Spain

Maps

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  1701 A system of geography by Herman Moll - Spain and Portugal.jpg

Sources from old books

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

SPAINE is a chiefe Country of Europe, and the first part of the Continent, it was so called, as Iustine noteth from King Hispanus. Some would have it so called from Hispalis a famous Citie, which is now called Sevill. But Abraham Ortelius, a man very painfull in the study of Geographie, when hee had read (in the Author that treateth of Rivers and Mountaines, following the opinion of Sosthenes in his third Booke,) that Iberia now called Georgia, a Country of Asia, was heretofore called Pania from Panus, whom Dionysius (having conquered the Country) made Governour over the Iberians, and that from thence Moderne Writers did call it Spaine: moreover when he had observed that almost all Writers did derive the first Inhabitants of Spaine from Iberia, he was induced to beleeve that the Country was so called rather from that Spaine, than from Hispanus or Hispalis. This opinion is the more probable for that Saint Paul doth call this Country Spania, in his Epistle to the Romans, chap. 15. verse 28. as doth also Saint Ierome, and many others. But that which the Latine Writers call Hispania, and Ptolemie, Stephanus, and others, doe call Ispania, leaving out the aspiration, Strabo, Pliny, and others doe testifie that in ancient times it was called Iberia and Hesperia. It was called Iberia from Iberia a Country of Asia, from whence many doe derive the first inhabitants of Spaine, though some doe fetch the word Iberia from King Iberus, others from the River Iberus, and Avienus from Ibera a Towne in Baetica or Andaluzia. Some report that it was called Hesperia from Hesperus the brother of Atlas, or as Horace thinketh from Hesperia the daughter of Hesperus, or rather from Hesperus the Evening-starre, under which it was supposed to be situated, because it is the farthest Country Westward of the whole Continent of Europe. And seeing Italie might have the same name, Horace calleth this Hesperia ultima. Appian reporteth that it was heretofore called Celtiberia, which yet is rather to be thought a part of Spaine heretofore called Celtica, as Varro witnesseth. Gulielmus Postellus, and Arias Montanus, in his commentaries upon Obadiah, doe note that the Hebrewes did call it Sepharad: and so much concerning the name; the Quantitie and Qualitie followeth. The Quantitie doth consist in the bounds and circuit thereof, and in the forme and figure which ariseth from thence. Concerning the bounds of Spaine, the Ocean doth wash two sides thereof, the North side the Cantabrian Ocean, and the West the Atlanticke. The Iberian or Balearicke Sea doth beat on the South side, where is the Bay of Hercules, and on the East it hath the Pyrenaean Mountains running along with one continued ridge from the Ocean, (where stands Flaviobriga, at this day called Funtarabia) even to the Mediterranean Sea. Hence it is that they make two famous Promontories, the one called Olarso, which shooteth out into the Ocean, the other which taking its name heretofore from the Temple of Venus, but now called Cape de Creus, doth jet out into the Mediterranean Sea. The utmost length of Spaine is 200 Spanish miles: the breadth where it is broadest is 140 miles, and where it is narrowest it is 60. Iohannes Vasaeus in his Chronicle of Spaine doth report, that Spaine is so narrow at the Pyrenaean Hills, that when he travell'd over them, on the Mountaine of Saint Adrian, he saw the Sea on either side: namely, the Ocean which was next unto him, and a farre of as farre as hee could see, he discerned the white waves of the Mediterranean Sea. They suppose that the whole compasse thereof is 2480 miles. Ptolemy, Strabo and others doe compare Spaine to an Oxe-hide stretched out on the ground, the necke whereof is extended toward France, which cleaveth unto it. The necke I say, which reacheth in breadth as farre as the Pyrenaean Mountaines, from the Mediterranean Sea, to the Brittish Ocean: the fore part of it is stretched from New Carthage even to the Cantabrians, and the hinder part from Hercules Bay, to Gallicia and the Brittish Sea▪ that which represents the tayle of the hide, is the Holy Promontorie called at this day Saint Vincents Promontorie, which stretcheth it selfe out into the Atlanticke Ocean, farre beyond any other part of Spaine. Spaine is under the middle of the fourth, all the fift, and part of the sixt Climats, where there is an excellent temper for the producing of all things. For it is neither scortched with the violent heat of the Sun as Africke, nor troubled with daily windes as France; but lying between them both, it hath a temperate Winter and Summer. Hence it is (as Iustine witnesseth) that Spaine hath a very wholesome aire, the equall temper thereof being never infected with Moorish fogges. Beside the coole blasts of winde which come from the Sea, and doe as it were search all parts of the Country, doe drive away all earthly vapours, and so make it very healthfull. Yet all parts of Spaine are not of one qualitie, for toward the North, as it is something cold and obnoxious to the Sea, so it wanteth fresh water, and therefore affordeth no convenient habitation: especially, seeing the most parts of it are full of Rocks, Forrests, & woody places. Towards the South where it extendeth it selfe in a continued ridge of Mountaines, it hath a happy & good soyle, being watered with many great Rivers, and refreshed with seasonable raine, so that it bringeth forth fruits of all kindes. It is not onely a bountifull mother, but also a nourisher and breeder of living Creatures. It is very fruitfull not onely in producing those things which doe grow out of the earth, but also those things which are generated and hidden in the bowells thereof: who can reckon up the excellent living creatures, which are bred on the Land and in the Sea? There is great plenty of fruits through all Spaine, and most of the fields are so fertile, that they returne unto the husbandmen thirtie bushels for one that is sowed, and oftentimes forty. It produceth many hearbs as well unsowed as sowed, which have soveraigne vertues in them, especially in mountanous places; where differing from the other parts, it bringeth forth Hempe, and hath more store of fruit, and fairer. There are two sorts of apples in this Country, which are chiefe note, the wrinckled apple, and the King apple. Also there are foure speciall sorts of Peares, sweet both in tast and smell, the Apian and honey-peares; the peare called Muscatum, being the least of all kind of peares, the wine-peare, and the peare called by some Pintum, and by the Spaniards Sine Regula. What should I mention the Olives that are here? amongst which those are the best which come from Hispalis, and are farre bigger than any Wallnuts. What should I speake of other fruits? The Lemmons and Orenges that grow here are commended by all men: the Quince-peare which they commonly call Membrillos and Pomegranats that are good for medicine, are here in great abundance. What should I speake of the Wines of this Country, having an excellent taste and smell, and being made in all parts, yet in some places better than in other? Spaine was heretofore (as now also) rich in mines of Gold, Brasse, Iron, Leade, and other mettals: and it doth not onely boyle and make salt, but in some parts thereof it is digged out of the Earth. For as it is made in many places in Spaine of pit or Well-water, as at Seguntia and elsewhere, insomuch that the King setteth a great custome thereon, so there are Mountaines (if we may beleeve Marineus Siculus) which have native salt in them. Besides, Spaine is rich and plentifull in all kinde of Cattle, so that the Woods, Mountaines, Meddowes, Fields, and Forrests doe resound with their bleating and lowing. It breedeth the best horses: Baetica breedeth more than other parts: Asturia breedeth the strongest, and Spanish Gennets are called Asturcones. In some parts of Spaine there are bred those that are of such swiftnesse and and agilitie, that antiquity did fabulously beleeve that they were begotten by the winde. It hath no Lyons, Camells, or Elephants, except those that be brought from other places, but there are great store of Does, Harts, Boares, Beares, Hares, and Cunnies, which do afford them much game and sport in hunting of them.

Haec sanè docet versiculus Catulli,Cuniculesae Celtiberiae sili. These things Catullus verseDoth unto thee declareO sonne of Celtiberia whereSo many Cunnies are.

There are in Spaine (besides other birdes which invite them to fowling) Eagles, Hernes, Hawkes, and the bird called Atta, first brought out of Sicilie, also Cranes, Geese, Partridges, ring-Doves, wilde and tame Ducks, &c. But of these things enough: I come now to the Government, which is the next point to bee spoken of, according to the order of our method. I doe not purpose heere to weary the Reader by reckoning up out of Iustine, Diodorus, Iosephus, Eusebius, Hierome, Berosus, and his Translatour Annius Viterbiensis, the ancient Kings of Spaine, & their atchievements both at home and abroad. Tubal never was in Spaine, nor in Europe, but liv'd in Asia. Neither are Iberus, Iubalda, Brygus, Tagus, Baetus, and others to be accounted as Kings therof, unlesse we will grant that Kings in ancient time, were borne of Rivers and other inanimate things. Againe, the Catalogue of the Kings succeeding them, is no better than fabulous, as also those things be which the Lydians, the Thracians, Rhodians, Phrygians, Cyprians, Phoenicians, Aegyptians, Milesians, Carians, Lesbians, and Chaldaeans are reported to have performed successively in this countrey. But those things are more certaine, which Writers have recorded were heretofore atchieved by the Carthaginians, Roman•, Gothes, Vandals, Alani, Swethlanders, Huns, and their Kings, for that the Writers of them were either present at those actions, or else came to the knowledge of them by the faithfull relation of others. Of these things therefore I will speake briefly, and thus it was. When the Carthaginians did rule all Spaine, and had all things under their owne command, the Senate and people of Rome did send first of all the two Scipioes against them with an army of Souldiers, in the beginning of the second Punick warre▪ who were slaine in the seventh yeare of that war, Q. Fulvius Flaccus and Ap. Claudius Pulcher being Consuls. The next year P. Cornelius Scipio Africanus being sent next to his Father & Uncle, did performe many things very prosperously, and first of all made a Province of it, Q. Caecilius Metellus, and L. Veturius Philo being Consuls. First, Asdrubal and Mago Carthaginian Captaines, being overthrown and put to flight in the battell, neere to the Citie Baetula (which is supposed to have been in that place where now Baeca and Vbeda are seated) and the Spanish Armies beaten out of Spaine, hee established a league of friendship with Syphax King of the Massilians, who is now called Biledulgerid; a litle after hee compelled the rebellious people of Spaine to yeeld themselves unto him, and having made a league with Massanissa King of the Masaesulians, and the Gaditanes, hee committed the government of the Province to L. Lentulus and L. Manlius Acidinus, and returned to Rome. After Scipio, L. Cornelius Lentulus the Proconsul did governe Spaine, and after many prosperous acts and atchievements, entred the Citie in triumph. Three yeares after, C. Cornelius, Cethegus, and Minucius Rufus being Consuls, the two Spaines were first bounded, and two new Pretors sent into them, C. Sempronius Tuditanus into the hither Spaine, and M. Helvetius Blasio into the farther. Two yeares being scarcely past, so great a warre began in Spaine, that it was necessarie, that a Consul should be sent out with an Army: Marcus Portius Cato Consul being allotted to goe into the hither part, did so appease and quiet rebellion, that the Proconsul in regard thereof triumphed. This is that Cato, who, as Livie writeth and others, by a wonderfull stratagem, did throw downe the wals of many Spanish Cities in one day. After Cato's victorie, Spaine was diversly possessed, and many times lost and regained againe, so that there were above 30 triumphs for victories obtained heere. They did not begin to pay any taxe, before the time of Augustus Caesar, who having by long continuance of warres tamed all Spaine, and overthrowne the Cantabrians and Asturians that had longest of all made resistance, divided the whole Countrie into three Provinces, Baetica, so called from the River Batis, Lusitania, and Tarraconensis, so called from its citie Tarracon; and every one of these have their Diocesses or Circles of jurisdiction. In Baetica there are foure Diocesses Gaditana, Cordubensis, Astigitana, and Hispalensis. Lusitania hath three Diocesses, Emeritensis, Pacensis, and Scalibitana. Lastly, Tarraconensis hath seven, Carthaginensis, Tarraconensis, Caesar Augustana, Cluniensis, Astura, Lucensis, and Bracarensis (See Pliny lib. 3. Strab. lib. 3. and others.) Thus things by degrees being changed, the chiefest Provinces were under the Romans command, even untill the Consulship of Honorius the third, and Theodosius the third. At which time the Vandals, Suevi, and Alani being called into France by Stilico, when once (having passed the Rhene) they had set foote in France, being in a barbarous manner spoyled by the Gothes, and the Kings Adolphus and Vallia, whom the Emperour Honorius had sent to ayde and set France at libertie, they passed at last over the Pyrenaean Hils. Afterward the Gothes inhabiting France, for many yeares possessed Spaine, having taken it from the Romans; for being assailed by the Frankes, they againe made warre upon the Vandals. The Frankes drove the Gothes out of France, and the Gothes drove the Vandals and Alani out of Spaine. At which time the Vandals and Alani being called by Boniface into Africk, which hee governed for the Emperour, left Spaine to the possession of the Gothes. When the Gothes, having driven out the Roman Garrisons, had made Spaine their owne, and had a long time Kings of their owne who ruled in it, at length they were overthrowne in a great battell by the Arabian Saracens, and King Roderick being kill'd, they lost almost all Spaine. Those that survived after the battell, when they had fortified themselves in the Mountaines of the Astures, Cantabrians, and Galicians, by litle and litle they began to recover the Countries, Cities, and Castles which they had lost. At last the Saracens partie growing weake in Baetica Hispania, and the Gothes having recovered all Spaine, they againe were overcome by Ferdinand Catholick King of Aragon, and thrust out of Spaine, so that the whole Countrie returned and came againe into the hands of the ancient Lords thereof. But whereas in the times of the Moores, five Kings, namely of Castile, of Aragon, of Portugall, of Granada, & Navarre did possesse Spaine, at this day Philip the fourth, sonne unto Philip the third, who was Nephew unto the Emperour Charles the fifth is sole King thereof. It was heretofore diversly divided. The Romans first divided it into the Hither and Farther Spaine. They called that the Hither part which was neerest unto the chiefe Citie and the principall Countries of the Empire, being situated betweene the River Iberus and the Pyrenaean Mountaines: they called that the Farther part which lay more remote, being stretched out beyond Iberus even to the Ocean. In following times wee reade that Spaine was divided into sixe parts, Tarraconensis, Carthaginensis, Lusitania, Galicia, Baetica, and Tingitana beyond the narrow Sea in Africk. In the time of the Moores there were many Kingdomes in Spaine, which were afterward divided into five, as the Kingdome of Castile, of Aragon, of Portugall, of Granada, and Navarre. But now by a new distribution the whole Empire is divided into three Kingdomes, namely of Aragon, Castile, and Portugall. Under the Kingdome of Aragon is contained, besides Aragon, Catalonia, Valentia, Majorica. Under the Kingdome of Castile are comprehended Biscay, Leon, Asturia, Galicia, Estremadura, Andalusia, Granada, Murcia, and both the Castiles, with the Canarie-Ilands. Under the Kingdome of Portugall is comprehended, besides Portugall, Algarbia. The Cities which are in the whole Kingdome are almost innumerable.

The chiefe of them are Hispalis, Madrid, Tarraco, Lisbon, Granada, Pampilona, Valentia, Barcino, commonly called Barzelona. The seventh German Legion now called Leon, S. Lucar, Corduba, Nebrissa, Compostella, Toledo, Salamanca, Complutum, Pintia, Caesar-Augusta, now Saragossa, Asturica Augusta, and many others. Heere are admirable Lakes: neere the towne Beiara is a commodious and wonderfull Lake, which breedeth Turtles, being a black kinde of Fish, but excellent in taste; and, as Marineus Siculus witnesseth, prognosticating and foretelling of raine and stormes to come, by the great noyse which they make, so that the sound thereof is heard like the roaring of a Bull, eighteene miles thence. There is a certaine Lake on the very top of the Mountain Stella, as Vasaeus writeth, in which fragments and pieces of Ships are found, when notwithstanding it is more than 12 leagues distant from the Sea: and the same Author noteth, that the Inhabitants doe affirme, that it boyleth, and is tempestuous, as often as the Sea is rough or unquiet. The most diligent Writer Suetonius saith, in his Description of the life of Galba, that thunder fell downe into the Lake of Cantabria, and that afterward twelve axes were found therein: There is also the pleasant Lake which Pliny mentioneth lib. 3. Natur. histor. cap. 3. not farre from Valentia, at this day it is called Albu•era. The Rivers follow. Spaine is watered every where with many Rivers, there are some who reckon an hundred and fiftie, and over them 700 Bridges, the chiefe whereof is the Bridge of Segovia and Alcantara. There is in this Kingdome the River which Ptolemie cals Iberus, and now is called Ebro, it breaketh forth in Cantabria out of the Mountaine Idubeda, with two fountaines or spring-heads, that on the right hand in the Aucensian wood called Monte d'Oca, the other on the left hand neere a Towne which the Inhabitants call Fuentibre: and so increasing with the receit of great Rivers, being first entertained in the fields of Calaguris, it runneth unto and visiteth Iuliobriga and Tudella, two Townes of Navarre, and then it watereth Iulia, Bolsa, and Caesar-Augusta. Departing thence, it glideth Southward, and by and by Northeastward, by the people of Laletania, now called Galetani, and the rich Citie Toriosa. At last being enlarged with many Rivers flowing into it, and having runne almost foure hundred miles forward in length, it entreth so violently with two mouthes into the Mediterranean Sea, that having thrust it selfe 50 paces thereinto, yet the water is sweete and fresh. Durius is the greatest River in Spaine, because so many Rivers do runne into it that it would be too tedious to reckon them up, it floweth out of the Mountaine Idubeda, where it is called Sierra de Cocolo, it divideth the Vectones from the Asturians, and the Portugalls from the ancient Gallicians. And having viewed the Towre Sullana, called Tordesillas, Salabris, Miranda, and other Towns fortie English miles beneath Lamego, neere to a Towne of Portugall which is called Porto, with a violent course, it doth mingle it selfe with the Westerne Ocean. The River which Ptolemie and others call Tagus, ariseth in the high cliffes of the Mountaine Orospeda, some fiftie furlongs from a little towne which is called Tragacet, not farre from the Citie Concia, now called Guensa. And gliding by the Carpetan•, it visiteth Toledo, the royall citie, and having a bridge there over it, it watereth the noted faire Cities of Talavera, Augustobroga, Alcantara, and others, and so cutting almost through the middle of Portugall, it dischargeth it selfe into the West Ocean beyond Lisbone, by a mouth or outlet (as some observe) which is seven miles and an halfe broad. The Inhabitants at this day call this River Tato. The Portugalls Tejo. The River Tagus having sands mingled with gold, as Solinus in his Polyhistor, & Isiodorus Lib. 13. Etymolog. cap. 21. do witnesse, hath beene preferred before all the other Rivers of Spaine▪ Emanuel Henricus, a man worthy of beleefe, doth affirme in Ortelius, that it hath at this day golden sands, as also many other Rivers of Portugall. And Pomponius doth testifie, that it hath great store of Fish, Oysters, and Pearles in it. The river Anas well knowne to the Latine and Greeke Writers taketh its originall out of the great Lakes, in Laminitania, as Pliny writeth Lib. 3. Naturalis Histor. cap. 1. now called Campo de Montiel, and gliding by the Oretam, neare to a Town, which the Spaniards call Cagnamanus, & so to Metallina where Vi¦tellius pitcht his Tent, as the ancient inscriptions of the place do shew, it hideth it selfe at last in the bowels of the Earth, though Georgius of Austria Provost of Harlebeck doth witnesse in Ortelius, that this is rather a common opinion, than true, and by and by after it hath runne some 15 miles, as if it rejoyced to have many new births, as Pliny saith, breaking forth neare Villaria, and having runne and glided by Meri•la (where it hath a long stone-bridge over it) and other Cities toward the South, it •owleth it selfe into the Sea neare the Castle of Marin. The Spaniards call it at this day Rio Guadiana, by borrowing a word from the Arabians, for with them Guad signifies a river. The river which Ptolemie calls B•tis doth arise neare Castaon out of the mountaine Orospeda, as Strabo and Stephanus do write, and out of that part thereof which is called Sierra• Alcaraz. This river running Westward from its fountaine, and gliding by Corduba and other townes, at last declineth Southward toward Sevill and with a large mouth (being one league over but full of slatts and sands) discargeth and emptieth it selfe into the Atlanticke Sea not farre from Caliz. Here is a faire river which the ancients called Auro, and Olivetis, Strabo and Pausamas call it Tartessus. Livy noteth that the Inhabitants did call it Circes, which name it retained for a long time, as Marius Niger witnesseth, notwithstanding the Africans had gotten Spaine; and yet at length it was by them called Guadalquivir, or as others write Guadal•hebir, as it were to say, the great river. Here is also the river Minus in Hispania Tarraconensis, the head whereof beginneth eighteene miles above the Sextian Altars, which are now called Lugo, neare to a towne commonly called Castell Ferde. This river passing by the towne called Porto-ma•in, and sliding by the bridge Belsarius, and the Citie Orense, at last joyneth it selfe with the river Avia at Valentia, and having runne eighteene miles further it doth cast it selfe into the Ocean. There are other rivers as Lethe, Turtus, Limaea, Sicores, Chalibs, Austra and others of lesser note, which I leave to be unfolded or described by others, lest I should be too tedious. The Sea calleth on us nex to be entreated of, together with the Bayes and Havens, which belong unto it. Spaine is enclosed on every side with the Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, except that part which is joyned to the Pyrenaean mountaines and to Aquitania.

In regard whereof it is very fit to traffique and merchandise with all parts of the old and new world. The Sea round about it doth afford abundance of all kindes of fish, as Whales, Congers, Tunies, Soales, Lampreys, and the like: beside Oysters and other Shell-fish. There are three famous Bayes of Spaine, which lye all towards the Mediterranean Sea, the Sucronensian, Illicitane, and the Virgitane. The greatest of them all is the Sucronensian, receiving the Sea, as Mela saith, with a large mouth or inlet, which within groweth narrower and narrower. The Ill••tane is the middlemost in bignesse, now called Puerto d'Alicante. The least is the Virgitane Bay, and is so called, as Mela writeth, from the towne Virgi, now stiled Vera or Bera: Ptolemie corruptly calls this towne Vr•e or Virge, Autoninus as erroniously calleth it Vrei, and Pliny vvith no lesse error Vrgi. The Gaditane Bay vvas so called in Mela (lib. 3.) from Gades: now it is called Baia de Ca liz. The chiefe Havens in Spaine are first that vvhich the ancients called Magnus, betweene the Nerian and Scythian Provinces, which now is called Corunna. Secondly, Amibalus Portus, now called Alber, in the Kingdome of Algarbia. Thirdly, that which Pliny calls Amanum, now Fuentarabie, as Villonovanus, or Barnino as Moralis thinketh. Fourthly, Portus Tarra•onensis of which the Italian Poet Silius writeth thus, Lib. 15.

