Burgundie

Sources from old books

1635. Historia mundi: or Mercator's atlas. London. by Gerhard Mercator.

THE DVKEDOME OF BVRGVNDIE· (Book Burgundie)

• 1.1LET so much according to our Method suffice concerning Lotharingia. The Dukedome of Burgundie followes or lower Burgundie. The name of Burgundie commeth from the Burgundians, who being a people of Germanie, descended of the Vandalls, and so called from the word Burgis, that is from the Townes of Garrison, being disturbed by the Almaines (who violently seated themselves in their Countrie which is now cal'd the Palatinate) under the conduct of Theodisius the sonne of Arcadius the younger, they drove out the Sequeans and Aedians, and possest themselves of this part of ancient France,* 1.2 with the Nuithons, whom Tacitus mentioneth. Peter Sancto-Iulianus deriveth the Etymologie of Burgundie from a certaine place commonly call'd Burg-ogne. in the Countrie of Langrenia. It was heretofore a Kingdome about the yeare 1034. and afterward it was divided into a Dukedome and Countie: the former toward the East called the lower and royall Burgundie, the latter toward the East called the higher and Imperiall Burgundie. Wee will entreate of the Dukedome in this Description, and of the Countie in the next. The Dukedome is encompas'd on the East side,* 1.3 with the Counties of Sabaudia and Burgundie, having the River Rhodanus flowing betweene them: on the South is the Territorie of Lions; on the West the faire fields of the Nevernians and Borbonians, on the North lies Campania. It is a Champion Countrie, and inferiour unto none for fertilitie and fruitfullnesse,* 1.4 for here is plenteous stoare of Wine and Corne, so that Bacchus and Ceres seeme to contend, who should exceede the other in bestowing their guifts most liberally upon this Country. Richard Earle of Augustodunum a stoute man,* 1.5 and well experienced in warlike matters, was created Duke of all Burgundie beyond Araris, by Odon King of France, who was afterward Duke of Burgundie 32. yeeres. Hee left Burgundy to his Sonne Rudolphus, who was afterward chosen King of France, and Hugo Niger his Brother succeeded him in his Dukedome. After him succeeded Odo his Brother, or his Sonne, (for I finde Authors of both opinions. After whom followed Henry his Brother, who dying without Issue. Robert King of France, got the Dukedome of Burgundy, Henry having left it him (as they say) by his last Will and Testament. After him succeeded his Sonne Robert, and after Robert, Hugo his Nephew. After him followed Otho; and after Otho, Hugo the third And after Hugo the •• Odo the Sonne. After whom there followed in order Odo the thi•• Hugo the fourth, Robert the third, Hugo the fifth, Eudo, and Philip who dying without Issue Iohn King of France followed after him, after whom succeeded Philip his Sonne surnamed the Bold to whom his Father gave the Dukedome of Burgundie. Iohn surnamed the Stout succeeded his Father Philip, and after him Philip the Good or Gentle, his Sonne. And after succeeded Charles who in regard of his service in divers Warres, was surnamed The Warriour. After whose decease Ludovick the 11. possessed all this Country. The Metropolis or chiefe City of the Dukedome is Divienum which Gregory Turorensis calleth Divionum,* 1.6 and the French Dijon. Divionis is thought to be the Builder there, but we rather suppose that Aurelianus the Emperour was the re-edifier thereof, and the enlarger of the Precincts. Some think it was so called ab Divis, or from the Gods who were much reverenced there. It is the fairest City in Burgundy. It is situate on a most pleasant Plaine, and the two Rivers Suzione and Os•ara (called in French Suson and l'Ou he) doe wash the walls on either side: the former 〈◊〉 usually overflow the City making dangerous