Mediterranean Sea, on the East with the Red-Sea, and the Isthmus between the Red-Sea and the Mediterranean; on the South with Ethiopia [Page 470] and Nubia; on the West with the Lybian Mountains, or Deserts of Barca.
This flourishing Kingdom possest by Mizraim, changed her antient Name, and became Egypt, at such time as Aegyptus (or Ramasis) the son of Belus, having expelled his Brother Dan [...]us or Armeus into that part of Greece, now called Morea, by whom the Argives were made Danai, which happen'd 877. years after the Flood, in the time of Joshua, as St. Augustine conjectureth out of Eusebius.
This Country by the Jews was called, Misraim; the Caldeans, Misrai; the Assyrians, Misri; the Arabians, Mesra; the Moors, Missir; and Babara, by the Antient Inhabitants Chemia and Hamia; by the Romans, Augustanica; by Berosus, Oceania; by Xenophon, Ogygia; by Herodotus, Potamia; by Lucian, Melambolos, alias Milampodus; by Homer, Hefestia; by others, Nilea, Aeria, an Osiria; by the Modern Turks, El-kebit. It is the only Region of Africa that borders upon Asia; and though the Air be bad, it is the best peopl'd in the World. Nor was it less peopl'd formerly, if it be true, that in the Reign of Amasis, one of their Kings, it contain'd above twenty thousand Cities. The extraordinary quantities of Corn which it yielded, caus'd the Antients to call it the publick Granary of the World. And the plenty or scarcity of the whole Roman Empire was still according to the Harvest of Egypt. Nile by the Inundation of his Stream, which is full of Nitre, gives the Ground this fertility. The Plants grow in such abundance, that they would choke one another, did they not strow the Fields with Sand. The Western part of Nile is more fruitful than the Eastern. Besides Corn, this Country affords Rice, Sugar, Dates, Senna, Cassia, Balsom, Hides, Flax, and Linen. They know little, who say that it rains not there. For the ordinary time of Rains and Winds begins in the Month of December or Kijahak, and continues till January and February, at the Eve of Pentecost, in the year 1672. there was Rain at Ros tte, and on the 24 of November, the Rains fell at Cairo, teste F. Vansleb. So that it is a great Error to say, it never Rains in Egypt; besides, there are often wet Mists, and in all seasons of the year, when the Nights are serene, there is much Dew that falls, but when the Nights are cloudy, there is no Dew.
To this day also Egypt shews us Pyramids, Obelisques, Labyrinths, and other Works of the Antient Kings raised at an incredible expence, to testifie their Puissance, and to employ their people. The Statue of Memnon was there formerly most remarkable, as also the Pharos near Alexandria: In the Lake Meris is said to be seen the place where the Labyrinth stood, wherein they say, There were above thirty three hundred Rooms. Mommies which are frequent in this Country, are nothing [Page 471] but the Bodies of dead Men embalmed and buried in Vaults, carefully provided for that purpose, where they keep entire two or three thousand years.
About five Miles from Cairo, as one Stephen Dublies reports, (being an eye witness) there is a place in which on every Good-friday there appears a great many Heads and Legs of Men, rising out of Ground: By late Relations, 'tis said to be only a Trick of the Water-men to get Money.
The Palm-trees may be reckoned among the Rarities of Egypt, they grow in couples, Male and Female, and do not fructifie but by coiture; the Fruit it bears is known by the name of Dates, in taste much like Figs, and all its parts are of several uses, as the Pith for a Sallet, the Husk of the Cod for Cordage, the Leaves for Fans, Feathers, &c.
Egypt at the beginning had Native Kings, who governed their Subjects with a free and unlimited Authority, and till the Government of Psammenitus, Son of Amasis, who rul'd in the year of the World 3454, were all called by one general Sirname, or Title of Pharaoh, being a Name of Dignity, as with us the Name of Emperor or King. But tho' Egypt hath been always of old governed by Kings, yet the Royal Seats have been changed. The first Royal Seat we read of was Tanis, where was Pharaoh's Court, and where God performed great Wonders; Thebes also was the Royal Seat. Then Memphis, which was the Seat of the Kings, of the Race of Coptus, till Nebuchadonozer sacked it. Alexandria, where the Greek Kings resided for nine hundred years, till the Arabians took Egypt, and made Fostat near old Cairo the Metropolis. After Giauher had built Cairo, about the year of the Hegira 362, he made that the Royal Seat, which continues to this time.
The Egyptians were antiently Heathens, almost every City had a God to adore: Abusir, or the old Busiris worshipped a Calf; Alexandria, the antient Racotis, adored a Serapis of Stone; Achmin, the old Panos, acknowledged Apollo; Bana worshipped a Dog; Bassa, or the old Bubastis had for a God a Lion of Stone; Eida adored a Serapis; Ischemunein, or the antient Hermepolis, worshipped a Man of Stone, Isvan, called by the Copties S [...]van, reverenced the Tree Lebaca; Cous worshipped the Moon and Stars; Mindadi the Fig tree of Pharaoh; Memphis a Calf; Atrib, or the old Atribis, adored a Calf of Stone; Semenant, which is the antient Sebennis, worshipped a Calf of Br [...]ss; Sa a Hog of Stone; Tuba had respect for the Water, according to an old Manuscript in Arabick.
[Page 472] Cambyses, the Son of Darius, in the year of the World 3454, was the first that made them stoop to a foreign yoke, he with a strong Army invaded and conquered Egypt, took Psammenitus Captive, putting to death, banishing and destroying all before him, reducing the Country to a Province, in which subjection to the Persians it remained above one hundred and fifty years, till the Reign of Artaxerxes Longimanus, in whose time the Egyptians set up one Inarus, Son of Psammitichus, before King of Libia, who governed happily, till Artaxerxes, with a great Fleet and Army, came upon them out of Phoenicia unawares, and soon reduced them again to his obedience, from which time it was subject to the Persian Kings, until the Reign of Darius Nothus, when they were expell'd by Amirteus, born in the City Sais, or Pelusium, now Calixene.
Six years reigned Amirteus, succeeded for about ninety one years by four Mendesian Princes, after that by three Sebenites, until Neciabanes the Second, in whose time Artaxerxes Ochus bereaved him of his Kingdom, and so Egypt fell again into the hands of the Persians, to whom it continued subject till the destruction of Darius Codomanus, by Alexander the Great, who brought it to the Grecian or Macedonia [...] Kings, that reigned five years over it; after Alexanders death it fell to Ptolomeus, Sirnamed Lagus, whence all the Kings, his Successors in that Kingdom, were called Ptolomies, subjoyning thereunto some other name.
The Ptolomies in Egypt which bore the Title of Kings, were ten in Number.
And their Race ended with Cleopatra, the Daughter of Ptolomy Auletes, courted at first by Julius Caesar, then by Mark Antony, through whose favours she kept her Sovereignty, but Augustus, at the Battle of Actium, ruining Antony's fortunes with the death of Cleopatra, who poisoned her self, made it a Roman Province, and it continued under that Empire, till the Reign of Heraclius, who held his Royal Court at Constantinople. After the dividing of the Roman Empire into Eastern and Western, Egypt fell to the Greek or Western share, till the Egyptians submitted to the Arabian Califs, about the year 704, to whom they stood faithful, till conquered by the Mahumetans. In the year 1155 Syracon or Xarracon, by others Aserddin, Schirachoch, an Armenian General, or first Vizier of the King of Damas, by his Victorious Arms took Captive the Calif of Egypt, and made himself Master there, with the Title of Sultan, or Souldan; so that it continued in that Name and Race, till the year 1242, when the Marmaluks, the off-spring of a people, on the Banks of the Euxine Sea, Mercenary Soldiers kept in pay of the Souldan, by the Murder of their Lord made themselves [Page 473] Lords of the Country, under the Tyranny of whose Race and Possession it groan'd from 1255, until the year 1517.
The last Souldan of Egypt, being call'd Tomumbey, the second of that Name, which by the Warlike Marmaluks was elected Sultan, who having Wars with the Turkish Emperor Selim, and by him defeated, fled to Cairo, where taken Captive and delivered up by a Moorish Prince, he was miserably in the said year 1517 Murdered, and his Body tyed to the Tail of a Camel, and dragged through Cairo. Which Victory so ruined the Power of the Marmaluks, that Egypt, by their Courage and Conduct kept in subjection above three hundred years, hath ever since truckled under the Command of the Turkish Empire, where the Grand Signiors manage the Government by a Bashaw, or Pacha, and chief of the Sangiacks, in the same manner as other Countries, subject to the Turks: Whose yearly Revenue is about 150000 pounds, which is divided into three equal parts, of which one is allotted for the discharge of the Annual Pilgrimage to Mecha, the second for the payment of the Soldiers, with other necessary charges of the Kingdom, and the third goes into the Turkish Chequer.
Egypt is inhabited at present by Copties, Moors, Arabians, Turks, Jews, Greeks and Franks. The Turks govern the Country, and act in all Offices of State. The invention of Astrology, Arithmetick and Physick, is attributed to them, for which reason Egypt is call'd the Mistress of Arts. Ptolomeus Philadelphus, is said to be the Person who ordered the Bible to be translated by the Seventy Interpreters: as usally called, though indeed they were seventy two; and bought above two hundred thousand Volumns of Manuscripts. There were also a prodigious number of Books in the Library at Alexandria, which were unfortunately lost, when Julius Caesar made War there. The Natives of the Country, have a particular Art to hatch Chicken by the heat of their Ovens, wherein sometimes they will put three or four thousand Eggs together; and when they are hatch'd, they sell them by the Peck. The Copties are Natives of Egypt, the natural Inhabitants of the Country, and use a Language altogether particular to themselves, and a certain sort of Writing little different from that of the antient Greeks. There is now scarce ten or fifteen thousand of them left, according to the relation of their Patriarch; Millions of them having been put to the Sword, partly by the Pagan Emperors, for their adhearing to the Christian Faith, and partly by the Christian Emperors, for their obstinacy in maintaining the Error of Dioscorus, one of their Patriarchs concerning one Nature, one Will, and one Person in Jesus Christ. Histories tells us, That the Governor, under Dioclesian the Emperor, Massacred in one Night, at Christmas 80000, who [Page 474] were buried at Mount Achmin in the upper Egypt; and at another time near Isna, the same Governor, or another, put to death so many as were not to be numbred. And Macriz, in his History of the Patriarchs tells us, That Justinian the Emperor caused 200000 Copties to be killed at Alexandria.
The Egyptians, in old time, were eminent in Arts and Learning, from them Pythagoras and Democritus learnt their Philosophy, Licurgus, Solon and Plato their Forms of Government. Here flourished the learned Grammarian, Aristarchus; Herodian and Dydimus so well skill'd in Sciences; Appianus the Historian; C. Ptolemeus the Geographer; Trismegistus the Philosopher; Pantenus a Reader of Divinity; Origen, and Clemens Alexandrinus, notable in all Learning; Dionysius, Athanasius and Cyril, Bishops, and the glories of their times.
The Copties divide the Seasons of the year thus; Autumn from the fifteenth day of September, to the fifteenth of December; Winter from thence to the fifteenth of March; Spring from thence to the fifteenth of June; and Summer from thence to the fifteenth of September.
They begin the year on the eighth of September, according to the Gregorian Style, or on the Twenty eighth of August, according to the Greeks Calendar.
They begin their Computation or Aera from the Dioclesian Massacre, and reckon this present year 1687 to be the year 1413.
To every Month they allot thirty days which makes up three hundred and sixty, and to compleat the year, they add the five at the end of all.
The present Egyptians are generally of an Olive Colour, and the further they are from Cairo towards the South, the more tawny, and towards Nubia black, as the Nubians. Their ordinary Vices are Idleness and Cowardize: Their ordinary Employment is to take Tobacco, and drink Coffee: To sleep and lie in an idle place, or sit talking together: Generally ignorant in all manner of Sciences.
In the present State of Egypt, the Author F. Vanslebius tells us concerning the Crocodile, which is the most remarkable, and most curious Animal belonging to Nilus: That (though Pliny affirms it to be commonly above eighteen Cubits in length) many Hunters of Crocodiles have assured him, that it never grows above a Cubit in length in a year, and when it comes to twelve years old, it grows no more: That its Eggs are as big as the Eggs of Ostriches, and are sometimes thirty, never a hundred; and as soon as out of its Body, it carries them to some Island of Nilus, and puts them in a Hole, and covers them with Sand, and so leaves them, till by natural Instinct it knows that the Young are formed: It goes then and opens the Hole, and [Page 475] breaks the Shell for the Young to creep out: Of all the Creatures that live upon the Earth, this alone is without a Tongue, and this alone moves the upper Jaw in eating.
Concerning the Ichneumon, called by the Arabians, Nims; by the Italians, Sorca di faraone; by the French, Rat d' Aegypte; it is very true, that it creeps into the Mouth of the Crocodile, enters into its Belly, which it gnaws to the very Entrails; the like happens to the Camels and wild Beeves, and other Animals, when they sleep in the Fields.
That which Pliny speaks concerning the Dolphins, is not likely, for there are none in the River: But it may be the Tirse, which is the only Fish that assaults the Crocodile.
That which Pliny saith of the Trochilos, requires a farther inquiry; for one may ask an hundred years in Egypt what this Bird is, and yet get no acount of it. Beitar saith, there is a certain Bird, as little as a Teitavy, enters between his Jaws, and eats up Slime and Worms, if any; and when the Crocodile feels that all is clean, he shuts his Mouth to eat the Bird also; but nature hath provided an expedient to secure it; for it hath two sharp pricks on the top of the Birds head, which when the Crocodile feels, he opens his Jaws again for the Bird to escape out.
But the Moors in Egypt knew not any Bird that had any prick, on the head; they told the Author, That there is in Egypt the Saksak, a Bird that always kept the Crocodile company, and which lives upon the Filth and Meat that sticks about the Crocodiles Teeth: So that whether the Saksak of the Moors, or the Bird mentioned by Beitar be the Trochilos of Pliny, I leave it to the Reader to judge.
That the Crocodile will live a long time without Meat, as Pliny affirms, is a truth, for the Author had two which lived a Month without eating: And the Moors say, they will live forty days without nourishment: They have in all seventy two great Teeth, very sharp, thirty six in the upper, and as many in the lower, Jaw.
Its four Paws are furnished with great sharp Claws, the two forefeet have five distinct, separated the one from the other; the two hinder feet have but four, which are all joyned together by a thin Skin, as are the Feet of Sea-fowl, as Geese or Ducks.
The Arabian Authors say, That it casts out its Excrements by its Throat, because it hath no hole under its Tail, and that its Stones have the smell of Musk; but of this, the Author had no experience of; when the Male covers the Female, she lyeth upon her back, and because she cannot well turn her self again, the Male turns her when he hath performed.
[Page 476]Amongst the rare Trees of Egypt, he names the Doum, or the Gum-Tree, in which are two things remarkable. 1. That its Leaves burst forth only at the ends of its Branches, and in the thick bunches. 2. That they are so equal and even at the end of the Branches, that one would think they were cut with Cissars. Amongst the Plants he mentions one called Gesalaht, that grows as big as a Tree.
As to the rare Birds he hath seen heads of Ostriches in the Deserts, that lead to the Monastery of St. Anthony, what he relates of their hatching their Eggs with their Eyes is very strange, and that the Sciamta is so strong, that it can carry a Man up into the Air.
That there is such a prodigious number of Pigeons, that they are sold at the rate of about two hundred and forty couple for four shillings and six pence.
Concerning the Pyramids he tells us, That he guesses by the place, that there have been formerly an hundred Pyramids great and small; that they are all built on a Rock, for the greatest is nothing but a Rock cut as a Pyramid, and covered over with a Wall of Stone; so that 'tis probable that the Stones have been taken from the place, and not brought from far as some imagine: That the greatest hath but two hundred and six steps; and that on the top of it was antiently a Statue or Colossus: And on the top of the Sphinx stands the head of a Woman, of an extraordinary bigness and height.
That the Caves of Egypt are strange Curiosities digged in the main Rocks, the Walls of many of them are full of Hieroglyphical Figures carved in the Rock; the Colours of them being extreme fresh and beautiful, after so many Ages since. 'Tis said that the Kings of Egypt employed the Israelites in digging of them.
At Sacara, a Village four hours travelling from the Pyramids are pits where Mummies are buried.
That at the Church of Gemaine, on a certain day, they yearly observe the Apparitions of some Saints, which F. Vanslebius tells us, are only from the Reflections of Objects, that pass by the Church at some convenient distance.
That the Lodgings of the Seventy Interpreters are yet standing, with the Closets, where they performed the Work in Alexandria.
The Salt-pits and Cisterns near Alexandria are remarkable, for that the Water of Nilus, the sweetest and freshest in the World, makes a Salt not only whiter than ordinary, but very excellent, having the taste of Violets: This quality proceeds from the Nitrous Earth, for if a piece of it be laid in the Sun, it will become white as Snow on [Page 477] that side that is towards the Sun. These Lakes of Salt-peter or Niter yield every year three thousand and six hundred Quintals, so that every Quintal sold for twenty five Meidins, this Revenue comes to thirty six Purses, or eighteen thousand French Crowns yearly.
The Grand Signior hath yearly carried out of Egypt to Constantinople, in Spanish Coin and Zequins of Venice, one thousand two hundred Purses, each Purse containing five hundred Crown, which makes one hundred and fifty thousand pound.
The Talismantick Science is much used in Egypt. And our Author tells us, He hath procured all the rare Manuscripts of the antientest and best Arabian Authors concerning it, and that he hopes one day to discover the admirable Secrets of this Science, and to unfold the Aenigmas under which it lies hid.
Egypt is generally divided into four parts, Thebais now Sahid, or upper Egypt; Bechria or Demesor, otherwise middle Egypt; Errif, or the lower Egppt, and the Coast of the Red-Sea. Some make only two Divisions, the Upper and the Lower, following the course of Nile: But at present Egypt is also divided into Twelve Caciefs, Sangiacutes, or Governments.
Jaques Albert reckons thirteen Kossuffs or Provincial Jurisdictions, viz. Girgio or Sahid, Manselout, Benesuef, Fiam Gize Bouhera, or Baera Garbia, Menousia, Mansoura, Kallioubich, Minio, Cherkeffi, and Kattia: But the Divan, or Council of Gran Cairo will not allow Kattia to be numbred with the rest. F. Vansleb. tells us, There are thirty six Caciefs or petty Governors.
Strabo of old divided it into thirty seven Parts, by the Greeks called Monoi: Ptolomy enlarged it to forty; and Herodotus reduced it to twenty eight: But thirty seven seems most agreeing to the mysterious Temple or Labyrinth, (on the South side of the City of Alexandria, near the Lake Mereotis, and adjoyning to the Sepurchers of King Meris and his Wife) in the midst whereof were thirty seven Palaces belonging to the thirty seven Jurisdictions of Egypt, whereof ten in Thebaes, ten in Delta, and seventeen in the middle Region; unto which resorted the several Presidents, who had there their particular Temples to celebrate the Festivals of their Gods. There were also fifteen Chapels, containing each a Nemesis to advise of Matters of Importance concerning the General Welfare.
Among the Cities, Caire is call'd the Great, in respect of the advantages, which it has above all the Cities of Africa. It is three Leagues Lower, and upon the opposite side to that place, where stood the antient Memphis. The Castle, which is built upon the rising ground, has the noblest prospect, and enjoys the best Air in the World. It is one [Page 478] of the largest, and most Magnificent, and counted the strongest that ever was contrived: But the last relation of 1627, says, it hath lost much of its antient Splendor, and it is not now of any strength: It is not of Marble as some relate, but beautifi'd with several pieces of Mosaic work. In the Castle, Gun-powder is made in two Rooms, in each of which are twelve Pewter Morters, with Iron Pestles to pound the Ingredients, which receive their motion from a long Pole, that answers to a B [...]am that stands in the middle of a Chamber, which a Horse turns round. The Water of Nile is convey'd thither by an Aqueduct of a hundred and fifty Arches. The Inhabitants of Caire must needs be very numerous; it being averr'd, that in the year 1618, there dy d above six hundred thousand People of the Pestilence, and yet there was no miss of the Inhabitants. And our Author tells us, That the Archbishop of Mount Sinai told him, That the Plague of 1671, or 1672, had swept away 680000 poor Persons, but of the richer sort scarce four hundred were dead. In short, they say, it contains two hundred thousand Houses, eighteen thousand considerable Streets, and is in Compass about twenty five or thirty Leagues. But then you must take in the Old as well the New Caire, Festat, Babylon, Charaffat, and the Boulac, that joyns to it: For the New Caire it self is not so big as Paris. The People ride in the Streets upon Asses, as we make use of Sedans; not but there are Horses in Egypt, but the Turks have introduc'd this Custom to preserve the Horses for themselves. The Inhabitants of Caire make those fair Carpets which we call Turkie Carpets. Five Miles South East of the Pyramids, and two from the Nilus West stood the Regal City of Memphis, the Strength and Glory of old Egypt, where was the Temple of Apis, and the sumptuous Temple of Vulcan. Here stood the Fane of Venus, and that of Serapis. A City once adorned with a World of Antiquities, but now the Ruins are almost ruinated.
Besides the Pyramids and the Mummies, which are about six Leagues from Caire, all Travellers are curious to see Josephs Well and his Granaries. About two Leagues also from Caire is to be seen the Matarea, Ma-Tarca, or retiring place of the Virgin, with a Fountain, which, together with that at Caire, is the only Spring Water of Egypt. But the Plant, or Balm trees, which bears the true Balsom, and which was brought from the Holy Land, by the care of Cleopatra, and the permission of Antony, is quite lost. As also the Sycamore Tree which split in two to hide our Lord Jesus Christ, and his most Holy Mother, when the Soldiers of Herod persued them.
Sahid formerly Thebes, Diospolis & Heliopolis D. Siculo, Solis Oppidum Plin. which had a hundred Gates, was the Residence of the [Page 479] Egyptian Kings, who afterwards remov'd to Alexandria, thence to Memphis, and lastly to Caire. The Modern Relations call this City Gergio, and make it the Residence of a Basha, affirming that only the Province bears the Name of Sahid; called Hecatompylos, and in the Copt [...]es Dictionaries, Antinoe and Thebes, now Insine, teste Vansleb. Its Mountains and Islands are as great Curiosities as any in Egypt. As also the Pillar of Marcus, Aurelius, and the Arch of Triumph, and the Hieroglyphick Cave where the Colours of the Figures are very beautiful and lively, during so many Ages passed: Now Minio, teste Sanson.
Alexandria, Scanderic, Turcis & Arahibus. Hebraeis, No, built by Alexander the Great, was formerly one of the best Cities in all Africa next to Carthage, where the Ptolomies and Cleopatra kept their Courts. It was adorned with many stately Edifices, the most famous whereof were the Serapian, which for the curious Workmanship, and stateliness of Building was not inferior to the Roman Capitol. The Library of Ptolomy Philadelphus, founded the year after the Creation of the World 3704, or by others 3 [...]80, is said to contain 400000, or, as others write, 700000 Volumes. The Obelisks full of Egyptian Hieroglyphicks of a vast bigness, and of an intire Stone. When this City was subject to the Romans, it contributed to them more in one Month, than Jerusalem in a whole year. Formerly the Tower of Pharos stood not far from it, one of the seven Wonders of the World. The Pillar of Pompey leans on one side, occasioned by the Arabians digging, and under-mining of it, in searching for a great Treasury hid under it, as they believe. The City enjoys a small Trade to this day, by reason of its two Ports, or Havens; and is the Seat of a Patriarch. St. Mark and St. Catherine have render'd it famous in Ecclesiastical History, and in the Deserts of St. Macarius, where were reckon'd to be above three hundred Monasteries which lie to the West of it. But now of all those Monasteries there are but two remarkable, that of the Syrians, and Amba Biscio [...].
Damietta, by the Arabians Damiat, Tamiatis, or Tamiathis, teste Guilandino, about eight Miles from the mouth of Nilus: Next to Cairo it is the greatest, most beautiful, the richest, the most populous, and fullest of Merchants of all Egypt. It is built upon the River Nilus in form of an half Moon: But it hath no Walls, nor Fortifications, only a round high Tower, where there is neither Watch, nor Ward, nor Guns, yet memorable for the often Sieges laid unto it, by the Christian Armies, and the taking of it, Anno 12 8, and [...] 9. The Trade of this City is in Linen and Stuffs of all kinds and Colours, Coffee and Rice, of which last there is every year above five hundred Ships great and small loaded out for Turkie. The pickled Mullets [Page 480] here are highly esteemed all over the Levant. The Town is governed by an Aga, sent thither by the Pacha of Cairo.
Mansoura is situate upon the East side of the Nilus. Here St. Lewis the French King was taken Prisoner by Sultan Saleh, in the History of the Holy War, translated out of the French, 'tis called Kase [...]. Its antient Name I find not by its situation it should be near unto the Tanis of Strabo and Ptol. the Taphnis, Ezekieli.
Pelusium, called Belbais, by W. of Tyre, now Calixene, teste Bonacciola, was the Birth-place of Ptolomy the Geographer, and the Episcopal Seat of Isidore.
Rosetta Italis, Raschit Turcis, the Metelis of Ptol. and Mela, teste Ben. Tudelensi, Bolbitina, teste Villano, & Mol. aliis, Canopus: But by Ziegler, Bocher, or Bichieri, vulgo C. d. Be ur, is the Canopus from Canobus. Menelaus, Pilot here buried, and where stood the Temple of Serapis.
According to F. Vanslebius, Fuva, or Fuoa seated upon the East side of Nilus, seven hours from Rosetta, was by the Greeks called Metelis, and in the Copties Dictionary, Messil, which he saith is very antient, a great and considerable Town, in a delightful Territory of pleasant Fields and Gardens, and that Geziret, or the Island of Gold, is over against this City.
At Rosetta the Nilus hath two Branches or Mouths which run into the Sea, which are guarded with two Castles, that which is about a Mile and a half from Rosetta, is a square encompassed with strong Walls, built according to the old way, having four Towers furnished with seventy four Pieces of Cannon, whereof seven are of an extraordinary bigness. The other Castle is but a Mosque, before it stand seven Pieces of Artilery on the Ground.
The Waters of Maadie is a Gulph or Pool, whose Waters are very salt, and comes not from Nilus.
Benesuaif is the Hermopolis of Strab. and Plin. teste J. Leone, the Hermetis, and Hermopolis Ptol. Here Pan and Hircus were worshipped, teste Zozomeno, in Historia Eccclesiastica: 'Tis now called Ischemunein, teste Vansleb.
Seminaut, the antient Sebennis, or Sebenit, teste Vansleb. Sturione Negro, is a great Town seated on the West side of Nilus, where the Barks that sail for Cairo pay Custom. The Custom-house is built upon a Ship in the River.
Mitgamr is a very beautiful and large Town, in the middle way between Damiata and Cairo, on the East side of Nilus: and over against it is Sitfe a fair and large Town.
[Page 481] Chana is the Ombri or Ombros, Invenal. teste Ortel. rather Coptes, teste Ramusio, forty four Miles from Thebae, and three hundred from Alexandria.
Alguechet is the Oasis Magna of Herod. Ptol. &c. Anasis, Strab. Avasis aliis, now Gudemez Zieglero.
El-Eocath, or Eleochet is the Oasis parva. Azagar Barria.
Abutich or Albutig is the antient Abydus, test. Cast. & Mol.
Sues, or Suez, the Residium of Strabo, the Arsinoe and Cleopatris Ptol. teste Zieglero, which contains not above two hundred Houses, with a bad Port, is nevertheless the Turks Arsenal upon the Red-Sea. The Haven is small and shallow, for neither Gallies nor Ships can enter into it till they are half unladen; which is the reason that most of the Vessels lie in the Rode, where they are more secure than in the Port. The Governor keeps two small Gallies, and some other Vessel, to maintain his Authority in the Red-Sea. The Commodities of the East Indies were heretofore brought thither, and then convey'd into Europe, but now the Turks enjoy no more that Commerce, by reason of the settlement of the Christians in the Indies. The Ships set out from Sues in the Spring and Summer, when the North Wind blows; the South Winds being most constant in Winter and Autumn. Cossir formerly Berenice, was the Port whither the Romans ordered all goods to be brought that came from the East Indies; which from thence were carry'd the nearest way by the Nile to the City of Coptos, now call'd Cana. Buga in the most Southern part of Egypt is a Kingdom, according to the Relations of 657, tributary to the Abyssins.
The antient Town of Arsinoe situated near Fium is totally ruined, nothing now remaining but a great many Mountains made of the Ruins and Rubbish of the Town, once one of the most great and glorious Cities of Egypt.
The Monastery of St. Anthony hath no Gate, but Men and Beasts are all drawn up over the Wall by a Pulley, it hath about two thousand four hundred Acres within the Wall.
Siut, called in Greek Lycopolis, teste Vanst but Baud. tells us, Licopolis is now Munia, teste Mol. is one of the most famous Towns of the Upper Egypt, seated at the foot of a barren Mountain, that stands on the West side about half a League from Nilus: The Town is great and populous, full of Christian Copties, where is a Cave cut in the Rock, large enough to draw up in Battalia one thousand Horse.
Tahta is seated near the Ruins of the antient Town, Abutig called by the Copties [...], upon the Banks of Nilus about two days journey from Siut towards the South.
[Page 482]The Monastery of St. Sennodius the Archimandrite, sirnamed the White, is built near the Ruins of the Antient Town Adribe, where are the Remains of one of the most Magnificent Structures that hath been in Egypt
Minie is an antient, great and fair. Town on the West side of Nilus, where are made the Bardaques, or Water-pots, which are so highly esteemed at Ca [...]ro.
Isne, Vansl. Asna, J. Leont the Syene Plin. Ptol. & Diod. four hundred and fifty Miles from Alexandria: Isvan, Asnan, or Asuam, is the Metacompsa of Ptol. Tacompson Plin. Tachemimpto Mela, teste Zieglero. Tuot is Eleven Leagues North of Isna, on the East of Nilus, where is a Temple of the antient Egyptians.
Arment is twelve Leagues from Tuot, now ruined and forsaken, where the Egygtians believe, Moses was born.
At Luxor two Leagues from Tuot, are to be seen the Remains of an antient and beautiful Temple, in which are seventy eight Pillars of a prodigious bigness, and at the old Luxor is an antient Palace, whose Ruins shew, that it hath been very glorious.
Bethsames, was one of the chief Cities of Ramasis, or Goshen.
Abydus, now Abutich, once the Royal Seat of Memnon, renowned for the Temple of Osiris, and the Statue of Memnon.
The chief Lakes in Egypt were Mareotis, now Lago de Antacon. Sebaka Vansleb. the other Meeris, now called Buchiarea, or Kern, Vansleb.
BILEDƲLGERID, ZAARA, &c.
BIledulgerid improperly is the Numidia of the Antients, where inhabited the Getuli, it signifies a Country plentiful in Dates. Which is a Fruit which much enriches the Inhabitants. This part of Africa extends from East to West, almost as far as Barbary. Its principal Parts are Sus or Tesset, Darha, Segelomessa, Tegorarin, Zeb and Mezzab, Techort and Guergula, Biledulgerid, and the Desert of Barca.
[Page 484] Sus by Sanutus is called Tesset, to distinguish it from that in the Kingdom of Morocco: It is said to have many Towns, Castles and Villages. Its Inhabitants are Beriberes, Africa [...] or Arabs.