The stranger in the Haven then doth landOf Tarraconia, while the shippes do standIn the safe harbour, labour is laid by,And feare of the deepe Sea, while here they lye.

And lastly, the Haven of Venus, so called by Mela, which lyoth at the foote of the Pyrenaean hills. Now followe the mountaines, the chiefe whereof are the Pyrenaean mountaines dividing Spaine from France. Ptolemie and others call them Pyrenea, and Stephanus calleth them Pyrena, Tibullus Pyrene, Livy and others call them Saltus Pyrenaeus, the Spaniards generally call thē Los Pirencos, for they have divers names in divers parts thereof. Some would have them so called from fire, or because they are often struck with thunder, or because all the woods thereof (as Diodorus writeth in his sixt Booke) were heretofore set on fire by sheep-heards, and so burnt downe. Silius the Italian Poet doth give them this denomination from a maide called Pyrena, the daughter of Bebryx, whom Hercules lay withall upon this mountaine, and being afterward torne to pieces by wild beasts, she was buried here. The Pyrenaean mountaines (as they do) stretching and extending themselves from the East unto the West even to the Celtick Promontorie, divide Spain into that part which lyeth on the hither side of the mountaines, and that which is on the further side thrusteth forth a mountaine neare the fountaine of Iberus towards the South through the breadth of Spaine. Strabo and Ptolemie do name it Idubeda. But it is commonly called Saltus Aucencis, and Monte d' Oca, from the ancient Citie Auca, some ruines whereof may be discerned at Villa Franca beyond Burgos. Also there is the mountaine which ariseth out of Idubeda, called by Strabo Orospeda, & by Ptolemie Otrospeda. Yet hath it not one certaine name for all the whole mountaine: for whereas Alvarius Gomecius calleth it Sierra Vermigia, Florianus Sierra Mollina, and Clusius Sierra Morena: these names are but names to part of it. Calpe is reckoned with Orospeda. For so this mountaine is called by Ptolemie and others. It is neare to the Bay of Hercules, which is commonly called the Bay of Gibraltar. Part of Orospeda is high and •ockie, and reaching from the Citie of Hispalis to Granada, it doth lift up it selfe neare Archidona. It hath its name, and deserveth still to be famous, by reason of a memorable example of love, which was shewed thereon, for the Spaniards call it, La Penna de les Enamorades, or the Lovers Mountaine. Paulinus calleth it Bimaris because it looketh on two Seas, the Inward and the Outward. Strabo saith that the mountaine Calpe is not very large in compasse, but that it is so high, that to those who are farre off, it may seeme an Island, some do fabulously suspose it to be one of Hercules Pillars, and Abela over against it in Africke to be the other, both being the bounds of Hercules labours: they say that it was heretofore one mountaine, and that Hercules digged it through, and so altered the shape of it. Out of Alcarassum do arise the mountaines called by Pliny Montes Mariani, by Ptolemie in the singular number Marianus, and by Antoninus mons Mariorum. They are now called Sierra Morena. The noble river Baetis doth water the bottomes of their mountains on the left side. Neare to Barcinon or Barcilona there is a mountaine which the Inhabitants call Mon-Iui: some do translate it Iupiters mountaine, and some do better render it the Iewes mountaine, for that they were heretofore buried in this place, where many of their Graves and Sepulchers do yet remaine. On the top thereof there is a Towne, from whence a watchman, by setting up a linnen flagge in the day time, and a fire in the night doth give notice to the Citie Barcinon of the approaching of any ships. Spaine is every where full of woods, and trees bearing singular and excellent kindes of fruit, which it would be too long to recite in particular. There is a wood neare unto the Towne called Monte Majore, in which Nature alone hath planted Oakes, Chestnut-trees, Nuts, Filberds, Cherries, Prunes, Peares, Figges, wild Vines, and all kinde of fruit-trees, very high and fairely spred. Not farre from the Towne Beiar or Bigerra, is a most pleasant wood, where Lucius Marinaeus Siculus writeth, that hee hath measured Chesnut-trees, which have beene fortie foot about. It hath many woods also to fell and cut, which do afford the Spaniard wood enough for the building of ships. What shall I speake of the publike or private workes in this kingdome? here are many magnificent Temples, many Abbeys, Friaries, Monasteries, Hospitals for strangers, and for the sicke. Here are many famous Kings Pallaces, many magnificent and faire houses belonging to Noble-men and Knights, and innumerable other publike and private edifices. The King of Spaine is borne not chosen or elected to the Crowne, yet is hee inaugurated, and sworne to defend this people and their priviledges when hee taketh the oath of alleagiance of them. The Kings children are called Infantaes. Among whom the eldest sonne, who in his fathers life is declared King by the consent and oath of the Nobles the Cittizens, and people, is called Prince of Spaine. Although the King have supreme power over all persons and over all causes, yet hee seldome decreeth any thing, but with the consent, and by the counsell of twelve men, who being the chiefe of the whole Kingdome do make a royall Senate. By them matters of moment are discussed and determined, but matters of more secresie are consulted of by a Privie Counsell, which consisteth of the King, the Dictator of Leon, the President, and the third part of the Kings Counsell. Those things which concerne the Indies and their government, are handled in the Senate, which they call the Indian Senate, by one President, and twelve Counsellers. Matters of warre are handled in the militarie and warlike Senate, which the 12 Royall Senators, the Dictators of Leon and Castile, with others doe make up. Besides these there are also in Spaine three Prefectureships of Right and Justice, which they call Places of hearing, or Chanceries, one being in Castile, the other in Granada, and the third in Gallicia: Every one hath a President and 12 Senators, and if that Suiters receive no satisfaction or redresse of their greevances from them, their causes are brought before the Royall Senate. Lastly there is the Treasurer of Castile, having foure Questors under him, whose office is to receive the Kings Treasure, and to take and give accompt thereof. There is a great company of Dukes, Marquesses, and Earles in Spaine. Besides the Prince of Asturia and others, I finde that there are about 23 Dukes, as the Friensian Duke, the Duke of Medina-Rivi-Sicci, of Alua, of Alcala, of Albuquerqua, of Scalona, of Osuna, of Averi, of Bejar, of Gandia, of Sessa, of Infantasg, of Medina Caeli, of Medina Sidonia, of Maqueda, of Najar, of Feria, of Segorbia, of Sonna, of Villa-Formosa, of Verragua, Pastrana, and Franca-Villa. And these have for their yearely revenues some fortie, some an hundred thousand Duckets. The Dukes of Infantasg, and Medina-Sidonia have a farre greater revenue: for the latter hath 130000, and the former 120000 Duckets per annum. These are the Marquesses, the Marquesse of Villa Nova, of Astorga, of Aquilar, of Denia, of Mondejar, of Navares, of Savia, of Velleza, of Comares, of Aiomonte, of Altamir, of Veladra, of Vearina, of Carpio, of Camarassa, of Cortes, of Monte-Majore, of Guardia, of Monte-Clare, of Las Navas, of Poza, of Steppa, of Tanara, of Villa-Franca, of Drada, of Cavietis, of Falcis, of Fomesta, of Molina, of Ciralva, of Valesis, of Vallis, of Zaara, of Ardalis, of Tarifa, of Alcanisa, and others, the greater part having annuall revenues from ten thousand to 40000 Duckets. There are also about an hundred Earles, whose yearely revenues are from ten thousand to 25 thousand Duckets, the chiefe of them are the Earles of Benaventum, of Albua, Miranda, and Oropoza. It would be too tedious to the Reader to reckon up, the Vicounts, which are ten in number, the Barons, the long roll and Catalogue of Vice Roys, Governours, Prefects of Provinces, and of the Sea: and lastly the long Catalogue of Gentlemen, and divers orders of Knights; as in Castle, Knights of the order of Saint Iames, of Alcantara, of Calatrava, and of the order of Saint Iohn: in Aragon and Catalonia, Knights of the order of Montesa: in Portugall Knights of the order of Iesus Christ, (whereof the King is the Master) being very great, and having all the Provinces which are found out in Africke, Asia, or America, annexed unto it. But it will not be amisse if we observe by the way that of all the Families in Spaine, the ancientest is the Paciecian Familie, for Hirtius in his Commentaries maketh mention of L. Iunius Paciecus, in that place where he entreateth of Corduba: as also Cicero in the 6^th Booke of his familiar Epistles, to wit, in his Epistle to Lepta.

These following Families are also very noble and Illustrious, to wit, the Meridonian, Toletane, Cerdean, Cardonean, Larensian, Velascean, Gusmanean, Pimentellane, Stunican, Henritican, Oriosian, Cordubentian, Limensian, and the Mondragonian Families, to which wee desire others to adde others, and crave pardon if we mistake their places in ranking of them. We have spoken of the Politick State and government: the Ecclesiasticall followes. The Church of Hispalis was in ancient time the Primate and chiefe of Spaine, and afterward the Church of Toledo, untill that great overthrow and devastation of the Kingdome. For Toledo comming into the Barbarians hands, the Bishopricke of Bacara had that dignitie: but when being recovered by the Christians, the Toletan Bishopricke sought its former dignitie, and the Baracensian to retaine what it had gotten, there arose a contention, as we may reade Lib. 1. Decretal. so that the matter is yet undetermin'd. Moreover Vasaeus in Chronico 1^o cap. 20^o. sheweth who were Presidents in Spaine from the time of the Romans and Gothes. But after Spaine was recovered againe out of the hands of the Barbarians, the Bishoprickes with their ancient Cities were restored, and some newly instituted. We reade that Spaine hath at this day seaven Archbishops, and 41 Suffragane Bishops subordinate to them. The first is the Archbishop of Toledo, Chancellour of Castile, who next unto the King and his Progenie is the greatest man in dignitie and wealth. The Bishops that doe obey him, are the Bishop of Burgos, whose Sea•e was heretofore at Aura, (whence it was called Auritanus Episcopatus▪ and corruptly in some Councells and other publicke Acts, Auxitanus, but was after translated from thence to Burgos, the Metropolis of Old Castile, by Alphonsus the sixt, who restored Toledo to the Christians by the authoritie of Pope Vrban the second, in the yeare 1097. Also the Bishop of Cuena, the Bishop of Osma, called commonly Episcopus Oxmensis, and corruptly in Councells Oxomensis▪ the Bishop of Corduba, (whose Bishopricke is most ancient and famous by meanes of Osius once Bishop thereof) the Bishop of Iaenensia, Palentia, and Segovia. The second is the Archbishopricke of Hispalis, under which there were heretofore eleven Bishopricks, though there are now but three; namely of Malaga, Gades, and the Canarie Isles. The third is the Archbishoprick of Compostella. The Seate of this Bishop was heretofore Iria Flavia, a Sea-Towne of Gallicia, and commonly called Padron: but being afterward translated to Compostella, it began to bee called the Bishopricke of Compostella, or of Saint Iames, under which are the Bishops of Coria, Placentia, Asturia, Gamora, Salmantica, Orense or Auria, Tude or Tyde, a Towne of Gallicia, seated by the River Minius, and commonly called Tuy. The Bishop of Badaios, (which is now called Episcopus Pacensis) and the Bishop of Mindonia, whose Seate was heretofore Ribadeum, commmonly called Mandonnedo. The fourth Archbishop is the Archbishop of Granada; under whom is the Bishop of Almeria, and the Bishop of Guadix, heretofore called Episcopus Accitanus, for that which heretofore was called Acce, is now called Guadix. The fift is the Archbishop of Valentia, under which are the Bishops of Carthage, Orignella, Segobrica, (whih is now called Segorbia) and Majorca. The sixt is the Archbishop of Tarraconia, under whom are the Bishops of Ilerda, (commonly called Lerida) Tortosa, Herlua, Barcinon, Genida, Vrgella, and Vich. Lastly, the seventh is the Archbishop of Caesar. Augusta, who hath under him the Bishops of Pampilona, Calagurris, Osca, and Balbastro: the Bishops of Leo and Oviedo are subject to none. Portugall hath three Archbishops, namely of Bracara, Olisipona or Lisbon and Funchala; under whom are the Bishops of Ebora, Visca, Guarda, Conimbrica, Porta, Lamego, Silva, Cepta, and Leria. Concerning the other Bishops, you may consult with Vasaeus, L. Marinaeus Siculu•, Damianus a Goes, and others, who doe curiously observe and note what are the revenues which belong to every Bishopricke, as also to Abbies and Monasteries. Those who belong to the Inquisition are of the Ecclesiasticall State: they were first instituted and ordained to examine the Moores, Saracens, & Iewes; but afterward in processe of time they began to extend their power and authoritie over all that were not of the Roman Church and Religion. In the next place we will note the Academies or Universities in Spaine, which are about two & twenty; the chiefe whereof are Salamanca, Compludo, Conimbrica, or Conimbra, Pincia, Saganta, Osca, and Lerida. The Spaniards have happie wits, yet doe they learne or studie little, because they thinke themselves learned when they are not: they love the craft and subtlenes of Sophisters. In the Universities they speake Spanish more than Latine, mingling their speech with many words belonging to the Moores. They seldome leave any offspring or monument of their wit to their owne posteritie, much lesse to strangers, in regard their language is defective. Yet there have beene, and are some learned men, who by their excellent learned workes and writings, have graced their Country, and made it famous unto other Nations.

If we seeke for Divines, there will come forth Vigilantius Priest of Barcinon, Aquilius Severus, Prudentius Bishop of Armentia, Osius of Corduba, Avitus a Priest, Marcianus Bishop of Barcelona, Paulus, Orosius, Pacianus, and his sonne Dexter, Audentius, Isidorus, the interpreter of the Apocalyps, Iustinianius, the President of the Church of Valentia, Leander Bishop of Hispalis, Martinius the President of Mandova, Fulgentius the Bishop of Carthage Eladius the Archbishop of Toledo, Isidorus Bishop of Hispalis, Iohn Bishop of Gerunda; Eutropius, Valentinus, and Franciscus Ximenes Cardinall and Archbishop of Toledo, and father of the Universitie of Compludo, who caused the Holy Bible to be printed in divers languages, which is cōmonly called the Complutensian Bible. If we seeke for those which have beene skilfull in the Canon Law, wee shall finde Bernardus of Compostella, Raymundus de Pennya Forti, and Hugo Barcinonensis. If for other Lawyers, we shall finde Pope Calixtus the third, Gomezius, Didacus Covarruvias, and Antonius Augustinus Archbishop of Tarraconia, a man very learned and skilfull in the Roman antiquities. If wee enquire for Physicians, wee shall meete with Avicen, Averroes, Rasis, Almanca, and Messahallah. If for Historians, we shall finde Trogus Pompeius, Iustine, and others. If for Philosophers, we shall meete with L. Anneius Seneca and his sonnes Seneca, Nonatus and Mela, Lucius Iunius, Moderatus Columella, C. Iulius Hyginus, Sotion, and Iohannes Vives Valentinus. If wee search for Mathematicians, behold Pomponius Mela, Abrahamus Cacutius, Alphonsus King of Castile, Henricus the Infanta of Portugall, Henricus Marquesse of Villena, Arnoldus Villanovanus, and his Scholler Raimundus Lullius. If we enquire for Orators, we shall finde beside Seneca, Portius Latro, and M. Fabius Quintilianus.

Lastly if we would reckon up some Poets borne here, we may make account of Sextilius Hena: L. Annaeus Seneca, and Lucan who were Cosins: M. Valerius Martialis, Rufus Festus Avienus, Aurelius Prudentius, Pope Damasus, Caelius Sedulius, and many others: I omit for brevities sake the later moderne Poets. The Spaniards are by nature hot and drie, swarthe-coloured, to helpe which the women use a kinde of painting: they are well limb'd and strong set. They are the most superstitious of all people, so that other people doe learne from them both ceremonies, complements, and large titles. They have a great dexteritie in concealing their thoughts both by silence and dissimulation. They have a kinde of an affected gravitie, which maketh them incurre the hatred of all other Nations, which, as Marianus sheweth, is an individuall concomitant or companion to great Kingdomes. The women are not very fruitfull in bearing children: they abstaine much from wine, and are seldome seene abroade, as imitating therein the Roman Matrons. They use strangers discurteously, and in forraine Countries they will reverence, prayse, and extoll one another. They are great observers of Justice, so that Justice is administred to all, even from the highest to the lowest: and so great is the painfull industrie of Magistrates, that there are few or no robberies committed. Beside, they keepe their hands free from bloud, and other wicked acts, and whosoever offendeth the Lawes, or doth trespasse against any one, though never so meane, is punished for it. They are still attempting some greate matter, for having supprest their enemies at home, and overthrowne the Saracens, they seeke for to discover and get for their King the most potent parts of the world. When two or three meete together, of what place or condition soever, they alwayes discourse of the Common-wealth and serious affaires, they seeke wayes how to weaken their enemies force, they devise stratagems, and invent a thousand engines, which they open and make knowne to the Captaines. In the field they can endure both hunger thirst and labour. In battle and matters of warre they are more politick than stout: they are of a light body, and being lightly armed, they not onely easily pursue their enemies, but when they are put to it, they can easily save themselves by flight, (alwayes meditating on some militarie or warlike designe). In their feastes and banquets at home they are frugall, sober, and content with a little, but abroade they have more delicate fare. They use handsome convenient garments, well made & fashioned. Spaine doth affoord to the neighbour Countries, and also to remote Nations, Silke-wooll, Cloath of all kindes, Salt, Sugar, Honey, Orenges, Pome-Granats, Lemmons, pickled Olives, Capers, Grapes, Figges, Pruines, Almonds, Chesnuts, Anny-seed, Cumming-seed, Coriander-seed, Rice, Saffron, Oyle, Waxe, Alume, Vermilion, Purple, Saltfish, Bay-berries, preserv'd Fruits of all sorts, Alablaster, Corall, Gold, Silver, Iron, Steele, Tinne, Copper, Leade, Dying Oade, Quick-silver, Gotten, pretious stones, Aromatickes and sweet Spices, which are brought from the Indies and other places. And in exchange for these, the Europaeans, the Africans, the Asiatians, and the Americans, doe give the Spaniards such commodities, as their owne Country doth not affoord.

1638. The merchants mappe of commerce wherein by Lewes Roberts.

Of Spaine and the Cities thereof.

SPAINE the most Westerne Continent of Europe is invironed on all sides with the Seas, except towards France, from which it is separated by the Pirenean Mountaines, and the Fortresse of Pampelona on the North-west, and Perpignan on the South-east.

The Commodities that this Country yeelds for Merchandise, is Wines, Sugars, Oiles, Metalls, Licoris, Rice, Silkes, Wooll, Corke, Rosen, Steele, Orenges, Limmons, Rasens, Almonds, &c. Aniseeds, Anchoves, Soda Barrellia, Figges, Tuny fish, Iron, Shumacke, Saffron, Soape, Coriander, Hony, Waxe, &c.

Spaine is found at this day to bee divided into twelve Provinces, which formerly were petty Kingdomes; viz.

1. Leon & Oucedo,

2. Navarre,

3. Corduba,

4. Gallicia,

5. Biscay,

6. Toledo,

7. Murti•…,

8. Castile,

9. Portugall,

10. Valentia,

11. Cattelona,

12. Aragon.

Of which in order, with their Cities of note and traffique.

In Leon and Oucedo I finde no Citie of Trade memorable, the Citie of Leon being the principall, and is the Principality belonging to the Princes of Spaine, under the name of Ast•…rias.

In Navarre is of note, the Citie of Pampelona famous for her fortification, and not for her negocation.

Corduba is accounted the most fertile soile of all Spaine, and hath Corduba for a principall Citie; from whence commeth that excellent Cordovant leather, knowne to us. 2. March•…na. a principall breeder of the best Genets in Spaine: also 3. Medina Sidonia, whose Duke was principall Commander of that pretended Invincible Armado 1588. Also Lucardi Barameda a great Haven-towne, X•…res which yeelds the Wines knowne, Sherry Sackes, because the Spaniards are found to pronounce x as sh in English: and also Sivill which requireth (according to my Methode) for her worth and eminency of Trade a Chapter by it selfe.

1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome.

SPAIN.

