Arabia

Geography

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  1701 A system of geography by Herman Moll - Turky in Asia.jpg

Sources from old books

1557. Geographiae by Dominici Marii Nigri Veneti. [Latin]

Arabia felix regio, prisitnum adhuc nomen retinet, nam Arabes illi dicunt. Quam in duas partes dividitur: quarum altera Sabaea dicitur à Saba civitate, quae & regionis utriusque caput; altera Hagees in qua Gidde Indiaci mercatus portus. Sabae vero doxoris fertilitate aestatis lima, ex quo illi cognomentum est, nam Graeci eudaimonem dicunt, id est felix, Plinius quod de Cardamomo scriberet, cinnamomo gentiles proximam creant inquit, ubi prius Arabiae ditissima dicuntur incertae causarh, quae cognomine illi felicis ac beatæ dedere, siquidem thys myrrham principaliter (preter reliqua fragraria quae creat plurima) feret. Lapides quoque colorato, tum splendore admirando lucido crystallo similes, non quod à frigore quam ad modum solidum congelatur sed tenenti caloris: similiter lapillos alios prælari similes. Nec minus rare quo conlignitur Arabico Persicoque Rubro, inter quae ipsam peninsulam modum facit. Ex illo namque margaritae pariuntur. Quibus gentium copia, & amplitudine, regionis tegestis nequequam potiundae est, quae felicitate maxime in priori ævo fuisse fertur longo jam annorum spatio, quod Arabes meminerint Sabaeo, postquam illos mendaciæ dixerit appellasse, at Arabes quae hanc æstate felicax appellatus temporibus minime locuples erat, quando & Sipha ad modum erat egena, cujus civitas fuit hominum in interioris degentium. Sennacirii scilicet paris in pluviis rara terris armorum, unde regio vocabullo est coenctuit, quare talliae penes nostros non dubüs & rarâ, & preciosa est. Hae quidem antea veterem baratbat, est dixi, cum Saba civitas copia mercaturæ satis clara esset. Sed ea pars, quae ad Æthiopiam spectat fertilis magis, pluribusque scilicet arboribus nobilitatur, quorum nonnullæ fructu genere sunt & opulentiæ: quae vero ad humida vel minus apta videri, bona pecori est, ubi nationes plurimae pastoralem vitam agunt: Quod tanta Homerus; Tepuedum omne ut surgerunt funditur in annum. Feræ earum varias proles agrestium parte qua eâs judicab. Arabis inactae, sed nam leones, & pardos, & tigres numeris etiam elephanto rum greges & camelorum: Sed & boum ovium latissimas gregationes, & equos ad hanc maxime regionem usitatius eoriente huic modi boues atque oves capiuntur. Per hanc terra flumina decurrunt, quorum alia lacus efficiunt, alia campos rigant: item aëri tenuissimis turbescunt, quos fertiliores redduntur, bis eos sæpe

eut & India, ubi precipuélini magna copia, Arabes omnes communi vocabulo poeta Erembos vocauct. Aethiopas predii: tum Sidonios, & Erembos. Id est Arabes. Qui & moribus viuunt & cultibus plurimis metra, intio scire, barba araduur praeterr quam in superiorilala; aliis & intanc tonsu. Inunimert gens delitismare apud quas maximé apud Rom. Part theromg subditen, undemes, quae & mari, aut stylis capiunt, nihilò fibi in erem rem emimentes: omnes laété & serina carne camoroum praeserim uenet utentes. Haec regio per septentrionalem latus, quod duabus Arshijs Petre, Deseré sphingtur, undique circundant marit haud minus tricis cenres teris ac aquigen simili, passibus praetennagilate. Obccasi (ut pauló ante) Arabico: Abruori Persico: A meridie Rubro. In Arabico itaque mari hoc est in eius intima port Petraam, Elaniticus pandir sinus, in quo Elias tuei sim nomen indicere, Quorum modico spatio mare Hagræria Elanitica, vel ut alij Leanitica (nam & ipsum sinum Leanitum nonnulli scribunt) quidam Alaniticum, Leaniticum. Et ionciis ubi Sthagra, Homo Nysár humem in excello motec as florido tam uidetur uelle. In front huius sinns influeit quedam parteus, quas qui inha bitanl eos qui ex AEgypto nauigant praedar solent. Post Elanitás, a mare Thamy ditach latus in, inquibus Polmidon oppidum est, cui conimuitile & palmeri quoddat aguis abundantis, & in magno honore apud eos haberi, propterea quod tota circumgensas regio est ufiuosa fit & arida, & umbrarum expers, Vbiü testes propter ferarum multitudi nem iri tugunis stactis super arboribus dormiun, quiex palmulis siluim ducunt. Dein Onna, & Modianard; & piada: contra que insula Diae st. Item Hippos mós longe ex mediterraneo procerunes, Cui haud in mariprocul insule tres obsai cent AEiuoctae; deserta, oleis Aethiopicis abundantes nostris dissimilibus, quarum lachryma demadcam uim habet, Mox Sidinho miles incantes, apud quos Hippos & posnisis in sinum aquidioris potens fise: locus ab equis dictus, eé quod ibi pulchri ores nascitur. Dein Darream funn inquibus Phenctium pagus, quo est emondiatio iambítare praterit, nauigat difficile entrem & 6 grinia mai. passium ferét; postrum & Sicendam anchomarcarum inopia, monás testines & præceptú vertimus, omni binationes crebra veca sunt. Iude ad mare, quae aduentantia tempestatem nonnunquam pertules culeuantur e uentorum, naturae haru imbrem habernt, Che nerosuless Post eundem tractum al spes quibuí dam scopulis imminens, uetante amem Chesi ne ut instutari cum queà Timage miserratis. Protinus in otore turnilla de stellos cognomen accepit: Posteã extra locos actiore Bremer Char mors diem fectitant, quo & reí sper: sed ambitus, greffi moradi loco scaphe ar te perpetua insestrum iis, quos trans sere iubent, & viam dæseripunt in iiltes locis re plena & culeuiapta: Item Arfse populi in quibus Lambia uicus: Cui

1630. Relations of the most famous kingdomes. London. by Giovanni Botero.

Arabia triplex.

THe three Arabiaes are likewise a parcell of the Empire, which is a marvellous great Country, included between two huge bosomes of the sea, in manner of a Peninsula, viz: upon the West and East with the Arabian and Persian gulfes, upon the South with the Ocean, and upon the North with Syria, and Euphrates.

The Inhabitants are indifferently called Arabians, Saracens, or Moores: Those are the true Arabians which live out of Cities in Tents, dispersed over Syria, Aegypt, and Africke: these give themselves to feed cattell, and droves of Camels. Those which inhabit Cities, are called Moores, and were once of such puissance, that they not onely subdued Syria, Persia, and Troglodytica, but likewise Aegypt, a great part of Africke, and almost all Spaine, with the Iland of Sicilie; and the Kingdome of Naples.

Two hundred yeares they kept possession of these peeces, but of some part of Spaine, 700, even untill the dayes of our fathers. And further, this accursed generation at this day, is not onely spread over all the Southerne coast of Asia (viz:) Persia, East India, and the Islands of the Indian Sea, but are likewise advanced with great prosperitie unto divers wealthy Kingdomes, famous Cities, & worthy Marttownes, yea, overall the South-coast of Africke; Under this people, the Turkes were first called into Asia to beare armes.

Of their manners we have spoken elsewhere. In their Religion they are Mahumetans, for in this Countrie that false Prophet first opened his superstitious Wardrobe.

This is a vast Countrie, full of Desarts, yet well inhabited with populous & warlike multitudes, especially toward Euphrates, and the Mountaines of Arabia felix, whither Merchants resort. The residue towards the West is sandy, by which if a man be to travell, he must have the Starres to his guide, company for his safeguard, and provision for his diet: Otherwise he shall surely lose his way, surrender his goods to the theevish Arabes, or starve in the Desart for want of food.

To secure the which passages, as well against those who live on the side of Euphrates towards Aegypt, as through all Arabia (Petrea and Deserta) the Grand Seignior entertaineth the king of those Arabians which inhabit Mesopotamia. And for this his service, as a Turkish Sanziak hee holdeth Ana and Dir, two townes situated upon the said river. He is a poore King, but accompanied with 10. or 12. thousand beggerly subjects, living and lying intents of course blacke Hair-cloth: which forces notwithstanding, these wilder ones are so infinite in multitudes, and so unpossible to be brought unto a more civill manner of living; that for their danger toward strangers, and the continuall spoiles, which they commit upon those parts of the Turkes Dominions, which every way border upon them, necessitie inforceth him also, to maintaine two other garrisons; the first of twelve thousand in Cairo, the other of one thousand five hundred in Damasco.

Wherein it is to be noted; That sithence those of Damasco, doe not only defend that peece, but are also distributed, thorow other cities of Soria (as Aleppo, Antiochia, and Ierusalem) one thousand five hundred men were not able to sustain, and answer to such a charge, unlesse by being both Ianizars and Timariots also, they have many followers and attendants. Who (as else where I have shewed you) are not onely mightie in reputation, and powerfull in number, but also every yeare accustomed to spare and cull out strong troops, warlikely and pompously provided to send into Hungarie.

For, surely without this order, all the passages of the Caravans, which yearely come from Balsara, and the Red-sea, would become so infectious, that neither Bagdet, nor Damasco, could receive the commodities of those parts, to the annuall losse of two millions of Entrado to the grand Seignior.

Amongst these it was, that Sir Anthony Sherly travelled, and found them so well governed, that without any wrong offered, he passed thorow them all in such peace, as he could not have done, being a stranger, amongst civiller bred people. The King gave him good words, without any kind of barbarous wondring, or other distastfull fashion. But at his returne to the river, he found the Master of his House, Master of his Boat, accompanied with a great sort of Arabs, who in conclusion, •o'ens nolens, forces him to send his Master three verst of cloth of gold, as a present for beholding his person.

Towards Syria, this is somewhat fertile, yet smally commended for that propertie by the Ancients; for indeed it is exceeding barren, and wanteth necessarie sustenance, wood, and fresh water. The memorable things herein are, the Mountaines of Sinai and Oreb, upon the former whereof, is at this day builded a Monasterie of Christians, following the Greeke Church, and the onely receptacle (or Inne) for way-faring Christians: other place of releese is there none.

Arabia Felix is a very large Province, better manured and watered than the other. It is adorned with Noble Cities, and full of villages; especially towards the sea side, where are many excellent places of trade. The residue, except the sand, is made manurable, either for feeding of Cattell or Camels, in which places live infinite swarmes of divers Nations, by grazing and husbandrie. It bringeth forth whatsoeever will grow in India, and that twice a yeare, in abundant manner, besides Cassia, Cinamon, Myrrh, &c. and soly, as much Frankincense, as will serve all the world. It yeeldeth also metall, and excellent pearle all along the coast by fishing. It sendeth abundance of horse and sheepe into India, whose tailes weigh forty pounds. In it are many famous Cities, as Medinat Al-naby, Mecca, Zidem, Zibit, and Aden.

This City of Aden, together with the whole Country, was in the yeare of our Lord 1538. fraudulently surprised by the Turke, and their King hanged. It is now strongly fortified, and erected into a Stately Turkish Beglerbeg-ship.

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

Of ARABIA and the Provinces thereof.

ARABIA is bounded on the East with the Persian gulfe, on the West with the red Sea, on the North with Mesopotamia and Palestina, on the South with the Ocean; the Inhabitants are extreamly addicted to theft, this •…ade being found to be the best part of their maintenance, the •…ountry is divided into three parts, Arabia deserta, Petrosa, and Fe•…x. Arabia deserta is the place where the people of Israel wandred •…or fortie yeares under the command of Moses; the most eminent Citie of this Province is Bolsora, whereto by reason that it serveth •…or through-fare from Arabia to Aleppo, and Damascus, is found a Citie of great concourse of many Merchants, and which doth •…rincipally consist more upon the commodities brought hither •…rom other Countries, as of India, and other parts of Arabia, then of any found here to be transported into other Countries; the further trade thereof by reason of my ignorance I omit.

This Country by reason of the theevish lives of the Inhabitants and the generall barrennesse and infertilitie thereof some Authours have observed in the course of their trade and merchandizing, that the sandy Deserts are the Seas of the Arabian Merchants, the wild arabs their pirats, and their Camells their shippes, usually carrying 600 li. for an ordinary burthen, and so we finde them to doe in the carriage of our goods and wares from Scanderone to Aleppo, and so backe againe, a Camells load being accounted ten Cloths Suffolke, which by statute weigh 640 li. which with the packing may be 700 li. or els two barrels or Chests of Tynne found to be incirca 600 li. and so in other commodities.

In Arabia Petrosa I finde not any Citie of trading: Esion Gebor on the coasts of the red Sea, where Salomons Navie kept station before the setting out and at their returne from Ophir, was once a famous place, and of great traffique, though now it lies buried in its owne ruines.

In Arabia faelix, Merchants should be better welcome were the Inhabitants so beneficiall to their traffique as their commodities might be made, for it is esteemed the richest and pleasantest part of all Arabia, and indeed of all Asia, abounding with Gold, pearles, Balsam, Myrrhe, Frankinsence, and many other precious drugges.

Here is those two notably noted Townes of Medina and Mecha, the one the birth place, the other the burying place of Mahomet (who in his younger yeares was a Merchant, and in his elder a cunning impostor) where Christians are forbidden to enter, lea•… they should see (as some Authours alledge) the absurdities of the Mahumetane adoration of their great Prophets Sepulcher, whose bodie inclosed in an iron chest, is said by an Adamant to be drawne up to the roofe of the Temple where it hangeth; but herein many of them are and have beene for a long time deceived, for 〈◊〉 selfe and other Merchants that have for some terme of time resided in Turkie, and specially in Constantinople, know by experience that the grand Signior doth yearly send a Carpet or rather tombecloth of greene Velvet to cover the said Sepulcher, the old being then taken away and accounted the fees and vailes of their Priests and cleargie men that attend thereon, who cut the same into severall small pieces, and sell it to the superstitious at extreame rates for precious reliques; the Tombe it selfe being seated in a Temple built in Mecha, of no great magnificence or beautie, save the cost daily bestowed thereupon in Lampes of silver and gold, wherein is Balsam and other such rich odours, oyntments and oyles continually burned, and is seated on the firme ground and not in the ayre, is above is said, and inclosed within an iron grate, wherein some by favour are permitted to enter, from some of whom I have had this relation, and is by divers Turkes that I have knowne and that have seene it and reported it to be so, and no otherwise: this large circuit of ground hath not affoorded me much matter of trade worthy observation that hitherto hath come to my hands; the most pertinent and eminent places are Mocha, the Sea-port of the said Mecha above-named, and Adam, both on the red Sea; of the trade whereof a word, so farre forth as I have gathered, and then I will conclude.

1652. Cosmographie in four bookes by Peter Heylyn.

ARABIA hath on the East, Chaldaea, and the Bay or Gulf of Persia; on the West, Palestine, some part of Aegypt, and the whole course of the Red-Sea; on the North, the River Euphraes, with some parts of Syria and Palestine; and on the South, the main Southern Ocean. But at some times the name extended somewhat further: Pliny enlargeth it as far as to Comagena, the North part of Syria, in regard that many Arabian Colonies had been their planted by Tigranes; and Xenophon comprehending in it the greatest part also of Mesopotamia, because situate on the West of the River Tigris, and consequently the Western part of the Assyrian Empire, as the word Ereb doth import; from whence some derive the Erymon and name hereof. Which notwithstanding, in the generall esteem of Authors it is bounded only as before.

As for the name, there be some that derive it from Arabus a supposed Sonne of Apollo and Babylonia; others from three supposititious Sons of Janus Pater, one of the pretended Grand-Sonnes of Cham. Who is fabled to have sent his Sonne Arabus into Arabia Deserta; Petreius, into Arabia Petraea; and Sabus, into Arabia Felix the dwelling place of the Sabaeans. And for this trim conceit we are beholding to the Berosus of Frier Annius. More probable is their conjecture who derive the name from the Hebrew, Arab, signifying black, by reason of the swarth or tawny complexion of the inhabitants, who are inter ni• rum & fulvum, as Vertomannus an eye-witness hath informed us of them: on the same reason as one of the Provinces of Africa, is commonly entituled the Land of Negroes. But the most likely origination of it, as I conceive, is from Harabi, which signifieth in the Hebrew a Theef or Robber, such as the Arabians, in all ages, have been known to be. According unto that of the Prophet Jeremy, In the waies thou hast sate for them as an Arabian in the Wilderness, as our English reads it, tanquam Latro insidians in solitudine, saith the Vulgar Latine, Jerem. 32. St. Hierome, though he render it, quasi Latro, as the Vulgar doth, yet in his Commentary he informs us, that the word doth also signifie an Arabian, quae gens latrociniis deditaus{que} hodie incursat Palestinae fines, &c. which people being addicted to thest and robberie, do to this day (faith he) infest the coasts of Palestine which border neer them, and lay in wait for those which had any occasion to travel thither. Agreeable hereunto is the observation of Martin del Rio; Adeo latrociniis infames sunt, ut Hebraeis Arabs, latronem denotat, sicut Chananaeus Mercatorem, Chaldaeus Mathematicum: i.e. So infamous were they for their theft and frequent Robberies, that it was as familiar with the Jews to call a thief by the name of Arabian, as by Chanaanite to signifie a Merchant, or to use the word Chaldaean for a Mathematician. In the same sense they came in the succeeding times to be called Saracens, from Sarak or Saraka, an Arabian word, which signifieth to steal; whereof more anon: no otherwise than one of the American Islands had the name of Ladrones, or Insula latronum, given by Magellanus, from the theevishness of the Inhabitants, who had stoln his cock-boat.

I have staid the longer on the name, because it doth express so much of the Charactar of the people also: living for the most part upon spoil and robberie, as all that travell that way know by sad experience. Of mean statures, raw-boned, tawny or swart-complexioned, having feminine voices; of swift but noiseless gate, and upon you ere you are aware. Of no set dwellings (except only in Arabia Felix) living in tents which they remove like walking Cities, for the benefit of pasturage, and hope of booty: for this last cause hanging about the skirts of more habitable Countreys; and having robbed retire with a marvellous speed. Mounted on Dromedaries for that purpose, a beast of most incredible swiftness, satisfied with little food, though without water to it, and will easie carry a man a hundred miles a day without any refreshing. Nor are such horses as they have, though but poor and lean, of less speed, or less patient of travel: whom they feed twice a day with the milk of Camels, and think them not worth keeping, if not able to outgoe an Ostrich. As now, formerly all horsemen, and but ill appointed; fitter to rob and spoil than to deal with Souldiers, as riding stark naked, and trusting rather to the swiftness of their horses than any other way of resistance where they were opposed.

There language is the Arabick, so called from this Countrey, but not proper to this Countrey onely, Spoken in all places where Mahometanism hath got any footing; The Alcoran being written in it, the publick offices of their Religion performed in it, and the tongue taught in Schools as generally as with us the Latine: but made the natural language in Mesopotamia, Syria, Palestine, the three Arabia's, Egypt, and all Barbary, except the Kingdome of Morocco. A great extent, but short of that which some give to it, who will have it spoken in two parts of the whole habitable world.

The Christian faith was first here planted by Saint Paul, of whose being in Arabia, after his conversion, he telleth us, Gal. 1. 17. to which the coming in of the Saracens gave a great increase in the time of Mav•• their

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Queen, during the Empire of Valentinian the first; Moses a man of exemplary piety, and famed for many miracles, being created their first Bishop: after more generally propagated over all the Countrey by their King Alamandarus, Anastasius then reigning in the East. But long it had not been received, when supplanted by Mahometanism, which had its first beginning here, and hath so universally overspred the whole face hereof, that now there are no Christians left in all the Countrey, except only in Elior a Port Town in the Bay of Arabia Felix, in Petra the chief City of Arabia Petraea, and two small Monasteries about Mount Sinai.

It is in circuit about 4000 miles, but of so unequall and heterogeneous composition, that no generall Character can be given of it: and therefore we must look upon it, as it stands divided into Arabia Deserta, 2. Arabia Petraea, 3. Arabia Felix, and 4. the Arabick Ilands.

1. ARABIA DESERTA.

ARABIA DESERTA, (called Beriara by the Turks) is bounded on the East, with Babylonia; on the West, with parts of Palestine, and Arabia Petraea; on the North, with Palmyren• and Mesopotamia, from which last parted by Euphrates; and on the South, by some parts of Petraea, and Arabia Felix.

It hath the name of Deserta, from the vast desarts which are in it, and the un-inhabitedness thereof; called also by Aristides, Aspera, from the roughness; by Servius, Inferior, or the Lower, in regard of the situation of it more towards the River; by Lucian, from the frequent bottoms and vallies in it, Arabia Cava; and finally by the Iews it was called Kedar, from the blackness or swarthiness of the People; the word in Hebrew signifying as much as Sun-bnrnt; whence the people are by some writers called Kedareni, and by Pliny Cedraei.

But the common and most usuall name of it is Arabia Deserta, agreeable to the nature of it, being generally a sandy Countrey full of vast desarts, in which all such as travell use to carry their Provisions with them, and to guide themselves in their journey by the course of the Stars: though in some parts which lie neer Euphrates and the Mountains of Arabia Felix, it have some few towns, and those resorted to by Merchants. But this is onely in those parts, the residue of the Countrey being so desolate and wast, that one who had travelled in it, doth describe it to be so wild a place, vt nec homines nec bestia videantur, nec Aves; imo nec arbores nec germen aliquod, sed non nisi montes saxosi, altissimi, asperrimi. A Countrey faith Guilandinus Melchior, where are found neither men nor beasts, no not so much as birds or trees, nor grass nor pasture, but onely stones, high, and most craggy mountains.

The people for the most part used to dwell in Tents, alluded to by David Psalm 120. v. 5, which they removed from place to place as the pasture for their cattell failed them: taking no other care for houses than the boughs of Palm-trees to keep them from the heats of the Sun, and other extremities of weather. Hence by the Antients called Scenitae, or men dwelling in Tents (in which respect the Jews call the Tartarians Kedarim, from the like course of life which these Kedareni or Arabians lived) but the name reaching into the other parts of Arabia also, where they use the same king of living; of whom more anon.

Yet notwithstanding most memorable is this Countrey in sacred story, both for the dwelling place of Job, and the habitation of those Wise-men who came out of the East unto Hierusalem to worship Christ, the new-born King of the Jews. That Job was an inhabitant here, appeareth by the situation of his dwelling, being in the East, as is said in the Story of him, chap. 1. v. 3. that is to say, in the Countrey lying East to the Land of Canaan, as this part of it doth, and therefore called simply by the name of the East, as Judg. 6. 3. where by the Children of the East, are meant expresly the Inhabitants of Arabia the Desart, who together with the Midianites, and Amalekites, oppressed those of Israel. Secondly, by the ill neighbourhood which he found from the Sabaeans, who inhabited in this part also; and of the Chaldeans mentioned v. 17. the next borderers to it: and Thirdly, by the inconsequences which needs must follow if we place him as some do, in the land of Vs, neer unto Damascus. For how improbable must it be for the Sabaeans of the Red-Sea or the Persian gulf; or the Caldaeans, dwelling on the banks of the River Euphrates, to fall upon Jobs Cattell grazing near Damascus: the Countries being dis-joyned by such vast Desarts, and huge Mountains, that it is impossible for any Strangers to pass them, especially with any numbers of Cattel, in respect of those large Mountains, deep Sands, and the extreme want of water in all that passage? And how impossible must we think it, that the pen-man of the story of Iob, who certainly was guided in it by the Holy Ghost, should be so mistaken, as to place Iobs dwelling in the East, if the Land of Vs wherein he dwelt bordered on Damascus; which lay not on the East, but the North of Canaan? A City called Us, or Uz, there was situate neer Damascus, so called from Uz, the Son of Aram, Gen. 10. 23. A Land of Uz also amongst the Edomites, spoken of in the Lamentations of the Prophet Ieremie, chap. 4. v. 21. so called from Uz, one of the posterity of Esau, mentioned Gen. 36. 28 and finally, a Land of Us, or Uz, so called from Huz the sonne of Nachor the Brother of Abraham, mentioned Gen. 22. 21. which is that situate in this Tract, the habitation and possession of that righteous man: the Counttey hereabouts being called Ausit is, and the people Ausita, though by mistaking in the transcripts, we find them named 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Aesita, in the fifth of Ptolomy. The like I say also of the Wise-men, or Magi, who came to Hierusalem from the East, that they dwelt in this Countrey, where the said Ptolomy placeth the City Sab•; according unto that fore-signified by the Royall Psalmist, that the Kings of Arabia and Saba should bring their gifts, Psalm 72. 10. Confirmed herein by the situation of the Countrey lying East of Canaan; the authority of those Fathers who lived neerest to the time of our Saviours birth, Iustin Martyr, Tertullian, Cyprian;

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and by the testimony of Guillandinus Melthior above-mentioned, affirming on the credible report of the people hereof, that they came neither out of Mesopotamia, or Arabia Feliz, as many wise-men doe believe, but out of Saba in Arabia the Desart, which City (saith he) when my self was there, was, as I judged, called Semiscasach.

Cities of note in a Countrey so desart and uninhabited we must look for few; yet some there are, inhabited by a more Civill sort of people, whom they call by the name of Moores, giving that of Arabian to those onely, who live roming and robbing up and down. Ptolomy gives the names of forty Cities and villages in it (civitates & vicos saith the Latine) the memory of most of which is now utterly perished. Those of most observation, 1. Sabe, or Saba, the habitation of those Sabeans who pillaged Iob; so called from Sheba, the grand-sonne of Abraham by Keturah, mentioned Gen. 25. 3. Of whom, and of the rest of that line, it is said, in the sixt verse of that chapter, that Abraham gave them gifts, and sent them away from Isaac East-ward, unto the East Countrey: now called Semiscasac, as it thought by Melehtor. 2. Theman, which possibly may be the Countrey of Eliphaz the Themanite, one of the visitan•s of Iob; As 3. Shuah, on the North hereof, was probably of Bildad, another of them, hence surnamed the Shuhite. 4. Tharsacus, by Pline called Aphipolis. 5. Zagmais, near the Persian Gulf, in the Countrey of the Raubeni, supposed to be descended from Mishma the fourth sonne of Ismael. 6. Phunion the 36th. 7. Oboth the 37th. mansion of the Children of Israel. 8. Rheganna, another of those named by Ptolomy, in the Greek Copies called Eeganna. Of any Town of note now being more than this, and Scmiseasac, before named, I find nothing certain.