Tesset is a Town of about four hundred [...]ses.
Darba, its chief Town [...] same name, seated upon a River, a so so called.
Segelomessa [...], one of the greatest and best Provinces of Biledulgerid, whose chief City bears the same name, containing several small Estates.
Tegor [...]rin hath more than fifty walled Towns, and one hundred and fifty Villages.
Zeb and Mezab are much troubled with Scorpions, whose bitings is mortal.
The Estates of Techort and Guergula have each their Prince; yet pay Tribute to Algier.
Biledulgerid, or Beled-Elgered contains the Estates of Gademes, Fezzen and Teorregu, the chief City is Caphsa, the Capha said to be built by the Lybian Hercules.
There are in Biledulgerid some few Mahometan Kings, whose power is very inconsiderable. The Arabians under their Cheicks or Cheifs, are very strong in Horse, and would be able to attempt great things, were they not so much at War among themselves. Sometimes they assist the Turks, sometimes the King of Morocco and Fez. The change of Governments, and diversity of Languages has made a great alteration in the Names of the Cities. The Arabians are great Hunters of Ostridges, as getting great profit by it. For they sell the Feathers, eat the Flesh, make Bags of their Skins to put their baggage in; they divine by the Heart, they make their Medicaments of the Fat, and Pendants for their Ears of the Claws and Beaks.
Mount Alas extends some of its Limbs into Biledulgerid. And the Cape of Non was for a good while the furthest shore of the Portugal Navigation.
Zahara or Zaara signifies a Desert: And is part of that which the Antients called Lybia interior, where lived the Antient Getuli and Garamantes.
The Getuli were a people of the Interior Lybia, Vagrants having no certain fixed Habitation, teste Silio & Melas: By Pliny they are placed in Mauritania Caesariensis, next to the Massaesylis. By Ptolomy in Lybia interior near to Dara: By Honorius between Carthage and Numi [...]ia.
[Page 485]There is nothing to be seen but Sand, Mountains, and Scorpions; for which reason the Inhabitants wear Boots to preserve themselves from being bitten by those Animals. Nevertheless, the Air is wholesome, and the Sick are brought thither out of other Countries to recover their Health. The Arabians make three Divisions of it; Cebel, where the Sand is small without any greenness. Zaara, where it is all Gravel, and somewhat green. And Asgar full of Lakes, Grass and Shrubs. Travellers must provide themselves of all necessaries. For the Houses and Wells are so far distant one from another, that a Man may Travel a hundred Leagues together, and not meet either with Lodging or Water. In one of these Deserts, a Merchant suffer'd so severe a Drowth, that he gave ten thousand Duckets for a glass of Water; and yet he dy'd as well as the Carrier that had receiv'd the Money. Men are forc'd sometimes to bury themselves in the Sands, to avoid the Lions, and other Wild Beasts, that make a most dreadful roaring in the Night. The Natives are for the most part Shepherds, and the best Huntsmen in the World, but very miserable. Some of them are Mahumetans, but the most part Libertines. Several petty Lords receive the Tribute of the Caravans that pass through the Country. Their other Revenue consists in Cattel; and when they value the Wealth of a Man, they ask how many Camels he hath.
There are reckon'd to be five principal Deserts, Zanhaga, Zuenz [...]ga, wherein there are Salt Pits, Targa, Lempta and Berdoa, to which some add Borno and Gaoga. The Ghir, which is their biggest River, makes some very considerable Lakes, and is lost in the Sands, in several places as it runs; the Rio Ouro, was so call'd by the Portugals, by reason of Gold which they found in it, at their first coming. This River runs under the Tropic through Desert Countries, with ten or twelve Arms toward the end of its course. The Coast to Cape Bejador is nothing but white and grey Sand-h [...]lls, overgrown with wild Bulrushes.
Nigritia, or the Land of the Blacks seems to be so call'd from the Antient Nigrites, so term'd also from the blackness of their Complexion: Or else from the Colour of the Earth, which in some parts is all scorch'd, and burnt up by the excessive heat. The Niger somewhat qualifies the heat of the Country; but the Rains occasion several Diseases. Cape Blanco, or Caput Album, is a long extent of Sand, as hard as a Rock, about ten or twelve Cubits high, with a spacious Port, where Ships ride safe, what ever Wind, for the most part, blows. Arguin, a Castle in a small Island, belongs to the [Page 486] Hollanders. Barks may go up the River of Saint John, and there Trade with the Negros for Ostridge Feathers, Gums, Amber, and some small parcels of Gold. Senega, one of the principal Arms of Niger, is not above a League over at the Mouth. The Coast to the North of Senega is very low, not to be seen hardly twelve Leagues off the Road of Cape Verd. the Asinerium promontorium, teste Barrio, Mancandan and Besenege, Thev. Ryssadium prom [...]nt. teste Nigro, is about twelve Fathom deep, with a grey Sand at the bottom. The Flemish Island, or Goree, is fortified with a Platform flank d with four Baslious, with a strong brick Tower. The entry into it is upon the West part of the Island, where a Ship of fifteen hundred Tun may Ride. The Road is good, but there is little fresh Water. Rafrisque is a very convenient retiring place. Gambia is about five Leagues over at the Mouth; but is not Navigable for Barks above sixty Leagues, by reason of the Sands and Rocks in it. Some say, that the Portugals go up the Niger, as far as the Kingdom of Benin, which is above eight hundred Leagues: That the Danes possess Cantozi, toward that part where Niger divides it self: That Niger makes several Lakes, upon which are built many fine Cities, from whence there go Caravans as far as Tripoli in Barbary. The Negros are very simple, Idolaters toward the Sea, and Mahumetans in the Inland Country. They have some very considerable Kingdoms, but the greatest part of their Cities are not so good as our Villages; the Houses being built of Wood, Chalk and Straw; and many times one of these Cities make a Kingdom. The last Kings of Tombote were reported to have great store of Gold in Bars and Ingots. The Kingdom of Gu [...]l [...]ta affords Millet. Geneh [...]a is rich in Cotton: In that of Agades stands a City indifferently well built. Borno, formerly the Country o [...] the Garaman [...]es, is inhabited by a People that have all things in common, every particular person acknowledging them, for his Children, which are most like 'em; the most flat nos'd being acconuted the most beautiful They of Senega trade in Slaves, Gold-dust, Hides, Gums and Civets. The Negro's there are very strong, and therefore bear a better price; those of Guiny are good, but not so strong, for which, reason they are usua ly put to work within doors. 'Tis the Proverb, That he that would have good service from a Negro, must give him little Meat, keep him to hard Labor, and beat him often. To the South of Niger lie several little Kingdoms, that of Melli, with a City containing six thousand Houses. Gago, abounding in Gold. Z [...]r [...]g, considerable for its [...]rade. Z [...]nfara, fertile in Corn. To reckon any more of their Towns, would be as tedious as unnecessary, [Page 487] as being neither well peopl'd, nor of any Trade And indeed all these Kingdoms and People are so little known, that 'tis not worth the time and pains to speak more of them.
I shall only say, That the Arabian Geographer tells Wonders of Ghana or Cano, of its Greatness, Riches and Trade, of its King, Government, Palace, &c. But how far to be credited must be left to those who have been in those parts, the Portugals and Hollanders, having been the chief Traders on these Coasts.
Of GƲINY.
Giny is a long Coast of Land, contained between the Cape of Sirra Leone, on the West, and the River Camerones on the East, containing about seven or eight hundred Leagues in length, and not above one hundred, or one hundred and fifty, in breadth: It is divided into three principal Parts, called Maleguete, Guiny and Benin. Under the Name of Malaguete, is contained all that Land between the Capes of Sirra Leona, and Palm [...]s, and is so called from the abundance of M [...]leguete, a sort of Spice like Pepper, but much stronger than that of India; and of their Palm-trees they make Wine as strong as the best of ours.
Guiny extends from Cape Palmas, to the River Voltas, it is the largest and best known of all the three Parts; its Coast from Cape Palmas to Cape three Punctas, is called the Ivory Coast, that which is beyond it is called the Cold Coast, where are the Kingdoms of Sabou, Foetu, Accara, and others. The Kingdom of Benin, which is the third Part, hath more than two hundred and fifty Leagues in length. Cape Formosa, dividing it into two parts, its principal City so called is esteemed the greatest and best built of any in Guiny, the King thereof is said to keep five or six hundred Wives.
The whole Coast of Guiny is subject to such excessive heats, that were it not for the Rains and the coolness of the Nights, it would be altogether unhabitable. It furnishes other Countries with Parrats, Apes. White Salt, Elephants Teeth, Hides, Cotton, Wax, Ambergreefe, Gold and Slaves. The Natives are reputed to be presumptuous, Thieves, Idolaters, and ver superstitious keeping their Festisoes day or Sabbath on the Thursday; there is Saint George of the Mine, built by the Portugals, but now in the possession of the Hollander, as also the Ports Nassau, Cormentin, and Axima. To the English, among others belongs Cape Corse, and to the Danes, Frederic's burgh. The best City that belongs to the Negro's is Ardra, toward the Coast in Benin, [...] [Page 488] Govern'd by a King, who sent an Embassador to Paris toward the end of the year 1670 for the settlement of a Trade. The Baboons in Guiny do the Natives very great pieces of service. For they fetch Water, turn the Spit, and wait at Table, &c.
Nubia is three hundred Leagues in length, and two hundred in breadth. It preserves some remains of Christianism, in the old Churches, and in their Ceremonies of Baptism. The Nubians are under a King, who always keeps a Body of Horse upon the Frontiers of his Kingdom, as having potent Enemies to his Neighbours, the Ab [...]ssius and Turkish Historians credibly relates, that an Army of one hundred thousand Horse was rais'd, and lead against one of the Governors of Egypt, by a King of Nubia. Out of this Country the Merchants export Gold, Civet, Sandal-wood, Ivory, Arms and Cloath. The Nubians trade chiefly with the Egyptians of Caire, and other Cities of that Country. They have a subtile and penetrating Poyson, an ounce whereof is valued at a hundred Ducats. Insomuch that one of the principal Revenues of the King is in the Duties, which he receives for the Exportation of this Poyson. They sell it to strangers, upon condition they shall not make use of it, within the Kingdom. There grow Sugar-Canes in the Country, but the Natives know not what to do with them. There are among them a sort of Bereberes, of the Musselman Religion, who travel in Troops to Cairo, where they put themselves into service, and return again, as soon as they have got ten or twelve Piasters together. The Capital Cities are Nubia, and Dancala, near to Nile. The rest so little known, that it suffices to see their names in the Maps. A Relation made in the year 16 7, tell us, That the King of Dancala pays a Tribute in Linen Cloath, to the King of the Abyssius. Geography is in some measure beholding to this Country, as being the place that gave birth to that famous Nubian Geographer.
Of ETHIOPIA, Or HABESSINIA.
So little of Truth hath been communicated to this part of the World concerning Ethiopia, that having met with the Ethiopick History of Job. Ludolfus, which is the most exact [Page 490] Account extant: I have been the larger in taking an Abstract of it.
'Tis seated, as this Author tells us, in Africa above Egypt beyond Nubia, between the eighth and sixteenth Degree of North Latitude, contrary to all our Maps extant, which extends it self to the fourteenth or fifteenth Degree South Latitude: So that the length of it from North to South, is not more than four hundred and eighty Miles, of sixty to a Degree; but according to the old Maps it was more than one thousand eight hundred of the same Miles; and the length of it is about six hundred Miles from the Red-Sea, at the Port of Bailleur, to the River Nilus, at the farthest limits of Dembea.
Towards the North, it joyns to the Kingdom of Fund or Sennar by the Portugals, Fungi; a part of the antient Nubia, towards the Fast it was formerly bounded by the Red-Sea: But now the Turks are Masters of Arkiko, the Island Matzua, and all that Coast, only the Prince of Dancale, who commands the Port of Baylur, is a Friend to the Abessines: But the King of Adel, a Mahumetan, upon the straits of Bab-elman dab (the Dreadful Mouth) is a profest Enemy to them.
Towards the South, the barbarous Nation of the Gallans have either wasted or possessed the Kingdoms of Dawaro, Bali, Fatagar, Wed, Bizama, Cambata, Alaba, Zendero, by the Portugals, Gingiro, and Enarea the Southern Bounds: Lastly, the River Maleg and Nilus rowling through several vast Deserts close up the Western Limits.
The Inhabitants are now called Habessines, Abessines, or Abassenes, a Name given them by the Arabians, in whose Language Habesh signifies Confusion or mixture of People: The Germans sound it Shab [...]sh, or Hbab [...]sh; the Italians, Habascia; the French, Habech; the Portugals, Abex: But they generally call their Kingdom Itjopia (Ethiopia) and themselves Itjopiawjan, Ethiopians, and also Geez, and the Country of Ag [...]azi, or the Land of Ag [...]azjan, that is, Freemen: These Ab [...]ssenes formerly inhabited Arabia, and were reckoned into the number of the Sabeans or Homerites: So Stephanus relates out of the Arabicks of Ʋranius, that they bordered upon the Sabeans. The Grecian Writers called them Axumites; and many of the Antients called them Indians, others the Empire of the Negus, and some the Kingdom of Prester John.
The Kingdoms of Ethiopia are variously named by most Authors. Pauius Jovius distinguishes the Empire into more than forty Kingdoms; Matthew the Amenian, first Ambassador from the Abassenes to Portugal will needs have sixty, Tessa Sionus affirms sixty two, [Page 491] P. Nicolaus Godignus, from John Sabriel, a Gortuguese Colonel, that had been many years there, asserts twenty six Kingdoms, and fourteen Provinces: But Job. Ludolphus, in his History reckons these, 1. Amhara the most Noble, where are those inaccessiable and fortified Rocks, Gelhen, and Amhacel, where formerly the Kings Sons were secured; 2. Angot; 3. Bagemder, in the old Maps Bagamidri, a large and fertile Kingdom, watered with many Rivers: 4. Balli, the first subdued by the Gallans: 5. Bizamo: 6. Bugna: 7. Gambata, the Inhabitants whereof are called Hadea: 8. Cont, by the Portugals called Couch: 9. Damot: 10. Dawaro: 11. Dembeja, or Dembea, now famous for the Royal Camp continually pitched there: 12. Enarea, by the Portugals, Narea; and by Gordinus, Nerea: 13. Tatagar: 14. Gafat. 15. Gajghe: 16. Gan: 17. Ganz: 18. Ghedm: 19. Gojam, Goyame in the Maps, famous for the Fountains of Nile therein now discovered: 20. Gombo: 21. Gonga. 22. Guraghe: 23. Ifat: 24. Samen, by Tellezius Cemen: 25. Set. 26. Sewa, or Shewa, by the Portugals Xoa, or Xaoa, a very large and opulent Kingdom: 27. Shat, by the Portugals Xat: 28. Tigre, or Tegra, one of the principal and most fertile Kingdoms, where the former Kings kept their Courts at Axuma: 29. Is Walaka, by the Portugals Oleca, or Holeca: The 30. Wed, by the Portugals, Ogge; of all these the King of the Abessines enjoys at present Amhara, Bagemder, Cambata, Damot, Dembea Enarea, Gojam, Samen, and Sawa, with the Provinces of Emfras, Mazaga, Tzagade, Wagara, and Walkayt, to which we may add the Coast of Abax, ou de Abexim, whose chief places are Suaquem, Ptolemais Ferarum of old. Ercoco, or Arguico, the Aduliton Plin. Adalis Steph. Adule Ptol. and Zeita, or Auce Gurele, the Avalites of the Antients: The two first places belong to the Turk, the last to the King of Adel.
The Air is various, in low and open places the heat of the Sun is intolerable, as the Coast of the Red-Sea, and the Islands, especially at Suaquen, it excoriates the Skin, melts hard Indian wax in a Cabinet, and sears your Shoes like a red hot Iron: But the higher you ascend the Mountains from the Coast of the Red-Sea, the more temperate you shall feel the Air, which is generally healthy.
Their Thunders are dreadful, ratling continually, with Lightning incessantly flashing: Their Rains are violent, pouring from the Clouds, not by Drops, but by Streams; and the Earth also opens her Mouths and vomits up Water, which renders their Winters for three Months very unpleasant, tedious and troublesome. They have a Whirlwind, which they call Senda, which signifies a Snake, so furious, that it throws down all before it, Houses, Oaks, &c.
[Page 492]There are properly but three Seasons among the Abyssines, viz. the Spring, or season of Flowers, which begins upon the 25th of September, called M [...]zau: Then the Summer which may be divided into two parts, the season of Harvest or Autumn, which begins upon the 25th of December, called Tz [...]dai: The Summer Season called Aagai, which, my Author saith, begins upon the 25th of June, but I suppose rather the 25th of March for it must follow their Harvest and Autumn. And then their [...] or Winter begins on the 25th of June: So that our Summer is their Winter. But upon the Coast of the Red-Sea, there their Winter is in November, December and January, as in Europe, which sufficiently convinceth what some Geographers affirms, that the P [...]i [...]i, or those that dwell under the same Meridian, have the same Winter and Summer.
Abassia abounds in Gold, which is found in the shallows of Rivers in Damota, and Enarca, upon the superficies of the Earth, and is the chiefest Tribute which they pay.
In the confines of Tigra and Angora are natural Mountains of Salt; in the Mountains it is soft, but in the Air it hardens, from whence it is conveyed in Caravans or Cafilas, and vended through all the neighbouring Countries, and serves them instead of Money, to buy all things not much desired: G [...]ms and Jewels are in Ethiopia, but black Lead they more esteem of, to black their Eye-brows: And for Iron they find it in great plenty upon the superficies of the Earth.
All Ethiopia is very Mountainous, between which are immense Gulphs, and dreadful profundities among the Mountains: Lamalm [...]na lifts up her head more loftily than the rest, and is most dangerous: But the most famous are Amba G [...]sh [...]n, and Ambacel in the Kingdom of Ambara, where the Ethiopia Princes used to be caged up. And in our old Maps and Globes, called Amara, and placed under the Equinoctial. In these Mountains the Inhabitants breath a serene Air, and they are as so many Castles, not only for Habitation, affording pleasant Springs; but for defence against their Enemies the [...] and Gallans, for some of these Mountains are so craggy and precipitous, that there is no way to get up without Ladders, and Cattle are drawn up with Cords Tell [...]zi [...]s writes, that the Alps and [...]en [...]ns compared with the Ab [...]ssin Mountains are but low Hills: And the Portugal Mounts are but trifles to them. The tops of some of them are very spatious, with Fields, Woods, Fish-ponds and runing Streams, as Am [...], Dorb [...], &c. The temperature of the Air makes the Country healthful, and maintains a vivacity in the Inhabitants, sometimes to an hundred years: Only in Tygra about the beginning of [Page 493] the Ethiopick Spring, which is in the Month of September and October, Feavers are rife.
He rationally conceives, that the Rivers flowing from the Mountains in this Country, take their rise from the Rain-water, insinuating it self into the Pores of the Earth, and Clefts of Rocks, and so passing into subterraneous Vaults; observing that in those Countries, where there is little or no Rain, there are few or no Fountains; and that where there is much, they abound.
He tells, us that Nilus, which for the length of its Course, the abundance of its Waters, its sweetness, wholsomness and fertility, exceeds all the Rivers of the World, owes its rise to the Kingdom of Gojam in Hab [...]ssinia, found out by the Travels of the Portugals, and by the sedulity of the Fathers, which was so long and unsuccessfully sought for by the Antients, and Kircher hath described them from the relation of P ter Pays, who saw them himself, which differs not much from what Gregory an Ethiopian hath written of it, viz. That it hath five Heads, that it encircles Gojam, and passing by several Kingdoms of Habassia, reviews the Kingdom of Senna, and travels to the Country of Dengala: Thence it turns to the right hand, and comes to a Country, called Abaim, before it arives in Nubia, where by reason of Clifts and Rocks, its Stream is divided into two Branches, one running South to drench the thirsty Fields of Egypt, the other West to quench the drowth of those Sands in the Country of the Negrites. It is called in the Scripture Shibber from its darkness, because it carries Waters troubled with Mud from the Fields of Ethiopia; and by the Greeks, for the same reason [...], by the Habessines, Abawi, in their vulgar Language; but in the Ethiopick Gejon, or Gewon, from a mistake of the Greek G [...]on, and Hebrew Gebon. He says, the antient Geographers t [...]ought it to take its rise beyond the Equinoctial, in I know not what Mountains of the Moon; thinking it might receive its increase by the Winter Rains of those Regions: For they could not persuade themselves, that the Sun being in the Northern Signs, there could be Winter and Rain enough so near, to raise so great a River from them. After it has past about forty Leagues from its source, which is in an elevated, but trembling and moorish Ground, it enters a vast Lake in Dembe [...], and passes it without mixing its Waters, as the Rh [...]e does the Lake Lemanus, and the Rhine, Aeronius. The cause of the Inundation of Nile is from the great Rains falling in many Regions of the Torrid-Zone, upon the Suns retiring back into the Winter Signs. It has been the opinion of some, that it has been formerly in the power of the King of the Habessines to divert Nilus from its course into Egypt, and to drive it into the Red-Sea; there being [Page 494] at a certain place an absolute fall of Land to convey it thither, only one Mountain being cut through; though now that place where it could be diverted, is possest by others.
He mentions another River in Ethiopia, called Hawas, which passing a great way from its Source, sinks at length into the Sands, never going to the Sea, as other Rivers do: Also, that the Rivers Melegi and Tacazae abounding with Crocodiles, fall into the Nilus: That the River Mareb rising in Tygr [...], encompassing great part of the Kingdom, hides its self under ground, and then rises, and, after a continued course, it disperses and leaves its divided Waters in the Sands of Dequin.
The Soyl is so fertile, that in some places they sow, and have Crops twice, and in others thrice, a Summer. They make Bread of a sort of Corn called T [...]f, thought to be the same with our Rye, though they have Wheat, Barley, &c. They make no Winter Provisions for Cattle, the Soyl yielding always Herbage enough, nor lay up any stores for other years for themselves, confiding in the fertility of their Soyl, for their Fields are always pleasant, and always smiling with a Flowry Grace.
He says, they have an Herb, called Assazoe, which by its touch, or even shadow, so stupifies all Serpents and venemous Creatures, that you may handle them without offence; and that he who has eaten the Root of it, is secured from them for many years. And he is of opinion, that the Psylli of Africa had the Virtue of curing the bitings of Serpents by the touch, through the use of this Herb. The Amadmagda that cures broken and disjoynted Bones; as the Ossifraga of Norway sn [...]ps the Bones of Cattle that tread upon it.
They have a Tree called [...]u [...]ets, resembling the Indian Fig tree, which is four yards thick, if shrowded, it sprouts forth with a world of young Shoots, which are all good Food; so that this Tree need not bear any Fruit, being indeed all Fruit, if sliced and boiled it assuages thirst.
He tells us, that by reason of the plenty of Herbage, and the heat of the Climate, Quadrupedes and [...] are much bigger in Ethiopia and India than with us. They have strong and excellent Horses, but never shoe them nor use them, but in War, employing Mules in all their drudg [...]ry.
They have the known sort of Sheep with great Tails, of which some weigh above forty pounds.
They have multitudes of Elephants, but never use them. To say they have Lyons, Tygers, Panthers. Wolves, Hyaena's, Camel, Panthers, higher than Elephants, &c. it's no more than other Countries yield: But he says, they have a Beast called Zecora or Zembra, exceeding in [Page 495] beauty all Quadrupeds; it is about the bigness of a Mule, and naturally gentle; his Body is all encompast with interchangeable Circles of Black, and of a lively Ash colour; and this with such an Elegancy and Order, that they surpass the Art of the best Painter to imitate them: His Ears only are a little disproportionate, being too long: One of them was sold by the Basha of B [...]quena for two thousand Venetian pieces, for a present to the Great Mogul. They have thousands of Apes, feeding chiefly on Worms, which they find under Stones. Hence in the Mountains where they use, you will scarce find a Stone unturned, be it never so gr [...]at; for if two or three cannot move it, they call more ai [...]. They eat also Ants, and sometimes devour whole Fields of Fruit. They have also an innocent and very pleasant Animal, being a sort of little Monkey, of which there is an elegant Ethiopick Rhime; in Latin thus: Hominem non laedo, frumentum non edo, oderunt me frustra. It is of a various colour, full of greyish specks: They are extreme tender, so that unless they are cloathed and kept warm they cannot be brought to us. He tells us also of some that have seen the fam'd Unicorn there, an Animal of the form and size of a midling Horse, of a bright Bay Colour, with a black Mane and Tail, and with a fair Horn in his Forehead, five Palms in length, being somewhat whitish.
For Water and Amphibious Animals, he says, they have the Hippopotamus, thought to be the Behemoth in Job, and the Sea-Horse of the Greeks, the Crocodile, the Water-Lizard, and amongst others the Torpedo, with which they cure Tertian and Quarian Agues: The way is thus; They bind the Patient fast on a Table, and then apply the Torpedo to his Joints, which causes a very cruel torture in all his Limbs; but the fit of the Ague returns not after. The Author conceives it may also do good in the Gout; and the Ethiopians firmly believe it will drive the Devil himself from a Man.
For Birds, they have Ostrich, or Struthiocamel, and Cassowars, swifter than Horses: The flesh of this either fresh or dried, is accounted a Medicine against the Poyson of Serpents, this Bird devour them without prejudice to himself. The Bird Pipe that discovers prey to the Hunters of Wild Beasts, conducting them where they be hid.
He tells us of Dragons, that will swallow whole Children, little Pigs, Lambs and Kids; and that they are scaly, and look like the Bark of an old Tree, but not Venemous. That there are Water-Snakes and Adders, which upon drying of the Moorish grounds in Summer, are very hurtful, being inraged with the drought and heat, and that they kill by their Breath, unless a quick remedy be used, [Page 486] none being better than to drink human Excrements in Water, which Remedy the Panther useth.
That the Habessines are sometimes strangely infested with Locusts, devouring their Fruits and Herbs; they appear in prodigious Multitudes, like a thick Cloud, that obscures the Sun, nor [...]lants, nor Shrubs, nor Trees remain untouched: And wheresoever they feed, their leavings seem, as it were, parched with the Fire, and a general Mortality ensues: And that those People sometimes feed on the Locusts, being a pleasant and wholesome meat, and thereby satisfie their hunger and revenge. That there are great store of Bees, amongst others a very small black Bee without a Sting, making their Combs under ground, which yield an extreme white Wax, and most delicious Hony, which they use in their Medicines.
He says, the Habessines are generally of a good Disposition, Strong, vivacious and Long-Livers, Ingenious, and very desirous of Learning, easily remit Injuries, and commonly determine their Quarrels and Differences at Cuffs, or by an Arbitrator or two. From this their towardly disposition, he thinks their King has been called Prester Jan, by some, the words Prester Chan in the Persian Language, signifying a Prince of excellent Servants; and the Servants of this Nation are more priz'd, and sell for more than others. In the shape of their Body, and comeliness of their Countenance, they far excel other Ethi [...]pians, having no swoln Lips, nor broad bottle Noses. Their Colour for the most part is Black or Brown, though they are not born black, but very Red, soon after turning Black. The Women are Strong, Fruitful, and easily bring forth Children, as generally all Women in the hotter Countries. They have no Midwives, but fall on their Knees at the time of Childbirth, and disburden themselves. Several other Nations inhabite this Kingdom, viz. the Jews who formerly dwelt in Denbea, Wegara and Samen, till driven thence by S [...]sneus, and now dispersed into several parts. Mahumetans are also intermingled up and down the Country, and drive the greatest Trade with the Turks and Arabians. There are also Wild Men living in the Deserts, without God, King or Law: The most sordid and v [...]est of Human Creatures.
The Noblest and Antientest Tongue of the Habessines is that Ethiopi [...], whereof our Author set forth a Lexicon and Grammar in Lond [...] Anno 1 [...]61. This was formerly the Tongue generally spoken by the T [...]renses, when the King of Habessinia lived in Tigra, but now [...] is only used in Writing, and has its Dignity continued in the publick Sacred Worship, and in the Kings Charters &c. It is very much [...] to the Arabick, and serves often to illustrate the Oriental [Page 487] Tongues, especially the Hebrew: For instance, he says the Latins have called that most elegant and delightful Work of God, which comprehends all things in it self, Mundus, in imitation of the Greeks, who called it [...], the Appellation not being invented by themselves, but by the Phoenicians, with whom the World, and especially the Earth, was called [...] Adamah, Formosa: He says, he knows it is commonly derived from Redness, because the Hebrew Root [...] Adam signifies to be Red; whereas it is certain, that our First Father took his name Adam, not from the redness of the Earth, but from his perfect and absolute Beauty, as being the most consummate Work of the Creator. And that signification which has been unknown to other Oriental Lexicon-writers, is plain to the Ethiopians, with whom Adama signifies Delightful, Elegant and Lovely; nor do the Ethiopians take Adams name otherwise than from Formosus. The present King of Habessinia (the Seat of Government being removed to the midst of the Empire) uses the Amarick Dialect, which all the Nobility and Learned speak, being as general in Habessinia, as the Latin in Europe. They say, that on the Coast of Africa, every fifteen or twenty German Miles produce a diversity of Language.
He says, that though the Kings of Habessinia cannot well make out their Descent from the times of Solomon, (as some think they may) but begin it only from the two Brothers Atzbeha, and Abreha, under whom the Christian Religion began amongst the Axumites, being about three hundred after Christ; from whose time the History of the Habessines is more clear, and their Kings Names more certain: They may nevertheless contend with the most famous Kings of the World for Antiquity of Progeny.
Their King Lalibala sent for Workmen from Egypt, and set them on a strange and unheard of Enterprise, viz. to work Temples out of Solid Rocks, by hewing them in a regular form; leaving, where need required, Pillars, Arches and Walls. Fr. Alvarez affirms upon Oath to have seen ten Temples built there after this wonderful manner, and brought Draughts of them with him.
No private Ethiopian, he says, only a very few of the Nobles excepted, has any thing of his own: All Lands and Possessions are the Kings, and are enjoy'd precariously by the Subjects; so that all take it patiently, if the King gives or takes away all, whensoever or wheresoever, to and from whom, he pleases.
The Kings Revenues are not in ready Money, but consist of the natural Products of Countries, by an even way of Tribute: Some pay Gold, others Horses, Cows, Oxen, Sheep, Bread-corn, Ox-hides, Garments, &c.
[Page 488] Enarea pays fifteen hundred ounces of Gold, formerly much more; to Susneus it paid one thousand, and sometimes but five hundred, when they are at Wars with the Gallans. Gojam pays yearly eleven hundred Ounces, and some Garments to the value of three thousand German Dollars, together with two hundred Fustian Tapestries.
Out of Tygra twenty five thousand Patacks; out of Dembea five thousand, and as much out of other Kingdoms. Gojam and Bagendra find him Corn and Flesh. But his chief Tribute is from the Grasiers, who are bound to pay him every three years the tenth Ox or Cow. Besides every Christian Weaver pays him a Fustian Garment: Every Mahumetan a Drim or Patach, which amounts to one thousand Imperials yearly. The Toll of Lamalmona Mountain, over which all the Merchandise must pass from the Red Sea into Ethiopia, the King reserves for himself.
The King and chief Nobility think it an office beneath them to lift their Hands to their Mouths to feed themselves; and keep Boys to cut their Meat, and put it into their Mouths; which they do in great gobbets, as those that cram Poultry.