• SPAIN, with its fourteen Kingdoms or Principalities, whereof
  • Two are in the midst of the Country, to wit,
    • LEON,
      • Beyond the River Douro, or Dovere,
        • Leon,
        • Avilez,
        • Astorga,
        • Placentia.
      • On this side the Douro,
        • Salamanca,
        • Cuidad Rodrigo.
    • CASTILE,
      • The Old,
        • Burgos,
        • Valadolid,
        • Numantia,
        • Segovia,
        • Calahorra,
        • Soria,
        • Osma,
        • Siguenca,
        • Avila,
        • Placentia,
        • Coria.
      • The New,
        • Toledo,
        • Madrid,
        • Alcantara,
        • Alcala de Henores,
        • Cuenca,
        • Guadalasara,
        • Cuidad Real,
        • Merida,
        • Badajox.
  • Three are towards the North; as
    • NAVARRE, which hath the Merindades of
      • Pamplona,
      • Viana,
      • Estella,
      • Tudela,
      • Olite,
      • Sanguesa.
    • BISCAY, where are
      • Biscay,
        • Bilboa,
        • St. Andero.
      • Guipuscoa,
        • St. Sebastiano,
        • Andero,
        • Victoria,
        • Tolosetra.
    • ASTURIE, or Oviedo,
      • Oviedo,
      • Santillano:
  • Three are towards the West, viz.
    • GALLICIA,
      • St. Jago de Compostella,
      • Bajona,
      • Coronn•,
      • Mondo•nedo,
      • Lugo,
      • Tuy.
    • The Kingdom of PORTUGAL,
      • Between the River Minho, and the Douro,
        • Braga,
        • Miranda,
        • Porto,
        • Bragansa.
      • Between the Douro, and the Tajo, or Tagus,
        • Lisbona,
        • Santara,
        • Sintra,
        • Lamego,
        • Guarda,
        • Coimbra.
      • Alen Tajo, or between the Tajo, and the Guadiana,
        • Evora,
        • Portalegre,
        • Leirla,
        • Beja.
    • ALGARVE,
      • Pharo,
      • Tavila,
      • Silves,
      • Lagos.
  • Three are towards the South, to wit,
    • ANDALOUSIA, and ESTREMADURA,
      • Sevill,
      • Cordova,
      • Marchena,
      • Medina Sidonia,
      • Xeres de la Frontera,
      • Cadiz.
    • GRANADA,
      • Granada,
      • Malaga,
      • Almeria.
    • MURCIA,
      • Alicant,
      • Carthagena,
      • Murcia.
  • Three are towards the East, viz.
    • ARRAGON,
      • Caragosa, or Saragoz,
      • Lerida,
      • Huesca,
      • Mosons,
      • Jacca,
      • Borio,
      • Calatajud,
      • Daroca.
    • CATALOGNE, or CATALONIA,
      • Rousillon,
        • Perpignan,
        • Elna.
      • Catalogue,
        • Barcelona,
        • Girona,
        • Taragona,
        • Tortosa,
        • Lerida, and Solsona.
    • VALENCE, or VALENCIA,
      • Valencia,
      • Morvedre,
      • Segobre, or Segorbia,
      • Xativa.
  • Together with the Isles of Baleares, or
    • MAJORCA,
      • Majorca,
      • Palomera.
    • MINORCA, — Citadelli, and Mahon.
    • YVISA, — Yvisa, and Magno.

• All the Estates of the CATHOLICK KING, may be comprised under
  • The Estates of the Crown of CASTILE, which are
    • In SPAIN, the Kingdoms of
      • Leon,— Leon,
      • Castile,
        • the Old,
          • Burgos,
          • Valadolid.
        • the New,
          • Toledo,
          • Madrid.
      • Biscay, — Bilboa.
      • Asturie, Oviedo.
      • Gallicia, St Jago de Compostella.
      • Andalousia, Sivil.
      • Granada, Granada.
      • Murcia, Alicant.
      • Navarte, — Pamplona.
    • Towards FRANCE,
      • The Catholick Low Countrey,
        • Anvers, or Antwerp,
        • Brussels,
        • Arras.
      • The French County, — Dol•.
    • In ITALY,
      • The Estate of Milan,
        • Milan,
        • Pavia.
      • On the River of Genes, — Finale.
      • On the Coast of Toscany, — Orbetello.
    • In AFRICA,
      • On the Coast of Barbary,
        • Oran,
        • Marsalquibir,
        • le Penon de Velez.
      • The Canary Isles, — Canary.
    • In ASIA, The Philippine Isles, — Ma•ille.
    • In AMERICA
      • Septentrionale, or Mexicane,
        • The Isles Antilles,
          • St. Domingo, in Hispaniola,
          • Havana, in Cuba.
        • Florida, — St. Augustino.
        • Mexico, or New Spain,
          • Mexico,
          • los Angelos.
        • Canada, or New France,
          • Guadalajara,
          • Compostella.
        • Guatemala,
          • St. Jago de Guatemala,
          • Leon de Nicaragua.
      • Meridionale, or Peruviane,
        • Terra Firma,
          • Porto Bello,
          • Panama.
        • New Kingdom of Granada,
          • Cartagena,
          • St. Marta,
          • St. Fee de Bogata.
        • Peru,
          • Popayan,
          • St. Francisco de Quito,
          • Lima, or Los Reyes,
          • Cusco.
        • Ios Charcas,
          • la Plata,
          • Potessi.
        • Chili,
          • St. Jago de Chili,
          • Valdivia.
        • Rio de la Plata,
          • Assumption,
          • Cordovade Tucuman.
    • And towards Austriales, The Isles of Solomon, — Isabella.
  • The Estates of the Crown of ARRAGON, which are
    • In SPAIN, the Kingdoms or Principalities of
      • Arragon,
        • Saragoz, or Caragoss
        • Lerida,
        • Huesca,
        • Jorca.
      • Catalogne, or Catalonia,
        • Barcelona,
        • Perpignan;
        • Taragona,
        • Lerida.
      • Valencia,
        • Valencia,
        • Morvedre,
      • The Isles of
        • Majorca,
        • Minorca,
        • Yvisa,
        • Majorca,
        • Citadelli,
        • Yvisa.
    • In ITALY, the Kingdoms, &c. of
      • Naples,
        • Naples,
        • Cosence, or Cozenza,
        • Lecce,
        • Aquila.
      • Isle of Sicily,
        • Messina.
        • Palermo,
        • Siracusa.
      • Isle of Sardiny,
        • Cailari,
        • Oristagni.
      • And divers small Isles,
        • Ischia,
        • Capri,
        • Lipari.
  • The Estates of the Crown of PORTUGAL, which are
    • In SPAIN, the Kingdoms of
      • Portugal,
        • Lisbona,
        • Braga,
        • Evora,
        • Coimbra.
      • Algarve, — Pharo.
    • In AFRICA, and thereabouts,
      • On the Streight of Gibraltar, — Ceute.
      • On the Coast
        • of the Negroes, — Arguin.
        • of Guinee, St. George de la Mine.
        • of the Caffres, — Cuama, or Sophala.
        • of Zanguebar,
          • Mosambique,
          • Melinde.
      • And the Isles of
        • Madera, — Funghal.
        • the Azores, Angra.
        • Cape Verd, St. Jago.
        • St. Thomas, — Cuidad, or Pavo•san•,
    • In ASIA, and thereabouts,
      • On the Coast of
        • Persia, — Ormus.
        • India,
          • Diu,
          • Goa,
          • Malacca.
      • And part of the Isles
        • of Ceylan, Colombo.
        • of the Moluccoes, Nostro Senioro del Rosario.
    • In AMERICA, Brazil,
      • St. Salvador,
      • Olinda,
      • Parayba.

• The Estates of the Crown of CASTILE, are
  • About EUROPE; as
    • In SPAIN; to wit,
      • In the midst of the Countrey, the
        • Kingdom of Leon,
          • Leon,
          • Astorga.
        • Kingdom of Castile,
          • Burgos,
          • Valadolid,
          • Toledo,
          • Madrid.
      • Towards the North, the
        • Signiory of Biscay, Bilboa,
        • Kingdom of Asturie, Oviedo,
        • Kingdom of Gallicia, St. Jago de Compostella,
      • Towards the South, the
        • Kingdom of Andalousia,
          • Sivilla,
          • Cordova,
          • Cadiz.
        • Kingdom of Granada,
          • Granada,
          • Malaga.
      • Towards France, the—
        • Kingdom of Murcia, Alicant.
        • Kingdom of Navarre, Pamplona.
    • FRANCE; to wit,
      • The LOW COUNTREYS; where are the
        • Dutchy of Brabant,
          • Louvain,
          • Brusselles.
        • Dutchy of Limbourg, Limbourg.
        • Dutchy of Luxembourg,
          • Luxembourg,
          • Thionville,
        • Dutchy of Gueldres,
          • Ruremonde,
          • Gueldres.
        • County of Flanders,
          • Gand, or Gaunt,
          • Lisle.
        • County of Artois,
          • Arras,
          • St. Omer.
        • County of Haynaut, Mons.
        • County of Namur, Namur.
        • Marquisate of the Empire, Anvers, or Antwerp:
        • Seigniory of — Malines,
      • The FRENCH County; where are the Balliages of
        • Dole,
        • Gray,
        • Salins.
    • In ITALY; to wit,
      • The Estate of the Dutchy of MILAN; viz.
        • Milanese, Milan.
        • Pavese, Pavia.
        • Cremonese, Cremona.
        • Alpesre, Come.
        • Alexandrin, Alexandria de la Paille.
      • On the River of GENES, the Estates of
        • Finale, and
        • Pontremoli.
      • On the Coast of TOSCANY, are the
        • Estate of the Presidii,
          • Orbetello,
          • Porto Hercole.
        • Protection of the Seignory of Piombino.
  • In AFRICA; as
    • Terra Firma, on the Coast of Barbary, Marquisate of Oran, and the
      • Oran,
      • Masulquivir,
      • Penon de Valez.
    • In the Western Ocean, The CANARY Isles, The Great Canary, Canary.
  • In ASIA; as In the E. Ocean, The PHILIPPINE Isles, Luson, or Manilla, Manilla,
  • Towards the Land of AUSTRALES, The Isle of SALOMON, or of New Guinee, Isabella.
  • In AMERICA; as
    • SEPTENTRIONALE, or MEXICANE, where are the Audiences of
      • St. DOMINGO,
        • Isles of Antilles,
          • S. Domingo in Hispaniola
          • Havana, in Cuba,
          • St. Jean de Puerto Rico.
        • Florida, St. Augustino.
      • MEXICO, or NEW SPAIN,
        • Mexico, Mexico.
        • Mechoacan, Valadolid.
        • Panuco, St. Estevan del Puerto.
        • Tlascala, los Angeles.
        • Guaxaca, Antequerra.
        • Jucatan, Merida.
        • Tavasco, Neustra Seniore de la Victoria.
      • GUADALAJARA, or New GALLICIA,
        • Guadalajara, Guadalajara.
        • Xalifco, Compostella.
        • Chiametlan, St. Sebastian.
        • Culiacan, St. Michael.
        • Cinaloa, St. John Ro.
        • los Zacatecas, los Zacatecas.
        • New Biscay, Indies.
      • GUATEMALA,
        • Guatemala, St. Jago de Guatemala.
        • Soconufco, Guevetlan.
        • Chiapa, Guidad Real.
        • Verapax, Verapax.
        • Honduras, Valadolid.
        • Nicaragua, Leon de Nicaragua.
        • Costarica, Cartago.
    • MERIDIONALE, or PERUVIANE; where are the Audiences or Regions of
      • PANAMA,
        • Veragua, La Conception.
        • Panama,
          • Porto Bello,
          • Panama.
      • New Kingdom of GRANADA,
        • Cartagena, Cartagena.
        • St. Martha, St. Martha.
        • New Kingdom of Granada, St. Fe de Bogota.
        • Rio de la Hacha, Nost. Sen. de los Remedios.
        • Venezuela, Venezuela, or Cori.
        • New Castile; Cordova la Nueva.
      • PERU,
        • Popayan,
          • Popayan,
          • Cali.
        • Quito, St. Francisco de Quito.
        • los Quixos, Bacsa.
        • Pacamores, St. John de las Salinas.
        • Lima,
          • Lima, or los Reyes,
          • Cusco,
        • los Charcas,
          • la Plata,
          • Potessi.
        • la Sierra, St. Cruz de la Sierra.
      • CHILI, Chili,
        • St. Jago de Chili,
        • la Imperiale,
      • PARAGUAY,
        • Rio de la Plata,
        • Tucoman,
          • l'Assumption,
          • St. Jago del l'Estero,
          • Cordova de Tuconan.

• The Estates of the Crown of ARRAGON, are
  • In SPAIN to wit,
    • In the Firm Land; as
      • The Kingdom of ARRAGON; where are
        • Ten Cities, to wit,
          • Caragosa,
          • Lerida,
          • Huesca,
          • Jacca,
          • Callatajud,
          • Borio,
          • Daroca,
          • Teruel,
          • Albazarin,
        • And more than a hundred Walled Towns; the chief of which, are
          • Anza de Sobrarbe,
          • Benavarri de Ribagorsa,
          • Monsons,
          • Fraga,
          • Camfrane,
          • Viescas.
      • The Principality of CATALOGNE, or CATALONIA, with the County of ROUSILLON; where are
        • In Catalogne, eight Cities,
          • Barcelona,
          • Tartagona,
          • Lerida,
          • Girona,
          • Tortosa,
          • Solsona,
          • Urgel,
          • Vich,
        • In Rousillon, two Cities,
          • Perpignan,
          • Elna.
        • And about an hundred and fifty Walled Towns; the chief of which in Catalogne, are
          • Puycerda,
          • Balaguer,
          • Cardona,
          • Cervera,
          • Manresa,
          • Castillo d'Empurias,
          • Roses,
        • And in Rousillon, —Collioure.
      • The Kingdom of VALENCIA; where are
        • Four Cities,
          • Valencia,
          • Segorbia,
          • Xativa,
          • Orihuelha.
        • And about 60 Walled Towns; the chief of which are
          • Elche,
          • Biar,
          • Denia,
          • Gandia,
          • Alzira,
          • Morvedre,
          • Villa Real,
          • St. Mattheo.
    • In the Sea, as The Kingdom, and the Isles of
      • Majorca, — Majorca,
      • Minorca, — Citadelli,
      • Yuisa, — Yuisva.
  • In ITALY; to wit,
    • In the Firm Land, as The Kingdom of NAPLES; where are
      • Terra di Lavoro,
        • Naples, or Napoli,
        • Capona.
      • Principato citra,
        • Amalfi,
        • Salerno.
      • Principato ultra,
        • Benevento,
        • Conza.
      • Calabria citra, — Conzenza.
      • Calabria ultra,
        • Reggio,
        • Cotrone.
      • Basilicata, — Cirenza:
      • Terra di Otrante,
        • Tarante,
        • Lecce,
        • Otrante,
        • Brindici, or B•indes.
      • Terra di Bari, Bari.
      • Capitanate,
        • Monte St Angelo,
        • Manfredonia.
      • Comtado di, — Molife.
      • Abruzzo citra, or Abruzze citerieure,
        • Lanciau, or Lancrano,
        • Sulmone,
        • Civita di Chietti.
      • Abruzzo ultra, or Abruzze ulterieure,
        • Civita di Penna,
        • Aquila.
    • In the Sea, as
      • The Isle and Kingdom of SICILY; where are in
        • Val di Demona.
          • Messina,
          • Taormina,
          • Catane,
          • Patta,
          • Troina,
          • Cefaledi,
        • Val di Noto,
          • Siracuso,
          • Noto,
          • Motya,
          • Termini.
        • Val di Mazara,
          • Palermo,
          • Monreal,
          • Trapani,
          • Marzalla,
          • Mazara,
          • Xacca,
          • Girgenti,
      • The Isle and Kingdom of SARDAIGNE; where are in
        • Capo Cagliari,
          • Cagliary, or Calari,
          • Oriftagni,
          • Villa di Glesia.
        • Capo Lugodori,
          • Sassari,
          • Algeri,
          • Bosa.
      • And divers Isles
        • towards Naples,
          • Ischia,
          • Capri,
        • towards Sicily, — Lipara, &c.

THE Kingdom of SPAIN is almost quite encompassed with the Ocean and Mediterranean Sea; and the Pyrenean Mountains seperate it from France. These Mountains are that Isthmus or neck of Land, that uniteth Spain to the Continent, and serveth as a desence and bound for this Kingdom and France; and the Inhabitants that here reside, are a sort of rude and Barbarous people.

Spain taken conjoyntly with Portugal (which though a particular Kingdom, hath been always taken as a Member thereof) extends it self from the 35th degree of Latitude unto almost the 44th; and from the 9th degree of Longitude to the 24th.

It is seated in the most Southernly part of the North Temperate Zone, the longest Summers-day making 15 hours. It is a Country not over fertil in Corn or Cattel, which doth occasion the People to order their Diet accordingly, their chief food being Sallets and Fruits, the product of the Earth, so that with a small piece of flesh, they will make two or three Dishes; and above all their Oleums are esteemed as an excellent dish. But in recompence of the defect of Corn and Cattel, the Country produceth divers rich Commodities; as Wines, Oils, several Mettals, Rice, Cork, Soda Barrellia, Shumack, Soap, Anchoves, Hony, Wax, Woad, Coriander, Saffron, Anniseeds, Raisins, Almonds, Oranges, Lemmons, Liquorice, Wool, Lamb-skins, raw Silk, &c.

Spain received its first People from Celtes, whence came the name of Celti•eri; then the Phoenicians and Carthaginians possessed the most Southern parts nearest to Africa, and endeavoured to make themselves Masters of all the Country. The Romans drove them out, and possest it wholly, and in the declension of their Empire, the Goths, Vandals, Sueves, Alains and Silinges fetled here, and parted it amongst them. The Goths in the end remained sole Masters, till such times as the Moors vanquished them, and forced them to retire to the Mountains of Leon, the Asturias, and Gallicia. The People now inhabiting in Spain are of a swarthy complexion, black hair'd, and of a good proportion; they are very stately in all their Actions, of a Majestick gate, in their carriages are very grave and serious; to their King are very obedient, true and loving; in Adversity, patient; they are much addicted to Women; are great braggers, and exceeding proud, though scarce Masters of a single Ryal. In matters of Religion, they are Roman Catholicks, in which they are very devout, not admitting the publick exercise of any other Religion throughout the Kingdom.

Spain is divided into fourteen Kingdoms or Principalities, which are set down in the Geographical Table of the said Kingdom; and to these fourteen Principalities, we may add the Isles of Baleares, seated in the Mediterranean Sea, which comprehendeth Majorca, Minorca, and Yvisa: and all these Kingdoms have formerly been reduced into three Estates, which they call, Castile, Arragon, and Portugal. But to proceed to its several parts.

LEON, called by some the Kingdom of Leon and Oviedo, hath for its chief places, 1. Leon, by some called Legio, as supposed that the eleventh Legion quartered here, which was called Legio Germanica: 2. Avilez, seated on the Sea-shoar: 3. Salamanca, of note for having the most famous Academy or all Spain: 4. Astorga; and 5. Placentia.

CASTILE, severed into the Old and the New, or first and last gained or conquered from the Moors. The Old Castile is seated Northwards of the New, and hath for its chief places, 1. Burgos, famous, as contending with Toledo for the primacy of all Spain: 2. Validolid, a neat and fair City and a University, honoured with the Birth-place of King Philip the Second, who erected a Colledge for the English Papistical Fugitives. 3. Numatia, famous for defending it self against the Romans for fourteen years, and at last left Scipio nothing else, but a pile of Ashes for his Triumph, and 4. Segovia, a place of note for Clothing, here made. The New Castile boasts of Madrid for its chief place, though but a Village, but is the greatest in all the World, and may compare with many Cities in Europe; and its Territory, although neither pleasant nor abundant, yet is made both, by the residence of the Kings of Spain. 2. Yoledo, seated on the Tagus, and almost in the heart of all Spain; a fair City, beautified with stately Edifices; its Walls are strong, whereon are placed about fifty Towrs of Stone: It is honoured with a University, famous for the study of the Civil and Canon Laws. 3. Alcantara, of note for its Order of Knights, so called. 4. Alcala de Henares, dignified with an University: And 5. Cuenca, seated at the Spring-head of the Xucar, nigh to which is the stately Palace of the Escurial or St. Lawrence, built by King Philip the Second; a place of such magnificence, that neither times past came near it, nor present, doth equal it. In this large and stately structure are Eleven several Quadrangles, every one incloistred, all expressing a Peruvian Treasure to have been spent in the building them, and is of such beauty and magnificence, that a voyage to Spain were not lost to see it.

NAVAR, for Antiquity may claim the second place of all the fourteen Kingdom: It hath for its Eastern bounds the Pyrenean Mountains. Its chief places are, 1. Pamplona, a place more famous for her Fortification, than her Negotiation: 2. Viana, once the Title of the Prince of Navar, near which Caesar Borgio was slain by an Ambush; 3. Estella; 4. Tudela; 5. Olite; and 6. Sanguessa; all good Cities. This Country was one of the first, that with success opposed the Moors.

BISCAY, by reason of its Mountainous and Woody scituation, is the only Countrey of all Spain, that remained unconquered by the Moors; and for its many Iron-Mines, is called the Armory of Spain. The chief places are, 1. Bilboa, a Town of grat Trade, Riches, and much frequented by Merchants, seated two miles distant from the Ocean, and aboundeth in Wines, Cattle, and the best Blades, known by the name of Bilboa-Blades. 2. St. Sebastian, another noted Town for Traffick: 3. Andero; all Sea-port Towns; 4. Victoria; and is. Tolosetta; Cities of some account.

ASTƲRIE, or Oviedo, hath for its chief place, Oviedo; which gave name to the Territory, which conjoyns with that of Leon.

GALLICIA, a Mountainous Countrey, like Asturie; hath for its chief places, 1. St. Jago de Compostella, or St. Jago, in honour of St. James, who here lieth interr'd; it is honoured with the See of an Archbishoprick, and an Ʋniversity; and in one of the Churches are kept the Relicks of St. James, which are much reverenced: 2. Bajona, seated at the Mouth of the River Minius: 3. Coronna, not far from the Promontory of Nerius: 4. Mondonnedo; 5. Luge; and 6. Tuy, seated on the River Minho.

The Air of the whole Country of Spain is generally good and healthful, and the Soil fertil enough, were it well cultivated; but the thinness of its Inhabitants since their setling in America, is the chief cause thereof.

The whole Country is Catholick; It hath 11 Archbishops, 56 Bishops, 20 or 25000 Parishes, and abundance of very rich Abbeys and Monasteries.

• In Spain are five great Rivers, viz. the Douro; the Tagus, or Tago; the Guadiana; the Guadalquiver; and the Ebro, or Iborus. The Douro is esteemed for force, the Tagus for its renown, the Guadalquiver for its riches, the Ebro for its name, and the Guadiana, not having wherewith to answer the others (for shame) hides it self under ground.