exundations; the la• is very full of fish, and floweth in a quieter Channell, and yeelde▪ many commodities. The walls are built as high as is convenient to defence: being lately fortified with Towers and Bulwarkes. There is a Seate of Justice there, and a Parliament: out of who•e bosome, the Lawes of the Country are as it were fetched. Hee that •s chose• to be Maior of this Towne. is compeld though against his will to take a burden on him rather than an honour, and to •ake his oath in the Temple of the blessed Virgin, which the Kings Proctor repeateth unto him, namely that he will be faithfull unto the King, and that hee will defend the Lawes, Liberties, and Priviledges of the City, against the King himselfe, and all others, as often as occasion shall require. On the Mountaines neere the City there doe grow excellent Vines. Moreover the Episcopall Cityes are Augustodunum and Cabillinum. both venerable for antiquity. The former was called Augustodunum, from Augustus, (whether Octavianus or some other it is not greatly to be stood upon: for those that derive it from Auge the wife of Ap•ll• doe but relate Fables) who re-edified it when it was ruinated by the warres which Caesar maintained against France. It is now called •ustu•. It was heretofore a very faire City, but now it is not so beautif••. Here are many ruines of Theaters, Aqueducts, Pillars, and Pyrani••• to be seene: and there are daily old Coynes, and other ancient 2Monuments digged up, it hath also now many faire Churches and p•• like Structures in it. It is seated at the foote of those Mountaines which are commonly called les Monts de Civis, neere the River Arro•sius. So much concerning Augustodunum,: there followeth Caball•num, or Caballtonum, Aeduorum: commonly called Challon sur Saone. It is not knowne who built it. This City is situate on the right hand banke of Araris: the Fields are fruitfull, and the ayre wholesome. It is very commodious for transporting Merchandise downe the River Araris, whence Caesar chose this place to make provisionin, and to convey it from hence to his Army which lay in divers parts. This sometime was the royall Seate of Guntchrannus. Afterward Lotartus the Sonne of Ludovicus Pius did burne it all downe, so that there remayned no appearance of a City. But in regard of the conveniency of the place it was afterward reedified, and at this time it is a rich Towne of trading. So much concerning the Metropolis, and the Episcopall Citties: there followes now some Townes of lesse• noate which are in this Dukedome. In the midde way betweene C•hallimon and Ma•s••n. there is a Towne commonly called To•nu•; S•a•tia•us and Antoninus call it Tinurtium. It is situate in a fertile soyle, being every where encompas'd with the River Ara••s. The Hills in the Country of Suburbicarta doe bring forth excellent Wine. And in the mid-way betweene the City •atisc•n, and Carbillo•, is the Towne Cursellum, which belongeth to the King as 〈◊〉 thinketh, which Ammianus calleth Se•usium. Being situate at the foote of the Mountaine Iura, and though it be now very ruinous, yet it is venerable for antiquity. On the East it hath high Mountaines, and cleare Rivers, whose waters are very sweet to drink, from whence a wholesome Fountaine, springing out of the high sandy Rocke is convey'd into the Towne by woodden Pipes. On the West a Plaine spreadeth sorth it selfe. Three leagues from the City •abello• Northward is Belna, commonly called Beaulne, neere the River which the Inhabitants call •eu•-sotze. Some would have it to be that which Caesar and Strabo call Bibract••. Others are of another opinion. This Towne is situated in a Fennish place, which as Paradine writeth can easily make a Lake about the City, for a mile round about, to keepe off the enemies. All the