The first Inhabitants of this Countrey, of whom there is any certain Constat, were the posterity of Huz, the Sonne of Nachor, and the Sonnes of Abraham by Keturah, of whose being setled in these parts, we had before good testimony from the Book of God: and intermixt with them lived some of the descendants of Ismael also. For if the Adubeni, whom Ptolomy calleth the Agubeni, fetch their originall from Adheel the third, and the Raubeni, from Mishma the fift sonne of Ismael, as some say they doe; I see no reason but the whole Countrey might be called Kedar, from Kedar the second Sonne, as well as from the tawny complexions of the people of it. From them descended the Tribes or Nations spoken of by Ptolomy, that is to say, the Orcheni, Chaucabeni, Ausitae, Masoni, Materni, and Agrai, besides the Adubeni, and Raubeni, already specified. But being a dis-joynted people not under any setled form of Covernment, nor possessed of any thing worth looking after, they were either held not worth the conquering, in regard of their penury; or else unconquerable in respect of their Countrey, impassable for great Armies, by reason of the rolling Sands, and want of all things. Yet I coneeive that lying so near to the Chaldeans, they followed the fortunes of that mighty Monarchy, subjects unto it whilst it stood, and after Tributaries unto those who successively possessed themselves of the Supreme power. Not looked at by the Romans, or regarded by them, who aimed at wealth as well as honour, in their expeditions: nor otherwise subject to the Turk at this present time, than as they can make use of him and his protection in their frequent robberies. Though counted of as a part of the Turkish Empire, because the more civill Arabians are indeed his subjects.

2. ARABIA PETRAEA.

ARABIA PETRAEA, (now called Barra, Baraab, and Barthalaba) hath on the East, Arabia Deserta, and part of Sinus Persicus, or the Bay of Persia; on the West, the Isthmus which joineth Africa to Asia, and part of the Red Sea, or Gulf of Arabia; on the North, Palestine; and on the South, a long ridge of Mountains, which divide it from Arabia Felix.

It had this name either from the rockiness of the soil hereof, or more properly from Petra the chief City of it, called also by Aethicus, Sicaria, but I know not why; by the Hebrews, Chus, generally translated Ethiopia; by Willian of Tyre, Arabia Secunda, Felix being reckoned for the first. By Strabo, Ptolomy, and Pl•ny it is called Nabathaea, which name it had from Nabaioth, the eldest of the twelve Sonnes of Ismael, though properly that name belonged only to those parts which lay next Judaea: fruitfull though joining to the Desarts; and thus remembred by the Poet, as an Eastern Countrey.

Eurus ad Auroram, Nabathaeaque regna recessit.

Eurus unto the East did flie,

Where fruitful Nabathe doth lie.

The Countrey much of the same nature with the other, but in some parts thereof more fertile if well manured: and in the time of Marcellinus, affirmed to be a rich land, flourishing with variety of trade and trafick. But for the most part full of untravellable Desarts, except to those which carry their provisions with them for fear of starving, and goe in great companies or Carvans for fear of robbing, and yet much travelled by Merchants who trafick into Egypt and Babylonia, the commodities whereof they lay of Camels, which are the ships of Arabia, as their Seas, the Desarts. For upon one of these Camels, they will lay ordinarily 600. and sometimes 1000. pound weight: yet not afford him water above once in four days, not oftner in fourteen, if there be occasion. So that the Camel carrying so great a burden, and seldome fewer than 500 going in one voyage; the Merchant, if he scapeth robbing, makes a rich return. Of these Desarts the most memorable are those of Sin, and Pharan, in which the Israelites so long wandred: not beautified with grass, nor adorned with trees, the Palm onely excepted; nor furnished with water but by rain or miracle.

The people of it for the most part descended of the sonnes of Chus and Ismael, intermixed with the Madianites

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descending from Abraham by Keturah, and the Amalekites, descended probably from Amalek, the Grand-sonne of Esau, mentioned Gen. 36. but all united at the last in the name of Saracens. This name derived, as some think, from Sarra, signifying a desart, and saken which signifieth to inhabit, because they live for the most part in these desart places; as others say, from Sarak, signifying a Thief or Robber, agreeable to that of Arabia before delivered. This last most suitable to their nature, and best liked by Scaliger. Saraceni à vicinis dicuntur ab Elsarak, i.e. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, quod rapinis victitent. So he, in his second book de Emend. Temp. A people not reckoned of in the former times, till made remarkable by their conquest of a great part of the world; but always counted warlike and martial men. Of whom take this Character out of Marcellinus.

The Saracens (saith he) whom we are neither to wish for our friends or enemies, are a martiall people, half-naked, clad as far as the groin with painted Cassocks, ranging up and down on Camels, and swift horses, as well in peace as troublesome times. Not used unto the Plough, to plant trees, or get their livings by tillage, they wander from one place to another, without house or home, or any constant dwelling place, or the use of laws: nor can they long endure the same either Air or Soyl, the manner of their lives being alwayes flitting; like ravenous kites, which if they chance to spie a prey, snatch it up in their flight, or if they chance to fasten on it as it leith on the ground they make no long stay. Their food is chiefly upon Venison, and store of milk, herbs which they gather from the ground, and birds which they get by fowling; but altogether ignorant of corn and wine. Their wives they hire onely for a time, though for a shew of Matrimony they present their husbands with a spear and a tent, as in way of dowrie; but they part with them when they please. Both Sexts most extremely given to carnal lusts; the women as rambling as the men, maried in one place, and brought to bed in another; leaving their children where they fall, without more care of them.

So farre, and to this purpose he.

Rivers of note here are not many. The principall are, 1. That called Trananus amnis, or the River of Tranan, which passing thorow this Country endeth his course in the Red Sea. 2. Rhtnocorura, called in Scripture the torrent of Aegypt, which rising in this Countrey, and passing by the borders of Idumaea, hath its fall in the lake of Sirbon, and together with the waters thereof, loseth it self at last in the Mediterranean.

With Mountains it is better stored, and those of eminent observation, as 1 Mount Sinai, famous in all ages, for the promulgation of the Law, and of late times for a Monastery of Maronites on the top thereof. The hill so high, that both shores of the Red Sea may be thence seen: but easie of ascent by reason of steps cut out of the rock: which notwithstanding, he that beginneth to go up it at the break of day, will hardly overcome the top of it till the afternoon. The Monastery made an Episcopall See, and formerly very well endowed, as appeareth by the letters of Eugenius Bishop hereof to the Arch-Duke Charles, Anno 1569. complaining that the Turk had sold all their lands, and that himself and the Monkes were fain to pawn their holy Vessells, and take up money on Usury. Here is also a Mesque or Mesquit of Turks, who resort in pilgrimage to this hill, as well as the Christians. 2. Mount Horeb, where the Israelites worshipped the Molten Calf, about a mile and an half distant from Mount Sinai, but not so high, on the top of which is a Church also; and a Monastery of Coloires, or Greek Monks, at the bottom; exceeding hospitable to strangers, whom they entertain of free cost, and cheerfully shew them all the places worth observation, which the Scripture mentioneth in that tract. Both hills by Ptolomy, called Melani, or the Black Mountains; the last now called Orel. 3. Mount Hor, bordering on Idumaea, and memorable for the death of Aaron.

Places of most observation, 1. Petra, the name-given to this part, at first called Recem, and at that time belonging to Midian: afterwards called Serah when pertaining to the Idumaeans. But falling under the power of the Arabians, it is now called Crat. Best known in holy Scripture by the name of Selah, before mentioned, which signifies the same with the Latine Petra. A City of great note and strength in all times foregoing, taken by Amaziah the King of Judah, 2 Kings 14. 7. and by him called Jock-beel, but in vain besieged by Scaurus, a Roman Generall, who finding the place to be impregnable, was content by the perswasion of Antipater, to take a sum of money and raise his siege. Not did the Emperour Traian speed much better at it, his Souldiers being still beat off in all their assaults, the very next man to him slain with a dart, and himself forced to cast away his Imperial habit, and flie for his life: the heavens themselves, if Dion (who is never sparing of the like prodigies) may be believed, fighting against the Romans with thunder, lighting, whirlewinds, and tempests, as often as they made any approaches to it. But in the end subdued with the rest of the Countrey. In such esteem, by reason of the strength of it, by the Soldans of Aegypt, that they kept here their choisest treasures: and in the course of the Holy Wars, much aimed at by the Turks and Christians, as the key that opened the Gates of Palestine, on the South border whereof, not far from Mount Hor, beforementioned, the Town is situate. The Metropolis of the Province when first under the Romans; and made the Seat of a Latine Bishop, when the Christians of the West were the Lords thereof. 2. Bosra, said to have been built by Augustus Caesar, because by him repaired, when decayed and ruined; afterwards by Alexander Severus made a Colony of the Romans. This last most certain, and for such testifyed by this antient inscription, in an antient coin, COL. BOSTRAN. T. R. ALEXANDRIAN AE: Memorable also for the birth of Philip the Emperour, one of that Alexanders next Successors; by whom it was caused for a time to be called Philippus; for the Metropolitan dignity removed hither from Petra, somewhat before the time of Justiman, but by whom I find not; and for being the Episcopall See of Titus (hence sumarned) Bostrenus, a Reverend Father of the Church in the time of Julian the Apostate. A City of as great antiquity as the most that be, mentioned Gen. 36. 33. though there accounted of as a City of Edom, to which at that time it did belong; and is still remaining, and well known by the name of Buffereth. 3. Elama,

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on a bay of the Red Sea, called hence Sinus Elaniticus, 4. Phara, reckoned by Ptolomy for a chief Town of this Tract, from whence the Wilderness of Paran seems to take its name. 5. Berenice, so called from some of the Queens of Aegypt, but better known by the name of Esion-geber, one of the Stations or incampings of the Children of Israel; and made by Solomon the ordinary harbour for his Ships which sailed to Ophir in the East-Indies. 6. Sur, the chief City of the Amalekites, giving name to the Wilderness or Desart of Sur, comming close up to it; remarkable for the first incamping of the Tribes of Israel after their miraculons passage over the Red Sea; and the defeat which Saul gave to the Amaleknes, whom he smote from Havilah to this place. 7. Havilah, so called from Havilah the Sonne of Chus, being the furthest border of these Amalekites and Ismachtes on the Gulf of Persia, as Sur was on the Red Sea, or Gulf of Arabia. 8. Madian, so called of Madian, the Sonne of Abraham by Keturah, situate towards the Red Sea also; the City of Jethro, whose daughter Zipporah was the wife of Moses: who flying from the Court of Pharaoh King of Aegypt, was by Gods secret providence directed hither; that keeping the flocks of Jethro in the Desarts adjoining, he might acquaint himself with the waies and passages, thorow which he after was to lead the house of Israel. 9. Rephaim, the incamping place of Moses, where he discomfited the Amalekites; and to which the said Jethro came to him with his wife and Children; advising him to ease himself of some part of that burden, which the government of so great a people would else bring upon him. 10. Kadesh-barnes, the station of the Tribes, when the spies which were sent to discover the Land of Canaan, returned back unto them; memorable for the death of Miriam the Prophetess; and 11, Thara, no less memorable for the mutiny and punishment of Corah, Dathan, and Abirom, the place remembred Numb. 33. 27. but others will have 12. Makheloth, mentioned v. 25. of that Chapter, to be the Stage of that action; the Scriptures being silent in this particular. The rest of their encamping places, being most of them in this part of Arabus, I omit of purpose, as obvious in the Scripture unto every Reader: as I do also some of the Cities of Moab and Ammon; accompted of by Ptolomy as Cities of this Province; but spoken of already in our Description of Palestine, to which more properly belonging.

The old Inhabitants of this Countrey, were the Madianites, the Ismaelites, the Amalekites, and the Children of Chus; who dwelling promiscuously together, are sometimes used for one another: the Merchants which bought Joseph of his Brethren being indifferently called Midianites, and Ismaelites, Gen. 37. 28. and Zipporah the wife of Moses, who questionless was a daughter of Madian, being by Miriam, and Aaron, called an Ethopian or Chusite, as in way of reproach, Num. 12. 1. But being they were different Nations, and such as had some speciall ingagement with or against the Children of Israel; we will consider them by themselves, till we have brought them into one body, by the name of Chusites, Hethiopians, or Arabians, which are all the same.

And first, the MADIANITES were such of the posterity of Madian, the sonne of Abraham by Keturah, who preserving the knowledge of the true God, withdrew themselves from all communion with the idolatrous Canaanites, at such time as the rest of their brethren did associate with them; and setled themselves more towards the banks of the Red Sea; where they did all good offices to the children of Israel, as they passed thorow their Countrey. Of these the Kenites were a branch, as appeareth Judges 1. 16. where Jethro the Prince or Priest of Madian is called a Kenite: some of which turned Proselytes, and dwelt with the Israelites in Canaan, of which race Heber the Kenite, the husband of Jael who slew Sisera, was undoubtedly one. The rest, continuning mingled with the Amalekites, till the time of Saul, were by him warned (in memory of former curtesies) to withdraw themselves from them; lest they should perish with them in the same destruction. Afterwards we hear litle of either People, losing their name in the greater Nation of the Ismaelites, with whom intermingled; or passing with them into the same common notion of Arabians, Chusites, or Ethopians.

2. Nor were the AMALEKITES, though a greater and more powerful Nation, of much more continuance: descended, as it is conceived, from Amalek, the Grand-sonne of Esan, (though I deny not but there are some reasons to be urged against that opinion,) and planted on the back of the Edomites, as their Guard or outwork. A people mischeivously bent against those of Israel, as if they had inherited the hatred which Esau their fore-father did bear to Jacob, whom they violently set on at Rephidim, when they supposed them spend and wearied with their flight from Egypt. And though discomsited in that battel, yet they continued in their malice against the Tribes: and joyning first with the Canaanites against them when they were in their March; and after with the Midianites when not well setled in their new possessions. A provocation so ill-taken by the Lord of hosts, because unnatural, and illgrounded, that he declared his resolution from the time of the battel of Rephidim, to put out the remembrance of Amalek from under Heaven, Exodus 17. 14. Accordingly, when the Children of Israel were provided for it, he commanded Saul to set upon them, and to slay both man and woman, Infant and suckling, yea their sheep and Cattel. But some of them escaped this slaughter, and fell not long after upon Ziglag, the retiring place of David, which they took and ransacked; but being by him followed on the first intelligence, they were easily overthrown, and the prey recovered. Their malice yet survived their power; and what they could not do by their proper forces, they endeavoured to affect by joying with the Ammonites, Moabites, and other enemies of David, in their warres against him. And this was ultimum conamen, one of the last flashes of their dying light: nothing done by them worth remembrance of the times succeeding, most of the Nation being worn out, and those few which were left, retiring to the Mountains of Edom, but thereof also dispossessed by the Simeonites, during the reign of Hezekiah.

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3. The ISMAELITES, descending from Ismael, the sonne of Abraham by Hagar, branched into twelve great Nations, and grown wondrous populous; spread themselves over a great part of these three Arabias: all of them either Theeves or Merchants; trading to Egypt, in spicery, and balm, and myrrhe, or robbing those which traded in the like commodities. Called also Hagarens in the Scripture, as 1 Chron. 5. 10. Psalm 83. 6. &c. and by that name well known to many of the antient writers. A people for the most part of a vagabond and roguish life, more given to spoyl, than any honest course of living, which made every Traveller and Merchant to be armed against them: so verifying the prediction which was given of Ismael, that he should be a wild man, having his hand against every mar, and every mans hand against him. Saint Hierome so conceives that Prophecy to have been accomplished. More fitly verified perhaps, when in and under the name of Saracens, (by which, and by the name of Scenites, they were most generally known to the Greeks and Romans) they made such foul havock in the world, and were esteemed the common enemies of all Civil Nations. Never so governable in their best and most orderly times, as to acknowledge King or Law, till made one body with the Chusites, and the rest of these Nations: and then no further than it stood with their lust or liking.

4. As for the Chusites, though they permitted the Nations above specified to inhabit in those Desarts and wast places which themselves either could not people or cared not for: yet were they alwayes of most power, and gave name to that whole tract of ground containing now all Petroea, the South part of Deserta, and the Mountains which divide Petroea from Arabia Felix; which from them was called. Chus, or the land of Chus. Rendred in all places of the old Testament by the name of Ethiopia, first by the Septuagint, and afterwards by all the Fathers Greeks and Latine, the Vulgar translation of the Bible, and almost all the other translations at this day extant. And rendred right enough at first, as in all times since, though by some mistaken: who having never heard of any other Aethopia than that in Africk, have transferred thither all those actions and Texts of Scripture, which are meant of this. The Septuagint, no doubt, were not so ignorant of the affaires of their next neighbouring Nation, as not to know by what name they were called by the Greeks, their then Lords and Masters. And he that looks into the History of Herodotus, who lived 150 years before that translation; will find, that by the Grecians they were called Aethiopians: and called so questionless from the self same reason, that is to say, the swarthyness, or Sun-burnt-ness, of their complexion, as the AE thiops of Africk were; that name being framed of the Greek word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 signifying to burn, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 a countenance, by reason of their tawny and Sun-burnt Countenances. For speaking of the huge Army of Xerxes against the Greeks, he doth thus proceed, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 &c.

Arsames (saith he) was Captain of the Arabians (he meaneth the Troglodites) and Aethiopians which are beyond Egypt: but the Eastern Aethiopians were ranked with the Indians, nothing differing from the other in the structure of their bodies, but their hair and voice onely: the Eastern Aethiopians wearing their hair smooth, those of Libya curled. The Aethiops of Asia were armed like the Indians, but the Aethiops of Africa were arrayed with the skins of beasts.

Here then we have an Asian Aethiopia in the time of Herodotus: the same acknowledged by Pausanias an old Greek writer, and by Philostratus after him, though they look for it in the wrong place; the first amongst the Seres in the North of Asia, the other on the River Ganges, too much in the East. Nor doth Aethicus one of the old Cosmographers; published by Simlerus, shoot more n•or the mark, who speaking of the River Tigris, faith that it buryeth it self, and runneth under the ground in Aethiopia: Which though Simler doth interpret of these parts of Arabia; yet questionless that Author meaneth it of the Countreys about Mount Taurus, where that River doth indeed run under ground, and having passed under those vast mountains, riseth up again.

But what need further search be made to find out the situation of this Aethiopia, when it is bounded out so plainly in the holy Scriptures. For when it is said of Zipporah the wife of Moses, that she was an Aethiopian woman, Num. 12. 1. who is well known to have been a native of this Countrey; and when it is said in the 2 Chron. 21. 16. that the Lord stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistims, and of the Arabians that were near the Aethiopians: it must needs be that the Aethiopia there spoken of must be conterminous to the rest of Arabia, and be intended of that Countrey wherein Madian was. So where God threatneth by the mouth of the Prophet Exekiel, that he would lay wast the land of Egypt from the Tower of Syene even unto the borders of Aethiopia, chap. 29. 10. that is to say, from one end thereof unto the other: it followeth necessarily, that Aethiopia there meant, must be this part of Arabia, or the Land of Chus, as the bound of Egypt most remote from the tower of Syene, which all Geographers acknowledge to be in the extreme South parts thereof towards the Cataracts of Nilus. For to expound it as some do, of Aethiopia in Africk, on the borders whereof Syene stood, and stood so indifferently betwixt it and Egypt, that Stephanus an antient Writer makes it very doubtfull to which of the two it did belong; were to make the Scripture speak plain non-sence, as plain as if a man should say, that the French comquered all the Netherlands from Graveling to Flanders; or that the sword hath ranged over all England, from Barwick to Scotland. As then we have found this Aethiopia of the old Testament to be neer the Philistims on the one side, and the Land of Egypt on the other; so may we find it to be bounded also on the East, with Babylonia, or Chaldoea: the River Gihon, which is said to compass the whole Land of Aethiopia (or the land of Chus) Gen. 2. 13. being no other than a branch of the River Euphrates, which falleth into the Lakes of Chaldoea. So that the translation of the Septuagint in reading Chusit is, or the land of Chus, by Ethiopia, needs no such alteration or emendation as some men suppose. The mistakes (whereof there have been many) which arise from hence, not being to be charged on them or on their translation, but on the ignorance of the Reader, or errour of such Expositors, who dreaming of no other AEthiopia than of that in Africk, have made the Scriptures speak such things as it never meant, and carried these

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Chusites into the African Ethiopia, where they never were. And yet perhaps it may be said, that this posterity of Chus, being streitned in their own possessions, or willing to seek new adventures, might have crossed over the Red-Sea or Gulf of Arabia (being but seven miles broad where narrowest); and mingling with the Sons of Ludim on the other side, might either give the name of Aethiopians to them, or receive it from them.

Now to go forwards with the story, the first great action atributed to these Cbusites, or Arabian Aethops, incorporated with the rest of those mingled Nations, is the expedition of Zerah, the King hereof, against Asa King of Judah, drawing after him an Army of a million, and three hundred Chariots of war (the greatest Army ever read of in unquestioned story) but for all that, discomfited by the Lord of hosts on the praiers of Asa, and all the spoyl of that huge Army carried to Hierusalem. After this Tirrakth, another of these Aethiopian Kings, finding how dangerous the great growth of the Assyrian Kingdome might prove unto him, prepared a puissant Army against Senacherib, then besieging Libna, threatning the conquest of all Judah, and invading Egypt: upon the news of whose approach Senacherib's forces which were even upon the gaining of Pelusium, the Gate of Egypt, were fain to dislodge and provide for their safety. For though Herodotus call Senacherib King of Arabia and Assyria, yet was he Master onely of those parts of Arabia, which had been formerly possessed by the Kings of Israel, being no more than some few Cities of Petraea, bordering next unto them: or perhaps called so onely in respect of those parts of Syria and Mesopotamia, which were sometimes comprehended under the name of Arabia, as before is said. What part they after took in the great war betwixt Nebuchadnezzar and Pharaoh Necho King of Egypt, is not hard to say. For that besides the same reasons of state obliging them to side with the Egyptian were stil in force their giving Necho leave to pass thorow their Countrey with his Army, to invade the Babylonian on the banks of Euphrates, make that plain enough. Now that both Tirr akah and Zerah, were Kings of this Asian, and not of the African Aethiopia, is most clear and evident: partly in regard the Kings 〈◊〉 Egypt would never suffer such huge Armies to pass thprow the whole length of their Dominions; but principally because it is said in the holy Scriptures, that Asa having overthrown that vast Army of Zerah, smote all the Cities about Gezar, which formerly had belonged unto the Philistims, but were then possessed by these Chusites and their Associates. After this, either as Confederates or subjects, we find them aiding unto Xe•xes in his war on Greece: and like enough it was that in Alexanders march from Egypt towards Persia, they submitted to him, as did all the other Countries thorow which he passed. He being dead, Antigonus, one of his great Commanders, sent Athenaeus with an Army to bring them in, who being trained into an ambush was discomfited by them; Demetrius the Sonne of Antigonus thinking that he had done enough in revenge of that overthrow, by compelling them to sue for peace. In the time of the Seleucian race in Syria, we find them governed by Kings of their own, most of them called by the name of Aretas; of which one was of special note in the declining forrunes of the Seleucidans, for bidding very fair for the Crown of that Countrey; another mentioned by Saint Paul, 2 Cor. 11. 32. as Lord of Damascus. In the flourishing of the Roman fortunes, the Kings hereof having first aided Mithridates and Tygranes in the warre against them, submitted themselves unto Lucullus, being then no neerer to them than Armenia Major. The like they did to Pompey also, being then in Judaea. First vanquished by Aelius Gallus in the time of Augustus; but the Victory not improved to an absolute conquest, till the time of Trajan: when partly by his personall presence, and partly by the valour and good fortune of Palma, his Lieutenant, they were fully vanquished, and brought into the form of a Roman Province; but so that they had Kings of their own, (Vassalls and Feudataries of the Empire) as in former times; continuing in that condition till the rise of Mahomet; of which more hereafter.

3. ARABIA FELIX

ARABIA FELIX is bounded on the East, with the Persian; on the West, with the Arabian Gulf; on the North, with a long ridge of mountains, which part it from Deserta, and Petraea; and on the South, with the boundless Ocean. Environed on three parts with the Sea, on the fourth with rough, impassable mountains, in situation and figure much resembling Italy.

It had the name of Arabia Felix from the fertility and happy condition of it, being esteemed the most fruitful and pleasant and Countrey in all Asia, abounding with Myrrhe, Balsamum, Frankincense, Gold, and precious stones: by Curtius called Odorum fertilitate nobilis Regio, from the abundance of Frankincense wherewith enriched beyond all others. Concerning which there goeth a story, that when Alexander in his Adolescency or boyage was sacrificing to the Gods, and cast into the fire with both hands great store of Frankincense and Myrrhe; Leonidas, his Governour, bid him be more sparing of those precious and dear Commodities, till he was Master of the Countrey in which they grew. Which Alexander remembring, when he brought almost all the East under his obedience, he sent unto Leonidas a ship laden with Frankincense, biding him from thenceforth serve the Gods more liberally. But aswel for the reason of this adjunct, as a more perfect Character, and description of it, take along this of Ammianus Marcellinus who describes it thus.