• The chief Hills in Spain, are Seir Morena, being a chain of Hills, declining from the midst of Spain towards the Streights of Gibraltar; and upon these Hills it was, that Cervantes, the Wit of Spain, made the Scene of the many Warlike exploits, atchieved by the flower of Knight Errantry, Don Quixot de la Manche.

• Inbalda, or Idubalda, which extends it self from the Pyreniae towards Portugal: And
• Seira Nevada, which from East to West crosses Granada, and are very high Hills.

1685. Geographia universalis: the present state of the whole world by Pierre Duval.

Spain is a Great Peninsula, two hundred Leagues in length, and the same in breadth, in the most Western part of Europe, betwixt the ninth and twenty fourth Degree of Longitude, and between thirty five Degrees and a half, and forty Degrees and a half of Northern Latitude. This Peninsula is upon the Ocean, and upon the Mediterranean-Sea; towards the North-East, it borders upon France, for the space of above a hundred Leagues, the Pyrenean Mountains between both.

Several things concur to the making Spain thinly inhabited; its Fertility, Mountains, the barrenness of its Women, the banishment of the Moors, of whom above eight hundred thousand were constrain'd to depart thence, in the Year 1610, the great number of persons that are sent to Colonies, and the Wars abroad. From whence it proceeds, that never above seven thousand natural Spaniards were ever seen together in any Army. The Heat reigns there more than the Cold; those Provinces which lye South-East, are more fertile than the rest. The Mountains without Trees, and the mighty Rocks are there called Sierra. This Country has but scarcity of Corn, but abounds with the strongest Wines, the most delicious Fruits, and the sweetest Oyls of Europe. The Gold and Silver, which is brought into Spain from America, is very capable of purchasing it all the other Conveniencies of Life. In the Year 1618. it was verified, that since the first discovery of this New World by Columbus, the Spaniards had drawn from thence above fifteen hundred thirty six Millions of Gold. These are immense Sums, but, as the Traders of Europe have the best share in them, they have not enrich'd Spain, proportionably to what it has been weakned by the Colonies, that have been sent thither. Moreover, the necessity of having foreign Commodities drains and exhausts the better part of those Riches. This made Henry the Fourth of France say, That the Spanish Pistolls spoke their Riches in their own Dominions, but, carried elsewhere, did but shew their Poverty. Mines there are of Copper, Quick-silver, Lead, Iron, and Salt, in Spain: those of Gold and Silver have been spared, since they have had the conveniency of those of America. The Horses of this Region are generally in esteem, those of Andalousia above all others; yet they travel commonly in this Countrey upon Mules and Asses, by reason of the Mountains.

No Prince whatsoever has so much Land, as the King of Spain: He may, with justice, style himself the greatest Territorian of the Universe, if I may use that Term. True it is, that his Dominions lye separated from one another, and dispers'd in the four parts of the World. Some of his Predecessours have boasted, that the Sun never set in their Dominions, and that the extent of their Territories was only to be measured by the Course of that Planet. In some Letters, which the Kings of Persia have address'd to them in the foregoing Age, there is, To the King, who has the Sun for a Hat. Among other Titles, they wear that of Catholick, particularly since Ferdinand the Fifth, and that of the King of Spains; they have taken up this last but of late years. These following are those which Philip the Fourth took in the Pleinpouvoir, which he gave in the Year 1659, to Don Lewis de Haro, for the treating of a Peace between France and Spain. Dom Philip, by the Grace of God, King of Castile, Leon, Arragon, the two Sicilies, Jerusalem, Portugal, (this Title was left out in the Plein-pouvoirs, of the Peace of Nimmeghen) Navarre, Grenada, Toledo, Valencia, Galicia, Maillorca, Seville, Sardaigna, Cordova, Corsica, Murcia, Jaen, the Algarbes, Algezire, Gibraltar, the Canary Islands, the East and West-Indies, the Islands and Terra firma of the Ocean-Sea, Arch-Duke of Austria, Duke of Burgundy, (which is no longer allow'd him by the French King, since the Cession of the Franche Compte) Brabant, Milan, Count of Hapsbourg, Flanders, Tirol, Barcellonna, Lord of Biscay, and Malines.

The principal Order of Knighthood, in Spain, is that of the Golden Fleece, the others are those of St. James, of Calatrava, of Alcantara, and Montese: the Kings of Spain have attributed to themselves great Masterships and Jurisdictions of 'em, under the Name of Perpetual Administrators. There are, moreover, above fourscore Grandees, who are much the same with the Dukes and Peers of England; this Dignity of Grandee is setled upon Lands, and falls to Females.

The Spaniards esteem Arts as disnonourable; upon which account most of their Artificers are strangers. They have always maintain'd the reputation, of being Faithful and Loyal to their Prince; they are slow in their Resolutions, and their Tediousness and Procrastination makes them often lose good Occasions. Some of 'em have the vanity to say, That their Country furnishes the World with Generals of Armies; That God spoke to Moses, upon Mount Sinai, in the Castillian Tongue; That the Lord of the Universe must be a Spaniard born, and other such great Words.

Spain, sometimes called Iberia, Hesperia, Mus-Arabia, was subject to strangers during a long while: the Celtae, Rhodiots, Phenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Swabians, Goths, and the Moors, have commanded and domineer'd there, over all, or in some parts. Its first Division was into two parts; the one on this side, the other on that side the Ebre, which then bounded the Empires of Rome and Carthage; since, what has been called Ʋlterior Hispania has only comprehended Betica and Lusitania. In each part the Romans establish'd fourteen Convents or Benches of Justice. During the decay and fall of the Domination of the Moors, there arose five Kingdoms, Leon with Castile, Aragon, Navarre, Portugal, and Grenada. After which, the whole Country fell under the sway of the King of Castile, the King of Portugal, and the King of Arragon. It is principally by these three Titles, that the King of Spain has possess'd all his States, wherein are eight Vice-Roy-ships. In our time the King of Castile has been a peaceable Possessour of all these Kingdoms, tho', that since Pelagius, the Succession of these Kingdoms has fallen ten times upon Females: In the Year 1640, Portugal proclaim'd the Duke of Braganza King.

The principal Rivers of Spain, are the Douere, abounding in Fish; the Tagus, renowned for its golden Sands; Guadiana, which is said to run under Ground; Guadalquiber is the deepest; Iberus, famous for its Name: All of them have their Source in Castile, and are not Navigable, like many Rivers in other Countreys. Guadiana has given the Spaniards occasion to say, That their Land affords the richest Bridge upon Earth; that it daily feeds above ten thousand Cattel, and that a great Army may march over it in Battalia: the Ancients seem to have admirably well called this River Anas, by reason that it enters and rises out of the Earth, as a Duck does in the water. Some Moderns say, this River is hidden by the Mountains; others do assure us, that these are Breakings up of the Ground, which are made for the watering the neighbouring Lands, that are very lean and hungry: Certain it is, that this happens towards the Sources of Guadiana, and not towards Merida, as the old Carts represent it. This is one of the Wonders of Spain; the two others are, a City incircled with Fire by Walls of Flint, which is Madrid; a Bridge, over which Water is seen to run; which is the Aqueduct of Segovia. One may say of the Cities of this State, that they have some appellation for Excellence; Sevil the trading, Grenada the great, Valencia the fair, Barcellonna the rich, Saragossa the satisfied, Valle dolid the Genteel, Toledo the ancient, Madrid the Royal City. There are eight Arch-Bishopricks, forty five Bishopricks: the Arch-Bishopricks are Toledo, Burgos, Compostella, Sevil, Grenada, Valencia, Saragossa, and Taragonna. King Richard the First establish'd there the Roman Catholick Religion, which is the only one allowed of in the Kingdoms, the Inquisition having been introduced against all other Beliefs. Some Churches are at Toledo, where they still perform the Mus-Arabick Office, which is that which the Christians, who liv'd amongst the Arabians, used. Several of their Sea-Ports are very considerable, the Passage, Saint Andre, la Corune, Cadiz, Cartagena, Alicant, &c.

There are reckoned in Spain fifteen great Parts, most of which had the Title of Kingdoms in the times of the Moors: Five upon the Ocean, Biscaya, Asturia, Galicia, Portugal, that hath its King, Andalousia: Five upon the Mediterranean-Sea, Granada, Murcia, Valencia, Catalonia, the Isles of Majorca and Minorca; Five within the Inland of the Country, Aragon, Navarre, the two Castiles, Leon.

Biscay has Woods which furnish it with the conveniency of building Ships. It has so great a quantity of Mines, and Iron-Forges, that the Spaniards call it the Defence of Castile. It is separated from France by the small River of Bidassoa, which forms a little Island, Celebrated for the conclusion of the Peace in the Year 1659. between the Crown of Spain and France. The Biscayans, who are the ancient Cantabrians, have great Priviledges, and boast of never having been subdued. The Land (as well as in the Kingdom of Navarre) is well Cultivated, because there is neither Tax, nor Tythes, nor Right of Importation. Its Capital Cities are Bilbao, St. Sebastian, both driving a great Trade, especially in Wooll: Great Ships cannot come up to Bilbao but at High-Water. The Port of Saint Sebastian is of easie access, its entrance is defended with two Castles, that of the East upon a Height, that of the West on a Level upon a Rock. Saint Andero, and le Passage, are two excellent Sea-Ports in this Country, Fonterabia the strongest place, Guatari the Country of Sebastian Can, he who first went round the World in the Ship called the Victory.

Asturia breeds Horses much esteemed for their strength; it is the Title of the Prince of Spain, whose younger Brothers are called Infants since the Reign of King John the First. It has serv'd for a retreat to the Gothick Kings, and to several Bishops, during the irruption of the Moors, wherefore Oviedo, its Capital City, is called the City of Kings and Bishops.

Galicia is more Populous than Fertile; Compostella is known for the Pilgrimages of those who go thither to visit the Relick of Saint James, the Patron of the Spaniards; la Corune for the goodness and spaciousness of its Harbour. The Silver Fleet, rich above thirty Millions, arrived there in the Year 1661. to avoid meeting with the English, who, for the surprizing it, lay at watch upon all the Avenues of Cadiz. They reckon in this Country above forty other Havens, whereof that of Vigo is the most considerable.

Andalousia is so beautiful, so abounding in Wines, Corn, Olives, that it passes for the Granary and Store-house-of the Kingdom. Sevil is the Magazine of the Riches of the New-World: 'Tis a Town so well Built, that there is a Spanish Proverb which runs, Qui en no ha visto Sevilla, no ha visto maravilla. It still keeps the remains of the City Italica, the Native Town of Adrian.

Corduba, which gave Lucan and the two Seneca's to Antiquity, was much more considerable under the Moors than it is at present. Its principal Church was formerly the greatest Mosque of the Mahometans after that of Mecca. San-Lucar, at the Mouth of Guadalquivir, is a Town of great Trade. The Ships, which bring Gold and Silver from the West-Indies, have sometimes cast Anchor near the Tower of the Port, which is sometimes call'd the Tower of Gold: This casting Anchor is more commonly performed at Cadiz, and the Port Saint Mary, which is near it. Xeres de la Fontera is in the Neighbourhood of the Place where the Moors entirely defeated the Goths, in the Year 712. After which, they had the means of Ravaging all Spain as they did. The Spaniards have been observ'd to have made no scruple of having Alliance with those Infidels, because some of their Divines have maintain'd, that they might be made use of as of Horses and Elephants. Gibraltar gives its Name to the famous Streight, which communicates the Ocean and Mediterranean-Seas, and which separates Europe from Africa. Palos is the Haven, where Columbus embarked for the first Discovery of the New-World; Cadiz, as we have said, is the most usual place of Resort for the Fleets, which come from the West-Indies, by reason of the conveniency of its Harbour. It is of such importance, that the Emperor, Charles the Fifth, recommended the preservation of it above all things to his Son, Philip the Second, with that of Flushing and la Goulete. Antiquity shews here a Temple, dedicated to Hercules, with two Pillars, either of Brass or Silver, which are said to be the Pillars of that Hero, as well as the two Mountains of the Streights of Gibraltar. Julius Caesar is said to have wept in this Temple, at the remembrance of the Prodigious Conquests, which Alexander the Great had made at the Age of thirty three Years, and whereof the consideration carried him to such high Enterprises, as that of Xenophon's Cyrus had done Scipio. The Name of Andalusians was given to the Moriscoes, who were driven out of Andalousia and Granada; that of Tagarins to those of Aragon and Catalonia.

The Kingdom of Granada under its last Moorish Kings, who lost it in the Year 1421. was much Richer, and more Populous, than it is at present; it was also much more fertile: The Moors had a thousand Inventions to Water their Lands with Rivulets and Trenches, by causing Water to be brought thither from great Ponds, which they made in the Mountain• which are at the foot of la Sierra-Navada. The Situation of this Kingdom, and the Disposition of its Towns, are conformable to the Description Julius Caesar gives thereof. The City of the same Name is the greatest of Spain: The abode in it is so pleasant, by reason of the pureness of its Air, and its admirable Fountains, that the Moors placed Paradise in that part part of Heaven which is upon its Zenith. Malgus is known for the excellent Wines which it furnishes the World withal. Almeria for its Commerce and its Harbour. Monde for the Victory of Julius Caesar over Pompey's Sons: He killed upon the place thirty thousand of his Enemies, and afterwards made the Circumvallation of the Town, with the Arms and Bodies of the Dead.

Murcia is called the Garden of Spain, by reason of its excellent Fruits. Its Town of the same Name drives a great Trade in Silk. Carthagena is a good Sea-Port.

Valentia is the most agreeable Country of all Spain. The City of the same Name has also those of Beautiful, Great, of Valencia del-Cid, since its being taken by Rodrigo from the Moors. Alicant is known for the Transportation of its good Wines. Upon the Coast are seen, in a place called Morvedre, the Ruins of the ancient Sagonte, the destruction whereof, by Hannibal, gave occasion to the second Punick War.

The Principality of Catalonia, the most important Province of Spain, produces Wine, Oyl, Corn, and Fruits in abundance. The Neighbourhood of the Pyrenees furnish it with very fine Marble, Jaspar and Azure. Those who make Spain the Head of the Catholick King's Dominions, say, Catalonia is one of its Ears, and Portugal the other. Ten Cities are reckoned in this Province, seventeen Vigueries, or great Baily-wicks, with above a hundred Walled Towns, whereof the most part were taken and re-taken in the late Wars. Barcelona, the Capital City, has good Edifices, by reason of the conveniency it has of being furnished with Stone from Mount-Juy. Tarragona, whereof the greatest part of Spain has born formerly the Name, is more Ancient and Strong than it is Beautiful. Tortosa upon the end of the Ebre. The French gained, near this Town, a famous Victory over the Sarazens in the time of Charlemain. Larida has susteined several Sieges, and seen several Battels fought in our time; Caesar formerly defeated, near this place, Aframius and Petreius of Pompey's Party. Gironne is a Principality, whereof the Eldest Sons of the Kings of Aragon bore the Title. Cordene, a famous Dutchy, has a Mountain of Salt, which seems of all sorts of Colours, but becomes white when it is pounded. Problet, a rich Monastery, was the Sepulchre of the King's of Aragon: That of our Lady, at Montferrat, is known for its great Solitude, for its Pilgrimages, and the Presents that are made there. Roses, the strongest and most important of the Sea-Towns.

The Isles of Majorca and Minorca, are the ancient Baleares, where the Inhabitants were heretofore as good Slingers, and great Pyrats, as it this day. They obliged their Children to fight for their Break-fast with their Slings; notwithstanding their activity, they were constrain'd to demand help of Augustus against the Rabbets, which harassed their Country. The Books of Raymundus Lullius are read and studied in the University of Majorca, as Aristotle's, Des-Cartes's are in other places. The Isle of Minorca has good Havens, whereof the most considerable is that of Mahon, with Avenues, well Fortified. The Territory of Yvica has this particularity of killing Serpents, which are in great numbers in the Isle Formentera.

Aragon has no good Towns but Saragossa. Ainsa and Benavari have been the Capita•s of two small Kingdoms, Sobrarbe and Ribagorce: Monzon is a place where the States of Aragon did formerly assemble.

Navarre consists in six Merindades or Governments, whereof the Capital is Pamplune. There is, on this side the Pyrenees, one of those Governments, which is call'd of Low-Navarre, in the hands of the French King. The French say, That the Genealogy-Table shews the Rights, which his most Christian Majesty has over the Kingdom of Navarre, which was Usurp'd from his Predecessors about the Year 1512. without any other ground than that of Vis & Arma.

Old-Castile has receiv'd its Name from a Castle, whose Figure is seen in the first Quarter of the Arms of the King of Spain. Burgos is the Metropolitan City thereof, with a strong Castle and a fine Church. Valladolid has been the abode of the Kings: the Ruins of the ancient Numantia are still seen towards the Sources of the Donere near Soria, where is kept the Great Standard of the Kingdom. The Inhabitants of Calahorre were formerly in such esteem for their Fidelity and Loyalty, that the Emperor Augustus Caesar chose his Life-Guard out of those People. Both Castiles, as well as all the other Inland Provinces, are extraordinary full of Mountains.

New-Castile has the Capital Cities of the Kingdom, Madrid and Toledo. Madrid is adorn'd with beautiful Fabricks, as being the most usual Seat of the King. Toledo is very ancient, in the midst of Spain, where some Gothick Kings had then their abode. Its Clergy is reckoned the richest of Christendom; the Swordblades which are made in this Town are in very great esteem. The Escurial, standing seven or eight Leagues from Madrid, passes, amongst the Spaniards, for an eighth Wonder of the World; it costing, King Philip the Second, above twenty Millions of Gold; but 'tis true, that this expence was not extraordinay for a Prince, who is said to have spent above seven hundred Millions of Gold during his Reign. In the Year 1671. this admirable House was very much endamaged by a Fire. Badajox is upon the Frontier of Portugal in Estramadura. The small Territory of la Manche is made the Native Country of Don Quixot.

The Kingdom of Leon was the first, which the Christians did establish after the Invasion of the Moors. Its Town, of the same Name, has a Cathedral Church renowned for its Beauty: That of Toledo is esteemed for its Riches, of Sevil for its Bigness, of Salamanca for its Strength. The City of Salamanca has a Celebrated University, which has the Priviledg of Teaching the Hebrew, Greek, Arabick and Chaldean Tongues. Mention is made of the Vallies of Vatuegas, Inhabited by a kind of Patoacas, or Savage People, never heard of in Spain before the late discovery of 'em in the Mountains of the Kingdom of Leon. The occasion this: An Hawk of the Duke of Alva's, which he very much valued, flew over those Mountains, and his Man not being able to find her at first, they were sent back by the Duke to seek her. Clambring from one Hill to another, they hapned, at last, upon a large and pleasant Valley, where they spied a Company of Naked, Savage People, hemm'd about amongst many Craggy Rocks; the Savages, gazing a while upon them, ran into their Caves, made in the hollows of the Rocks, the best Houses they had; which being observed by the Falconers, they return again to their Lord, telling him, that instead of a Falcon, they had brought him news of a new World in the midst of Spain, and of a Race of People which came in with Tubal, so strongly affirming what they said, that they obtained belief. And the Duke, shortly after, went with a parcel of Musketeers, and subdued them easily, they having no offensive Weapons but only Slings. They Worshiped the Son and Moon, fed upon nothing that had life, but had good store of excellent Fruits, Roots, and Springs of Water, wherewith Nature was well contented. And though their Language was not altogether understood, yet many of their Words were purely Basquish. Reduced in this Discovery to Christianity, but easily discernable from all other Spaniards, by their tawny Complexions, occasioned by the reverberation of the Sun-beams from the Rocky Mountains, wherewith on all sides they are encompassed. The People must necessarily have been some remnant of the ancient Spaniards, who hid themselves amongst the Mountains for fear of the Romans: Their Language and Idolatry speak them to be such. For had they either fled from the Goths or Moors, there had been found some Cross, or other Monument of Christianity, as in other places; or some such mixture in their Speech, as would have savoured somewhat of the ancient Romans. The Duke of Alva, by whose means this Valley was discover'd, was the same, who, out of Vanity, had himself call'd an whole Army, composed of one sole Person.

The other States of the King of Spain are near France, part of Flanders. In Italy, the Dutchy of Milan, Final, Orbitelle, the protection of Piombin, of Portolongon: The Kingdoms of Naples, of Sicily, of Sardinia: Oran, Marsalquivir, Melille, Pennon de Velez, Ceuta, along the Coasts of Barbary upon the Mediterranean, the Isle of Pantaralee. The greatest part of America: Several Islands and Places in the East and West-Indies.

1695. Thesaurus geographicus a new body of geography by Abel Swall and Tim. Child.

SPAIN, Hispania, in General.

THIS Kingdom is the most Western of Europe; comprehending Portugal, which heretofore was only a Province thereof, but at present composeth a separated State. And indeed it was call'd Hesperia by the Grecians, on the account of its Westerly Situation. But the Romans term'd it at first Iberia, from Iberus, or Ebro, one of its principal Rivers. And others derive its Latin NAME Hispania, from the City of Hispalis, or Sevil.

The Continent of Spain lies in form of a large Peninsula, resembling an Oxe-Hide extended on the Ground, the Neck of which is joyn'd to France; bounded on the North by the Cantabrian Ocean, or Sea of Biscay; on the South, by the Streights of Gibraltar, and the Mediterranean Sea; on the East, by the same Sea, and the Pyrenaean Mountains; and on the West, by the Atlantick or Western Ocean. It is situated between the 7th. deg. and 22d. min. of Longitude, and between the 36th. and 40th. deg. of Latitude; stretching it self forth from East to West for the space of about 630 Miles; that is to say, from Cape Creus in Catalonia, to Cape Finis-Terrae in Gallicia: As also about 480 Miles in Breadth, from Gibraltar at the Streights-mouth in Andalusia, to Cape Penna's in Asturia.

