Syria

Sources from old books

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

Of SYRIA in generall and the parte thereof. Syria hath on the East Euphrates, on the West the mediterranean Sea; on the South Palestine, on the North Sil•…cia, watered with Euphrates, which antiently passed through the garden of Eden; and having its sourse in the Mountaines of Armenia, running at this day by Euphrates. •…abylon or Bagdate, disgorgeth it selfe into the Persian Sea, and O•…tis which arising on Mount Libanus saluteth the walls of Silu•…, and disi•…bogeth in the mediterranean, and is divided into 3 Provinces, viz. Phenicia, Celosyria and Sirophaenicia, of which in order.

1652. Cosmographie in four bookes by Peter Heylyn.

SYRIA is bonnded on the East, with the River Euphrates, by which parted from Mesopotamia; on the West, with the Mediterranean Sea; on the North, with Cilicia and Armenia Minor, from the last parted by Mount Taurus; and on the South, with Palestine, and some parts of Arabia. The length hereof from Mount Taurus to the edge of Arabia, is said to be five hundred twenty and five miles; the breadth from the Meaiterranean to the River Euphrates computed at four hundred and seventy; drawing somewhat neer unto a square.

In the Scriptures it is called Aram, and the People Aramites, because first peopled and possessed by Aram the sonne of Sem, though Hamath, Arphad, and Sidon, the sonnes of Canaan, did also put in for a share: and yet not called thus by the Sctiptures onely, but by some of the Heathen writers also. For Strabo doth not onely acknowledge, that the Syrians in his time were called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, but citeth Possidoniu a more antient Writer, for proof that the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which Homer speaketh of must be those Syrians: further averring, that the Syrians called themselves by the name of Aramaei, or plainly Aramites. But by the Greeks they are called Syrians, or Surians, from the City Tyre, called antiently by the name of Sur, o• Tsur, (of which more hereafter) either because the Tyrians or Tsurians, had in those times the command of the Sea-coasts of this Countrey; or else that Tyro or Tsur being the chief Mart-Town of all those parts, was the place where they ttaded with these Aramites. Conform to which antient Appellations, the City of Tyre is again called Sur, and this Countrey Soria.

But here we are to understand, that though the Syria of the Romans, as it was a member of that Empire, was limited within the bounds before laid down; yet antiently as well the Aram of the Hebrewes, as the Syria of the Greeks and Romans, was of greater Latitude: of which because it may be usefull to the understanding of holy Scriptures, and of some Classick Authors also, I shall enlarge a litle further. For Aram, taken in the largest exception of it, extendeth from the Coast of Cilicia, North, to Idumaea towards the South; from the River Tigris in the East, to the Mediterranean Sea, upon the West, conteining besides the Syria of the Greeks and Romans (in which Palestine also was included) Arabia the Desart, and Petraea, Chaldaea, Babylonia, and all those Provinces to which the name Aram is either prefixed or subjoyned in the Book of God, as Aram-Naharaijm, Aram-Sobab, Padan-Aram, Aram-Maahah, Sede-Aram, Aram-Beth-Rehob; all mentioned in the holy Scriptures. Some doe extend it further yet, and do not only bring Armenia within the Latitude of this name, which they derive from Aram-minni, whose neighbourhood to Syria may give some colour to the errour; but even those People of Cappadocia bordering on the Euxine Sea, the Inhabitants of which were antiently called Luco Syri, or white Syrians. But this not having any good warrant or authority wherewithall to back it, shall not come under the compass of this consideration. But for the rest, I find it generally agreed upon amongst the learned, that Aram-Naharaum, is the same with the whole Countrey of Mesopotamia, so named both by the Jewes and Grecians, because it is environed with the two famous Rivers of Tygris and Euphrates; which Priscian by a 〈◊〉 Latine name, would have to be called Medanna (but Inter-Amna by his leave would express it better) and as for Pad•n-Aram wherein Laban dwelt, which is called Sed•-Aram by the Propher Hosea, chap. 12. v. 13. that is a part onely of the other: the whole Countrey of Aram-Naharai•m or Mesopotamia being divided into two parts; whereof the more fruitfull lying North-ward, is called Padan-Aram, or Sede-Aram, to whose Inhabitants Xenophon gives the name of Syrians; the barren and more defart lying towards the South, which by the same Author is called Arabia. For Aram-Maachah, mentioned 1 Corin. 19. 6. it is conceived to be that part of Syria, which was after named Comagena, whereof Samosata was the M•ropolis or Mother City. And as for Aram-Sobab, of which and of Adadezer the King thereof, there is so frequent mention in the Books of the Kings and Chro•icles, it was the Province lying on the North-East of Damascus, and so extending to the banks of the River Euphrates, and is the •ame with that which afferwards was called 〈◊〉 from the City Palmyra. South-west of which amongst the pety Kingdomes on the North of Gessur in the Land of Palestine, lay the Kingdome of Aram-B•••-Rehob, confederate with Ammon in the warre which they had with David, 2. Sam. 10. 6. Nor did the Greeks less extend the name of Syria, then the Hebrewes did the name of Aram, if they stretched it •ot further. Certain I am, that Strabo comprehendeth the Assyrians in the name of Syria, where he affirmeth, that the Medes over-ruled all Asia, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Empire of the Syrians (he meaneth the Assyrians) being overthrown. And in Herodotus it is said, that those whom the Barbarians call Asirians, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, were called Syrians by the Greeks. And to that purpose Justin also, Imperium Assyrij, qui postea Syri dicti sunt, Annos 1300 tenuere. But these all

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writ after the time that Seleucus and his race had the possession of the Eastern Empire: who living for the most part in Syria, from whence they might more easily furnish themselves with Souldiers out of Gree••, (as they did most commonly for all their military expeditions) caused all the other parts of their large dominions to be called in tract of time by the name of Syria. But on the other side, as the Syria of the Romans extended not to the East and South, as the Aram of the Hebrews did: so it contained some other Regions, that is to say, those of Phoenicia and Palestine, which were not comprehended in the name of Aram; as being planted by a people of another race, and of different fortunes, till brought together under the command of the Babylonians. In which regard we will treat severally of the natures of the soyl and people; their originals, government, and successes, till we have brought them into one hand: and then continue their affaires as one joint estate. But first we will survey the antient and present fortunes of Christianity, and other Religions herein embraced or tolerated, wherein the whole, according to the bounds and limits before laid down, is alike concerned.

And for Religions in this Countrey, here is choise enough; those namely of the Mahometan, Christian, Pagan; and one compounded out of all, which is that of the Drusians. The Mahometan imbraced by the generality of the people throughout the whole, and by all that be in any office or authority, is only countenanced and approved of, though the rest be tolerated. The Pagan intertained onely in the mountainous Countreys bordering on Armenia; inhabited by a people whom they call Curdi, or the Curdenes, supposed to be descended from the antient Parthians, as being very expert in Bows and Arrows, their most usual Armes. A race of people who are said to worship alike both God and the Devil; the one that they may receive benefits from him, the other that he may not hurt them. Se alios deos colere ut prosint, alios•ne noceant, as Lactantius doth affirm of the antient Grecians. But their principall devotions are addressed to the Devil only, and that upon good reasons, as themselves conceive. For God they say is a good man, and will do no body no harm, but the Devill is a mischievous fellow, and must be pleased with sacrifices that he do not hurt them. And for the Drusians, they are conceived to be the remainder of those Frankes (by which name the Turks call all Western Christians) who driven unto the mountains, (when they lost the soveraig•ty and possession of the Holy Land) and defending themselves by the advantage of the place, could never be wholly rooted out by the Turks: contented at the length to afford them both peace and liberty of their religion. But they have so forgot the Principles of that Religion, that they retain nothing of it but baptism; and not that generally neither: accounting it lawful most unlawfully to many their own Daughters, Sisters, or Mothers: and yet conform unto the Turks in their habit only, wearing the white Turbant, as the Turks do; but abhorring Circumcision, and indulging to themselves the liberty of wine, by law forbidden to the Turks. A people otherwise very warlike, stout and resolute: with great, both constancy and courage, resisting hitherto the Attempts of the Turkish Sultans. The Countrey they possess environed with the confines of Joppa about Caesarea Palestinae, betwixt the Rivers of Jordan and Orontes, extending Eastwards as far as the plains of Damascus: so that there is no part of Syria, except Comagena, unto which their habitations reach not.

But for the Christian Faith it was first preached here by some of the dispersed Brethren, (which fled from the rage of persecution) in Phonice, and the City of Antiochia, amongst whom Saint Peter, as he passed through all quarters, Acts 931. is by the Fathers said to have been the Chief. The Church more fully planted in it by Barnabas first, after by Paul and Barnabas jointly. Who spending there a whole year together, inlarged the borders of the Church, and gained much people, as is said Acts 11. v. 19. &c. insomuch that here the Disciples were first called Christians, v. 26. Not called so accidentally as a thing of chance, but on a serious consultation had amongst themselves, and a devout invocation on the name of God to direct them in it. The word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 used in the Originall importeth somewhat of Oracular and Divine direction. And certainly it standeth with reason that it should be so. For if upon the giving of a name to John the Baptist, there was not only a consultation had of the Friends and Mother, but the dumb Father called to advise about it; and if we use not to admit the poorest child of the parish into the congregation of Christs Church by the door of Baptism, but by the joint invocation of the name of God for his blessings on it: with how much more regard of Ceremony and Solemnity must we conceive that the whole body of Christ• people were baptized into the name of Christians? And there is some proof for it too, besides probability and conjectures. For Suidas, and before him Johannes Antiochenus an old Cosmographer, do expresly say, that in the daies of Claudius Caesar, ten years after the Ascension of our Lord and Saviour, Euodius received Episcopal consecration, and was made Patriarch of Antioch the Great in Syria, succeeding immediately to St. Peter: then addeth, that at that time the Disciples were first called Christians, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. i. e. Euodius their Bishop calling them to a Solemn Assembly, and imposing this new name upon them, whereas before they were called Nazarites and Galilaeans. A people so hated by the Heathen, that they ceased not to slander them from the first beginning. For as concerning this Sect; we know that it is every where spoken against, said the Jews of Rome to the Apostle, Acts 28. 22. Tacitus, a Roman, but a Gentile, goes yet further with them, calling them homines per flagitia invisos, & noviss•m meritos exempla; the calumny in his time being strong and generall, that at their private meetings they devoured Infants, and had carnall company with their Mothers and Sisters. Which defamations notwithstanding they grew in few years to so great numbers that they were a terrour to their Enemies, though grievously afflicted, tortured, and put to severall kindes of death, under the ten Famous Persecutions, raised against them, by Nero, Anno 67. 2. Domitian, Anno 96. 3. Trajanus, Anno 110. 4. Marcus Antonius, Anno 167. 5. Severus, Anno 195. 6. Maximinus, Anno 237. 7. Decius, Anno 250. 8. Val•rianus, Anno 259. 9. Aurelianus, Anno 278. 10. by Diocletianus,