On the East, and South hereof (saith he) are the Happy Arabians, so called because so rich in corn, aswel as plenteous in cattel, vines, and odoriferous spices of all kinds; shut up betwixt the Red Sea, and the Persian Gulf, and so acquainted with all blessings, which either Element can afford: well furnished with Roades, and quiet harbours for shipping, the Towns of Trade and merchandise standing very thick, the retiring houses of the Kings, passing neat and sumptuous. Besides most wholesome fountains of medicinall waters, they enjoy divers Brooks and Rivers very cleer and pure, and a temperature of Air exceeding healthy, so that whosoever considereth all things aright, may well conclude, that there

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is nothing wanting to the accomplishment of its felicity in the highest degree. So Ammianus Marcellinus.

To which we need adde nothing more to set forth its happiness, than that Danoeus in his comment on Saint Augustines Echiridion ad Laurentium, is perswaded that it was the local place of Paradise Dicuur (saith he) Paradisi terrestris Regio pars quoedam esse Arabiae, quoe nunc dicitur Felix. But it hath other names besides this of Felix, by the Arabians themselves called Jeman, and Al-yeman (Ayaman corruptly by the Turks) which in that tongue fignifieth the South, or Southern Region, By Virgil it is named Panchaia, quafi tota dehiscens, because of the many chops and chinks which the ardour of the Sunne makes in the sands thereof, though by him much extolled also for its plenty of Frankincense,

Totaq thuriferis Panchaia pinguis arenis,

Famed are the whole Panchaian lands

For rich and incense-bearing sands.

The People antiently, though more civil than the rest of the Arabians, had yet many strange and barbarous customes. Adultery amongst them was punished with death, as in other places, but he onely was held an Adulterer, which enjoyed any that was not his own kinswoman, be she his Sister or his mother, and so they kept themselves in their own families, community of wives or woemen was esteemed no crime. And of this there is a tale in Strabo, that a King of this Countrey had 15. sonnes, and but one daughter, who according to the customes hereof, was the common wife of all the Brethren: every of which had a staff of like making, which when he went in unto his Sister he did leave at the door, and by so doing did forbid entrance to the rest till it were removed. The young Lady wearied with a continual excess of dalliance, secretly procured a staff like unto the rest, which when she was desirous to prohibit their accesses to her, she left at her chamber door; and by that means did many times enjoy her desired privacy. At last it hapned that all the Brothers being together, one of them departed towards his Sisters lodging; Where finding a staff before the door, and knowing that he had left his brethren in one place together, accused her of Adultery: but the truth being made known, the Lady was quitted, and her visits afterwards restrained. Of dead bodies, they took no care, not so much as of their Chiefs, or Princes, but left them to the custody of the next dung-hil. They bragged much of their descent from Jupiter; and neglected all sciences and arts, as disparagements to so great nobility. Commendable onely in the keeping of their faith and promises, and in that most punctual. Much of the same condition are the present Inhabitants, save that less faithful in their contracts, and by their law restrained from the medling with the wives of others, permitted many of their own. Some there are of them which apply themselves to the grazing of cattel, and the rest to Merchandize, wherein very cautious, and cunning: but hating to this day all Mechanical Arts. A Nation from the beginning unmixed with others till the coming of the Turks amongst them, of which but few, and those disposed of in garrisons: boasting of their nobility, and glorying in nothing more than their greatest shame, namely that the false Prophet Mahomet was their Countrey-man, whose impieties are here generally embraced and followed.

Amongst the rarities of this Countrey, some account the Phoenix, which growing old burneth it self in a nest of spices, and from thence a young one is ingendred; one of them onely at a time, which after a life of five or six hundred years, thus reneweth her kind. But this tradition, questioned in former times by Pliny and some others, is now proved a fiction; contrary both unto divinity and natural reason, though some of the Fathers made use of it as an argument to prove the Resurrection against the Gentiles, by whom the tradition was believed. More common, but of no less observation, is the Ostrige, a Bird which swalloweth all it findeth, be it stones or Iron, They delight chiefly in the Desarts, in the sands whereof they lay their eggs, and then forgetting where they left them sit on those they meet next. In that respect accounted for a simple fowl, though otherwise of wit enough to preserve themselves, keeping in flocks, and oftentimes with their fearful shreeches affrighting Passengers, to whom they do appear a farre off like a Troop of horsemen. Their wings too little for their bodies, serve them not for flight, but to run more speedily; and by that means not easily caught, though much laid in wait for, for their skins, which the people sell unto the Merchant with the feathers on them. Nor of less note is the Frankincense, though of common use; almost peculiar to this Countrey, and here but to those parts thereof which were formerly possessed by the Sabi, the wood out of which this gum proceedeth being about 100 miles long, and 500 broad; gathered onely in Spring and Autumn, More of this anon.

The Countrey is much commended by Ammianus for plenty of Rivers, the principal whereof are said by Ptolomy, to be 1. Betus. 2. Prion. 3. Harman. 4. Lar; but the modern names thereof I find not. Many fair Lakes, and store of large capacious Baies on each coast of the Sea, as 1. Sinus Eliniticus. 2. Sachalites. 3. Leanites. 4. Sinus Magoram. 5. Sinus Iehthy-phagorum. 6. Messanites. 7. Sacer Sinus, or the holy Bay, and 8 the Road or Naval station called Neogilla. Mountains of most note, 1. Those which are called Melanes, at the entrance of the Persian Gulf. 2. Cabubuthra, at the entrance of the Red Sea or Gulf of Arabia. 3. Hippus. 4. Prionotus, not far from the River Pyton, from whence so denominated. 5. Climax. 6. The Mountains called Dedymi, &c.

Towns of good note in antient times it had very many, no Region affording unto Ptolomy the names of more; and amongst those, many commodious Ports for trafick, the Sea begirting it for the space of three thousand miles and upwards. Of most importance and observation in those times were, 1. Zabrum, 2. Baden, 3. Rhabana, 4. Carman, 5. Manambis, 6. Sabe, 7. Are; the Royal seats of so many severall Kingdomes, and therefore honoured by Ptolomy with the title of Regioe. Then there are 1. Maco•mos, 2. Meara, 3. Nagara, 4 Sabbatha, 5. Mapha, and 6. Saphar, which he called Metropolet; as being the head Cities of some severall Nations. Amongst the Ports, he reckoneth, 1. So•ippus, 2. Trulla, 3. Tretos, 4. Cryptus, 5. Itamos, and 6. Moscha: amongst the most noted Empories

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or Towns of Trafick, 1. Musa, 2. Ocelis, 3. Arabia, 4. Cane. Besides which there are some which do preserve the memory of their first Plantations, as, 1. Saphta, upon the Persian Gulf, to called from Sabta, the third Sonne of Chus. 2. Rhegama, or Regma (as the Greek copies of Ptolomy have it) so named from Regmoe or Raama his sixt Sonne; On the same Gulf also. 3. Sabe, on the shores of the Red Sea, and 4. Sabe Regia, more within the Land, so named from Seba the eldest Some of the same Chus, from whom the rich and potent nation of the Saboeans are to be derived. Out of all which, and many others by him named, we shall take more particular notice of some that follow. 1. Musa, a noted Port on the entrance of the Red-Sea, frequented antiently by the Ethiopian and Egyptian Merchants, who there laded their ships, with Frankincekse, Myrrhe, Spices, and other commodities of this Countrey, bringing in, in exchange thereof, Saffron, corn, wine, ointments, purple dies, &c. 2. Sabe, the Regal Seat of the Kings of the Sabaans, particularly of that Queen so memorized in holy Scripture: called in the old Testament the Queen of Sheba, from her Countrey and place of dwelling, in the New Testament, the Queen of the South, because of the Southern situation of it in respect of Judea: said there to come from the furthest parts of the world, because there was no part of the world which lay south to the Countrey of the Saboeans over which she reigned. Situate on a little Mountain, assumed by Agatharcides to be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the most beautiful by far in all Arabia, and the Metropolis of the rich and potent Nation of the Saboeans; rich in all the excellencies of Nature, espeecially in Frankincense, a gum peculiar to them only, and growing here in a wood of about 100 miles long, and 50 broad, not gathered but in the Spring and Autumn, nor then without great care, and many ceremonies. The Countrey hereabouts from hence called Thurifera, and this sweet gum appropriated soly to it. Sabaei Arabum propter thura clarissimi, as we find in Pliny, Solis est thurea virga Sabaeis, as it is in Virgil; and finally—Thuriferos, felicia Regna, Sabaeos, in the Argonauticks of Valerius Flaccus. It was called also Mariaba, and by that name occurreth in some antient Writers. 3. Saphar, more towards the Persian Gulf, on the South-side of the mountain Climax, the chief City of the Homerita; adorned in times of Christianity with a beautifull Temple. 4. Sabbatha, or Sabota, as Pliny calleth it, seated about the middest of the Countrey, on the top of an high and lofty hill, from whence it had a gallant prospect on the fields adjoyning; antiently large and populous, and strongly fortified, having no fewer than 60 Temples within the walls, the principal that consecrated unto Sabis, the God of their Nation, to whom they offered the tith of their Frankincense, ubi decimas Deo quem Sabin vocant, mensura non pondere capiunt Sacerdotes, as we read in Pliny.

But these and almost all the rest being grown out of knowledge, there have risen in their rooms, 1. Egra, on the shore of the Red Sea, neer the Bay called Sinus Elaniticus, by Prolomy called Arga, by the Arabians themselves, Algiar, the Port Town to medina, from which about three daies journey distant. 2. Jatrib, or Jathrib, in the way betwixt Aygiar, and Medina, the birthplace of Mahomet; by whom fortified with a mud-wall as his place of retreat in the first beginnings of his fortunes. 3. Medina, or commonly called Medina Talmabi, corrupty for Medinatho-luabi, that is to say, the City of the Prophet, so called from the Sepulchre of Mahomet, that vile Imposture, which is there to be seen; although not in such an iron coffin, or drawn up to the roof of the Temple by vertue of an Amant there placed, as some deliver. The Town situate in a desolate and barren place, bordering on Arabia Petroea; but of great trade, rich, and well inhabited: the Sepulchre of that false Prophet drawing thither a continuall resort of Pilgrims. The Temple gorgeous, having 3000 lamps in it, which burn continually. The Sepulchre or Tomb inclosed within an Iron grate, but of no magnificence or beauty: covered with a carpet of Green Velvet, which is sent hither yearly by the Grand Signeur, the old one being taken off, and cut into innumerable shreds or peeces, and sold for Relicks by the Priests, (to such as come in Pilgrimage thither) to their great enriching. 4. Cufa, the ordinary residence of the first Caliphs, till the removing of the Imperiall Seat to Damascus in Syria; and after that, the usuall place of meeting for •••sultation in affairs of State, relating to the peace of this Countrey, and the common interest of this People: as memorable for the Sepulchre of Mortis Hali, the Progenitor of the Persian Sophies, as Medina is for that of Mahomet. 5. Meccha, supposed to be the Mechara of Ptolomy, situate in the like barren soyl, not far from Medina, but of far greater resort and trafick: the whole wealth in a manner of this Countrey, together with the commodities of Persia, and India, being first brought hither, and from hence on Camels backs transported into Aegypt, Syria, Palestine, and other parts of the Turkish Empire. Unwalled, and either for that cause or for concealement of their fopperies from the eyes of Christians, it is made death for any Christian for to come within five miles of it. Utterly destitute of water, but what they keep in cisternes from one shewer of rain to another, or else brought thither with great charge; otherwise pleasantly seated, rich, and containing about 6000 families: every year visited with three Caravans or troops of Merchants and Pilgrims, from India, Damascus, and Grand Caire: who having done their business and devotions there, go afterwards in Pilgrimage to Medina also, to the great enriching of both places. 6. Ziden, the Haven Town to Mecca, from which distant about 40. miles, situate on the Red Sea, in a sandy soyl, unwalled and much exposed both to wind and weather, but wealthy, well-built, and of great resort. 7. Zebit, now the Metropolis of the Countrey, situate about half a daies journey from the Red Sea, in a large plain between two mountains; a Riveret of the smae name passing by it, well-traded for Sugars, spice, and fruits; the ordinary residence of the Turkish Begler•e, by whom taken not longer after Aden. 8. Eltor, a Port Town of this Countrey, where the Christians are suffered to inhabit. 9. Aden, on the very entrance of the Red Sea, neer the Streights called 〈◊〉 M•ndell, supposed by some to be the Madoce of Ptolomy, but more agreeing in situation, with the 〈◊〉 Emporie by him called Arabia. The fairest Town of the whole Peninsula, of great strength,

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both by Art and Nature, well-traded, and well-fortified, having a large capacious Haven, seldome without good store of shipping, and containing to the number of six thousand persons. Once a distinct Kingdome of itself, but treacherously surprized by the Turks, Anno 1538. and therewith all the rest of the Countrey made afterwards the seat of a Turkish Beglerbeg, under whom, and him of Zebit, are supposed to be no fewer than thirty thousand Timariots. 10. Oran, the Lock and Key of the Southern Ocean. 11. Thema, or Theman, the same I take it, which our later travellers call Zeman, situate more within the land, affirmed by Benjamin the Jew, surnamed Tuledensis, to be a Town of 15 miles square, but to have within the walls thereof great quantity of ground for tillage. 12. Zarval, a retiring place of the Caliphs, when they lived in this Countrey. 13. Hor, on the point or Promontory called Chorodemus, a Garrison not long since of the Kings of Ormus. 14. Muskahat, on the Persian Gulf, neer the point of Land called Cape Rozelgate; opposite to Surat, in the East India, and possessed by the Portugals, who have fortified it with a well-built Castle, for defence of their ships and Frigots which frequent those Seas. Of no great note till the taking of Ormus by the Persians, many of the Inhabitants whereof were since setled here. Of the affairs of this Countrey we shall speak anon; having first took a brief view of the Ilands which belong unto it.

4. THE ARABICK ILANDS.

The ILANDS which lie round about the shores of Arabia Felix, and have been antiently accompted as parts thereof, are dispersed either in the 1. Red-Sea, 2. Southern Ocean, or 3. the Gulf of Persia.

1. The RED-SEA, (called also by the Antients Sinus Arabicus, and now Golso di Mecca) is that part or branch of the Southern Ocean which interposeth it self betwixt Egypt on the East; Arabia Felix and some part of Petraa on the West; the North-East bound of it touching upon Idumaea, or the Cost of Edom. Extended in length from the Town of Sues, antiently called Arsinoe, in the bottom of it, to the streights of Babe!-Mandel, where it openeth into the Southern Ocean, for the space of one thousand and four thousand miles, in breadth for the most part but one hundred, but in some places almost two: the Streights themselves not being above a mile and an half; antiently chained by the Kings of Aegypt, as is said by Strabo, but now left open by the Turk, who is Lord hereof. A violent and unquiet Sea, full of sands and shelves; insomuch as they who passe in and out, are fain to make use of Pilots which dwell thereabouts, and are experienced in the channel. Sufficiently famous in all times and stories for the miraculous passage of the Children of Israel.

It took the name of the Red-Sea, as some conceived, from the redness of the sands; as others have delivered, from the redness of the waters: but later observations have discovered the weakness and absurdity of these Etymologies; the Sea and Sands being coloured here as in other places. By the Grecians it was called Erythraum, which in that tongue signifieth Red also, not from the colour either of the sands or waters, but from one Erythras supposed to be the Sonne of Perseus and Andromeda, who commanded the Eastem shores hereof. And these come neerer to the mark than the others did. For the truth is, it was originally called the Sea of Edom, because it took beginning on the coasts of that Countrey: which word in the Hebrew, signifying Red, as appeareth Gen. 25. 30. first given as a nick-name to Esau, and from him afterwards to Mount Seir, or the Land of Edom, Gen. 36. 31. was by the Greeks rendred Erthraum, and Mare Rubrum by the Latines. Whence the name of the Red Sea became known to all, but the reason of the name to few.

Of the great trafick which was antiently driven up this Sea, we shall speak hereafter, when we are in Egypt, on the other side of it. Look we now on the Ilands which belong to Arabia, as they all generally do. Known in the times of Ptolomy by the names of 1. Adani, 2. Aeni, 3. Are, 4. Cardamine, 5. Combusta, 6. Damanum, 7. Hieracum, or the Isle of Hawkes, 8. Maliaci, 9. Polbii, 10. Socratis, 11. Timagenis, and 12. Zygana. But by what names now called, and of what note then, is a thing so doubtfull, that I dare not offer a conjecture. Late Travellers report almost all of them to be small, desolate, or but meanly inhabited, described by them under other names. One there is of indifferent largeness, said to be an hundred twenty and five miles long, though but twelve broad, called Dalaqua, with a City in it of that name, where they gather Pearls. 2. Then there is Camaran, most extremely hot, of most note for the many spoils there made by the Portugals. 3. Xamoa, the earth whereof is said to be Red, (perhaps to countenance the vulgar tradition of calling this the Red Sea from the colour of the sands of shores) and the King a Moore. 4. The Samaritan Iland, spoken of by Scaliger, inhabited by a remainder of that people; who assoon as they saw any stranger land upon their coasts, would most religiously desite him not to touch them.

II. The SOUTHERN OCEAN comprehendeth that vast body of waters, which from the Eastern banks of both Aethiopia's, coast along on the South of Arabia Felix, and so directly East-ward to the furthest India: in this regard called by some Writers Oceanus Indicus, by others Mare Australe, from the situation; and by some also Mare Rubrum or the Red Sea, from Erythras a great King (as they suppose) reigning hereabouts, and giving name not onely to the Red Sea (or Gulf of Arabia) strictly and specially so called, but to all the Sea-coasts also from the opening of the Bay of Arabia to the coasts of India, by them called Mare Erythraum.

In this vast Ocean Ptolomy placeth many Ilands which belong to Arabia, but of little note, viz. two Ilands by the name of Insula Agathoclis. 2. Three more by the name of Cocconati. 3. Dioscoris, by Pliny called Dioscurias, with a City of the same name in it. 4. Seven others in the Bay called Sinus

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Sachalites, by the name of Zenobii. 5. Organa, by Strabo called Tyrrina, memorable for the Sepulchre of Erythras before mentioned, being a great Hill planted with trees. 6. Sarapias, by Ammianus Marceuinus called Turgana, famed for a Temple of Serapis, the Egyptian Idol. None of them now of any Credit, nor formerly of any great note, the two last excepted.

III. On the East-side of Arabia Felix, betwixt it and Persia, lieth another large Arm of the Southern Ocean, antiently called Sinus Persicus, or the Bay of Persia, now Golfo di Elkadiffe. A turbulent and unruly Sea, the Southern Ocean breaking in at the one end, and the River Euphrates at the other: the continual combatting or clashing of which two great waters, makes it so unquiet. Ptolomy placeth in this Bay (but as parts or members of Arabia,) 1. Tylus, which Arianus sets at the mouth of Euphrates, Samus in the Indian Seas, affirming it to be well stored with vines, and olives: another of this name being placed by Theophrastus in the Bay of Arabia (but probably the place mistaken) affording good materials for shipping. 2. Apphana. 3. Tharo. 4. Ichara; of which nothing memorable. To these somelate Travellers have adjoyned two others, if not some of the former under those new names, that is to say, 5. Bayrea, and 6. Gonfiar, where they take the best Pearles in the World, in beds of Oisters. Other Ilands of this Bay (if any) do belong to Persia; where, if occasion so require, we shall speak more of them.

To return therefore to the main-land of Arabia-Felix, the first Inhabitants thereof were the sonnes of Chus, and the families which they brought with them. Their memories preserved in the names of some of the chief Towns and Nations, till the dayes of Plinte, Ptolomy, and some others of the antient writers. Divided afterwards into the severall Tribes or Septs of the Cassanitae, Cinadocolpitae, Homeritae, Adramitae, Elesari, Salchalita, Anaritae, Gerrai, Aegai, Sabai, Minai, Leanitae, Cattabani, Abuceni, and divers others: each governed separately and apart by their several Chiefs; whom they honoured, as in other places, with the name of Kings. One of which spoken of by Justine, named Hierotimus, is said to have been the Father of 500 Children. Easie to have been overcome, because so divided, if any potent neighbour had attempted the conquest of them: as it is wondrous strange they did not, considering the richness of the Countrey, and the many temptations which it had to invite them to it. More worthily deserving the name of Felix in that never conquered, than in all the other rarities and delights thereof. By Alexander once designed for the seat of his Empire, who probably had endeavoured the conquest of it, having finished his warre against the Persians, had he not died in Babylon at his coming back. Nor did the Romans ever extend their Empire beyond Petrea, though once Augustus did attempt it, employing in that action, Largus, his Lieutenant in Egypt, one Sames being then King of those parts which lay neerest to him. The Romans at their first entry found no resistance. But when by the extraordinary heat of the air, and drinking salt waters, they began to grow diseased and sickly; the Arabians fell lustily upon them, and made them return back both with loss and shame. After this nothing done by the Romans to disturb their quiet; nor much done by the Christians to advance their glories: the whole divided into almost as many Religion; as Principalities and Estates. Most of them Gentiles, but Circumcised, as the Ismaelites and other Arabians had been of old; many Jews intermingled with them, and some store of Christians, but those divided also into Sects and factions. And in this state it stood, when Mahomet first began to broach his blasphemous dotages. By birth of Jathripp, an obscure village then, not far from Medina; his Father called Abdilla, an Idolatrous Pagan; his mother named Hemina, as perverse a Jewess. Deprived of both his Parents when but two years old, he was left unto the care of an Uncle: who not able to give him education, not willing to be at the change to keep him longer, sold him at sixteen years of age to the Ismaelites, by whom exposed to sale in the opea markets, he was bought by one Abdalmutalif, a wealthy Merchant. By him employed at first in daudgory, and servile offices, till noting his great wit, and fitness for better services, he at last used him as his factor, sending him with his Camels and loads of Merchandize, into Syria, Persia, Egypt, and other places: wherein he did behave himself with such dexteritie, that he much increased his Masters wealth, and his own estimation. Of person he is said to be low, and withall scald-headed; but otherwise comely to the eye, and of good aspect. Much troubled with the falling sickness, which infirmity he made good use of afterwards, affirming that those fits were nothing but he evenly raptures, in which he did converse with the Angel Gabriel. He is said to have been also well skilled in Magick, by which he taught a white Pigeon to feed at his ear, which he gave out to be the Holy Ghost, by whom instructed in the law which he was to publish: but this not till afterwards. By Sorceries, comeliness of person, and the great knowledge which he had in his masters business, he gained so farre on the affections of his Mistress, that on the death of Abdalmutalif, she made him her husband. Possessed of all his masters wealth, he affected ease; and being till then of no Religion, or at best a Pagan, he began to harken unto Sergius, a Nestorian Monk, who flying out of Syria for fear of punishment (the heresies of Nestorius being newly both revived and censured) came into Arabia, where he found entertainment in the house of Abdalmu•alif, the Master of Mahomet. By his perswasions, who found him a fit Instrument for the devil to work on, he began to entertain the thoughts of hammering out a new Religion, which might unite all parties in some common principles, and bring the Christians, Jews, and Gentiles, into which the world was then divided, under one Professior. Resolved on this, he retired himself unto a Cave not farre from Mecca, as if he there attended nothing but meditations: Sergius in the mean time founding in the ears of the people, both his parts and piety. The people being thus prepared to behold the Pageant, out-comes the principal Aetor with some parts of his Alcor in (pleasing enough to sensual minds) which he next professed to have received from the Angel Gabriel. And finding that this edified to his expectation, he next proclamed liberty to all staves and servants as a thing commanded him by God, by whom the natural liberty of mankind was most dearly tendred: which drew unto him such a rabble of unruly people, that without

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out fear of opposition, he dispersed his doctrines, reducing them at last to a book or method.

The Book of this religion he calleth the Alcoran, that is to say, the Collection of Precepts: the Originall whereof they feign to be written on a Table which is kept in Heaven, and the Copy of it brought to Mahomet by the Angell Gabriel. A Book so highly reverenced by the Mahometans, that they write upon the cover of it, let none touch this but he that is clean. The body of it (as it now standeth) was composed by Osmen the fourth Caliph; who seeing the Saracens daily inclining to divers heresies, by reason of some false copies of Mahomets Lawes; and that the Empire by the same means was likely to fall into civill dissention; by the help of his wife, who was Mahomets daughter, he got a sight of all Mahomets papers, which he reduced into four Volumes, and divided into one hundred twenty and four Chapters; commanding expresly upon pain of death, that that book, and that onely, should be received as Canonicall, through his Dominions. The whole body of it is but an exposition and gloss on these eight Commandments.

1. Every one ought to believe that God is a great God; and one onely God, and Mahomet is his Prophet. They hold Abraham, to be the friend of God; Moses the messenger of God; and Christ the breath of God: whom they deny to be conceived by the Holy Ghost, affirming that the Virgin Mary grew with child of him by smelling to a Rose; and was delivered of him at her brests. They deny the mystery of the Trinity; but punish such as speak against Christ, whose Religion was not (they say) taken away, but mended by Mahomet. And he who in his pilgrimage to Mecca, doth not, comming or going, visit the Sepulchre of Christ, is reputed not to have merited, or bettered himself anything by his journey.

2. Every man must mary to encrease the Sectaries of Mahomet. Four wives he alloweth to every man, and as many Concubins as he will: between whom the Husband setteth no difference either in affection or apparrell; but that his wives onely can enjoy his Sabbaths benevolence. The women are not admitted in the time of their lives to come into their Churches; nor after death to Paradise: and whereas in most or all other Countries, Fathers give some portions with their daughters, the Mahometans give money for their wives; which being once paid, the contract is registred in the Cadies book, and this is all their formality of Mariage. More of this theme we shall speak when we are in TRECOMANIA.

3. Every one must give of his wealth to the poor. Hence you shall have some buy slaves, and then manumit them; buy birds, and then let them flie. They use commonly to free Prisoners, release bondslaves, build caves or lodgings in the waies for the relief of Passengers, repair bridges, and mend highwaies. But their most ordinary almes consist in sacrifices of Sheep or Oxen, which when the solemnity is performed, they distribute among the poor; to whom also, on the first day of every year, they are bound to give the tith or tenth part of their gettings in the year fore-going: insomuch that you shall hardly find any beggers amongst them.