The Air is generally clear, though somewhat hot; and very healthful, by reason of gentle Breezes that come from the Sea-coasts. Neither are the Inhabitants annoy'd with Bogs, or Marshy Grounds. However, the Temperature of the Air is not every where the same; for it is much colder toward the North, and other Parts expos d to the Ocean.

The excessive Heats in many Places render the Soil dry and barren; which nevertheless would be much more fertile, if it were duly cultivated. The Inland Provinces are, for the most part, destitute of Water, beset with Woods, Forests, Rocks and Desarts; but the Southern being water'd with many Rivers, and rising up here and there with Hills, affords good store of Provisions. Indeed, Corn and other Grains are wanting; but as a recompense for that defect, divers sorts of excellent Fruits are gather'd, more-especially Grapes and Olives, of which are made Wines and Oils of a most delicious Taste. There are also many Mines of Copper, Quicksilver, Tin, Iron, Lead, Vermillion, Gold and Silver; but the two last sorts have been spar'd since the Discovery of America. Moreover, this Country abounds in Cattle, chiefly good Horses: And the Tunny-Fishery affords a considerable Revenue; for one single Draught (as they say) sometimes amounts to the Summ of Thirty five or Forty Millions of Crowns. On the Coasts of Biscay are likewise taken Whales of an extraordinary bigness.

The principal Mountains are, 1. The Pyrenaean, which run 15 Miles in length, and bear different Names in divers Places. 2. The Mountains of Occa, formerly call'd Idubeda, that descend to the Mediterranean Sea toward T••tosa. 3. Oroxpeda, nam'd by the Inhabitants La Penna de los Enamorados, or The Lovers Rock. 4. Mount Culpe, or Ceuta, where Hercules's Pillars were heretofore erected, at the mouth of the same Streight. 5. Mount Ivi, near Barcelona, so nam d as it were the Mountain of the Jews, whose Sepulchres and Monuments are still to be seen there.

The Romans heretofore extracted vast Summs of Money out of the Mines of Asturia, Gallicia and Portugal, and immense Riches have been of late transported from the West-Indies into Spain; for it is reported, that it was computed, in the Year 1618, that those Regions, since they were descried unto that time, had yielded 1536 Millions of Gold; although the first Expence, defrayed for the carrying on of such an Enterprize, amounted only to 1200 Ducats, which were disburs d by a Secretary of State. Nevertheless, the Necessity whereby the Inhabitants of Spain are oblig'd to purchase foreign Merchandizes, exhausts the most part of their Gold and Silver; which caus'd Henry IV. King of France, to say, That the Pistoles of the Spaniards shewed their Wealth at home, and were a mark of their Poverty when carry'd any where else.

It is usually avouch'd in Spain, That the Wines of Valencia are most excellent; the Citrons, Oranges, and other Fruits of Castille; the Wool and Cattle of Estromadura and Aragon: and, That the Horses of Andalusia are the most beautiful and lively; those of Asturia the strongest; and those of Portugal the swiftest. Thus the Whales of the Coasts of Biscay are chiefly commended; the Tunnies of the Streights of Gibraltar; the rich Silver Mines of Villagutierra and Almadouar; the Copper and Iron of Alava, Biscay and Guipuscoa; the Quicksilver of Almadino; the Marble, Alabaster and Precious stones of the Mountains, and the Coral of the neighbouring Seas.

And Of the Cities, is commonly said, Mdrid the Royal; S•vil the Merchandizing; Gren••da the Great; Valencia the •air; Ba•celona the Rich; Saragossa the Content; Vallid•lia the Genteel; Toledo the Ancient; Compostello the Devout; and Salamanca the Learned.

The most remarkable Rivers of Spain are, 1. The Ebro, Iberus, which hath its Source in the Mountains of Old Castille, near Asturia; passeth through a Corner of Navarr; crosseth Aragon, and Sarragossa the Capital City of this Province, as also Tortosa in Catalonia; and at length dischargeth it self into the Mediterranean Sea. 2. The Guadalquivir; that is to say, the Great River, call d in Latin Boetis, ariseth from the Mountains of Murcia, runs through C•rd•••• and Sevil, and after having cross d Andalusia, falls into the Ocean, and the Bay of Cadiz, near the Fort of St. Lucar. 3. The Guadiano Anas, springs forth from the Mountains of New Castille, passeth almost through the whole Country, and having separated the little Kingdom of Algarva from the Province of Andalusia, disembogues it self into the Ocean. 4. The Tajo, Tagus, takes its rise in New Castille, on the Confines of Aragon, watereth the City of Toledo, traverseth Portugal, and falls into the Ocean beyond Lisbon. 5. The Durio, Durius, hath its Head in Old Castille, and runs through the Kingdom; together with those of Leon and Portugal. 6. The Minho, Minius, crosseth Gallicia from the North to the South-west, and at last, having divided the same Province from the Kingdom of Portugal, dischargeth it self into the Atlantick Ocean, five Leagues below the City of Tuy, near the Town of Caminha. 7. Arga, Aragus, the most remote River of Spain, riseth out of the Pyrenaean Mountains, in the Frontiers of Gascogne, ten Leagues from Bajona to the South; then flowing through Navarr, watereth the City of Pampeluna; and at length having receiv d the River Aragon in the Kingdom of the same Name, mixeth its Waters with those of the Ebro.

The River Ebro is in like manner styl d the most Famous; and the T•jo the most Considerable, by r•ason of its Golden Sands. The Guadiana runs under Ground for the space of a League. The Guadalquivir is the deepest: And the Ducro hath the greatest quantity of Fishes.

Spain is in general but very thinly Peopl d; for by the Discovery of the West-Indies, whither great numbers of its Inhabitants were sent, and the Expulsion of the Moors afterwards, a vast number of the Breeders were transplanted; and the Tyranny of the Inquisition, ever since, having deterr d those of other Nations to come and supply their Places, there must necessarily follow a great want of Procreation. To which may be added the Necessity they have been under of sending great numbers of Soldiers to Flanders, and other of this King's Dominions, by reason of the Wars he has been engag'd in.

The Soil is Mountainous and Barren in many Parts; and the Spaniards are so excessively Lazy, that they take no Pains to Improve it; so that except near the Towns, all is wild Country, and nothing but Rosemary, Juniper, Lavender, &c. is to be seen in the Fields.

The Temper of the People is very particular: They have generally great Capacities; but by a strange excess of Pride and Haughtiness, they are so swallow'd up in a Contempt of performing all Offices which they call mean, that their Talents lie hid, being through this Pride, and their natural Laziness, very seldom made use of. And this Pride is not confined to the Gentry only, but like an Epidemical Disease is spread through all: And even a Beggar had the Vanity to answer an Embassador that was willing to take her Son to be his Servant, I will not (said she) undervalue my Son so much; for who knows but he may one day be King of Spain. And a Cobler, upon his Death-bed, exhorted his Children, To take heed they did nothing to Disparage their Quality, or Dishonour their Family. The Mechanicks scorn to work, but upon meer Necessity; and never appear abroad but in their Cloaks and Swords; so that a foreign Minister mistook a Glasier that came to his Lodgings to mend his Windows, for a Grandée that came a Visiting: For these Fellows are careful to Ape the Gravity of the Gentry, and a Shoe-maker accosts a Man with as much State as a Lord does. The Menial Servile Offices all over Spain are perform'd by the French that come to live there, and make a shift to make good Fortunes out of the others Folly.

The Spaniards are in general very Temperate: Gluttony and Drunkenness they abhorr to that degree, that a Man that has been once drunk, is not allow'd to be a Witness. In Love and Hate they are most immoderate: They will run any hazard to obtain a Mistress, and never pardon a Man that has injur'd 'em: And even whole Families are commonly engag'd, and twenty Lives lost in a Quarrel that happen'd perhaps upon a slight Occasion; for, in Honour, the Son must hate his Father's Enemy, and the Nephew revenge his Uncle's Death, and so on from Generation to Generation.

They are constantly Jealous of their Wives, and therefore restrain them extremely; insomuch that the poor Women never stir abroad, but with a close Veil over 'em, and an Old Woman to watch them: But notwithstanding this, they find ways to deceive their Husbands, and in spight of all his Caution, enjoy their Lovers; for the Women are exceeding witty in managing an Intreague, and the Men impetuous in the pursuit of it: And because it is almost as difficult to Speak to a Woman, as to enjoy her, the Lovers have a very artful way of discoursing by Signs, so that the Matter shall be quite agreed on before they come together.

The Gentry are Men of great Honour, Courage and Civility; but by reason of their Pride and Laziness, perform but little. The Nobility have very large Estates, which however they never look after, but leave the management to their Steward, and by that means often run out: They maintain vast numbers of Servants, and have prodigious quantities of Plate in their Houses; and though they do not feast largely, 'tis common for 'em to have an hundred or an hundred and fifty Dishes, and eighty or an hundred dozen of Plates, with other Vessels in proportion, all of the finest Silver. Their Politick at Court is chiefly employ'd to gain a Government, whereof the King hath a great many in his disposal, and wherein they always make a Fortune; the Vice-Royalties, and other Posts that the Grandees are placed in, being exceeding profitable.

The Learning of the Spaniards cannot be praised, their Laziness does not permit 'em to read much; and by the Power of the Ecclesiasticks, they are not allow'd to read what they will; so that School-Divinity, Canon-Law, and the Old Philosophy, is the only Learning to be found in Spain. The chief Recreation of the young Gentry, is the Bull-fighting; which is perform'd at Madrid, Valencia, and other Places, very frequently: Where the young Hero, in the presence of his Mistress, and a vast number of Spectators, (even the King himself, once or twice a Year) enters the Lists, on Horse-back, attended by his Pages in great state; and having paid his Respects to the King, if present, next to his Mistress, and then to the rest of the noble Spectators, places himself to receive a wild Bull that is let out from a Stable, whereof the King himself has the Key, and delivers it in great state to some Nobleman to open the Door; and as soon as the Bull comes out, though he be already wild, he is enrag'd by little Darts thrown into his Skin by the Boys, and all in a fury immediately makes at the Knight; who, if he be dextrous or fortunate enough to conquer the Beast, is applauded; or if wounded, provided he have behav d himself couragiously, is carry'd off with much pity, and visited by the greatest Quality. Many of these Gentlemen do thus shew their Courage, and many Bulls are kill'd before the Sport ends, which is commonly three or four Days.

In Habits the Spaniards are constant to the same Fashion, which are a Doublet, a short Coat or Vest, with a short Cloak, straight Breeches, and a long Sword: The Colour of their Cloaths is commonly Black, as being grave; and for that same reason they wear Spectacles upon their Noses, even in the Streets; and young Folks too, to comply with the Humour, wear 'em.

The Religion of Spain is that of the Roman Church in its utmost Bigottry; which is supported by the rigid Court of Inquisition, wherein certain Priests and Monks Judge and Condemn to the Flames all Persons whatsoever that by any Act or Word oppugn the Doctrine of their Church.

The Celtae were the first People that were predominant in this Region, and from thence was deriv'd the Name of Celtiberians; as if one should say, Celtae, dwelling near the River Iberus. Afterward, the Phoenicians and Carthaginians seiz d on the most Southern Parts; but were expell'd by the Romans, who possess'd Spain ever since the taking of the City of Carthage. Upon the declining of their Empire, the Goths, Vandals, Suevians, Alanes and Silingians took up their Habitation in this Country, and shar'd it among them; until after many Revolutions, the Goths remain'd the absolute Masters thereof. Vallia their King first fixed his Abode here, A. C. 476. and under the Reign of Roderic, the Moors were sent for by Count Julian, whose Daughter had been deflowr'd by this Prince. At that time the Africans gain'd many Victories, slew the unfortunate Roderic in battel, in 713, and compell'd the Goths to retire to the Mountains of Leon, Asturia and Gallicia. However, Don Pelagius founded a Kingdom there, in 717. Charles Martel defeated these Barbarians, A. C. 732, in France; and Charlemagne discomfited them in Spain, in 778. Insomuch that the Goths, inspir'd with new Courage, were excited to descend from the Mountains, and incessantly to attack these potent Africans, who for the space of seven or eight Centuries resisted the force of divers Nations. During this time, fourteen Kingdoms were form'd in Spain; which at length were reduc d to three, under the Names of those of Aragon, Castille and Portugal: But the two former were united, A. D. 1474. through the Marriage of Ferdinand of Aragon with Isabel the Heiress of Castille. These Princes, who were styl d the Kings, and drave the Moors out of Grenada, oblig'd Joanna, one of their Daughters, to marry Philip of Austria, Duke of Burgundy: So that Charles begotten 〈◊〉 this Marriage inherited these Kingdoms; and after the death of Ferdinand his Grand-Father, in 1516, succeeded to that of Arragon. Moreover, Philip II. the Son of this last, made himself Master of Portugal, after the decease of Don Sebastian, in 1578. And his Successor enjoy'd the same Title during fifty two Years, until the States of Portugal chose John IV. of the House of Braganza, for their King, in 1640. Thus the whole Continent of Spain, excepting Portugal, is govern'd at this day by one King.

Besides this Kingdom, which is almost as large as that of France, the same Monarch possesseth in Italy those of Naples, Sicily and Sardinia; the Dutchy of Milan; the Marquisate of Finch and Orbitello: He hath also the Protection of Piombino and Portolongone, in the Isle of Elba: He is Lord of part of the Low-Countries, and of the Island Pantalarea; together with the Places Oran, Ceuta, Marsalquivir, Melilla, Penon de Velez, Mahmora, and Larache, on the Coasts of Barbary. Moreover, the greater part of America depends on his Jurisdiction; as also the Canaries, to the West of Biledulgerid; and the Philippine Islands of Asia, toward the East: Insomuch that some of the Kings of Spain have been told, That the Sun never sets in their Dominions, by reason that they had Territories throughout all the Regions of the World.

The Roman Catholick Religion alone hath been predominant in Spain since the taking of Grenada from the Moors; on which account Pope Alexander VI. conferr'd the Sirname of Catholick on Ferdinand V. whose Successors have always retain'd this specious Title, and erected a severe Court of Inquisition here, against those that are call'd Hereticks.

There are reckon'd up in this Kingdom eight Archbishopricks, and forty five or forty eight Bishops; or (if we include Portugal) eleven Archbishopricks, and fifty six Bishopricks: twenty five thousand Parishes; eighty seven Houses of Jesuits under four Provinces, and about two thousand one hundred and seventy three Monks; fifteen famous Universities; and twenty four Dutchies. There are also seven Military Orders, viz. The 1st. Of Malta. The 2d. Of St. James. The 3d. Of Alcantara. The 4th. Of Calatrava. The 5th. Of Jesus Christ. The 6th. Of St. James of Portugal. The 7th. Of Avis, whereto is allotted a Revenue of two millions of Crowns. About eight millions of Souls may be found at present in Spain: And fifteen several Councils are there distinguish'd, viz. 1. The Council of State: 2. That of War: 3. The Royal, or that of Castille: 4. That of Arragon: 5. That of Italy: 6. That of the Indies: 7. That of the Orders: 8. That of the Chamber: 9. That of the Treasury: 10. That of the Discharges: 11. That of the Crosade: 12. That of the Inquisition: 13. That of Navarre: 14. That of Policy: 15. That of Conscience. And two Courts of Chancery.

Of the KINGS that have Reign'd in Spain.

THE Visigoth Kings have Reign'd in this Country from the Year of our Lord 412,

The Suevish Monarchs have been Masters of Ga•••• and some other Provinces, from A. C. 409, until 585. There have also been Kings of Arragon, Castille, Leon, Navarre, and Portugal.

All the Provinces of Spain were re-united under the Reign of Ferdinand V. King of Arragon, who •ucceeded John II. A. D. 1479, and took to Wife Isabel Queen of Leon and Castille. One of their Daughters, nam'd Joanna, was marry'd to Philip of Austria.

A Chronological Succession of the KINGS of SPAIN.

This Chronology consists in marking the Visigoth Princes who have borne Sway in these Countries, from A. C. 412, until 713; and in distinguishing them from the Suevian Kings that were Lords of Gallicia, and some other Provinces, from A. C. 409, until 585. The other Monarchs are recited under the Name of those of Arragon, Castille, Leon, Navarre, and Portugal; and thus they may be All divided into Three Principal Branches, and are as follows:

The First Branch.

The Visigoth Kings.

	Elected A. C.	Reigned Y.
1 ATaulphus	412	3
2 Sigeric	415	7 Months.
3 Vallia	416	13
4 Theodoric I.	429	22
5 Thorismund	451	2
6 Theodoric II.	453	13
7 Evaric	466	18
8 Alaric	484	23
9 Gasalick	507	4
10 Theodorick	511	15
11 Amalarick	526	5
12 Theudis, or Theudas	531	17
13 Teudisclus, or Theodisilus	548	1
14 Agila, or Aquilanus	549	5
15 Athanagild	554	13
16 Lewa, or Lieuba I.	567	1
17 Lewigild	568	10
18 Recaredus I.	586	15
19 Lewa, or Lieuba II.	601	2
20 Vileric	603	7
21 Gondomer	610	2
22 Sisibut	612	9
23 Recaredus II.	621	3 Months.
24 Suintilla I.	621	10
25 Sisenanda	631	5
26 Suintilla II.	636	4
27 Tulca, or Tulgus	640	2
28 Clinidas Vintrius	642	7
29 Richesuindus	649	23
30 Vamba	672	8
31 Ervigus	680	7
32 Egica, or Egega	687	14
33 Vitiza	701	9
34 Roderic	(Slain in 713)	3

The Second Branch.

The Suevian Kings.

	Elected A. C.	Reigned Y.
1 Ormeric	409	32
2 Rechila	440	7
3 Rechiarius	447	9
4 Maldras	456	4
5 Frumarius	460	3
6 Kemis-Mund	463	3
7 Theodemirus, or Ariamirus	558	11
8 Miron	569	12
9 Eburic	581	2
10 Andeca	583	2

The Third Branch.

The last Kings of Spain.

	Elected A. C.	Reigned Y.
1 Ferdinand V. and Isabel,	1474	30
2 Philip I. Archduke of Austria	1504	12
3 Charles I. and the V. of this Name, Emperor of Germany	1516	39
4 Philip II.	1555	43
5 Philip III.	1598	23
6 Philip IV.	1621	44
7 Charles II.	1665	now Reigning.

SPAIN in Particular.

THE first Division of Spain was made by the Romans into Hispania Citerior, or the Hithermost; and Ʋlterior, or the more Remote, with respect to the City of Rome. But afterward they constituted Three Provinces, viz. Boetica, Tarroconensis, and Lusitanica: The second of these was the largest, and comprehended the Kingdoms of Navarre, Castille, and Arragon. The whole Continent is at present divided into Fifteen Principal Provinces, almost all of which have borne the Title of a Kingdom; as it may be observ'd in the ensuing Table.

• SPAIN divided into Fifteen Provinces,
  • Five on the Ocean,
    • Biscay in Three,
      • Biscay, properly so call'd,
        • BILBOA, the Capital City.
      • ...Guipuscoa,
        • St. Sebastian.
      • ...Alava,
        • ...Victoria.
    • ...Asturia,
      • ...Oviedo.
    • ...Gallicia,
      • St. James of Compostello, Archb.
    • ...Portugal,
      • Lisbon, Arch
    • ...Andalusia,
      • Sevil, Arch.
  • Five on the Mediterranean,
    • ...Grenado,
      • Grenado, Ar.
    • ...Murcia,
      • ...Murcia.
    • ...Valencia,
      • Valencia, Ar.
    • ...Catalonia,
      • Barcelona, Bish.
    • Islands in four principal
      • ...Majorca,
        • ...Majorca.
      • ...Minorca,
        • ...Porto Maon.
      • ...Yvisa,
        • ...Yvisa.
      • ...Formontera,
  • ...Navarre,
    • Pampeluna, or Pamplona, Bish.
  • ...Arragon,
    • ...Sarragossa.
  • Old Castille,
    • Burgos; Ar.
  • New Castille, in Two,
    • Castille, properly so call'd,
      • Madrid, the Capital of the Kingdom.
    • ...Estramadura,
      • ...Badajox.

BISCAY, or La Vizcaia.

THIS Province is bounded on the North by the Cantabrian Ocean, call'd from thence the Sea of Biscay; on the South, by Old Castille; on the East, by Navarre, French Biscay, or Gascogne, and the Country of Bearn; and on the West, by Asturia. It also resembleth the Figure of a Rhomb, or Quarry of Glass; the two acute Angles being in length, from East to West, about 120 miles; and 74 from North to South. The Air is extremely temperate, by reason of the adjacent Mountains; but the Soil rough and stony, neither producing Corn nor Grapes, yet a great quantity of Apples, of which is made an excellent sort of Cyder. A very considerable Traffick is here establish'd for Iron and Steel digg'd out of the Mines of this Country; insomuch that 'tis reported that a Hundred thousand Quintals, or Hundred Pound weight of that Metal are forg'd there every Year, either in Arms, Nails, Iron Instruments for Vessels, or Barrs, and transported throughout all the Coasts of Europe. Moreover, the Forests abound with Grapes, and afford much variety of Game. Lastly, The Province is water'd by two Rivers, viz. that of the Nervia, which traverseth it from South to North; and that of Bidassoa, famous for the Isle of Pheasants, where a Treaty of Peace was concluded between Spain and France, A. D. 1659.

• BILBOA, Cap. in Biscay properly so called.
• Durango, in Biscay properly so called.
• S. Andero, in Biscay properly so called.
• Laredo, in Biscay properly so called.
• VICTORIA, Cap. in Alava.
• Salvatierra, in Alava.
• St. SEBASTIANO, Cap. in Guipuscoa.
• Fontarabia, in Guipuscoa.
• Placentia, in Guipuscoa.
• Tolosa, in Guipuscoa.