Axuma or Ascum, erroneously Chaxumo, was formerly the Metropolis of Habessinia, from whence they were called Axumites: And then adorned with beautiful Structures, a fair Palace and a Cathedral proudly vaunting her Obelisks, Sculptures, and sumptuous Edifices, but now demolished by the Wars, or defaced with Age, and the City now totally ruined, seated it was in the 14 d 30 m North Latitude; and distant from the North Sea forty five Portugal Leagues, or six or seven tiresome days Journeys, by reason of the Mountains.
Besides Axuma, there are no Cities in Habessinia, and but few Towns; Dobarowa in Tygra is the Seat of the Vice-Roys. Fremona was the first Residence of the Fathers, enlarged by the Portugals. Gubay a Town in Dembea, where the Queen resides. Nanina in Gojam was long inhabited by the Portugals. The Celebrated Mountains of Amhara are their only Citidels, where the Kings Children were formerly committed to custody.
The Kings, he says, always live in Tents, and seldom long in a place. In the year 607, the Camp pitched in Coga. In 1612, it was at Duncaza, and after at Guendra, which Bernier called the Metropolis of Ethiopia. Their Tent is of a white colour, and very large, standing in the midst of the Camp, a large space being left round it for the conveniency of Persons to approach it. Next this, two Temples are plac'd, and Tents for the Queen and her Attendents: Next these, the Nobles, the Kings Friends, Servants, and other Courtiers pitch their Tents; then all the common Soldiery, with the necessary Attendents [Page 489] of the Camp, and those that come to Negotiate. When they remove, as they often do, and come to set down anew, in a few hours space all things are seen plac'd in the same order they were before; for every man knows his place, and the measure of his ground, the order of the Camp being always the same. But Peter Pays built the King a Palace after the European manner in Gorgora, by the Tzaneo Lake, not much inferiour to the Country Palaces of our European Princes.
Murtherers are given to the nearest Relations of the Person murthered; it being in their power to pardon them, or take a sum of Money, or to sell them as Slaves, or put them to what death they please. If the Murtherer be not found, the Inhabitants of the Place, and all the Neighbourhood are fin'd.
In the third Book, which treats of the Ecclesiastical Affairs of the Habessines, our Author tells us, That some hold, they have had the knowledge of God ever since the time of Solomon.
That they use Circumcision, though not on any Religious Account, in Obedience to the Law of Moses, but only as a Custom of their Country, (being done by a Woman privately) the Jews slit the Skin with their Nails, till the Preputium falls down and leaves the Nut bare. The Habessines only round the Skin with a Knife.
That they do not Circumcise Women, (as some idly affirm) though it's a Custom not only with the Habessines, but likewise with other People of Africa, as the Egyptians and Arabians, to cut off from Girls something which they think to be an undecency and superfluity of Nature.
That they abstain from Swines Flesh, Blood and suffocated things, not as commanded by Moses, but by Apostolick Constitution, this having been always observed in the Oriental Church, and in the Western Church for many Ages; and having been ratified by some Councils: And they condemn us for leaving the practice. Nor do they allow the Jews Sabboth, out of respect to Judaism, but because it was the antient Custom of the Primitive Church, for which they have some written Antient Constitutions: Yet they prefer the Lords Day before the Jewish Sabbath; for upon that Day (say they) our Lord Jesus Christ rose: And upon that Day the holy Ghost descended upon the Apostles in the Oratory of Sion: And upon that Day Christ shall come again to reward the Just and punish the Evil.
He says, If an Habessine marries his Brothers Wife, or commits Polygamy, the Civil Magistrate takes no notice of it: For they are of opinion, that whatsoever does not offend the Commonwealth, nor the security of Private Persons, ought not to be chastised with Secular Punishments: Nevertheless the Church is severe in the case, and will [Page 490] not permit Persons so married to receive the Sacrament. He also tells us, That Habessinia is full of Monks, that their Institutions and Habits are different from the Greek and Latin. He speaks of the portentous Miracles of their Saints, their Austerities and Spontaneous Torments.
It's a common fame in Europe, that the Conversion of the Habessines to the Christian Faith was effected by the Eunuch of Queen Candaces: But our Author says this is certain, that in the time of St. Athanasius Patriarch of Alexandria, in the Reign of Constantine the Great, about the year of Christ 330, or not long after it, the Conversion of Ethiopia hapned after this manner: Meropius a Tyrian Merchant going into India, came to the Coast of Ethiopia in the Red-Sea; dying there, he left two Sons, Frumentius and Aedesius, who being taken and carried to the King, were kindly received by him; and he finding them ingenious, employ'd them in keeping his Books of Account. During the time of their Employ, they did all good Offices to Christian Merchants that came to those Parts, and shewed so fair a specimen of their Virtue and Integrity, that they wrought in the Habessines a great esteem for the Christian Religion. Which ground being laid, Frumentius went to St. Athanasius, who considering the excellency of his parts, and the constancy of his Faith, created him the first Bishop of Ethiopia; and returning thither, he baptized the Inhabitants, created Deacons, built Churches, and so first planted the Christian Religion.
The Hab [...]ssines received the Scripture with Christian Religion, and it is translated into the Ethiopick Language from the version of the Septuagint; and that according to a Copy used in the Church of Alexandria: They have the New Testament translated from the authentick Greek Text. They enjoy the holy Scriptures intire, and reckon as many Pooks as we do, tho' they divide them after another manner. They acknowledge the holy Scripture to be the sole and only Rule of what they are to believe and do. They use the Nicene Creed; they admit of the antient Greek Councils; they acknowledge the Trinity, and the sufficient Merits of Christ; one Person in Christ, his Divinity and Humanity; they use Baptism, and the holy Communion; they Administer it to the Laiety and Clergy, as it is the Custom of all the Eastern Churches, and acknowledge the Real Presence but not Transubstantiation, pray for the Dead, deny a Purgatory.
He gives an Account of their Errors, as, that they hold the holy Ghost to proceed from the Father only, and not from the Son. That they hold the Soul of Man not to be created, because, they say, God perfected all his Work on the Sixth Day: They think it therefore [Page 491] drawn from the Matter, but Immortal. They hold likewise some other Errors.
On their Eleventh of January, which to us is the Sixth of the same Month, and the Feast of the Epiphany, the Habessines, in memory of the Baptism of our Saviour, (which they hold, with many of the Antients, to have been for certain on that day) keep a joyful Festival; all of them just at break of day, before the rising of the Sun, going into Ponds and Rivers, and there dipping and sporting themselves: This Custom having given occasion to some to affirm, That they were baptized anew every year.
They begin the Year on the Calends of September, with the Grecians, Armenians, Russians, and other Oriental Christians; for they believe, as many of the Antients have asserted, that the World was made in the Autumnal Equinox.
If any discord arise betwixt Man and Wife, so that they cannot be reconciled, the Kings Judges dissolve the Marriage, and they are free to marry again.
As we have mentioned before the King of Habessinia's unparallell'd absoluteness in Temporals, so our Author says, That the chief Ecclesiastical Power is in him; so that all things of Jurisdiction, only some small Causes excepted, are Determined by the Kings Judges. Nor do the Clergy enjoy any Ecclesiastical Immunity or Priviledge in Courts of Judicature, but undergo correction from Secular Judges as mere Layicks. Our Author tells us, That the Habessines have few Books but those of Sacred Things. That they have no written Laws, but judge all Right and Wrong, according to the Custom and Manner of their Ancestors.
Physick, he says, is wholly neglected by them: They cure Men by Burning and Cutting, as they do Horses. They cure the Jaundice by burning a Semicircle about the joynt of the Arm with a crooked Iron, putting on the place a little Cotton, and so letting the vitious Humor distil from it till the Distemper be gone. They cure Wounds with Myrrh, which is there mighty common.
They look upon it as an egregious Fable, for any Man to assert, that the Earth is a round Globe, suspended of it self in the midst of the Air.
He tells us, they eat raw Flesh, or such as is but half-boil'd, and use Gall as a sauce. That they take Herbs half digested out of the Bellies of Cows and Oxen kill'd, and seasoning them with Salt and Pepper, they make a sort of Mustard, which much gratifies their Palate.
COngo is very temperate, for the Rains and the Winds asswage the heat, which is insupportable in the neighbouring Countries. Nor has Africa any Province more interlaid with Rivers: The Zair, which is the chief of them, is very considerable for the Rapidity and depth of its Stream. The Inhabitants of Congo have Mines of Gold, but they only make use of Shells for Money. They for the most part owned themselves Christians or Catholicks, by the Example of their Kings: In or about the year 1640, at what time the Capuchins had made a great progress there in Preaching, which, nevertheless, did not succeed according to expectation; for being never well grounded in any solid Principles, they soon abandoned the name and Profession. The Portugals bring from thence Ivory and Slaves. For which reason they have settled themselves in the Royal City, which is called St. Salvador, and in that of St. Paul in the small Island of Loanda, this was since seiz'd upon by the Dutch, which is very [Page 493] level, seven Leagues long, and one and a half broad, where they get fresh Water by digging holes in the Sand. The Portugals keep Garrisons in the Forts of Massagan and Cambambe in the Kingdom of Angola, for the preservation of their Silver Mines: And here it is, that they rendevouz their Slaves appointed for Brasile. The Males only have the right of Succession in this Kingdom; and all the Land belongs to the King, whom they call Mani. Learning is so little esteemed among the Congolans, that when Emanuel, King of Portugal, sent to their King all the fairest Books of the Law he could meet with, and several Doctors to expound them, he sent the Doctors back, and ordered the Books to be burnt, saying, That they would only confound and disorder his Subjects Brains; who had no need but only of Reason and Common Sense; however, that he would continue no less the King of Portugals Friend.
Under the name of Congo are also comprehended the Kingdoms of Angola, Cacongo and Malemba; the Ansicains, who rememble our Biscainers, and the Brama's or Loanghi. But neither these Kingdoms nor People acknowledge the King of Congo, as formerly they did. The King of Angola styles himself grand Soba; his chief City is Cambazza, Enguze, or Donge. His Subjects are so in love with Dogs Flesh, that they breed up whole Flocks together; and one well-fed Dog is sometimes sold among them for two hundred Crowns. They are excellent in nothing but in shooting in a Bow. For they will discharge twelve Arrows before the first shall be fallen to the Ground. They believe, The Sun to be a Man, and the Moon a Woman, and the Stars to be the Children of that Man and that Woman.
THE Country which bears the name of Cafreria is the most Southern part of all Africa, and indeed of all our Continent along the Ethiopick Sea, part in the Torrid, part in the temperate Zone, extending about twelve hundred Leagues upon the Coast. It is full of Mountains, subject to great colds, and under several petty Kings, the most part of which pay Tribute to the Emperor of Monomotopa. The King of Sofala, which was part of the Aegisymba of old, pays also to the King of Portugal, who keeps a Garison in the Castle of Sofala, and by that means gets good store of Gold from the Mines which are up in the Country. And that Gold is esteem'd the best in the World: From whence Vertomannus, Volaterranus, and from them Ortelius labour to perswade the World how that this was Ophir. And David Kemchi, a learned Rabbi, places Ophir in South Africa; yet Josephus, St. Hierome, and many more are of opinion that Ophir was part of the East Indies; whose distance and great plenty of Gold best agrees with a three years Voyage. They take it up sometimes [Page 495] out of the Rivers in little Nets, after it has rain'd. The Coast of Cafreria lies low, and full of Woods; but the Soyl produces Flowers of a most pleasing scent; and the Trees afford a lovely prospect. Three great Rivers fall into the Indian Sea out of Cafreria: Every one of which is known at the head by the name of Zambera. The most Northerly is call'd Cuama, the middlemost Spirito Sancto, and the Southermost Los Infantes.
The Cafres live under no Law nor Religion, as their name imports: Herbert tells us, That during the time he staid amongst them, he saw no signs of any knowledge of God; no spark of Devotion; no symptom of Heaven or Hell; no place set apart for Worship; no Sabboth for Rest. Many of them will steal with their Feet, while they stare ye in the Face. They sell their Cattel to the Seamen that come into those parts: But they are forc'd to tie the Oxen to Trees, and to put the Sheep in Pens, before they pay them, for else upon a peculiar whistle, the Cattle will run after them, and leave the Purchaser in the lurch. In Complexion they are like our Chimney Sweepers. Besides they have great Heads, flat Noses, whither it be that they are press'd in their Infancy, or because that their Mothers carry them at their backs, against which they may be subject to knock them. Their Hair is frizl'd, their Lips extraordinary big, their Back Bone very sharp, their Hips large; so that there can be nothing seen more ugly. The Cape of good Hope, which lies in the most Southern part of this Country, is the most famous, the longest and the most dangerous Cape in the World. It was so call d, because that being once past that, the Seamen had some hopes to arrive quickly at the East Indies. Formerly it was call'd the Cape of Whirle-winds or Tempests, which much annoy'd those Seas. Some call it the Lyon of the Sea; others the Head of Africa. There are certain signs to know when you are near it. For within fifty or sixty Leagues, the Sea is full of the bodies of thick Reeds that float upon the Water: and the white Birds with black Spots make their appearance. The Mouth of the Bay to the East of the Cape is five Leagues broad, encompassed with sharp Rocks. The Air is temperate, and the neighbouring Valleys are full of Herbs and Flowers. Their Rivers abound in Fish, their Woods in Venison and Bees: The Natives that cloath themselves with the Skins of these Beasts, are very swift, but brutes in their eating; and when they speak, they gobble like Turkie Cocks.
The Hollanders have built a Fort there, a League from which they have a fair and handsome Town, all sorts of Grain there out of Asia or Europe, thrive better than in other parts.
[Page 496]The Cafres are black, because they rub themselves with a Grease or Ointment, composed of several sorts of Drugs, to preserve themselves from being Hydropical; they have great knowledge of Simples, and have cured several of the Dutch of Ulcers and old Wounds, which were past the skill of their own Chyrurgeons.
Monomotopa is almost environ'd by Cafreria. It bears the name of the King. It is very fertile, abounding in Ivory, and so rich in Gold, that the King is call'd the Golden Emperor. The Inhabitants who are very superstitious, have no other Arms, than Pikes, Bows, and Arrows: But they are so swift, that they will run as fast as a Horse. The common People wear nothing above their Wastes; and for the Maids they go stark naked, so that a Man may choose his Wife according to the Custom of the Ʋtopian Common-wealth. A Relation made in the year 1651, Reports, that the King of Monomotopa was baptiz'd with all his Court, by the Jesuits. The King himself is generally trick'd with Bracelets and Pretious Stones like a Bridegroom, nor will he ever wear any Foreign Stuffs, for fear they should be poison'd: Unless it be the T'wist, the Coller, and his Buskins, of which he has liberty to change the Fashion, he is obliged in other things to follow the Fashion of his Predecessors, by the Laws of his Kingdom. 'Tis reported, that for his usual Guard, he has a Regiment of Women, and another of Dogs, and that those Women in War do as much service as Men. He gratifies the Princes, which are his Tributaries with a present of Fire every year, as a mark of his acknowledgment. Mono Emugi is a potent Kingdom to the North of Monomotopa. The Giaques, otherwise call'd Galles, and Chava's are neighbours to one another, and are famous for their Valor, and for the Victories they have got over the Abassins, in the Upper Ethiopia.
ZANGƲEBAR, call'd by the Antients Barbary, is a large Coast in the Eastern part of Africa, which extends it self all along the Indian Sea, on this side, and beyond, the Equator. The Natives are Idolaters, under divers Sovereigns. They give their minds to Trade as well as the Arabians and Mahumetans that are among them. The Southern part, chiefly bears the name of Zanguebar, which contains the small Kingdoms of Mozambique, Quil [...]a, Mombaza, and Melinda. [Page 498] The Northern part is call'd Ayen, and sometimes New Arabia. It comprehends the Dominions of Brava, Magadoxo, Adea and Adel. In Mozambique lies the best place that the Portugals have in all those quarters. For they possess a very strong Castle in the Island of that Name, about half a League long, where their Ships stay for seasonable weather to carry them to the East Indies. The Port is upon the Northside of the City and you must leave two Islands upon the left hand as you enter into it. It would be better inhabited, but the Air is very unwholesome. Quiloa lies in the same Peninsula. The King thereof, was the first in Zanguebar that became Tributary to the Portugals. In Quiloa are a most excellent sort of Hens, though their Flesh, their Feathers, and their very Bones be black: Mombaze lies in an Island, and upon a Rock under 3 d 50 m. South, was subdued to the Crown of Portugal by Almeyda, in the year 1505. Sometimes the Portugals Winter there, for Provisions are very plentiful and cheap. The entrance into the Port is so narrow and so rocky, that in some places there is not room for above one Ship to enter. The Estates of Lamon and Pate are under the Government of Melinda. The Coast of Ajan contains the Republick of Brava, is a small Common-wealth, with a City built, according to the Fashion of the Moors. It has usually paid a small Tribute to the Portugals. Magadoxo is under a King of their own, and the Natives are Mahumetans. To Adea belongs a very good Port, call'd Barraboa. Adel, whose chief City is Arat, obeys a King, who is an enemy to the Abissines. Barbora and Zeila are places of great Trade, by reason of the conveniency of their Ports, towards the entry into the Red Sea. Zeila was the Aralites of Plin. Ptol. and Steph. the Emporium of the Trogloditicae teste Mol.
Zocotora Isle, well known to former Ages, to some by the name of Dioscorida, thought to be the Topazo of Pliny; by the Turks, Catuchomer; by the Persians, Cabar; by the Spaniards, Acebar: Ramusio, Curia Muria, aliis Alba Curia, incolis Abbadal Curia, is situated at the Mouth of the Red-Sea, sixty Miles long, and twenty four broad, which though defective in most necessaries for life, yet it hath plenty of Physical Drugs, especially of Aloes, called in Spain, Semper vivum & Sanguis Draconum.
Here John the Castro for many days found it high Water at the Moons Rising, and low Water when the Moon was Highest.
Of the AFRICAN Islands.
IN the Occidental or Atlantick Ocean, and not far from Africa, we find three different Bodies of Islands, and each very considerable, viz. the Azores, the Canaries, and Cape Verde Islands.
The Isles of AZORES.
Of the AZORES.
THE Azores are situate betwixt the thirty seventh, and forty sixth Degree of Northern Latitude, and are nine in number, Saint Michael, Saint Maries, which lies next to Spain, Tercera on the North-West, then Saint Graciosa, Saint Georges, Faial, and Pico, in the middle; C [...]ruo, and Flores, nearest to America; Saint Michael, directly North of Saint Maries, is the largest, and of most note among Modern Geographers for the place of the first Meridian, about which you may see more in my use of the Globes. Tercera is the chief of the rest, in regard of its strength; of its commodious Haven, and well fortified Town Angra, the Residence of the Governor and Arch-bishops Sea, it is esteemed the Principal of these Islands, and communicates its Name unto them, the Air of these Islands is generally good. They are well stored with Flesh, Fish, and Fruits, but the Wines not very good nor durable. The chief Commodities they transport unto other Countries are singing Birds, Oad for Dyers, which yearly they gather in two places, called Los Folhadores, and los Altares, and a sort of Wood red within and waved admirable beautiful, I suppose the same, Workmen call Princes Wood.
The Isle Tercera is as well fenced by Nature, and strengthened by Art, as most Islands in the World, being every where hard of access; having no good Harbor wherein to shelter a Navy, and upon every Cove, or Watering Place, a Fort erected to forbid the approach of an Enemy, yet the Marquess of Sancta Cruz, after he had shewed himself (in the Road of Angra) to Emanuel de Sylva and Mons. de Chattes, who kept it for the use of Don Antonio, with five or six thousand Men, set Sail suddenly, and arrived at Port des Moles, and there wan a Fort, and landed before Mons. Chattes could come to hinder him.
The difficult landing of our English at Fayal, in the year 1597, under the Conduct of Sir W. Rawleigh, was as valorously performed, as honorably and bravely enterprised, but was more of Reputation than Safety.
These Islands were first discovered by the Flemings, but subdued by the Portugals, under the conduct of Prince Henry, in the year 1414.
THE Canary Islands are now in number seven; by the Antients call'd Insulae fortunatae, and by Pliny, Ombrio, Iunonia Major, Iunonia Minor or Theode, Canaria, Nivaria, Capraria, Plavialea.
By Ptolomy they were styled, Aprosita, Herae Insulae, Canaria, Pinturia, or Conturia, Casperia, Pluitania or Pluitalia: first discovered 1346.
But now better known by the names of Lancerota, Forteuentura, Canaria, Teneriffe, Palma, Ferro, and Gomera. Lancerota, or the inaccessible and enchanted Island, because of the difficulty sometimes to make it more than at other times. It was the first of these Islands that was made subject to the Crown of Castile, discovered 1393. In Forteuentura, are said to be the Tarhais trees which bear a Gum, of which there is [Page 482] made pure white Salt; the Palm tree which bears Dates, Olive-trees, Mastick-trees, and a Fig-tree, from which they have a Balm as white as Milk, and of great Virtue in Physick.
Canary Island is exceeding fruitful, and the Soil so fertile, that they have two Harvests in one Year, its Commodities are Hony, Wax, Sugar, Oad, Wine and Plantons which bear an Apple, like a Cucumber, which, when ripe, eats more deliciously than any Comfit.
Teneriffe, is famous for its high Pike, said to be the highest Mountain in the World; for its Laurel-trees, where the Canary Birds warble their pleasant Notes; and for its Dragon-trees, out of which they draw a red Liquor, well known to Apothecaries, by the name of Dragons blood, and for its yearly export of twenty thousand Tuns of the most excellent Wine which the World produces.
Palma abounds in Corn, Wines and Sugars, and all sorts of Fruits, well stored with Cattel, therefore the Victualling place of the Spanish Fleet that passeth to Peru and Brasil.
Fero Isle is famous for a Tree whose Leaves distil Water which serves the Island, it would be too tedious for me here to relate the different Relations of Writers about this Island, I shall therefore only mention some few; One Nichols, who had been seven years Factor there, saith there is no Fresh Water in the Island, only in the middle of the Isle there grows a Tree, which being always covered with Clouds, drops from its Leaves into a Cistern, very good Water, and in great abundance. One Jackson, an English man, affirms, that the Tree hath neither Flowers nor Fruit, that it dries up in the Day, that at Night a Cloud hangs over the Tree, and distils its Water drop by drop, and fills a Reserver of twenty thousand Tuns.
Jans in his Hydography saith, it very rarely rains in the Island. Linschot saith, there is no fresh Water, except about the Sea Coast, but this defect is supplied by the Tree.
In the History of the Conquest of these Islands, 'tis said that this Island hath great plenty of water, and Rain often; and in the higher Countries are Trees which drop Water pure and clear which falls into a Ditch, the best in the World to drink.
Ferdinand Suarez saith, That this Tree bears a Fruit like an Acorn, of a pleasant and aromatick taste, and that the Pond, or Cistern contains not twenty Tuns.
Sanutus saith, the Cloud begins to rise about Noon, and in the Evening quite covereth the Tree. Others say, that this Water falls from Noon all Night. Others will have the Cloud always about the Tree, and that its distillation is continually; now how to reconcile all these different Relaters in a Verdict of Truth I must [Page 503] leave to the Readers Experience, or the more certain informations of time.
These Canaries are often times the Rendevouz of the Spanish West- India Fleet, where they receive Orders to what part of Spain they shall make, in order to the unlading of their Wealth.
Madera, or Isle of Wood, sixty Leagues in compass, in the Atlantick Sea, and to the North of the Canaries, belongs to the Crown of Portugal. The Air is very wholesome, many Fountains and Rivers refresh the Country, so that it is not subject to excessive heats; it is called the Queen of the Islands, because of its Beauty, and the Fertility of the Soil, which produces excellent Wine, strong and racy, and in great abundance; for the Vines bear more Clusters than Leaves. It bears delicate Fruits, excellent Wheat, and delicious Sugar, the best in the World, it affords great store of Quinces, and other Sweetmeats. Dragons blood, Cordevanis, Cedar Wood, and a plant call'd Mader. It contains three Cities, the chief of which is Fouchial, or Funghal, the Residence of a Governor and a Bishop. The City is long and narrow at the foot of a Mountain, which is about three quarters of a League high, with three Fortresses and a Port like a Crescent, where Ships may ride within Pistol shot of the Town. The Island contains thirty six Parishes, five or six Religious Convents, four Hospitals, six or seven thousand Houses, twenty five thousand Inhabitants, and so many Gardens, that the whole seems a Garden of pleasure.
The Island Porto Sancto hath much what the same Commodities with Madera, but is not above eight or ten Leagues in circuit, thought to be the Cerne of Ptolomy, and reckoned for the most remote Colony, which the Carthaginians had in the Western Ocean: Between the Canaries and the Madera's, I find two small Islands called Salvages in some Maps, but in the Sea-charts I find only a heap of Sands, and no description of them in any Geography.
THE Islands which are in the parallel of Cape Verd, are to the number of ten, and bear the name of the Cape, which lies in the most Western part of all Africa. The Antients call'd them Hesperides and Gorgades, and the Fables plac'd there the Orchards with Golden Apples which were kept by a Dragon. Christopher Columbus said, they were falsly nam'd, for in his third Voyage he found them to be dry and barren. They are, for the most part, possessed and inhabited by the Portugals, who transport thence Salt and Goats-skins, of which they make excellent Cordevants. There is in one of these Islands, called Mayo, so great quantity of Salt, that it is said it could load above two thousand Sail of Ships, so that the Flemings [Page 505] call them all the Islands of Salt. The Principal Island is that of Saint Jago or James's, with a City of the same Name, which is none of the best inhabited, through the unwholesomeness of the Air. The Nine other Islands are Saint Anthony's, Saint Vincent, Saint Luce, Saint Nicholas, the Isle of Salt, Bona Vista, Mayo, I. de Fuogo, and Brava. There are some, wherein there are no Inhabitants but only Goats. The neighbouring Ocean bears the Name of Green, by reason that it is covered with a kind of Green, and Yellow weed, so that it looks like a Meadow.
There are four things which to me strongly prove, that the Islands of Cape Verd do rather answer to the fortunate Islands of Ptolomy, then the Canaries; 1. Their difference of Latitude, for Ptolomy placeth his fortunate Islands between the tenth and sixteenth Degree of Latitude, the Canaries are about twenty eight Degrees of Latitude.
2. Their distance in regard of the Coast of Africa, which Ptolomy makes the nearest distance to be eight Degrees, when as the furthest of the Canaries is not so much.
3. The disposition of their Situation from East to West, for Ptolomy confines his Fortunate Isles almost under one Meridian, the Canaries contain five or six Degrees in Longitude.
4. In respect of their Situation from North to South; for Ptolomy extends those four or six Degrees of Latitude, whereas the Canaries lie all in the same Degree of Latitude, however I shall submit to better judgments therein.
The Isle of Saint Thomas, under the Equator, affords a great quantity of Sugar, but the Air is bad for strangers that come to live there; for they never grow bigger than they were at their first arrival. The Portugals were the first that subdu'd it. The best Town in it is Pavoasan containing about seven hundred Houses, with a Fortress in the Eastern part of the Island. It has several Trees like those in the Island of Fer, which distil Water continually for the use of the Inhabitants. Hogs Flesh is more wholesome and nourishing than Fowl, by reason they feed their Hogs with Sugar Canes.
The Island of the Prince (so call'd because the Revenue of that Island is appointed for the Maintenance of the Prince of Portugal) yields some Fruit, Sugar and Ginger.
Annobon is so called, because it was first discovered upon the first day of the year. The Portugals live toward the North part thereof; it yields Sugars, Cottons, Cattle, and excellent Fruits, and Oranges, that in the year 1623 weighed twelve ounces.
[Page 506]Saint Hellens, sixteen Leagues in compass in the Ethiopick Sea, high and mountainous. There is no Island in the World so far distant from the Terra Firma, 'tis called the Sea-Inn, because they that return from the East Indies stop and refresh there, and in the Vallies it's very Fertile, the Air so healthful, that Sick Persons are in a short time restored to their Health, well furnished with good Water, which alone is a great refreshment to the Ships, and of so great importance, that the English keep and possess it in despite of Portugals, Spaniards or Dutch, or any other that dispute with them the Dominion of the Sea.
The Islands of Fernando, Saint Matthews and Ascension are not inhabited, and of no great account, only they afford Fowls, Wild Beasts, and Fish.
Zocotora, and Behel-Mendel, lies toward the Red-Sea, where the passage is most convenient from the Coast of Africk, Zocotora, near Cape Guadarfu, is under the Jurisdiction of an Arabian King. It is a good Road, and hath very convenient Bays, where Ships may ride secure among the very Rocks. It affords excellent Fishing, Cattle in great abundance, and is famous for the goodness, and quantity of its Aloes.
MAdagascar, Madecase by the Natives; Sazandib by the Arabs, Manuthyas Ptol. Magaster, by M. P. Venet. Albagra, Thev. D [...] Cerne Merc. Dauphin Island by the French; St. Laurence by Trisian; d' Acunna the Portugal, who discovered it, An. Dom. 1508, tho great is the difference in Spanish Writers about the first that landed here, lies in the Eastern, which we call the Indian Sea; it is the biggest of all the Islands that belong to Africa; from whence it does not lie above a hundred or ninety Leagues distant. Nor is there any Island in the World of so vast an extent: For it is in length above three hundred and forty of our Leagues, and about one hundred broad. [Page 508] Its chief Ports are the Bay of Antongil, or St. Anthony, the best in all the Island: Further towards the North, Boamarage; towards the South, Angoada, Cacumbout, Manialoufe, Manajara, or the Port of Prunes, Matatane, Manapate, or the Port of Gallions, Manatenga, Anamboul. Fort des Francois, Sancta Clara, Bay St. Lucia, Fort Dauphin; Cape Romain; Cape St. Mario; Port St. Augustin; Port Santiago, or St. James; Port St. Vincent, Terra del Gada, Terra de St. Andra, Vingagora, &c. According to our Relations, the Air is temperate enough, the Soyl produces several sorts of Grains and Trees; the Waters are excellent, and the Fruits delicious. The Mountains are full of Wood, Pasturage and Plants of divers sorts, and the Champain Country is water'd with Rivers and Lakes full of Fish. Pity it is, that so noble an Island, and so populous, should continue so long uncivilized, and corrupted with Mahumetism and Heathenism, and estranged from God and Virtue, and seated so advantageously for Traffick with all the World. They transport from thence Rice, Hides, Wax, Gums, Christal, Steel, Copper, Ebony and Woods of several sorts. Among the Natives there are both Blacks and Whites, generally Strong, Active and Couragious, delighted with Sports and Novelties, Hunting, Hawking, Fishing and Dancing are their Recreations: Nature, abhorring cruelty, instructs them to punish [...] [...]ther with Death; Adultery with publick Shame; These with Banishment: Ignorant they are in Agriculture and Learning, for to them Nil scire, nihil Jucundius.
There are in Madagascar a great number of particular Lords, who bear the Title of Rohandrians, who are continually at War among themselves for their Cattle. The English, Portugals and Hollanders have sometimes set footing there. The English in the Bay of St. Augustin, and at Port del Gada. The Portugals in the Bay of Gallions. The Hollanders in the Bay of Antongil: But since the erecting Fort Dauphine, the French have assum'd to themselves all the Eastern and Southern part of the Isle.