4. Every one must make his prayers five times a day. When they pray they turn their bodies towards Mecca, but there faces sometimes one way, sometimes another way, believing that Mahomet shall come behind them, being at their devotions. The first time is an hour before Sun-rising; the second at noonday; the third at three of the clock after noon; the fourth at Sun-setting; the first and last, before they go to sleep. At all these times the Cryers keep a balling in the steeples (for the Turks and Saracens have no bells) for the people to come to Church. And such as cannot come must when they hear the voice of the Cryers, fall down in the place where they are, do their devotions, and kiss the ground thrice.

5. Every one must keep a Lent one moneth in a year. This Lent is called Ramazan, in which they suppose the Alcoran was given unto Mahomet by the Angel Gabriel. This fast is only intended in the day time, the law giving leave to frollick it in the night as they best please, so they abstained from Wine, and Swines flesh, prohibited by their Law at all times, but never so punctually abstained from, as in the time of their Lent.

6. Be obedient to thy Parents; which law is the most neglected of any; never any children being so unnatural as the Turkish.

7. Thou shalt not kill; and this they keep unviolated among themselves; but the poor Christians are sure to feel the smart of their fury. And as if by this law, the actual shedding of bloud only were prohibited, they have invented punishments for their offenders, worse than death itself. As first the Strappade, which is hanging of them by the arms drawn backwards: when they are so bound, they are drawn up on high, and let down again with a violent swing, which unjoynteth all their back and armes. Secondly, they use to horse up their heels, and with a great cudgell to give them three or four hundred blowes on the soles of their feet. Thirdly, it is ordinary to draw them naked up to the top of a Gibbit or Tower, full of hooks; and cutting the rope to let them fall down again. But by the way they are caught by some of the hooks, where they commonly hang till they die for hunger.

8. Doe unto others as thou wouldest be done unto thy self. To those that keep these Lawes he promiseth Paradise, and a place of all delights, adomed with flowry Fields, watered with Chrystalline. Rivers, beautified with Trees of gold, under whose cool shade, they shall spend their time with amourous Virgins, whose mansion shall not be far distant. The men shall never exceed the age of thirty; nor the women of fifteen; and both shall have their virginities renewed as fast as lost.

Fryday he ordained to be the Sabbath-day, partly to distinguish his followers from the Jewes and Christians, who sole unize the daies ensuing; but principally because he was on that day proclamed King or Emperor, and solemnly so created. Wine and Swines-flesh are the principall things forbidden by the Alcoran, the last whereof they unanimously refrain; but on the first they are so sotted, that when they come at

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it, they seldome go home again unled; insomuch that all the wines in Constantinople have been thown about the streets, and death made the penalty for any that will presume to bring any more into the City. Manomet taught them that every one should be saved by his own Religion; him onely excepted that revolted from the Alcoran, unto another law; but so that under the notion of Religion, he means onely such as worship the one and onely God; excluding by that means the old Idolaters of the Gentiles from the hopes of salvation. And he taught too, that at the end of the world all men that professed any such Religion, should go into Paradise, the Jews under the banner of Moses, the Christians under the banner of Christ, and the Saracens under the banner of Mahomet. They compel no man therefore to abjure the faith in which he was born, but commend and approve secretly such as they find zealous and constant in their own Religion, yet holding it an especial honour to have daily new proselytes, they incite them by hope of freedome and preferment, which with many are motives too much prevailing. Hence I have heard many say, that it is better for a man that would enjoy liberty of conscience, to live in the Countries professing Mahometanism, than Papistry: for in the one he shall never be free from the bloody inquistion; in the other he is never molested, if he meddle not with the Law, their women, or their slaves.

The opinions which they hold concerning the end of the World are very ridiculous: as that at the winding of a horn, not all flesh onely, but the Angels themselves shall die; that the Earth with an Earthquake shall be kneaded together like a lump of dough; that a second blast of the same horn, shall after fourty dayes restore all again; that Cain shall be the Captain or ring-leader of the damned, who shall have the countenance of dogs and swine; that they shall pass over the bridge of Justice, laden with their sinnes in satchels; that the great sinners shall fall into hell, the letter into purgatory onely; with a thousand of the like fopperies; which it is needless to add here, considering that the Alcoran it self is now extant in the English, and every one that lists may read it. A thing so full of tautologies, inchohaerencies, and such gross absurdities, of so impure and camal mixture, that he must lay aside the use of his natural reason, who is taken by it, if force, ambition, or the want of Christian education do not lead him on. For if we seriously look into the causes of the deplorable increase and long continuance of this Religion, we shall find them to be chiefly these, 1. The Greatness of the Victories gotten by the Saracens; who easily compelled the conquered Nations to receive their Law. 2. The great zeal and diligence of the Arabians themselves, who being a numerous People, and much given to Merchandise, have possessed themselves of all the Sea-coasts of Africk, from the streights of Babel-Mandel, almost as farre as to the Cape of good hope; of all the Ilands in those Seas, and many Factories and good Towns on the coasts of India: in all which they have setled their Religion also, as a thing inseparable from their Nation. 3. A peremptory restraint of all disputation in any point of Religion whatsoever it be. 4. The suppressing of Philosophy, and the study of Humane Sciences; the light whereof might easily detect the grosseness of their Superstitions. 5. The sensual liberty allowed of having variety of wives, and as many Concubines as they are able to keep. 6. The promise of the like sensual pleasures in the other world, with which a sense not illuminated with the Spirit of God, doth for the most part use to be more affected, than with the speculative hope of spirituall happiness. 7. The forbiding of Printing and printed Books, by which the People might come to see the verity and purity of the Christian faith; the falshood and impurity of the Law of Mahomet. These last not useful, or at least not able to induce belief, if the first had not opened and prepared the way.

For indeed force of Armes was the strongest Argument by which Mahomet himself confirmed, and his Successors in their times have since propagated and dispersed his doctrines. Strengthened by the resort of that rascal Rabble which repaired to him, he assaults Medina, pretending a quarrel to the Jews, who had there a Synagogue. Repulsed at first with loss of men, and a wound in his face, by which some of his fore-teeth were beaten out, there likely to have made an end of his new Religion, if not recovered by his Souldiers for a further mischief. At the next onset he prevailed, the battel being fought neer a place called Bedez, situate betwixt Mecca and Medina, frequently mentioned in the Alcoran. After which fight he took the City, converting the Synagogue to a Temple for his own impieties: the news whereof so starded the Phylarchy, or nobility of Mecca, that they armed all their powers against him, and sped so well in the beginning of the warre, that they drove him forcibly from their territories, which not long after he subdued, and set his chief seat at Mecca. From that his flight, the Saracens began their computation of years (as we from CHRISTS Nativity) which they call the Hegira; which beginneth about the year of our Redemption 617. concerning which time, I cannot but observe, that Mahomet compiled his devilish doctrine, beginning his Empire; and Boniface the third assumed his Antichristian title, beginning his unlimited Supremacy, nigh about the same year. It was called the Hegira, from the Arabick Hegirathi, which by the learned in that tongue, is rendred by 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i.e. the persecution raised ab ut Religion. Joseph Scaliger in the first edition of his most laborious work de emendatione temporum, casteth off this Etymology with purum putum mendacium. He will not have it called Aera fugae or persecutioris, but Aera Hagarene: because for sooth the Arabians were by some called Hagarons. I believe it would have puzled Joseph, with all his reading, to shew unto us any Epoche or Aera, which is taken from the name of a Nation. And therefore other reason he giveth us none but this. Nos autem scimus vocem illam primogenia significations ab Hagarenis, non à fuga duci. But time, and opposition, at the last reclamed him from this error: and in the second edition of his work, he is content to follow the common opinion of those men, whom in the first he whistled off with the infamous appellation of mendaces.

But to proceed, It hapned much about this time, that the Saracens revolting from Heraclius the Eastern

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Emperour, joyned themselves unto him. They had long been displeased with their condition: and now hoped to mend it. Exasperated by Julian the Apostate, when they served in his warres against the Persian, for telling them when they demanded their pay, that he had more store of steel than Gold: but then they wanted a fit head to resort unto. Now serving Heraclius in the same warre, they were used by his Officers in the same ill manner. Asking their pay, the Treasurer of the Army made them this churlish answer, that there was scarce money enough to pay the Roman and Grecian Souldiers; and must those dogs be so importunate for their wages? Provoked herewith, and hearing the fame of Mahomet, they betook themselves to him: who strengthned by their forces, and the coming in of the rest of their Countrey-men, soon brought the three Arabias under his subjection. To which, having defeated the Emperors forces sent against him, he added some parts of Syria and Egypt; and returning to Mecca, there dyed frantick and distempered, in the 70th, year of his Age, and three and twentieth of his impostures: of which he had spent thirteen at Medina, and the rest at Mecca; from his first serling in which City the years of his Empire were computed. His dead body being kept four daies in expectation of a resurrection, which he promised to perform at the end of three; grown full of stench and putrefaction, was carried to Medina, and there interred: his Successors out of wicked and worldly policy, keeping up the reputation of that Religion after his decease, which they derided in his life; and calling themselves Caliphs, or Vicars Generall, to him, their Prophet, to the Catalogue of which we hasten; made intricate, not more by their own confusions, than by the difference of those names by which they are presented to us by severall Writers, according to the times and Languages in which they writ.

The Caliphs or Emperours of the Saracens.

A. C. A. H.

622 5 1. Mahomet the Impostor, of whom before.

632 15 2. Ebubezer, or Vquebar, Mahomets Father-in-Law, and one of his Great Captains, supplanted Ali, to whom the Empire was designed by the will of Mahomet; and took unto himself the name of Caliph. 2.

634 17 3. Haumar, the second of Mahomets Great Captains, having the command of the Army under Ebubezer, succeeded him in the estate; and added to it Persia, Egypt, Palestine, with great part of Syria and Mesopotamia. 12.

647 30 4. Osmen, the third of Mahomets great Captains, Husband of Zetneh, his second daughter; succeeded under that pretence, and added all Barbary to his Empire. Distressed by the faction of Halt, and besieged in his own house, he flew himself, in the eighty seventh year of his Age, and the tenth of his Reign.

657 40 5. Hali, the Kinsman and next heir of Mahomet, and the husband of Fatime his eldest daughter, succeeded on the death of Osmen: murdered by the procurement of Mxavias neer Cafa in Arabia Felix.

660 43 6. Muhavias, having murdered Hali, his Sonne Hasem or Ossan, and eleven of the Sonnes of that Hasem, the twelfth onely escaping with life (from whom descended the Family of the Alaveci, and the Persian Sophies) assumed the Government as rightfull Successor to Osmen, whose widow, the daughter of Mahomet, he had took to wife. He conquered Rhodes, Cyprus, and a great part of Asia Minor, and was the Founder of the Family of Aben Humeya.

681 64 7. Gizid, the Son of Muhavias, more skilled in Poetry than in Armes.

8. Habdalla and Marvan, Competitors for the Supreme dignity; but carried at last by Marvan.

685 68 9. Abdimelech, the Sonne of Marvan, established the begun conquests of Armenia and Mesopotamia 22.

707 90 10. Vlidor Ulit, under whom the Saracens or Moors first conquered Spain. 9.

716 99 11. Zulcimin, Brother to Ulit, whose Captain Mulsamas besieged Constantinople, till his Ships were burnt, and his men consumed with the Plague. 3.

719 102 12. Homar or Haumar II. Son of Vildor Vlit 2.

721 104 13. Izit, or Gizid II. the brother of Haumar, with whom during his life he was joynt Caliph, and after his decease enjoyed it wholly to himself.

725 107 14. Evelid, by some called Ischam, in whose time Charles Martel made such havock of the Moores in France Anno 734 their General then named Abderamen. 18.

743 125 15. Gizid III. the Son of Gizid the second.

744 126 16. Hyces, by some called Ibrahim, the brother of Gizid the third, slain by Marvan.

745 127 17. Marvan II. the last of the house of Ben-Humeya, slain by Abdalla, of the house of Fatime and Hali. 7.

752 134 18. Abdalla, of the house of Alaveci, or Alabeci, descended from Hali, and Fatime, the eldest daughter of Mahomet: called also the Family of Abas, because of their descent from Abas the Uncle of Mahomet, and perhaps Father unto Hali.

756 138 19. Abdallas II.

20. Mahomet II. surnamed Bugiafer, or Abugefer, who built the City of Bagdat, made from that time the constant seat of his Successors till their fatall period.

777 156 21. Mahadi. 9.

786 168 22. Musa, or Moyses. 1.

...

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787. 169. 23. Aron, or Arachid, who compelled Irene Empress of Constantinople to pay him tribute. 23.

810. 193. 24. Mahamad, or Mahomet III.

825. 198. 25. Abdalla III. who took and spoyled Crete, and overthrew the Greeks; be spoiled Sicilia, Sardinia, and Corsica. 17.

832. 215. 26. Mahomet IV. wasted Italy, burnt the suburbs of Rome, and harassed the fore-named Ilands. 40.

Others reckon these Caliphs to have succeeded Mahomet II.

815. 198. 25. Mamon 12.

827. 210. 26. Mutetzam 8.

835. 218. 27. Wacek 4.

839. 222. 28. Methucall 12.

851. 234. 29. Montacer 1.

852. 235. 30. Abul Hamet 6.

858. 241. 31. Almatez 4.

863. 245. 32. Motadi Bila 7. 7. After whose death the Aegyptians with-drew themselves from their obedience due to the Babylonian Caliph, and chose one of their own, to whom all the Arabians, or those of the Mahumetan religion, in Africa and Europe, submitted themselves. Of the Aegyptain Caliphs, when we come into that Countrey: take now with you the names onely of the Syrian and Babylonian Caliphs; for story of them I find little or none; the power being totally in the hands of the Sultans of the severall Provinces, and nothing left unto the Caliphs but an aiery title; the shadow of that mighty Tree, which formerly had spread it self over most parts of the World.

The Babylonian Caliphs after the division.

A. C. A. H.

870 252 1. Mutemad 21.

891 273 2. Mutezad 8.

897 281 3. Muchtaphi 8.

907 389 4. Muchtedtr 24.

931 313 5. Elhaker 1.

932 314 6. Ratze 7.

939 321 7. Muctade 4.

943 325 8. Musteraphs 2.

947 325 9. Macia, and Taia 44.

989 361 10. Kadar 41.

1030 412 11. Kaim 5.

1035 417 12. Muctadi. 60.

1095 477 13. Mustetaher 22.

1117 499 14. Musteraschad 18.

1135 517 15. Raschid 25.

1160 542 16. Musteneged 9.

1169 551 17. Mustazi 10.

1179 561 18. Narzi 39.

1225 597 19. Taher.

20. Mustenatzer.

1255 638 21. Mustatzem, the last Caliph or High-Priest of the Saracens of Bagdet, or Babylon, living in the accompt of a Prince or an Emperour, or looked on as the Supreme Lord of the Saracen Empire: starved in his Castle of Bagdet, and his whole posterity rooted out, by Allan, or Halon the Tartar, in the first year of his reign. Yet there is still remaining a carcass of the old body, one whom they call Caliph, at whose hands the neighbour Princes use to receive their Diadems and regalities: so we find Solyman the Magnificent, after his conquest of Chaldaea, Mesopotamia, and Assyria, to have been by one of these poor titulary Caliphs, Crowned King of Babylon, Anno 1513.

This unwieldy body of the Saracen Empire, having thus two heads, began apparently to decline: losing to the Kings of Leon and Oviede, the greatest part of Spain; to the Genoese, Sardinia, and Corsica; to the Normans, Naples, and Sicily; and finally most of their Empire, with their very names, to the Turks and Tartars. For Allan, or Haallon, a Tartarian Captain, starved Mustatzem the Babylomon Caliph, in his Tower of Bagdet, and rooted out all his posterity: and Sarracon the first Turkish King of Egypt, brained the last Aegyptian Caliph with his horsemans Mace; leaving not one of his issue or kindred surviving. The office of the Caliphs is now executed in the Turks Dominion, by the Mufti or chief Priest of the Turkish Mahometans.

As Mars shewed himself a friend unto those Moors in their warres and triumphs; so also did Phoebus powre down no less ceiestial influence, on such as addicted themselves to Scholarship. Bagdet in Chaldaea, Cairo in, Fess, Morocco, in Barbary, and Corduba in Spain, were their Universities: out of which came the Philosophers, Avicen, and Averroes; the Phisicians, Rhasis, and Mosue; the Geographers, Leo, and Abilfada; & almost all the Textuarie; & profound Writers (as Halt, Algazel, Albumazar, &c.) in Astrology; from whom a great part of our Astrommicall and Astrologicall termes are borrowed.

There is now no Kingdome, Iland or Province, which acknowledgeth the Empire of the Saracons, but the Kingdome of Fess and Morocco ovely: Arabia it self, the very first seat of their power, acknowledgeing a subjection to the Turkish Empire. For first Petraes and Deserta being subdued by the Turks, when they conquered Persia, or otherwise following the fortunes of the present Victor, were afterwards accounted of as subject unto the Mamalucks of Egypt, who out of that Countrey and all Syria, had by degrees diffeized the Selzucci in Family. And as the vassals of that Crown, though but Subjects at will, they more molested Selimus in his march towards Egypt, by falling on his Rear, and terrifying him with their night-Alarms, than all the forces of the Mamalucks in the field against him. But Egypt being subdued, and the Mamaluths utterly destroyed, some of their Chiefes being gained by money, and the rest by promise

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of preserment, the whole Nation of these wild Arabs swore alleageance to him; continuing in accompt as Subjects unto his Successors, but in effect doing what they list: governed as formerly by the Chieses of their severall Clannes, and in their Robberies taking no more notice of the Turk than they do of the Christians. And as for Felix, it continued also in a free condition, in respect of any forrein power, till of late times the Turks and Portugals entrenched upon them. For in the year 1538. Solyman Bassa, Admirall of the Turkish Fleet against the Pontugals, who had diverted the trade of the Red Sea, and otherwise given offence to Solyman the Magnificent by aiding the Persians, went with a strong Army to take Din, a Town and Iland of East-India, then in their possession. But being unable to effect it, at his coming back he called in at Aden, one of the best traded Ports of Arabia Felix, invited the King thereof aboard, most trecherously hanged him, and surprized the City. The like he also did to the King of Zibit, the Port Town to Mecca: and by that means got possession of all the Coasts of this Countrey, bordering on the Red Sea, or Gulf of Arabia; of which the Turks still continue Masters. But in the inland parts, and towards the Persian Gulf, of no power at all; not suffered to travell up and down without a Pass from some of the Arabian Chiefes, or if they do, in danger to be set upon by the Natives, who brook them not. Some parts hereof which lie next unto the Isle of Ormus, made one Kingdome with it; but the Kings originally of this Countrey, by whom the City of Ormus was first builded; and so continued till the taking of Ormus by the Portugals, Anno 1622. who since the taking of that Isle by the King of Persia, hold Muskahat, and some other peeces upon this Continent. The residue of the Countrey cantonned amongst a company of petit Princes, as in former times; before ambition taught them to devour one another.

And so much for Arabia.

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6 CHALDAEA, 7 ASSYRIA, 8 MESOPOTAMIA.

THese Provinces, which properly and originally constituted the Assyrian Empire, I have joined together in the Title, because united in the story, and affairs thereof; though severally to be considered in the description, and Chorographie of them.

CHALDAEA is bounded on the East, with Susiana, a Province of Persia; on the West, with Arabia Deserta; on the North, with Mesopotamia; and on the South, with the Persian Bay, and the rest of Deserta. Originally called Chasdam, from Chesed the fourth Sonne of Nachor the brother of Abraham. Chesed quo{que}, quartus est, à quo Chasdim, idest Chaldaei postea vocati sunt, as Saint Hierome hath it. But why the Chaldeans should derive their name from Chesed, being a People long before Cheseds birth, I am not able to determine: unless he taught them the first Principles of the Art of Astronomy; or was the Author of some signall benefit unto them, which we know not of. It was called afterwards Babylonia, from Babylon the chief City of it; and at this day by Bellonius, Azamia; by the Arabians, Keldan; by the Turks, Curdistan.

But the name of Chaldaea sometimes went beyond these bounds, taking in somepart also of Mesopotania, as appeareth by that passage of Saint Stephen, saying, Acts 7. v. 2, 3, 4. That the God of glory appeared to our Father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran; And said unto him, Get thee out of this Countrey, and from thy Kindred, and come into the Land which I said shew thee. Then came be out of the Land of the Chaldees, and dwelt in Charran, &c. Where clearly that part of Mesopotamia which lay next unto Assyria, where then Abraham was, is included under the name of Chaldaea, or the land of the Chaldees. Which I desire the Reader to take notice of, because I must make use of this observation in another place.

The Countrey by Herodotus said to be so fruitful that it yielded ordinarily two hundred, and in some places three hundred fold; the blades of wheat and barley being (as he assirmeth) four fingers broad. By plamy it is said of the Babylonians, that they mowed their corn twice, and seeded it a third time, or else it would be nothing but blades: and yet so, that the worst of their land yielded firsty, and their best an hundred fold increase. Nor is the nature of the soyl so altered in long tract of time, but that (as late Travellers have observed) it would in all likely-hood attain to its first fertility, if it were ordered with like care and diligence, as in former times. But what need more be said as to the natural fruitfulness and delights of this Countrey, than that it pleased Almighty God to make choice of some part hereof for the terrestrial Paradise or Garden of Eden, in which he placed our Father Adam, at his first creation. For here that Paradise, by men both skilled in Divinity, and Geography, is assumed to have stood. Yet amongst all sorts of Writers we find different opinions. Some make Paradise to be a place of pleasure, and the four Rivers to be the four Cardinal Vertues: but these allegories on the Scripture are not warrantable. Others place it in the air, under the circle of the Moon; and tell us that the four Rivers in the Scriptures mentioned, fall down from thence, and running all under the Ocean, rise up again in those places, where they are now found: but this is so vain a foppery, that I will not honour it with a confutation. Such as make Paradise local, are divided also into three ranks, (for I omit the rest) whereof some place it under the Aequator; but this agreeth not with the bounds prescribed by the Holy Ghost. Some conceive the four Rivers to be Tigris, Euphrates, Nilus, and Ganges; and that Paradise was the whole world: but this cannot be, for then when Adam was driven our of Paradise, it must also follow that he was driven out of the world, which were absurd. Those of the soundest judgements place it here, in an Iland which is made by the Rivers Tigris and Euphrates, and some branches running from them both: the uppermost of which is called Pison (falsely rendered Ganges) which watereth the land of Havilah, or that part of the land of Havilth which is now called Chusestan or Susiana, a Province of Persia containing Susiana; and the lowermost is named Gihon, (improperly by some translated Nilus, which compasseth the East parts of Arabia Petraea, by the Septuagin for the reasons above-mentioned, rendred Ethiopia, And this agreeth both with the position of this Countrey, and the course of those Rivers. For that Tigris, and Euphrates (which the Hebrew text called Hiddekel, and Perah) do here join their streams, is confessed on all sides. Then as for Pison, it is no other than that River by Ptolomy called Basilius, or Regius; by Curtius more nearly Piso-Tigris, or Pasi-Tigris, Pervenit ad fluvium, Pasitigrin incolae vocant, as his own words are A little stream, which watering the Land of Havilah, or the Countrey of the Chaveloi, or Cheulases, or Chaulaterei (for by these severall names they are called amongst the antients, who place them betwixt the Babylonians, and the Nabathaeans, an Arabian People) powreth itself into the Tigris, and falls together

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with it in the Gulf of Persia. And finally for Gihon, by Ptolomy called Maarsares, and by others Marsyus, it is no other than a branch of Euphrates, which watering the Land of Chus, or Ethiophia Asatica, take which name you will, loseth it self at last in the Lakes of Chaldaea.

But though in generall the Countrey was extremely fruitfull; yet in some places was it covered with a slimy matter, which the overflowings of the waters, and the nature of the soyl together, did bring forth abundantly. Used by them in their buildings instead of morter, than which more durable and binding; and therefore chosen for the cement of the Tower of Babel, Gen. 11. 3. Some also tell of a clyff which opening sendeth out such a stink that it killeth birds as they flie over it: and others of a like open place near a Town called Ait, which continually throweth out boyling pitch (named therefore H•••-mouth by the Mo•res) filling therewith the adjoining fields; and that herewith the people use to pitch their boats. But this is in some places onely, the Countrey generally being both healthy and delightfull, as before was said.

The people antiently were much addicted unto Sooth-saying and Divinations; and no less noted for being Authors of the first Idolatry that was ever practised in the world. Induced unto the last perhaps by the power of their Kings, who would needs confer divine honours upon some of their Ancestors. But to the first inclined by their own disposition, and the situation of their Countrey, yielding a fair sensible Horizon, (for the Rationall is alike in all places both in hills and val•ies) and consequently profitable to the observation of the rising and setting of the Stars, whether Heliacal, Acronicall, Matutine, or Vesperline, as the Artists phrase it. Whereunto may be added the length of life in those elder times, furnishing them with the greater measure of experience concerning the distinct motions of each severall Orb, and the full period of the courses of each severall Planet. Certain it is, that they grew so noted in this Art, that at the last every Astrologaster, or figure-flinger, was called a Chaldaean: Gentis nomine ad eos homines translato, qu••ese illius sapientiae specie venditabant, as Beza hath observed in his Annotation•. For giving too much credit to them, the people thus flouted by the Satycist.

Chaldaeis sed major erit fiducia, quicquid

Dixerit Astrologus, credent à fonte relatum

Ammonis, &c.

That is to say,

Joves Oracles no greater credit have,

Than Sooth-sayings of a Chaldee cosening knave.