BILBOA, Flaviobriga, in the Latit. of 43 deg. 24 min. and the Longit. of 16 deg. 30 min. is seated on the River Nervio, or Ybay-Cabal, at the distance of 2 Leagues from the Sea. It is considerable on the account of its Merchandizes, and well built in a fertile Country. It is situated among Hills, and is a large and rich Place: very famous it is for all sort of Armour and Weapons, the Bilboa Blades being noted all over Europe. This Place stands 48 Miles West of St. Sebastian; and 200 almost North of Madrid, the Metropolis of this Kingdom.

The City of St. SEBASTIANO is a noted Port of Guipuscoa, distant about 48 Miles from Bilboa to the East.

VICTORIA, the Metropolis of the little Country of Alava, was founded A. D. 1180, and stands on a small Hill at the distance of 40 Miles from Bilboa to the South; as also 65 from Burgos to the North-east. About 8 or 10 Miles East of St. Sebastian stands Fontarabia, a very strong Place, upon the Frontiers of France: It is so seated by the Sea, that at Low-water it is easily enter'd; but at High-water surrounded with the Sea; and so fortify'd, that a few Men may defend it against a great Army; so that it is the Key to that side of Spain.

ASTURIA or LAS ASTURIAS, Asturae or Asturiae.

THIS Province is situated on the Cantabrian Ocean, between Gallicia to the West, Leon to the South, and Biscay and Castille to the East. Its Extent is about 135 miles long from East to West, and 60 from North to South. It is a Principality of the Kingdom of Castille; but the Country is not very fruitful, as being cover'd with Mountains, and not much inhabited. In the VIIIth. Century, the Christians, persecuted by the Saracens, fled for refuge to the Forests of Asturia, and chose Don Pelagius for their King, who defeated those Infidels, in the Year 717. There are found here generous Wines: many Mines of Gold, Azure and Vermilion; and excellent Horses. The whole Province is usually divided into Two Parts, viz. Asturia of Oviedo toward the West, and Asturia of Santillana toward the East.

We here meet with these Cities and Towns:

• OVIEDO, Bish. and Cap.
• ...Sant-Illana.
• ...Aviles.
• ...Villa Viciosa.
• ...Kibadesella.
• ...Llanes.

The City of OVIEDO, Ovietum, in the Latit. of 43 deg. and the Longit. of 23 deg. 18 min. stands between the Mountains on the little River of Deva, with an University and Episcpal See suffragan to that of Compostella. It ought also to be observ'd, That the City and Port of St. Andrew, or St. Andero, which heretofore appertain'd to the Jurisdiction of Biscay, is now united to that of the Asturia of Santillana, together with the Town of Llanes. This Place stands 124 miles North-west of Burgos, 128 East of Compostello, 48 North-west of Leon, and 210 almost North-west of Madrid.

GALLICIA or Galizia, Gallaecia.

THE Province of Gallicia hath the Atlantick-Ocean for its Northern and Western Bounds, lying between Asturia and Leon to the East, and Portugal to the South. The utmost Length thereof, from the Northwest to the South-east, includes 170 miles; and its utmost Breadth is about 140 miles. This Country heretofore extended it self much farther, under the Name of a Kingdom; but at present comprehends only 6 Episcopal Cities, and 41 Ports. The Air is extremely temperate and moist, but not very healthful, by reason of a great number of Springs of hot Water that arises in many Places. The Soil, which consists partly of Mountains, and partly of Valleys, doth not bring forth Corn nor Olives, nevertheless abounds in delicate Vineyards and Woods. There are also found Mines of Gold, Copper, Lead, Iron and Vermilion. Moreover, the River of Cilinca hath golden Sands; and the adjacent Countries afford numerous herds of small Cattle, more-especially Horses and Mules that run with incredible swiftness; which gave occasion to the Ancients to say, That they were engender'd of the Wind, as those of Portugal. The principal Rivers of Gallicia are the Minho, the Avia, the Silla, the Cilinca, the Miranda, the Tambra or Tamara, and the Ʋllae. On the Northern Coasts of the Province lies Corunna, the most renowned Port of Spain; and the Cape of Finis Terrae, or the Lands-end, on the Western.

The most Considerable Cities and Towns are these:

• COMPOSTELLA, Archb. and Cap.
• Lugo, Bish.
• Mondonedo, Bish.
• La Corunna, Port and Bish.
• Tuy, Bish.
• Orense, Bish.
• ...Serreal.
• ...Bayona.
• ...Finis-Terrae.
• ...Mongia.
• ...Elpadron.
• ...Viana.
• ...Monterei.

COMPOSTELLA, call'd in Latin Brigantium, or Janasum; and by the Spaniards, St. Jago de Compostella, together with its University and Metropolitan See, in the Latit. of 42 deg. 36 min. and the Longit. of 10 deg. 48 min. is situated between the Rivers of Ʋlla and Tambra, or Tamara. It is reported that the Archbishop hath a Revenue of Fifty thousand Crowns, and his Chapter as much. Here is erected a most famous Hospital for Pilgrims; and the Church of St. James, the most renowned of the whole Kingdom, which was founded by Alfonsus sirnam'd the Chaste, A. C. 815, in the same place where the Relicks of this Apostle were found by Bishop Theodomirus, the Image of St. James set up on the High-Altar being always illuminated with fifty Tapers of white Virgin-wax, and three Silver Lamps. Pope Calixtus II. who had a particular Veneration for the same Saint, translated the Right of a Metropolis hither, A. D. 1124. from Merida, which had before enjoy'd this Privilege, and Ordain'd eleven Suffragan Bishops, without reckoning that of Placentia, which hath been since added. Here is a small Castle, and an University; the City standing 78 miles North of Bruga, 155 West of Leon, 256 North of Lisbon, and 285 North-west of Madrid.

The City of Lugo, Lucus Augusti, Turris Augusti, or Arae Sextianae, stands on the left-side of Minho, and is endow'd with an Episcopal See under the Metropolitan of Compostella. It is very ancient, and was taken by the Moors; but King Alfonsus recover'd it out of their Hands, A. C. 753. There are found here certain Fountains of hot and boiling Water. This Place stands about 32 miles almost South of Mondonedo, 58 almost West of Oviedo, and 72 East of Compostella.

Orense, Auria, Amphilochia, or Aquae Calidae, is in like manner seated on the left-side of Minho. It hath also obtain'd the Title of a Bishoprick subject to the Jurisdiction of a Metropolitan See of the Province, and is very famous on the account of its hot Waters, which are endued with a soveraign virtue for the curing of divers sorts of Diseases, and are very useful to Tanners, and other Artificers. It stands about 47 miles almost South-west of Lugo, and 54 South-east of Compostella.

Mondonedo, Mindon, Mindonia, or Glandomirum, stands between the Mountains on a small River, and is a suffragan Bishoprick to that of Compostella. It is a small Town, and not well peopled: It stands about 70 miles almost West of Oviedo, and 72 North-east of Compostella.

La Corunna, Coronium, or Adrobicum, is a renowned Sea-Port situated in a Gulf in the Northern Coasts, and the Seat of a Bishop who depends on the Archbishop of Compostella. This Place we call the Groyne, being strong, rich, and full of People. It stands upon a Peninsula, and is almost surrounded by the Sea; being about 14 miles West of Betancos, and 34 North of Compostella.

Tuy is a City built near the right-side of the Minho, and dignify'd with an Episcopal See subject to the Metropolitan of Compostella, from whence it is distant about 48 miles to the South.

ANDALUSIA, Vandalusia.

THIS Province comprehends almost the whole ancient Boetica, and is bounded with Grenado on the East; Portugal on the West, where the River Guadiana separates it from Algarve; Estramadura and New Castille on the North; and by the Ocean and Mediterranean Sea on the South. The River of Guadalquivir divides it into two parts through its course from East to West as far as Sevil; and flowing from thence to the South-west, at length falls into the Ocean. Its greatest length may amount to 286 miles; and its greatest breadth to 140: the Sea-coasts being extended for the space of 15 miles on the Ocean, 30 on the Streight, and 30 on the Mediterranean Sea. Indeed, Andalusia is the most fertile Province of Spain, and on that account is commonly call'd the Granary and Store-house of the Kingdom: Its Name is deriv'd from the Vandals, who setled themselves in the Vth. Century. Afterwards, the Moors in like manner took Possession of this Country, and founded therein the two Kingdoms of Cordoua and Sevil: But Ferdinand III. joyn'd them to Castille, after having taken the former in the Year 1236, and the other in 1248. The Horses of Andalusia are much esteem'd, by reason of their beauty, and extreme swiftness. In the neighbouring Territories of Sevil are entire Forests of Olive-Trees, from whence are extracted every Year 60000 Quintals of Oil: they also afford good store of Venison, Fowl, Honey, Wax, Sugar, Silk, Cotten, Canvass, and all sorts of Fruits. Moreover, there are found Mines of Silver, Copper, Lead, Quicksilver, Vermilion, Antimony; and near Moron, one of Loadstone: besides great quantities of excellent Salt, which are here made. The Tunny-Fishery on the Coasts of Cadiz yields every Year to the Duke of Medina Sidonia the Summ of 100000 Crowns, and both these last Commodities are transported into England and Italy. However, Water is wanting in many Places, together with Provisions, insomuch that Travellers are often met with in the Roads dead of hunger and thirst. The principal Rivers are the Guadalquivir, the Xenil, the Guadalete, the Tinto, and the Odiel.

The most considerable Cities and Towns are these:

• SEVIL, Archb. & Cap.
• Cordoua, Bish.
• Cadiz, Bish.
• Jaen, Bish.
• Medina Sidonia, a Dutchy.
• St. Lucar.
• Gibraltar, a Fortr.
• ...Xeres de la Frontera.
• Eciza, a City.
• ...Monte-major.
• ...Anduxar.
• ...Baeza.
• Arcos, a Dutchy.
• Ascala Niebla, a Dutchy.

SEVIL, Hispalis ad Boetim, or Hispal, in the Latit. of 37 deg. and the Longit. of 13 deg. 8 min. situated on the River Guadalquivir, is the Largest City of Spain, after Madrid the most Rich, and the See of an Archbishop. It is almost of a round figure, enclos'd with a great number of magnificent Palaces, stately Churches, and spacious Courts, every one of which hath Fountains whereto the Waters are convey'd through an Aqueduct 5 or 6 Leagues distant from the Town. The Cathedral Church is extremely large, the length thereof consisting of 160 Paces, and the breadth of 100, being environ'd round about with Chapels, and having a fair Quire, together with a very rich Vestry. The Archbishop hath a Revenue of 100000 Crowns, and the Chapter another of 120000. Here is also erected an University, a Court of Inquisition; and the Golden Tower, that is to say, the Office of the Mint. And indeed, this and Segoria are the only Cities of Spain where Gold and Silver Coins are stampt. Moreover, all the Riches of America are transported hither, and part of those of the East-Indies: For it is reported, that in the Treasury of the Indies, call'd by the Spaniards La Caza de la Centratacion de las Indias, the Accompt amounts Yearly to above 30 Millions: which gave occasion to the common Proverb throughout Spain, Qui en no ha vista Sevilla, no ha vista Maravilla; He that hath not seen Sevil, hath not seen a Place full of wonderful Rarities. This City, though one of the finest in Spain, is of late much decayed, and still decays more and more, the Trading being most remov'd to Cadiz; the reason whereof is, because they pay about 27 per Cent. for all Merchandizes here, and but 4 or 5 per Cent. at Cadiz. This City stands about 56 miles off the Sea, 100 North of the Streight•-mouth, 130 West of Granada, 175 almost South-east of Lisbon, and 210 South-west of Madrid.

Cordoua, Corduba, in the Latit. of 37 deg. 18 min. and the Longit. of 14 deg. 42 min. is in like manner seated on the Guadalquivir, in a Plain at the distance of 68 miles from Sevil to the East, and dignify'd with an Episcopal See under the Metropolitan of Toledo. It was heretofore the Capital City of a Kingdom of the same Name establish d by the Moors, who built there a very magnificent Mosque, which is at present the Cathedral-Church, to the Bishop whereof is allotted a Revenue of 40000 Crowns. This City is also famous for the Birth of the two Seneca's, the Philosopher and Poet; and for that of the Poet Lucan: having also of late produc'd the valiant Captain Gonzales, Juan de Mena the Spanish Poet, and Ambrosia Morales the Historian. Moreover, those renowned Physicians Avicenna and Averroes were for some time Professors of that Science here, and the adjacent Countries are extremely fruitful.

CADIZ or Cales, Gaditanus Sinus, in the Latit. of 36 deg. and the Longit. of 12 deg. 42 min. was founded by the Tyrians on the Western part of the Island of the same Name, and is at present the Seat of a Bishop subject to the Metropolitan of Sevil, from whence it is distant about 66 miles to the South, as also 15 from the mouth of the River Quadalquivir and 52 from Gibraltar to the North-west, having a most capacious Harbour very convenient for the reception of all sorts of Vessels that arrive therein from all the Regions of the World. A very considerable Fishery for Tunnies is here establish'd, from the 1st. day of May, until the 15th. of June. Here are also as yet to be seen the Pillars of Hercules, which the Ancients believ'd to have been erected in the most remote Western part of the World. This City, situated in a spacious Plain, abounding with excellent Wines, and divers sorts of Fruits, is well fortify'd with firm Walls, strong Bastions, a sufficient quantity of Artillery, and four or five Forts commanding the Sea; nevertheless, it was taken and sackt in one Day by the English Fleet, under the Conduct of Charles Lord Effingham, Robert Earl of Essex, and Sir Walter Raleigh, A. D. 1596.

the Island City & Port of CADIS. A scale of a Mile

Gibraltar, Calpe, a small, but fortify'd Town of Andalusia, is seated at the foot of a Mountain of the same Name, call'd in Arabick, Gibel Tarick, that is to say, Mount Tarick, and hath a capacious Harbour on the Mediterranean-Sea, from thence termed the Streight of Gibraltar, where (as it was believ'd by the Ancients) stood one of the famous Pillars of Hercules; the other being erected over-against it, on Abyla, or Alybe, a Mountain of Mauritania, at present nam'd by the Spaniards La Sierra de las Monas, from which it is distant 15 Miles, or 4 Spanish Leagues, to the North; 33 Miles from Tangier; 52 from Cadiz to the South-east; and 4 Miles from the Ruins of Heraclea, or Gibraltar Veijo. Lastly, this Town is defended with a very strong Tower; and near it died Alphonsus XI. King of Castille, A. D. 1350. It is built upon a Rock in a Peninsula, and the Castle stands on the highest part of the Rock.

Jaen, Gennium, or Gienna, stands on the River of Frio, and is 18 Miles South-west of Baeza▪ 22 almost North of Granada, 120 East of Seville, and 150 South of Madrid. This City was heretofore the Metropolis of a Kingdom, as well as those of Sevil and Cordoua, and as yet enjoys an Episcopal See under the Archbishoprick of Sevil. Here also died Ferdinand IV. King of Castille, A. D. 1312.

The Kingdom of GRANADA, Regnum Granatense.

THIS Country, so call'd from its Capital City, is a part of the ancient Province of Boetica, being bounded on the South by the Mediterranean; on the West and North, by Andalusia, and part of Old Castille; and on the East, by the Kingdom of Murcia, and the same Mediterranean Sea. Its utmost extent, from West to East, consists of about 220 Miles; as also from North to South, of 70; and the Sea-coasts, without comprehending the little Gulfs, include 280. The Air is serene and temperate; and the Soil is not so full of Hills, nor so dry as other Places of Spain, but brings forth delicious Fruits, particularly excellent Melons, Figs, Raisins, and other good Commodities, viz. Honey, Wax, Sugar, Silk, &c. Great quantity of Confits and Syrups are made here, and many Jacynths, Granates, and other Precious-stones found. Lastly, A vast number of Sardins are caught on these Coasts, whilst the Springs and Brooks afford Waters endued with a singular virtue for the curing of divers Maladies: The principal Rivers are, the Xenil, the Darro that passeth to Granada, the Grevo which yields Gold, and the Guadalentin.

The chief Cities and Towns are these:

• GRANADA, Archb. and Cap.
• Guadix, Bish.
• Almeria, Bish.
• Malaga, Bish.
• Santafe, City.
• Loxa, City.
• Xonda, City.
• Baza, City.
• ...Alhama.
• ...Adra.
• ...Anteguera.
• ...Salobrenna.

GRANADA, Granatum, or Granata, in the Latit. of 37 deg. and the Longit. of 16 deg. extends it self along the Banks of the River Darro, partly on Hills, and partly in a Plain, at the distance of 84 Miles North-east of Malaga, 125 almost West of Murcia, 130 East of Seville, and 180 South of Madrid. It is reported to be the largest City of Spain, and the most commodious during the Summer, by reason of the purity of the Air, and the great number of Fountains therein included. It is also adorned with many stately Edifices, the Walls taking up 4 Leagues in compass, and being flank'd with 1030 Towers, together with their Battlements, 12 Gates, and above 2000 Springs. The City is usually divided into Four Parts; viz. 1. Granada: 2. Alhambra: 3. Albaizin: 4. Antiquerula. In the first and most delightful of those Quarters reside a considerable number of Noblemen, Ecclesiastical Persons, and rich Merchants, whose Houses are all extremely magnificent, and environ'd with spacious Gardens. Here also is erected the Cathedral Church, and the rich Chapel wherein lie interr'd the Bodies of Ferdinand and Isabel, who recover'd this City from the Moors: Near to which is an ancient Temple or Mosque of those African Infidels, and the Palace of the Chancery. The second Quarter, or the Alhambra, is situated on the top of an Hill, on which stands the sumptuous Palace of the Moorish Kings: Indeed, it resembles a large Town, is encompass'd with Walls fortify'd with 30 Towers, and may easily entertain 40000 Men for its defence. The In-side of the Palace is beautify'd with Jaspar and Porphyry, the Timber and Walls being gilt with divers Arabick and Mosaick Inscriptions: At the Entrance appears a curious Fountain, the Basin whereof, made of White Marble, is supported by twelve Lions: The Water, which spouts up very high, falling down again into the same Basin, runs through 365 Canals or Pipes, and forms as many Ponds, where the Kings and Queens of Granada were wont to refresh themselves during the excessive Heats of Summer. Moreover, here are to be seen the Royal Palace built by Philip II. which is in like manner a stately Pile of Building, and the Chapel of the Martyrs. The third Quarter is seated on two Hills full of Houses, and was formerly the usual Place of Residence of the Moors. The fourth and last Quarter is inhabited b• Silk-Weavers. In the time of King Buliagis this City consisted of 70000 Houses, and contain'd 200000 Persons; but at present it is not very populous, especially since the Expulsion of the Moors under the Reign of King Philip III. It was first taken from those Barbarians by Ferdinand V. A. D. 1492; and not long after dignify'd with an Archiepiscopal See, by Pope Alexander VI. A famous University was likewise founded therein by King Ferdinand.

Guadix, Guadicium, or Acci, is situated at the Head of the River Guadalentin: It was once a famous, but is now a declining City, standing 27 Miles East of Granada, and 43 North-west of Almeria. It is the Seat of a Bishop subject to the Metropolitan of Granada, and was conquer'd from the Moors by Ferdinand and Isabel, A. D. 1489.

Almeria, or Portus Magnus, lies near the Cape of Gates, on the Coasts of the Mediterranean Sea, in a fertile Country, having a capacious Harbour; and was so call'd from Almericus King of the Goths, who reign'd in Spain, A. C. 515, and was slain there (according to the Opinion of Mariana and Tarapha. This City is dignify'd with the Title of an Episcopal See, under the Jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Granada, from whence it is distant 65 Miles to the South-east, 36 almost East of Adra, and 48 South of Huesca. In the time of the Saracens it was the Royal Seat of a King nam'd Aben-Hut; and was taken from the Moors by Alphonsus King of Arragon, A. D. 1147.

Malaga, Malaca, another Sea-Port City, stands near the small River of Guadalquivirejo, at the distance of 62 Miles South of Cordoua, 70 North-east of Gibraltar, 84 South-east of Sevil, 90 East of Cadiz by Land, and 235 South of Madrid. It is defended with two strong Fortresses built on a Hill call'd El Alcazaba, and Gibralfaro by the Spaniards, and hath a Magazine well furnish'd with all sorts of Military Amunition; insomuch that for a long time it resisted the Forces of Ferdinand and Isabel, King and Queen of Arragon and Castille; but at length, after a tedious Siege, was constrain'd to submit to the Arms of those victorious Princes, A. D. 1487. An Episcopal See is also here establsh'd under the Metropolitan of Granada. But this City is more especially remarkable on the account of its famous Mart, and the adjacent Territories, for producing that excellent sort of generous Wine well known to us by the name of Malaga Sack.

The Kingdom of MURCIA, Murcianum Regnum.

THIS Province, deriving its Name from that of the Capital City thereof, as well as those of Granada, Valencia, and Leon, almost resembleth the form of a Lozenge, or Rhomb: so that it is bounded on the North-east by the Kingdom of Valencia; on the South-east by the Mediterranean Sea; on the South-west by the Kingdom of Granada; and on the North-west by New Castille. It is extended from North-west to South-east about 96 Miles, and from North-east to South-west 70 Miles. The Air is healthful; nevertheless, the Soil is not fruitful in Corn nor Wine: However, to make amends for this defect, it bringeth forth abundance of excellent Fruits, viz. Lemons, Citrons, Oranges, Olives, Almonds, Rice, Pears, Lentils, Broom, Sugar-canes, Honey, Silk, &c. Many Rocks of Alum, Amethysts and Cassidony are also found therein. This Kingdom was first founded and possess'd by the Moors, and fell under the Dominion of the King of Castille in the XIIIth. Century. The principal Rivers are the Segura; and the Guadalentin, that traverseth the Country from West to South-east. It seldom rains there, which often causeth a scarcity of Water.