City is encompassed with strong walls, and hath Bulwarks, which can resist the force of Ordnance. The Country of Belnia is rich, and of a good soyle. It hath the best Vines in all the world, which make the best Wine. In the same Country is Cistertium called so from the Cisternes, built at Duke Odoes charge in a great Wood, under the Priory whereof there are above a thousand and eighty Frieries, and as many Nunneries, of the same Order, which from hence is called the Cistertian Order. Semurium, commonly called in French Semur, is situate in the middle of the Territory, which is commonly call'd Auxo•s, a faire Towne. In the mid-way betweene Divion and Beln•• is Nuithen•um, commonly call'd Nuys. This Towne was alwaies famous for making of good Swords. That Towne which is now call'd Aval•n, Antoninus calls Aballon, where he calleth it also the 16. Legi•n. That which in French is called Sanl••n, Antoninus calleth Sid•lu•um, who placeth there the 18. Legion. That which is called Flavigni, halfe a League Eastward from Semurin, it is thought was formerly called Fl•via ••u•rum. There are also other Townes of Burgundie, which for brevity sake I omit to describe: as are Ausone, having a Castle which is the Easterne Key of the Dukedome, the River Araris gliding by the walls thereof, also the Townes Noiers, Ravieres, 〈…〉, Chastillon, S. •eigne, Seloigne, Crev•ut, Viteau, Verdun, Ar••• 〈…〉 which Antoninus calls •ronoderun. There are three o• Episcopall Cities accounted to be in the Dukedome of Burgundie 〈◊〉 •usser•e and M•s•on. The first whereof is a Dukedome, 〈…〉 (hereof called Du•hé de Nive•nois) is very large, and is 〈…〉 Navigable Rivers, ••auna, Elavere, L•geris. There are 12. walled Townes therein, the Metropolis where of is Niversium, having Jurisdiction over thirty Castelships as they call them. That which Caesar calls Noviodunum, is a Towne strongly walled, and well fortified with Townes and deepe Ditches. Among the chiefe Townes of the Dukedome of Nevers are Dezisa, which Antoninus calls Decisa and Decetia: also Clamecyum, Dousyum, Milinium, Angilbertsum, Corbignium, St. Leonards Church, Luyzium, Premecyum, and others. Anserre followes: which Antoninus calls Antissiodorum, and placeth here the 22. Legion. Ammianus calls it Antosiodorum, or l'Evesche d'Auxerre. The Territory of this City, commonly called le Pays d'Auxerrois, is famous for wine, called after the name thereof. The City which is now called Mascon, Caesar calleth Matiscona: and the Itinerarie Tables Matisco, and the Register Bookes of the Province of France, and Antoninus doe call it Matisconense Castrum, who placeth there the 10. Legion, and in an ancient Roll it is called Mastico, as Philip Bug•onius noteth, who writ a History of this City. Paul Diaconus calleth it Machaon Villa. Gregory Turonensis, and others doe call it Matissana, being like to Caballinum, both for situation, manners, and Arts. It lyeth by the River Araris, which hath a faire Bridge over it, lying strait forward and Eastward, and the other side are like unto a Bow. In Burgundy and the Counties thereof are these Counties, Dijon, Austun, Tonnerre, Chalon sur Saone, Masco•▪ S. Martin, Nevers, Langres, Ausserre, S. Iangou, Charolois, Cha•gut, or Chagni; Monliet or Montit, Auxone Rogeniont, Mussy, Brestemont, Sees, M•m••s, Seregnon, Gilly, Valenion, Tirecourt, Chevigni, Aine-ville, Espirey, or 〈◊〉 Tarvant, Brasey or Brasse, Rochefort, A•ncourt, or Agincourt, Vitean. To which also are added Arley, Rigny, Chiligny, Mommartiu, Laugey, Beauchamp C•u•hes. There are the Bishopricks of Augustodunum, or Heduensis of Austum, of Mascon, of Chalon, and of Langres, which are subject to the Archbishop of Lions. This Dukedome hath these Rivers Suzi•n, Oscarus, Araris, Icauna, Ligeris, Elaveres, and others.