Madagascar sits as Empress amongst many smaller Islands, which do, as it were, inviron and defend her: The Chief whereof are the Isle Burbon, otherwise called Mascarenhas, twenty five Leagues long, and fourteen broad, it belongs at this day wholly to the French. In this Island there is a Mountain that vomits Fire, but the rest of the Land is the best and most pleasant in the World, for the Waters are very wholesome, and there are most of the Commodities which are in the Island of Madagascar. This is also call'd by our [Page 509] Sea-men Englands Forest. The other Islands are Mauritius, or Cerne, where the Variation was twenty four Degrees and nineteen Minutes, teste Herbert. An Island abounding with, and capable of, all things requisite for the necessary use of Man, in circuit about one hundred English Miles: The Air good, the Soil luxuriant in Grass, Herbs and Flowers, replenished with Trees of several sorts, especially with Ebony, Cocos and the Palm Tree: Saint Apolonia, and others, the Names and Situations whereof you may see in the Map.
Nine Leagues from Madagascar lie the Sholes or Baixos d' India, memorably dangerous for Shipwracks, as are also John de Nova, and Primero, or St. Christopher upon the Baixos d' Pracel.
The Isles of Chumro are four, viz. Chumro, Motilla, where the Variation was sixteen Degrees and twenty Minutes, Joanna and Mayotta.
MAltha, seated almost in the middle of the Mediterranean, was formerly call'd Melita from its plenty of Hony. It is said to belong to Africa, as being nearer to that Coast than the Coast of Europe; and for that the Maltesi partake more of the Customs and Manners of the Africans than of the Europeans.
The Island had formerly the same Lords as Sicily. Now it is the Residence of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, under one Prince whom they call the Grand Master, the Patron of the Order. The Emperor Charles the Fifth gave it to the Knights, who had no certain Residence after the loss of Rhodes, having formerly resided at Jerusalem, Margat, Acra, and Limisso in the Island of Cyprus. The Order is compos'd of eight Languagues, Provinc, Auvergne, France, Italy, Aragon, England, Germany, and Castile. The three Languages of [Page 511] France, have three hundred Commanderies; but the rest of the five altogether have no more. The name of Knights was not in use at the beginning of the Institution; being then call'd the Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem.
The Soyl of the Island, which is not above two Foot deep, produces Cuminseed, Anniseseed and Cotton Wool; here is but little Corn and Wine, so that Sicily supplies that defect. The Island is not above twenty three Miles in length, and twelve broad. It is the best fortifi'd place in the World, as being the Bulwark of Christendom, there being above three hundred Canons mounted upon all her Fortresses.
The Roses of Maltha contend for sweetness with those of Paestam; and the Hony with that of Hybla or Hymettus. The Air is clear and healthful, and the Inhabitants live long. The New City Valetta is fortified with impregnable Walls and Bulworks. There are also three other considerable Towns, viz. the Isola, or the Town Senglea, with the Fort of St. Michael, which, for its stout resistance it made in 1565 against the Turks, obtained the Name of Citta Invitta. The other, the Borgo del Castello a Mare, guarded with the Castle St. Angelo, for its Valor and Fidelity against the Ottoman Army 1569, was honoured with the Title of Citta Vittoriosa. Lastly, the Old City, called Milita, now Citta Notabile, about the middle of the Island: To which we may add about thirty or forty great Casales or Villages, and twenty six Parish Churches; the number of Inhabitants according to a Survey taken 1632 were 50112, of which about ¼ may be now accounted fighting Men. The number of Knights are said to be between two or three thousand: And the number of Slaves about two thousand belonging to the Order, besides three hundred to private Persons, besides those in the Gallies. The Great Master of the Order is now Prince and Chief Governor of the whole Island; and the Island now is in a very flourishing condition, so that few Subjects live more happily.
Gozo, of old Gaulos, a little Island near to Maltha affords Wheat and other Grain; and the Grand Master is call'd Prince thereof. It maintains about three thousand Persons, and about five hundred Houses, in the year 1565 the Turkish Armata most inhumanly wasted it, and carried away six thousand Prisoners.
Between Maltha and Gozo lies a little Island, called Comino, H [...] phaestia of old, guarded with a Fort opposite to that in Gozo. And to the young Knights, whose valor deserves reward he gives the Title of Prince of Forfolo, which is a Rock not far from the Coast.
AMERICA.
THIS fourth and last part of the World, is call'd the New World, new for its last discovery, World for its greatness; 'tis likewise commonly, but improperly, termed America, and often the West Indies; what kind of Country it is, and what it produceth we now do know in part, but shall know better in future Ages.
This great part of the Earth was unknown to the Europeans until the year 1492, when it pleased Divine Providence (God having promised, that his Gospel should be preached to all Nations) to stir up one Christopher Colon, alias Columbus, a Genoese, who (whether by considering [Page 513] the motion of the Sun, he did persuade himself that there was another World, to which that glorious Planet did Communicate both its Light and Heat, when it went from us; or, whether he was informed of it from Alonso Zanches, we know not, certain it is, this World he purposed to seek after, and opening his design to the State of Genoa, in the year 1486, was by them rejected, who therefore sent his Brother to King Henry the Seventh of England, which Messenger, whether being taken Prisoner by Pyrates, and detained along while, or deferred at Court after his Address, we find not certainly related; but true it is, that in the mean time Christopher Columbus conceiving the offer of his service neglected, apply'd himself to the Court of Spain, where after six years attendance, he was at last furnished with three Ships, only for discovery, with which he sailed upon the Ocean more than sixty days, and could see no Land, so that the Spaniards began to mutiny; and Columbus was forced to promise to return again, if they could not see Land in three days time, when toward the end of the third day, one of [...] pany descried Fire. The place discovered was an Island on the Coast of Florida, by the Natives called Gunahani, now Salvador, where landing his Men, he took possession of this New World for Ferdinando King of Arragon, and Isabella his Wife, Queen of Castile, October 11 1402. After whom John Cab [...], a Venetian, in behalf of King Henry the Seventh of England, in the year 1497, discovered all the North East Coast thereof, from Cape Florida to the South beyond Newfoundland in the North, causing the Royalers to turn Homagers to that King, and to the Crown of England. Next after him, succeeded Americus Vespusius, a Flor [...]ntine, employed by Emanuel the King of Portugal, Anno 1501. upon a design of finding out a nearer way to the Moluccos than by the Cape of good Hope, who though he passed no further than the Cape of Augustine on the Coast of Brasil, yet from him this Country is called America. As for this vast Tract of Ground in general, it has the advantage of being temperate and fruitful, by reason of its great and fair Rivers, and the fresh Breezes that blow in the Torrid Z [...]e, whereby we find that the cause of violent or remiss heats does not always proceed from the nearness or distance of the Sun; but many times from the Situation of the place, the disposal of the Mountains or Lakes, the Quality of the Soil, and the Nature of the Winds that blow.
The wealth of America is so vast, that Spain has drawn, and still draws from thence, prodigious quantities of Gold and Silver, and the Mines of Potasi have furnished him with many Millions. There are no Treasures comparable to those related to be found in possession of Attabalippa, and Guimacapa, Kings of Peru, and to the precious Houshold-stuff of the City of Cusco. It was no extraordinary thing in the Reigns o [...] [Page 514] those Kings to behold Temples all plated with Silver, and to see Houses covered with slates of Gold. The Spaniards affirm, that their Kings Revenue amounts to above twelve Millions yearly by means of the Impositions which he lays upon goods transported thence, as Gold, Silver, Pearls, Emraulds, Skins, Sugar, Tobacco, Cochenille, Sarsa-parilla, Ginger, and other things. The first expence upon the discovery of America, came but to fifteen thousand Ducats, which were advanced to Columbus by the Spanish Secretary of State, and not taken out of the Treasuries of the King. As for the Original of this People, it is most probable, that they did descend from the Tartars, if so be that the West side of America be continent with Asia, or disjoyned but by a very small strait, as 'tis described in some Maps.
But from whatsoever Root they did first come, certain it is, that they had setled here many Ages since, and overspread all the parts and quarters of this large Continent.
But their numbers are much wasted since the Spaniards discovery; for some Authors affirm, that they put to death above fifteen Millions of Natives in less than fifty years, and that the blood of those that perished in the Mines, where they were forced to labour, weighed more than all the Gold and Silver drawn from thence.
At the first Arrival of the Spaniards, they found the People naked, reasonably fair, and clear, little inclining unto that blackness which is natural to most of the Africans, and to some of the Asiaticks that inhabit under the same Clime.
Ignorant they were of all things they had not seen, wondering exceedingly at the Spaniards Ships and Horses, and strangely admired to see them know the Health and Affairs of one another by reading a Letter; yet 'tis reported, the Mexicans had some knowledge of the Deluge; that they believed the Soul could not die, and the Body should revive; that those that lived honestly and justly, or offered up their Lives for defence of their Country, should find a place of everlasting peace and happiness: So natural is the knowledge of the Souls Immortality, and of some Ʋbi for the future reception of it.
They have as many Languages as Towns, which may be the reason we have so little knowledge of their Original: They are naturally active, swift Runners, and good Swimmers.
The Mexicans and Pernans, were the only Americans that lived in Cities, which Cities, though founded by People which we call Savages, were no way inferior to ours in Europe, either for bigness or Magnificence.
The Spaniards possess the largest, the richest, and the most fertile Provinces; among the rest Mexico and Peru, formerly two famous Kingdoms, the first Elective, the other Hereditary, and claim it all as [Page 515] their right, by virtue of the donation of Pope Alexander the Sixth, in the year 1493. But the other Nations would not give their consent. The Portugueses have the Coast of Brasil. The French have their Colonies in Canada, in several Islands, and upon the firm Land. The English are fairly seated all along the Coast of North America, and in the Islands. And of late the Dutch have gotten many places on the Continent and on the Islands: For so rich a Prize could not be kept by the Spaniards, who hoped indeed to have had a Monopoly of so wealthy a Country, and to have enjoyed without a Rival the possession of so fair a Mistress.
The Seas that compass this Continent are, on the East, that commonly called the North Sea, or Mar del Nort; on the West, the South Sea, or Mar del Zur, and on that part which hides its self under the Pole of the Erymanthean Bear, to the South of the Straits of Magellan, the North and South Seas meet and embrace together, dividing, it as is supposed, from either Pole.
Divided it is into two great parts or Peninsula's, by the Isthmus of Panama, viz. Mexicana on the North, and Peruana on the South.
Of Peruviana or South- America.
THIS Part of the two great Peninsula's, into which the vast Continent of the New World doth now stand divided, extends it self from about the twelfth Degree of the Equator North, unto the four and fiftieth Southerly, and is now by Geograghers divided into these Kingdoms or Parts, viz. Castella del Or, by some called Terra Firma, Guiana, The Amazons, Peru, Chili, Brasil, Peraguay, or La Plata, and Terra Magellanica.
Its form approaches near a Triangle, whose sides are almost equal.
Its situation is for the most part under the Torrid Zone, the rest under the Antartick temperate Zone.
The Coasts of this part of the World are in part known to us, but the Inlands very little.
And here I must beg pardon for my digression, from the usual Order and Method of Geographers, for being necessarily oblidg'd to wait upon some of our North American Proprietors, for a more exact Description than what is generally extant: And the haste of the Press pressing me for more Work, I was forced to take this Course to begin at the most Southern part of America, and to proceed to the more Northerly, and so finish this Circle of Geography. Come we therefore to.
MAgellanica lies upon the South of America, near the Streight of Magellan, whose name it still retains, though sometimes call'd the Country of the Patag [...]ns. It is a very poor Country, and subject to cold, by reason of the high Mountains, where the Snow lies almost all the year. As for the Natives, they live in Caves, and adore the Devil, that he may do them no harm. The Spaniards, English and Dutch have given various Names to the Places where they have been. In the first part of the Reign of King Philip the Second, the Spaniards built C [...]d [...]d de [...] Rey Philippe, and several other Forts upon the Eastern Entrance in the Straits of Magellan, to hinder their Enemies from passing [Page 517] that way; but all signified little or nothing, because of the wideness of the Streight, and the whole Colony perished for want of Provisions. For which reason that City was afterwards called the Port of Hunger. Port Saint Julian, where Magellan winter'd, and punished his Mutineers. Port Desire upon the Eastern Coast: This Port, otherwise called Bay de los Trabayos, has an entrance about half a League broad, with two little Islands, and two Rocks, which are not to be seen at high Water. The Soil is a white Sand without Trees. However there is fresh Water, of which the Ships provide themselves that are bound toward the Streight. Magellan, Drake, Cavendish, Oliver of the North, Maire, Schouten, and others have all passed the same Streight.
The relations of the Spaniards affirm, that there are Men there ten foot high. Those relations add, Demi-Giants, that will carry each of them a Tun of Wine, &c. They call them Patagons. The English who lately passed the Magellan Streight report things quite contrary, and say, that the Natives of that Country are no bigger than our Europeans.
In the year 1669, his Majesty of Great Britan, his Royal Highness the Duke of York, and several others of the Nobility, designed a better discovery of the Southern part of Chili: In order whereunto were two Ships sent out, the one called the Sweepstakes, under the conduct of the adventurous and worthy Commander, Sir John Narborough, and the other the Batchelor, who proceeding on their Voyage, near the Streights of Magellan, about Rio S. Julian, losing one the other, the Batchelor returned home with an apprehension, that his Consort was lost: But contrarily, the Sweepstakes very honourably proceeded on her Voyage; passed through the Streights into Mar-del Zur, and failed all along the Coast of Chili unto Baldivia, which is under the Command of the Spaniards, who by a pretended friendship betrayed and detained four of the English, all endeavors of Sir John for their relief being ineffectual, he was forced to leave them behind, and so he returned back through the Streights, and in June 1671 came to London, giving great hopes and expectation of a very advantageous Trade in those Parts, by reason of the abundance of Gold and Silver in that Country. Out of whose Journals I have taken these following Memorials, That the difference of Longitude from St. Jago to Penguin Island was 46 d 38 m, and Meridian distant was 2321 Miles 7/10. Soals Bay in Latitude [...]8 d 15 m at the North end of this Bay was a Rocky Island full of Seals, therefore called Seals Bay.
In Spiring Bay lie three Rocky Islands.
On the North side of Spiring Bay, Penguin Island about a Mile and a half from the Main, so full of Penguins, that they knocked them down with sticks, and are about the bigness of a Goose, they cannot [Page 518] fly, nor go very fast, having no Wings but small Stumps that they swim with, that they get their Food out of the Sea.
Port Desire lies in the Latitude 47 d 30 m, and from St. Jago. 46 d 38 m Longitude, where is six Fathom Water, at low Water Northward: Off Port Desire there lies a League of Rocks, and are about a League from the Shore: And on the South side is Penguin Island, and just at the entrance of it, on the South side, is a spired Rock, much like a Steeple or Watch Tower, which is a good Mark, and stands about ½ a Mile from the Sea side, and the River runs up about thirty Miles: A barren Land, little Wood, or fresh Water, and no People were seen by the English: There were great store of Weyetnacks or Spanish Sheep; plenty of Hares and Estriches; abundance of Ducks, Mallards, also Ducks, Curlews, Black-shanks, White-breasts, and great blew Ducks as big as Geese, and store of Seals; upon an Island, up the River, the English found a piece of Lead nailed to a Post, and a Tin-Box with a Paper left by Captain Jagus Lamir, dated December 8. 1615. It is high Water at twelve of the Clock, upon the Full Moon or Change; and at Spring Tides it Ebbs and Flows about three Fathoms right up and down; the Harbors mouth is but narrow, being about a Musket shot from side to side.
Port Julian lies in the Latitude of 49 d 00 m: A Mile within the Narrow, there is nine Fathom Water at high Water, and but four Fathom at low Water; the Chanel going in lies S. W. and N. E. and when in the Harbor it lies S. S. W. and N. N. E. 'Tis high Water at half an hour past eleven at full Moon, or at Change, the Water riseth and falls about four Fathom and a half. In the Harbor there are several Islands, and also two Ponds within a Bow-shot of the Water side, the one is Salt Water, the other Fresh. The Harbor affords great store of Wild Fowl, as at Port Desire: And the Land, Weyetnacks, Estriches, Hares, &c. Here were seen five or six Indians, and about nine Miles W. from the Harbors Mouth was found a great large Salt Pond full of good Salt about three Miles long, and one Mile in breadth.
Beach Head in Latitude 50 l 00 m, from which about ten Miles lies the Hill of St. Ives.
Cape Virgin in Latitude 52 d 15 m South Latitude from the pitch of this Cape S. W. there lies a Beachy Point, about a League into the Sea, that has little Bushes growing upon the top thereof.
The first Narrow of the Magellan Streights, which is about three Leagues in length, and in the narrowest part about one League over: The Water deep, no ground with forty fathom of Line: At the Mouth of the entrance, it was high Water at eight of Clock on the Full Moon, and on the Change. The distance between the first and [Page 519] second Narrow is about ten Leagues, and in breadth about six Leagues.
The second Narrow is about three Leagues in length, and four or five Miles broad, in which were Queen Elizabeths Island, upon which were seen thirty Indians, St. Georges Island, St. Bartholomews Island, &c.
About Port Famine the Hills are very high, and covered with Snow; but the Land towards the Water side was lower, and full of good Timber Trees.
In Fortiscus Bay, or Port Gallant, Water floweth ten Foot, and 'tis high Water about ten of the Clock on the Full Moon.
About Cape Munday was observed sixteen or seventeen Degrees Variation, and is about thirteen Leagues from Cape Desire.
The English went up Segars River by Boat about nine Miles, and two by Land, but could see no Inhabitants.
From Cape Blanko to the Lizard, the difference of Longitude was found to be 60 d 45 m 5/10, and Meridian distance eight hundred and forty Leagues.
The West Entrance of the Streights of Magellan is 5 [...] d of South Lat. and the East Entrance lies in 52 d 20 m: The length is an hundred and ten Leagues. The breadth in some places two Leagues, in others not two Miles over, and is famous for the passage of Magellan, Drake, Cavendish, Oliver. Van North, Scouton, &c.
There is another passage between the South Sea, and the Atlantick Ocean, call'd Fretum le Maire, found out in the year 16 [...]5, much more convenient than the former, being about ten or twelve Leagues of length and breadth, and then a large Sea formerly supposed to be Terra Australis or Terra Incognita.
That of Brewers discovered in the year 1643, hath the same advantages as that of La Maire.
CHili bears the name of one of her Valleys, though, some say, it is so called by reason of the cold weather in the Mountains, which inviron it toward the North and East. The difficulty of passing through these Mountains obliges the Spaniards to go by Sea, when they have business at Chili. They have possessed it ever since the year 1554, at which time they conquered it under one of the Almagres. In some parts of this Country the Soil is so fertile and pleasant, that no part of all America more resembles Europe. It yields Ostriches, Copper, the finest Gold in the World; and there are so many Mines, that Chili is reckon'd but one plate of Gold, which makes the King of Spain take more than ordinary care for its preservation. So that it costs him more to defend that place, than all the rest of America. The cold is [Page 521] however so excessive, that Almagre lost more Men and Horses by the Cold, than by the Sword; at the end of four Months after he invaded it, the Inhabitants found some of his Horsemen that were dead, and sate in a living posture, as fresh as if they had but newly taken Horse: Their Rivers run only in the day, being frozen all the night long, notwithstanding there are several Mountains that cast forth Fire. The Spaniards have a Governor there, who is under the Vice-Roy of Peru. The Savages being governed by their Captains. The Arauques above all the rest made such a resistance, that the Spaniards were forced to make a Peace with them in the year 1641. In all America there are no people more Valiant or more Warlike than those Arauques: They know how to make Swords, Muskets, and Cuirasses; as also, how to range themselves in Battel, to fight retreating, to encamp to advantage, to fortifie and to use Stratagems; all which they learn by having seen but once. They have often surpriz'd and ruin'd Cities, massacred Garisons, and demolished the Fortresses Araucho, Puren, and Tu-Capel. In short, an Arauque will not be afraid at any time to encounter a Spaniard.
St. Jago, La Conceptio, and Imperiale are the principal Cities of Chili. La Conceptio is the Residence of the Governor, by reason of the neighbourhood of the Arauques. Valparaiso is an excellent Port for the City of Saint Jago. Mocha, five Leagues from the Continent, is a little Island upon the Coast, where the Ships oft-times take in fresh Water, and whither many of the Inhabitants retired from the cruelty of the Spaniards.
La Sarena, taken and fired by the Buccaniers. It had seven Churches, and one Chappel, the Houses neatly furnished. In the Gardens were Strawberries as big as Walnuts.
At Isle de Juan Fernandez, in Latitude 3 [...] d 40 m neither Fowl nor Fish.
At El Guasco the Bu [...]caniers got store of Sheep and Goats, Lat. 28 d 40 m.
Near Point St. Helena is a Rock which runneth into the Water for half a Mile, distant about eight Leagues, called Chanday, where many Ships are lost.
Of Paraguay Rio de la Plata.
THE Name of P [...]ata is common to the Country, and to a great River that waters it, 'twas given there [...]nto in consideration of the Mines, and the Silver which they first got from thence. The Country is very pleasant and delightful, for it abounds in Corn, Vineyards, Fruit-trees and Cattel in abundance. Assumption is the chief Place in the Country, where the Spaniard keeps a Garison, near to which is a [Page 522] great Lake, in the midst whereof is a great Rock, said to be two Fathom above the Water. The true Paraguay lies towards the head of the River, that bears the same name, which in our Language signifies the River of Feathers. Parana lies along by the River side, wherein there are Cataracts or falls of Water above a hundred Cubits high. Buenos Aires is one of the best Colonies, by reason of its Commerce with Brasil, from whence it receives the Merchandizes of Europe. Which is the reason, that invites the Spaniards thither from Potosi to exchange their Ingots for such necessaries as they want; notwithstanding the rigorous Prohibitions of their King, whose duties are lost by that means. Chaco is a fruitful Country interlaced with many Rivers. The Tobares were about fifty thousand, and a valiant People. The Chiraguanes will not suffer the Spaniards to live amongst them. In this Country grow great Trees of which the Natives make Boats all of a piece. They mark out their Highways by the sellings of their Trees; and in regard these Trees are some black, some green, some red, some yellow, the Forests afford a pleasant prospect.
The Orochons are remarkable for the bigness of their Ears. According to the relations of the year 1627. there are in Plata, a more civiliz'd People, and more capable to learn our Arts, and our Religion, than in all the other parts of America: For they say, that, according to a Tradition delivered to their Fathers by Saint Thomas, whom they call St. Sume, certain Priests shall come into their Country and instruct them in the way of their Salvation.
Tu [...]uman is a very ten perate Country, interdivided with several Rivers, which, having water'd the Plains, fall into the great River of Plata. The Inhabitants are docible, lovers of peace rather than War: So that the Spanish Captain, that subdu'd them, had no great need of any considerable force for that purpose. They have many Cities, where they live under the Jurisdiction of the Caciques, and their Wealth consists rather in Cattel than Mines. The Spaniards have a Governor there, and the principal City is St. Jago de Estero, in the mid-way between Buenos Ayres and Potosi. Then St. Miguel de Tucumen. N. S. de Talevera on the River Salado. Corduba on the Road from Bueyos Ayres and Potosi, and from Sancta Fee to St Jago in Chili. The Quirandies to the Meridional part partake apparently of the Scithian humor: For they live in Huts, that move upon Wheels, and have always made great resistance against the Spaniards. The Trapalandes, the Juries, and Diaquites are the most famous.
BRasile was called the Country of the Holy Cross, when it was first discovered, which was in the year 1501, in the name of the King of Portugal, it extends it self all along upon the North Sea, toward the North and East, with great Rocks near the Shore under Water; the distances between which make several good Ports: The bounds thereof towards the West are not known: The Southern bounds are variously placed, according to the wills of Portugals and the Spaniards; for both the one and the other interpret, according to their own sense, the Regulation that was made in the year 1493, and both claim the possession of the River of Plata, and the Molucca Islands, making to that effect [Page 524] Geographical Maps to their own advantage. By this Regulation Alexander the Sixth (whom Sixtus the Fifth extols for one of the three greatest Popes of the Church) invested Ferdinand King of Arragon, and Isabel Queen of Castile his Wife, in all the Lands to the West of an Imaginary Line, drawn from one Pole to the other, one hundred Leagues beyond the Isles of Azores. That was discovered to the East of this Line, was to belong to the King of Portugal; the difficulty was to put it in execution; for on the one side, the Castillians began to count these hundred Leagues from the most Occidental part of the Azores; and the Portugueses reckon'd from the most Oriental, with a design to exchange the Deserts of America, for the Possession of the wealthy Molucca's, which were afterwards engaged to their King by the Emperor Charles the Fifth, for three hundred and fifty thousand Duckers. At length, because these two Nations could no more agree in this particular, than in many others, the Portugals accounted Brasile all that which extends from the River Maranhaon, to the River of Plata Southward; and the Spaniards placed the Southern bounds thereof at Cape St. Vincents.
Though Brasile lie under the Torrid Zone, nevertheless the Air is temperate, and the Water the best in the World; so that the People live often to the Age of an hundred and fifty years. Besides Brasile, the Country produces Amber, Balsom, Tobacco, Train-Oil, Cattle, Sweetmeats, above all things Sugar in abundance. The neighbourhood of Plata gives the Portugueses great opportunities of sucking the Spaniards Silver from Peru. There are in Brasile living Creatures, Trees, Fruits, and Roots not to be found any where else. The Serpents, Adders and Toads have Poison in them, and therefore the Natives feed upon them. The Plains are destin'd for Sugar, the Hills for Wood, the Valleys for Tobacco, for Fruits and Mandroche, which is a certain Root, of which they make Bread. The most part of the Villages do not contain above an hundred or sixscore Houses. The Coast of Brasil is divided into several Capitanies, which belong at this day all to the Portugals. The French had formerly something to do there; but the Hollanders lost all their footing, in the year 1654, their Wars with England not permitting them to send any relief; and the Portugals being far more numerous than they. Nevertheless in the year 16 2, the Portuga s treated with them to allow them some damages, to preserve their friendship, when they were to defend themselves against the Spaniards. Among all the Capitanies Tamaraca is the most antient, though the smallest. Fernanbuco is esteemed the Terrestrial Par [...]se by reason of the beauty of its Soil. Bahia de Todos los Santos [Page 525] contains the City of San Salvador, the Residence of the Governor, which was taken in 1624, by the Hollanders, who got so much Plunder there, that every Common Soldier had for his share above fifteen thousand Crowns: But this good Fortune was the cause of their retreat, and their retreat gave the Portugals opportunity to retake it. The Capitanie of Rio Janeiro, which the Savages call Ganabara, is a great Rendevouz for Ships by means of a navigable River, or rather an Arm of the Sea, that runs up ten or twelve Leagues into the Land, some seven or eight Leagues broad. In the year 16 [...]8 a Silver Mine was found in that Capitanie. That of San Vincent contains Mines of Gold and Silver. The City of Santos is able to harbor Vessels of four hundred Tuns in its Port, in the year 1591, it was assaulted by Sir Thomas Cavendish.
The People of Brasil go naked for the most part, and will cross great Rivers by the help of a Pannier and a Cord. The Chief are the Toupinambous, Les Margajas, Tapuyes, and others who differ in Manners and Languages, and are generally distinguished by the wearing of their hair. They were more numerous before the coming of the Portugals, but several Toupinambous, to preserve their liberty, crossed the great Deserts, and went to live near the River Maranabon. The Tapuyes are more difficult to be civilized than the Brasilians, which inhabit the Aldees. The Aldees are certain Villages, which contain not above six or seven Houses, but very large, and able to contain five or six hundred Persons. The most part of the Inhabitants of Brasil have so well defended themselves, that, notwithstanding the Wars they have had among themselves, they have however hindred the Europeans from making any progress in the Conquest of their Lands. And have also several times ruined the Plantations and Engines belonging the Sugar-works that are upon the Coast.
THE River Amazone is the greatest and swiftest River in America: It begins at the foot of the Cordellier Mountains eight or ten Leagues from Quito [...]: From its Springs, to its approaches to the Sea, is according to its course eleven or twelve hundred Leagues, at its mouth it is fifty or sixty Leagues wide: It is inhabited by abundance of People, and receives an innumerable company of Rivers. The Voyages of Texeira tells us, that the Counties about the Amazone enjoy a temperate Air. That the Annual Inundations, like to those of Nile, the great quantity of Trees and Forests, that the pleasantness of their Fruits, the Verdure of their Herbs, and the beauty of their Flowers, give refreshment and delights to the Inhabitants all the year long.
[Page 527]That 'tis a Country fertile in Grains, rich in Pastures, full with Rivers and Lakes, stored with delicate Fish and Tortoise, that their Honey is Medicinal, their Balm excellent for Wounds; that they have inexhaustible quantities of Ebony and Brazil, store of Cacoa and Tobacco, plenty of Sugar Canes, and Rocon for the dying of Scarlet, besides Gold, Silver, and other Metals, which are found there.
That they observed an hundred and fifty different Nations upon and about the Banks of the Amazone, of which the Homagues are excellent for their Manufactures of Cotton Cloath. The Corosipares for their Earthen Vessels. The Sarines for their Joynery Work. The Topinamubes for their power.
As for the Amazonian Women, from whence it is pretended this River took its name, many and strange Relations have been writ of them. All I can find of it is, that when the Inhabitants were in Arms, at the arrival of the Spaniards, there were some Women so couragious as to be amongst them, but never any Country of such, and therefore as fabulous, as those of whom the Greeks have formerly writ such wonders.
Of PERƲ.
PERƲ is a name so remarkable, that, under the same, many times all the other parts of Southern America are comprehended: It lies almost all under the Torrid Zone; and yet it has not the qualities of the Countries in our Hemisphere, that lie under the same Zone. There are in it three sorts of Countries, very different the one from the other, the Plain, the Hill, and the Andes. The Plain lies near the Sea, nothing delightful, being sandy, and subject to Earthquakes. The hilly Country consists of Vallies, Hills and Mountains, where it is very cool. The Andes, where it almost continually rains, are very high Mountains, yet fertile and well peopled. The Plain is not above twelve Leagues broad, the Hilly Country twenty; and the Andes as broad as that. So that under the name of Peru are comprehended more Lands than are subdued by the Spaniards.
The Spaniards have a Vice-Roy in that Country, where they have [Page 528] particularly fortified Arica; being the place where the Merchandises of Lima, and the Wealth of Potosi are brought. They invaded this Kingdom under Pizarro, in the year 1525. But the Civil Wars that ensued, hindred for some time the absolute Conquest of the Country. The Indians that cannot defend themselves pay Tribute. The King of Spain receives vast Treasures out of the Mines of Peru. For the principal Cities are full of it, and the very Earth is oftentimes nothing but Gold and Silver: So that Peru is certainly the richest Country in the World. And it reported, that the Spaniards made above twenty Millions of Ducates of their first Voyage thither.
The Ways are so secure from Robbery, that four Musqueteers serve for a Convoy for three or four thousand Ducates.