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Anno 293. All, but this last especially so extremely raging, that (as Saint Hierome writech in one of his Epistles) there were martyred 5000 for each day in the year, except the first of January, on which they used not to shed bloud. But jangu•s Martyrum semen Ecclesiae. This little grain of Mustard-seed, sowed by Gods own hand, and watered by the blood of so many holy men, grew so great a tree, that the branches of it spred themselves over all the world: and go: such footing, even in the Roman Army it self, (mea commonly not of the strictest kind of Religion,) that when Julisn the Apostata had vomited out his foul, with Viciste tandem galilea, they elected Jouiniar, though a Christian, for his Successor, with this acclamation, Christianionines sumus, We are also Christians. But see how the baptizing of Gods people by the name of Christians, in the City of Antioch, hath drawn me cut of my way. I return again, both to the place and to the Authoe. In whose evidence, besides what doth concern the imposition of the name of Christian upon the body of the faithful, we have a testimony for Saint Peters being Bishop of An lock, the first Bishop thereof (of the Church of the Jews therein as lest) as is said positively by Eusebius in his (Chronologie, Saint Hierome in his Catalogue of Ecclesiasticall writers, Saint Chrysostonze in his Homilie de Translatione Ignatii, Theodoret, Dialog. 1. Saint Gregory Epistol. lib. 6. cap. 37. and before any of them by Origen, in his sixt Homily on Saint Luke. With reference whereunto, and in respect that Antioch was accompted alwaies the principal City of the East parts of the Roman Empire (the Prefect of the East for the most part residing in it) the Bishop hereof in the first Ages of Christianity had jurisdiction over all the Churches in the East, as far as the bounds of that Empire did extend that way. To which by Constantine the Great the Provinces of Cilicia and Isauria, with those of Mesopotamus and Osroent were after added: Containing fifteen Roman Provinces, or the whole Diocese of the Orient. And though by the substracting of the Churches of Palestine, and the decay of Christianity in these parts by the conquests of the Turks and Saracens, the jurisdiction of this Patriarch hath bin very much lessened: yet William of Tyre, who flourished in the year 1130. reciteth the names of 13 Archiepiscopal, 21 Metropolitical, and 127. Episcopal, Sees, yielding obedience in his time to the See of Antoch. Since which that number is much diminished, Mahometanism more and more increasing, and Christianity divided into Sects and factions: insomuch as of three forts of Christians living in these Countreys, viz. the Maronites, Jacobites, and Melchites, onely the Melchites are subordinate to the Church of Antioch, the others having Patriarels of their own Religion.

And first for the Melchites, who are indeed the true and proper Members of the Church of Antioch, and the greatest body of Christians in all the East, they are so named in way of scorn by the Jacobite and Maronite Schismatick, separating without just cause from their communion. The name derived from Malchi, signifying in the Syriack language a King or Emperour: because adhering to their Primate, they followed the Canons and decisions of preceding Councils, ratisied by authority of the Emperour Leo, by whom subscription was required to the Acts thereof, and were in that respect, (as we use to say) of the Kings Religion. Conform in points of doctrine to the Church of Greece, but that they celebrate divine service as solemnly on the Saturday as upon the Sunday: subject to their true and original Patriarch, who since the destruction of Antioch doth reside in Damaseus; and on no terms acknowledging the authority of the Popes of Rome.

Next for the Maronites, they derive that name either from Marona; one of the principall Villages where they first inhabited; or from the Monasterie of S. Maron, mentioned in the first Act of the Council of Consumople holden under Mennas, the Monks of which called Maronites, were the head of their Sect. Some points they hold, in which they differ from all Orthodox Christians; others in which they differ onely from the Church of Rome. Of the first sort, 1. That the Holy Ghost proceedeth from the Father onely, without relation to the Sonne. 2. That the Souls of men were created all together at the first beginning. 3. That male Children are not be Baptized together, but at severall times by one and one. 4. That Herenques returning to the Church, are to be re-baptized. 5. That the Child is made unclean by the touch of his Mother till her purification, and therefore not Baptizing Children till that time be past, which after the birth of a Male Child, must be forty daies, of a Female, eighty. 6. That the Euchirist is to be given to Children presently after Baptism. 7. That the fourth Mariage is utterly unlawfull. 8. That the Father may dissolve the mariage of his Sonne or Daughter, 9. That young men are not to be Ordeived Priests or Deacons except they be maried. 10. That nothing Strangled, or of blood, may be eaten by Christians. 11. That Women in their monethly courses are not to be admitted to the Eucharist, of to comeinto the Church. 12. And finally (which was indeed their first discrimination from the Orthodox Christians) that there was but one will and action in Christ, the Fautors of which opinion had the name of Monothelies. Of the last kind, 1. That the Sacrament of the Lords Supper was to be administred in both kinds; 2. and in Leavened bread; 3. that bread to be broken to the Communicants (and not each man to have his waser to himself,) according to the first Institution. 4. Not reserving that Sacrament, 5. not carrying any part of the confecrated Elements to sick persons in danger of death. 6. That Aleriage is nothing inferiour to the single life. 7. That no man entreth the Kingdome of Heaven till the General Judgement. 8. That the Saturday or old Sabbath is not to be fasted; 9. nor the Sacrament upon dates of fasting to be administred till the Evening. They withdrew themselves from the See of Antioch, and set up a Patriark of their own, many ages since, (but the certain time thereof I find not) conferring on him for the greater credit of their Schism, the honourable title of the Patriarch of Antioch. His name perpetually to be Peter, as the undoubted Successour of that Apostle in the See thereof. Dispersed about the spurres and branches of Mount Libanus, where they have many Townships and seattered Villages, of which four are reported to retain in their common speech the true antient Syriack; that is to say 1. Eden, a small village, but a Bishops See, by the Turks called Aechera, 2. Hatchteth 3. Sherrie, 4. Bolesa,

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or Blousa, little superiour to the rest in bigness or beauty, but made the seat of their Patriarch, when he comes amongst them. At such time as the Western Christians were possessed of these parts, they submitted to the Church of Rome; but upon their expulsion by the Turks and Saracens, they returned again to the obedience of their own Patriarch, on whom they have ever since depended. His residence for the most part at Tripolis a chief Town of Syria; but when he came to visit his Churches, and take an accompt of his Suffragan Bishops (who are nine in number) then at Blousa, as is said before. Won to the Papacy again by John Baptist a Jesuite, in the time of Pope Gregory the thirteenth, who sent them a Catechism from Rome printed in the Arabian language (which is generally spoken by them) for their instruction in the Rudiments of that Religion: yet so, that their Patriarch still retains his former power, and the Priests still officiate by the old liturgies of those Churches in the Syriack tongue. So that this reconciliation upon the matter is but a matter of complement on the one side, and oftentation on the other: without any increase of power or patrimony to the Pope at all. And for the Jacobites, though dispersed in many places of this Countrey, yet since they are more entirely settled in Mesopotamia, where their Patriarch alto hath his abode or residence, we shall there speak of them.

The language vulgarly here spoken is the Arabick tongue, continued here ever since the subjugation of these Countreys by the Saracens. But antiently they spake the Syrian and Phoenician languages. Of which the first, (for of the other we shall speak when we come to Phoenicia) was the very same with the Children, (as the learned Brerewood hath observed) either originally so, or else received by them when first conquered by the Babylonians. In which respect the Jews when they returned home from their long Capcivity, gave to the language which they brought with them the name of Syriack; being a compound of the Hebrew and Chaldaean tongues: Chaldean for a great part of it, as to the substance of the words; but Hebrew as to the notation of points, Conjugations, Affixes, and other properties of their former and original speech. And of this more herafter also, when we come to Palestine. But whatsoever their language was in former times, it is now so overtopped by the Arabick, that it is spoken in some Villages of the Maronites onely in all these Countreys; the Arabick being generally used in all the rest, as was said before.

Principall Rivers of these parts, are, 1. Chorsaeus, called Chison by the Hebrews, which hath its fountain in Palestine, but his fall in Phoenicia, not far from Mount Carmel. 2. Orontes, now called Saldino, and by some writers Jordan the less, ariseth out of the hills called Pieria, not far from Mount Libanus, and after a while running under the ground, breaketh forth again about Apamia, and passing by the great City of Antioch, falleth into the Sea not farre from it. It was first called Tiphon, and took this name from one Orontes who built the first bridge over it, as we find in Strabo. 3. Eleuthorie, which riseth out of some part of Libanus, and glideth with a speedy course thorough a strangely-intricate Channel, into the Mediterranean Sea: guilty of the death of the Emperour Frederick Barbarossa, who falling from his horse as he pursued the Infidels, and oppressed with the weight of his Armour, was here drowned, and lyeth buried at Tyre. It is now called Casmer. 4. Sing as, by some said to be called Marsoas also, which arising in the mountainous parts of Comagena, and passing by the City of Aleppo, falleth into Euphrates. 5. Euphrates, the most famost River of the East; of which more hereafter.

