Derbent

1693. A geographical dictionary representing the present and ancient names by Edmund Bohun.

Derbent, Caucasie Portae, Porta ferrea, Alexandria, a City of Persia upon the Caspian Sea, between the Foot of Mount Caucasus and that Sea; on the Borders of Georgia, near the River Korr: called by Turks Demir, or Temir Capi; that is, the Iron Gate: not that there is any Iron Gate, but by reason of the Strength and Fortifications of this City; which are such as may resist the fury of almost any Enemy, the Passage being but three hundred Paces. It has a sine Haven and a strong Castle, in the hands of the King of Persia; but it is declining, the lower part next the Sea, being little or nothing inhabited. It is said Alexander the Great built this City, to shut up that Passage against the Scythians, who were always the Terror of the civilized World, and have been often the Scourges of it. Long. 80. 00. Lat. 49. 00. //Paris Meridian was used in the book

1694. The great historical, geographical and poetical dictionary by Louis Moreri.

Derbent, a Town and Castle in Georgia, belonging to the King of Persia. It is the greatest Passage from Persia, and the Southern Provinces of Asia, to Moscovy, and other Northern Countries of Asia and Europe. It contains the space betwixt Mount Caucasus and the Caspian Sea. It is called Derbent, because of its shape, which is Long and Narrow. The Turks name it Demir, or Temir-Capi; that is, Iron-Gate: The Arabians, Bal-Al-Abuad, the Gate, or Gates: And the Latins, Portae Caucasiae, and Pilae Iberiae. There is a convenient Port.