The Inca's were Hereditary Kings of Peru, for above three hundred years before the Invasion of the Spaniards. They had made there two High-ways; the one along the Plain, where it required an extraordinary Expence to settle the Sand, the other over the Mountain; where it was as necessary to fill up the Valleys. These High-ways were every one of them five hundred Leagues in length; and upon the Road stood Houses, whither Travellers were carried and entertained by the Natives upon freecost. The same Inca's had also reared Temples to the Sun, to the Moon, and to the Stars, which they call Ladies attending the Moon; to Lightning, Thunder, and Thunder-bolts; and to the Rain-bow, which they said executed the Sun's justice. It is reported, that their Polities were not unlike those of the Greeks and Romans; that their Government was mild, free and liberal: And that they divided the Earth into three parts, the first high, the second low, and the third under ground, signifying Earth, Heaven and Hell. Atabalippa, who was one of those Kings, said, That the Pope was not a Wise Man, to give away that which was none of his own, and that for his part he had more reason to prefer the Divinity of the Sun, than of a Man that was crucified. He also threw away a Breviary, which they presented, because it spoke never a word of Christ, of whom they told him it related great things. This unfortunate Prince being defeated and taken by the Spaniards at Caxamalca, offer'd for his liberty as much Gold as could be heaped up half way in a Hall seven and twenty foot long, sixteen foot wide, and proportionably high; nevertheless they put him to death, as a Traytor and a Tyrant. It is not to be wondred, that the Inca's had such vast store of Gold and Silver, for they had framed in Gold all the Creatures and Plants imaginable in their Temples; also they put great numbers of Statues of all pure Gold, and adorn'd with precious Stones. The Edifices were demolished [Page 529] by the Spaniards, who expected to find Gold in the Materials, and in the cement of the Stones, though they got a prodigious Sum besides.
The Provinces of Peru are Quito, Los Reyes, Los Charcas, and La Sierra: Quito, which produces much Gold, Cotton, and Physical Drugs, has a City of the same Name, the antient Residence of Inca Guaynacapa. The Province de los Reyes, contains the best Cities in the Country, Lima and Cusco: Lima is new, and one of the best in all America, though it contain not above six thousand Inhabitants. There are also about four thousand Negroes, but they keep them disarm'd for fear of revolting. The great Trade of the Town, the Residence of the Vice-Roy, and the Archbishop make it the Capital City of Peru. Cal [...]ao a City and a Port two Leagues from Lima, is able to receive and secure several Vessels. Cusco built four hundred years before the Spaniards took it, very well peopled, because the King usually kept his Court, and obliged the Lords of the Country to build them Houses, and dwell in the City with their Children. The Province de los Charcas contains the Cities of La Plata and Potosi, which is the best inhabited place in all the West Indies, for it is stored with all conveniencies and delights of this Life; for which reason several People go to live there. The Silver Mines in her Mountains are certainly the richest in the World, and no way subject to the Water, as the other Mines are. The King of Spain had from thence a Million of Ducates formerly for his fifth; but for some time since the Rent has fallen.
At the Island Perico was the Fight between the Buccaniers and Spaniards, where the Buccaniers took five Ships; the Buccaniers were but sixty eight Men, the Spaniards two hundred and twenty eight.
At Gorgona Island the Buccaniers carreen'd.
At the Isle of Plate, Sir F. Drake made the Dividend of that vast quantity of Plate, which he took from the S. Armada, which, the Spaniards say, was twelve score Tuns of Plate, and sixteen Bowls of Coyned Money, so that they were forced to heave some over board.
Tumbes was the first Place the Spaniards setled in these parts after Panama.
Of GƲYANA.
THis Country has by sundry Europeans been called the Savage Coast, the Country of the Amazons, El Dorado, and Guyana. But this last name, which is Indian, has put down all the rest. Afterwards the continued resolutions of the French to settle themselves there, together with the situation of the Country, has occasioned it to be called by them Equinoctial France. Orenoque bounds it to the West; Amazonia to the Fast, the North Sea to the North, and the high Mountains to the South. All which limits give it a Figure, that is somewhat oval.
Orenoque, or Raliana, from Sir Walter Raleigh, who in 1595 discovered it, constrains the neighbouring Inhabitants, by reason of its overflowing, to lodge in the Trees: The other Rivers of Guyana are Ess [...]qu [...]be, Brebice, Coret ne, Boron, Maruvine, Surinam, the entrance whereof is as large as the Sein at Horfleur: Mawari, Sinamari, Caurora, near to which great plenty of Tortoises breed. Cayenna, that makes an Island of the same Name; Cauwo, at the Mouth whereof lie great Mountains, where, they say, there is a Mine of a Lapis Lazuli. Aperwaque, which is thought runs to the Lake Parime, but it hath so many falls, that its course is hardly known, Via-poco, Poumaron, &c.
At the lower part of these Rivers, and all along the Coast, which is generally low, and extends above two hundred and fifty Leagues in length, several English, French and Dutch Colonies have setled themselves. Who having made the Indians sensible, that they are not able to master their Lands alone, dispute among themselves the possession of other Nations Rights. The Country between Viapoco, and the North Cape, is not much coveted by the Europeans, because it is very boggy.
The Country about the Lake Parima, in the middle of Guyana, acknowledge, by report, a Successor of Guainacapa of the House of Inca's of Peru, and compose the true Kingdom of the Golden King. The remaining part towards the North is possessed by divers People, which cannot of themselves make a Body of two hundred and fifty Men. They are all Idolaters, and obey the antient Chiefs of their Families. Some Relations affirm, that there are Amazons in those parts, or rather largesided Women, that wage War with much Skill and Valor, insomuch that the Natives of the Isle of Arowen, at the Mouth of Amazona, have acquired that Name, by reason of their long Hair: The same Relations aver, that there are some Nations, where the Men exchange their [Page 531] Wives, and where the Men always choose the most elderly, as being more industrious, and better experienced in Huswifry, than the young ones.
The People of Guyana live long, by reason of the good Air, which they breath. Their Country lies in the middle of the Torrid Zone, but the Eastern Winds are very constant. The Days and Nights are equal, the later being very cool, the dews falling in great abundance. The Mountains are high, and the Forests very thick, so that it is never excessive hot, nor excessive cold. The Soil is very proper for the Tillage of Manioc; others for the planting of Cotton; others for Sugar and Tobacco; others that yield Gums, Wood, Stones of divers sorts, Parrots and Monkeys. Besides that Hunting and Fishing are equally profitable and delightful.
Manoa, near the Lake Parima, the principal City of Guyana is call'd El Dorado, by reason of the quantity of Gold, which, they say, is there so great, that the Inhabitants make their Weapons thereof, and cloath their Bodies with it, after they have rubb'd themselves with Oyl or Balsom. So that this City may be accounted the richest in the World, if there be such a one.
The Island of Cayenne, the principal Colony of the French in those quarters, is about sixteen or seventeen Leagues in compass, five whereof shoot into the Sea, the rest lie between the Arms of a River of the same name. It encloses several high Hills, which are manurable to the very tops; and some Meadows for the fatting of Cattle. St. Thomas is remarkable, for the unhappy enterprise of that worthy Englishman, Sir Walter Raleigh, by whom Cumana was fired in his first return from Guyana.
And at St. Josephs, a small City in the Isle Trinidado, Sir W. Raleigh took the Spanish Governor Antonio Berio, from whom he got the best account of those Parts and its Trade.
Of Castella Del Oro.
GOlden Castile, so called from the plenty of Gold the Castillians found there, called also Terra Firma, because one of the first parts of firm Land, which the Spaniards touched at; divided likewise into several Parts or Governments, viz Panama, Carthagena, Sancta Martha, Rio dela Hacha, Venezucla, Paria or New Andalousia, Popajan, and Granada.
The Government of Panama, which particularly takes the name of Terra Firma, is between the North and South Seas, placed in the Isthmus, which joyns the two parts of America together. The Country is either low or miry, or mountainous or barren, its Air is very unhealthful, subject to great Heats and Fogs: Its chief Places are, Panama seated on the Southern Sea-shore, the Residence of the Governor, a Bishops See, and a Town through which the riches of Spain and Peru pass every year. In December 1670, it was taken by the English, and kept twenty eight days.
Panama is the Place whither they bring the Gold and Silver of Peru, which they afterwards carry to Porto Belo, a place of great strength, fortified with two Castles, which lies about sixteen or eighteen Leagues off upon the North Sea, and raised upon the Ruins of Nombre de Dios, which was forsaken for the badness of the Air, and lying too open to the Invasions of the English: This carriage is performed by great Rams, called Vieuves, which are the only Mules of the Country. At Porto Belo they lade this Gold and Silver in the Ships, that carry it to Spain.
In the way from Panama to Porto Belo, you may, if you please, take the convenience of the River Chagra, which comes within five Leagues of Panama, and then you may go all the way by Water.
In the year 1668, the English plundred Porto Belo, and got considerable sums of the Spaniards, before they would surrender it again.
Cartagena affords soveraign Balsom, little inferiour to that of Egypt, Rosin, and several sorts of Gums, long Pepper, Dragons-blood, Emeraulds, &c. Formerly the Inhabitants had particular places, whither they carried their Dead with their Gold, their Chains and their costly [Page 533] Ornaments. But the Spaniards to get this Wealth into their hands, made those Relicks see the Sun again. The City standing in a Peninsula, had its name from the resemblance of its Port, with that of Cartagena in Europe. It is one of the best Cities in America, for it contains above four thousand Spaniards, about four thousand Negro's, and is the usual Randevouz of the Fleets, that are bound from Cadiz to the Firm Land.
Saint Martha produces almost all sorts of Fruit that grow in Spain, Gold, Saphires, Emeraulds, Jasper, Cassidoins: And there begin those high Mountains, which under the names of Andes run a long as far as the South. The City is honoured with an Episcopal See, but still laments the Ruins suffered by the English in Anno 1595 and 1596.
Rio de la Hacha has lost the Fishery of Pearls not far from it, but its Soil is very fertile.
Venezuela had its name from a Village hard by, which was built upon Piles in the middest of the Water: When this Country was first discovered, the Germans, to whom Charles the Fifth had ingag'd it, had a design to have built a City at the Mouth of the Lake Macataybo, according the Model of Venice, but afterwards they changed their resolution, and chose rather to return into their own Country: The Water of the aforesaid Lake is salt, but it becomes sweet, through the abundance of Water that falls into it out of several Rivers. Venezuela produces all things necessary for human sustenance, so that it is, as it were, the Granary of the adjacent Provinces.
New Andalusia is otherwise called Paria, from its great River; and the Seacost bears like that of Venezuela, the name of the Coast of Pearls, by reason of the Fishery there, since it fail'd about the Islands of Margareta and [...]ubagua Some of the Indians still hold out against the Spaniards, and the most part of the Sea Towns have been often plundred by the English. The Country near Comana is full of Saltpits. The Country and City of Popayen have preserved the name of their last King. The Paezes, the Pixo's, the Manipo's, and other neighbouring Natives could never be subdued.
The New Kingdom of Granada, which was discovered by one Xemenes a Granadin, affords Silver, Copper, Iron, and Emeraulds. Heretofore there was One brought to Philip the Second, King of Spain, of so high a Price, that the Goldsmiths knew not how to value it: And therefore as a rarity it was laid up in the Treasure of the Escurial.
BEtween the two America's, North and South, and before the Gulph of Mexico are many Islands, generally distinguished into the Antilles, Caribbes, and Lucajos.
Of the ANTILLES.
THE Islands of the Antilles are Hispaniola, Cuba, Jamaica and Peru Rico alias Boriquen. Hispaniola is affirmed to be in length an hundred and sixty Leagues; the breadth in some places sixty, in some but thirty, thence growing less and less till it comes to the Angles; situate between the eighteenth and twentieth deg. of the Northern Latitude. An Island for the most part beautiful and flourishing, the Trees always [Page 535] in their Summer Livery, the Meadows green, as if they did enjoy a perpetual Spring; of such excellent Herbage, that the Cattle brought thither out of Spain have increased beyond measure grown wild for want of proper Owners, and are hunted unto death, like the Stags of the Forest, only to rob them of their Skins. In a word, rich Mines of Gold without mixture of Dross, or other Metals; the great increase of Sugar Canes, one Cane filling twenty, sometimes thirty Measures, the exceeding increase of Corn, producing in some places an hundred-fold; Herbs and Fruits, that in eighteen days will come to their perfections, and ripen, &c. are evident Arguments of the richness and fertility of the Soil, only the Air is much infested with Morning Heats, but cooler in the Afternoon.
It was discovered by Columbus, in his first Voyage made 1492. The Spaniards have since setled many potent Colonies there, who, having rooted out the Natives by their infinite cruelties, and exhausted the riches of the Country with as infinite covetousness, dispersed themselves into the Continent.
Its chief Places are St. Domingo, first built by Bartholomeus Columbus, Anno 1494, now situate in a pleasant Country, with a safe and capacious Haven, for Ships to ride in. An Arch-Bishoprick, and a place of great Trade, till the taking of Mexico, and the discovery of Peru, since which time it hath much decayed, nor hath it yet recovered it self of the great loss and damage it sustained by Sir Francis Drake, in Anno 1586.
Porto de la Plata, the second place of Trade and Wealth, seated on a commodious Bay on the Northern Shore.
At present among their Insects and Vermine, the Nigua is the most dangerous, it leaps like a Flea, and piercing it self, till it lodges between the Skin and the Flesh is very troublesom to get out.
The Cucugo, a kind of Snail, that hath its Eyes and Flanks when it opens its Wings, so Bright, that it serves to Read or Write by in the darkest Night.
Among their Fish the Manati is the most remarkable, which is a kind of a Sea-Calf, about twenty Foot long, and their young not above a hand long.
The Commodities now are Cattle, Hides, Cassia, Sugar, Ginger, Cocheneil, Guaiacum, and other Herbs, as well for Physick as Dying.
The French now possess the Western part of this Island, as also the Island Tortugas not far from it.
Of CƲBA.
CƲBA, by Christopher Columbus call'd Ferdinanda, is in length from East to West about two hundred Spanish Leagues; in breadth not about twenty five or thirty, in content equal with Hispaniola, for fertility of the Soil, and temperature of the Air, beyond it.
Liberally stored with Ginger, Mastich, Cassia, Aloes, Cinamon and Sugar, besides great plenty of Flesh, Fish and Fowl, the Gold more drossie in the Mines than those of Hispaniola, but the Brass more perfect; the Mountains filled with divers Trees, of which some drop that purest Rosin; and the Hills send to the Vallies many Rivers streaming down with Gold.
Among the Rarities of this Island, there is a Fountain, out of which floweth a pitchy substance or Bitumen, excellent for the chalking of Ships, and serves the Indians for divers Medicines.
As also a Valley covered with an innumerable number of Flint-stones of divers Magnitudes, which Nature hath made so round, that they may serve for Bullets for all sorts of Cannons.
Its chief Places are St. Jago, built in 1514, by Don Diego de Valasques, seated in the bottom of a capacious Bay, in the South part of the Island, the seat of a Bishop, much decayed, and now of little Trade. 2. Havana, one of the most famous Ports in the West Indies, for strength, largeness and richness, so strongly situated and fortified, both by Nature and Art, that it seems impregnable; the entrances defended with two Castles, and a greater opposite to the Mouth of the Haven; it is the general Randevouz of the Spanish Fleets, (and is capable to receive a thousand Vessels) when they return for Spain, honour'd therefore with the Seat of the Governor, and the greatest Trade of all these Seas. Twenty five Leagues from the Havana towards the East is the Port of Mataacas, memorable for that Peter Heyn General for the Dutch West India Company, there surprized in the year 1629, the Spanish Fleet, and carried it into Holland: A Prize esteemed worth more than seven Millions of Crowns, yet very ill recompensed for his service and pains.
Nor can I forget the memorable Story of one of the Caciques of the Island, who addressing himself unto Columbus, advised him to use his fortune with moderation, and to remember, that the Souls of Men had two journies, when they leave this World: The one soul and dark, for the injurious and cruel; the other delightful and pleasant, for the peaceable and just.
IT is situated South of Cuba, and West of Hispaniola, in the Torrid Zone, in eighteen Degrees of Northern Latitude; yet the heat is so qualified with the fresh Easterly breezes, that constantly blow all day, refreshed with frequent Showers, and such Dews which fall in the Night, that it may be truly called temperate; its Air healthful; its Soil rich and fertile, plentiful of all things necessary. The Land well stocked with Cattle, the Woods well stored with Fowl, and its Rivers with Fish.
From East to West along the midst of the Island runs a continual ridge of lofty Mountains, which are full of fresh Springs, whence flow the many Rivers, that so plentifully water the Island.
[Page 538]There is scarce any sensible increase or decrease of the Days or Nights throughout the year, and the Winter Months are only known by a little more Rain and Thunder.
This Island produces many excellent Commodities, viz. Sugars so good, that they out-sells those of Barbadoes; Indice, Cotton which is excellent fine, Tobacco, Hides, Copper, Tortoises in great abundance, whose Meat is excellent to eat, and their Shells much esteemed for several curious Works.
Several sorts of Woods for Dyers, as Fustick, Redwood, a kind of Logwood, also Cedar, Molthogency, Brassiletto, Lignum Vitae, Ebony, Granadilla, with many other sweet smelling and curious Woods.
There is also Ginger, Salt in great abundance, Salt-Peter, Jamaica Pepper very Aromatical, and of so curious a Gust, that it hath the mixt taste of divers Spices. Drugs in great abundance, Guiacum, China Roots, Sasaparilla, Vinills, Cassia-Fistula, Tamarindes, Achiots or Anetto, with many other Drugs, Balsoms and Gums, as also Co [...]haneil, especially Cocao, of which Chocalate is made.
In this Island is great abundance of Cattle, viz. Cows, Sheep, Goats and Hogs; it having good Pastures, and Grass always green and springing, the Trees and Plants never dis-robed of their Summer Liveries.
In their Rivers are very excellent Fish, viz. Tortoise, Snappers, Crabs, Lobsters, Tarbums, Macquerels, Mullets; Cavallo's, Parrat Fish, Cony Fish, Green Turtles.
Excellent Fruits all the year long, Oranges, Pomegranates, Citrons, Lemmons, Cocar Nuts, Limes, Guauars, Mammes, Alumee-Supotas, Cashues, prickle-Apples, prickle-Pears, Grapes, Sower-Sops, Custard-Apples, Dildows, Plantines, Pines, Macows, Indian-Figs, Bonames, M [...]lons, &c.
There is great plenty of Hens, Turkies, Ducks, Teal, Wigeon, Geese, Pigeons, Turtle Doves, Guiny Hens, Plovers, Flemmings, Snipes, Parrats, with great variety of small Birds.
There likewise grow very well all manner of Summer Garden Herbs and Roots common to us in England, viz. Letuce, Parsley, Rosemary, Lavender, Marjoram, Savory, Time, Sage, Purslane, &c. For Roots; Pease, Beans, Cabbages, Colly Flowers, Turnips, Potatoes, Onions, and Radishes.
Upon the Island are few hurtful Beasts or Insects; only the Muskettoes and Merrywings, a sort of stinging Flies, which are troublesome in some part of the Isle. And the Aligator, which is a very vexatious Creature, but its fat is a Sovereign [Page 539] Ointment for any internal Ach or Pain in the Joynts or Bones
Its Diseases are Dropsies, occasioned often by ill Diet, Drunkenness and Sloth; Calentures, too frequently the product of Surfeits, Fevers and Agues, but with good Diet, and moderate Exercise, without excess of drinking, the English enjoy a competent measure of health.
The Island abounds in good Bays, Ports and Harbors, viz. 1. Port Royal, formerly called Cagway, situate on the extream end of that long point of Land, which makes the Harbor exceeding commodious for Shipping, and is secured by a strong Castle; the Harbor is two or three Leagues cross in most places, and hath every where good Anchorage, and is so deep, that a Ship of a thousand Tun may lay her sides to the Shore to unload, and is the only place of Trade in the Isle, being populous and much frequented.
2. Port Morant seated on the Eastern Point, a very capacious and secure Harbor, where Ships do conveniently hold Water, and ride safe from the Winds, where is also a potent Colony setled.
3. Point Negrel in the West, very good and secure to windward.
4. Port Antonio in the North, a very safe and Land-locked Harbor, being wholly taken up by the Right Honourable Charles Earl of Carslile, once Governor of the Island; and now called Port St. George.
About twelve Miles from Port Royal, within the Land, in a Plain by a River is seated St. Jago, once a place of great account, when the Spaniards were Masters of the Isle, now the Residence of the Governor, and the chief Courts of Judicature are held there, and therefore likely to arrive to a greater spendor than before: Its Inhabitants live in great pleasure, where they have their Havana, in which the richer sort recreate themselves every Evening in their Coaches or on Horseback, as the Gentry do here in Hide-Park.
About the middle way between St. Jago and Port Royal, and on the Mouth of the River is seated Passage, a small Town, built for the conveniency of passage to Port Royal from St. Jago, where is also a Fort raised to secure the same.
In a word, the great encouragement of gaining riches with a pleasant life doth invite every year abundance of people to inhabit there, so that in a short time it is likely to become the most potent, and richest Colony in the West Indies.
[Page 540]Besides the number of Inhabitants, which are reckoned to be about forty or fifty thousand, there belong to the Island about three thousand lusty stout fighting Men, called Privatiers or Bucca [...]iers, whose Courage hath been sufficiently evidenced in their late exploit, and attempt against the Spaniards at Panama.
As concerning the Laws, by which they are governed, they are assimilated as near as can be to those of England, having their several Courts, Magistrates and Officers for the executing of Justice on criminal Offenders, and the hearing and determining of Causes betwixt Party and Party; and for the better assistance of the Governor he hath his Council to consult with.
Borequen is little less either in Circuit or Fruitfulness than Jamaica. Its chief Place is St. Jaan del Puerto Rico, which communicates its name to the whole Island; the Residence of a Bishop and Governour. The Island is traversed by a Chain of Mountains, which cuts it from West to East. Here is found a white Scum, which they use instead of Pitch to chalk their Ships, and instead of Tallow to make Candles, and for want of other Medicaments for Wounds and Sores. These four Islands are the greatest and chiefest of the Antilles.
Of the CARIBBE Islands.
THE Caribbe or Canabal Islands lie East off Boriquen or Portorico, advancing in a Demi-Circle towards America Meridionalis. The Chief whereof are,
BArbado's is the most considerable Island, that passes under the name of the Caribbe Isles. It is seated in thirteen Degrees and thirty Minutes of North Latitude; being not above eight Leagues in length, and five in breadth, of an Oval form. It is a potent Colony, and able to arm ten thousand fighting Men, which, with the [Page 542] strength that Nature hath bestowed upon it, is able to bid defiance to the stoutest Foe.
This Isle is very hot, especially for eight Months, yet not so but labor or travel is sufferable, by reason of the cold breezes of Wind, which rise with the Sun, and blow fresher as the Sun mounteth up. The Air, tho hot, is moist, which causeth all Iron Tools to rust, but this great heat and moisture makes the Soil exceedingly fertile, bearing Crops all the year long, and its Trees and Plants are always green, and the Fields and Weeds always in their verdent livery.
Its Commodities are Sugars, Indico, Cotten, Wool, Ginger, Logwood, Fustick, Lignum Vitae, &c. Of the four first there is such great abundance, that above two hundred Sail of Ships have yearly their loading there.
As for its Trees, Fruits, Herbs, Roots, Foul, Beasts, Insects, and Fish, they are much the same as found in Jamaica, to which I refer you.
The Island is divided into eleven Precincts or Parishes, in which are fourteen Churches and Chapels. The Names whereof, and how situated, you may plainly see in the Map. Its chief places are,
St. Michael, formerly the Bridge-Town, situate at the Bottom of Carlisl [...]- [...]ay in the Lee ward or Southern part of the Island, having a capacious, deep and secure Harbor for Ships, large enough to entertain five hundred Sail at once.
The Town is graced with abundance of well-built Houses, being the Residence of the Governor, the place of Judicature, and the Scale of Trade, where most of the Merchants and Factors have their Store-houses or Shops: It hath two strong Forts opposite one to another, with a Plat-form in the midst, which commands the Road for the defence and security of the Ships.
Next is little Bristol, formerly Sprights Bay, seated about four Leagues [...]ee ward from St. Michaels, hath a commodious Road for Ships, well traded, and strongly defended by two Forts.
3. Saint James, formerly the Hole, hath good Road for Ships, and is of a considerable Trade, where is kept the Monthly Courts.
4. Charles Town, on Oyster Bay, secured by two strong Forts with a [...]lat form in the midst.
The Inhabitants of this Isle are of three sorts Masters, Christian Servants and Negroes. And according to the Calculation not long since made, the two first did amount to fifty thousand, and the Negroes to double the number.
[Page 543]The Masters for the most part live at the height of pleasure, and the Servants, at the expiration of five years, become Freemen of the Island, and imploy their times according to their abilities and capacities, and the Negro Slaves are never out of their Bondage and the Children they get are likewise perpetual Slaves.
The Isle is governed by Laws assimilated to those of England, by a Governor as Supreme, his ten Council as so many Peers, and an hundred Burgesses chosen by the Commonalty out of each Parish.
SAint Christophers, so called from Christopher Columbus the first Discoverer thereof, situate in the Latitude of seventeen Degrees and twenty five Minutes; in Circuit about seventy five Miles, the Soil light and Sandy, produceth Sugar, Cotton, Tobacco and Ginger: The whole Isle is divided in four quarters, two of which are possessed by the English, the other two by the French; the English have two fortified places; one commanding the great Haven, the other distant not far from the Point De Sable. By the Treaty of Breda, the French were to return us St Christophers, which after four years delay was delivered to Sir Charles Wheeler, but my Information tells me, the Plantations were destroyed, and Country laid waste, and left in a much worse condition, than if it had never been planted. However the French have now four strong Forts, that of most note is called Basse Terre: There are five Churches belonging to the English, at Sandy Point, at Palm-Tree, one near the great Road, and two at the inlet of Cayoun: And the French have a Town of good bigness, whose Houses are well built of Free-stone, well inhabited and Traded unto, with a fair and large Church and Castle, being the Residence of the Governor, pleasantly seated at the foot of a high Mountain, not far from the Sea, having spacious Courts, delightful Walks and Gardens, with a curious prospect.
Neivis or Mevis, a small Isle, not above eighteen Miles in circuit, near St. Christophers, inhabited by about three or four thousand English, who live well, and drive a Trade of Sugar, Cotton, Ginger and Tobacco, a well-governed Colony, it hath three Churches for Divine Worship, a Store-house for the accommodation of its Inhabitants; a strong Fort for the security of Ships, in the Road called Bath Bay, from its Baths which are much frequented for the curing of several Distempers.
[Page 544] Antego, seated in the Latitude of sixteen Degrees, eleven Minutes, of a difficult access, and very dangerous for Shipping, it hath some few Springs of Fresh Water, plenty of most sort of Wild Fowl, for Fish great abundance.
Dominica, seated in the Latitude of fifteen and a half, of about twelve Leagues in length, and eight in breadth, is very Mountainous, yet not without many fertile Vallies, and might be of some account to the English, would they subdue the Natives, who do much annoy them.
Monsferrat in the Latitude of seventeen Degrees, of small extent, is much inclined to Mountains, filled with Cedar Trees, and the Vallies and Plains are fertile, most inhabited by the Irish, who have there a Church for Divine Worship.
Anguilla in Latitude of eighteen Degrees, twenty one Minutes, an Island but slenderly inhabited, and esteemed not worth the keeping.
Barbada in the Latitude of seventeen and a half, not of any considerable account to the English.
Sancta Crux, inhabited by the French, Woody and Mountainous.
Guadaloupe, about three Leagues in length, possessed by the French, of some note for its Fresh Water.
Grenada, about six Miles in length, in form of a Crescent, possessed by the French.
Saint Vincent, about six Leagues in circuit, of a fertile Soil, yeilding abundance of Sugar Canes, well watered with Rivers, having safe and convenient Bays for Shipping, possessed principally by the Dutch. For the English have here some settlement, but not considerable.
Curacao, Tabago, Saba, and Eustache are also in possession of the Dutch, February 26. 1677. was the account of the taking Tabago by Count d' Estree: The ninth or tenth of December landed fifteen hundred, and attack'd the Fort, opened the Trenches, and raised a Battery, on which were three Mortar Pieces; the third Bomb that was shot into the Fort, set fire to their Magazine of Powder, by which the Vice-Admiral Binches, fifteen Officers, and about three hundred Soldiers were kill'd, and the rest surrendred, the Fort was destroyed, two hundred Pieces of Cannon taken, and four Dutch-men of War in the Port.
Martin possessed by the French and Dutch.
St. Martinique, Desseada, Marigatanta, St. Lucia possessed by the French.
THE Bermuda's are a certain number of small Islands first discovered by one John Bermudas, since called the Summer Islands, from the Shipwrack which Sir George Summers, and Sir Thomas Gates, suffered, Anno 1609. Of these Islands, the greatest, to which the Name of Bermudas is more generally given, is about 5 Leagues long, and 2 Miles broad, all the rest being very small: The whole cluster together do form a Body much like a Crescent, and inclose several good Ports; the chief whereof are the Great Sound, Harrington's Sound, Southampton Harbor, guarded with several Forts, taking their Names from the several Noblemen that were concerned as Undertakers, which are set down in the Map; as also the Names of some of the biggest Islands.
[Page]Since the English first setled in these Islands, they have now established a powerful Colony, consisting of above 4 or 5000 Inhabitants, who have strongly fortified the Approaches by the aforesaid Forts, which, with the Rocks in the Seas, render them secure and impregnable; so that without knowledge of the Passages, a Boat of 10 Tuns cannot be brought into the Haven; yet, by the assistance of a skilful Pilot, there is entrance for Ships of the greatest Burden.
The Earth, in these Isles, is exceeding fertile, yielding two Crops every year, which they gather in about July and December.
They have no fresh Water, but that in Wells and Pits, which ebbs and flows with the Sea, there being neither Fountain nor Stream in these Islands, nor venomous Beasts, neither will they live if brought thither; nor are their Spiders poysonous, but of sundry and various Colours, and in hot weather make their Webs so strong, that the small Birds are sometimes entangled and caught therein.
The Sky is generally serene and clear, and the Air so temperate and healthy, that 'tis rarely any one dieth of any distemper than that of old Age: So that the Inhabitants enjoy a long and healthy Life.
When the Sky is at any time darken'd with Clouds, it thunders and lightens, and is very stormy and tempestuous: The North and Northwest Winds cause Winter in December, January, and February, which yet is so very moderate, that young Birds and Fruits, and other Concomitants of the Spring, are seen there in those Months.
They have several sorts of excellent Fruits, as Oranges, Dates, Mulberries both white and red; in the Trees whereof, breed abundance of Silk-worms, which produce much Silk. There is also plenty of Tortoise, whose Flesh is very delicious. There is good store of Hogs, and great variety of Fowls and Birds. There is also a sort of Cedar Trees, which differ from all others in the world, the Wood whereof is sweet and well-scented.
Their chief Commodities are Oranges, Cochineil and Tobacco, with some kind of Pearls and Ambergreece; of which last, 'tis reported, that the three Men left there, after the Death of Sir George Summers, found, in Somerset Island, as much of it as was worth 9 or 10000 Pounds Sterling: And now they keep Dogs for the finding of it out by its scent.
These Isles are now divided into Tribes or Counties, and the whole reduced to a setled Government, both in Church and State, and is still improving to greater perfection.
Of the LƲCAYES.
ARE so called from Lucayon the name of the biggest, which is amongst them. Bahama lends its name to a very rapid Chanel, running from South to North, and is remarkable for the passage of the Spanish Fleets, in their return from Mexico into Europe. A Passage as fatal to the Spaniards by many Shipwracks of their rich laden Plate Ships; as kind to some English Undertakers of late years, who, by Diving get up vast quantities of that Plate, which for many years have laid close hugg'd in her rocky and precipitous embraces. Binini, hardly accessible, is said to have a Fountain that renews Youth, being stored with handsome Women, for whose sake it is much resorted to. Guanahani is that Island, which was discovered by Columbus, for which reason he called it St. Salvador, in regard it saved him from the Conspiracy of his Men, who a little before would have thrown him over board.