Chief Mountains of it, 1. Carmel, which being properly of Phaenicia, we shall there speak of it. 2. Pieria, out of which the River Orontes hath its first Originall. 3. Casius, not far from Antioch, said to be four miles high perpendicularly. 4. Libanus, famous for its multitude of Cedars growing there upon; affording materials unto Solomon for the holy Temple. Besides which it afforded such store of Frankincense, that some derived the name from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, signifying Frankincense in the Greek: and so replenished with Honey falling from the Heavens, and hanging on the Boughs of the Trees, that the Husbandmen used to sing (as Gallen telleth us) that God rained honey; and yearly filled their pots and vessels with the sweets thereof. This the most famous and greatest Hill of all these parts, extending in length 150 miles, that is to say, from Sidona a City of Phoenicia, to Smyrna, one of the Cities of Coele-Syria: and taking seven hundred miles in compass. Inhabited wholly in a manner by the Maronite Christians, who to keep that dwelling to themselves, without the intermixture of Mahometans, doe yearly pay to the Great Turk seventeen Sultanies a man, for every one above twelve years of Age, each Sultante being reckoned at seven shillings and six pence of our money. And yet those Maronites though intire, without intermixture, are held to be the smallest Sect, for numbers, in all the East, not estimated to exceed twelve thousand housholds, by reason of the indisposition of this Mountain, in most places unfit for habitation. For besides the cragginess and steepiness of it, which makes many parts hereof to be inaccessible the higher Ridges of it are in a manner perpetually covered with Snow, not melted in so hot a Climat at the neerest approaches of the Sun. And thence no doubt it took this name: the word Leban, in the Hebrew and Phoenician Language signisfying White, or whiteness: even as from the like whiteness of Snow, the highest part of the Pymaan hills had the name of Canus; and that perpetnall Ridge of Mountains which part Italy from France and Germany, had the name of Alpes. 5. Anti-Libanus, opposite to the former, and from that so called, a rich, but litle Vally onely being interposed, out of which Valley the Orontes hath its spring or Fountain; the hill Pieria there begining to advance it self. Some make but one Mountain of them both, divided into two great Ledges or Chains of Hills. Of which the main hody lying towards the North, hath the name of Libanus; that on the South being but a branch or excursion of it, called Anti-Libanus. And to this the Scripture gives some hint, in which both pass for one by the name of Lebanon.

The whole Countrey was antiently divided into these six parts, viz. 1. Phoenicia. 2. Palestine. 3. Syria specially so called. 4. Comagena. 5. Palmyrene, and 6. Coele-Syria, or Syria Cava. But Palestine, coming under a more distinct consideration, we shall now speak onely of the rest.

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1. PHOENICIA.

PHOENICIA is bounded on the East and South, with Palestine; on the North, with Syria properly and specially so called; on the West, with the Mediterranean Sea. So called by the Grecians, from the abundance of Palm-trees therein growing, the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in that language signifying a Palm. And for a further proof hereof (for I know there are other Etymons and Originations pretended for it) the Palm was antiently the speciall Cognizance or Ensign of this Countrey, as the Olive-branch and Conie of Spain, the Elephant of Africk, the Camel of Arabia, and the Crocodile to Egypt, being peculiar to those Countries. And in an old Coyn of the Emperour Vespasian's stamped for a memoriall of his conquest of Judaea, the Impress is a woman sitting in a sad and melancholick posture at the back of Palm-trees, with these two words, Judaea Capta, inscribed thereon: in which no question may be made but that the desolate woman signifieth the Land of Judaea, and the Palm Phoenicia; Phoenicia being seated immediatly on the North at the back of Jewrie.

But it was thus first called by the Greciaans onely, the Latines and other People after them taking up that name. For by themselves, and the People of Israel their next Neighbours, they are called Canaanites, or the posterity of Canaan, five of whose sonnes, viz. Zidon, Harki, Arvadi, Senari, and Chamathi, were planted here: the other six inhabiting more towards the South and East, in the Land of Palestine. For further evidence whereof we may adde these reasons: first, that the same woman which in Saint Matthews Gospel, chap. 15. v. 22. is named a Canaanite, is by Saint Mark, chap. 7. v. 26. called a Syro-Phoenician. Secondly, Where mention is made in the Book of Josuah of the Kings of Canaan, the Septagint (who very well understood the History and Language of their own Countrey) call them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or the Kings of Phoenicia. Thirdly, the Poeni, or Carthaginians, being beyond all dispute a Tyrian or Phoenician Colony, when they were asked any thing of their Originall, would answer that they were Channaei, meaning (as Saint Augustine that Countrey-man doth expound their words) that they were Originally Chanaanites, of the stock of Canaan. And lastly, from the Language of it, which antiently was the old Hebrew, Canaanitish, or the Language of Canaan; spoken both here and in Palestine also, before that Countrey was possessed by the house of Jacob: as appeareth plainly by those names by which the places and Cities of Canaan were called, when and before the Israelites came first to dwell amongst them, which are meerly Hebrew. And so much, as unto the Language is acknowledged by Bochartus also, who in the entrance of his Book inscribed Chanaan, declares what profit may ensue from that undertaking to the Hebrew tongue, cujus Phoenicia lingua dialectus fuit, of which the Phoenician language was a dialect onely.

The Counrrey of it self not great, extended in a good length, from the further side of mount Carmel where it joyns with Palestine, to the River Volanus on the North, by which parted from Syria: but withall so narrow, that it is litle more than a bare Sea-coast, and therefore very rightly called terrarum angustissims by a modern Writer. Rich rather by the benefit and increase of Trade (to which no Nation under Heaven hath been more addicted) than by the naturall Commodities which the Land afforded: yet for the quantity there of no place could be more plentifully furnished with Oyl, Wheat, and the best fort of Balm, and most excellent Honey; the lower part hereof being designed for the Seat of Asher, of whom Moses prophesied, Dent. 33. v. 24. that he should dip his foot in Oyl. So that the Countrey generally, it was well conditioned, lovely to look upon, populous, and adorned with more beautifull Cities, than such a span of Earth could be thought to hold. Of which thus writeth Ammianus, Acclivis monti Libano Phoenicia Regio, plena gratiarum & venustatis, urbibus decorata magnis & pulchris, &c. i. e. Falling from Mount Libanus lieth the Countrey of Phoenicia, full of all graces and elegancies, adorned with great and beautifull Cities, of which the most renowned for the fertility of their soyl, and the same of their achievements, are Tyre, Sidon, Eerytus, &c.

The People antiently by reason of their Maritime situation, were great Adventurers at Sea, trading in almost all the Ports of the then known World, and sending more Colonies abroad upon forreign Plantations than any Nations in the Earth. An active and ingenuous People, said to have been the first Navigators, the first builders of Ships, the first inventors of Letters, (of which hereafter more on some other occasion) and the first authors of Arithmetick; the first that brought Astronomy to an Art or Method; and the first makers of Glass. Defamed in holy Scripture for their gross Idolatries, by which they laid a stumblingblock at the feet of the Israelites: Astoroth (or Asturte) the Godess of the Sidonians (but whether Juno, Venus, or some other, I dispute not here) being so highly prized amongst them, that Solomon himself when he fell from God, made this one of his Idols. Once yearly, as Eusebius telleth us, they sacrificed some of their sonnes to Saturn, whom in their language they called Moloch. And in the inmost retreats of Libanus had a Temple to Venus, defiled with the practice of most filthy lusts, intemperately using the naturall Sex, and most unnaturally abusing their own. Nor could the purity and piety of the Christian Faith prevail so far as to extinguish these ungodly rites, till Constantine finally destroyed both the Temples and Idols, and left not any thing remaining of them but the shame and infamy. St. Austin addeth, that they did prostitute their Daughters unto Venus, before they maried them: and it is most likely to be true. For the Phoenicians and Cypriots being so near neighbours, and subject for a time to the same Princes also, could not but impart their impure Rites and Ceremonies unto one another.

Rivers of note there can be none in so narrow a Region, but what are common unto others, and shall there be spoken of Most proper unto this is the River of Adonis (now called Canis,) so named most probably

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from Adonis the Dearling of Venus, whose rites are here performed with as much solemnity as they be in Cyprus. His Obsequi•s celebrated yearly in the moneth of June with great howlings and Lamentations, Lucian fabling that the River usually streameth blood upon that Solemnity; (as if Adonis were newly wounded in the Mountains of Libanus,) to give the better colour to their Superstitions. But the truth is, that this redness of the water ariseth onely from the winds, which at that time of the year blowing very vehemently, doe thereby carry down the stream a great quantity of Minium or red Earth from the sides of those hils, wherewith the waters are discoloured. Such use can Satan make of a naturall Accident to blind the eyes and captivate the understandings of besotted people.

Chief Mountains of this Countrey are, 1. Libanus, spoken of before, which hath here its first advance or rising. 2. Carmel, which Ptolomy placeth in this Countrey, of which it is the utmost part upon the South, where it joyneth with Palestine. Washed on the North-side with the Brook Chison; on the West, with the Mediterranean Sea: steep of ascent, and of indifferent altitude, abounding with severall sorts of fruits, Olives and Vines in good plenty, and stored with herbs both medicinable and sweet of small. The retreat sometimes of Elias, when he fled from Jesabel, whose habitation here, after his decease, was converted to a Jewish Synagogue. To this place (being then in the possession of the Kings of Israel) did that Prophet assemble the Priests of Baal, and having by a miraculous experiment confuted their Idol•trons follies, caused them to be cut in peeces on the banks of the River Chison neer adjoyning to it. Upon this visible declaring of the power and presence of the Almighty, the Gentiles grew perswaded that Oracles were there given by God; by Suetonius called the God Carmelus. Where speaking of Vespafian, who had then newly took upon him the Imperiall dignity, he addeth, Apud Iudaeam Carmeli Dei oracula consulentem• ta confirmavere sortes, &c. that consulting in Judaea with the Oracle of the God Carmelus, he was assured that whatsoever he undertook should succeed well with him. In after-times the Order of the Friers Carmelites, as successouts unto the Children of the Prophets left here by Eliah, had their name from hence: the Ruines of whose Monastery are still to be seen, with a Temple dedicated to the blessed Virgin; and under that a Cave or Chappell, said to have been the lurking place of that holy Prophet in the time of his troubles.