THE COVNTIE OF BVRGVNDIE. (Book Burgundie)

THE Countie of Burgundie followes, or Burgundie the higher, in French it is called Franché Gonté, that is the free County, for the Province is governed by the Earle thereof, and is free as they say from all tributes and exactions. It belongeth to the Emperour,* 1.1 and is under the protection of the Burnensian Heluetians. On the North Lotaringia and high Germanie doe confine upon it, on the West the Dukedome of Burgundi, on the East the Helvetians, on the South the Allobrogians and Segusians. The length is 90. Miles, the breadth 60.* 1.2 It is a very fruitfull Countrie, replenished with all things necessarie for mans life, and the soile is fit for tillage, for planting of Trees, and Vineyards, and for feeding of Cattell. There is every where great store of Wheate, Rye, Barley, Oates, Beanes, and other Pulse. And no lesse abundance of Trees. The Contrie especially the middle part hath hills which doe bring forth and yeeld most excellent Wines. The Arbosians, & the Vadamians have Winevessells so great that they seeme to be as bigge as a house. Neere the Palace of the ancient Kings of Burgundie, which the Inhabitants call now Chambrette au Roy, they digge out of the earth a kind of plaister, like Lime.* 1.3 There is also in the Countrie of Dolania Marble digged forth, which the Greekes did call Alablaster, of which they made Tombes and Monuments for great men: and another black kind of Marble enameld with purple spots. There are also divers kindes of living creatures, and great store of Oxen and Cattell. All doe approve of the travelling Horses of G•a•nell, and the fierce Dogs that are in this Country. Many things are delivered concerning the ancient Earles of Burgundie.* 1.4 Eudo was the first Earle and Palatine of Burgundie, after whom succeeded his Nephew Philip; who dying without issue, Iohn King of France gave the Dukedome of Burgundie to his sonne Philip, who was surnamed the bold, but Margaret his Nephew succeeding after Philip, got the Dukedome of Burgundie, after whom succeeded Ludovick Malanus her Son, and after him Margaret Malwa her Daughter, whom Philip Duke of Burgundie surnamed the bold married. After him there succeeded in order Iohn his sonne surnamed the stout, Philip Bonus, or the good, Charles the Warriour, and Mary marryed to Maximilian of Austria, Philip of Austria the Emperour Charles the 5. &c. Philip King of Spaine. This Countie is divided into 3. Diaeceses or Praefectureships, which are commonly call'd Bayliwicks: the higher and the lower, and Dal•n•. The first is •••ulium, the second Polichum, the third Dola. But D••a hath a strong Cas•ell, and is the Metropolis or chiefe Citie of the whole Countie, and the fairest of all the other Cities, it is situated by the River Dubis, which devideth it selfe here into two armes. Some suppose it to bee that which Ptolemie calls Ded••tion Lib. 11. Cap. 9. a Citie of the Sequanes, very faire and beautifull. Here is a neate spatious Market place, almost foure square, but that it is a little longer than broad. On the West side is the Court and the Prison. The chiefe Church which is very faire and admirably carved, is consecrated to the Virgin Mary. There are also many other Cities as Vesontio commonly called Besancon, an Imperiall Citie, called heretofore Chrysopolis: it is seated in a commodious and fertile Territorie. The River Alduasdabis doth runne through most part of it, and doth encircle most of it, but the River doth not wash the other part, neere the Gate in the way to Dola. There is also Nozerethum, or Noseroy, which was formerly called Nuccillum from the Nut trees growing there, but Ludovick Cabillonensis returning from the warres of Ierusalem, did wall it about and call'd it Nazarethum. This Earle hath a Castle which