New Providence, a late erected Colony of the English, by Patent from his Majesty to the Proprietors of Carolina, and is found to produce the same Commodities, Fruits, Plants, Beasts, Fowls, Birds, &c. Of an Air healthful and agreeable to English Bodies, that, since their Settlement, few or none have died of the Distempers or Diseases incident to other Colonies.
THE Indians call this Country Mexico; the Spaniards, New Spain; the Latins, Nova Hispania; a Country abundantly enriched with inexhaustible Mines of Gold and Silver, the Air exceeding Temperate, though seated in the Torrid Zone: Its Soil is so fertile, that no Country in the World feeds so much Cattel.
The Riches of the Country, besides their Gold and Silver, Copper and Iron, are their Grains, as Wheat, Barley, Pulse, and Mayz. Their Fruits, as Pomegranats, Oranges, Lemmons, Cittorns, Malica [...]ons, Cherries, Pears, Apples, Figs, Coco-nuts, and variety of Herbs, Plants and Roots. There is also Wool, Cotton, Sugar, Silk, Cochenel. From thence is likewise exported the Grains of Scarlet, Feathers, Hony, Balm, Amber, Salt, Tallow, Hides, Tobacco, Ginger, and divers Medicinal Drugs.
Among the rarities there is the most admirable Plant called Magney, of [Page 547] whose Leaves they make Pepper, Flax, Thread, Cordage, Girdles, Shoes, Mats, Mantles, Stuffs, &c. Its Bark, if roasted, makes an excellent Plaister for Wounds; from the top branches comes a Gum, which is a Soveragin Antidote against Poison, from the top a juyce like Syrup, which if boil'd, will become Hony; if purified, Sugar; they make out of it also Wine, and Vinegar, and it affordeth good Wood to Build with.
As also two Mountains, one of which vomits Flames of Fire like Aetna; the other sendeth forth two burning Streams, the one of black Pitch, the other of red, to which I may add their fine Pictures made with the Feathers of their Cin [...]ons (which is a little Bird living only on dew) so excellently are their Colours placed, that the best Painters of Europe admire the delicacy thereof, far exceeding a piece of Painting.
It was once an Elective Kingdom, full of great Cities, well governed, civilized. Should we, saith Acosta, parallel the Politicks of the Ʋncas, or Kings of Peru, and Mexico, with those of the Greeks and Romans, these would have the advantage, but the best of these good Laws and Policies were abolished, when the Spaniards became Masters of the Country, dividing it into several Parts or Provinces, viz. New Galicia, Guadalaira, New Biscay, Mexico, Mechoacan, Panuco, Jucatan, Guatimala, Honduras, Nicaregua, Costaricca, Veragua, and others; they have established Parliaments at Mexico, Guadalaria, and Guatimala. New Mexico properly so called lying round about the City of Mexico, is the best, and best peopled part of all America; that City suffered a dreaful loss in the year 1629, all the Dams, and most part of the Houses, being carried away by the violence of the Streams, for it is situated upon a salt Lake about twenty five or thirty Leagues in compass, into which falls another Lake of fresh Water, and both together are forty five or fifty Leagues circuit, in which are said to be fifty thousand Ferries continually rowing about to carry Passengers, having about fifty Towns on their Banks, some say, eighty Towns, many of them count five thousand Houses, some ten thousand. The salt Lake Ebbeth and Floweth according to the Wind, yielding no kind of Fish. In Mexico are said to be four thousand Spaniards, and thirty thousand Indians, it is the Residence of the Vice-Roy, and Arch-Bishop. Before the Spaniards took possession of the Country, there were several considerable places near to Mexico.
The Siege of Mexico lasted about three Months, wherein Cortez had near 200000 Indians, nine hundred Spaniards, eighty Horses, seventeen or eighteen Pieces of Ordnance, sixteen or eighteen Vergantines, and at least six thousand Canou's, where were slain fifty Spaniards [Page 548] six Horses, and about eight thousand Indians on Cortez side: Of Mexicans were slain 120000, besides those that dyed with Famine and Pestilence.
The Vergentines wherewith Cortez besieged Mexico by Water, were brought by land in pieces from Tlaxcallen to Tezcuco, and 400000 Men fifty days employed in the finishing of them, and making a Sluce or Trench, and lanching of them into the Lake.
At that Siege Montezuma the Emperor was taken by Cortez out of his own Palace, and made Prisoner, which caused the Mexicans to rebel against Cortez and the Spaniards, and fought a fierce and bloody Battel two or three days together, crying out for their Emperor; whereupon Cortez desired him to go to the Window to shew himself, and command his Subjects to cease their fury, who so doing, was hit on the Head with a Stone, with which blow he fell down dead to the Ground, and this was the end of that great Emperor, who was of the greatest Blood, and the greatest King in Estate that ever was in Mexico, slain by his own Subjects against their wills, in the City of his greatest Glory, and in the custody of a foreign and strange Nation.
After the death of Montezuma, they made Quabutamoc their Emperor, and persisting in their furious Battery against Cortez his Palace, caused him and all his Spaniards to flie out of Mexico: But the Spaniards having made sixteen or eighteen Vergentines at Tlaxcallen, and got new Supplies; they again so besieged Mexico by Water and Land, that it was reduced to great necessity with Hunger and Sickness, and tho' in this extream misery, yet they would not yield, no not when they saw the Kings Houses burned, and the greatest part of their City consumed, so long as they could keep one Street, Tower or Temple; and though the Spaniards had won the Market-place, and most of the City: And tho' their Houses were full with dead Bodies, and all the Trees and Roots gnawn by those hungry wretches that survived, yet would they not accept of peace, but desired death; so that when the Spaniards thought there had not been five thousand in all the City, yet were there that day slain and taken Prisoners 400000 Persons, and Quahutamoc their King taken Prisoner, who told Cortez he had done his best endeavor to save and defend himself and Vassals; but considering you may now do what you please with me, I beseech you to kill me, which is my only request: But Cortez comforted him with fair words, and required him to command his Subjects to yield, which he did. And at that time after so many were slain and starved, so many Prisoners taken, yet there were about 700000 who threw down their Arms and submitted. Thus did Cortez [Page 549] win the famous City of Mexico on the thirteenth day of August, An. Dom. 1521.
Chulula, enclosed about twenty thousand Houses, with as many Temples as there are days in the year. And the Inhabitants sacrificed every year above six thousand of their Children to their accursed Idols. Tezcuco, was said to be as big as Mexico, which was said to contain sixty or eighty thousand Houses, and is famous among the Spaniards, for that it was the first that received a Christian King, H [...]rnando son to Nezavalpincintli, Cortez being his God Father. Quaretaro had a Fountain out of which the Water floweth for four years together, and the next four years seemed to be empty. Los Angelos, upon the Road from La Vera Cruz, first built and inhabited in the year 1530, by Don Antonio de Mendoza, Vice-Roy of Mexico, famous for the Cloth that is there made, as good as any in Segovia, which is the best in Spain: And a Glass House, which is the rarity in all those parts. It is a City containing six thousand Inhabitants, to which there belongs a Bishoprick, endowed with sixty thousand Crown a year.
Guacocinga is the chief Town between the City of Mexico, and Los Angelos consisting of above five thousand Indians, and one thousand Spaniards, and is priviledged by the Kings of Spain, for that it joyned with the Tlazcellans against the Mexicans.
Acapulco, upon the South Sea, is a well sheltered Bay, distant from Mexico one hundred Leagues; from hence the Spaniard drives a rich Trade to the Philippine Isles, and to China, from whence they are distant three thousand Leagues. Jucatan is a Peninsula, between two Gulphs, where stands the antient Merida.
In Panueo, the Castillians have only three Colonies, of which Saint Steven del puerto is the Metropolis, twelve Leagues from the Sea, and a Town of great Traffick; next is Saint Jago de los Vallos; thirdly, Lewes de Tempico.
They have Mines of Gold in the Country, which are not wrought; Salt-pits, out of which they draw the greatest profit. Mechoaian, the Metropolis of the Province, so called, now the seat of the Arch-Bishop, since removed from Valadolid, seated upon a Lake as large as that of Mexico. This Country is said to be so healthful, and of so sweat an Air, that Sick People come thither to recover their health.
Near Colima, is found the Plant Cozometcath or Olcacazan, which takes blood-shot from the Eyes, preserves the strength of the Body, cures the Tooth and Head-ach, resists all poisons, and is most excellent against all Diseases.
[Page 550]This Province is of a fertile Soil, yielding great encrease of all sorts of Grain, Fruits, &c. It produceth Cotton, Amber-Greece, Gold, Silver, Copper, Black Stones so shining, that they serve instead of Looking-Glasses, store of Plants, medicinal Herbs, Silk, Hony, Wax, &c. It is well stored with Springs and Rivers of fresh Water, Cattle and Fowl are in great plenty, and other Lakes, and Rivers afford store of Fish.
Thascala or Los Angelos, is a Country very plentiful, both of Corn and Cattle, full of rich Pastures, well watered with Rivers, and wonderfully stored with Maize, which they make their Bread of
Places of most note are, first Thascala, Situate on an easie ascent betwixt two Rivers, encompassed with a large, pleasant and fruitful plain, said to be so populous before the arrival of the Spaniards, that it could number above three hundred thousand Inhabitants: Second, Angelos, a fair City distant from Mexico twenty two Leagues, and thirty from Latera Cruz: Thirdly, La Vera Cruz, built by the Cortez, a place of great encourse situate near the Gulph, from whence there is a throughfair to Mexico, from whence it is distant about fifty two Leagues. In May 83. about nine hundred or a thousand Privateers at Night landed, and through the negligence of the Spanish Centinels, surprised the Town and two Forts, the one of twelve, the other of eight Guns: They plundered the Town for three days, where they got a great deal of Plate, Jewels, &c. and might also have taken the Castle, which is seated about three quarters of a Miles into the Sea, and hath thirty Guns mounted.
Saint John de Ʋlloa, at Ʋlhua, the most noted Port of this Province, fenced with a Peer against the fury of the Winds and Sea, defended naturally by Rocks and Quick-sands, and by two Bulworks well fortified on both sides of his entrance. Famous, for that it was the first beginning of that great Conquest of the Valiant Cortez: Here he first sunk the Ships that brought the Spaniards from Cuba, to the intent they might think of nothing but Conquest; and here five hundred Spaniards ventured against millions of Enemies, and began the Conquest of the fourth part of the World.
Xalappa de la Vera Cruz, made a Bishops See in the year 1634, said to be worth ten thousand Duckets a year.
La Rinconada is a House or Inn, which the Spaniards call Venla, seated in a low Valley, the hottest Place in all the Road to Mexico, plentiful in Provisions, and the sweetness and coolness of the Water is a great refreshment, but the swarms of Gnats in the Night are most intolerable.
[Page 551] Segura de la Frontera was built by Cortez in his Wars with the Culhuacans and Tepeacaes.
Tlaxcallan, a Common-wealth: The Inhabitants whereof in one Battel against Cortez had 150000 fighting Men, afterwards joyned with Cortez, and were the chief Instruments of his unparallel'd Conquest, being mortal Enemies to Monte [...]uma the Mexican Emperor, and therefore are free from Tribute by the Kings of Spain.
Nixapa is a Town of eight hundred Inhabitants, Spaniards and Indians, where is a rich Cloister of Dominican Friers, and one of the richest places in the County of Braxuca.
Tecoantepeque is a small and unfortified Harbor on Mar del Zur.
Aquatulco and Capa [...]ita are great Towns in a plain Country.
Taponapeque is a sweet and pleasant Town well stored with Flesh, and Fish, and Fowl.
In this Province are said to be two hundred Towns, one thousand Villages, twenty five thousand Indians, which are priviledged and exempted from all extraordinary Charge and Imposition, because of their assisting Cortez in his Conquest of Mexico. In the Valley of St. Paul was a Country Man possessed of forty thousand Sheep, which were the product of two only, which were brought him out of Spain.
Guaxaca is a Province of a healthful and a sweet Air, of a fertile Soil, not only in Corn, but also in Fruit, Cochineil, Silk, Cassia; the Earth well stored with Mines of Gold, Silver, and other Metals, and most of the Rivers stream down Sand-Gold.
Its chief places are Antequera, a Bishoprick adorned with stately buildings, and a Magnificent Cathedral Church. Aquatul [...]o is a noted and convenient Port on Mar del Zur, from whence is transported the Merchandise of Mexico, to Peru, plundered both by Drake, and Cavendish in their Voyages about the World.
Gage tells us, that Guaxaca is a City, and Bishops Seat fair and beautiful, sixty Leagues from Mexico, and consists of two thousand Inhabitants, n t far from the Head of the great River Alvarado, upon which are Zapote [...]as and St. Idlfonso: That from thence they went to Antequera a great Town.
Tavasco or Tabasco, is a Coast of one hundred Leagues between Gu [...]xaca and Jucatan, of an excellent Soil, abundant in Maiz, and Cacao. There are Vines, Fig-trees, Oranges and Citrons, great quantity of Cattle and Fowl, besides wild Beasts, Apes and Squirrels. The Spaniards have but one Colony here, which is called Newstra a Signiora de la Victoria, so called from the Victory Cortez gained 15 9. The first City in America, that defended it self, and suffered the Spaniards sword.
[Page 552] Jucatan is a Peninsula of about four hundred Leagues in compass, Situate between the Gulph of Mexico and Honduras, whose Cape Catoche is opposite to Cape Saint Anthony in the Island Cuba, and distant from it forty odd Leagues. In the middle of the Land are to be seen Scales and Shells of Sea Fish; its chief Cities are Merida, distant from the Sea on either side twelve Leagues, the Seat of the Bishop and Governor, adorned with great and antient Edifices of Stone, with many Figures of Men cut in the Stones, resembling those at Merida in Spain. 2. Valladolid, beautified with a fair Monastery of Franciscans. 3. Campeach, Situate on the Shore of the Gulph, a fair City of about three thousand Houses, which in Anno 1596, was surprised and pillaged by the English, under the Command of Captain Parker, who carried away the Governor, and the riches of the City.
The Audience of Gaudalajara, or Kingdom of New Galicia, makes the most occident part of New Spain, and contains the Provinces of Gaudalajara, Xalisco, Los Zacatecas, Chiamettlan, Culiacan, and New Biscany.
The Air of Gaudalajara is temperate and serene, except in Summer, which is most troubled with Rain. The Land rather mountainous than plain, very fruitful, well furnished with Mines of Silver, Copper, Lead and Margasites; the Pastures are rich, feeding abundance of Cattle, they have Cittrons, Oranges, Figs, Apples, Pears, Peaches, Olive-trees, whose Fruit is often destroyed by Ants, as their Corn, Maize and Pulse is by the Pies, which, though no bigger than Sparrows, are so numerous that they destroy whole Crops.
Its Cities are Guadelajara, the Residence of the Kings Treasurer, dignified with the Courts of Judicature, the See of a Bishop, beautified with a fair Cathedral Church, watered with many Fountains, and little Torrents not far from the River Beranja.
In the Province of Xalisco, the chief City is Compostella, built by Guzman 1551. Situate in a Barren Country, and bad Air.
In the Province of Chiametlan is Saint Sebastian, nigh to which are many rich Silver Mines.
The Province of Culiacan hath Saint Michael, and that of Chinaloa Saint John, where are rich Mines of Silver.
In Los Zicatecas, are several famous Lodges near the Mines, and some Cities, as Zacatecas, Durango, &c. In new Biscany there are no Cities, but only Mines of Silver, as Saint John, Barbara and Endes.
The Audience of Gautemala, is divided into these Provinces, Gautemala, Soconusco, Chiapa, Vera-paz, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costarica, and Veragua.
[Page 553] Gautimala is a Country hot, but rich, subject to Earthquakes, and hath excellent Balms, Amber, Bezar, and Salt and Indigo.
Full of rich Pastures, stocked with Cattle, plenty of Cotton Wool, excellent Sulphur, store of Medicinal Drugs, and abundance of Fruit, especially Cacao, in vast plenty, that it lades many Vessels which serves both for Meat and Drink.
Chief Cities are Saint Jago de Gautimala, Situate on a little River betwixt two Vulcano's, one of Water, the other of Fire; that of Water is higher than the other, and yields a pleasant Prospect, being almost all the year green, and full of Indian Wheat, and the Gardens adorned with Roses, Lilies, and other Flowers all the year, and with many sorts of sweet and delicate Fruit. The other Vulcan of Fire is more unpleasant, and more dreadful to behold; here are Ashes for Beauty, Stones and Flints for Fruits and Flowers, for Water Whisperings and Fountain Murmurs, noise of Thunder, and roaring of consuming Metals; for sweet and odoriferous Smells, a stink of Fire and Brimstone. Thus is Gautimala seated between a Paradise and Hell; other chief Towns are Mixco, Pinola, Petapa, and Amatitlan. The Residence of the Governor, the Seat of the Bishop, and Court of Audience. In 1541 it was almost overwhelmed by a Deluge of boiling Water, which descended from that Vulcano, which is near it, out of which it cast Fire in abundance.
Soconusco hath only the little City Guevetlan, on the Coast nothing of particular, or worthy to be noted in it.
Chiapa is not very fruitful in Corn, or Fruits, but well stocked with lofty Trees, some yielding Rosin, others pretious Gums, and others Leaves, that, when dried to Powder, make a Sovereign Plaister for sores 'Tis full of Snakes, and other venemous Creatures.
Chiapa exceedeth most Provinces of America in fair Towns, 'tis divided into three parts, viz. Chiapa, Zeldales, and Zoques.
Chief Places are Chiapa Real and Chiapa de Indies, twelve Leagues from the first upon the River Grejavalva. St. Bartholomews at the foot of the Cuchumatlanes Mountains, Copanabastla noted for its Cotton Wool.
Near Chiapa are several Fountains which are strange; near Acaxutla is a Well, whose Water is observed to rise and fall according to the flowing and Ebbing of the Sea, though far from it; near St. Bartholomews is a pit, into which, if one cast a stone, tho' never so small, it makes a noise as great and terrible as a Clap of [Page 554] Thunder; another Fountain, that for three years together increaseth, though there be no Rain, and for three years after diminisheth, though there be never so much; another that falls in rainy weather, and rises in dry; another that kills Birds and Beasts that drink it, yet cures the Sick.
The entrance into Golfe Dulce is straitned with two Rocks or Mountains on each side, but within a fine Road and Harbor, wide and capacious to secure a thousand Ships.
Honduras, or Comayagua, is a Country of pleasant Hills and fruitful Vallies, hath Fruits, Grains, rich Pastures, brave Rivers, and Mines of Gold and Silver, but its greatest profit is Wool. Its chief places are Vallad l [...]d, equally distant between the two Seas, situate in a pleasant fruitful Valley. 2. Gr [...]tias a Dios, near the rich Mines of Gold. 3. Saint Juan del po [...]to de los Cavallos, once a famous Port. 4. Traxillo, both pillaged by the English.
Nicaragua called Mahomets Paradise, by reason of its fertility and store of Gold, a Country destitute of Rivers, the want whereof is supplyed by a great Lake, which Ebbs and Flows like the Sea; upon its Banks are seated many pleasant Cities and Villages, the chief is Leon near unto a Vulcan of Fire where a Fryer, seeking for Treasure, met with the end of his design, and of his Life, the Residence of the Governor, and Seat of a Bishop. Grenada, beautified with a fair Church and Castle. Jaen Segovia, and Realeo, near Mar del Zur.
The City Granada is one of the richest places in the India's.
The passage of the Lake Granada, or Nicaragua, called El Desaguadero is very dangerous.
Costarica, and Veragua, are the two most Eastern Provinces of the Audience of Gautimala, in the first, are the Cities of Carthage, seated between the two Seas. In the other, La Conception, La Trinadad, and Sancta Fe, being the place where the Spaniards melt, refine, and cast their Gold, into Bars and Ingots.
WEst of Florida, and North of New Spain, there are numerous Inhabitants, and various Provinces and Countries little known by the Europeans, which I call in general New Mexico; others comprehend them under the name of New Granada, however there have been observed divers people very different in their Languages, Manners and Customs, some having fixed and setled Habitations, others wandring after their Flocks, some dwelling in Cities or Towns, others in Herds or Troops like the Tartars. This Country was first made known to the Spaniards by the Travels of Fryer Marco de Nisa, inflamed by whose reports Vasquez di Coranado, in the year 1540, undertook the further discovery thereof, where not finding what they looked for, Gold and [Page 556] Silver, hungry honour yielding but poor subsistence, the further search of these Countries was quite laid aside, almost as little known now as before, New Mexico, California, Anian, Quiviria, and Libola, are the principal parts of it: St. Fe or St. Foy is the principal City, distant from the the Old Mexico, above five hundred Leagues, being the Residence of the Spanish Governor, where they have a Garison and Silver Mines.
California, once esteemed a Peninsula, now thought to be an Island, extending in length from the twenty second Degree of Northern Latitude to the forty second, but the breadth narrow, the Northern Point called Cape Blance, of which there is little memorable; the most Southern called Cape St. Lucas, remarkable for the great prize there taken from the Spaniards by Captain Cavendish, in his Circumnavigation of the World, Anno 1587.
Where is also Nova Albion, discovered by Sir Francis Drake, Anno 1577, and by him so named in Honor of his own Country, once called Albion, who caused a Pillar to be erected in the place, on which he fastned the Arms of England.
Opposite to Cape Blanco, and the utmost North parts of America lies the supposed Kingdom of Anian, from whence the Straits of Anian, which are by some thought to part Asia and America, do derive their name.
The riches of Quiviria consist in their Oxen, whose Flesh is the ordinary food of the Inhabitants, their Skins serve them for cloathing, their Hair for Thred, of their Nerves and Sinews they make Cords and Bowstrings; of their Bones they make Nails and Bodkins; of their Horns Trumpets; of their Bladders, Vessels to keep Water in, and their Dung when dried serves for Fire.
In Cibola, Granada, Acoma, and some other places the Natives live in Fortresses upon the Mountains with Palisadoes and Moats, calling their Villages by the names of their Cacicks, which last no longer than their lives, therefore to us uncertain.
The River of Nort, which in all other Maps is made to fall into Mar del Vermejo, or Mar del California, falls with three Mouths into the Mexican Gulf.
FLorida was first discovered by the English, under the Conduct of Sebastian Cabot, 1479. Afterwards, farther searched into by John Depony a Spaniard, who took possession of it in the name of that King 1527, by him called Florida: Its Coast is on the Gulph of Mexico, which flows on its South; it extends it self now from the River Palmas, which bounds it on the Province of Panuco, in New Spain, unto Bay Saint Matheo, on Mar del Nort between this Gulph and the Sea.
Florida stretches out a Peninsula towards the South, where the Cape of Florida is not distant from the Island Cuba, above thirty five or forty Leagues. Others only give the name of Florida, to the Peninsula [Page 558] of Tegeste, which advances to the South, and contributes to form the Great Gulph of Mexico, and the Chanel of Bahama. The Air of Florida and Carolina is so temperate, that Men live to the Age of two hundred and fifty years, while the Children of five Generations are all alive at the same time. The Soil is very fertile, full of Fruit-Trees, and the Towns the best peopled in all America. The principal River is that of the Holy Ghost, which falls into the Gulph of Mexico. The Coast is very inconvenient for great Vessels, by reason of the shallowness of the Water. The Inland Country is possessed by the Savages, under the Jurisdiction of Paroustis, who are their Lords. They are of an Olive Colour, great Stature, well proportionable their Hair black and long, their Women of good shape and handsome, they adore the Sun, and the Moon, and though they make War one with another, nevertheless the Europeans cannot master them.
They have publick places, where they meet for the distribution of Corn, which they give to every Family that stands in need of it. The Spaniards are possessed upon the Coast of Saint Austins, and Saint Mathews, two inconsiderable Colonies, though there is a Castle belonging to each of them. Saint Austin is of most consequence, by reason of the Bahama, through which the Spanish Fleets usually pass, when they return from Havana into Europe. The Situation of this County may be seen in the Map; containing all those Lakes and Rivers of Canada, as they have of late years been discovered by the French and English. I had long waited for a new Description of the Country, and of those vast Inland Seas and Rivers, so advantagiously situated for Trade and Commerce, that it must needs be one of the finest Plantations in the World. But at present, the Proprietors, and those that are concerned, are not willing to publish any thing of it, and therefore I must be silent.
CArolina about the year 1660, was by his Majesty, the King of Great Britain, &c. united to his Imperial Crown, and he by his Royal Grant established it a Province or Proprietorship, dignified it a Principality, and granted it by Patent to the Lord Chancellor Clarendon, to the Lord Duke of Albemarle, to the Earl of Craven, to the Lord Ashley Cooper Earl of Shaftsbury, to John Lord Barkley, to Sir William Barkley, and to Sir John Colleton Knight and Baronet, & to their Heirs and Successors, &c.
It contains that part of the Continent of America, which by the French was called Florida from her florid and fragrant Fields, verdant Meadows, delightful Savana's garded with stately Woods. It extends it self from the River St. Matheo to Caratue, inlet near Virginia.
[Page 560]In this large Tract of Land are many Navigable Rivers, the chief whereof are Albemarle River, Naratoke River, Pentego River, Neuse or Nus River, Clarendon River, Watere River, Craven or Santee River, Ashley River, Cooper River, Stono River, Edisto River, Colleton River, Cambabe and Westro River, May and Matheo River, many safe, commodious and spacious Harbors, and for lesser Rivers and Brooks it hath innumerable.
It contains two principal settlements, the one called Albemarle, otherwise Roanoke situated in about thirty five Degrees of Northern Latitude, from whence as good Beef and Pork have been stored, and sent to other Plantations as Art and Industry can improve, 'tis a large and spacious settlement, consisting at present of some two or three hundred upon a fertile Soil. But the late and flourishing Plantation or Settlement lies more Southerly, upon the Navigable Rivers of Ashley and Cooper, known to the Natives by the Names of Wando and Kiawah.
Carolina is of a fertile and fruitful Soil, where the Natives are a strong, lively, and well-shapen People, well-humor'd, and generally kind to the English. They live a long and pleasant life, taking little care for the future. Their old Women plant their Mays: And for the rest, the Rivers afford them good Fish enough. And in the Woods they have plenty of Provisions. Its chief place is Charles Town.
Neither is the heat so sultry nor offensive as in places of the same Latitude of the old World; nor is the Winter so pinching: Yet enough to correct the humors of Mens Bodies, to strengthen and preserve them in health; and enough also to put such a stop to the Rise and Sap, and the budding of Plants, as to make them Bud and Blossom in their distinct Seasons, and keep even pace till they be gathered. Which makes it also proper for Wine and Oyl; of both which they may in time have good quantities.
Liberty of Conscience is there allowed also; but Atheism, Irreligion and vitious Lives are condemned. The English Proprietors have a Register of all Grants and Conveyances of Land to prevent Suits and Controversies. And in sum, their frame of Government is generally so well put together, that judicious Men that have seen it, say, it's the best for the People that live under it of any they have read.
To conclude, here the Savana's are crowded with Deer, large and stately Herds and Cattle parol the Meadows. Here the pleasant Pastures abound with Sheep and Oxen, the Fields are replenished with English and Indian Corn. The Gardens, as in Asia and Europe, are imbellished with the choicest Fruits and Flowers: Here the Heavens shine with a Sovereign ray of Health, a serene Air and a lofty Skie defends it from the noxious Infections, and common Distempers that are incident to other parts of the World. In a word, 'tis a salubrious Air to the Sick, a generous retirement and shelter to the injured and oppressed. 'Tis a Fund and Treasury to them that would be Rich.
NO sooner had Colonus, alias Columbus, made his prime discovery of the Western World, when seconded by John Cabot a Venetian, the Father of Sebastian Cabot, in behalf, by the incouragement, and at the charges of Henry the Seventh, King of England, who in the year 1497 discovered all this Coast from the Cape of Florida in the South, beyond New-found-land; in the North as far as to the Latitude of 67 and half: Causing the Sachims or Petit-Kings to turn Homagers to the King and Crown of England.
This discovery by the two Cabots, Father and Son, did first intitle [Page 562] he Crown of England, to the right of that vast Tract of Land.
This design was after seconded by Mr. Hare, bringing thence certain of the said Petit-Kings, who did homage to King Henry the Eight.
Rediscovered by the Direction, and at the charge of Sir Walter Rawleigh, Anno 1584; who sending Mr. Philip Amadas, and Mr. Arthur Barlow, did take possession thereof in Queen Elizabeths name; in honor of whom, he caused all the said Tract of Land to be called Virginia.
Some say, it was so called by the Queen her self, by the Natives called Apalchen, but Virginia is now circumscribed by that space of Land that lies between Mary-land, which bounds it on the North, and Carolina on the South. New-England, New-York, New-Jersey, Mary-land, Carolina and Pensilvania, have since been separated from it by particular Patents, and made distinct Provinces of themselves.
The entrance by Sea into this Country, is by the Mouth of the Bay of Chesapeac, between Cape Henry and Cape Charles.
The chief Rivers of Virginia, are, 1. Powhatan, now called James River, on the West side of the mouth of the Bay of Chesapeac; this River is at its entrance about three Miles wide, and Navigable about one hundred and fifty Miles. 2. Pamaunkee, termed York River, fourteen Miles Northward from James River; Navigable now sixty or seventy Miles, but with small Vessels about thirty or forty Miles farther. 3. Rappahanoc, antiently known by the name of Toppahanoc, Navigable about one hundred and thirty Miles. Besides these Navigable and more principal Rivers, there are other smaller Rivers, and of less note, which fall into some, or other of the forementioned: Into Powhattan falls Apumatuc Southward; Eastward Quyonycahanuc, Nunsamund and Chesopeac; Northward Chick [...]mabania. Into Pamuunkee fall Poyankatank.
That part of the Country now planted by the English, is divided into Nineteen Counties, viz. On the Eastern Shore, the Country of Northampton in Acomack; on the Western Shore the Counties of Caratuck, Lower-Norfolk, Nansemund, Isle of Wight, Surry, Warwick, Henrico, James, Charles, York, New-Kent, Glocester, Middlesex, Lancaster, Northumberland, Westmoreland, Rappahanock, and Hartford. Of the few Towns hitherto erected in this Colony, the chief is James Town, the principal seat of the English, and so denominated from and in honor of, King James of Great Britain. This Town is situated in a Peninsula, on the North-side of James-River, and hath in it many fair Houses, whereof some are of Brick; and at a little distant from the City is a fair Brick House called Green-Spring, whe e the present Governor himself usually resides. The other English Towns of most considerable note are only three, viz. Henricopolis, or [Page 563] Henry's Town, situated about eighty Miles from James's City, farther within Land; Dales Gift, so named, from Sir Thomas Dale, Deputy-Governor, in the year 1610, at whose charges it was built and planted; and Elizabeth's City, containing several good Houses of Brick and Stone, and lying on the same side of the River with James's City, only nearer the mouth of the River.