The most remarkable Cities and Towns are these:

• MƲRCIA, Cap.
• Cartagena, Bish.
• ...Lorca.
• ...Caraveca.
• ...Almacaren.

The City of MƲRCIA, in the Latit. of 37 deg. 18 min. and the Longit. of 18 deg. 25 min. is seated in a verdant Plain on the River Segura, being distant 44 Miles South-west of Alicant, 86 almost South of Valencia, 125 East of Granada, and 194 South-east of Madrid. It was recover'd from the Moors by Alfonsus X. King of Castille, A. D. 1265. and is the usual Seat of the Bishop of Cartagena. Among other remarkable things, the Fabrick of the Steeple of the Cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary is much to be admir'd; for it is built after such a manner, that a Chariot may easily ascend to the Top thereof: And this Church contains above 400 Chapels. The City, which is divided into 7 Parishes, abounds in all sorts of delicate Fruits, and hath the fairest Gardens of the whole Continent of Spain.

Carthagena, Carthago Nova, and Spartaria, is situated in a pleasant Country, at the distance of 20 Miles from Murcia to the South, as many from the Promontory call'd El Cabo de Palos to the West, and 100 from Valencia to the South-west. Four things are chiefly to be observ'd here; viz. 1. The most famous and safe Harbour of the whole Kingdom of Spain: 2. The fishing for Mackerels, which is perform'd in a small Island over-against the Port: 3. The abundance of Rushes, or a sort of Spanish Broom, whereof Baskets and Hampers are made: 4. The Mines of Precious-stones. This City is very much enrich'd by Traffick, and defended with a strong Fort. Scipio Africanus heretofore made himself Master thereof, after a long Siege, during which, above 50000 Men were slain. It was also laid waste by the Vandals and Goths, about 600 Years after its first foundation; and lay in Ruins until King Philip II. caus'd it to be re-built, in 1570. Moreover, it is an Episcopal See under the Metropolitan of Toledo, but the Bishop thereof hath resided at Murcia ever since the Year of our Lord 1291.

Caravaca, Crux de Caravaca, is a Village seated amidst the Mountains, toward the Frontiers of New Castille, near the River Segura. Here is preserv'd a miraculous Wooden Cross, which (as it is commonly reported) was brought by an Angel to a certain Priest who was about to Officiate in the presence of a Moorish King, on the 3d. day of May, A. D. 1231.

The Kingdom of VALENCIA, Valentiae Regnum.

THE Country of Valencia, so nam'd from the Metropolis thereof, is bounded on the North by Arragon; on the South by Murcia, and the Mediterranean; on the East, by Catalonia, and the same Sea; and on the West, by New Castille. The Extent thereof, from South to North, includes 178 Miles, and 70 in its greatest Breadth from East to West. The Air is gentle and temperate at all times; however, this Region doth not afford much Corn, but abounds in Wine, Rice, Olives, Citrons, Oranges, Sugar, Silk, Flax, Canvass, and all sorts of Fruit-Trees laden with Flowers and Fruits throughout the whole Year, flourishing as it were in a continual Spring. There are also found several Mines of Gold, Silver, Iron, Alum and Alabaster in the Mountains; and great quantities of Fishes on the Sea-coasts, more-especially Tunnies, Shads, Eels, and Water-Fowls of divers sorts: A vast number of those Fishes are taken between Valencia and the Mouth of the River Xucar, in a kind of Gulf which is form'd by the Sea, and call'd Albufero. The most considerable Rivers are the Xucar, the Morviedro, the Segura, and the Millas. In Valencia the King of Spain can never impose Taxes, raise Soldiers, &c. without the Consent of the Three Estates; viz. 1. The Clergy: 2. The Nobility: And, 3. The Cities and Villages: And if any one of these refuse to consent, nothing can be done.

The chief Cities and Towns are these:

• VALENCIA, Archb. and Cap.
• Segorve, Bish.
• Origuella, Bish.
• Villa Hermosa, a Dutchy.
• ...Elche.
• ...St. Matheo.
• ...Benicardo.
• ...Alzira.
• ...Biar.
• ...Xativa.
• ...Alicante.
• ...Montesa.
• ...Marvi•dro.

The City of VALENCIA, Valentia Contestanorum, in the Latit. of 38 deg. 33 min. and the Longit. of 19 deg. 10 min. is of a round figure, and situated on the River Guadalaviar, within a Mile of the Sea, at the distance of 86 Miles North of Murcia, 130 South of Saragosa, 168 almost South-west of Barcelona, and 150 South of Madrid. It was founded by Junius Brutus, A. U. 616. and afterward call'd Julia Valentia. Pope Alexander VI. erected it into a Metropolitan See, A. D. 1492. whereas it was before only an Episcopal, subject to the Jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Toledo. Here is also establish'd an University, and the Court of the Vice-Roy and Noblemen of the Country. The Town-House; the Palace de la Ciuta, that of the Vice-Roy; the Monastery of St. Jerom, and divers Colleges, well deserve to be viewed by Strangers: But the Streets are very much clogg'd with Dirt during the Winter, and with Dust in the Summer, by reason that they are ill pav'd. The Kingdom of Valencia was founded by the Moors; but the famous Rodriguez Diaz, sirnam'd El Cid, took this Capital City from them in the XIth. Century, A. D. 1025. Nevertheless, those Infidels found means to surprize it again, not long after his Death; until James I. King of Arragon, recover'd it out of their Hands, together with the whole Country, in 1236, and caus'd it to be inhabited by divers Families of Christians. Moreover, the Traffick of Valencia is considerable: And the same City hath furnish'd the See of Rome with two Popes, viz. Calixtus III. nam'd Borgia; and Alexander VI. Lewcolio, call'd also Borgia.

Segorve, Segorvia, or Segobriga, seated on a River, is distant 27 Miles from Valencia to the North, and 7 from the Sea. It is a very little City, and ill built, yet dignify'd with the Title of an Episcopal See under the Metropolitan of Valencia.

Origuella, Orcelis, another small City, is in like manner the Seat of a Prelate, and subject to the Jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Valencia, from whence it is distant 78 Miles to the South, and 14 from Murcia, standing in a pleasant Valley on the Confines of the Kingdom of that Name.

Alicante, Alone, is a Sea-port Town, wherein a very great Commerce is maintain'd for Wine, and all other kinds of Fruits which the Country affords. It stands on the Foot of a Mountain, on which a strong Castle is erected, at the distance of 42 Miles North-east of Murcia, and 60 South of Valencia. The Road is extremely convenient for all sorts of small Vessels, in regard that this Haven not being very deep, cannot receive those of a larger size.

CATALUNNA, Catalonia, or Catalaunia.

THE Principality of CATALƲNNA, or Catalonia, which takes its Name from the Goths and Alans that setled themselves therein, is bounded on the North by the Pyrenaean Mountains, and the Provinces of Gascogne, Languedoc and Roussillon in France; on the South and East, by the Mediterranean Sea; and on the West, by the Kingdoms of Arragon and Valencia. It extends in Length, from East to West, about 180 Miles; and in Breadth, from North to South, about 130. The Air is gentle, healthful and agreeable: The Soil uneven and mountainous; nevertheless, very fruitful in Grains, Wine, Oil, Flax and Fruits. Many Cork-trees, Chesnut, and other Timber-trees fit for Building, grow therein; but no Sugar-Canes, nor Broom. Here also is found the Herb Escorzonera, of admirable Virtue for expelling Poyson, and curing the Distempers of the Eyes. Besides these, there are divers Mines of Gold, Silver, Iron, Vitriol and Salt; one of which, near Cardonna, is shadow'd after the manner of the Rainbow. Moreover, Amethysts, Onyx-stones, Alabaster, Azure, Crystal and Jasper are often dug out of the Mountains; and Coral out of the Rocks lying on the most Eastern-Coasts. The principal Rivers are the Ebro, the Segre, the Cinga, into which runs the Noguera Kibagorzana; the Noguera Palloresa, that proceeds from the Pyrenaean Mountains, and flows into the Segre; the Lobregat, which dischargeth it self into the Sea at the distance of 6 Miles from Barcelona; the Ter which passeth to Gironna, and the Ter to Perpignan. Under Catalonia are comprehended the Dutchies of Cardonna and Roussillon; the latter whereof appertains to the Jurisdiction of France; together with the Monastery of Monserrat, famous for the great number of Pilgrims that resort thither from all Parts. Charles Martel heretofore sent Succours to the Catalonians, against the Moors; and Lewis sirnam'd the Debonaire, Emperor and King of France, took Barcelona from those Infidels. This Province was formerly govern'd by certain particular Princes, nam'd Counts of Barcelona, until it was united to the Kingdom of Arragon, A. D. 1137. The Catalonians put themselves under the Protection of the French King, in 1640, chiefly through the Instigation of Joseph Margueric, a Gentleman of the Country: But by the 42 and 43 Articles of the Treaty of Peace concluded between Spain and France, in 1659, it was declar'd, That the Pyrenaean Mountains should be esteem'd as the Boundaries of the two Kingdoms.

The most remarkable Cities and Towns are these:

• BARCELONA, Bish. and Cap.
• Tarragona, Archb.
• Tortosa, Bish.
• Lerida, Bish.
• Solsona, Bish.
• Vich, Bish.
• Girona, Bish.
• La Ceu d' Ʋrgel, Bish.
• Cardona, Dutchy.
• ...Cervera.
• ...Balaguer,
• ...Puicerda,

BARCELONA, Barcilona, or Barcino, in the Latit. of 40 deg. 6 min. and the Longit. of 22 deg. was founded (as it is believ'd) by Hamilcar sirnam'd Barcas, the renowned Carthaginian General, on the Sea-shore, in a Plain, at the foot of the Mountain commonly call'd Manjuric, betwixt the mouth of the River Elbesos to the East, and that of Lobregat to the West, at the distance of 82 Miles East of Tarragon, 60 North of the Isle of Majorca, 134 almost South of Narbone, and 300 East of Madrid. It is a very ancient, rich and splendid City, dignify'd with the Titles of a County, and an Episcopal See under the Metropolitan of Tarragona, besides an University, a Sovereign Court, a Court of Inquisition, &c. The Streets are paved with very large Stones, which renders them fair and neat. Barcelona is divided into the Old and New Town, that are separated by Walls and Gates: Both these Quarters are well fortify'd with a second Wall, as also with divers flat-bottom'd Ditches, high Ramparts, Towers and Bastions. A considerable Mart is here establish'd, more-especially for Cloths, and a sort of Coverlets known by the name of Castelognes. Moreover, it is worth the while to observe, That several Kings of Arragon died in this City, particularly James II. A. D. 1327; Alphonsus IV. in 1336; and John II. in 1479.

Tarragona, Tarraco, in like manner situated on the Sea-shore, was built and fortify'd by the Scipio's. It is distant 44 Miles East of Tortosa, 52 West of Barcelona, and 112 North-west of Majorca; and was heretofore a famous City, but at present is not very considerable: nevertheless, it as yet retains the Dignity of a Metropolitan See, and hath been often besieg'd of late Years. Here are also to be seen the Ruins of an ancient Cirque in the Fountain-street, commonly call'd La Placa de la Fuente; and an University founded by Cardinal Gaspar de Cervantes, Archbishop of this Diocess, under the Reign of King Philip II.

Tortosa, Dertusa, or Dertossa, is seated on the River Ebro, at the distance of 3 or 4 Leagues from the Sea; as also 12 Miles from the Frontiers of the Kingdom of Valencia to the East, and 94 off Barcelona to the West. It is well fortify'd with a strong Citadel erected on a Hill, and a Bridge over the Ebro. However, the French Forces made themselves Masters thereof, A. D. 1649; but it was regain'd by the Spaniards in the ensuing Year. This City hath also been erected into an Episcopal See, and depends on the Jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Tarragona.

Lerida, Ilerda, stands on a small Hill which by degrees terminates in a Valley, on the Banks of the River Segre, about 18 Miles South-west of Balaguer, 60 almost North of Tarragona, and 100 North-west of Barcelona. It was recover'd from the Moors, A. D. 1143, and hath since obtain'd the Title of an Episcopal See under the Metropolitan of Tarragona. Not far from hence Julius Caesar gain'd a Victory over the Forces of Afranius and Petreius, who had taken part with Pompey. This City is in like manner famous on the account of the Sieges which it hath sustain'd against the most experienc'd French Generals, during the late Wars which were maintain'd between France and Spain; as also for the memorable Battels fought before its Walls, in 1644, and 1646, and 1647. Moreover, an University was here establish'd, A. D. 1300, that was heretofore of great repute, and wherein Pope Calixtus III. and St. Vincent Ferrier took the Degree of Doctors.

Solsona, or Celsona, is seated on the small River of Cardoner, at the foot of the Mountains, and fortify d with a Castle built on a Rock. It is distant 56 Miles almost North of Tarragon, and 86 almost North of Barcelona; as many from La Ceu d' Ʋrgel to the South, and scarcely 3 from Cardona. This City was erected into an Episcopal See, under the Archbishoprick of Tarragona, by Pope Clement VIII. A. D. 1593.

Vich, Vique, Ausa-Nova, Corbio, Vicus, and Aquae Voconiae, is a small City, yet dignify'd with an Episcopal See subordinate to the Metropolitan of Tarragona. It is situated near the River Ter, 26 Miles almost West of Girone, and 42 North of Barcelona; and succeeded the demolish'd Town of Ausa, from whence it is some times call'd Vich d Ossona.

Girona, Gerunda, is an ancient City well fortfy'd, and dignify'd with the Title of a Dutchy, being distant 20 miles of the Mediterranean Sea, 50 South of Perpignan, and 58 North-east of Barcelona. The greater part of Girona is seated on a Plain, and another part on a rising-ground, and adorn'd with two Stone Bridges over the Rivers Oignar and Ter; the former whereof divides the City, and the other washeth it on the Northern-side. This is also an Episcopal See subject to the Jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Tarragona. This Place was taken by the French, in 1694.

La Ceu d' Ʋrgel, Orgecum, Orgia, Orgella, and Ʋrgella, is water'd by the River Segre, and stands on the foot of the Pyrenaean Mountains, at the distance of 42 miles South of Frix in France, and 96 North of Barcelona. This City heretofore gave a Title of Honour to divers renowned Counts or Earls, whilst the Second Race of the Kings of Arragon flourish'd; and the Country between Lerida, Cervera and Selsoa is from thence call'd the Plain of Ʋrgel. Lastly, The Episcopal Seat of a Prelate is here establish'd, who is a Suffragan to the Archbishop of Tarragona.

Cardona is a Town built amidst the Mountains on a River of the same Name, and enjoys the Privileges of a Dutchy: It is distant 4 Leagues from Solsona to the South, 6 from Mantesa to the North, and 7 from Montserrat. This Town is famous on the account of its Salt-Pits, and for conferring the Titles of Dukes on the Ancient and Illustrious Family of Folch.

About 25 miles almost North of Girona stands Roses, a strong Port-Town, with a good Harbour, on the Mediterranean; taken by the French, in 1693.

About 32 miles South of Roses stands Palamos, another little Port-Town, taken by the French, in 1694.

ARRAGON, Tarraconensis Hispania, or Antigones.

THE Name of this Province, which comprehends the Territories of the ancient Celtiberi and Jacetani, is deriv'd from the River Arragon, that takes its Rise in the Pyrenaean Mountains. It as yet contains the ancient Kingdoms of Sobrarbe and Ribagorza, situated to the East of Cinga; being bounded on the North by the Pyrenaean Mountains, and France; on the South, by the Kingdom of Valencia; on the East, by Catalonia; and on the West, by Navarre, and the two Castille's. Its Extent, from North to South, consists of •bout 180 miles; and from East to West, of 120. The Air is very healthful; but the Soil is extremely dry, mountainous, and in many places nitrous: Nevertheless, the Valleys bring forth Corn and Grapes. Here are found divers Mines of Gold, and excellent Iron; whilst in the Forests and on the Mountains are bred many Does, Roe-bucks, Stags, Bores, and other Wild Beasts. However, this Country is very ill cultivated, and not much inhabited. The most remarkable Rivers thereof, are, the Ebro, which traverseth it from North to South-east; the Cinga, that springs out of the Mountain of Bielsa, and passeth to Fraga; the Gallego, which ariseth from Mount Gavas, near Bigorra; the Arragon, whose Head appears not far from thence; the Guerva, that runs to Sarragossa; and the Xalon, which flows to Calatajud. But it ought to be observ'd, that all these Rivers disembogue themselves into the Ebro.

The most considerable Cities and Towns are these:

• SARAGOSSA, Archbish. & Cap.
• Tarazona, Bish.
• Huesca, Bish.
• Jacca, Bish.
• Balbartro, Bish.
• Terver, Bish.
• Albarazin, Bish.
• ...Venasco.
• ...Moncon.
• ...Fuentes.
• ...Boria.
• ...Calatajud.

SARAGOSSA, Caesaraugustae, in the Latit. of 41 deg. 6 min. and the Longit. of 19 deg. is situated in a most delightful Country, on the Banks of the River Ebro, over which a fair bridge is built near the confluence of the Guerva and the Gallego. It is distant 88 miles South-east of Pampalane, 135 North of Valencia, 160 almost East of Burgos and Madrid, 164 South-west of Tholouse in France, 174 almost West of Barcelona. This City is very ancient, and may well be reckond among the chief of Spain, but is not at present so considerable as it hath been formerly. It was regain'd from the Moors by the Christians, A. D. 1118; and erected into a Metropolitan See by Pope John XXII. in 1318. Here is also establish'd an University, a Court of Parliament, and another for the Inquisition. The Hospital of this City is one of the richest throughout Christendom; and the Revenues of the Archbishoprick amount to 40000 Crowns per annum. One of the Churches, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and commonly call'd Of Our Lady of Pilar, De Nostra Sennora del Pilar, is very much frequented by Pilgrims.

NAVARRE, Navarra, or Cantabria.

THE Province of NAVARRE assumes its Denomination from the Spanish word Navas; that is to say, a Plain: and Erria, or Earth, in the Basquish Language; that is to say, a Plain Land. Nevertheless, the Country is rugged, and full of Hills; neither is this Etymology very conformable thereto. But the ensuing Description ought to be restrain'd only to the Ʋpper Navarre, (having spoken already of the Lower in the Chapter of France.) It is bounded on the North by the Pyrenaean Mountains that separate it from France, and the Catabrian-Ocean; on the North-west, by Biscay, from which it is likewise limited by Mountains; on the South and South-east, by Arragon; and on the South-west, by Old Castille. It is extended from North to South about 96 miles, and 88 from East to West. The Air is very temperate and healthful; so that some Places afford considerable quantities of Corn and Grapes, whilst others are only fit for Pasture, abounding with all sorts of Game and wild Beasts. The principal Rivers are, the Ebro, the Arragon, the Arga, and the Egla; these three last discharge their Waters into the Ebro. This Kingdom was heretofore distinguish'd into five Regions or Merindades, viz. the Merindade of Pamplona; that of Olite; that of Sanguessa; that of Estella; and that of Tudela: but at present it is only divided into the Upper and Lower Navarre.

The most Remarkable Cities and Towns are these:

• PAMPLONA, Bish. and Cap.
• ...Sauguessa.
• Lerin, County.
• ...Tudela.
• ...Estella.
• ...Olite.

PAMPLONA, Pampilona, Pompelo, or Pompeopolis, founded or re-built (as it is generally believ'd) by Pompey the Great, was heretofore the Metropolis of the Gascons, and is seated on the River Arga, at the distance of 52 miles South of Bajonne in France, 80 South-east of Bilboa, 88 North-west of Saragossa, and 180 North-east of Madrid. In the vulgar language of the Navarran Gascons it is commonly call'd Iruna; that is to say, the Good City; and stands in a pleasant Valley environ'd on all sides with very high Mountains, (according to the report of Arnaldus Oihenartus.) It hath been subject to the Dominion of the Spaniards ever since the Year 1512, when Navarre was seiz'd by Ferdinand King of Arragon: And Philip II. caus'd a Fortress to be built therein. It is also at present well fortify'd with firm Bastions, and defended with two strong Castles. Between this City, and the Town of St. Jean de Pied de Port in the Lower Navarre, is situated the Valley of Roncevaux, where (as they say) the Army of Charlemaigne was defeated by the Saracens, who had surpriz'd them in an Ambuscade, through the Treachery of Gavilon. Moreover, the same Emperor took the City of Pamplona, A. C. 778, and commanded that the Walls thereof should be demolish'd.

Old CASTILLE, Castilia Vetus, or Celtiberia.

THIS Province was so nam'd from a Castle built there against the Moors, and was the first which the Christians recover'd out of the Hands of those Infidels. It is bounded on the North by Biscay and Asturia; on the South, by New Castille; on the East, by Navarre and Arragon; and on the West, by the Kingdom of Leon, and part of Portugal; lying in the Latit. of 40 and 42 deg. 54 min. and between the 14th. and 17th. deg. of Longit. which includes from North to South about 190 miles, and 145 from East to West. The Air is less healthful than that of New Castille; neither is the Soil so fruitful in Grain and Grapes: Indeed, its chiefest fertility consists in the Pastures affording Fodder to vast quantities of Cattle; but more-especially in the Meadows near Segovia are found many Sheep, whose Wool is extremely fine, and of very great value. The most •emarkable Rivers are, the Ebro and the Duero, which take their Source in this Country; as also do the Puiserga and the Tormes. Castille at first bore the Title of a County, or Earldom, until Garica, the last Count, dying without Issue, in the Year 1029, left it to his Sister Nunna, Wife to Sanchar, or Sanchez, King of Navarre, by whom these Territories were erected into a Kingdom: But Ferdinand III. King of Leon, Heir to his Nephew Henry I. King of Castille, united them to his Dominions; about the Year 1217. The Kingdom of Castille was in like manner incorporated with that of Arragon, under Ferdinand d V. and Isabella, in 1574, if we reckon from the Death of Henry IV. King of Castille; or in 1479, to begin from the time that Jane the supposed Daughter of the said Henry took a Veil in the Monastery of Coimbra, after having observ'd that the Portugueses, from whom she expected Succour, had come to an Agreement with Ferdinand and Isabel.