The language which was spoken here had the name of the Chaldee or Chaldaean tongue: of great antiquity, and sanctified by the Holy Ghost, some Chapters of the prophecy of Daniel being written in it. So different from the Hebrew in its primitive purity, that the Jewes did not understand it, as appeareth by the words of the Officers of Hezekiah, 2 Kings, chap. 18. ver. 26. desiring Rabsaketh to speak to them in the Chalder tongue, that the common People of the Jewes might not hear his blasphemies. A further proof whereof may be, that a man may have some knowledge in the Hebrew, and yet be ignorant of the Chaldee, as many are, no doubt, at this present day. But whatsoever it was in its primitive purity, it altered afterwards, when the Jews came to live amongst them during the Captivity: out of whose long commerce with them, both nations lost their proper languanes, and fell upon a third, made out of both, which was called the Syriack. Of this we spake before when we were in Syria, and Palestine. And this is now the naturall language of this Countrey, and its neighbour Assyria, but with a little mixture of the Greek and Arabick, not vulgarly spoken elsewhere, for ought I can find; but used by many others, in their sacred offices, by whom not commonly understood. For in this language all the Sects of the Eastern Christians do officiate their publick Liturgies, that is to say, the Nstorians, Jacobites, Mar•nites, (for I reckon not the Melchites, who use the Greek Liturgie, amongst the Sectaries.) The like do also the Indians, or Christians of Saint Thomas; the Cophties or Christians of Aegypt, and the poor remainder of Christians in the Isle of Zocatara, an Island on the coast of Asrick. Used to those Liturges when that language was more understood amongst them; though now worn out of Vulgar knowledge by the overspreading of the Arabick, Tartarian, and Turkish Conquests. In which the Prelates of these Churches have fallen into the great errour of the Church of Rome: and without taking notice of the alterations hapning in the Vulgar tongues of those severall nations, which are united under them into one opinion, keep up a language in their Liturgies which they understand not: as if the capacities of the people could be sooner raised to the understanding of an unknown language; than the publick Liturgies be fitted unto their capacities. The antient piety of the Church and the modern languages of Gods people are not inconsistent; though out of private ends some have taught us otherwise. But I fear this errour (as some others) will not be so easily remedied, as reprehended. From the tong•e in which they celebrate the Divine Offices of their Religion, pass we to the Religion it self, whose Sacred Offices are so celebrated.

The Christian faith was first preached in this Countrey by Saint Peter, of whose being in Babylon, (the chief City hereof) himself assureth us in the last words almost of his First Epistle: and other busines he had none here but to preach the Gospel. Much persecuted by the Persians, (who were then possessed of all these parts) it prevailed at last, Christianity growing up the faster for the cutting down. The Patriarchall See, originally planted in Salencia, successour unto Babylon in repute and greatness, if not also in name, the Bishop whereof, by order of the Nicene Councill, had the Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction of these parts with the name of Catholique, and the next place in S•ssiom at all publick assemblies of the Church, next after the Patriarch of Hierusalem. And besides this the Indians or Christians of Saint Thomas, acknowledge him for their Primate or Metropolitan;

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as they did afterwards in his right, the Patriarch of Muzal. At this present here are some remainders of Christianity, part of them Jacobites; but the most Nestorians; of whom more anon.

Of the chief Rivers hereof we have spoke already, and Mountains there are none to hinder us in our passage forwards. So that without more delay we may take a view of their principall places. And in the first place we meet with Babel, (in the Hebrew signifying confusion) famous for the confusion of languages which here hapned. For immediately after the Universal deluge, Nimrod the sonne of Chus, the sonne of Cham, perswaded the people to secure themselves from the like after-claps, by building some stupendious Edifice, which might resist the fury of a second deluge. This Counsel was generally imbracod, Heber onely and his Family, (as tradition goeth) contradicting such an unlawful attempt. The major part prevailing, the Tower began to rear a head of Majesty▪ 5146 paces from the ground: having its basis and circumference equal to the height. The passage to go up, went winding about the outside, and was of an exceeding great breadth, there being not only room for horses, carts, and the like means of carriage, to meet and turn; but lodging also for man and beast, and (as Verstegan reporteth) grass and corn-fields for their nourishment. But God beholding from an high this fond attempt, sent amongst them (who before were of one Language) a confusion of tongues: which hindred the proceeding of this building, one being not able to understand what his fellow called for.

2. Babylon, on the Bank of Euphrates, the antientest City in the World, on this side of the flood, first built by Nimrod, in the place destinated to the raising of the Tower of Babel, and by him made the Seat of his Kingdome; afterwards beautified and enlarged by Semiramis, the wife of Ninus, one of his Successors; and finally much increased both in bulk and beauty by Nabuchadnezzar, who therefore arrogated to himself the whole glory of it, saying in his pride, is not this the great Babel that I have builded? Dan. 4. 30. A City of great fame and state, accompted one of the worlds nine wonders, and deservedly too.

The compass of the walls 365 furlongs, (or 46. miles) according to the number of the dayes in the year; in height 50. Cubits, and of so great breadth, that carts and carriages might meet on the top of them: finished in one year by the hands of 200000 workmen, employed dayly in it. Situate on both sides of Euphrates, over which there was a sumptuous bridge, and at each end of that bridge a magnificent Palace: and beautified also with the Temple of the Idol Bel, and famous for the Pensile Gardens, made with great charge, and born up with most stately Arches. In a word, so great and vast it was, that Aristotle saith, that it ought rather to be called a Countrey, than a City: adding withall, that when the Town was taken, it was three dayes before the furthest parts of the Town could take notice of it. Which taking of the Town must be understood of the surprize thereof by the Medes and Persians; and not of the taking of it by the Macedanians, as Pet. Ramus (as great a Clerk as he was) in his marginal notes upon the Politicks of that Author, hath most vainly told us. Which whether it were that there were Gates at the end of every street, which made it be so long in taking; or that the Babylonians were not wakened from their drunken feast, in the time whereof it was surprized, I determine not. Revolting in the time of Semiramis, the news came to her as she was ordering her hair: whereupon, leaving her head half-drest she went and besieged it; never ordering the rest of her hair, till she had recovered it. How it fell into the hands of Cyrus, we learn out of Xenophons Cyri-paideia, which was in this manner. The River Euphrates ran quite thorow the Town, round about whose banks the politick Prince cut many and deep channels: into which when the Babylonians were securely merry at a general feast, he suddenly drained and emptied the River, conveying his own forces into the Town all along the dry and yielding Channel; and in a little time made himself master of it. From the Persians it revolted in the reign of Darius Hystaspes: and that sustenance might not be wanting to the men of warre, they strangled the most part of the women, being thought in actions of this quality, not so much as necessary evils. When they had for twenty moneths so obstinately defended the Town, that the Persians had less hope than ever of prevailing; Zopyrus one of Darius Captains, mangling his body, and disfiguring his face by cutting off his nose and ears, fled to the Babylonians, complaining of the tyranny of his King. They crediting his words, and knowing his prowess, commited the charge of the whole army unto him, as a man, to whom such barbarous usage had made the King irreconcilable. But he taking the best opportunity, delivered both the Town and Souldiers into the hands of his Soveraign. Which made Darius often say, that he had rather have one Zopyrus, than twenty Babylous. Here died Alexander the Great, after whose death the Graecian Captains regardful rather of their own ambitions, than the common loyalty, divided the Empire among themselves; leaving the body of the King 8 dayes unburied. A wonderful change of fortune, that he who living thought the world too small for his valour, being dead should find no place big enough for his body. After this taking of it by the Macedonians, the glories and magnificence hereof began to decline, lessned unto a fourth part in the time of Qu Curtius the historian; in solitudinem redacta, reduced to desolation in the dayes of Pliny; and being turned into a Park, in which the Kings of Persia did use to hunt, in the time of Saint Hi•rome. That wondrous change occasioned partly by the injury of time, partly by the neglect of the Macedomans, who removed the Seat Royal of their Empire more towards Greece: but principally by Seleucus Nicanor, who offended with the Babylonians, built the City of

3. Seleucia, the second City of note in all this Countrey, situate in a place more commodious and healthy, neer the meeting of Tigris, and Euphrates, and about 40 miles more North than Babylon, out of which he drew 500000 persons for the peopling of it. Nor did this new City rob the old onely of its power and greatness, but also of its very name; being called Babylon in some of the antient Authors; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as (for one) by Stephanus. In the primitive

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times of Christianity, the Bishop of this See was accounted for the Primate of the Chaldaeans; with a super-intendency over the Christians of India also, as before was said. But this Supplanter was in time brough• to ruin also, And

4. Bagdad, a new City raised from the ruins of it; built neer the foundations of Seleucia by Bugia•er the twentieth Cal•ph of the Mahometans, at the expence (as some write) of eighteen millions of Crowns; which because of the many Gardens contained in it had the name of Bagdad, the word so signifying in the Arabick tongue. First built upon the Western bank of the River Tigris neer to its confluence with Buphrates; but in the year 1095. removed to the other side of the River, by Mustetaher, the 45 Caliph of the Sarac••, because less subject to the inundations of that furious River. But it was reckoned still for the same City, as if built by Bugiafer, by whom being made the seat of his Royall Residence, (whose Successors were from hence called the Caliphs of Babylon) it flourished in great pride and splendour, till taken and saked by Allan, or Haalan a Tartarian Captain, who here starved Musteatzem, the last C•liph of it, and rooted out his whole posterity, as if the Caliphate and the City were to end together. But the Town revived again, though the Caliph could not; continuing to this day a City of great wealth and trafick, but nothing comparable unto what it was for beauty and bigness; being not above seven miles in compass, and having nothing in the buildings to be justly bragged of. Taken by Solyman the Magnific•nt with the rest of the Countrey, it became subject to the Turks; from them recovered by Abas the King of Persia, Anno 1625. and again recovered by the Turks, about the year 1640. In which changes it can be no marvell that she hath lost much of her former splendour. Maintained especially at the present by the trade of Aleppo, to which, besides such goods as go up the water, there passe yearly many Caravans, or troops of Merchants, each of them having in it some hundreds (if not thousands) of Camels laden with commodities. For whose safe lodging, as they pass (the waies being generally ill provided for Travellers, in these Eastern Countreys) there are some houses of receipt built at the publick charge, or by some speciall Benefactor, to preserve his memory; most of them strong, and many very fair and lovely: which in the dominions of the Persians they call Caravane-Ruwes; in the Turkish, Canes. And for communicating the success of their business unto the place from whence they came, they make use of Pigeons, which is done in this manner. When the Hen-Pigeon fitteth, or hath any young, they take the Cock, and set him in an open Cage: whom, when they have travelled a daies journey, they let go at liberty, and he strait flieth home to his Mate. When they have trained them thus from one place to another, and that there be occasion to send any advertisements, they tie a letter about one of their necks, which at their return home is taken off by some of the house, advertised thereby of the estate of the Caravan. The like is also used betwixt Ormus, and Balsora. But of this enough.

5. Ctesiphon, on the River Tigris, not far from Seleucia, by whose fall it rose; occasioning the decay thereof, as that did of Babylon. So Pliny, speaking of the fall of Babylon, by the building of Seleucia so neer unto it; then adding, invicem ad hanc exhauriend im, Ctesiphontem juxta tertium ab ea Lapidem condidere Parthi. First built, saith Marcellinus, by Vardanes, afterwards beautified and walled by Pacorus, a Parthian King; and by him made the Seat-Royall of the Persian Kingdome. Many times besieged and assaulted by the Roman Emperors; but most commonly without success; and amongst others, by Julian the Apostate, that bitter enemy of the Gospell, who here breathed out his soul to Satan, in these dying words, Vicisti tandem Galileae. But Vardanes (whosoever he was) cannot of right be called the first founder of it, who raised it rather from the rubbish of an old foundation: this City being the same with that which Moses calleth Calne; and Ezekiel, Canneh, Gen. 11. and Ezek. 27. 23. and therefore rightly said by Pliny to be built in Chalanitide, or the Region of Chalne.

6. Sipparum, remarkable for the great Trench made neer it, to receive the over flowings of Euphrate•, which otherwise might have annoyed the City of Babylon: in compass 1280 furlongs or 160 miles; In depth 20 fathoms. A vast and expencefull work; but that nothing was to be admired when Babylon it self was up and in full prosperity.

7. Apamia, a City of Seleucus foundation also, situate at the fall of Pison into the River of Tigris.

8. Vologesia, placed by Ptolomy amongst the Cities of Chaldaea, but by Marcelinus in Assy•ia; built or repaired by one of the Vologeses Kings of Persia, and from him denominated.

9. Borsippa, by Ptolomy called Barsita, memorable for the great victory which Cyrus the first Persian Monarch, obtained here against Nabonid the King of Babylon, by Sealiger called Darius Medus, (of which more anon): whom having vanquished, he pardoned him (as he saith) his life, and gave him the government of Carmania.

10. Balsora, the Port Town to Babylon, situate at the fall of Euphrates into Sinus Persicus, and consequently of great wealth and trading: The riches of Arabia, Persia, and some part of India, being landed here, and so carryed to BABYLON, and thence up the water to A•eppo. Supposed to be the City of Teredon, mentioned by Ptolomy; built or repaired by Nebuchadnezzar, and not long since taken from the Turke by Abas, the Persian.

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7. ASSYRIA.

ASSYRIA is bounded on the East, with Media, by which parted by the mountain called Coachras; on the West, with Mesopotamia, from which divided by the River Tigris; on the North, with some part of Turcomania, and part of Chaldaea. So called from Assur the sonne of Sem, by whom first inhabited. But having long since lost that name, as to vulgar speech, it is by Niger called Ad•nsa; by Murcator, Sarh; by the Turks, Arzerum.

The Countrey very plain, and levell, exceeding fruitfull, and abounding in Rivers. For besides Tig•is, which washeth one whole side thereof, Ptolomy assigneth to this Countrey the Rivers of 2. Lyc••, 3. Cuprus, and 4. Gorgos; all of good note, and all of them increasing, with their tributarie Streams, the greatness of Tigris.

The people were antiently great warriers, and together with the Babylonians or Chaldaeans, commanded a great part of the East; extending their dominion from the Mediterranean Sea, to the River Indus; insomuch that not the people of this Province only, but of all the Provinces almost of this spacious Empire, had the name of Assyrians. The men for all this, exceeding formall in their habit, wearing long robes which trailed on the very ground, their hair long, their hats or Caps Pyramidall like the Persian Mucre; not stirring out of doors but perfumed with Musk, rings on their fingers, and a Scepter in their hands; and very frequent in their washings, especially after copulation. As for their women, it was an antient custome with them, to expose the fairest unto sale in the open Market; and with the money given for those, to put off such as were deformed and not so amiable. And hence perhaps the Fathers of our times have learnt this leston of giving less portions with such daughters as will sell themselves, but greasing the fat sow (as the saying is) with the addition of some hundreds; which made the merry fellow say, That the money were a good match if the wench were away.

The Christian faith was first here planted by Saint Jude, and took such deep root in that plantation, that it could never be pulled up, notwithstanding the cruel persecutions raised against it by the Kings of Persia; who when they saw there was no means to destroy it by violence, attempted in the next place to corrupt it with heresie. And to that end, as also to revenge himself upon the Emperor Heraclius, a great Champion of the Orthodox belief against Nestorianism, Chosroes the great King of Persia inforced all the Christians of his Empire unto those opinions, which he knew that Emperour condemned; permitting none who were counted Catholicks within his Dominions. By means whereof, and afterwards for want of Preachers to instruct them otherwise (the Saracons having conquered the Persian Empire) Nestorianism prevailed so far, that it extended over all the Countreys East of Tigris, as far as India; and Northwards too amongst the Tartars, of which more hereafter. Governed by their own Patriarch who resideth at Mosul, now the chief City of this Countrey; and honoured by his people with the Title of Jacelich, mistaken or pronounced amiss for Catholique; an attribute given antiently to all Orthodox Prelates.

The Opinions held by them as Nestorians, were, 1. That there were two persons in our Saviour, as well as two natures; but yet confessing that CHRIST from the first instant of his conception, was both God and man. 2. That the blessed Virgin ought not to be called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or the Mother of God; but yet acknowledging her to be the Mother of God the Sonne: 3. That Nestorius, condemned for these opinions in the third and fourth Generall Councills, was an holy man; for whose sake they condemn Saint Cyrill his profess'd Antagonist, and all those Councils wherein any censure was laid upon him. In other points, though differing from the Church of Rome, they are right enough, (their rejecting Episcopall Confirmation excepted only) as 1. in celebrating the Sacrament of the Lords Supper with leavened bread; 2. communicating in both kinds; 3. enjoining no necessity of •uricular Confession; 4. contracting mariages in the second degree of Consanguinity; 5. permitting second and third mariages unto men in Orders, after the death of their first wives; 6. not praying before the Cross, nor giving religious worship to the Crucifix, or other Images. So much for these Nestorians, if so named aright, considering the qualifications added unto their opinions; now (but corruptly) called Nostranes; the greatest Sect of Christians in all the East.

The solemnities which these Christians use in contracting mariage, because not very usual, I will here relate. Their Wives they never see till the day of their mariage, but hearing a good report of the young Woman, negotiate with her parents for her. Agreed upon the business, they meet in the Chancell of the Church, wherein there is a partition with an hole in it: the Bridegroom and his friends standing on the one side; the Bride and her kindred on the other. When there, the Cassisse or Church-man biddeth the Bridegroom to put his hand thorow the hole in the Partition, and take his Bride by the hand, which he doth accordingly: the mother of the Bride, with a sharp-pointed instrument, made of purpose, pricking the Bridegrooms hand all over, with sufficient eagerness. If when he feeleth the smart, he lets go her hand, they take it for a sign that he will not love her; but if he hold her fast, and wring her hand till she cry again, they take it for a very good Omen, and are glad they have so well bestowed her. After the mariage consumate, if a male-child be born unto them, the Father loseth his own name, and is called by the name of his eldest Sonne: so as if the Fathers name be Moses, and his Sonnes name Joseph; the Father is no more called Moses, but Abda-Joseph, or the Father of Joseph. So highly do they reverence mariage, and the fruit thereof, posterity.

It was antiently divided into these six parts, 1. Arraphachitis, bordering on Armenia Major; so called for Arphaxaditis, or the plantation of Arphaxad, the Sonne of Sem. 2. Adiab•ne, bordering

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on Mesopotamia, so called, quasi 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or inaccessible, because fenced with such unfordable Rivers, Tigrus, and Euphrates, that there was no easie comming to it; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as it is in Suidas: or rather for Adiavenena, from Diavas, and Adiavas, the chief Cities of it (the same which Ptolomy called Lycus, and Caprus) as in Marcellinus. 3. Calacine, and 4. 〈◊〉 from Sittace, and Calach, two chief Cities of it; of which more anon. 5. Arbelites, and 6. Apollomates, from Apollonia and Arbela, two others of the principall Cities.

Here then we have four of the Cities of Assyria brought unto our hand, 1. Calach, one of those four which Nimrod built in the Land of Assur, Gen. 10. 11. and one of them to which the Ten Tribes were transplanted by Salmanasser, 2 Kings 17. 6. & 18. 11. of such esteem in those elder dayes, that Calacine, as Ptolomy, or Calachene as Serabo more rightly calleth it, did take name from hence. 2. Sirtace, situate about two nules from, the banks of Tigris, in the way from Babylon to Suja. A City, when it gave name to the parts adjoyning, both great and populous; well seated, in a fruitful soyl, and well shaded with trees of several sorts; supposed by the situation of it to be that Accad, (or rather built in or neer the place of it) which was one of the first four Cities of Nimrods Kingdome. 3. Arbel; on the banks of the River Caprus, built as some say by Belus, (or Belochus) Priscus, an Assyrian King, whence it had the name. Neer unto which there is a place which Strabo calleth 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Cupressetum, conceived by some to be the place where Noah framed the Ark. 4. Apollonia, built after the Macedonian conquest, as appeareth by the name which is wholly Greek: not otherwise observable but for giving the name of Apoilomates to the Countrey adjacent. Adde unto these, 5. Gaguamela, situate in the middle space betwixt Lycus and Caprus; memorable for the last and greatest battle betwixt Alexander and Darius the King of Persia: who had he made good the Eastern banks of the River Tigris, might easily have hindred the Macedonians from coming over: the River being so extremely swift and violent, that the Macedontans were not able to pass it but by linking their hands and armes together, and making one entire body to oppose the current; and therewith all of so great depth, that the footmen were fain to hold their Bows and Arrows over their heads, to keep them from being moistned and made unservicable. But having miserably lost this opportunity by the cowardise of Mazeis, who had the keeping of this pass; he was inforced to venture all upon a battel: drawing unto this place an Army of 50000 horse, and 200000 foot, in their accompt who speak least of it (for Arrianus makes it above a Million.) Opposed by Alexander with no more than 40000 foot, and 7000 horse of his Europaeans; but those victoriously successefule 40000 of the Persians slain, (but Diodorus Siculus speaks of 900000) with the loss of 300 Macedanians onely, as is said by Curtius, In memory of which notable victory, a Mountain neer the place of the battel, was by Alexander called Nicator, known by that name to Strabo and some other antients. 6. Rehoboth, another of the four Cities, which Nimrod is said to have built in Assur; by some supposed to be Birrha, an antient City upon Tigris, and bordering so neer unto Mesopotamia, that by Ptolony it is place in it. Of which more anon. 7. Rhesen, another of the Cities of Nimrods building, seated by Moses between Calach and Ninive, Gen. cap. 10. v. 12. and there commended for a great Cov. Which Character with the site thereof have induced some learned men to think it to be the same which is by Xenophon called Larissa, seated by him on the River Tigris, much about this place, and said to be a City of such strength and greatness, that it was no less than two Parasings, or four miles in compass, the walls in height a hundred foot, twenty five in breadth; so strongly cemented, that Cyrus, who besieged it, could have never taken it if a casual Ecclipse of the Sunne had not discouraged the desendants. But whether this conjecture be good or not, we have here Larassa for another of the principal Cities. 8. Nixive, by the Greeks and Lutines called Ninus; first built by Nimrod, and called Ninive with relation unto Ninus, his sonne or Nephew, after the example of Cain whose steps he followed: of whom it is said that he built a City, and called after the name of his sonne Enoch, Gen. 4. 17. I know the building of this City is by sonne ascribed to Assar, grounding themselves on that of Moses, Gen. 10. 11. Out of that Land went forth Assur, and built Ninive &c. But I like better of their judgement who take Assar in this place for the name of the Countrey and not of the man; making the Text to speak of Nimrod, and to say of him, Eregressus est in Assur, &c. that is to say, And he went forth to Assur or the land of Assyria, and there built Ninive, Rehoboth, and the rest there named. A City so enlarged by some of the succeeding Kings, that it came at last to be bigger than Babylon, in compass 480 furlongs, or 60. miles; and therefore said in the Book of Jonah, to be a City of three dayes journey, in circuit, as indeed it was; accompting 20 miles for a days journey, according to the common estimate of those elder times, as also of the Greeks and Romans in the times succeeding. Nor was it of less strength than greatness, the walls an hundred foot high, and so broad that three Carts might go a brest on the top thereof: and in those walls 1500 Turrets, each of 200 foot in height. So strong, that it was thought to have been impregnable, especially because of an antient Prophecy, which signified that the Town should never be taken, till the River became an enemy to it. A Prophecy which induced Sardanapalus to make it the seat of his warre against Belochus, and Arbaces, then in armes against him: who having besieged it three years without hope of success, at last the River over-flowing, carried before it twenty furlongs of the Wall. Which accident so terrified the effeminate King, that he burnt himself in the midst of his enemies, and left the Town to the Besiegers. Threatned destruction by the preaching of the Prophe: Jonah, it escaped then upon repentance. But the people going on in their wicked courses, it was destroyed by Astyages King of the Medes, that it might no longer be an encouragement to the Assyrians to rebel aginst him, as formerly against some of his Predecessors: and so destroyed, that in the time of Saint Cycil of Alexandria, as himself affirmeth in the comment on the Prophet Nihum, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that one scould scarse discern in what place it stood. 9. Mosul, at this time, and for long since, the chief of Assyria, seated on

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the Tigris, and raised out of the ruins of Ninive: of most note for being the ordinary abiding place of the Nestorian Patriarch, who either in the City it self, or the Monasterie of Saint Hermes neer adjoyning to it, hath his constant Residence. The Nestorians in this City so considerable both in power and number, that though it be in the hands of Mahometans, either Turks or Persians, yet there are numbred in it fifteen Christian Churches, and at least 40000 souls. A Sect so maligned by the Pope, (whom they commonly call the Reprobate Bishop) for the greatness of the jurisdiction which this Patriarch hath; that not contented to withdraw the Indians from him, (whereof more hereafter) Pope Julius the third, see up an Anti-Patriarch against him, to whom he gave the title of the Catholique of Musal also; to whom the Nestorians dwelling in the Northern parts of Mesopotamia (if some writers of the Papal party may be believed) do submit themselves. 10. Arzeri, of greater strength than Mosul, though of less antiquity and repute; from which the whole Province of Assyria, is now called Arzirum. And 11. Scheheruer, at this time of the greatest note, as being the ordinary Residence of the Turkish Beglerbeg or Bassa, who hath 10000 Timariots under his command, to defend this Countrey, and be ready for any service, as occasion is.

MESOPOTAMIA.

MESOPOTAMIA, is bounded on the East, with the River Tigris, by which parted from Assycia; on the West, with Euphrates, which divideth it from Comagena, a Province of Syria; on the North, with Mount Taurus, by which separated from Armenia Major; and on the South, with Chaldaea, and Arabia Deserta, from which last it is parted by the bendings of Euphrates also.