Places of most importunance in it, 1. Ptolemais, now nothing but a ruine of what it hath been, but formerly of great strength and consequence. Named Ace at the first, a refuge for the Persian Kings in their wars against Egypt: enlarged, or rather new built, by Ptolomy, the first of that race, by whom called Ptolemais, which name still continued, though Claudius Casar planting there a Roman Colony, would fain have had it called Colonia Claud•: after the conquest of it by the Saracens, in the time of Omer the great Caliph, it returned towards its first name, and was called Acon, or Acre, both names still remaining in vulgar speech, as that of Ptolemais amongst Latine writers. Situate in the flourish of it on a flat or levell, in form of a triangular-Shield; on two sides neighboured by the Sea which comes up close to it; on the third looking towards the Champaign: environed with a double wall, to each wall a Ditch; fortified on the outside with Towers and Bulwarkes, within the wals so strongly housed as if the whole Town had been a Conjunction of fortresses, and not ordained for private dwellings. In the midst of the City was one Tower of great strength and beauty, which had sometimes been the Temple of Bel-zebub, and was therefore called the Castle of Flies: on the top whereof was maintained a perpetuall light, like the Pharos of Egypt, to give comfort and direction in the night to such Mariners as made towards this Port. Took from the Christians by the Saracens in the time of Omer, and from them wrested by the Turks with the rest of Syria, it became Christian again Anno 1004. in the Reign of Baldwin the first, brother of the famous Godfrey of Bouillon, and second King of Hierusalem, by the help of the Genoese, who for their pains had the third part of the City assigned unto them. Recovered by Salidine to the Turks, and from him taken again by the Western Christian; under the conduct of Philip of France, and Richard the first of England, Anno 1191. it continued in the possession of the Kings of Hierusalem, notably defended by the Hospitalers (now Knights of Malta) till the year 1291. When besieged by an Army of a hundred and fifty thousand Turks, it was forced to yield, though lost by inches: and the Turks fearing left the Christians would again attempt it, razed it to the ground; demolishing the large walls and arches of it, which lie like massy Rocks on their old foundations. Memorable in those times, for the brave service here done by the Christians of the Wester• parts; of which none more renowned than those of our Richard the first, and Edward the first. This later here treacherously wounded by an Infidell, with a poisoned knife, the venome whereof could by no means be asswaged, till his most vertuous wife (herein proposing a most rare example of conjugall affection) sucked it out with her mouth. And for the former, he became so terrible and redoubted among the Turks, that when their Children began to cry, they would say, Peace King Richard is coming: and when their horses started, they would spurre them saying, What you Jades, doe you think that King Richard is here. By the Mamalucks, when Lords of Syria, it was patched together, and made fit for habitation rather than defence: not Peopled by above 300 Inhabitants, nor would it have so many but for the Haven adjoyning; which though a small Bay, and of very ill anchorage, is much frequented by the Merchants of our Western World, trading here for their Cotton Wools, with which the neighbouring Countrie is abundantly furnished. I have staid the longer in this place by reason of the great fame and importance of it, as being the last hold which the Christians had of all their conquests; with the loss whereof they laid aside all thoughts of those holy wars.

2. Tyre, seated in a rocky Iland, about seventy paces from the main Land; well built, and circular of form, as well by Art as Nature impregnably fortified. A Colonie of the Sidonians, and therefore by the Prophet Esay, Chapter 23. verse 12. called the Daughter of Sidon: but by them built upon an high hill; the ruines whereof by the name of Palatyrus, or old Tyre, are remaining still.

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Removed unto the Iland by Agenor King of the Phaniclans, and by him named Sor, or Tzor, from the rockie situation of it, (as that word importeth.) Mollified by the Greeks to Tyrus, and from them taken by the Luines, though known to them also by the name of Sarra, (the Tyrian purple being by 〈◊〉 and some other of the antient Poets, called Sarrarum Ostrum,) and now at last returned to its first and originall name, vulgarly at this day called Snr. A City in the elder times of great trade and wealth: the Prophet Esay chap. 27. v. 8. calling the Merchants hereof Princes, and her Chapmen the Nobles of the World. Excelling all others of those times both for Learning and Manufactures, especially for the dying of Purple, first here invented, and that as Julius Pollux faith, by a very Accident: the D•g of Hercu•es (or if not his, some Dog or other) whose lips by eating of the fish called Couchilis or Purpura, had been made of that colour. Grown to great pride, by reason of the wealth and pleasures, her destruction was fore-signified by the holy Prophets: accomplished in Gods own time by Nebucadnezzar; who with great industrie and toil joyned it to the Continent. But his works being demolished by the fury of the Sea, and the labour of the Tyrians, it was after seventy years again reedified; and having flourished after that for two hundred years, by Alexander the Great was again demolished; to whose indefatigable perseverance nothing was impossible. For having filled the Channell with the stones and rubbish of old Ty••, and rammed them in with huge beams brought from Libanus, he made a passag• for his Army: and having once approached the walls, so over-topped them with Towers, and frames of Timber, that at last he made himself Master of it, putting to the sword all such as resisted, and causing two thousand of them to be hanged in cold blood, all along the Shore, for a terrour to others. This rendition of the Town was divined by the Southsayers which followed the Camp of Alexander, upon a dream which he had not long before. For dreaming that he had disported himself with Satyres; the Diviners onely making of one word two, found that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 was no more than 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that is, Tui Tyrus; and it hapned accordingly. Recovering once again both her riches and beauties, she became a confederate of the Romans in the growth of their fortunes, endued by them with the privileges of their City, for her great fidelity. Made in the best times of Christianity, the Metropolitan See for the Province of Phoenicia, the Bishop hereof having under him fourteen Suffragan Bishops. Subjected to the Saracens in the year six hundred thirty and six, and having groaned under that yoke for the space of fourhundred eighty and eight years, was at the last regained by Guar•mund Patriarck of Hierusalem, in the Reign of the second Baldwin, the Venetians contributing their assistance in it, Anno 1124. In vain attempted afterwards by victorious Saladine; but finally brought under the Turkish thraldome, Anno 1289. as it still continueth. Now nothing but an heap of ruines, but the very ruines of it of so fair a prospect, as striketh both pity and amazement into the beholders; shewing them an exemplary pattern of our humane frailty. Subject at the present to the Emir, or Prince of Sidon, and beautified with a goodly and capacious Haven, one of the best of the Levant; but of no great trading. 3. Sarepta, by the Hebrews called Sarphath, situate on the Sea-Coast betwixt Tyre and Sidon. Memorable in holy writ for the miracle here performed by the Prophet Elijah, in raising the poor Widows Sonne: in Heathen writers, for the purest Wines, little inferiour unto those of Falernum in Italy, or Chios in Greece. Of which thus the Poet.

Vina mihi non sunt Gazetica, Chia, Falerna,

Quaque Sareptano palmite missa bib as.

In English thus,

I have no Chian, or Falernian wines,

Nor those of Gazas or Sarept as vines.

4. Sido•, the antientest City of all Phoenicia, and the most Nothern of all those which were assigned for the portion of the sonnes of Aser: beyond which the Countrey of Phoenicia, having been hitherto nothing but a bare Sea-coast, beginneth to open towards the East in a fine rich vally, having Libanus upon the North, and the Anti-Libanus on the South: once closed up from the rest of Syria with a very strong wall, long since demolished. It was so called from Zidon, one of the sonnes of Canaan, who first planted here; not (as some say) from Sida the daughter of Belus, once a King hereof: this City being mentioned in the Book of Josuah, when no such Belus was in being. Situate in a fertile and delightful soyl, defended with the Sea on one side, and on the other by the Mountains lying betwixt it & Libanus; from whence descended those many Springs, with which they watered and enriched their most pleasant Orchards. The Inhabitants hereof are said to be the first makers of Christall Glass; the materials of the work brought hither from the Sands of a River running not far from Ptolomais, and onely made fusible in this City. And from hence Solomon and Zorobabel had their principall workmen both for Stone and Timber, in their severall buildings of the Temple. The People hereof so flourishing in Arts and Trades, that the Prophet Zechariah chap. 9. v. 2. calleth them the wise Sidonians. A City which at severall times was both the Mother and Daughter of Tyre: the Mother of it in the times of Heathenism, Tyre being a Colony of this People; and the Daughter of it when instructed in the Christian faith, acknowledging the Church of Tyre for its Mother-Church. The City in those times very strong both by Art and Nature, having on the North-side a Fort or Citadell, mounted on an inaccessible Rock, and invironed on all sides by the Sea: which when it was brought under the command of the Western Christians, was held by the Order of the Duch Knights; and another on the South-side of the Port, which the Templars guarded. Won by the Turks with the rest of this Countrey from the Christians, and ruined by those often interchanges of fortune: it onely sheweth now some markes of the antient greatness; the present Sidon standing somewhat West of the old, and having little worth a particular description.

The Haven decayed, or serving at the best for Gallies; with a poor Block-house rather for shew than service: the walls of no greater strength, and as little beauty; and the buildings ordinary, but that the