The chief Cities and Towns are these:

• BƲRGOS, Archb. and Cap.
• Valladolid, Bish.
• Calahorra, Bish.
• Placentia, Bish.
• Coria, Bish.
• Avila, Bish.
• Osma, Bish.
• Segovia, Bish.
• Lerma, Dutchy.
• Frias, Dutchy.
• ...Soria.

BƲRGOS, Burgi, Marburgi, and Bravum, in the Latit. of 22 deg. and the Longit. of 15 deg. 36 min. is situated on the River Arlanza, by the side of an Hill, on the top whereof stands a strong Castle, 80 miles nigh East of Leon, 86 almost South of Bilboa, and 115 North of Madrid. This City, being the Capital of the Province, is large, and maintains a considerable Traffick: but it is ill built, and the Streets are generally narrow, except those that end at the Places of Lana, Huerte, del Rey, and some others. It sprang out of the Ruins of Auca, an ancient neighbouring Town; was erected into an Episcopal See, A. D. 1075, at the Sollicitation of Philip II. King of Spain; and advanc'd to the Dignity of a Metropolitan by Pope Gregory XIII. in 1571. The Cathedral Church is extremely magnificent; and the Abbey of Las Huelgas, without the Town, no less remarkable, wherein were always entertain'd 150 Nuns, all Daughters of Princes, or Noble Lords: The Abbess is Lady of 14 Towns, and of 50 Boroughs or Villages, having a Right to elect the Governors and Magistrates of them, and to dispose of 12 Commanderies at her Pleasure. Here is also founded a Royal Hospital, the Yearly Revenues whereof amount to the Summ of 80000 Livres: besides a College of Jesuits; the noted Monastery of the Crucifix, belonging to the Augustine Fryars; another of the Dominicans, &c. The City is likewise adorn'd with a great number of Fountains, and stately Palaces, the chief of which are those of the Archbishop and Constable. Two Kings of Castille, viz. Henry III. and Peter sirnam'd the Cruel, were born at Burgos; and a third, namely, Philip I. of Austria, died there, A. D. 1506.

Valladolid, Vallis-Oletum, or Pintia, is seated in a most delightful Plain, on the Banks of the River Puiserga, and in the utmost Confines of the Kingdom of Leon, to the Jurisdiction whereof it formerly appertain'd; being distant 45 miles South-west of Burgos, 68 North-east of Salamanca, 70 South-east of Leon, and 92 almost North of Madrid. It is beautify'd with a fair long Bridge over the River, suppos'd to have been founded by the Goths, A.C. 625; and was erected into a Bishop's See, under the Metropolitan of Toledo, by Pope Clement VIII. on the 25th. day of November, in the Year 1595. It hath been also, for some time, the Royal Seat of the Kings of Spain, particularly of Philip IV. who caus'd a stately Palace to be built therein, together with spacious Gardens. At present, the Sovereign Court of Castille, and of the adjacent Countries, is held here; besides an University of much repute. The Churches are well built, particularly that of the Dominican Fryars, who have also a College here, besides some others, whereto King Philip II. by the Persuasion of Father P•rsons, an English Jesuit, added a Seminary for this Nation, in the Year 1589. In this City died, on Thursday the 20th. day of May, A. D. 1506, Christopher Colon, or Columbus, that most renowned Navigator, who first discover'd the Western Indies, or America, in 1492; and his Corps was afterward transported to St. Domingo, in Hispaniola, according to a particular Order in his Last Will and Testament.

Calahorra is water'd by the River Ebro, near its confluence with that of Cidacos de Castiglia. Quintilian the Orator, and Prudentius the Poet, were both Natives of this City: And the ancient Inhabitants were famous for sustaining a Siege against Pompey, with so great obstinacy, that at last being reduc'd to the utmost extremity, they kill d their Wives and Children; and having salted their Limbs, as it were Pork, eat them for want of Provisions. The Bishoprick of Calahorra is suffragan to Burgos; and that of Calzado, or St. Domingo de Calzado, was united thereto, A. D. 1236.

Placentia stands on a rising-ground amidst the Mountains, and is defended by a strong Castle. It is also dignify'd with an Episcopal See subject to the Metropolitan of Toledo.

Coria, Caurie, or Caurium, lies upon the River Arragon, which about 6 or 7 Leagues above intermixeth its Waters with those of the Tagus, or Tajo; as also at the distance of 4 or 5 Leagues from the Confines of Portugal. The Episcopal See of this City is suffragan of Compostella, and formerly depended on that of Madrid.

Avila is a Place of great Antiquity, on the River Adaia, and the foot of the Mountains call'd from thence Sierras d' Avila. It has been long since erected into a Bishop's See under the Metropolitan of Compostella; and is noted for giving a Title to a Noble Family from whence H. Catherino Davila, Author of the History •f the Civil Wars of France, deriv'd his Original, who retir d thither, after the Turks had taken the Island of Cyprus, where his Predecessors had been Constables of State.

Segovia, Segubia, or Ʋrbs Arevacorum, is distant about 20 Spanish Leagues from Toledo to the North, its Episcopal See depending on that Metropolitan. It is a very populous City, much enrich'd by the Cloth-Manufactures; and remarkable for its Situation in a delectable Plain, at the foot of a very high Mountain, near the Banks of a small River nam'd Erosnia. It is adorn'd with a spacious Market-place, a strong Castle, and a Mint-house. Here are also to be seen the remains of a noble Aqueduct which was built by the Emperor Trajan, and is supported by 177 Arches in double rows, re•ching from one Hill to another.

New CASTILLE, Castilia Nova.

THIS Province, which formerly bore the Name of the Kingdom of Toledo or Castille, and comprehends Estramadura that constitutes the Western-part thereof, is the largest of Spain, water'd chiefly with the Streams of the River Tajo and Guadiana; and being bounded on the North by Old Castille; on the South, by the Provinces of Murcia, Granada, and Andalusia; on the East, by those of Arragon and Valencia; and on the West, by the Kingdom of Portugal. It lies between the 37th. deg. 24 min. and the 40th deg. 48 min. of Latitude; as also between the 12th. deg. and the 18th. deg. 24 min. of Longitude. This Province is almost round, being in length, from East to West, about 230 Miles; and in breadth, from North to South, 220, without comprising Estremadura. The Air is clear; but it very seldom rains here, which causeth a scarcity of Water. The Valleys are extremely fruitful in Corn, Grapes, Hemp, Saffron, and several sorts of Fruits, affording fat Pasture to a great quantity of Cattle. There are also found divers Salt-Pits; but the Fish of the Guadiana are not eaten, as being unwholsom. The most considerable Rivers are, the Tajo, the Guadiana, the Guadalquivir, the Xucar, the Tayuna, the Xamara, and the Guadrama. This Province is usually divided into Four little Countries or Shires, viz. 1st. Algastia, on the North-side of Tajo: 2d. La Mancha, to the South of the same River: 3d. La Sierra, toward the East; and 4th. Estramadura, to the West, which was before separated from it.

The most remarkable Cities and Towns are these:

• MADRID, the Capit. and Royal Seat.
• Toledo, Archb.
• Cuenza, Bish.
• Ciudad Reale, Bish.
• Siguenza, Bish.
• Huesca, Dutchy.
• Alcala de Henares, City.
• ...Calatrava.

MADRID, Madritum, Matritum, or Madridium in Carpetanis, in the Latit. of 40 deg. and the Longit. of 16 deg. is situated on the small River of Manzanares, over which a fair Bridge, call'd the Segovian is erected; 3 Miles from the Old Town of Mantua Carpetanorum, at present nam'd Villa Mantua; by the Ruins whereof it was much augmented, until at length King Philip II. and his Successors, having chosen it for the Place of their Ordinary Residence, it became the Metropolis of the whole Kingdom. This City is extremely large, but not very uniform, founded on a rising and an uneven Ground. It contains 18 Parishes; 14 Streets, of which the chief is very fair and broad; about 70000 Inhabitants; and 57 Convents of both Sexes. The most remarkable publick Edifices are, the Royal Palace, Palasso del Rey; Nostra Senora del Almadena; the Church of St. Sebastian; the Town-House; the Palace which bears the Name of Il Consistorio; and the Court wherein the Tournaments and Baiting of Bulls are celebrated on solemn Festivals. The City is also well built with good Brick Houses; the Streets long and straight, but most extremely dirty, and ill pav'd. The Houses have many of 'em Glass Windows; which is the more remarkable, because there are few in all Spain. The Royal Palace, though not great, is very beautiful and magnificent. There is one very fair Piazza, or Market-place, encomposs'd round with tall and uniform Houses, having five rows of Balconies one above another; and underneath, Portico's or Cloysters quite round. Madrid stands almost in the midst of all Spain; 210 Miles almost North-east of Seville, 290 almost North of the Streights Mouth: as many almost East of Lisbon; 670 South-west of Paris; and 960 West of Rome. Roderick Legate of Pope Paul II. conven'd a Council in this City, against the Ignorance, Simony, and corrupt Manners of the Clergy, A. D. 1473.

TOLEDO, Toletum in Carpetanis, in the Latit. of 34 deg. 12 min. and the Longit. of 15 deg. 24 min. is advantageously seated on a steep Rock separated from high Mountains, and naturally fortify'd on all sides with a Valley, and the River Tajo, as it were with Ramparts, Towers and Trenches; the Top is a kind of Platform, on which stand the Church, the Castle, and the Market-place: All the rest of the Rock is cover'd with Houses; of these Buildings, the Cathedral, the Bishop's Palace, and that which the Emperor Charles V. caus'd to be built, are the most magnificent. Here also remains an admirable Aqueduct contriv'd by Joannellus Turrianus, a Frenchman, according to the Order of King Philip II. which, through the means of an artificial Engine, drives the Waters of the River Tajo through certain Pipes up to the top of the Rock and Tower, where being receiv'd into one large Cistern, they are distributed through divers Canals, for the use of the Fortress and City. Moreover, the Ruins of an ancient large Theatre are as yet to be seen without the Walls, toward the North.

Toledo is distant 40 Miles almost South of Madrid, 140 North of Granada, and 174 North-east of Seville. This City was heretofore the Capital of the Carpetani; and afterwards of the Goths, whose Kings always resided therein, at what time it first embrac'd the Christian Faith, through the Ministery of St. Eugenius Martyr; and 19 Cities were subject to its Jurisdiction: But being taken by the Saracens, A. C. 705, it became likewise the Royal Seat of the Moorish Princes, until it was recover'd by Alphonsus VI. sirnam'd the Valiant, A. D. 1085, those Infidels being entirely expell d; and within a little while after, the Metropolitan See was restor d thereto by Pope Ʋrban II. It is divided into 23 Precincts or Wards, commonly call d Barrio's; and contains 27 Parishes; together with 38 Monasteries for the maintaining Religious Persons of both Sexes; besides a famous University, and the Sovereign Court of the whole Province. But it declines daily, and at present is scarcely suppplied with 8000 Inhabitants. However, its Diocess is extremely large, comprehending 800 Parochial Churches; and the Archbishop (who is styl'd Primate of all Spain) is Lord of 17 Towns or considerable Boroughs, and of a great number of Villages, from whence he collects every Year the Summ of 260000 Crowns: The Chapter in like manner enjoys a Revenue of 240000. Lastly, Toledo is famous for giving Birth to Alphonsus VIII. King of Castille, A. D. 1106; and Alpho•sus X. in 1221. But some others died there, viz. Alphonsus IX. A. D. 1108; Sanchez IV. in 1295; and Henry III. in 1407: As also Sanchez II. King of Port•gal, in 1246.

Alcala, Complutum, water'd by the River Henare•, which runs along the Walls thereof; insomuch that it is sometimes call'd Alcala de Henarez, is situated on a Plain, and hath a fair Street adorn d on every side with Piazza's; together with an University founded by Francesco Ximenez, Cardinal and Archbishop of Toledo, A. D. 1517. It stands 10 miles South-west of Guadalaxara, and 14 East of Madrid. Whilst the Empire of the Gothick Princes continu'd, Alcala was an Episcopal See, but now appertains to the Diocess of the Archbishop of Toledo. In the time of King Alphonsus, sirnam'd the Wise, it was call'd Alcala S. Justi, by reason that this Saint suffer'd Martyrdom without its Suburbs. John I. King of Castille, died there, A. D. 1390: And the Emperor Ferdinand I. was born in the same City, in 1503.

The Kingdom of LEON, Legionense Regnum.

THIS Province is bounded on the North by Asturia; on the South, by that part of New Castille which bears the Name of Estramadur•; on the East, by the Castilles; and on the West, by Gallicia and Portugal. It is extended from the 39th. deg. 6 min. to the 42d. deg. 42 min. of Lati¦tude; and from the 13th. deg. of Longitude, to the 15th. deg. 12 min. including from North to South about 165 miles, and 110 from East to West. The Country is full of Mountains, but the Air clear and temperate. The Soil is more apt to bring forth Corn than Grapes; and many Turquoises, a sort of Precious-stones, are found near Zamora. Neither is there any River throughout the whole Continent of Spain that affords a greater quantity of Trouts than that of the Torto, which runs through these Territories. There is also a Spring of Hot Water near Salamanca, endued with a singular Virtue for the curing of the Scab, itch, and many other Diseases. The principal Rivers are, the Duero, Torto, Puiserga, and Torme•; the first of which divide the whole Province almost into Two equal Parts, viz. the Northern and the Southern. Augustus Caesar was the first that subdued these Parts, which were subject to the Dominion of the Romans about 500 Years, until they were dispossess'd by the Goths, who were in like manner expell'd 400 Years after, by the Saracens and M•ors. But Pelagius, a young Prince of Gothick Extraction, recover'd the whole Province from them, in 722, and left it to his Successors. Thus it continu'd for a long time a separate Kingdom, and was at last united to that of Castille by Ferdinand III. in the Year 1228.

The most considerable Cities and Towns are these:

• LEON, Bish. and Cap.
• ...Ciudad Rodrigo.
• Salamanca, Bish.
• Toro, Bish.
• ...Benavento.
• Astorga, Bish.
• Palencia, Bish.
• Zamora, Bish.
• ...Alva.
• ...Medina del Campo.
• ...Tordesillas.

LEON, •egio G•rmanica, in the Latit. of 42 deg. 20 min. and the Longit. of 14 deg. was built (according to the Opinion of some Authors) under the Reign of the Emperor Nerva, and is seated on a rising-ground at the Foot of the Mountains of Asturia, near the Head of the River Esla, at the distance of 50 Miles South of Oviedo, 68 almost West of Burgos, 156 East of Compostella, and 156 North-west of Madrid. This City hath been esteem'd as the Capital of the Province ever since A. C. 658, and is at present an Episcopal See under the Archbishoprick of Compostella: nevertheless, so far exempted from its Jurisdiction, that the Prelate of Leon acknowledges no other Metropolitan but the Pope; the Cathedral Church being esteem'd the fairest of all Spain. Pelagius regain'd it, together with the whole Province, from the Moors, in 722; and his Successors were styl'd Kings of Oviedo, until the time of Orduno II. who assum'd the Title of King of Leon, and died in 923. Moreover (if we may give Credit to the Testimony of Rodericus Sylva) Ferdinand I. King of Castille, expir'd here, A. D. 1067.

Salamanca, Salmantica, stands on three little Hills, and is water'd by the River Tormes, its Situation being very uneven; 34 miles South-east of Miranda, 94 South of Leon, and 108 North-west of Madrid. This City is of a considerable compass, but the Houses are generally ill built and ruinous; except the Churches, Colleges, Monasteries and Fountains, which are very fine Structures. It hath been for some time the Seat of a Prelate who is Suffragan to the Archbishop of Compostella, and of one of the most noted Universities of the whole Kingdom of Spain, founded by Alphonsus IX. King of Leon, A. D. 1200, in which are divers Professors of Divinity, some of whom have a yearly Pension of 1000 Crowns a-piece, and others only an Allowance of 500 Crowns, reading their Lectures at different Hours; one Chair being appointed for the Doctrine of Durandus, and another for that of Scotus. Besides these, there are other Professors that have no Stipend from the University, yet Read in hopes of b•ing preferr'd upon the next Vacancy: these are commonly call d P•aetendientes; and the former, Cathedr•tico's. The same thing is observ'd with respect to the other Faculties, as the Civil and Canon-Law, Philosophy, and the Mathematicks. There are also many Professors of Physick, and several Languages: So that above 80 of them read daily in this famous University. Lastly, Alphonsus XI. King of Castille, was born here, in the Year 1311.

Ciudad Rodrigo, R•d•ricopolis, or Civitas Roderici, derives its Name from Count Roderick, by whom it was built, under the Reign of Ferdinand King of Leon, A. D. 1170. It is also an Episcopal See subject to the Jurisdiction of the Metropolitan of Compostella, and situated on the River Agueda, in a fruitful Country, at the dist nce of 8 Miles from the Confines of Portugal to the E••t, 40 from Covia to the North, and 64 from Mira•da.

Astorga, Asturica Augusta, lies in a Plain on the side of the River Torto, not being very much inhabited, yet well fortify'd, and adorn'd with divers Towers, a large Market-place, and a Cathedral-Church at the end of the Town. Its Episcopal See formerly depended on the Metropolitan of Braga, but is now under the Archbishop of Compostella.

Palencia, Palentia, and Palancia, was heretofore a Place of great strength, but at present not so considerable, being distant 25 miles from Valadolid to the North: However, it is still the See of a Prelate Suffragan to the Archbishop of Burgos. A National Synod was conven'd at Valadolid, in this Diocess, by the Bishop of Sabina, in Quality of Legate to Pope John XXIII. A. D. 1322: and another was held at Palencia, in 1388, by Peter de Luna, who then exercis'd the same Office by a Commission from Clement VIII. and afterward became an Anti-Pope.

The ISLANDS of SPAIN, Insulae Hispaniae.

THE Islands which heretofore bore the Name of Baleares, together with the Title of a Kingdom, at present depend on the Crown of Spain, and are situated to the East of the Kingdom of Valencia.

They are Four in number: Viz.

• ...MAJORCA,
  • Majorca, Bish.
  • ...Alcudra.
  • ...Sog•••ri.
• ...Minorca,
  • ...Port Maon.
  • ...Citadella.
• ...Yviza,
  • ...Yviza.
• ...Fromentera.

MAJORCA, Majorica, commonly call'd Mallorca by the Inhabitants, is the largest of all these Isles, lying between Minorca and Yviza, as a•so between the 22 deg. and the 23 deg. 18 min. of Longitude, and to the 38 deg. 48 min. of Latitude. It is extended from West to East about 22 Leagues, from North to South 16, and almost 60 in compass. This Island abounds in Wealth, almost all the Reals of Spain being coin'd therein, and is environ'd with Mountains toward the Sea-coasts: The Vice-Roy usually resides in the Capital City of the same Name, the Natives whereof are very much addicted to Piracy. These People possess the Dominions of the Cimmacii and Baleares of the Ancients, and at present form a Kingdom appertaining to that of the Spanish Monarch, as King of Arragon, by reason that James, Prince of this Country, overcame and expell d the Moors out of these Islands, on the 23d. day of February, A. D. 1230. Moreover, Majorca hath brought forth divers learned Men, and valiant Commanders, particularly that famous Philosopher Raymundus Lullius, who was slain by the Moors in 1301; the Marshal d' Ornano; and two Grand Masters of Malta, of the Illustrious Family of Cotoner.

The City of Majorca is seated on the South-west part of the Isle, which (according to the Testimony of Paulus Ferragultus, a renowned Citizen thereof) contains 34 Towns or Villages, besides that of Alcudia, in the Eastern Quarter, and hath a very convenient Harbour, enjoying also the Title of an Episcopal See under the Metropolitan of Tarragona. To the South of the Island appears that of Cabrera; and another, nam'd Dragonera, to the North-west.

Minorca, Minorica, call'd in Spanish Menorca, is situated to the East of Majorca, under the 38th. or 39th. deg. of Longitude; and the 23d. or 24th. of Latitude. Its Extent, from South-east to North-west, includes about 15 Leagues; 8 from South-west to North-east; and 36 in Compass. This Island is well stored with Woods, large Cattle and Mules. The chief Town thereof, nam'd Citadella, is built on its Western-part, where those of Jamna and Mago heretofore stood: And about 15 miles to the South-east lieth Porto Mahon, the most capacious Harbour of the Isle; together with the adjacent Village, and the Fort of St. Philip.

Yviza, Ebusus, is seated under the 21 deg. of Longitude, and the 38 of Latitude, to the East of Cape Martin in the Kingdom of Valencia, from whence it is distant 14 or 15 Spanish Leagues, extending it self from East to West for the space of about 13; as also 10 from North to South; and 30 in Circumference. It is extremely fertile in Corn, Wine, and divers sorts of Fruits, furnishing part of Spain, Italy and Piedmont with great quantities of Salt. the whole Island is almost entirely cover'd with Groves, and doth not bring forth any noxious Animals.

The principal Town is likewise call'd Yviza, and stands on the Southern-shore; together with a very safe Harbour, the Fort of St. Hilario Magno, &c.

But the Sea-coasts are render'd formidable to Mariners, through a multitude of small Isles with which they are encompass'd: The chief of these are, the Black Island, La Isleta Nigra; La Isleta de los Aborcados; La Isla de la Esponia, near the Key where the Salt is exported; La Isla de los Ratones, near the Fort St. George; La Isla del Escollo Negro, near the Town of Yviza, &c.

As for the Island of Fromentera, or Formentera, which some believe to be the Ophiusa of the Grecians, it is of a very small compass, lying to the South of that of Yviza, scarcely at the distance of 4 miles, and not inhabited, by reason of the Serpents, with which it is altogether infested.