is called the leaden Castle, because it is cover'd with leade. There is also Sali•a, a faire Citie, and famous through the whole world, denominated and so called from the salt Fountaines, and the salt which is usually made there, which being very white is transported into other Countries, and the Countie hath a great revenneue out of it. We omit for brevitie sake the description of other Countries:* 1.5 Burgundy hath great and wonderfull Lakes: One of the chiefest whereof is that which is called the Wherlepoole: which is a wonderfull worke of nature. For there is mud above the water which is so hardened, that it seemeth firme land: yet Horses and Cartes cannot passe over it, but onely footemen. In raynie cloudy weather it doth not rise, except it be against faire Weather, and then it swelleth up presently, and watereth the Columban Plaine. Moreover between Nozer•thum and Ripar•a there is another Lake in Bonualli, which is full of Pikes, Pearches, and other fish, which every 7. yeare for some weekes hideth it selfe, and after riseth up againe, which is very miraculous, and most incredible. The Southerne part of this Countie hath many Lakes. There is the Lake called in French Malete••, both the greater and the lesser, also Narlay of an incredible depth: also V•rn••, the two Chamblici, Frogeay, Ro•chault, and others. Many Rivers doe divide it,* 1.6 as Dubis, Longnonius, Danus, Lpuus: all Dub•• doth appertaine to this Countie, Ptolomie calls it Doubis, and Caesar Al•uab••, if ••l•ius Vrsinus conjecture rightly: in other Bookes it is corruptly read Alduasdubis and Alduasdolis, commonly Doux. It riseth out of the Mountaine Iura, a little above the pleasant Villago Mota. Moreover Dubis taking his course from the South Northward, glideth by the Lake Pontium, and so with many windings runneth by Pontarlum, M••tua, and Vafrum, and so to the Church of S. Hyppolitus, and from thence bending Westward, it goeth to the Towne Chastelot, and so flowing by Vesuntio, and making an Iland neere Dola, after many winding turnings and having received many Rivers, it mingleth his waters with Aratis neere Virdurum. Longronius also wholly belongeth to the higher Burgundie, commonly call'd Lougnon. Davum springeth out of the high Monntaine, which hangeth over a great and famous Towne called Syrodu•: there are also Lupus or •upa, commonly called Love,* 1.7 Araru, and others. Concerning the Politicke state of this free Countrie, when the Provinciall assemblies are held, the three states doe meete, being summon'd in th• Earles name by the Prince of the Arausians, and the Lords of Noz•reth and Arbe. The three States doe consist of the Nobles, the Clergie, and the Citizens. The Earles of the higher Diaecese are the Earle of M•nt•ellia•t, the Earle of Roche and Varax, of Montrivel, or Thalamer and Vaulgrenans, of Vergey, of Rey, Liston•is. The Abbates are of Croissant, of Charité, of Bitaine, of Corneul, of Tulley, of Clarfont, of Lux•ul, of Bellevoulx, of Grace-Dieu, of Charleu, of three Kings, or Trium Regum. The Priors are of Vau•luse, of Lantenans, of Cusance, of Marteret, of Iussey, of Portsus Sa•sne, of M•ntreul neere Sagona▪ of S. Marcelli. The Canonici are of Calem st•er, and others of other places. The Cities are Gray, Vesoul, Montho•son, •ussey, Palma, Portsus, Saone, Cromary Mont-Iustin, Faul•ogney. The Lords are: of M•mmorot, and S. Loup. of S. Martin, of Taulens, of Villeneufoe, of Rupi, of Montgevelle Chastillon and Belv•we, of Conflandey, of Monb•llon, of Velleson, of Dicey, of Vgny and Chemyly, of Oizelet: of Cic•n, of Tra•ves, of Rainconnieres, of Costeb•une, of Sombern•m, of Vallefaut, of Bermont, of Av•lley, of Mugnay, of Vereur, of Toura•ze, of Cite•, of Provanchieres, of Grand-mont, of Velle Chev•elous, of Vosey, of Dampie•re, of Frotey, of