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Mosque, the Bannia of Bathes, and the Cane for Merchants, are somewhat fairer than the rest: yet gives a title at this time to the Emir of Sidon, one of the greatest Princes of all this Countrey, of whom more hereafter. 5. Berytus, originally called Geris, from Gerge•hi the fift Sonne of Canaan, took this new name from Berith a Phoaenician Idol herein worshipped; and now called Barutti. Destroyed by Tryphon in the warres of the Syrians against the Jews, it was re-edified by the Romans, by whom made a Colonie, and honoured with the name of Julia Felix, Augustus giving it the Privileges of the City of Rome. By Herod and Agrippa Kings of the Jews, much adorned and beautified; and of no mean esteem in the time of the Christians: when made an Episcopall See under the Metropolitan of Tyre. Being a place of no great strength, nor aimed at by every new Invader, it hath sped better than the rest of these Cities (though stronger than this) retaining still her being, though not all her beauties; well stored with merchandize, and well frequented by the Merchant. Nigh to this Town is a fair and fruitful Valley, which they call Saint Georges; in which there is a Castle, and in that an Oratory of the same name also. All sacred to Saint George the Martyr, who hereabouts is fabled to have killed the Dragon, and thereby delivered a Kings daughter, but what Kings I know not, nor they neither. 6. Biblis, sometimes the habitation of Hevi the fourth Sonne of Canaan, and then called Hevaea: afterwards made the Regal Seat of Cinyras, Father and Grand father of Adonis, by his Daughter Myrrha; whereof we have already spoken when we were in Cyprus. Of such esteem in the Primitive times of Christianity, that it was made a Bishops See; desolate and of no repute since it lost that honour, and became thrall unto the Turks. 7. Orthosia, called also Antaradus, because opposite to Aradus, another old City of this tract, but in after ages called Tortosa, and by that name well known in the Histories of the Holy Warre, undertaken by the Western Christians. To whom it made such stout and notable resistance, that though besieged on all sides with united forces (the whole Army formerly divided, sitting down before it); yet after three mon•ths hard siege, they were fain to leave the Town behind them, and content themselves with spoiling the adjoining Country 8. Tripolis, seated in a tich and delightful plain, more fruitful than can be imagined: one of which fruits they called by the name of Amazza Franchi, i.e. Kill-Frank, because the Western Christians, whom they call by the name of French, died in great numbers by the intemperate eating of them. A Valley which is said to have yielded yearly to the Counts of Tripolis, no lesse than 200000 Crowns. As for the Town, it standeth about two miles from the Sea, at the foot of Mount Libanus; so called because built by the joint purses of three Cities, that is to say, Tyrus, Sidon, and Aradus. Of no great note among the Romans, for ought I can find, till made one of the Episcopal Sees, belonging to the Arch-Bishop of Tyre, in the Primitive times. But thriving by degrees, it grew to principal Accompt by the time that the Western Christians warred in the Holy Land: when conquered by them, it was made one of the Tetrarchies, or Capital Cities for the four Quarters of their Empire; which were, Hierusalem for Palestins, Edessa for Comagena, or Mesopotamia; Autioch for Syria, and this for Phoenicia. Committed at the first taking of it, to the custody of Raymond Earl of Tholouse in France: whose posterity, whilest i• lasted, had from hence the title of Earles of Tripoli. A City, which I know not by what good hap, hath sped better than any of those parts, retaining still as much in strength and beauty as ever it had; if not grown greater by the ruine of all the rest. Situate two miles from the Sea, as before is said, but not above half a mile from the Haven, which lieth upon the West side of it, compassed with a wall, and fortified with seven Towers, of which the fourth is commonly called the Tower of Love, because built by an Italian Merchant, who was found in bed with a Turkish Woman, for which he had forfeited his life, if not thus redeemed it. Before the Haven is an ill-neighbouring bank of sand, which every day groweth greater and neerer to it; by which in time there is a Prophecy which faith it shall qui• be choaked: On both sides of it many store-houses for the Merchant, to stow his goods in, and shops to sell them; the way from thence unto the City having on both sides very pleasant Gardens.

The Town it self stretched out in length from South to North, is situate, as before was said, at the foot of Libanus, conveying a Brook into the Streets, and many pleasant springs into the chief of their gardens: in which, and in those towards the Haven, and on other sides of the Town, the Inhabitants keep great store of Silk-Worms; selling their Silks raw unto the Italians, and buying them again of them in the Stuff or Manufacture. The buildings generally low, and the Streets but narrow, except that leading towards Aleppo, which is fair and open. Over the Brook, at the East-side of the City are built two Bridges; and on the South-side a strong Castle mounted on an hill, built by the French when they had the custody hereof; now garrisoned for the Grand Signeur with 200 Janizaries. At this time it is looked on as the Metropolis or chief City of Phoenicia; honoured with the residence of the Patriarch of the Maronites, for the most part dwelling in this Town; and enriched with a great part of the Trade of Scanderone, or Alexandretta, removed hither some fourty years ago by the Turks appointment; that Haven lying unfenced and more open to Pirates.

That the Phoenicians were descended of the Sonnes of Canaan hath been proved already. And being descendants of that stock, they were at the first governed like them, by the Chiefs of their families, whom they honoured (as most Nations did) which the title of Kings: But most of the Canaanitish Kings being over come and slain by Josuah, Agenor, a stout and prudent man, one of those many Kings which commanded in those parts of the Conntrey, seeing how impossible it was to resist that enemy; borrowed some and from Aegypt, where he had his breeding, to make good the Sea-coasts of his Countrey, in which the Philistims who interposed upon those coasts betwixt him and Aegypt concurred also with him. By which assistance, and by the fortifying of Zidon, Tyre, and Ace (or Ptolomais) which were all the Cities of this Countrey that were then in being; he did not only preserve his own estate from the present danger, but lest it so assured to the Kings succeeding, that neither Solomen nor David, nor any of the Kings of Israel

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durst attempt upon them. To Agenor succeeded his Sonne Phoenix, (Cadmus his elder brother going into 〈◊〉 in search of his Sister Europa, ravished by Jupiter, where he built Thebes, and therein reigned 〈◊〉 his death) from whom, as some conceive, this Countrey had the name of Phoenicia. And though I have declared my self for another reason of this name, which I like much better; yet I shall rather yield to thus, or to any other, than to that of Bochartus: who will have it derived from Ben-Anak, or the Sonnes of 〈◊〉 (as if the old Phoenicians were such Giantly men) which much first be contracted in Beanac•, then by the Grecians turned into Pheanac, and at last into Phoenix. Such farre-fetched and extorted Originations never please my fancy, who had much rather hearken to the old received opinions touching the first Originals of names and nations, where there is not very pregnant reason to perswade me otherwise; than strain my self so farre for a new invention; or hearken unto those that do. But for what cause soever they were named Phoenicians, certain it is they were a very active and industrious people, trading in the most parts of the Mediterranean, and planting Colonies in many. Thebes and Sephyra in Boeotia, 〈◊〉 in Italy, Gades in Spain; Utica, Leptis, Carthage, in Africk, were of their foundation. Nay if we may beleeve Bochartus, there was no Iland, or Sea-coast in the Mediterranean, or on the Cantabrian, Gallick, or British Ocean, wherein they did not keep some factory, or erect some Colony. What Kings succeeded Phoenix in a constant and continued course, I can no where find. Most like it is they were not under the command of any one Prince: and that besides the Kings of Sidon, where Agenor reigned, there were some others who called themselves Kings of Phoenicia also, as well as they. Of which sort were Cyniras, Paphus, and Pygmalion, who had their Regal Seat at Biblis, and lorded it over a good part of Cyprus; as did also Belus who gave some part of that Isle to Teucer, as is said before. There is also found mention of one Phasis, a Phoenician King, at such time as the Grecians conquered Troy. After him none till the subjugation of this Countrey by the Babylonians: Tetramnestus, Tennes, and Strato, mentioned in succeeding times, being Tributaries to the Persian, and no absolute Princes. Whether it were that the Phoenicians were made subject to the Kings of Tyre, or that the Kings thereof did nothing to preserve their memory; I am not able to determine. Certain it is that the Kings of Tyre came in short time to be of very great repute, and to possesse themselves of the coasts of Syria, and Phoenicia, and a great part of Cyprus: whereby, and by the benefit of their trade and shipping, they grew rich, and powerfull, and of great consideration in affairs of the World. The names and history of whom I shall here subjoin, in this ensuing Catalogue of

The Kings of Tyre.

A. M.

1. Abibalus, as Josephus, Abemalus as Theophilus Antiochenus calleth him, Co-temporary with Samuel: supposed to be the same which the Sonne of Syrach mentioneth, Eccles. 46. verse 18.

2. Saron, the Sonne of Abibalus, whom David, as Eusebius saith, compelled to pay tribute; complained of by that Prophet, Psal. 83. v. 7.

2931. 3. Hiram, the Sonne of Saron, confederate with David, to whom he sent Cedars, with Carpenters and Masons, towards his buildings in Hierusalem, after he had beaten thence the Jebusites; as he did afterwards to Solomon when he built the Temple. Much mentioned in the Books of Kings and Chronicles. 53.

2955. 4. Baleastartus, or Bazorus, succeeded Hiram. 7.

2962. 5. Abdastartus, Sonne of Baleastartus, slain by the four Sonnes of his own nurse, having reigned 9 years; the eldest of which four, did for the space of 12 years usurp the Kingdome.

2983. 6. Astartus, brother of Abdastartus, recovered the Kingdome to his house, out of the hands of the Usurpers. 12.

2995. 7. Astorinus, or Athorinus as Theophilus calleth him, the younger Brother of A. startus. 9.

3004. 8. Phelles, the Brother of these three Kings, and youngest Sonne of Baleastartus, reigned eight moneths only.

9. Ithobalus, called Ethbaal, 1 Kings 16. 31. Sonne of Astorinus, slew his Uncle Phelles, and so regained his Fathers Throne; before which he was the High-Priest of the Godess Astaroth or Astarta, (a dignity next to that of the King). He was the Father of Jezabel, the wife of Ahab, so often mentioned in the Scripture. 32.

3037. 10. Badezar, or Bazar, Sonne of Ethbaal. 6.

3043. 11. Mettimus, by some called Matginus, Sonne of Badezar, and Father of Elisa, whom Vagil celebrateth by the name of Dido.

3052. 12. Pygmalion, the Sonne of Mettimus, who slew Sicheus the husband of his Sister Elisa, to get his riches; but yet was cosened of his prey: his Sister Elisa, accompanied with her Brother Barca (the founder of the Noble Barcine Family, of which Annibal was) and her Sister Anna, flying into Africk; where she built the renowned City of Carthage. 47. The names of his Successors we find not till we come to

13. Elulaus, descended from a Sonne of Pygmalion, who overthrew the Fleet of Salmannassar the Assyrian, in the port of Tyre.

14. E•hobales, or Ethbaal II. who vaunted himself to be as wise as Daniel, and to know all secrets, as saith the Prophet Ezekiel, chap. 28. v. 1, 2. And yet not wise enough to preserve

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his Kingdome from Nabuchadonosor; who after a• 13 years took the City of Tyre, and subjected it unto his Empire.

15. Baal, the Sonne and Successor of Ethbaal the second, but a Tributary to the Babylonians.

After whose death the Tyrians had no more Kings, but were governed by Judges, or by such titular Kings onely as were sent from Babylon. And though Tyre and Sidon did recover breath in the fall of the Babylonian Empire, and the unsettledness of the Persian: yet being of the Persian faction, and having dependance on that Crown, they were by Alexander held unworthy to continue. Who therefore deposed Strato the King of Sidon, and overthrew the City of Tyre, in the taking whereof he had spent more time than in forcing all the Cities of Asia.