Though English, and other Foreign Coyns, are not wholly wanting here upon several occasions, yet the usual way of Traffick, is, by exchange of one Commodity for another; but the general Standard, by which all other Commodities receive their value, is Tobacco; which of all other Commodities this Country is capable of producing, hath been hitherto the Subject of the Planters Industry, of which there are two sorts, one called Sweet-Scented, the other called Oranoac, which signifies as much as bright and large; the first is of the greatest price, the other more in quantity. The Plantations that are judg'd to produce the best sort of Sweet-Scented, are upon York River; Of this Commodity of Tobacco, there is so great a quantity planted in Virginia, and imported from thence into England, that the Custom and Excise paid for it in England, yields the King about 50000 or 60000 Pound Sterling yearly; for there are bound hither every year above one hundred and fifty Sail of Ships from England, and other English Plantations, merely for the taking off of this Commodity, which they barter for Clothing, Houshold-Stuff, and all manner of Utensils, and the only thing which lessens the value of it, is the great quantity that is planted of it, which if it were in less abundance, it would be of much more esteem, and yield far greater profit.
The Government of Virginia is by a Governor and Council, deputed and authorized from time to time by the King of Great Britain; the Legislative Power being in the Governor, and a General Assembly which he calls to advise with; and which consists of two Houses, the upper House which is the Council it self, and the lower which consists of chosen Bug [...]sses.
The chief Court of Judicature, where all Civil and Criminal Causes are heard and determined, and where the Governor and Council are Judges, is called the Quarter-Court, as being held every quarter of a year. There are also Inferior Courts which are kept every Month in each of the forementioned Counties, where matters not of the highest moment, that is to say, not relating to Life or Member, or exceeding a certain limited value are tried, and from whence in such Cases Appeals are made to the Quarter Courts. There are likewise appointed by the Governor, for the better administration of Justice in every respective Country, Sheriffs, Justices of Peace, and other [Page 564] Officers, of whom being deputed by the Governor to sit there, these Country-Courts chiefly consist.
The Climate of Virginia is generally healthful, and since the rectification of Diet and Lodging, not disagreeable to English Bodies; however at the first Plantation they were subject to a Distemper called a Seasoning, though of late not frequent, and much less mortal.
A Description of Mary-Land.
MAry-Land is a large and fertile Province lying between thirty eight Degrees, and forty Degrees of North Latitude upon both sides, of Cheasa-peak-Bay, which is Navigable near two hundred Miles. The Southerly Banks of the River Patow-meck divide it from Virginia on the South. The Atlantick Ocean and Delaware Bay bounds it on the East, Pensilvania on the North, and the Meridian of the first Fountain of the River Patow-meck on the West.
This Province of Mary-Land, his Majesty King Charles the First, Anno 1632, granted by Patent to the Right Honourable Caecilius Calvert Lord Baltemore, and to his Heirs and Assigns, and by that Patent created him, and them the true and absolute Lords, and Proprietors of the same (saving the Allegeance and Sovereign Dominion due to his Majesty, his Heirs and Successors;) likewise granting thereby to them all Royal Jurisdictions and Perogatives, both Military and Civil; as Power of enacting Laws, making of War and Peace, pardoning Offences, conferring of Honors, Coyning of Money, &c. and in acknowledgements thereof yielding and paying yearly to his Majesty his Heirs and Successors two Indian Arrows at Windsor Castle, on Easter Tuesday, together with the fifth part of all the Gold and Silver Ore that shall be there found.
The Rivers of Mary-Land are Patowmeck, Patuxent, Ann Arundel, alias Severn, Sasquesahanough, Choptanke, Nantecoke, Pocomoke, with several other lesser Rivers and Rivulets, to the great Improvement of the Country, and Beauty of the Province, which is now very healthful and agreeable to the Constitutions of the English. And such is the temperature of the Air, that the Heats in Summer are so allayed by gentle Breezes, and fresh Showers of Rain, and the Cold in Winter is so small and short, that the Inhabitants are not incommoded by either.
[Page 565]The Country is generally plain and even, yet not without its small and pleasant Hills, which heighten the Beauty of the adjacent Valleys. The Soil rich and fertile, naturally producing all such Commodities as are found in New England or Virginia, or in any other part of this Continent.
The Government of Mary Land is by his Lordships Care and Prudence brought to a good Order and Settlement, and framed much after the Model of the Government in England. Upon Emergent Occasions, his Lordships Governor there adviseth with the two Estates of the Province, which consist of an upper and lower House, and is called a General Assembly the upper House consists of the Governor and Council, and such Lords of Mannors, and others, as his Lordship or his Lieutenant shall by Writ from time to time call thither; and the lower House consists of Delegates, chosen by Inhabitants in the respective Counties in the said Province; which Assembly his Lordship, or his Lieutenant, Convenes, Prerogues, or Dissolves at pleasure; and whatsoever is Decreed or Enacted by this Assembly, with his Lordships assent, is of the same force there as an Act of Parliament is in England, and cannot pass or be repealed without the concurring assent of his Lordship, with the other two Estates.
Next to this Legislative Council, is the Provincial Court, which is held every quarter of a year at St. Maries City; this is the chief Court of Judicature, where the most important Judicial Causes are tried; of which, in the absence of the Lord Proprietary, the Lieutenant, or Governor, and Council are Judges; and this is for the whole Province; but for each particular County (for a great part of the Province where any English Men are seated, is divided into ten Counties) there are other inferior Courts which are held six times of the year, in each of these Counties, for the Tryal of Causes not relating to Life, nor exceeding the value of three thousand weight of Tobacco; with Appeals from them to the Provincial Court.
Of the ten Counties, five lie on the West side of the Bay of Cheasapeack, (viz.) St. Maries, Charles, Calvert, Ann A [...]undel and Baltimore Counties; the other five on the Eastern Shore, (viz.) Somerset, Dorchester, Talbot, Cecil, and Kent, Counties; in some of which there are several Towns built, as Calverton, Harrington and Harvy-Town; on the East side of St. George's River, is St. Maries City, the Original and chief Town of this Province, where the General Assemblies meet, and the Provincial Courts are kept, and also the Secretaries Office, it being erected into the Priviledge of a City, by the name of St. Maries, which gives denomination to that [Page 566] County. The Ground plat of a Fort and Prison was long since laid here, upon a point of Land termed Windmill-Point, (from a Windmill which formerly stood there) being a very proper situation for the commanding of St. George's River; this Fort will make a secure Harbor for Ships to ride in from all danger of Hostile and Piratical Invasions.
Besides the House which belongs to the Governor there, by the name of St. Johns in this City, the present Governor, Mr. Charles Calvert, his Lordships Son and Heir, hath of late years built him a very fair House, partly of Brick, partly of Timber, where he and his Family usually reside, about eight Miles from St. Maries at Mattapany.
The Natives of this Country are generally well proportioned, and able-bodied Men, delighting chiefly in Hunting, being generally excellent Marks-Men, while the Women not only manage their Domestick Affairs, but also Tillage, Plantation, and all manner of improvement of their Land.
To conclude; the Impeopling and Trade of this Province, by the vast Expence, Care and Industry of the Lord Proprietary, hath been improved to that height, that in the year 1670, there were reckoned near twenty thousand English planted there.
And that which keeps them together in the greatest Peace, Order, and Concord imaginable, is the Liberty of Conscience, which his Lordship in prudence allows to all persons that profess Christianity, though of different Persuasions, so that every Man lives quietly and securely with his Neighbor, neither molesting, nor being molested for difference of Judgment in Religion; which Liberty is established there by an Act of Assembly, with his Lordships consent to continue for ever.
FOR the Province, the general Condition of it take as followeth:
I. The Country it self in its Soil, Air, Water, Seasons, and produce, both Natural and Artificial, is not to be despised. The Land containeth divers sorts of Earth. God in his Wisdom having ordered it so, that the advantages of the Country are divided.
[Page 568]II. The Air is sweet and clear, the Heavens serene, like the Southparts of France, rarely overcast; and as the Woods come by numbers of People to be more cleared, that it self will Refine.
III. The Waters are generally good, for the Rivers and Brooks have mostly Gravel and Stony Bottoms, and in Number hardly credible. We have also Mineral Waters, that operate in the same manner with Barnet and North-hall, not two Miles from Philadelphia.
IV. For the Seasons of the Year. First, Of the Fall, I found it from the 24th of October, to the beginning of December, as we have it usually in England in September, or rather like an English mild Spring. From December to the beginning of the Month called March, we had sharp frosty Weather; not foul, thick, black Weather, as our North-East Winds bring with them in England; but a Skie as clear as in Summer, and the Air dry, cold, piercing and hungry. The reason of this Cold is given from the great Lakes that are fed by the Fountains of Canada. The Winter before was as mild, scarce any Ice at all; while this for a few days Froze up our great River Delaware. From that Month to the Month called June, we enjoyed a sweet Spring, no Gusts, but gentle Showers, and a fine Skie. From thence to this present Month, which endeth Summer, (commonly speaking) we have had extraordinary Heats, yet mitigated sometimes by cool Breezes. And whatever Mists, Fogs or Vapors foul the Heavens by Easterly or Southerly Winds, in two hours time are blown away by the North-West; the one is always followed by the other: A Remedy that seems to have peculiar Providence in it to the Inhabitants.
V. The natural produce of the Country, of Vegetables, is Trees, Fruits, Plants, Flowers. The Trees of most note are, the Black-Walnut, Cedar, Cyprus, Chesnut, Poplar, Gumwood, Hickery, Sassafrax, Ash, Beech and Oak of divers sorts, as Red, White and Black; Spanish Chesnut and Swamp, the most durable, of all which there is plenty for the use of Man.
The Fruits that I find in the Woods are the White and Black Mulbery, Chesnut, Walnut, Plums, Strawberries, Cranberries, Hurtleberries, and Grapes of divers sorts. The great red Grape is in it self an extraordinary Grape, and by Art doubtless may be cultivated to an excellent Wine, if not so sweet, yet little inferior to the Frontiniack, as it is not much unlike in taste. There is a white kind of Muskedel, and a little black Grape, like the Cluster Grape of England, not yet so ripe as the other; but they tell me, when ripe, sweeter, and that they only want skilful Vinerous to make good use of them. Here are also Peaches, and very good, and in great quantities, not an Indian Plantation without them; but whether naturally here at first, I know not, however, one [Page 569] may have them by Bushels for little; they make a pleasant Drink, and I think not inferior to any Peach you have in England, except the true Newington.
VI. The Artificial produce of the Country, is Wheat, Barley, Oats, Rye, Pease, Beans, Squashes, Pumkins, Water-Melons, Musk-Melons, and all Herbs and Roots that our Gardens in England usually bring forth.
VII. of living Creatures; Fish Fowl, and the Beasts of the Woods here are divers sorts, some for Food and Profit, and some for Profit only.
VIII. We have no want of Horses, and some are very good and shapely enough, two Ships have been freighted to Barbadoes with Horses and Pipe-staves, since my coming in. Here is also plenty of Cow-Cattel, and some Sheep; the People plow mostly with Oxen.
IX. There are divers Plants, that only not the Indians tells us, but we have had occasion to prove by Swellings, Burnings, Cuts, &c. that they are of great Virtue, suddenly curing the Patient: And for smell, I have observed several, especially one, the wild Mirtle; the other I know not what to call, but are most fragrant.
X. The Woods are adorned with lovely Flowers, for Colour, Greatness, Figure and Variety: I have seen the Gardens of London best stored with that sort of Beauty, but think they may be improved by our Woods.
XI. The first Planters in these parts were the Dutch, and soon after them the Sweeds and Finns. The Dutch applied themselves to Traffick, the Sweeds and Finns to Husbandry.
XII. The Dutch inhabit mostly those parts of the Province that lie upon or near to the Bay, and the Sweeds the Freshes of the River Delaware. As they are People proper and strong of Body, so they have fine Children, and almost every House full; rare to find one of them without three or four Boys, and as many Girls; some six, seven and eight Sons: And I must do that right, I see few young Men more sober and laborious.
XIII. The Dutch have a Meeting-place for Religious Worship at New Castle; and the Sweeds three, one at Christiana, one at Tenecum, and one at Wicoco, within half a Mile of this Town.
XIV. The Country lieth bounded on the East, by the River and Bay of Delaware, and Eastern Sea; it hath the advantage of many Creeks or Rivers rather, that run into the main River or Bay; some Navigable for great Ships, some for small Craft: Those of most Eminency are Christiana, Brandywine, Skillpot, and Skulkill; any one of which have room to lay up the Royal Navy of England, there being from four to eight Fathom Water.
[Page 570]XV. The lesser Creeks or Rivers, yet convenient for Sloops and Ketches of good burthen, are Lewis, Mespilion, Cedar, Dover, Cranbrook, Feversham, and Georges below, and Chichester, Chester, Toacawny, Pemmapecka, Portquessin, Neshimenek and Pennberry in the Freshes; many lesser that admit Boats and Shallops. Our People are most setled upon the upper Rivers, which are pleasant and sweet, and generally bounded with good Land. The planted part of the Province and Territories is cast into six Counties Philadelphia, Buckingham, Chester, New Castle, Kent, and Sussex, containing about four thousand Souls. Two General Assemblies have been held, and with such Concord and Dispatch, that they sate but three Weeks, and at least seventy Laws were past without one Dissent in any material thing. And for the well Government of the said Counties, Courts of Justice are estabisht in every County, with proper Officers, as Justices, Sheriffs, Clarks, Constables, &c. which Courts are held every two Months: But to prevent Law Suits, there are three Peace-makers chosen by each County-Court, in the nature of Common Arbitrators, to hear differences betwixt Man and Man; and Spring and Fall there is an Orphans Court in each County, to inspect and regulate the Affairs of Orphans and Widows.
XVI. Philadelphia, the expectation of those that are concerned in this Province, is at last laid out to the great content of those here, that are any ways interested therein: The Situation is a Neck of Land, and lieth between two Navigable Rivers, Delaware and Skulkill, whereby it hath two Fronts upon the Water, each a Mile, and two from River to River. Delaware is a glorious River, but the Skulkill being an hundred Miles Boatable above the Falls, and its course North-East toward the Fountain of Susquahannab (that tends to the heart of the Province, and both sides our own) it is like to be a great part of the settlement of this Age. But this I will say for the good Providence of God, that of all the many places I have seen in the World, I remember not one better seared; so that it seems to me to have been appointed for a Town, whether we regard the Rivers, or the conveniency of the Coves, Docks, Springs the loftiness and soundness of the Land and the Air, held by the People of these parts to be very good.
Of West New Jarsey.
THIS Province of West Jarsey, with that call'd East Jarsey, among other Tracts of Lands and Territories, was granted by the late King to the present King James the Second, (when Duke of York) and to his Heirs and Assigns for ever; who granted the whole Premises entire unto John Lord Berkley, and Sir George Carteret to be holden in common. And the Lord Berkley being minded to dispose of his Moiety or half part, Edward Byllynge bought the same of him. Whereupon that each Party might hold their Country in severalty, it was mutually agreed by Sir George Carteret, and the said Edward Byllynge, that a partition should be made thereof: The which was accordingly done by Deed interchangeable enroll'd; which Partition begins on the West side of a certain place upon the South Sea, call'd by the Name of Little Eag Harbor, and which runs from thence by a streight Line to the most Northerly Extent of the whole Premises: Upon which Partition it was agreed, that Carterets part should be call'd the Province of the East New Jarsey, and Byllynges part should be call'd the Province of West New Jarsey. East Jarsey is bounded from the Line of Partition Eastward, part with the Main Ocean, and part with Hudsons River (which separates it from New York.) And West Jarsey from the said Partition Line expands it self Southward and Westward, unto that famous Bay and River of Delaware; which also separates that Province from Pensilvania, in which Bay and River, its well known Ships of the greatest Burden may Ride at Anchor, and pass with safety a hundred Miles up into the Country: And in which River, from the Mouth of the Bay, are not less than twenty Creeks and Harbors, some whereof issuing five, ten, fifteen, if not twenty Miles into the Province. The Partition being thus made of the two Provinces. The Government of West Jarsey was thereupon given and granted by the present King, when Duke of York, unto the abovenamed Edward Byllynge, and his Heirs, with the same Jurisdictions, Powers, Authorities and Government, as fully and amply to all intents and purposes, as the same was granted to him, his Heirs and Assigns, by the late King his Brother, who was also pleas'd to approve thereof by Publication, under the Royal Signet and Sign Manual, Thereby, and therein, commanding the present and future [Page 572] Inhabitants, within the Limits of the said Province, to yield all due Regard and Obedience unto him, the said Edward Byllynge as their Governor, and to his Heirs, Deputies, Agents, &c. This Province from the Mouth of Delaware Bay, along by the Sea side, to the Line of the Partition, appears in the Map to be about sixty Miles in breadth: And from the Mouth of the said Bay, to the Head or most Northerly Branch of the River of Delaware, likewise appears to be about two hundred and fifty Miles in length.
This Province is divided into one hundred Shares or Proprieties, as may be seen by the Registred Deeds of every person or persons, who have already purchased a whole or part of a Propriety joyntly with others, which Register is kept by Herbert Springet in George yard in Lumbard-street, London; unto whom any persons, who are minded to buy one or more Proprieties, may repair: The said Edward Byllynge having above twenty of those hundred yet to sell. As to the Government, out of each Propriety, a Free-holder is to be Annually chosen by the Inhabitants thereof, and to Meet and Sit as a General Assembly upon a day certain every year, which with the Governor, or his lawful Deputies are the Legislative Power of the Province to make and alter Laws in all times coming: But not contrary, or in any wise repugnant, to Liberty of Conscience in Matters of Faith towards God, or the Religious Exercise thereof: Liberty and Property, both as Men and Christians being establish'd in West New Jarsey, by an irrevocable Fundamental Law, never to be extinguish'd or invaded by any subsequent Law hereafter to be made whatsoever: As also not any the least Tax, Talledge, Subsidie, Rates or Services, to be imposed upon the People; but by the consent of these their Representatives in the General Assemblies. The Towns and Plantations already settled in this Province, for the most part are upon that Noble and Navigable River of Delaware, or upon some Creek or Harbor contiguous thereunto, or upon the South Sea. And upon both, are the like conveniencies for thousands of more Families. Its chief Towns and Rivers are noted in the Map: And it certainly enjoys all the advantages that the other parts do.
The Description of East New Jarsey.
THE Province of East New Jarsey lies next to New York Southwestward, having on the South, the Main Ocean, on the East, that well-known Bay for Shipping, within Sandy Hooke, to the North, part of the Province of New York and New Albany, and is bounded by that vast Navigable Stream, called Hudsons River, to the forty one Degree of Northern Latitude, and from thence crossing over in a streight Line, extending to the most Northern Branch or Part of Delaware River; then to the West, West Jarsey, from which divided by a partition Line; it takes its beginning from a place upon the South-Coast, called Little Egg-Harbor; and so runs in a streight Line to the aforesaid Northernmost Branch of Delaware River. This Province is very pleasant and healthful, a great part of the back Land lying high.
As to the Trees, Fruits, and most other products, its not inferiour to any of the neighbouring Colonies. And for the fertility of Soil, fresh Water-Rivers, Brooks, and pleasant Springs, it is highly esteemed.
The Country along Rariton-River, is a place so delightful, and fruitful, that Ogilby in his Volumn of America, folio 181, 182, many years ago has given the World an extraordinary account thereof.
The Situation of this Province has a very great and apparent advantage, for it lies even in the Center of all the English Plantations on that Continent, near to an equal distance from the South-parts of Carolina, and the North of Pemaquid, the aforesaid Bay of Sandy-Hooke being very notable, both for the conveniency and security of any number of Ships: And the Sea-Coasts of this Province are very commodious both for Trade and Fishing; especially the Whale Fishing.
Within the said Bay, upon the North side of the Mouth of Rariton River, there is an excellent Tract of Ground, called Amboy Point, where a Town or City is building, called Perth: In which Town, several good Houses are already built, and inhabited, and more daily are building, by the Proprietors and others, that are come to settle there. Nothing can be better and more advantagiously situated than this place for a Town of Trade, which lies about sixteen Miles within [Page 574] the aforesaid Bay, into which there may go in Ships of the greatest Burden, and come out again at all Seasons, as well in Winter time as in Summer, and lie safe in Harbor, without any inconvenience of Winds or Tydes, and close to the Wharf before the Houses; in this Town of Perth, can lie Ships of three or four hundred Tun, with their fasts on Shore at low Water.
There is besides the forementioned New Town, seven Towns more built in this Province, viz. Elizabeth Town, Newark, Woodbridge, Piscataway, Bergen, Middletoune and Shrewsbury, in which, and in the out Plantations, many thousand People are setled, who possess their Lands, &c. some by purchase, most upon very easie Rents, payable to the present Proprietors, there being all sorts of excellent [...]ands undisposed of, enough to plant many more thousands of Families, who shall desire to transport themselves thither.
As to the right, which the twenty four Proprietors have to this Country, it is derived from the Title of the late Sir George Carteret, by conveyance from the Earl of Bath, and other Trustees, joyning with the Lady Carteret, and is since granted and confirmed in the year [...]82, to them, their Heirs and Assigns for ever, by his present Majesty King James the Second, under his Hand and Seal, with all the Royalties, Powers and Governments thereof. The late King Charles the Second, was also pleased to approve of the said Grant and Confirmation, by publication under his Royal Signet, and Sign Manual, dated 23d of November 1683. therein, and thereby, commanding all Planters, and Inhabitants within the Limits of the said Province, to yield all due Regard and Obedience to the said Proprietors, their Deputies, Agents, &c, 1686.
In this Province are some Noblemen, and several Gentlemen of the Scotch Nation interested, (as well as those of England) some of which are gone themselves, and Families, and are setled there, and many hundred others are sent from thence, who have made good Farms and Plantations there, and sundry persons are concerned in Shares under several of the Proprietors, some have half, some a quarter, others an eighth, or tenth Share, &c. and these have Tracts of Land laid out to them by the Surveyor General, according to the proportions of their respective Interest, upon their sending over Families and Servants to settle there.
The Traders in the Towns being furnished with such Goods and Merchandize from England, as are proper for those Parts, where the [...]lanters and Farmers may be supplied with all such necessaries: They having good Stocks of Corn and Cattle, not only for Commutation [Page 575] at home, but for Exportation abroad, to other places that want. The Town of Newark alone, in one year, made ready a thousand Barrels of good Cyder out of the Orchards of their own Planting. And the Town of Woodbridge above five hundred Barrels of Pork, this Province affording Corn and Cattle, and other product to ship off to the Caribbe Islands, &c. to supply those Neighbours, who have not that plenty.
In this Province of East Jarsey is this further encouragement, there is such good Provision made for Liberty of Conscience, and Property in Estate, by the Fundamental Constitutions or great Charter, on behalf of all the Inhabitants, as Men and Christians, that very many from other parts of America, as well as from Europe, have chosen to go thither to live, where they do not only quietly and freely enjoy their Estates, but also an uninterrupted freedom in the Exercise of their Religion, according to their particular Persuasions.
Such as desire to Transport Themselves and Families, or be otherways concern'd in this Colony, may be directed at the Sign of the Star in George Yard in Lombard-street, where, and when, to meet with some of the Proprietors, who will give them further Information.
NEw England is a vast Tract of Land, happily Situated, reaching from forty to forty five Degrees of Northern Latitude in the middle of the Temperate Zone, and parallel to some part of Italy, in the Eastern Hemispere.
The Country for many Miles it not Mountainous, yet intermixt with pleasant Collines, Plains and Meadows.
For Rivers, it hath in its largest extent Delaware River, navigable one hundred and thirty Miles: Hudsons River Navigable above one hundred Miles: Connecticut River Navigable above fifty Miles, Marimeck River, Pascataway, and many others conveniently Navigable; and for less Rivers and Brooks, you can hardly travel a few Miles without passing one.
[Page 577]The Soil is fruitful, and yields Wheat, Rye, Pease, Beans, Barley, Oats, Indian Corn, Flax, Hemp, and all sorts of English Herbs, and excellent Simples proper for the Country. For Food, it hath Beef, Pork, Mutton, plentiful, besides Goats, Deer, &c. For Fish, Fowl, and good Cyder, it excels, with good Cellarage to preserve all, which is not common in Virginia. The South side of their Houses are in many places begirt with Hives of Bees, which increase very much.
For Fruit, it hath Apples, Pears, Plums, Quinces, Cherries, Apricoks, Peaches in standing Trees, and many sorts of wild Blew, Black and White Grapes, and their wild white Muscadine Grape makes a pleasant Wine.
For Timber, it hath several sorts of Oak, and their white Swamp Oak; (whereof they have great quantities) is esteemed near as tough as any in Europe, besides Walnut, Ash, Pine, Cedar, &c.
For Trade, they have all sorts of Provisions for the Belly, as of Flesh, Fish, and all Grain, as Corn, Pease, &c. And Masts for Ships, Dealboards, Iron, Tar, Bever, Moose-skins, Furs, and some hundred Vessels and Ships of their own, and Merchants who disperse their commodities to the West Indies, and from thence to England.
The Country is capable of many other Commodities, as Wine, Salt, Brandy, &c. When labor grows more cheap by the farther increase of their own Children, or purchase of Negros. They have many Towns supplied with good Ministers, and have two Colleges at Cambridge; they train their Youth when past sixteen year old, and so make them bold and resolute.
As to their Government, they had fourteen Magistrates, and were not to exceed eighteen Assistants by their Patent, whereof one is annually chosen Governor, and another Deputy-Governor by the People, who are jealous of the infringment of their Priviledges.
For Religion, they are Protestants, much as Perkins, they pray for the King, and the English Nation, and for the Protestant Religion throughout the World. As to the Weather, the old Planters say, that fifty years since, when the Country was not so much opened (by the felling of the Woods) they had much more heat in Summer, and more cold in Winter, then they had since; and that they find the Winters still lessen as the Country is more opened. Their Winter begins in December, and commonly ends in February. The North West Winds blow very keen, and sometimes hold forty eight hours. After that with the change of the Wind, they have moderate Weather. So they reckon to have ten or twelve cold days in a Winter, which days are colder than in the same Climate in Europe.
[Page 578]Their Summer is hotter, and that heat more certain, and yet more tolerable than this of England, being moderated and allayed with often Breezes; and is very peculiar and agreeable to the Bodies of those of our Nation, the Air being most generally serene, sweet and exceeding healthy. And if any Fogs arise, the North West and West Winds do quickly disperse them; and the Country sends forth such a fragant smell that it may be perceived ere we make Land.
The Metropolis of New England is Boston, commodiously seated for Traffick on the Sea-shore, a very large and spacious Town, or indeed City, composed of several well-ordered Streets, and adorned with fair and beautiful Houses, well inhabited by Merchants and Tradesmen; it is also a place of good strength, having several Fortifications raised on the Hills adjoyning, well mounted with great Pieces, and well garded. Secondly Cambridge, formerly Newtown, is beautified with two Colleges, and divers fair and well built Houses, other Towns are Amsbury, Andover, Barnstable, Beverly, Billerica, Bradford, Braintre, Bridgwater, Charles-Town, Chensford, Concord, Dartmouth, Dedham, Dorchester, Deerfeild, Dover, Duxbury, Exeter, Eastham, Falmouth, Glocester, Grotton, Hadfield, Hadly, Hampton, Hartford, Haveril, Hingbam, Hull, Ipswich, Kenecbeck, Keteri, Lancaster, Lime, Lin, London, Maldon, Manchester, Marshfield, Malborow, Mendon, Medfield, Milton, Midleton, Monimoy, Newbury, Newton, Newport, Northamton, Norwich, Penicock, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Providence, Portsmouth in Rode Island, Reding, Rowly, Roxbury, Salsbury, Salem, Sandwich, Saybrook, Scarborougb, Scituate, Seaconk, Springfield, Stoniton, Squabaug, Squabeey, Sudbury, Swamfield, Tanton, Watertown, Wethersfield, Windsor, Wick-ford, Warwick, Woodcock, Wamsick, Worcester, Wenam, Wells, Yarmouth, York, most of these Towns are of good account, and well inhabited, being commodiously seated either on the Sea-shore, or on Navigable Rivers, as may be seen in the Map.
The English Inhabitants are in Colour, Features, Husbandry, Navigation, Cohabitation in Towns and Language, much as in England, and have an eagerness of Courage and yet lasting.
They purchased their Lands of the Sachems, which were the heads; and the eldest of the Indian Families, the Antient Proprietors, most of which wer [...], [...]bout the first English settlement, swept away with the small Box: Another part by Wars among themselves, and the remainder almost destroyed by their late Treacherous War with the English, being either sold, slain, or dead with the Flux; so that there now remains but few of them in the Massachuset, and Plymouth Colonies, except some Christians and other Indians, who were true to the English against those other bloody Barbarians; these indeed deserve incouragement. A good part of which were under the Government and Discipline of worthy [Page 579] Major Goetkins, and Mr. Eliot, whose care and Charitable Endeavors for their Conversion may not be forgotten: And as to the Indians lately destroyed, they were several little Nations, living under the Sachems or Sagamors in Hamlets, consisting of Wigwams or Cottages; and for the most part were cloathed with Mantles and Deer-skins; they were a timorous, rash, and unfaithful People, judging all others by themselves, such as had no tye, but what fear or interest drove them to, and grew insolent by the English indulgence, yet some of them confessed they did not begin the War merely upon Indian instigation, and the English found they had Powder and Shot enough, that they were good Marks men, and generally well-armed, especially with Fusies; which, they said, they bought of the French in Canada.
The manner of their Wars was by Incursions, Surprizes and Ambuscades; and their Contrivances very subtil, but if once discovered, they would be greatly dismayed. And this is certain, they were at last overcome, and in a sort extirpated by an apparent and distinguishing hand of Gods Providence. And as to their conquer'd Countries, (now under the English Jurisdiction) they are large and fruitful, and have many spacious Corn-fields, Plantations, pleasant Rivers and Brooks, fit for delight and human sustentation.
As to New England, it is observable, that within the Compass of sixty years past, near two hundred Gentlemen, Ministers and Merchants, carried their Wives and Children thither, and about forty hundred Husbandmen and Mechanicks, with their Wives, and Children, and Servants, and near two hundred thousand pound value.
That Stock of people is said to be increased to about one hundred thousand: And that more Persons for condition and number of the increase of the said first Planters have come for England, than have gone thither since their said principal settlement.
And that the People of New England have some years annually imported and exported to and from old England to as great value in commodities, as they first exported hence.
And as to that which hath kept them low, they thought if they bought Negro's, and had them Baptized, that they were then free, and upon this mistake omitted it, and then so much indulged their English Servants, (because themselves could not work) that they gave them almost what they would have; and thus inriched them, and impoverished themselves.
And when others came afterwards, (if any thing likely) they were soon tempted by inferior Planters to Marry and become Freeholders: and seeing a goodly Country before them, these also quickly made [Page 580] their service uneasie to the intolerable damage of their Masters, who were at great chargs about them.
But some may object, that Barbadoes Merchants, over-much minding their profit, have twenty Negros to one English Servant, to the now great hazard of their Lives. As to that, it is very remarkable that the long patience of the first New England Gentlemen hath at last wrought this happy effect to their Posterity, that should they now stock their Farm with Negros and Indians, and mix them in Marriage, (such Mulato's being found the best Servants) in some years they may make them Copy-holders, as the Villains were of old in England, and so may make a great improvement of their Land.
Nor is it likely, that (were a few thousand Negro's slaves in this sort now to increase there) they could rationally prejudice so great a body of English already bred and naturalized, besides so vastly more increasing in that Country, which alters the Case from that of Barbadoes.