Breutal, of Matey, of Noironde, of Tromarey, of Mill•••• of Mailler•n•ourt, of Myon, of Benaenge, of Vellerot le boz, of Clere, of Betoncourt, of Mortaillotte, of Amondans, of Fraisne, of Chavirey, of Mon•• of Mons S. Legier, of Cuvry, of Montereul, of Sorans and Lambry: and many others. The Earles of lower Burgundy, are of Ruffey, of S. A•bin: and the Barron of Chevreaulx: The Abbots are of S. Eug•ndi, of ••aume, of Calerne, of M•nt S. Marie, of Mont-Benoist, of Bayllen, of Rau•res: the Priors are, of Mainnaul, of Vaucluse, of Bonlieu, of Mente, of L•slesaulnier, of Arbois, of Mote, of Syredus, of Vallis supra Polichinum, of Mortan. The Canons are, of S. Mauritius, of S. Anatolius, of S. Mi••el all in Salina: also of Arbosium, of Polichnium, of Nozeret, and of other Cities. The Cities are Salina, Arbois, Poligny, Pontarlien, Noze•• Castrum Caroli, Monmoro•t, Orgelot. The Lords are of Conlongni• and Andelest, of Courla•u and le Pin, of S. Amour, of Argento, of Laub•••• of Poupet, of S. Sorlin, of Darna and Tramelay, of Borsia, of Cressia, of P•tigny, of Chambery, of Montena, of Vecles, of Rosait, of Marigna, of B•a•fort, of Nasey, of Aigle, of Courboson, of Vertamboz, of Largilla, of Mau••• of Estoille, of Chasnet, of Aresche, of Coges, of Bar and Iousseaul, of Aug• of Muy•e, of Charrin, of Charlin, of Chaumes, of Bretterieres, of Fomen• of Cogna, of Chaulx, of Montnet, of Vadans Villette, of Arbois, of Aig•••erre, of Chastelvillaine. of S. Iulian, of Descrilles, of Verges, of Champ•g• of Beaulchemin, of Villeneusve les Orgellet, of Chastres, of Ioulx. of Vin••• of Vismeaulx, and many others. In the Diecesse of Dola there are the Lords of Givrey, of Longepierre and Rahon, and of Clervaulx. The V••bo•s of Billon, of S. Vin•ius of S. Paulus Bisantius, of Acey. The Prior• are of Loye, of Leval, of D•mparis, of Iouhe, of Monterot, of Mote, of 〈◊〉 of M•stier in Se•u••a. The Cannons are of Dola, of Bisantinum, and ••thers in other places. The Citties are Dola, Quirgeium, 〈◊〉Losa, Ro••eford, Vercelle. The Lords are of Vaul••ey: of Rainnes, of 〈◊〉 of M•n•fori, of Mont-Ri•hard, of Fertaus, of Maillet, of Bermont, of ••ron, of Ver•hamps, of D•ssans, of P•rt, of Chasteau, of Roillault, of Abbaus, and Marchault, of Reculet, of Chartraus, of Mont-gros-pain, of Mutigney, of Chassey, of Paressey, of Choisey, of S. Iley, of Faye, of Parrel, of Chemin, of •alus, of •hampdivers and Rastonnie•es, of Rainche-court, of Paintre, of Montrambart, of Salans, of Goussans, of Chavirey, of Ancier, and others. There is greate store of Nobilitie (as wee see) in this Countrie. And there are foure families which are either descended from the Kings and Princes of Burgundie, or are allyed to them by affinitie, namely the Noble Lord of Vienna: of Vergy, who is called the stout; of Chalon who is called the rich, and Prince of the Arausians, and of Neuf Chastel, who hath a greate estate of Lands. But all appeales are brought out of the three Dieceses, or Bayliwicks, to Dola, to the high Parliament of this Countie. Concerning the state Ecclesiasticke, the Archbishop of Bisuntine, under whom are three Bishops, the Bishops of Basil in Germanie, of Lausanum in Helvetia, and of Bellicensis in Sabaudia, is the chiefe for Ecclesiasticall government, and the Prince of the Empire. The Archbishop of Bisuntium, and the Citie Besoncon, which is a free imperiall Citie, and heretofore the greatest Towne of the Province of the Sequans, and the Presidents seate, are parts of the Empire of the fifth circle. The thenth Circle of the Empire is the Burgundian, because it consisteth of the house of Burgundie, and doth containe the chiefe Princes of the Lowe Countries, which are the Duke of Burgundie, H. Bergen and Waelhem, Count Egmond and Iselstein, Count Nassau in Breda, and Count Bergen.