After this time Phoenicia, being reckoned as a part of Syria, followed the fortune of the whole, subject unto the Syrian Kings of the house of Seleucus, till made a Province of the Romans; subject to the Constantinopolitans, till the fatall year 636. when subdued by the Saracens. Successively conquered by the Turks, Christians, and after their expulsion by the Turks again: then by the Mamalucks of Egypt, and finally with the rest of Syria, by Selimus the first united to the Turkish Empire. Subject at this time, or of late to the Emir of the Drusians, (commonly called the Emir of Sidon) of which people we have spoken before. A people who in the time of Amurath the third, were governed by 5 Emirs or Priuces; one of which was Man-Ogli, who so resolutely resisted Ibrahim Bassa, Anno 1585. This ManOgli then kept his Court or residence at Andirene, a strong place situate on a hill, and was of that wealth, that he sent to make his peace unto the above-named Ibrahim, 320 Arcubuses, 20 packs of Andirene Silks, and 50000 Ducats. At a second time he presented him with 50000 Ducats more, 480 Arcubuses, 1000 Goats, 150 Camels, 150 Buffes, 1000 Oxen, and 200 Weathers. By these rich gifts we may not a little conjecture of the Revenue of the present Emir of Sidon; who since the year 1600. hath reduced almost all the Countreys belonging once to five Princes, under his own Empire; containing the Towns and Territories of Gaza, Barut, Sidon, Tyre, Acre, Saffet, (or Tiberias) his seat of refidence, Nazareth, Cana, Mount Tabor, Elkiffe, &c. This present Emir, by name Faccardine, was not long since driven out of his Countrey by the Turk, and forced to fly to Florence: but he again recovered his own, laid siege to Damascus, and caused a notable rebellion in Asia; not quenched in a long time after. And finally having possessed himself of the City and Castle of Damascus, prepared for the taking of Hierusalem also; threatning to make the Christians once more Masters of it. This was in the year 1623. How he sped afterward, and whether his Some, as stout and valiant as himself, hath since his death succeeded him in his Estates, I am not able to say: having of late heard nothing of them.

2. SYRIA PROPRIA.

SYRIA PROPRIA, or Syria specially so called, is bounded on the East, with Palmyrene; on the West, with the Mediterranean; on the North, with Cilicia; on the South, with Phoenicia and some part of Coele, Syria.

This part of Syria I take to be the Land of Hamath, so often mentioned in the Scriptures; the Kingdome of Toi or Tou, next neighbour, and sworn Enemy to Adadezer King of Aram-Sobah: who hearing of the great discomfiture which David had given unto that King, sent his Sonne Joram or Adoram, (for the Scripture calls him by both names) with Presents unto him, as well to congratulate his success, as to be assured for times to come of his love and amity. So called from Hamath one of the Sonnes of Canaan, who fixed his dwelling in these parts, and left many Cities of that name in Syria and Palestine (which we shall meet withall in the course of this work) either built by him or his postetity. Now that the Land of Hamath was this part of Syria, I am perswaded to believe by these following reasons. viz. 1. From the neighbourhood hereof to Arpad or Arphad, conjoined together, as in Esay 10. 9. and Jer. 49. 23. So in other places, viz. Where are the Gods of Hamath and Arpad, 2 Kings 18. 34. The King of Hamath, and the King of Arphad, Esay 37. 13. And we know well that Arvad was the name of an Iland over against the mouth of the River Eleutherus, one of the Rivers of this Countrey: so called from Arvad, one of the Sonnes of Canaan, alluded to by the Greeks and Romans in the name of Aradus, by which this Isle was known unto them. 2. By the vicinity which it hath to Palmyrene, the Aram-Sobah of the Scriptures, to which it joyneth on the East, with the King whereof (as bordering Princes use to be) the Kings of Hamath for the most part were in open warre. Of which fee 2 Sam. 8. 9, 10. & 1 Chr. 8. 9, 10. 3. From the authority of Saint Hierome, who finding mention in the Prophet Amos, cha. 6. v. 2. of a City named Hamath the Great, determineth it to be that City which afterwards was called Antiochia (the principall City of this part, and indeed of Syria): the title of Great being added to it, to difference it from some other Cities of this name of inferiour note. And 4. from comparing the places in Scripture, with the like passage in Josephus the Historiographer. The Scripture telleth us; that Hierusalem being forced by the Babylonians, Zedekias the King was brought Prisoner to Nabuchadnezzer, being then at Riblath, 2 Kings c. 2. v. 6. to Riblath in the Land of Hamath, v. 21. where the poor Prince first saw his Children slain before his face; and then miserably deprived of fight, that he might not see his great misfortunes, was led away to Babylon. Ask of Josephus, where this sad tragedy was acted, and he will tell us that it was at Reblatha (or Riblah) a City of Syria, Antiqu. l. 10. c. 10. and if we ask Saint Hierome what he thinks of Reblatha, he will tell us that it was Urbs ea quam nun• Antiochiam. vocant, the City which in following times was called Antioch. On these grounds I conceive this part of Syria to be the land of Hamath intended in the Texts of scripture above-cited, though there were other Towns and Territories of the same name also.

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The Countrey is naturally fertile; the hedges on the high-way sides affording very good fruits, and the adjoining fields affording to the Passenger the shade of Fig-trees. Were it not naturally so, it would not be much helped by Art or Industry, as being very meanly peopled, and those few people without any incouragement either to plant fruits or manure the Land. Their Sheep are commonly fair and fat, but so overladed in the tail, both with flesh and fleece, that they hang in long wreathes unto the ground, dragged after them with no small difficulty. Pliny observes it in his time, that the tails of the Syrian Sheep were a Cubit long, and had good store of wooll upon them. Natur. Hist. l. 8. c. 48. And modern Travellers report, that the tails of these sheep do frequently weigh 25 pound weight, and sometimes 30 pounds and upwards. The like hath also been affirmed of the sheep of Palestine, comprehended in old times in the name of Syria. And that may probably be the reason why the rumpes or tails of sheep (and of no beast else) were ordained to be offered up in sacrifice, of which Levit. 3. v. 9. But besides the store of Wooll which they have from the sheep, they have also great plenty of Cotton Wooll, which groweth there abundantly; with the seeds whereof they sow their fields, as we ours with Corn. The stalk no bigger than that of Wheat, but as tough as a Beans; the head round and bearded, in the size and shape of a Medlar, and as hard as a stone: which ripening breaketh, and is delivered of a white soft Bombast intermixed with seeds, which parted with an instrument, they keep the Seeds for another sowing, and fell the Wooll unto the Merchant: a greater quantity thereof issuing from that litle shell than can be imagined by those who have not seen it.

The people heretofore were very industrious, especially about their gardens; the fruitful effects whereof they found in the increase of their herbs, and plants. Whence the Proverb, Multa Syrorum Olera. But withall they were observed to be very gluttonous, spending whole daies and nights in feasting, great scoffers, and much given to laughter. Crafty and subtile in their dealings, not easily to be trusted but on good security: and so were the Phoenicians, their next neighbours also. Hence came the Greek Adage which Suidas speaketh of, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Syri contra Phoenices, used by them when two crafty knaves endeavoured to deceive each other. They were noted also to be superstitious, great worshippers of the Godess Fortune, but greater of their Syrian Godess, whatsoever she was. Affirmed by Plutarch to be a womanish and effeminat nation; prone unto tears, and such as on the death of their friends would hide themselves in caves from the sight of the Sun. Herodian addeth, that they were wavering and unconstant, lovers of plaies and publick pastimes, and easily stirred up unto Innovations. But at this time, they are almost beaten out of all these humours, having been so often cowed and conquered, that they are now grown servilely officious to them that govern them: not without cause, defective in that part of industry which before enriched them.

Where by the way we must observe, that this Character of the people, and that of the Countrey belong not to this part alone, exclusively of those which follow, but to all Syria, and every part and Province of it, except Phoenicia, which being planted by a people of another Stock, hath had its Character by it self. The whole by Ptolamy divided, besides Comagena, Palmyrene, and Coele-Syria, into many petit Regions, and subdivisions, as 1. Pieria. 2. Casiotis, from the hills adjoining. 3. Seleucis. 4. Apamene. 5. L•todicene. 6. Cyrrestica. 7. Chalcidice, and 8. Chalybanotis from their principall Cities. Of which in all he musters up the names of an hundred and upwards, then of some note, most of them now grown out of knowledge, and many of them of no mark or observation in the course of business. So that omitting his method we will follow our own, and take notice only of such places as antiently were, or at this present are, of most observation and importance in the course of Story: with reference notwithstanding to the subdivisions made by Ptolomy, as they come in my way, reckoning Cyrrestica, Chalybanotis, Casiotis, and the territories of Seleucus, Laodicea, and Apamea, into Syria Propria; and Pieria into Comagena.

First then to begin with those Cities which ly most towards the East, we have in Cyrrestica, 1. Zeugma, on the banks of the River Euphrates, memorable for the passage of Alexander the Great, who there passed over his Army on a Bridge of Boats. 2. Berroea, supposed by some both antient and modern writers, to be that which is now called Aleppo; but the position of the place agreeth not with that supposition, Aleppo being placed by our modern Cosmographers in the 72. degree of Longitude, and the 38. of Latitude; whereas Berroea is assigned by Ptolomy, to the 36. degree of Latitude, and the 71. of Longitude. Besides that the River Singas on which Aleppo is situate, keepeth it self almost on an even course in the Latitude of 37. between 20 and 30. minutes over: which is more by a degree and a half than the site assigned unto Berroea. 3. Cybros, as in the Latine Copies of Ptolomy, mistook for Cyrrhus, once the chief City of this part, from hence called Cyrrestica. 4. Heraclea, neer which Minerva had a Temple: in which, as in that sacred to her in Laodicea, they used once yearly to offer a Virgin for a sacrifice: but afterwards on the sight of that gross impiety changed it to an Hart. 5. Regia, now Rugia, two dayes journey from Antioch, took by the Christians in the beginning of the warres for the Holy Land. 6. 〈◊〉 is, of great renown in those dark times of ignorance and idolatry for the Syrian Godess therein worshipped; from whence it had the name of Hierapolis; or the Holy City, being formerly by the Grecians called Callinice, by the Syrians, Magog, one of the first seats of Magog the Some of Japhet, and from him denominated. The Godess so esteemed of in those wretched times, that from all parts, Assyria, Babylonia, Arabia, Cilicia, Cappadocia, and indeed what not, they brought her many rich gifts and costly offerings: Nero himself who scoffed at all Religions else, being for a while a great Votary of this Syrian Idol, though afterwards he grew weary of her and defiled her with urine. The Temple built by Stratonice the wife of Seleucus in the midst of the City, compassed with a double wall about the height of 300 Fathome: the roof thereof inlaid with gold, and made of such a fragant and sweet-smelling wood,