Moreover, should any Negro's run far into the Woods, they are sure the wild Indians would destroy them.
Now for its advancement, some Barbadoe's Merchants have lately calculated, (and those of their most experienced Planters also) that twenty Negro's in New England, (being taught, for they are found as capable to learn as the English) with fifteen hundred pound stock in Iron, Mills, Charcole, Bog-iron, Oar, &c. would bring their Masters as good and clear an Annual Income, as the same stock of Money and Negro's will produce by their Sugar-Mills in Barbadoes.
And that such a number of Negro's, being taught the way of raising Corn, looking after Cattel, to make Cyder, Wine, Brandy, and the art of Carpentry for Houses, of Saw-Mills, making of Brick, and Brick-laying, building of Vessels, and Ships, and the Craft of Fishery, &c, may rationally with a less stock of Money produce as much advantage to their Masters as the former
It is also considerable, that the Land it self of the first Gentlemen Planters in New England doth begin to make a good recompense to the Children for the losses of their Parents. Besides it imports into England Bever, Moose skins, Furs, Bullen, and many other Commodities which they bring from the West Indies in their own Vessels, and do export Cloth, Stuffs, Cordage, &c which is considerable to His Majesties Customs, and to the Manufacture of England. And they yearly build many good Ships and Frigats, and sell them at London.
It is the Granary and Magazine, and lies most ready to supply Barbadoes, Jamaica, Mevis, &c. with Provisions, &c. being a thousand Leagues nearer than England or Ireland.
[Page 581]It is a well situated and setled Emporium, having many excellent Harbors in the great Bay.
It is the best prepared place to build Navies at easie rates, (at his Majesties pleasure) since they are of late something more choice in their Timber then formerly they were, and specially since Ship-Timber is so generally wanting in England and Ireland, and the Eastland Oak (as some say) is so very spungy.
It carries the most aw and countenance, and can (best with a little incouragement) defend it self against a Foreign assault; and is most fit and ready to help and relieve His Majesties other Colonies, if such a distress should happen.
And it is the grand Nursery that breeds, and indeed that is found most proper to breed Men in great numbers of resolute, bold and lasting courage (and all other Creatures in like manner) nearest unto those of old England in the World; and their Men most fit for Navigation, Merchandize, or War by Sea or Land.
A Description of New York.
NEw York contains all that Tract of Land, which is seated between New England, Virginia, Mary-Land, and the length of which Northward into the Country, as it hath not been fully discovered, so 'tis not certainly known, but in general it extends to the Banks of the great River Canada, East and West, its breadth is accounted two hundred Miles, comprehending also that Tract of Land, which is betwen Hudson's River, and Delaware River, called New Jarsey.
Its principal Rivers are Hudson's River toward the East, Raritan River about the middle, and Delaware River on the West, its chiefest Islands are Long-Island, Manahattens-Island, and Staten-Island.
It was so called from his Royal Highness the Duke of York, the Proprietor thereof by Grant from his Majesty, Anno 1664. Who the same year grants and conveys out of it all that aforesaid Tract of Land, and Premises which is between Hudson's River, and Delaware River, unto John Lord Berkley, and Sir George Carteret, jointly by the name of New Caesarea or New Jarsey. So that New York now contains only that part of New England, which the Dutch formerly seized, and called it the New Netherland, and Nova Belgia, lying between Hudson [...]s [Page 582] and Conecticut Rivers on the Continent, with the Islands of Manahatten, and Long-Island, opposite thereunto.
Manahattens Island, so called by the Indians, it lyeth betwixt the Degrees of forty one and forty two North Latitude, and is about fourteen Miles long, and two broad, whose chief place is New York, seated upon the South end of the aforesaid Island, having a small Arm of the Sea, which divides it from Long Island, on the Eastside of it, which runs Eastward to New England, and is Navigable, though dangerous.
Hudson's River runs by New York Northward into the Country, toward the Head of which is seated New Albany, a place of great Trade with the Indians, betwixt which and New York, being above one hundred Miles, is as good Corn-Land as the World affords, enough to entertain hundreds of Families, in the time of the Dutch-Government of those Parts. At Sopers was kept a Garison, but since the reducement of those parts under his Majesties Obedience, by the care of the Honourable Colonel Nichol's, Deputy to his Highness, such a League of Peace was made, and Friendship concluded betwixt that Colony and the Indians, that they have not resisted or disturbed any Christians there, in the setling or peaceable Possession of any Lands with that Government, but every Man hath sate under his own Vine, and hath peaceably reapt and enjoyed the Fruits of their own labors, which God continue.
New York is built most of Brick and Stone, and covered with red and black Tile, and the Land being high, it gives at a distance a pleasing Aspect to the Spectators. The Inhabitants consist most of English and Dutch, and have a considerable Trade with the Indians, for Bevers, Otter, Raccoon skins, with other Furs; as also for Bear, Deer, and Elk Skins; and are supplied with Venison and Fowl in the Winter, and Fish in the Summer by the Indians, which they buy at an easie rate; and having the Country round about them, they are continually furnished with all such Provisions, as [...] needful for the life of Man; not only by the English and Dutch within their own, but likewise by the Adjacent Colonies.
The Commodities vented from thence are Furs and Skins beforementioned; as likewise Tobacco made within the Colony, as good as is usually made in Mary-land: Also Horses, Beef, Pork, Oyl, Pease, Wheat, and the like.
Long Island, the West end of which lies Southward of New York, runs Eastward above one hundred Miles, and is in some places eight, in some twelve, in some fourteen Miles broad; it is inhabited from one end to the other. On the West end are four or five Dutch Towns, the [Page 583] rest being all English to the number of twelve, besides Villages and Farm-houses. The Island is most of it of a very good Soil, and very natural for all sorts of English Grain; which they sow, and have very good increase of, besides all other Fruits and Herbs common in England, as also Tobacco, Hemp, Flax, Pumpkins, Melons, &c.
There are several Navigable Rivers and Bays; which put into the Northside of Long Island, but upon the Southside which joyns to the Sea, it is so fortified with Bars of Sands and sholes, that it is a sufficient defence against any Enemy, yet the Southside is not without Brooks and Rivulets, which empty themselves into the Sea; yea, you shall scarce travel a Mile, but you shall meet with one of them, whose Christal Streams run so swift, that they purge themselves of such stinking Mud and Filth, which the standing or low-paced Streams of most Brooks and Rivers Westward of this Colony leave lying, and are by the Suns exhalation dissipated, the Air corrupted, and many Fevers and other Distempers occasioned, not incident to this Colony: Neither do the Brooks and Rivulets premised, give way to the Frost in Winter, or Drought in Summer, but keep their course throughout the year.
Towards the middle of Long Island lyeth a Plain sixteen Miles long, and four broad, upon which Plain grows very fine Grass, that makes exceeding good Hay, and is very good Pasture for the Sheep or other Cattel; where you shall find neither stick nor stone to hinder the Horse Heels, or endanger them in their Races, and once a year the best Horses in the Island are brought hither to try their swiftness, and the swiftest rewarded with a Silver Cup, two being annually procured for that purpose. There are two or three other small Plains of about a Mile square, which are no small benefit to those Towns which enjoy them.
Upon the Southside of Long Island in the Winter, lie store of Whales and Grampusses, which the Inhabitants begin with small Boats to make a Trade, catching to their no small benefit. Also an innumerable multitude of Seals, which make an excellent Oyl; they lie all the Winter upon small broken Marshes, and Beaches, or Bars of Sand beforementioned, and might be easily got, were here some skilful Men would undertake it.
Of Canada or Nova Francia.
CAnada, so called from the River Canada, which hath its Fountains in the undiscovered parts of this Western Tract; sometimes inlarging it self into greater Lakes, and presently contracted into a narrow Chanel, with many great windings and falls; having embosomed almost all the rest of the Rivers. After a known Eastern course of near fifteen hundred Miles; it empties it self into the great Bay of St. Lawrence over against the Isle of Assumption, being at the Mouth thirty Leagues in breadth, and one hundred and fifty fathom deep. On the Northside, whereof the French (following the Tract of the said Cabot) made a further discovery of the said Northern parts, by the Name of Nova Francia.
The Country is full of Stags, Bears, Hares, Martins and Foxes, store of Conies, Fowl and Fish, not very fruitful or fit for Tillage, the Air more cold than in other Countries of the same Latitude.
The chief places are Brest, Quebeck and Taduosac, a safe but small Haven. The French Trade here for Bever, Mouse-skins, and Furs, and are said to be about five thousand; what discoveries have been made of late years of the Southern parts of this Country, may be seen in the Map of Florida, &c.
Nova Scotia,
COntains that part of Land, which the French call Accadie or Cadie, being so much of the main Land, as lieth between the River Canada, and the large Bay, called Bay Francoise, from the River of St. Croix, upon the West to the Isle of Assumption on the East, first discovered by Sebastian Cabot; who, setting sail from Bristol at the charge of King Henry the Seventh, made a discovery of it unto the Latitude of sixty seven and a half.
[Page 585]Which being neglected, after this the French planted on the Northside of the River Canada. And after that Monsieur du Monts settled on part of that Land called Nova Scotia, but in the year 1613, was outed by Sir Samuel Argal: And in the year 1621, King James, by Letters Patents, made a donation of it to Sir William Alexander, afterwards Lord Secretary of Scotland, calling it Nova Scotia, in pursuance of which Grant, he in the year 1622, sent a Colony thither: And I am informed, that it was after by Acts of Parliament annexed to the Crown and Kingdom of Scotland, however I think the French have now a Colony at Port Royal, and are the only possessors of that Country.
Of Newfoundland.
THIS was first discovered by the two Cabots, John and his Son S [...]bastian, employed by King Henry the seventh 1497, the business laid aside was afterward revived by Thorn and Elliot, two of Bristol, who ascribed to themselves the discovery of it, and animated King Henry unto the enterprise, Anno 1527. In the mean time, the French and Portugals resorted to it.
But the English would not relinquish their pretensions to the Primier Seisin, and therefore in the year 1583, Sir Humphrey Gilbert took possession of it in the name of the Queen of England, who being Shipwrack'd in his return, the sending of a Colony was discontinued till the year 1608, when undertook by John Guy, a Merchant of Bristol, and in the year 1626, Sir George Calvert Knight, then principal Secretary of State, afterward Lord Baltimore, obtained a Patent of part of Newfoundland, which was erected into a Province, and called Avalon, where he caused a Plantation to be setled, and a stately House and Fort to he built at Ferriland.
'Tis an Island for extent (they say) equalizing England, from whence it is distant about five hundred and forty Leagues, situate between the Degrees of forty five and fifty three Northern Latitude, and is only severed from the Continent of America by an Arm of the Sea, as England is from France.
It is famous for many excellent Bays and Harbors, it hath great plenty of Fish, Land and Water Fowl, and is sufficiently stockt with [Page 586] Deers, Hares, Otters and Foxes, which yield great Fur, it affords stately Trees fit for Timber, Masts, Planks, and other uses. The Soil is esteemed fertile, the Climate wholsom, but the rigor of Winter, and excessive Heats of Summer much detract from its praise.
Before the Island at the distance of twenty Leagues from the Raze, lieth a long Bank or Ridge of Ground, extending in length about two hundred and forty Leagues, in breadth in the broadest place about five and twenty Leagues, by Cabot, called Bacalaos, from the great multitude of Codfish, which swarmed there so numerous, that they hindred the passage of the Ships, and is now called the Grand Bank, where our Ships salt and dry their Fish.
There is no part of Newfoundland more happy for multiplicity of excellent Bays and Harbors, than the Province of Avalon, and there are vast quantities of Fish yearly caught by the English, at Ferriland, and at the Bay of Bulls; though the whole Coast affords infinite plenty of Cod and Poor John, which is grown to a setled Trade, and were the English diligent to inspect the advantage of setling Plantations upon the Isle, and raising Fortifications for the security of the place, they might ingross the whole Fishery.
Of ICE-LAND.
ICe Land, or the antient Thule, supposed by some to be as large as Ireland. Our English Masters, who have fished there many years, give this Account of it, That the most Southerly part of it, called Ingulf foot, is in the Latitude of sixty four Degrees and twenty five Minutes. And the most Northerly part is Rag-point, in the Latitude of sixty six Degrees and five Minutes, whereas our Maps, as also the Great Atlas makes the Island above eighty eight Degrees of Nothern Latitude, which gross mistake is refuted not only by Observation, but also by the Suns continuance two hours above the Horizon, in the middle of December, in the most Northern part of the Island. It is seated North Westerly from the North of Scotland, viz. from the Start or Head Land of Orkney, to the S. W. Head of Fero is fifty five Leagues, and from thence to Ingulf-foot is eighty five Leagues more.
[Page 587]It hath four remarkable Mountains in it, of which Hecla is the most famous, which burns continually with a Blew, Brimstone-like, and most dreadful Flame, vomiting up vast quantities of Brimstone, and that when it burns with greatest vehemency, it makes a terrible rumbling like the noise of loud Thunder, and a fearful Crackling and Tearing that may be heard a great way off. See more of this in Martineres Northern Voyage, page 134.
In the Philosophical Transaction, Number 103, Dr. Paul Biornonius Resident informs us, That it abounds with hot Springs, of which some are so Hot, that in a quarter of an hours time they will sufficiently boil a piece of Beef. Arugreim Jonas tell us, It was inhabited by the Norwegians, Anno 874, afterwards by the Danes, under whose Government and Religion it now is. The Island is well peopled, but they live only in the Vallies, and towards the Sea-shore. Their Dwellings are rather Caves than Houses. The Inhabitants are said to be a Lusty, Comely, Affable People, faithful in their Dealings, addicted to Learning, having three Universities, such as they are: But their Law allows of no Physitians, but admit of some Chyrurgeons to cure their Wounds. The Air is healthy, but the changes of Weather are very uncertain, for sometimes it Snows and Hails in the midst of Summer, and the Winds are often in that season most furious.
Their Commodities are Sheep Cows and Horses. Great plenty of most sort of Sea-fish all the year round their Coast. There are Lakes upon the high Mountains, well stored with Fresh-Water-Fish, and their Rivers with Salmon. In Summer time they have plenty of of Wild Fowl, as Mallard, Duck, Teal, Partridge, Wild Geese, Plowers. In Winter time Ravens, Eagles, Wild Ducks, Swans, &c. Their Drink is Milk mingled with Water. Their Bread is Cod caught in the Winter time, and dried in the Frost, commonly called Stock-Fish, as also Hokettle, or the Nurse-Fish, with the Livers they make Oil to burn in their Caves under Ground; the other parts they cut into pieces, and bury them four or five Weeks under Ground, then wash them, and dry them in their Stoves, and this serves instead of Bread, if broiled on the Coals it serves for Meat; and of the Skins of the Fish they make their Shooes.
The general Employment of the People is either Fishery, or the making of Wad-moll, or a course sort of Woollen Cloth, of which they make Gowns, Coats, Caps, Mittins for Seamen and Fishermen. There is also little Shock Dogs said to be the Whelps of ordinary Bitches, lined by Foxes, that come on over the Ice.
There is only one Fort, which is upon one of the chief of the West M [...]ny Isles ten Leagues from Merchants Foreland, with twelve Iron [Page 585] Guns in it, and there their Courts are held, and the Bishop has his Residence: As for their Government and Laws, see Dithmar, Belfkins and Arugreine Jonas, or Purchas in his Pilgrimage. Sometimes Danes, Hamburgers, and Lubekers, put into the Island, and furnish the Islanders with such Provisions as they want. The chiefest places where the Ships stay, are the Havens of Haneford and Keplawick, and the Governor resides at Belested; the Danes bring from thence dried Fish, Train-Oil, Butter, Tallow, Sulphur, Raw Hides, and particularly a sort of Whales Teeth, which some esteem as much as Ivory.
Betwixt Cape Farewel, and Cape Sumay, lieth a great Sea dilating it self, both towards the North, South, and West, giving great hopes of a North West passage to China, and the East Indies, much searched into by many English Worthies, Frobisher, Weymouth, Hudson, Button, Baffin, Smith, James and others, who have sailed therein some one way, some another, and given names to many places, as may be seen in the Map, and in the year 1667, an Honourable and Worthy Design was renewed, and undertaken by several of the Nobility of England, and divers Merchants of London, for the discovery of this North West passage, and to settle a Trade with the Indians there. Captain Zachariah Gillam being Commander, who in the Nonsuch Ketch passed through Hudsons Straights, then into Baffins Bay, from thence Southerly into the Latitude of fifty one Degrees, or thereabouts, in a River now called Prince Ruperts River, he there found a friendly correspondence with the Natives: Built a Fort called Charles Fort, returned with good success, and laid the Foundation of an advantageous Trade in those parts. But in the year 1687, seised upon by the French.
Of GREENLAND.
GReenland is a Country of vast extent, an unknown Tract, and not yet fully discovered, for notwithstanding several Voyages, and many Ships have touched upon its Coasts, yet it still lies obscured in a Northern Mist; unless the names of certain Bays, Capes, &c. viz. Cape Farewel, Cape Comfort, Cape Desolation, Warwicks Foreland, and Bearsford, where 'tis said the King of Denmark hath a Governor.
Of GREENLAND.
TOwards the North East lies a Tract of Land, called Greenland by the English, Spitsburg by the Dutch, seated between seventy six Degrees, and eighty two of Northern Latitude, but whether an Island or Continent, is not yet known. The whole Land is so compassed with Ice, that it is difficult to be approached, sometimes in the middle of June, tho' ordinarily the Ice breaks in May.
The Soil is in most places nothing but Rocks, or heaps of vast Stones, many of them so high, that the upper half seems to be above the Clouds. The little Vallies between them are nothing else but broken Stones and Ice heaped up from many Generations. About Roefield and Maple Haven is the greatest quantity of low Land, which also is full of Rocks, Stony, and for the most part covered with Snow and Ice, which when melted, as in Summer, discovers nothing but a barren Ground, producing Heath, Moss, and some few Plants, as a kind of Cabbage, Lettice, Scurvy-Grass, Sorrel, Snakeweed, Hartsease, a kind of Strawberry, divers sorts of Ranunculus, and of semper Vives in the Mountains, that are exposed to a warm Air and Sun-beams; in the Holes and Rocks infinite quantity of Fowls Nest, whose Dung, with the Moss washed down by the melted Snow, makes a Mould in the Vallies or Clefts, which produceth those Plants aforesaid.
For tho' it hath the Sun for half a year, yet never about thirty three Degrees and forty Minutes above the Horizon; the power of its Beams are insufficient to dispel the Cold, or dissolve the Ice, so that the Vapors from the Earth are not hot enough to warm the Air, nor thin enough to rise to any considerable height, but hang continually in thick dark Mists about the Land, that sometimes you cannot see the length of your Ship. 'Tis also remarkable, that at Cherry in June 1608, it was so hot that melted Pitch ran down the sides of the Ships, and that the Ice is raised above the Water many Fathoms, and many times above thirty Fathom under Water, and sometimes 'tis frozen to the bottom of the Sea. The freezing and breaking of the Ice makes a great and terrible noise, sometimes it breaks into [Page 591] great pieces, and sometimes it shatters at once into small pieces, with more noise, but less danger.
The Beasts of the Country are Foxes of divers Colours, Raindeer, Bears six Foot high, and fourteen Foot long.
Of Water Fowl there is great variety, and in so great abundance, that with their flight they darken the Sun, viz. Ducks, Willocks, Stints, Sea-pidgeons, Sea-Parrots, Gulls, Noddees. There are also great quantities of Fishes, as Seals, Dog Fishes, Lobsters, Gernels, Star-Fish, Macarel, Dolfins, Unicorns, Whales, &c.
Our Men that wintered in Greenland, Anno 163 [...], lost the Light of the Sun, October the fourteenth, and saw it not again till February the third.
Those that staid there 1633, say, that October the fifth was the last day they saw the Sun, tho' they had Twilight till the seventeenth, and on the twenty second, the Stars were plainly to be seen, and so continued for all the Winter. January the fifteenth, they perceived so much Light as to read by it; February the twelfth, they saw the light of the Sun on the tops of the Mountains.
Those that wintered in Nova Zembla 1 [...]9, in the seventy six Degree, on October the twenty third saw the Sun not fully above the Earth: After October the twenty fifth, they saw the Sun no more till January the twenty fourth; they saw the edge of the Sun above the Horizon. These also tells us, That in seventy four Degrees, the Water was as green as Grass. And that at Cherry or Bear Island in the seventy fourth Degree and thirteen Minutes, the variation was thirteen Degrees.
The first we read of that searched for the North-West passage, was Martin Frobisher, in Anno 1576, with two Barks, coming to the Latitude of sixty two De [...]rees, sound a great Inlet of sixty Leagues in length, and Main Land on both sides, called by him Frobishers Strait. He found there a certain Oar, which he thought to be Gold, and the next year made a Voyage to fetch a quantity of it, but it prov'd but black Lead. And upon Smiths Isle they found several Stones, out of which they melted Gold, but in very small quantities. They found also a dead Fish of about twelve foot long, in shape like a Porpoise, having a Horn six foot long growing out of his Snout, which is still kept at Winsor.
In 1583, Sir Humphry Gilbert went to the great River of Saint Lawrence in Canada, took possession of the Country, and setled a Fishing Trade here.
[Page 592]In 1585, Mr. John Davis was employed for search of the North-West passage: The first Land he came to, he called the Land of Desolation, then he arrived in Gilberts Sound, in the Latitude of sixty four Degrees and sixteen Minutes. Thence they went to sixty six Degrees and forty Minutes to Mount Raleigh, [...]otnes Sound, &c. In 1586, he made a second Voyage to the same place, found amongst the Natives some of Frobishers Oar, as also Lapis Specularis, Copper Oar, as also black and red Copper, and returned, after search of many places, with hopes of discovering the desired Passage: So that in the year 1587, he made a third Voyage to seventy two Degrees and twelve Minutes, where the Compass varied to eighty two Degrees Westward, the Land he called London Coast, and there they found an open Sea, forty Leagues between Land and Land, which he called Fretum Davis.
In the year 1610, Mr. Hudson proceeded one hundred Leagues further than any before had done, and gave names to certain places, viz. Desire-Provokes, Isles of Godmercie, Prince Henrys Cape, King James Cape, Queen Anns Cape, &c. but the Ice hindred him from going further, and the mutiny of his Men from returning home.
In 1612, James Hall, and with him William Baffin discovered Cockings Sound, in the Latitude of sixty five Degrees and twenty Minutes, which differ'd from London sixty Degrees and thirty Minutes, where James Hall was killed in the Boat by a Native, pretending to trade.
They saw Rocks of pure Stone, finer and whiter then Alablaster, and Angelica growing plentifully.
1615 Baffin was sent again, he found Fair-point to differ from London seventy four Degrees and five Minutes, and found that there was no passage through Davis Strairs, it being only a great Bay.
1626, Baffin went again. And in Sir Thomas Smith's Sound, their Compass varied fifty six Degrees Westward, but finding no passage returned home.
[...]l. Willoughby, 1553, in his discovery for North-East passage, [...] by a large Country, by the Westside whereof he sailed for [...] days together, and therefore could not be a small Island as the Dutch make it: We have nothing of the Voyage, but those short Notes which were found lying upon his Table after his Death; which was, that in August the second they parted from Seynam; August the four [...]th, they were one hundred and sixty Leagues North Easterly from Seynam; that they continued sailing till September the fourteenth, [Page 593] where they landed on a Country, high, Rocky and uninhabited, from whence the Cold and Ice forced them to return more Southerly; which they did, till they came to Arzina, a River in Lapland, where the next Spring they were found all frozen to death in the Ship.
1556, Steven Burrows, who searching a passage by the North-East unto the Indies arrived in [...]2 Degrees and twenty five Minutes of Longitude, seventy six of Latitude, and so sailed to eighty Degrees and eleven Minutes, and thence to Nova Zembla.
1580, Arthur Pet and Charles Jackman sailed all over those Seas.
And that no Nation but English frequented those Northern Seas, till 1578, that a Dutch Ship came to Cola, and a year or two after another, to Saint Nicholas, and that by the encouragement of an English Man that set himself against the Russia Company which was Incorporated in 1553.
Afterwards the Dutch crept in more and more, and in 1594 they employed Barents and others to find out a passage, Barents separating from his Company sailed to the North East of Nova Zembla, where he lost his Ship, and himself died: In the Latitude of seventy four Degrees and thirteen Minutes, the variation of the Needle was thirteen Degrees which was at Cherry or Bear Island.
In 1608, Henry Hudson was sent forth to discover the North Pole, who went to eighty two Degrees, as did also Thomas Marmaduke of Hull 1612, who saw divers Islands beyond that.
And in the year 1610, the Company set out the Ship Amity, Jonas Pool Commander, for Whale fishing, who fell upon the Land, formerly discovered, and called it Greenland, and gave names to many of the eminent places, viz. Horn-sound, where they found a Unicorns Horn, (as they called it) Ice-point, Bel-point, Black-point, Lowns Island, Cape Cold, Ice-sound, Knotty-point, Fowl-sound, Deer-sound.
And in Cross Road, (seventy nine Degrees and fifteen Minutes Latitude, the Variation was eighteen Degrees and sixteen Minutes North-West) he seised upon the Country to the use of his Masters, by setting up a Red Cross, and fastning a Writing to it, there he made the first Oyl.
And in 1611, the Company sent out two Ships and six Barques to fish for Whales, where the first Whale they killed yielded them twelve Tuns of Oyl.
In the year 1614, the English set out thirteen great Ship [...] and two Pinnaces well armed, and the Dutch eighteen, whereof four were Men of War. The English took possession of divers parts of the [Page 594] Country for the King, setting up a Cross and the Kings Arms in Lead: And the Dutch did the like afterwards in the same places for the Prince of Orange.
In the year 1615, the King of Denmark sent three Ships, Men of War, to demand Customs for Fishing upon this Island, which was denied, and the Island affirmed to belong to the King of England.
In the year 1616, the Company sent eight Sail of great Ships, and this year discovered Edges Island.
In the year 1617, the English sent out fourteen Ships and two Pinnaces April 24, they set sail from Gravesend, and May 28, they arrived at Greenland, and met with eleven Sail of Dutch, fishing in Hornfound, whom they forced away, and took from them all they caught, and also the English that were in their Ships, and made 1900 Tuns of Oyl, and discovered Wy [...]hes Island in seventy nine Degrees.
There are some Discoveries of Land, which cannot be said to belong to any of the four grand Divisions, being separate [...] Seas of vast extent; viz. New Guinea towards the Equator so called, because thought to be opposite to the African Guiny. New Zelan [...] the Antipodes almost to [...]ngland, discovered first by Fernando de Quier, but both of the East India Companies in Holland now pretend to it, tho' they were but ill used, when they attempted to settle themselves there. About three hundred Leagues from it lies another Tract of Land called Antony Van Diemens Land, discovered by the Dutch. The Land of Parrats (if any such) was part of Terra Australis incognita. In the year 150 [...], one Gonneuille a Frenchman sailed thither, and was well entertained by a petty King, called Arosea: Who also brought away with him some of the Natives, amongst the rest the Kings Son Essomeric, of whose Race there are some yet in Normandy, (saith Du Val.)
New Holland is so highly esteemed by the Dutch, that they have caused the Map thereof to be cut in the Stones of their Magnificent State-house, though I could not afford one Map for it here. It is a Tract of Land containing about 1600 Leagues.
Not far from Greenland lieth Cherry Island; thirty Degrees to the North Eastwards, whereof (saith our Sea Waggoner) is the Island of Nova Zembla, and twenty Leagues to a Degree is the Scale made in the Chart, so that thirty multiplied by twenty makes six hundred Leagues, which is three hundred more than the true distance. This also is certain, that in all the Land Maps, that I have seen, it is laid down above one hundred and twenty, and 50 Leagues Eastwards farther than it ought to be. And I have the rather instanced in this particular, for that I have reason to think, that this was the chief cause of the misfortune [Page 595] of that venturous and worthy design of Captain Wood in his Attempt for a N. E. passage to China.
I cannot also but mention the Opinion of some, who tell us, that Nova Zembla is the Isle Carambice of the Antients, from whence Men may go upon the Ice as far as Greenland and further, so that its, thought that the people that first inhabited America went over this way.
The Land of Jesso lies between Asia and America, where they are separated by great and wide Arms of the Sea; tho' others think, they excur and meet almost together, and by this way was America first peopled, but utrum horum mavis, accipe. The Inhabitants of Jesso exchange their Fish, their Tongues, their Whales Oyl, in the Cities of Japan, which are next to them. The Planks of their Barks are not nailed but sowed, together with Ropes made of the Rinds of Cocos. The Relations of the Dutch in the year 1643 tells us, that part of the Country acknowledges the King of Japan, and that the Governor who resides at M [...]zimay, carries him every year Silver, Feathers of sundry Colours, and fine Furs.
Thus briefly have I described all the most known parts of the Earth, but must leave that of the unknown to the discovery of future Ages; only give me leave to say a word or two to our English Planters, &c. And I have done:
To advance an happy Plantation, the Undertakers, Planters, and Place it self, must contribute their Endeavors.
Let the Undertakers be Men of no shallow Heads, nor narrow Fortunes, such as will be contented with their present loss to be Benefactors to Posterity. Let the Planters be Honest, Skilful and Painful People; for what hope is there, that they, who were Drones at home, will be Bees abroad.
Let the Place be naturally strong, or at leastwise capable of Fortification; for though at first Planters are sufficiently fenced with their own Poverty, yet when once they have got Wealth, they must get Strength to defend it.
Islands are easily shut, whereas Continents have their Doors ever open, not to be bolted without great charges.
Let not the Towns, where there is choice of Ground, be built in places of a servil nature, as being over-awed, or commanded by some Hills about them.
Let it have some Staple Commodity to ballance Traffick with other Countries, few Countries can stand alone, the Luxury of our Age hath made superfluities necessary.
Let the Planters endeavor to be loved and feared of the Natives, [Page 596] using Justice and Honesty, being as naked in their dealings with the Natives, as they are naked in their attire, imbracing all occasions to convert them, each Convert is a Conquest, and it is more honour to overcome Paganism in one, than to destroy a thousand Pagans; for an extirpation of the Natives is rather a supplanting, than planting a New Colony.
I am confident, said Dr. Fuller long since, that America is now grown Marriagable, and hopes to get Christ for a Husband by the preaching of the Gospel.
I shall only add, that no Nation hath spread her Sails for Traffick further than the English: And that our Foreign Plantations upon the Asian, African and American Continents, are so many, and so conveniently seated, that no Christian Nation hath opportunity of piercing deeper into those vast Heathenish Islands, than the English.
And yet can we say, we have improved the Advantages God hath put into our hands, to his glory, and the propagation of his Gospel? have we made so much as one solemn Mission of Pious and Learned Men to preach the glad Tidings of Salvation in Jesus Christ, so much as to those ignorant Heathens and Idolaters, that confine upon the English Pale; yea, or the poor Negros, that are detained in cruel slavery in our own Plantations? I cannot say, what Glory and Advantage this would be to the English Nation: Pardon me therefore, Great Sirs, the Proposal of his to your pious considerations, whom it doth most concern: For your faithful management of the opportunities intrusted to you for the Service of God, and the enlargement of his Kingdom at home and abroad, you may be assured, will not only make an Accession of Renown and Honor to your selves and generous Families, but bring in also eternal prosperity and Happiness from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. As, I pray God, it may. Amen.