In the Scripture it is called most commonly by the name of Padan Aram, that is Syria Culta; but that name properly belonging to the North-parts of it: Aram or Syriae, because inhabited originally by the Aramites, whom the Greeks call Syri; and Padan or Culta, from the fruitfulness and riches of it, exceeding plentifully stored both with corn and wine, and furnished with all necessaries for the life of man; in that regard by Strabo called Mesopoamia Felix. The Southern parts hereof being barren and full of Desarts, not having any herbage in them, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, nor any kind of Tree, as we read in Xenophon; amongst some of the antient Writers, had the name of Arabia: partly because so like in nature to Arabia Deserta, and partly because planted with Arabian Colonies. The name which comprehends both parts is sometimes Syria Trans-fluvtalis, or Syria beyond the River (Euphrates,) of which see 2 Sam. 10. 16. But generally in the Hebrew it is called Arom-Naharatjn, which the Greeks render properly by Mesopotamia, or the Countrey in the middle of Rivers; environed by Tigris on the East, and Enphrates on the West and South; the River Chabaras or Abaras, passing also thorow it. The Latines generally call it by the same name which the Greeks had given it: Priscian only to shew his faculty in Grammar, calling it Medamna, by the Turks now Diarbech.

As is the Countrey, such the People, the most Adjective of any we have met with hitherto; able at no time to stand by themselves, but still requiring the addition of some neighbour Nation to be joyned unto them. Nothing that they can call their own, their Name, their Language, nor their Countrey. Beholding for their Nime in the North, to Syria, in the South, to Arabia; the (haldaeans also putting in for a share, and challenging those parts which lie next Assyria, to belong to them. Their Language antiently the Syriack, at this day the Arabick. Their Countrey successively subjected to the Babylonians, Assyrians, Medes and Persians. From them first conquered by the Romans, under the conduct of Pompey; reduced into the form of a Province, by the Emperour Traian; more fully setled and confirmed by Aurelianus. But being recovered by the Persians, they fell together into the power of the Saracens, and are now commanded by the Turks. Never appearing of themselves on the Stage of action, but when once God shewed his mighty power in their many weaknesses, and raised them up to be a Scourge to the house of Israel; of which see Judges chap. 3. v. 8. Hired afterwards by Adaedezer King of Syria Zobah, in his warre against David; by whom most shamefully defeated, 2 Sam. 10. 16, 18. Yet notwithstanding memorable in the Book of God for the birth of Abraham and Rebecca; the long abode of Jacob, and the birth of his Children: in that respect affording an Original to the Hebrew Nation.

The Christian faith was first preached here by Saint Thaddaeus, one of the 70. Disciples, Anno 43. upon this occasion. Agbarus the Toparch, or Prince of Edessa, one of the chief Cities of this Countrey, having been long afflicted with an incurable infirmity, and hearing of the fame of JESVS, beseeched him by a special message to come and help him: whereunto our Saviour made this Answer, that he could not visit him in person, the things he was to do, whilest upon the earth, being to be performed onely in the land of Canaan; but that he would take care of his health in convement time. Accordingly, not along after his Ascension, Saint Thomas the Apostle, by immediate revelation from our Saviour, sent Thaddaeus thither; by whom the Prince was cured, and the Gospel preached, and many of the Nation convered to it; the Ats whereof, together with the Copies of the several Letters from Agbarus to CHRIST, and from CHRIST to him, preserved in the Archives of Edessa, were by Eusebius translated out of the Syriack, and inserted into the body of his Ecclesiasticall History, lib. 1. cap. 14. Once planted, it found good increase, continuing in the purity of it till about the yeare 530. at what time one Jacobus Syrus (so called from his birth and abode in Syria) took on him the defence of the Errors of Eutyches, touching the unity of natures in CHRIST our Saviour. Whose followers finding the Patriarchs of Antirch too vigilant over them, removed for the most part further off, seding themselves in Babylonia, and Mesopotamia, where they continned in great numbers: Governed by their own Patriarch, to whom the Jacobites in Syria are also subject, who takes unto himself the title of Patriarch of Antioch, and is successively called

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Ignatius, as if the undoubted Successor of that Saint and Martyr; superior in that regard to the Patriarch of Hierusalem who is also a Jacobite. The Patriarchal See, fixt in the Monastery of Saphran, neer the City of Merdin; but the Residence of the Patriarch for the most part at Caramit: the number of Christians under his obedience, computed formerly at 160000 Families, reduced since unto 50000. That which they hold as Jacobites, distinct from all other Christians, is 1. The acknowledgement but of one nature, one will, and one operation (as there is but one person) in Christ our Saviour. 2. In signing their Children before Baptism, in the Face or Arm, with the sign of the Cross, imprinted with a burning iron. 3. Retaining Circumcision, and using it in both Sexes. 4. Affirming the Angels to consist of two substances, Fire, and Light; and 5. Honouring the memory of Dioseurias (of Alexandria) and Jacobus Syrus, condemned by the antient Councils. The points wherein they differ from the Church of Rome,

1. Not enjoining on the People the necessity of Confession to a Priest, before they admit them to communicate.

2. Not admitting Purgatory, nor Prayers for the Dead.

3. Administring the Sacrament of the Eucharist in both kinds.

4. Allowing the marriage of Priests; And

5. Teaching that the souls of men deceased, are not admitted presently to the Vision of God, but remain somewhere in the Earth, to expect Christs coming. In which last, (letting aside the determination of the place) as they have many of the Fathers concurring with them; so to the first (touching the unity of nature in our Saviour Christ) they have of late added such qualifications, as possibly may make it capable of an Orthodox sense.

Chief Rivers of this Countrey, (besides Tigris and Euphrates, of which more hereafter,) 1. Chabiras, which rising in Mount Masius, passing directly South, falleth into Euphrates; as also doth, 2. Syngarus, by Pliny, called Masca, arising out of the Mountain Syngarus, which is but the more Western part of the said Mount Masius. Which names of Masea, Masius, and the Masicni (being the name of a People dwelling thereabouts) shew plainly that they go upon very good grounds who place Mesch, or Mesich, one of the sonnes of Aram in these parts of the Countrey.

It was divided antiently into, 1. Anthemasia, 2. Chalcitis. 3. Gaulinitis. 4. Accabene. 5. Ancorabitis, and 6. Ingine: each part containing several Cities or Towns of name. These six when conquered by the Romans reduced unto two Provinces onely, viz. 1. Mesopotamia, lying on the South of Mount Masius, or the head of Chaboras; and 2. Osrloene on the North: this last so named from one Osrhoes, the Prince or Governout of these parts in the time of the Persians, as Procopius telleth us.

Chief places of the whole, 1. Edessa, the Metropolis of Osrhoene, situate on the River Scirtas, which runneth thorow the middest of it, not far from the fall thereof into Euphrates. Memorable for the Story of Agbarus before related, amongst Church-Historians: and in the Roman Histories, for the death of the Emperor Caracalla, slain here by the appointment of Macrinus, Captain of his guard. The occasion this. The Emperour conscious to himself of his own unworthiness, employed one Maternianus to enquire amongst the Magicians in the Empire, who was most likely to succeed him: by whom accordingly advertised that Macrinus was to be the man. The letters being brought unto Caracalla, as he was in his Chariot, were by him delivered with the rest of the Packets, to the hands of Macrinus, (who by his Office was to be attendant on the Emperiours person) that he might open them, and signifie unto him the contents thereof at his better leisure. Finding by this the danger in which he stood, he resolved to strike the first blow; and to that end entrusted Martialis, one of his Centurions, with the execution; by whom the Emperour was here killed as he withdrew himself, Levandae vesicae gratia, as my Author hath it. So impossible a thing it is to avoid ones Destiny; so vain a thing for any Prince to think of destroying his Successor: and therefore very well said to Nero in the times of his tyranny, Omnes licet occider is, Successorem tunm occidere non potes, that though he caused all the men of eminence to be forthwith murdered; yet his Successor would survive him, and escape the blow. But to return unto Edessa, in following times it was made one of the four Tetrarchies of the Western Christians when they first conquered Syria, and the Holy Land; the two first Governors or Tetrarchs, successively succeding Godfrey of Bouillon in the Kingdome of Hierusalem. But in the year 1142. it was again recovered by Sanguin the Turk, Father of Noradin Sultan of Damascus, and by the loss thereof no fewer than three Arch-Bishopricks withdrawn from the obedience of the See of Antioch.

2. Cologenbar, another strong peece adjoining, besieged on the taking of Edessa, by the same Sanguin, who was here stabbed in a drunken quarrell by one of his familiar friends; and the Fort saved for that time.

3. Nisibis, situate somewhat to the East of Mount Masius, called also Antiochia Mygdonia; from the River Mygdonius, which runneth thorow it; and afterwards Constantia, from Constantius the Sonne of Constantine. A City of great note in those elder times, a Roman Colony, and the Metropolis of the Province of Mesopotamia, properly and specially so called: which being besieged by Supores the King of Persia, (Constantius ruling in the East) and in no small danger to be lost, was gallantly defended by James the then Bishop of it, whom Theodoret calls not onely, Episcopum Civitatis, sed Principem & Ducem, not the Bishop only of the City, but the Prince and Captain of it, libr. 2 cap 31. So little inconsistencie was there found in those early daies betwixt the Episcop all function and civill businesses, that the Bishops were not interdicted from the Acts of war, when the necessities of the State did invite them to it. The City not long after most unworthily delivered to the said Sapores by the Emperour Jovinian; which drew along with it in short time the loss of the Province.

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4. Vr, seated on the East of Nisibis, betwixt it and Tigris; and so placed by Ammianus who had travelled this Countrey. Conceived to be the Birth-place of Abraham, and called Vr of the Chaldees, Gen. 11. 28. either because the Chaldees were in those daies possessed of the place; or because the name of Chaldaea did comprehend also those parts of this Countrey which lay towards Tigris, as was shewn before. For that the place from which Terah the Father of Abraham did return to Haran in Mesopot amia, was rather situate in this coast where Vr is placed by Ammianus, than betwixt the Lakes of Chaldaea and the Persiau Golf, where most Writers place it, may appear probable for these reasons.

1. Because it is said by Josuah, chap. 24. ver. 12. That Terah the Father of Abraham and the Father of Nachor dwelt on the other side of the Flood; that is to say on the further side of the River Emphrates, and that too 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as the Septuagim; ab initio, as the Vulgar Latine; in the first beginning. Which cannot be understood of any Vr, placed on or neer the Lakes of Chaldaea, those being on this side of that River. 2. Because all the rest of Abrahams Ancestors from Phaleg downwards, were seated in the Northern parts of Assyria and Mesopotamia: and it were strange that Terah should be planted so far from the rest of his kindred. 3. Because from Vr in Mesopotamia neer the banks of Tigris, the way to Canaan, (to which Terah did intend to go) was directly by Haran: whereas if he had dwelt (as some say he did) by the Lakes of Chaldaea, his way had been directly West thorow Arabia Deserta, and not to have travelled, with his family, so far North as Haran; and then to have fallen back as much Southward, as he had gone Northward, crossing Euphrates twice with his herds and Cattel. 5. Haran, the place to which Terah did remove when he went from Vr, and from which Abraham did remove when he went towards Canaan, so named in memory of Haran the sonne of Terah: but called afterwards by the name of Carrae, and by that name well known to the Roman Writers for the death of Crassus, that wealthy Roman, whose estate, (besides the tenth which he offered to Hercules, and three moneths corn distributed amongst the poor) amounted to 7100. Talents, which comes in our money to one Million, 331250. l. But all his wealth could not preserve him from the slaughter, slain neer this City, with the routing of his Army also by Horodes King of Parthia; of which briefly Lncan,

—miscrando funere Crassus

Assyrias Latio maculavit sanguine Carras.

Which may be Englished to this purpose,

By a defeat lamented Crassus stains

With Roman blood the Assyrian Carras Plai.

Called the Assyrian Carrae by Poeticall Licence, because the Assyrians formerly had been Lords thereof. And no less memorable was it in the times foregoing, for a famous Temple of the Moon, worshipped here (but in no place else) under both Sexes: some honouring it as female Deity, then called Dea Luna; and others in the shape and dress of a man, and called Deus Lunus. But with this fortune and success, as faith Spartianus, qut Lunam foemineo nomine putabat nuncupandam, is mulieribus semper inserviat; that they who worshipped it in the form of a Woman, should be alwaies subject to their Wives (I trow there were but few of that Religion) qui vero Marem deum crederet, is uxori dominetur; but he that worshipped it as a man, should preserve the masterie. 6. Amida, neer the River Tigris, the Metropolis of Mesopotamia when one Province only, and before it fell into the hands of the Romans: much beautified by Constantius the Sonne of Constantine, by whom named Constantias. But that new name dying with him, the old revived: of great strength, as a strontire Town against the Persians, and by them much aimed at. Honoured of late times with the Residence of the Patriatch of the Jacobite Christians, as the chief City of this Province: for this cause also made the dwelling of the Pseudo-Patriarch of the Nestorians (or Nostranes) of the Popes erection; and the chief Seat also of the Bassa or other Officer, governing this Countrey for the Turks; by whom called Caramit, or Kara Amida, that is to say, Amidae the black, because it was walled with black stone. 7. Phalga, or Phaliga, at the meeting of Chaberas with Euphrates not far from Carrae, mentioned by Stephanus, and Arrianus, and by Ptolomy mistakingly called Pharga; the seat or first plantation of Phaleg, one of Abrahams Ancestors: Serug, another of them giving name to 8. Sarug, about a daies journey off from Haran, spoken of by some later writers. 9. Singara, on the River so named, a well fortified City in the time of Ammianus, by whom mentioned, lib. 20. 10. Berabde, mentioned by the same Author, by whom said to have been a very strong Fort, seated on a pretty high hill, and bending towards the banks of Tigris; before whose times it had antiently bin called Phoenicha. 11. Virta, supposed to have been the work of Alexander the Great, circled with walls, environed with half-moones and Bulwarks, and made unaccessible: in vain besieged by Sapores the Persian King after the taking of Bezabde. The same perhaps with the Birtha of Ptolomy. 12. Merdin, not far from which in the Monastery of Saphran, is the Patriarchall See of the Jacobite Sectaries.

The first Inhabitants of these Countries, though united from the first begining under the same Princes, and form of Government; came from severall Families: all the three sonnes of Noah concurring as it were in this plantation. From Nimrod, Havilah, and others of the posterity of Chus, the sonne of Ham, came the Babylonians: with whom Chesed the Sonne of Nachor, of the house of Sem, intermingling families; or being the Author of their language, or of some other signall benefit; gave to them the name

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of Chaldim, whence came that of Chaldaeans. From Assur, Arphaxad, and those of Arphaxads posterity, intermingled with the Sonnes of Mash, the sonne of Aram, came the Mesopotamians, and Assyrians. And that Japhet also and his Children may put in for a part, the neighbourhood of the Medes, and Albanese, descended from him, makes it somewhat probable.

But, whatsoever parents they descended from, Nimrod the Sonne of Chus made so bold with them, as to bring them under his command: planting in Chaldaea, the Cities of Babylon, and Calne; in Assyria, Ninive, Rhesem, and Calach; and finally Rehoboth (if that were Birtha, as some think it was) in Mesopotamia. By these strong Forts he curbed the natives, and assured his power; being the first that altered the Paternall form of Government, and drew unto himself the government of severall Nations, not having any dependance upon one another. The foundation thus laid by him, his Successors soon raised the building to a wondrous height; advancing the Assyrian Empire, from the Mediterranean Sea, to the River Indus; and that too in a shorter time than could be imagined, but that the world was then divided into petit States, not cemented together with the ligaments of power and policy: for though there be litle found of Belus the Sonne of Nimrod, but that he spent most of his time in draining the marishes, and making firm ground of those vast fennes which lay neer to Babylon, which were works of peace: yet by those and the like works of peace he so setled his affairs at home, that he gave his Sonne Ninus the better opportunity to look abroad; who mightily improved his Empire, and was the greatest and most powerfull of all that line; extending his dominions from the River Indus, to the Mediterranean; and from the Caspian Sea, to the Southern Ocean. His Successors we shall find in the following Catalogue of

The Assyrian Monarchs.

A. M.

1798 1. Nimrod, called by some Saturnus Babylonius, the Sonne of Chus, and Nephew of Cham, was the first who altered the Paternal government, and usurped dominion over others; making Babylon his Imperiall City. 47.

1845. 2. Belus, or Jupiter Babylonicus, the Sonne of Nimrod, whose Image was worshipped by the old Idolaters under the names of Bel and Baal. 62.

1907. 3. Ninus, the Sonne of Belus, conquered Armenia, Syria, Media, Bactria, and the Persian Provinces, and removed the Imperiall Seat to Ninive, by him much beautified and inlarged. 52.

1959 4. Semiramis, the wife of Ninus, subdued the Arabians; but invading the Indians also, she was vanquished and slain by their King Staurobates. Of this great Lady it is said, she was born in Ascalon, a Town of Syria, and exposed to the fury of wilde beasts. But being born not to die so ingloriously, she was brought up by shepherds, and at full age presented to the Syrian Vice-roy, who gave her in mariage to his onely Sonne. Going with him to the warres, she fell in acquaintance with Ninus, who liking her person and spirit, took her to his bed. This bred in him a greater affection towards her, so that he granted her at her request, the command of the Empire for five daies; making a Decree that her will in all things should be punctually performed: which boon being gotten, she put on the Royall Robes, and (as some Writers doe report) commanded the King to be slain. Having thus gotten the Empire, she exceedingly enlarged it, leading with her an Army consisting of one hundred thousand Chariots of warre, three millions of Foot, and half a million of Horse. A woman in whom there was nothing not to be honoured or applauded, but her insatiable lusts: in which if the Greek writers say true (as we have no reason to believe it of so gallant a woman) she was very guilty.

2001 5. Ninus II. the Son of Ninus and Semiramis.

2039 6. Arias 30.

2069 7. Arabius 40.

2109 8. Belus II. 30.

2139 9. Armamatrites.

2177 10. Belochus Prisc. 35.

2212 11. Belochus Jun. Balaeus 52.

2264 12. Altades 32.

2296 13. Mamitns 30.

2326 14. Mancaleus 30.

2356 15. Spherus 20.

2376 16. Mancaleus II. 30.

2406 17. Sparetus 40.

2446 18. Ascatades 40.

2486 19. Amintes 45.

2511 20. Belochus Jun. 45.

2556 21. Bellopares 30.

2586 22. Lamprides 22.

2618 23. Sasares 20.

2638 24. Lampares 20.

2668 25. Panmas 45.

2713 26. S•ramas 19.

2732 27. Mitreus 27.

2759 28. Tatanes 32.

2791 29. Tautes 40.

2831 30. Tineus 30.

2861 31. Dercillus 40.

2901 32. Eupales 38.

2939 33. Loastines 45.

2984 34. Pyrithiades 30.

3014 35. Ophrateus 20.

3034 36. Ophraganeus 50.

3084 37. Ascrasapes 24.

3126 38. Sardanapalus, by Eusebius called Tonosconcolos, the last King of this Race. Of which

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being 38. in all, there is scarce any thing remaining but the very names: registred in this order by Berosus, or rather by Frier Annius a Monk of Viturbum in Tuscany, who hath thrust upon the world, the fancies of his own brain, under the name of that antient Historian. The chief Kings of note after Semiramis, were,

1. Ninus, or Zameis her Sonne; who by his Deputies and Lieutenants subdued the Arrians, Bactrians, and Caspians, but was otherwise a man of effeminate and unkingly carriage. And therefore is conceived to be the elder Bacchus, so much celebrated amongst the Grecians.

2. Belus the second, who recovered that Countrey which afterwards was called Judaea, to the Assyrian Empire, from which it had revolted in the time of his Predecessor, (on the defeat of Amraphel, one of his Lieutenants, by the sword of Abraham,) and subdued many other nations.

3. Belochus Prise. the tenth King, who by some writers is said to be the Author of Divination by the flying of Birds, called Auspicium. For of Sooth-saying there were in all four kinds.

1. This Auspicium, quasi Avispicium, taken from the flight of birds, either on the right hard, or on the left; (and hence the Proverb commeth, avi sinistra, good luck, because in giving, the right hand is opposite to the receivers left;) or from the number of the birds, whence R•mulus had promised to him the Empire, before his Brother, because he had seen the double number of Vultures: or lastly, from the nature of them, whence the same Romulus, seeing the Vultures, was (saith Florus) spei plenus urbem bellatriem fore, ta illi sauguini, & praedae assuetae aves pollicebantur.

2. Aruspicium, ab inspiciendo, in which the Sooth-sayers observed whether the Beast to be sacrifised came to the Altars willingly, or not: whether the entrails were of a naturall colour, exulcerate, &c or whether any part were wanting. All Histories afford variety of Examples in this kind; I need give no particular instance. A kind of Divination said to be practised first by the Tuscans, or Hetrurians; instructed in the knowledge thereof by one called Tages, who appearing to certain Ploughmen out of a Furrow, caught them this mystery, and so vanished.

3. Tripudium, so called quasi Terripudium, and Terripavium, from the trembling or shaking of the Earth, was a conjecture of future successes, by the rebounding of crums cast unto Chichens. We have an instance of this in the life of Tiberius Gracchus, who being seditiously busie in promoting the Law Agraria, was fore-warned by the keeper of his Chickens to desist from that enterprise, because when he had thrown the crums to the Coop, there came out but one of the Chickens only, and the same without eating went back again, which was taken for a sign of ill luck, as the greedy devouring of them had been of good. But Tiberius slighting the advertisement, and pursuing his design, was the same day slain.

4. Augurium, so called ab avium garritu, was a prediction from the chirping or chattering of birds; as also from the sounds and voices heard they knew not whence, nor on what occasion. In which later kind the death of Caesar was divined from the clattering of Armour in his house, and the poisoning of Germanicus by the sounding of a Trumpet of its own accord: in the former, an Owl screeching in the Se•ate-house was deemed ominous to Augustus; and a company of Crowes following Setanus to his house with great noise and clamor, was judged to be fatall to that great Favorite; and so it proved.

4. Manitus, the thirteenth King; who revived again the antient Discipline, corrupted by the sloathfulness and effeminacie of his Predecessors; and by the terrour of his name awed the Aegyptians.

5. Ascatades, the eighteenth King, more absolute in Syria, and the Western-parts, than any of the Kings before him.

6. Sardanapalus, the last King of this Race, who being wondrous effeminate, and utterly unable to govern so great an Empire, gave opportunity to Arbaces his Lieutenant in Media to conspire against him. By whom, associated with Belochus Governour of Babylon, he was besieged in his City of Ninive: and there reduced unto such extremities, that gathering his treasures all together, he burnt himself and them in one funerall Pile, eo solum facto virum imitatus, as is said by Justine. The treasure which he is said to have burnt with him amounted to one hundred Millions of Talents of Gold, and a thousand Millions of Talents of Silver: which in our English money comes to twenty thousand and five hundred Millions of pounds. A mass of money, which as it must be long in gathering, so probably it had not seen the Sun in many years, and therefore grown rusty, desired a fire to purge it. This Sardanapalus afforded it, it may be to end his life with that, in which he placed his Summum Bonum: It may be in spight unto his enemies; and it is possible it might be in policy, that so great a treasure not falling to the possession of his foes, might so much the more disable them from making resistance against, or detaining the Empire from his next rightfull Successors. For it is of all things the most foolish, both to lose our Treasure, and with it to enrich our Adversaries. On which consideration the Spaniards fired their Indian Fleet at Gades, and the Genoese theirs at Tripolis; that their lading might not come into the Possession of their enemies, the English and Mahometans. After the death of this Sardanapalus, Arbaces took Media and Persia with the confining Provinces: Belochus strengthened himself in Assyria, Chaldaea, and the adjacent Regions, his Kingdome being called the Kingdome of Assyria.

The new Kings of Assyria and Chaldaea.

A. M.

3146. 1. Phul Belochus, the beginner of this new Monarchy.

3194. 2. Phul Assur, destroyed Galilee, and subdued the Kingdome or Damascus, the same who

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is called Tiglah Ph•lassar in the holy Scriptures.

3217. 3. Salmanassar, who destroyed Samaria, and ruined the Kingdome of Israel, and carried the 10 Tribes to perpetual Captivity. This is the Nabonassar of the Chr•nologers.

3227. 4. Sennacherib, whose blasphemous hoast was vanquished by Angels from heaven, and he himself murdred by his two sonnes Adramelech and Sharezer. 7.

3233. 5. Asserhaddon, who revenging his Fathers death on his brothers, was deposed by his Deputy of Chaldaea, and the seat Royal transferred from Ninive to Babylon. 10.

3243. 6. Merodach Baladan, governour of Babylon, succeeded his Master in the Throne, conceived by some to be the Mardocempades of Ptolomy, by others to be also the fame King who by his Captain Holofernes did so plague Judaea.

3283. 7. Ben Merodach 30th sonne of Merodach Baladan. 21.

3304. 8. Nabopullassar, who vanquished Pharaoh Necho King of Egypt. 25.

3339. 9. Nabuchodonosor the Great, by some called the Hercules of the East: who conquered Egypt in the life of his Father, with whom he reigned for a time, and mightily enlarged the City of Babylon, he joyned also with Astyages King of Medes, in subverting the pround City of Ninive; and in the 18th. year of his reign destroyed Hierusalem, and carried the People captive unto Babylon. But in the last seven years of his reign he was so distracted, that he lived not much unlike the Beasts of the Field; according to the word of God spoken by Daniel, chap. 4. during which time his sonne Evilmerodach, his daughter Nicocris with Niglissat her husband, and Laborasaradach their sonne, governed his Empires as Protectors; and therefore are by some reckoned as Kings. Finally Nabuchadnezzar having recovered his senses, was again restored unto the Throne, and died, when he had reigned in all 44. years.

3583. 10. Evilmerodach; the sonne of Nabuchadnezzar, slain by Astyages, King of the Medes. 26.

3409. 11. Balthassar, sonne of Evilmerodach (the Nabonidus of Berosus, a Prince of a dissolute and cruel nature, was in the later end of his reign assailed by Cyaxares the Sonne of Astyages, (whom the Scriptures call Darius Medus,) and by Cyrus the Persian; by whom he was slain in the 17th. year of his reign, and the Empire of the Babylonians was transferred to the Medes and Persians. A. M. 3426.