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that the clothes of them which came thither retained the sent thereof for a long time after. Without the Temple there were places inclosed for Oxen, and beasts of Sacrifice; and not farre off a lake of 200 fathom in depth, wherein they kept their sacred fishes: the Priests attending here for their severall Offices, amounting in number to three hundred, besides many more subservient Ministers. The tricks and jugglings of these Priests to deceive the people, he that list to see, may find them copiously described in the Metamorphosis of Apuleius: which changing but the names and times, may serve for a Relation of those gulleries and Arts of Leger-de-main, which the Friers and Pardoners have practised in the Church of Rome. 7. Chalyban, whence the parts adjoining were called •halybanotis; conceived by Postellus and some 〈◊〉 to be Chalepium or Aleppo, but on no good ground: this City having one degree less of Northern Latitude, than Berroea had. 8. Barbarissus in the same subdivision neer the banks of Euphrates. 9. Chalcus, the principal of that part of Syria Propria which is called Chalcidice, but not otherwise memorable. 10. Telmedissa, another Town of the same division, and as litle famous. 11. Seleucus, so named from the founder of it, the first Eastern Monarch of that race, and the greatest Builder of the World: founding nine Cities of this name, sixteen in memory of his Father Antiochus, six by the name of Laodice his Mother, and three in honour of Apamia his first Wife, besides many others of great note in Greece and Asia, either new built, or beautified and repaired by him. From this, the Countrey hereabouts had the name of Scleucis. 12. Laodicea, one of the Cities founded by Scleucus, in honour of Laodice his Mother; from which the Region adjoining is called Laodicene. Built by him in the place where formerly had stood the City Rhamantus, so called from a certain Sheepherd, who being strook with a flash of lightning cryed out amazedly Rhamantus, that is to say, Deus ab excelso, before which time it had been named Leuca Acte, from the whitenesse of the Sea-cliffs neer to which it is situate: the Countrey round-about commended antiently for the best wines, and choise of very excellent fruits. 13. Apamia, so named in honour of Apamia, the wife of Seleucus, which together with Laodicea and Seleucus before mentioned, having the same founder, and maintaining a strict league of amity with one another, were commonly called the Three Sisters. From this the Countrey neer is called Apimene. 14. Emesa, (now Hamse) the Episcopall See of Eusebius, hence called Emesenus, who flourished in the time of Constantius the Sonne of Constantine: in whose name are extant certain Homilies, justly conceived to be of a later date. The City seated in a spacious and fruitful plain of Apimene, watered with many pleasant and cheerfull Riverers; once of great note, as may be easily conjectured from the walls hereof, which are still perfect and entire, built of polished stone, and of very large circuit: but the dwelling-houses so decayed, that it affordeth nothing worthy observation. 15. Epiphama, in the cantred or subdivision of Casiotis; called at first Hamath, from Hamath a Sonne of Canaan, the founder of it; and upon that account mistaken by Saint Hierome for another Town of the same name in the Tribe of Naphthals: so different from this place both in Longitude and Latitude (as we shall shew hereafter when we come to Palestine) that they can by no means be the same. But that old Town being gone to ruin, it was repaired, if not re-edified by Antiochus Epaphanes King of Syria, who thereupon commanded it to be called Epiphania, obeyed therein as Josephus telleth us by the Macedonians, though the Syrians still called it Amatha as in former times, Antiqu. l. 1. ca. 7. 16. Ltrissa, which still preserveth its old name, being now called Laris; much mentioned in the warres of the Holy Land, especially for the death of Baldwin the first Brother of Godfrey of Bovillon, and second King of Hierusalem, Anno 1118. 17. Gebal, the Gabala of Ptolomy and others of the antient Writers, situate on the South of Laodicea, from which twelve miles distant; mentioned Psal. 83. as a confederate with Tyre and other uncircumcised Nations, in their hatred and designes against the Israelites: at this day called Gabella (with little difference from the old name of it) and by that name remembred in the Stories of the Holy Warres. 18. Aradus, one of the Co-founders of Tripolis, situate in a rocky Iland of a mile in compass, directly opposite to the mouth or influx of the River Eleutherus, and distant from the Continent about twenty furlongs. So called from Arvad one of the Sonnes of Canaan, and mentioned by that name in the Prophet Ezrk. Chap. 27. v. 8. 11. This once a Kingdome of it self, containing not this Iland only but some part of the Continent; especially about Antaradus (so called because built over against it) situate on the Northern banks of the River Eleurberus, of which we have spoken in Phoenics. 19. Daphne, about five miles from Antioch, but afterwards by the continuall enlargements of that City, accounted as the Suburb to it; so named of Daphne one of the Mistresses of Apollo, who was here worshipped by the name of Apollo Daphnans, and had here his Oracle and his Groves, with other the Additaments appertaining unto those Idolatries; as much esteemed of but more sumpeuous than those of Delphos. The Grove about ten miles in circuit, environed round with Cypresses and other trees, so tall and close to one another, that they suffered not the Sunne to enter in his greatest heats: the ground perpetually covered with the choisest Tapestry of nature, watered with many a pleasant stream, derived from the Castalian founteins as it was given out; and yielding the most excellent fruits both for taste and tincture, to which the wind and air participating the sweetness of the place, did adde a most delightfull influence.

A place devised for pleasure, but abused to lust: he being held unworthy of the name of a man, who transformed not himself unto a Beast, or trod on this unholy ground without his Curtezan: insomuch as they which had a care of their good names, did forbear to haunt it. A fuller discription of it he that lists to see, may find in the first Book and 18. chapter of Sozomens Ecclesiasicall History, who is copious in it. The Temple said to have been built by Seleucus also, renowned for the Oracle there given, by which Adrian was foretold of his being Emperour; and therefore much resorted to by Julian the Apostata for that purpose also. But the body of Babylas the Martyr and Bishop of Antioch, being removed thither by the

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command of his Brother Galius then created Coesar by Constantius; the Devil and his Oracles were both frighted away; as the devill did himself confess to Julian. Who being desirous to learn here the success of his intended expedition into Persia, received this Answer, that no Oracle could be given as long as those divine bones were so neer the Shrine. Nor was it long after, before the Idol and the Temple were consumed by a fire from Heaven; as was avowed by those who observed the fall of it: though Julian did impure it to the innocent Christians, and in revenge caused many of their Churches to be burned to ashes. 20. Anitoch, situate in that part hereof, which is called Casiotis, first built, o• began rather by Antigonus, when Lord of Asia, by whom named Antigonia; but finished and enlarged by Seleucus, after he had overthrown and slain him at the battell of Issus: by the Jewes or Hebrew's once called Reblatha. Built neer the place, and partly out of the ruines of an antient City, in the second Book of Kings called R•blah in the Land of Hamath; Hamath the Great in the sixt of Amos; by Josephus and the Syrians, Reblata. Memorable in those daies, for the Tragedies of Jehoahaz, and Sedechias, Kings of Judah: the first of which was here deprived of his Crown and Liberty by Pharaoh Neco King of Egypt, 2 Kings 23. 33. the other of his eyes and Children by the command of Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon, as was said before. In following times it was by some Greek writers called Epidaphne, from the neerness of it to that Grove: as afterwards in the times of Chrictianity, by the name of Theopolis, or the City of God, either from the many miracles there done in the Primitive times; or from the great improvement which the Christian faith did here receive, where the Disciples first obtained the name of Christians. The Royall seat for many Ages of the Kings of Syria, and in the flourish and best fortune of the Roman Empire, the ordinary residence of the Praefect or Governour of the Eastern Provinces; next of the Praefectus Praetorio Orientis, who had not only the superintendency over the Diocese of the Orient, though that large enough, but also of the Dioceses of Egypt, Asia, Pontus, Thrace; extending so his Jurisdiction into all the parts of the then known World. Honoured also with the residence of many of the Roman Emperours, especially of Verus and Valens, who spent here the greatest part of their times; and from the first dawning of the Gospel, with the Seat of the Patriarck. A title of such eminency in all times of the Church, the second in Accompt to the See of Rome (till Constantinople being made the Imperiall City, got precedence of it) that there are at this time no less than four great Prelates which pretend unto it: that is to say, the true Patriarck, governing the Christians of those parts, whom they call Syrians or Melchites; the Ps•ndo-Patriarcks of the Jacobite and Maronite Sectaries, both which, for the greater credit to their Schism doe assume this title: and finally, a titular Patriarck nominated by the Pope, who since the time that the Western Christians were possessed of these Eastern Countries, hath assumed a power unto himself of nominating Patriarks for Alexandria, Hierusalem, and this City of Antioch.

The City seated on both sides of the River Orontis, about twelve miles distant from the shores of the Mediterranean; the River Parfar passing on the South-side of it. By Art and Nature fortified even to admiration, compassed with a double wall, the outward most of which was stone, the other of brick, with four hundred and sixty Towers in the walls, and an impregnable Castle at the East-end thereof, and on the other side defended with high broken Mountains, whereunto was adjoyning a deep Lake, comming cut of the River Parfar, before mentioned. Adorned in former times with many sumptuous Palaces, and magnificent Temples, answerable to the reputation of so great a City: till taken by the Sarac•ns, and after by the Turks and Mamalucks, men careless of all State and beauty in their fairest Cities, it began to grow into decay. Recovered by the Western Christians from the power of the Turks, after a siege of seven moneths, June 3. Anno 1098. confirmed in their possession by a great and memorable Victory, got in the very sight hereof within few daies after, (June 28.) obtained against Corbanas, Lieutenant to the Persian Sultan; in which with the loss of four thousand and two hundred of their own, they slew a hundred thousand of the Enemy. The Town and territory given by the Conquerours to Bohemund a noble Norman and Prince of Tarentum: who by practising with one Pyr•hus, who had the command of one of the chief Towers thereof, afterwards called Saint Georges Tower, was secretly let into the City, and so made way for all the rest. Bohemund thus made the Prince, or as some say, King of Antioch, left it to Bohemund his sonne about ten years after; succeeded in this principate by Tancred and Roger, Princes of great renown in those holy wars: which last unfortunately slain by the Turks, not far from Aleppo, in the year 1120. Baldwin the second having revenged his death by a signall victory, joyned this estate to the Kingdome of Hierusalem. Betrayed about sixty years after this, that is to say, in the year 1188. it came into the power of Saladine, the victorious King of Egypt and Damascus; and therewithall no fewer than five and twenty Cities. which depended on the fortunes of it: the glories of this famous City so declining after this last Tragedy (but whether laid desolate of set purpose, or destroyed by the injury of time, I am not able to declare) that it is grown the sepulchre of what once it was, and lieth buried in its own sad ruines; hardly preserving the repute of a forry village. Such is the instability of all worldly glories. Some other Towns there are in this part of Syria, but not to be remembred the same day with Antioch. Of which the most observable is 21. Albaria, distant two daies march from Antioch, remembred, in the Warres of the Holy Land.

