Phasis

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

Phasis, a River of Mingrelia, or Colchis, which takes its Course towards part of Mount Caucasus, which lies to the East of this Country. The Turks call it Fachs, and the Natives Rione. It runneth through the City of Cotatis, the Capital of the Kingdom of Imeretus; and from thence passing on, dischargeth itself into the Black-sea, where its mouth is above half a League broad, and sixty Fathoms deep. In this River, towards the mouth of it, are several small Islands, which are very delightfull, all covered with Trees. In the biggest of which may be seen towards the West part, the Ruins of a Cittadel which the Turks built there in 1578. Amurath the IIId. having undertaken to conquer the Northern and Eastern parts of the Black-sea, did in order to it get upon the Phasis with his Gallies; but the King of Imeretus laid Ambuscades for him in places where the River was narrowest; and so defeated the Sultan's Fleet. This Fortress of Phasis was taken in 1640 by the King of Imeretus; in conjunction with the Princes of Mingrelia and Guriel, and razed by him, carrying away five and twenty pieces of Cannon that were there, and putting them into Cotatis. This River, near the beginning of its Course, is very rapid; but having got into the Plain, runs very gently, so as that one can scarce discern which way the Water moves. Its Waters do not mix with those of the Sea, and the reason is, that being lighter, they swim thereon. They are very good to drink, though they be muddy and of a leaden colour. Arrian saith, that formerly Ships took in Water at Phasis, as being of opinion, that that River was Sacred, or that they believed it was the best Water in the World. The same Arrian, and other Historians, say moreover, that there was a Temple dedicated to the Goddess Rhea, in the Isle of Phasis; but there are now no Remains of it. Some affirm it was standing in the time of the Emperor Zeno, and that it was then consecrated to the Worship of the true God. Geographers place a City named Sebaste, at the mouth of the Phasis, but neither it nor the Ruins of any City are now to be seen there. Here are, conformable to the Relation of the Ancients, a great number of Pheasants, who take their Name from this River, the Neighbourhood of which they much frequent and delight in; the Banks of the Phasis are covered with curious Trees, and frequented with Men, who fish for Sturgeons. Sir John Chardin saith, that the Chanel of this River is at its Fall into the Sea a mile and a half broad, and 60 Fathom deep. F. Lambert. Relation de la Mingrelia, dans le Recuel de M. Thevenot. vol. 1. Sir John Chardin. Travels into Persia, in 1673.