That this was the end of Balthassar, is the common opinion. But Josephus Scaliger in his learned and industrious work, De emendatione temporum, maketh him to be slain in a tumult by his own people: who elected into the Empire a Noble man of the Medes, called in prophane stories, Nabonidus; in divine, Darius Medus; who after a 17 years reign was slain by Cyrus King of the Persians. But by the leave of so worthy a man, this cannot hold good. For the Lord by his Prophet Jeremy, had pronounced, (Chap. 27.) That all Nations should serve Nabuchadnezzar, and his sonne, and his sonnes sonne, whereas Nabonidus was a Prince of strange blood, and so the Nations were not to serve him; and in Balthassar, the sonnes sonne of Nabuchadnezzar, was this word accomplished. But let us examine his arguments, and withall the scoffes, which very prodigally he bestoweth on such as maintain the contrary opinion: Natio Chronologorum, the whole rout of Chronologers; boni & diligentes viri, good simple meaning men; & addunt alta nihil veriora, are his first complements; Vt igitur, quod Chronologorum est, omnesresiptscant, &c. therefore that they may repent their ever being Chronologers, he bringeth in Berosus, Cited by Josephus, in his first book against Appion. But Berosus there maketh Nabonidus (to whom he saith the Kingdome of Balthassar was by the people delivered) to be a Babylonian, and not as Scaliger would have him say, a noble man of the Medes: neither can the authority of Berosus countervail that of Daniel, who in his 6 Chapter telleth Balthassar, that his Kingdome should be divided among the Medes and Persians. His second argument is drawn from the nature of the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as it is in the same Chapter, and Darius the Mede took the Empire: by which word took is implyed (saith he) not a forcible in vasion, but a willing acceptance of the Empire offered. To this we answer, that Darius indeed took the Empire quietly and willingly, being offered unto him by Cyrus, and his army consisting of Medes and Persians: who according to the word of God, had taken it from Balthassar, Darius being then absent. Quid si probavero (saith he) eum cognominatum fuisse Medum? he hath yet one trick more than all these; and Medus must not be the national name, but the surname of Darius, which he proveth out of a fragment of Megasthenes, cited by Eusebius, in his work de praeparatione Evangelica, where he is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. an argument of all others the most slight and trivial. For besides that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 may there as well be the name of his Nation, as of his Family; and besides that it thwarteth the places of Jeremy and Daniel already quoted; it is diametrally opposite to another place of the same Daniel, in his ninth chapter; where he is called Darius, of the seed of the Medes. Of this Darius more anon when we come into Media. As for Nabonidus, questionless he was the same with Balthassar. For besides that Josephus, and Berosus, attribute to either of them the reign of 17. years, the same Josephus (who might best know the truth in this case) telleth us that Balthassar was by the Babylonians called Naboandel; a name not so great a stranger to Nabonidus, as Scaligers Darius, or Herodotus his Labonitus. But in this we must pardon Joseph. Scorn and contradiction was a part of his essence. For had he not been in some things singular, in all, peremptory; he had neither been a Saliger, nor the sonne of Julius.

But leaving Joseph to the singularity of his own conceits; we find nothing done by the Assyrians or Chalaeans after this subjection, which might denote them to have been once the Lords of so great an Empire. Successively inslaved by the Medes, Persians, and Macedonians; then by the Persians again, afterwards by the Saracens, next by the Turks, a third time by the Persians, once again by the Turks of the

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Ottoman Family, unto whom now subject: never endeavouring to assert in the way of war, or opposition, either their antient reputation, or their native liberties; but suffering themselves to be won, lost, fought for, and again recovered by their quarrelsome Masters, as if they had no title to their own Countrey, but were born to follow the fortunes of all pretenders. The reason of which is principally to be ascribed to the form of Government used amongst the Persians, which was so Despoticall and absolute, if not tyrannicall, that they held all the people conquered by them in the nature of slaves; not suffering any to grow great in a state of inheritance, or to enjoy any place of power and profit under them in the conquered Provinces, but at the pleasure of the Prince: as it is now used amongst the Turks of the Ottoman Empire. By means whereof, the great men having no alliances amongst themselves, and as few dependants amongst the people; were never able to take head against the Conqueror; but in the fall of the present Prince fell together with him: it being a good rule of Machiavet, that where the antient Nobility is in good regard linked in alliances with themselves, and well respected by the common and inferiour people, there it is difficult for the Invader, though a Conqueror, to win a Countrey, and harder to keep it being conquered. But on the other side, where Nobility is quite worn out, & the Prince doth hold his Subjects in the nature of slaves, there both the Conquest will be easie, and soon assured. For to what purpose should the Subjects resist the Conqueror, or stand any longer to their King, than he stands to himself, when they are sure the Conqueror can lay upon them no heavyer burdens, than they were accustomed to before; and have withal a flattering hope that their new Masters may be gentler to them, than their former were? It fares with them no otherwise than with Aesops Ass, which refused to make the opportunity of an escape from the hands of the enemie, by which he was taken, because he knew it was not possible they should lay more load upon his back, than his old Master made him bear. To which condition the Chaldeans and Assyrians being brought by the Persians, and never accustomed to the tast of a better fortune: have followed the same successes as the Persians did; falling together with them from one hand to another; the particular accompt of whose estate we shall find in Persia: taking this onely for the close, that when Solyman the Magnificent had discomfited Tamas King of Persia, and taken the great City of Bagdat; Caramit, Merdin, and the rest both in Assyria, Chaldaea, and Mesopotamia, submitted to him without any resistance, and received his Garrisons. And for a confirmation of his estate he received at the hand of the Caliph of Babylon, who by an old Prerogative had the nomination or confirmation at the least of the Kings of Assyria, and the Sultans of Aegypt, the Royall Ornaments and Ensignes, Anno 1534. incorporating by that means those Regions into his estates, and making them Provinces of his Empire; in which he left a Beglerbeg at Bagdat to command in chief; and divers Sanziacks in their severall and respective Provinces. And though the Persian Kings have since taken, and are still possessed of some places of importance in them; yet I account them in regard of the said investiture, and the long possession following on it, for Provinces of the Turkish Empire: as I do Media of the Persian, though Tauris and some other peeces of it be possessed by the Turks.

1676. A most exact and accurate map of the whole world by Donald Lupton.

XXII. Arabia

E. Chaldea, and Gulph of Persia, W. Palestine and the Red Sea, N. Euphrates, S. Main Southern Ocean; the Language Arabick, which is the Language of most Mahumetan Countries, the Alcoran being Writ, and most of their offices performed in it.

1. Hath in that Part called Arabia deserta, now Benoni, E. Babylonia, N. Mesopotamia, W. Palestina, S. Arabia foelix, Jobs Country, onely one remarkable place (being nothing but Rocks and Deserts) and that is Semischusach formerly called Saba, and some other Villages peopled by the civil Moors.

2. In the Rocky (Petrea) not travelled but in Carvans only by Merchants with their Camels, who bring their food with them, the wandring and Idle Inhabitants having nothing but Milk, Herbs, and Venison; Besides,

1. Mount Sinai, where there is a mesque of Turkish Pilgrims.
2. Horeb, now Orel, where is a Monastry of Greek Monks.
3. Hor. where is 1 Petra now Crat, neer Mount Hor. the treasury of Aegypt, and the Key to Palestine. 2 Bosra, now B•ssereth of good esteem. 3 Elama, on a Bay of the Red-sea, called Sinus Elanicus. 4 Berenice, or Ezion-Geber, the harbour for the ships going to Ophir. 5 Sur and Havilah on the Gulfs of Persia and Arabia, &c.

3. In that portion of it called Arabia the happy, now Ailman, E. of Persia, W. Arabian Gulf, S. Oceanabounding with Myrrh, Balsom, Frankincense, Gold and Precious Stones, with Corn, Cattels, Wines, quiet Roads and Harbours, besides medicinal waters, eminent for the Phaenix, and the Ostrich that digesteth Iron, are now upon the ruines of the old places mentioned by Ptolomy.

1. Egra neer Sinus Elaniticus on the Red Sea, or Algiar port-town to Medina, three dayes Journey from it.
2. Jatrib being between.
3. Medina Talnabi, ill and poorly seated, but rich by the confluence of Pilgrims that flock thither to Mahomets Tomb (and Temple where burn 3000 Lamps continually) inclosed in an Iron Grate, and covered with Velvet, sent thither yearly by the Grand Seignior, the old Pall being cut into Relicks.
4. Cufa, the Counsel-place.
5. Mecca neer Medina the great Mart of the Commodities of Arabia, Persia and India, carried thence into all parts of the Turkish Empire, no Christian being permitted to come within five miles of it, it being unwalled, no water but rain: 6000 Families yearly visited with three Carvans of Pilgrims from India, Damascus, and Grand-Cair.
6. Zeden haven town to Mecca forty miles off, well built, and of great resort, but weak in a sand on the Red Sea.
7. Zebel, the Metropolis of the Country, neer the Red Sea, well-traded for Sugars, Spice and Fruits.
8. Eltor, the onely port Christians may Inhabit.
9. The welltraded, well fortified, and capacious haven of Aden on the entrance of the Red Sea, neer the Streights, called Babel-Mandel.
10. Oran, the Key of the Southern Ocean.
11. Zean, fifteen miles square.
12. Hor, a Garrison.
13. Muskahal on the Persian Gulf neer Cape Rezel Gate, opposite to Surat in the East Indies, well fortified by the Portugeez.

4. In the Islands,

of the Red Sea, or the Sea of Edom, which are twelve not worth naming, they are so small and desolate, except

1. Dolaqua, one hundred and twenty miles long, and twelve broad, with a City of the name, where they gather Pearls.
2. Hot Camaran.
3. Red Xomou.

Of the Southern Ocean from the East of Aethiopia to the Indies.

1. Tylus with Vines, Olives, and good materials for Shipping.
2. Bairen and Gonfiar, where we have the best Pearles in the World in beds of Oysters.

1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome

ARABIA, which may be considered in

• LAND, with its three Parts, as they lie
  • Between the RED-SEA, and Gulph of BALSERA and ORMUS; as, HYAMAN, GEMEN, or ARABIA the HAPPY.
    • Medina,
    • Chaibar,
    • Algiar,
    • Egra,
    • Soquia,
    • Mecca,
    • Ziden,
    • Nageran,
    • Dhafar,
    • Magara,
    • Zerzer,
    • Cubid,
    • Gilan,
    • Zibith,
    • Sanaa,
    • Mechlaf Atherda,
    • Aden,
    • Abin,
    • Odeida,
    • Laghi,
    • Almacharama,
    • Saada,
    • Fartach,
    • Agiaz,
    • Caxem,
    • Gubit,
    • Dolfar,
    • Pescher,
    • Nerbante,
    • Guebelhaman,
    • Alibinali,
    • Calhar,
    • Cor,
    • Tybi,
    • Dayma,
    • Curiac,
    • Spalheiro,
    • Cueva,
    • Cerique,
    • Hor,
    • Calajaoe,
    • Mascates,
    • Sohar,
    • Orfacan,
    • Doba,
    • Mocandon,
    • Mirabat,
    • Masfa,
    • Syr, or Sour,
    • Mascalat,
    • Jemen,
    • Zirisdin,
    • Lalach,
    • Elcatif,
    • Bahar,
    • Ahso,
    • Manabon,
    • Fararan,
    • Jamama,
    • Borani.
  • Near PALESTINE, or the HOLY LAND; as, BARRAAB, or ARABIA the STONY,
    • Madian,
    • Medava,
    • Sur,
    • Thara,
    • Herat, of old Petras,
    • Moab,
    • Bussereth,
    • St. Catherine.
  • Near CHALDEA, and the EUPHRATES; as, BERIARA, or ARABIA the DESART,
    • Anna,
    • Mexat-Ali,
    • Mexat Ocem,
    • Sumiscasac,
    • Sukana,
    • Faraa,
    • Kadhema,
    • Anna,
    • Abadon,
    • Tangia,
    • Thaalabia,
    • Remala,
    • Maaden Alnocra.
• ISLES adjacent, as they lie
  • In the PERSIAN GULPH, or GULPH of BALSORA, and ORMUS; as,
    • Baharem, Manama.
    • Oulximi.
    • Cori.
    • Tome.
    • Andrani.
    • Quaro.
  • In the SOUTHERN OCEAN; as,
    • Mazira, Mazira.
    • Curia.
    • Muria.
  • In the RED-SEA, or Sea of MECCA; as,
    • Tincce.
    • Camaran, Camaran.
    • Decor.
    • Zaiban.
    • Turach.
    • Muchi.
    • Monte Marzoan.
    • Genaman.
    • Chifale.
    • Cajas.

ARABIA.

ARABIA hath for its Eastern Limits, the Persian Gulph and Chaldea; for its Southern, the Ocean; for its Western, the Red Sea and some part of Egypt; and for its Northern Limits, the River Euphrates, together with some part of Palestine.

Arabia, hath been well known both to the Ancients, and at present. They commonly divided it into three parts: Baraab,* 1.2 or Arabia the Stony, which lies near the Holy Land; Berjara, or Arabia the Desart, near to Chaldea and the Euphrates; Hyaman, or Gemen, or Arabia the Happy, which advances it self between the Red-Sea, which separates it from Africa and the Gulph of Ormus, which divides it from Persia, into the Indian Ocean. And this part is the greatest, the richest, and best inhabited of all.

Arabia the Stony hath for its chief places, 1. Petra, now called Herat, which signifies a Rock, whereon it was built with an advantagious scituation; a place of great strength, and much noted as well in prophane History as Holy Writ. 2. Bostra, now called B•sesereth, rebuilt after its former Ruins by Augustus Caesar; a City of great Antiquity, and memorable for being the Birth-place of Philip, one of Alexanders Successors, who was the first of the Romans Emperours which embraced Christianity. 3. Medava, now Moab, according to the Translation of the Septuagint; and being so, the name may be taken from Moab, Son of Lots eldest Daughter, from whence the Moabites descended, of whom mention is made in the Old Testament. 4. Berenice, so named from an Aegyptian Queen, but better known by the name of Esion-Geber; here it was that the Children of Israel did encamp; where also those Ships employed by Solomon to Ophir, did make their ordinary Harbour. 5. Sur, one of the chief Cities of the Amalekites, giving name to a Wilderness there adjacent, remarkable for the great Victory which Saul gave the Amalekites, where also the Children of Israel first encamped after their passage through the Red Sea. 6. Thara, where Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, were punished: And, 7. Madian, seated towards the Red Sea, being the City of Jethro, whose Daughter Zipporah, Moses took to wife.

Besides these Cities there are some others, yet the Country is for the most part Desart, and is the same where the Children of Israel wandred 40 years; there, where then inhabited the Moabites, Amalekites, Midianites, Idumaeans, and others; there, where are the Mountains of Sinai and Horeb. The Israelites being in these Desarts, lay a whole year near this Mountain, and during that time Moses received from God the Decalogue, dedicated the Tabernacle, ordained a High Priest, Priests and Levites, and established Ecclesiastical and Political Laws. There is at present a Monastery of St. Katherine, built by Justinian,; and all sorts of Pilgrims are received by the Caloyers, that is, Religious Greeks which inhabit there. The Burning Bush, in which God appeared to Moses, was near Mount Horeb. The Rock which Moses struck to have Water, was of this Mount; and likewise on this Mountain it was that Moses besought God for the Israelites against the Amalekites: also Mount Hor, bordering on Idumea, where Aaron died.

On the Coast of the Red Sea is the Castle Tor, a Borough or Walled Town, and a Port very famous, where it is believed, that the Israelites having passed the Red Sea, entred the Desarts this way: And it is likewise a great Passage, where the Caravans stop at their return from Mecca.

ARABIA the Desart, so called by reason of the vast Sandy Desarts; and the uninhabitableness thereof, scarce affording either food for Man or Beast; so that those which travel this Country are forced to carry with them their Provision, and guide themselves to the place design'd by the help of Stars, as they do at Sea; and are forced to go in great Companies or Caravans, for fear of being robbed and rifled by the wild Arabs (who here inhabit in Tents, which they remove as occasion serveth from place to place, either for fresh Pasture, or otherwise,) and yet much travelled by Merchants, who Trade into Babylonia, Egypt, and elsewhere. Some Authors have observed in the course of their Trade, that the Sandy Desarts are their Seas, the wild Arabs their Pirates, and their Camels their Ships; each Camel carrying 600 or 1000 pound weight.

The People are much addicted to Theft, by which they get their chief living, being stout and warlike Men, and not Tilling the Earth, and planting Fruits, Plants, or the like; their chief food being Venison, Milk, Fowls, and Herbs. They go half naked; their Wives they hire for what time they please, who in way of a Portion bring a Tent and a Spear to their Husbands. Both Sexes are much given to Carnal lusts, and when Women are delivered of a Child, they leave it without troubling themselves with it.

There are found in Arabia the Desart two Cities of the name of Anna or Anua, one on the Euphrates, and the other on the River Astan, not far from the Gulph of Balsora: this last is least famous; the other is the most considerable of the Province, seated both on the one and the other Bank of the Euphrates; but the greatest part and the richest is on the Arabian side. There is in all about 4000 Houses, which have been much ruined in the late Wars between the Turks and Persians. The City contains divers Isles, on one of which is a Castle. At Suskanna, a Borough upon the great Road between Anua and Aleppo, Texera saith, That the Women are as fair as Angels; if he had likewise said as wise, and had spoken truth, all Men from the four Corners of the World had been obliged to go to seek them. 3. Mexat Ali, that is, the Oratory of Ali, had once 6 or 7000 Houses, when the Sect of Ali bore sway in those quarters: there remains at present not above 500 Inhabitants. 4. Mexat Ocem, that is, the Oratory of Ocem, is not walled, nor hath above 4000 Houses. Saba, now Simiscasac, according to the opinion of Guillandin, is the place from whence the Three Wise-men departed to go to Bethlem, to adore the Saviour of the World.

This Arabia the Desart, according to some, hath divers Lords, which command it, and which for the most part are Vassals or Tributaries to the Great Turk; who holds likewise a part. But these People being more inclined to the Mahometan Sect of Ali, which is that of the Persians, than to that of Omaz, which is that of the Turks, are more affectionate to the Persians than to the Turks; and some of these Lords likewise hold of the Persians.

Others give all Arabia the Desart to one King, and will have the City, or rather the Court of that Prince, to have a wonderful disposition and scituation; and that the Prince can make it all a March or Walk when and as often as he pleases, which is still by going thither where they may best find food for their Horses and Camels; and they say, that the place being chosen, they dispose the Quarters and Streets after the ordinary manner: and at the same time pitch all the Tents; that of the Prince in the midst, and the others about alwaies in the same fashion; that part which is towards the North, South, East, or West never changing. And the Quarters and Streets have their Names and their Tents in the same form; insomuch that who once knows the order, may easily find any which inhabit therein.

This moving City, or rather this Court Errant, contains not only the Militia of the Prince, which are above 2000 Men, but likewise a great number of their Nobility, Merchants, Artizans, and divers Strangers which follow this Court.

ARABIA the Happy is a great Peninsula, which stretcheth it self from the Mountains which divide it from the other two parts of Arabia to the Ocean, being 3, 4, and in some places 500 Leagues long and broad. The Gulph of Balsora, and Ormus, otherwise the Persian Gulph, washes it on the left side; the Red Sea, or Sea of Mecca, otherwise the Arabian Gulph on the right; and the Oriental or Indian Ocean, which is there called the Sea of Arabia on the Front.

Arabia the Happy may aptly be so called by reason of the fruitfulness and richness of the Soil, which produceth plenty of Corn, Wine, Fruits, Odoriferous Spices, great increase of Cattle; also abounding in Gold, Pearls, Balsom, Myrrhe, Frankinsence, several sorts of Drugs, together with divers useful and beneficial Commodities. Also seated in an exceeding healthful and temperate Climate, and inriched with many pure and pleasant Streams and Fountains, whose Waters are Medicinal.

These People are very faithful and punctual in their Promises, boasting of their Nobility, as being descended from Jupiter; hating any base or mechanical Art, but applying themselves, some to grasing of Cattle, and others to Merchandize. Here it is held Adultery for a Man to enjoy any Woman, save those of his own Kin, as his Sisters, Mother, Cousins, and the like; whom also they take as Wives. Here in this Country are great quantities of Ostriches, which for the most part abide in the Desarts.

The Ancients mentioned a great number of different People, Cities, and Kingdoms; and we at this day find the same. The Turks possess one part, the Persians another, but much less than the Turks. The Sultan, or Xecque or Mecca, another; and divers Princes, People, and some Republicks, the rest.

Its chief Cities towards the Red Sea are, Medina, or Medina-Elnabi, or Talnabi, that is, the City of the Prophet; and Mecca: this last the Birth-place, that the Burial-place of Mahomet. Medina, though scituated in a barren and desolate place, adjoyning on Arabia the Stony; yet by reason of its being the Sepulchre of that vile Impostor Mahomet, is become a fair City (though not containing above 6000 Houses) being a place of great Trade and resort, by reason of the Pilgrims which hither flock to pay their blind Devotion. This Sepulchre or Tomb, wherein their Prophet lieth, is enclosed within an Iron-Grate, and covered with Green Velvet, having the supply of a new one every year from the Grand Signior, and the old one being the Fees of the Priests, they cut into little shreds and pieces, which they fell for great Relicks to the Pilgrims, which brings a great Revenue to them. In this Temple there are about 3000 Lamps of Gold and Silver, wherein is Balsom, and other such rich Odours, Oyntments, and Oils, which are continually kept burning. Thus much for his Tomb: now a word or two concerning his Life.

He was (as I said before) born at Mecca, distant from Medina about 60 Leagues, seated also in a barren Soil; but of great resort and Traffick, abounding in the Commodities of Persia and India, which from hence are transported on Camels to Egypt, Palestine, Syria, and other parts of the Turks Dominions. The City is very fair, filled with about 6 or 7000 well built Houses, having a very sumptuous Temple; the place not Walled, except by Mountains, between which there are four passages, which give entrance and issues to the City. Here it is made death for any Christian to approach within five miles. But to proceed:* 1.13 The Father of this Impostor was an Idolatrous Pagan, and his Mother as perverse a Jewess; at the age of two years he was left to the tuition of his Uncle, who after he had kept him to the age of 16 years, to quit himself of further charge and trouble, sold him to the Ishmaelites, who in their Markets sold him again to a rich Merchant; who at first was employed about servil work, till at last the Merchant perceiving him to be of so ripe a wit and solid judgment, advanced him from his Kitchin to be his Factor, sending him with his Camels laden with Merchandize, into Egypt, Persia, Syria, and other places; in which he was so fortunate, that he gained his Master a great Estate, together with no small fame and credit to himself. He was of personage low, but comly, with which his Mistress was so much taken, that upon the death of her Husband, his Master, she soon married him, and endowed him with her wealth. He was much troubled with the Falling-sickness, which he said were Heavenly raptures, in which he had conversion with the Angel Gabriel; he was well skill'd in Magick, by which he taught a white Pigeon which he kept to feed at his Ear, where he put Barly-corns; and this Pigeon he reported was the Holy Ghost, which instructed him in the Law he afterwards published, which was a new Religion, whereby he might bring the Jews, Gentiles, and Christians into one form of Religion; where, in a Cave not far from Mecca, with the help of Sergius a Nestorian Monk, and the aid of a certain Jew, he made the Alcoran; a Book so highly adored by them, that on the Cover is written, Let none that are unclean touch this Book, 3. Ziden, seated on the Red Sea, and in the midst of all the Coast of Arabia, serves for a Port to Mecca, from which it is distant 40 miles; well built, rich, and of great resort, which hath been walled and fortified since the Portugals have made themselves known, and are become powerful in the East. 4. Egra, by the Arabians called Algier; seated on the Red Sea, serving for a Port-Town to Medina, from which it is distant about three days Journey.

Mecca, Medina, and a good part of Arabia the Happy doth belong to Xeriff, descended from Hascem, great Grandfather to Mahomet, and for this reason both the Turks and Persians do much respect him, suffering him freely to enjoy his Estates without his paying Tribute to either: for on the contrary, the Turk causeth to be given him a third part of the Revenues of Egypt, that the Pilgrims which go to Mecca may be protected against the Arabs Beduins, who by their incursions much trouble those quarters; and not only Pilgrims, but likewise Emperours, Kings, and Mahometan Monarchs, often make him great Presents. 5. Zibit, near the Mouth of the Red Sea, is fair, rich, well built, and of a good Trade in Drugs, Spices, Perfumes, &c. It was once the Seat of a Kingdom till the Turk seized it, when he did Aden, causing the King of this place to be hanged at the Yards-arm of his Ship, and the others head to be strucken off. Seated nigh the Red Sea in a large Plain, being the residence of the Turkish Beglerbeg.* 1.14 6. Aden is the strongest, fairest, and most pleasant City of all Arabia, enclosed with Walls towards the Sea, and Mountains towards the Land. On the top of these Mountains are many Castles of a curious prospect; it hath about 6000 well built Houses, and inhabited by a miscellany of People, as Arabians, Turks, Indians, Persians, and Ethiopians, which here reside for the benefit of that great Trade, which is here driven from several parts of the World. It is scituate without the Red Sea, at the beginning of the great Ocean, and by the industry of the Inhabitants is made an Island, fortified with a strong Castle, which commands the Road. This City or Island is now become the Magazine for the Commodities of India, Persia, and Arabia.

Above Aden, and farther in the main Land, are many fair Cities, as Laghi, Agiaz, Almachazane, Sanaa, and others, subject to the Xecque of Mecca. Laghi is not far from the Sea; Agiaz, or Hagias, sometime gave its name to these quarters. Almachazane is seated on the top of a very high Mountain, and of a difficult access; it hath a Cistern capable to hold Water to furnish a 100000 Men: The Xecque ofttimes keeps Court here. Sane, or Sanaa, stands at the foot of a Mountain, and is one of the greatest, fairest, and strongest of Arabia, having many Vineyards, Meadows, and Gardens within its Circuit. Its Houses are well built, its Vineyards and Gardens well cultivated, its Walls 10 Cubits high, and its Ramparts 20 Cubits thick. Its Territory is watered with many Fountains, produceth excellent Fruits, and feeds the best Horses of Arabia.

Towards the East, and almost 150 Leagues from Aden, is Fartach, a Kingdom and City near the Sea, and having a Cape of the same name. The Tarquins are valiant, and their King defends himself couragiously against the Turks, having seen their treatment to his Neighbours of Aden and Zibit. The Ports of Dolfar, (which is the Turks) and Pescher, are the most renowned of this Coast, and send forth the best Frankinsence of Arabia in great quantity. Higher on the Coast, and farther on the Land, are the Cities and Kingdoms, or as they call them, the Sultanies of Gubel haman, Alibmahi, Amazirifden, and others.

The rest of the Coast unto Cape de Raz-al-gate is very barren; from Cape de Raz-al-gate unto that of Moccandon, the Soil is the best of all Arabia; and some would here alone confine the name of Hyaman, which signifies Happy. There are here many fair Cities, both on the Sea-coast and higher in the Land; one of chief Traffick between the East and Arabia the Happy, was formerly called Sohar; but this Trade was after transported to Ormus on the Persian side. In our time it was restored to the Arabian side, to wit, at Mascates held by the Portugals: Sohar and Mascates are between the Capes of Raz-al-gate, and Moccandon, and are not above 20 Leagues distant from each other. Within the Land are Masfa, a City and Kingdom, Mirabat, Sour, or Lyr, and others.

Beyond the Cape Moccandon, and advancing towards the Mouths of the Tigris and Euphrates, among many other places we have Elcatif, or El-Catif, a famous Port, and which communicates its name to the adjacent Gulph, which the ancients called Sinus Bersicus, and we at present the Gulph of Balsora and Ormus.

Near Elcatif is Bahar, whose Territory is called Bahareim, or Baharem; and the Isle and City before Baharem, farther in the land, is Mascalat, a City and Kingdom; Jemen, likewise a Kingdom and: City, according to some; Lazach, or Lassach, likewise a Kingdom and City; where are of the best Horses of Arabia, as at Sanaa. Lassach, Elcatif, and some other are the Turks; Elcatif is the ancient Gerra, and that part of the Gulph nearest the City called Gerraticus Sinus, and the Isle of Barem is the ancient Tylos.

There yet remains some Cities, of which some have their Kings or Sultans▪ others live in Republick, which is very rare in Asia.* 1.18 Towards the middle of Arabia are the Arabs Bengebres, a free People, and which live only of the Prey and Tribute they force from their Neighbours; yet possess they 200 or 250 Leagues of Country, and are for the most part in the Mountains. The Beduins towards Mecca are of the same nature.

Bound about Arabia are a great number of Isles which belong unto it, which are dispersed either in the Southern Ocean, Red Sea, or the Persian Gulph.

In the Southern Ocean are found three Isles, which bear the name of COCCONATI, seven by the name of ZENOBII, and two by the name of Insulae AGATHOCLIS; and lastly, CƲRIA and MƲRIA, where there is found white Tortoises, whose Shells are great curiosities.

In the Red Sea these Islands; 1. CANARAN, very hot, but fruitful. 2. DALAQƲA, being the largest of all, in length 125 miles, and not above 12 broad, having a City of the same name, where they gather Pearls; And, 3. and lastly, the Samaritan Islands.

In the Persian Gulph these Islands are found: BAHAREM, the most famous, because it hath the Pearl-fishing, the best in the Oriental parts. This Isle is between Balsora and Ormus, about a 100 or 120 Leagues from Balsora, and 150 from Ormus: It is near the Coast of Arabia, and directly opposite to the Coast of Elcatif, which is the Turks; but the Isle of Baharem, which is still the Persians, once belonged to the Kingdom of Ormus. The Waters here are almost all salt; but near Manama, the Capital City of the Island, there are Springs of Fresh-water at the bottom of the Sea, which the Divers go and fetch, gathering it into Borracho's or Goats-skins, with much cunning, and bringing it forth of the Sea, do afterwards sell it. The Pearls of this Isle are very much esteemed, both for their largeness and roundness; and this fishing is yearly worth 500000 Ducats, besides the value of 100000 and more, which is diverted. Those of the Isle of GIONFA are of no great value: those of the other neighbouring Isles are less; except it be at MASCATES, 60 Leagues from Ormus. They fish here all June, July, and August; if they begin sooner the Pearls are unripe, and not hard enough.

The Air of all Arabia is very healthful, but not; nor Rains it in some places above twice or thrice in 3 or 4 years: but the abundance of the Dew makes their Fruits excellent.

The People for the most part are of a mean stature, lean, swarthy complexioned, effeminate voices, very swift of foot, and expert in the Bow and Dart. They first exercise themselves in Manufactures, using all sort of Trade and Traffick far off; and some addict themselves to Learning, particularly to Philosophy, Physick, the Mathematicks, and to Astrology; there have been amongst them many Grammarians, Rhetoricians, Historians, and Interpreters of the Alcoran, which is in their Tongue, and which hath made the Arabick Language spread itself through all the East, at least in the most Southerly parts of Asia, and part of Africa, but little in Europe.

Those which range the Country are great Wanderers, and greater Thieves; they are divided into many Families, which know each other, and how to distinguish the one from the other. Every Family, how numerous soever it be, hath a principal Xecque, that is, a Chief, which conducts and commands them, they living almost in the same manner as the 12 Tribes of Israel did in the Desarts: They preserve a good Intelligence amongst themselves, their chief design being only upon Strangers. They assault likewise the Caravans, if they think themselves able enough to master them, or snatch any thing from them.

Their Horses commonly are little, lean, and sparing Feeders; yet couragious, swift, and of great labour: They are so skilful in managing them, that they command them as they please; and themselves are so active, that at full speed they will shoot an Arrow within the breadth of a Shilling, take from the ground those Arrows they have shot, and avoid an Arrow flying directly towards them; nor do they manage less skilfully the Sling, either in charging, retiring, or flying.

Mahomet came not into the World till about the year 570 after Christ, and began not to publish and shew abroad his Doctrine till a little after the year 600; a Doctrine intermixed with Christianity, Judaism, and Paganism, that he might draw both the one and the other; and which established its principal end in Delights, carnal and sensual Pleasures, whereto the Oriental People were very much inclined; and withal he found the means to make use of Arms for the establishment of this Doctrine; his Califs or Successors in a short time carried their Government and Religion into the best parts of Asia and Africa, and into some places of Europe.

Its People are almost all Mahometans. There are some Greek Christians towards the Mounts of Sinai and Horeb; likewise towards the Red Sea, and in the Desarts of Arabia the Stony, and Arabia the Desart. Arabia the Happy is unhappy in having the fewest; yet the Portugals hold Mascates, Calasates, and some places about it, which are Catholicks.

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

THe Arabians have been first of all called Ismaelites, from Ismael, and afterwards Saracens: some derive this last Name from Saara, which signifies Desart; others from Sarake, which imports Pilfering and Robbing: those, who make the Etymology come from Sarah Abraham's Wife, say, that these Saracens, who were begun to be called Hagarens, chose rather to go under the Name of the Mistress, than that of the Maid. The Arabians, who inhabit Towns and Cities, are known under the Name of Moors: those in the Desarts, are divided into Tribes, and each Tribe into Families, which have each a peculiar Cheique, under the Cheique-General of the Tribe, called Sceikel-Kebir, that is to say, the Grand Cheique. These vagabond Arabians boast themselves to be the most noble People in the World; wherefore they do not ally themselves with any other Nations, than their own. They could never be subdued, either by the Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, or Turks. They have establish'd themselves in several parts of Africa, where they possess great Dominions. They thus stray and wander for the better finding wherewith to feed their Cattel, and to exempt themselves from the oppression of the Turks. The Grand Seignior's Bashaws, who are neighbours to 'em, and the Caravans, who pass through their Territories, give some Money to the Grand Cheiques, that they may not be molested. Under Ʋlit, one of the Caliphs or Arabian Princes, their Empire extended in aright line from Messa, upon the Atlantick-Sea, to the River Indus; this length was the bigness of all Persia, greater than the Roman Empire. The Arabick Tongue is receiv'd in the greatest part of Asia, because that the Alcoran, the Bible of Mahometism, was first of all written in that Language. The continual abode which the Arabians make in the open field, has made them the best acquainted with Astrology and Physick. The Beduins, and Bengebres, who are the People the most known, are so inclin'd to Robbery, that they make their principal Revenue consist in stealing from Travellers; and say, that they have right to repeat the legitimas of their Predecessour Ismael, upon the Descendants of Isaac. They say also, that their Prophet Mahomet, has particularly left and recommended to 'em, the figure of the hand: for which reason other Nations come only among 'em in Caravans; that is to say, in great companies. Their dexterity is wonderful in managing a Horse, a Bow, and a Zagay, which is a Half-Pike: thirty Turks with Muskets, make a difficulty of attacking ten of these Arabians arm'd after their usual manner. Their Riches consist in Flocks, Herds, and Horses, which are capable of going great Journeys. They set so great a value upon them, that they keep Registers of their Race, which are from time to time approv'd of by the Judges. Horses of the most noble, and commonly Mares, are sometimes sold for three or four thousand Piasters. The Arabians eat their Meals crouching upon their Heels, whereas the Turks eat upon Cushions cross-legg'd: the oldest among 'em wear the finest Cloaths, and the gaudiest Colours. Their Predecessours prohibited Buildings, and the tilling of Lands; for that those who stood possess'd of great stocks, if they meant to enjoy 'em, were easily constrain'd to obey them, who aim'd at subduing 'em. They made also that Member of the Noble Race, Successour of the Kingdom, who came first into the World, after the proclaiming of the King. In the comparison of the Manners and Maximes of the Levantine Nations, with those of Europe, the Arabians are made to resemble the Italians; the Persians, the French; the Turks, the Spaniards.

Arabia in general, is subject to such great heats, that they are constrain'd to keep the Markets by night. There is a great number of Mountains, and few Rivers. It is divided into three parts, Petraea, Deserta, and Foelix: the two former is almost wholly in the possession of the Turks; Arabia Foelix has several petty Sovereigns.

Arabia Petraea was inhabited by the Madianites, Moabites, Amalekites, and Idumeans; Nations of whom mention is often made in the Holy Oracles. Its Inhabitants pay Tribute to the Bashaw of Cairo. Crac, otherwise Montreal, formerly call'd Petra, has communicated to it its Name: Busseret is the Countrey of Philip the Roman Emperour, who is said to have embrac'd Christianity. Tor, upon the Red-Sea, is a Port defended by a four-square Castle. There are in the places adjacent found petrified Mushrooms, white Corral, Chagrin, small Oysters, and sometimes Sea-men, or such people as are bred and live in the Sea. 'Tis said, the Red-Sea is but three Leagues broad in that place, and that the Children of Israel pass'd it over there dry-shod, when they came out of Aegypt; that it was one of the Ports, from whence Solomon sent his Fleets into Ophir, to fetch Gold. Pegs of Wood are put into the Ships of the Places, that belong to this Sea, because little Iron is to be found there. Those, who have a mind to impose, Talk as that, if they made use of Iron Nails, instead of Pegs, the Ships would be attacked and stopp'd by the Loadstone, that is found in the neighbouring Mountains. Mount Oreb is famous in the Holy Writ, for the burning Bush wherein God appear'd to Moses. Sinai is illustrious for the Decalogue, or Ten Commandments, which this Prophet receiv'd: It is extraordinary high, and nevertheless the Mount St. Catherine, which is near it, is much higher.

Arabia Deserta is a Countrey, where they often want good Water; tho' there be some Wells, the Water, for the most part, is hardly worth any thing. Ana, upon the Euphrates, has an Arabian Emir. There is a King in this Arabia, who has a moving and portative City, which consists in Tents, and he causes it to be carried whither he pleaseth. He takes this course, to avoid being surpriz'd by the Turks. Sumiscasac is esteem'd the ancient Saba, from whence departed the three Kings, (or rather wise Men) to come and adore the Saviour of the World in Bethlehem.

Arabia Faelix goes under that Name, as being a good Countrey. It has Horses very much esteem'd, Manna, Cinnamon, Myrrh, Balm, Benjamin, Incense, and other Perfumes. There is so great a quantity of Incense, that from the Port of Dolfar, the Inhabitants furnish the principal parts of the World. Aden is a City of great trade, in a small Peninsula, at the foot of a Mountain, with two Castles towards the North, and a small Fortress at the entrance of the Harbour. The Portugals, at the time of their establishment in the East Indies, had Orders to make themselves Masters of Aden, Ormus, and Malaca, by reason of their important situations. The Turks prevented them at Aden, whose King they caused to be hang'd on the Mast of their Captain's Galley. Since that time, there have been some Revolutions, those of the Countrey having dispossess'd the Turks. Ormus and Malaca have been in the power of the Portuguese: the Persians have taken from them Ormus, by the help of the English; and the Hollanders, Malaca, Mecha and Medina are famous for the Pilgrimages of the Mahometans, who are in great esteem after such a Journey: they go particularly to Mecha, to pay their devotion to Kiaabee, the four-square House, which they call the House of God, as having been built by Abraham. This City, about as big as York, as containing about six thousand Houses, is a days journey distant from the Red-Sea; the place of the Birth of Mahomet, whose body was, as some Authors say, transferred to Medina, when Albaquerque, the Portuguese, would have surpriz'd the Port of Ziden, otherwise called Gidde, with design to go with Cavalry, and fetch away that Mahometan Relick. The Countrey about Mecha, produces in abundance that sort of Berry, which serves to make the Drink, called Coffee, so much us'd in the Levant, by reason of its virtue, to fortifie the Stomach, and facilitate Digestion. Medina, three days journey from the Red-Sea, is the place where that pretended Prophet lyes buryed. Endeavours have been used to make his Tomb pass for a Wonder, as if it was suspended in the Air, by the means of the Load-stone; this is not only found to be a fallacy, but Antiquity shews us such like things: Democritus, the Athenian, by order of Ptolomey, King of Aegypt, undertook to make the Statue of Arsinoe all of Iron, for to dispose it after the like manner; and in the Temple of Serapis in Alexandria; they formerly hung up, the same way, a Sun made of a very delicate Iron. The Prince of Mecha, called Sultan Scherif, is one of the most Potent of all Arabia: His most usual Residence is in Almacharana: The Grand Seignior makes him often Presents, and causes part of the Revenue of Aegypt to be given him, by reason that he's of the Race of Mahomet; and to oblige him to defend the Turkish Pilgrims. The Arabians call Scherifs, the Relations of Mahomet, the Turks call them Emirs. Fartach, Caxem, Gubel-haman, Alibinali, Amanzirifdin, Masfa, Mascalat; Jemen, are as many Sultanies, or small Kingdoms in Arabia-Felix. Mascate formerly belonging to the Portugals, has for a long while carried on the trade from the Indies, to the Mecha, by the means of the Cities El-Catif and Lehsa. Sohar in the Eastern part drove the Commerce, which has since been to Ormus, and to Gombru. Mocha upon the Red Sea, is an open Town with a small Castle. By reason of the goodness of its Haven, there resort thither Ships from all parts of the East-Indies with Merchandizes, to take in those of Europe, which are in like manner brought thither. There are Jews, Persians, Armenians, Indians, Banians. It is the place, where the Pilgrims disembark, who go from the Indies to Mecha. 'Tis much augmented, since the Ships which were bound from Sues to Aden, unload there, for the avoiding the dangerous Passages of the Streight of Bebel-Mandel.

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

Arabia, is a very large Country in Asia: having on the North Syria and Diarbechia; upon the East the Persian Gulph, and the Streights of Basor, by which it is separated from Persia; on the South it has the Arabian Sea, and on the West the Red Sea, which cuts it off in great part from Africa. The Southern and Eastern parts, which are the greatest, are well cultivated; but the Northern is for the most part barren and sandy, having but few Inhabitants or Cities, by reason of the vast Desarts, barren Mountains, and want of Water. It is all under Princes of its own, except a small part of Arabia Petraea, in which the Turks have some few Forts. This vast Country is divided into three Parts, viz. The Desart, The Happy, and The Stony.

Arabia Deserta, (the Desart) is the least part of all the three, and lies most North: call'd by the Asiaticks Berii Arabistan; bounded on the South by the Mountains of Arabia the Happy, on the East by the Province of Iraca, heretofore Chaldea; upon the North by Diarvechia, from which it is separated by the River Euphrates; upon the West by Syria, the Holy Land, and Arabia the Stony.

Arabia Foelix, (the Happy) is the greatest of all the three parts, and lies extended to the South and East: it is call'd by the Inhabitants Jemen, and is encompass'd on all sides by the Sea, except towards the North, where it bounds upon the other two Arabia's. There are in this part many Kingdoms and great Cities, the Soil being fruitful, and the Country not easie to be invaded by the neighbour Nations, by reason of its Situation.

Arabia Petraea, (the Stony) lies more West, and is call'd by the Turks Dase-lik Arabistan, or as others say, Baraab Arabistan by the Natives: it is bounded on the North by the Holy Land, and part of Syria; on the East by Arabia Deserta in part, and by Arabia Foelix in part, as also on the South; and on the West it has the Red Sea and Egypt. Two things have made these Countries known to all the World, The wandering of the Children of Israel 40 Years, in the first; and the Birth of that great Deceiver Mahomet, in the latter of these three Parts.

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

ARABIA.

ARabia, which the Eastern People call Arabistan, is a Country adjoyning to Africa, and lyes on the South of Turkie in Asia; it is so encompassed with the Red Sea, Ocean, and Persian Gulf, that it hath the form of an Island almost; having on the North, Syria, Diarbeck, and Euphrates: On the South, the Arabian, or Indian Sea: And on the West, the Red Sea, or Sea of Mecca.

The length of this large Region, from West to East, from the Streights of Suez to the Cape of Rakalgate, is 600. Leagues; and breadth, from South to North, 430. Leagues from the City of Aden, to the City of Karkirse in Mesopotamia, near Euphrates. This Country was the Habitation of Ishmael the Son of Abraham and his Maid Hagar, from whom came the Arabian•.

The most remarkable Rivers, are Chiabar, which runs by Mecca; Negeran, which passes by the Walls of Dhafar; Prim, which runs by Alibinali, Maffa; Astan, whose Course is by Jamama; and that which waters the City Almacharan.

Besides the Beglerbegs, which the Grand Signior keeps in this Country, they have Xerifs, or Princes, and some free People, who have maintain'd their Liberty against the Turks; especially about the middle, where it is very hard to come, by reason of the Mountains. The most considerable Kings or Sultans, are those of Fartach, Amanzirisdin, and Maffa. The Xerif of Mecca is the most Honourable of all the Xerifs or Governours, because he is of the Posterity of Mahomet. The Bengebres and Beduins are the most potent of all the Free People. They dwell in Tents under the Mountains, and in the Forests, and spend their time in robbing, as the Tartars. The Beduins are always in great Troops about Mecca, to surprize the Pilgrims that go thither; who for that reason send great Presents to the Xerif of Mecca, that he may send his Guards to fight them, and prevent all Disorders. Arabia is the Original of several sorts of People, chiefly of Saracens, Arabians, Moors, and Turks, who have at several times made great Conquests in Asia, Africa, and Europe. They have been proficients in the Sciences, especially Mathematicks, in which they have furnished us with the Arabian Characters in Arithmetick. But for the more clear Knowledge of this Country we will consider it in Three Parts, Arabia Petraea, Arabia Deserta, and Arabia Foelix.

Arabia Petraea.

ARabia Petraea hath it's Name from the City Petra, now called Herat, or Arach, i. e. a Rock; because 'tis built on a Rock. This Province hath Palestine and Syria on the North, Aegypt and the Red Sea on the West, a Ridge of Mountains, which part it from Arabia Foelix, on the South, and Arabia Deserta on the East. 'Tis a barren Country, and hath nothing remarkable in it but Mount Sinai. The Israelites remained 40 Years in this Country, after their coming out of Aegypt. It was anciently the Country of the Moabites, Amalekites, Midianites, and Idumeans. This part of Arabia is governed by some Princes of their own in those places where there are not so many Deserts. There are several People, who have no Governours, nor any setled place of Abode. They are almost all Mahometans, and were the first that received the Doctrine of the Alcoran. They pay Tribute to the Bassa of Grand Kair. Their chief Cities are Herac or Petra, Madian, Bilan, and Havana.

Herac or Crac, Petra or Montrial, is between the Dead Sea and Suez.

Madian is near Palestine. It hath a Desert of the same Name, which took its Name from Median the Son of Abraham and Keturah.

Moab is about the Confines of the Holy Land. It hath it's Name from Moab the Son of Lot's Eldest Daughter by the incestuous Approach of her Father.

For, or Elfor, or Eilan, Elano, or Eila, is a Port upon the Red Sea, with a little Stone Castle. It is the Receptacle of their Sciffs and Boats. The Israelites being persued by Pharaoh, passed through this City on dry foot under the Conduct of Moses.

Arabia Deserta.

ARabia Deserta, called by the Hebrews Kedar, is at this Day known in Asia by the Name of Arden, Beriara, or Berii-Arabistan. It is situate between Euphrates and Arabia Foelix on the North and South, Chaldea on the East, Syria and Arabia Petraea on the West. It is more united than Petraea, but less inhabited, because of the many Sands and Deserts. It hath scarce any fruitful Land, but what lies along the Banks of Euphrates. The Inhabitants are almost all Shepherds. They have several Sovereign Princes, but all Tributaries to the Grand Seigniour. Nevertheless, they are forced to pass over the vast Plains of Sand by the help of the Mariners Needle, and put themselves in Glass Chests upon Camels, which will go 12 Days Journey together. They have nothing but Pits, of which the Water is ill-tasted. It is subject to some Princes of their own, who are suffered to Rule, because an Army can't be conducted against them through their vast Deserts.

Their most remarkable Towns are,

• ...Anna.
• ...Tangia.
• ...Mexatocem.
• ...Ali.
• ...Thaalabia.
• ...Balca.
• ...Rahabath.
• ...Sumiscasac.

Anna is the Head City of Arabia Deserta, standing upon Euphrates. It hath about 4000 Houses in it; but by the last Wars with the Turks it is impoverished, and not so full of Trade as before.

The City of Ali is near the Lake of Lamach.

Arabia Foelix.

THIS Province, which the Turks call Hiaman, is three times as big as the two former put together. It is in the fashion of an Isle almost, between the Red Sea on the West, the Indian or Arabian Ocean on the South, the Gulph of Persia or Babylon on the East, and the two other Arabia's on the North. It is a Country very plentiful in Balm, Myrrh, Incense, Gums, Cassia, Manna, and several other Drugs and Spices. They have also excellent Fruits, divers Metals, several kinds of Beasts. Their Camels and Horses, as also Coral, Pearl, Onyx-stones, which they fish out of the neighbouring Seas, are much valued. The Air is very healthful, though it be very cold. It rains not above twice or thrice in a Year in some places; but the Dews that fall in the Night do wet almost as much as Rain, which clarifies the Air, and makes the Soil fruitful. The Arabians, which pretend themselves to be the Posterity of Ishmael, are almost all lean and sawny. They are superstitious, melancholy, thoughtful and grave. Their Language is one of the finest, and most ancient, and most common in Asia, because of the Alcoran, which was written originally in Arabick. The Xerif or Schek of Mecca is one of the most puissant Princes of this Country. It is in Breadth between Forty and Fifty Leagues from Arabia Petraea to Zibit; and more than 260 in Length. The People, which have preserved their Liberty, are governed by Schecks, or Princes, or in Form of a Republick. All the Inhabitants are almost Mahometans, and were the first of that Sect. There are some few Christians and Schismaticks.

Their chief Cities are these:

• ...Mecca.
• ...Medina.
• ...Aden.
• ...Saada.
• ...Sanaa.
• ...Zibith.
• ...Fortach.
• ...Caxem.
• ...Gulielhaman
• ...Albinali.
• ...Massa.
• ...Lassac.
• ...Elcalif.
• ...Jamania.
• ...Jamen.
• ...Bahrem.
• ...Maschute.
• ...Sohar.
• ...Amanzerifdin.
• ...Mascalat.

Meque, or Mecca, stands on the Bank of Betius, or Chaibar, a Days Journey from the Red Sea. It is a large, well-pav'd, and famous City among the Turks, because Mahomet lived a long time in it, and was born there▪ Men come in Caravans from three parts of the World to pay their Devotion here. The Country about Mecca produces great quantity of Coffee.

Medina, Tetnabi, or Jesrab, or Arx-thymna, Talnabia, is upon the River Leakic, three Days Journey from the Red Sea. The Body of Mahomet is Interr'd here.

Aden, Adenum, is a fine City, inclosed with Walls next the Sea-side, with a commodious Haven, and Mountains on the other side, on which there are several Castles. It hath 6000 Houses. It's Situation is in a Peninsula, with a Port. The Vessels lie between two Towers and a Bastion, where there are Guns planted. Near it is a little Isle called Cira, well fortify'd. Behind the City, at the Foot of a Mountain, is the Haven of Ʋguf, which is free from all sorts of Winds. It is a rich City, and of great Trade, which the Arabians hold with Strangers. The Merchants meet by Night to avoid the great Heat.

Fortach, Caxem, Galielhaman, Albinali, Amanzirifden, Masfa, Mascalat, and Jamen, are so many Kingdoms. Sohar in the Eastern parts had all the Trade heretofore to Ormus and Gombru.

Mocha upon the Red Sea is an open Country, with fine Houses, a small Castle on the North side, and a good Haven, where Vessels from all parts of the East-Indies come. Here also the Pilgrims to Mecca land. It is also filled with Vessels which come from Suez to Aden, which take Land here, to avoid the dangerous Passage of Babel-mandel.