As for the story of this Province, as a State distinct, we find it had a King of its own, called the King of Hamath (the Kingdome of Toi, or Tou before remembred) who together with the King of Arphac, commanded in this part of Syria; and the Isles adjoining. Vassalls in time succeeding to the Kings of Tyre, who lorded it over all the Sea-coasts hereof: and consequently had great influence on the Inlands also. And it continned in this State till the Assrrian Kings began to turn their forces Westward; when added to that Empire by Tiglath Phileser, after the subversion of the Kingdome of Damascus; or by Salmanassar after the destruction of that of Israel. The proud but dreadful vaunt which Senacherih, the Successour of those mighty Monarchs, made to Hezekiah, viz. Where are the Kings of Hamath and

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Arphad; shews clearly that those Kingdomes had been conquered not long before; and therefore needs by Salmanasser, or Tigl••h Phil•s•r. Afterwards in the struglings betwixt the Babylonians and Egyptians for the chief command, it was a while at the devotions of the Kings of Egypt; it being at Reblatha in this Province, that Jehoahaz King of Judah was put into bonds, by the command of Pharoah Neco, as was said before. But Neco being long after vanquished by Nebuchadnezzer King of Babylon, it returned again unto that Crown; and after the same fortunes with the rest of Syria.

3. COMAGENA.

COMAGENA is bounded on the East, with the River Euphrates, by which parted from Mesopotamia; on the West, with the Mounteins called Amamus, which divide it from Calicia; on the North, with Taurus, by which separated from Armenia Minor; on the South, with Palmyr•ne. Called also Euphratensis and Euphratesia, when a Roman Province, by reason of its situation bordering on that River.

The reason of the name I find not amongst my Authors: but find that many learned men conceive it to be that part of Syria, which the Scriptures call Syria Maacha, mention whereof is made 1 Chron. cap. 19. v. 6. gainsayed by others because they find a place called Maacha in the Tribe of Manasses: but with no great reason as I take it. For being it is joined (in the 2 of Chron. 19. v. 6. above mentioned) in the same action with Mesopotamia, and Syria Sobah; and not so only, but placed between them in the method of that holy pen-man; I dare not think but that they were all very neer neighbours, and ranked according to the natural situation of them. Which agreeth very well with the site of this Camag•na, having Mesopotamia on the East, and Aram-Sobah on the South. Nor is it any stronger proof unto the contrary that Maacha is a Town of the Tribe of Manasses; then if a man should say that there is no such Province as Mansfield in High Germany, because there is a Town of that name in England; or no such place as Savoy among the Alpes, because there is an house of that name in London.

As for the people hereof, besides what they have common with the rest of the Syrians; they were of old much given unto Divinations; and for that cause derided thus in the sixt Satyr of Juv•nal.

Spondet amatorem tenerum vel divit is orbi

Testamentum ingens, calidae pulmone columboe

Tractato Armenius vel Comagenus Aruspex.

Pectora pullorum rimabitur, exta Catelli

Interdum & pueri. Faciet quod deferat ipse.

Thus Englished by my honoured friend Sir Robert Stapylton.

A childless rich mans Legacy, or young love

Are found i'th'lights of a warm ttembling Dove,

By Comagene Sooth-Sayers; they look into

A dead Chicks brest, the same th' Armenians do.

They view the entrails of a dog, and reach

A childs perhaps; They do it and then peach.

Chief places of this part, 1. Samosata, the Metropolis or head City of it, when a Roman Province situate neer the banks of Euphrates, over which it had a bridge for passage into Mesopotamia. Unfortunate for being the birth-place of Lucian that profane Scoffer of Christianity, though otherwise a man of a quick wit, and great abilities: as also of Paulus Samosatenus, Patriarch of Antioch, condemned of Here sie in a Councill holden in his own City, Anno 273 (by the great and most learned Bishops of that Age, there assembled together) for teaching that our Saviour was no other then a natural man, but neither God nor the Sonne of God, as the Scriptures testify. 2. Germanicia, (by some called Germanicopolis) on the other side of the Countrey neer the Mountain Amamus: no lesse unfortunate than the former in being the birth-place of Nestorius Patriarch of Constantinople, who troubling the peace of the Church with Heterodoxie, and impertinent nicities, about the blessed Mother of Christ, as also about the nature and person of Christ himself: was thereupon condemned of Heresie in the Council of Ephesus, Anno 435. In former times called Adata, or as some write Adapa: but took this new name from Germanicus Casar, in honour of whom it was made a Roman Colony by Augustus: testified by this Inscription extant in Onuphrius, viz. COLONIA JULIA GERMANICIA, SACRA, AUGUSTA, FELIX. 3. Singa, so called from the River upon which it is situate. 4. Antiochia penes Taurum so called because seated at the foot of that Mountain; to difference it from the other of this name in Syria. 5. Pinara, one of the chief Cities of that part which is called Pieria. 6. Doliche, a small Town, but made an Episcopall See in the best times of the Church, as appeareth by the Acts of the Councills of Antioch, and Constantinople, in which there is some mention of the Bishops of it. 7. Aleppo, now the Principall of all the Countrey, supposed by some to be the Sepharvaim, mentioned 2 Kings 17. 24. It was thus called as some say from Halep, which in the language of those parts signifieth milk, afforded liberally by the rich pastures round about it: as others more improbably from Aleph, the first letter of the Greek Alphabet, because the first in estimation of the Cities of Syria, Most probably from Alepius: Leiutenant here in the time of Julian the Apostata, who did here many notable exploits, and amongst others, in or neer the ruins of some old Town of these parts, not yet agreed on (in case it be not Sepharvaim before mentioned) advanced this City. Situate on the banks of the River Singas, which rising out of the hill Pi•rius, with many windings and turnings runneth thorough Comagena, and there falleth into Euphrates. Destroyed by Haalon King of the Tartars,

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at such time as the Western Christians were possessed of this Countrey and the Holy Land: but being repaired and re-peopled became by reason of the commodious situation of it to be much frequented by Merchants from all parts of the world. Situate in the midst betwixt Tripolis, Berytus and Alexandretta, the three prime Ports of Tukie, on the one side; and the Persian territories on the other: it was made choyse of for the Staple of the Eastern commodities, brought to Euphrates, and then boated to this Town by the River S••gas. A City of great trade at present, the English Merchants (amongst others which frequent the same) having here three houses for the Stowage and disposing of their Commodities; and a chief Officer or Super-Intendent over the whole Factory, whom they call the Consul of Aleppo. But greater was the trade hereof in the former times, before the Portugals found out a way by Sea to those Eastern Countries, since followed by the English, Hollanders and other Nations. The building of it low, but of one Roof high, (as in most Towns of Syria) with a plain topp plastered to walk upon: and with Arches before their doors, or houses, as well to pass dry under them in time of rain, as to shew their wares. Pleasantly seated amongst Gardens, with the sweet smels whereof very much refreshed: the ordinary Residence of a Turkish B•ssa, safe rather in the remotenesse of it from any Enemie, than the strength of the place, as being nothing less than well fortified. Neer one of the Gates they shew a Sepulchre, by them affirmed to be Saint Georges (whom of all the Christian Saints they only worship) before which they maintain a lamp which burns continually. 8. Amin, in the way betwixt Tripoli and Aleppo, supposed by some to be that 〈◊〉, mention whereof is made 2 Kings chap. 17, 12. A City of a large circuit, pleasantly seated on two hills, which give it a fair prospect over six of the neighbouring villages: a thing not to be boasted of as the world now goeth, by many of the Syrian Cities. On a thrd hill once flood a Castle, now decayed and ruinous; beneath it a fair River which runs gently by it; environed round about with Orchards of Palm-trees and very good fruits. 9. Chalmodora, seated by Ptolomy on Euphrates, of which no ruins now remaining; unless tbe name be changed to 10. Byrrha, as perhaps it may be, that being made by Ptolomy the most Northern Town of Comagena; and this the utmost Town which the Aegyptian Mamalucks (then Lords of Syria) had upon this River, and the boundary betwixt them and the Sultans of Persia. Memorable for an old ceremony here used by those Mamalucks, who accounted not themselves worthy of the name of a Sultan of Egypt, till in this place in solemn pomp in the sight of their Army, they had forced their horse into the River, and made him drink of the waters of of it: testifying by that ceremony aswell the extent of their dominions, as their readiness to defend the same against all Invaders. A ceremony performed with great State by Campsin Gaurus, in the war betwixt him and Selimus the first. But for all this he lost the field, and his life to boot, in the fight neer Aleppo: and therewith did not only leave him Syria, as the fruits of his Victory; but opened him a fair way to the conquest of Egypt, which soone after followed. And hereto I refer the Cities of 11. Hena, and 12. Ivah, with their severall Territories; mentioned together with the City of Sepharvaim, Esay 37. v. 13. and 2 King 18. v. 34. it being probable that if Sepharvaim were the City now called Aleppe, as the Jews that dwell there say it was; that then the other two joined together with it, must be hereabouts, though we find no tract of them in the old Geographers.

And if they were (as it seems probable to me) we have then more Kings in this Province in the elder times than the King of Maacha; unlesse perhaps it may be said that the Kindome of Maacha (or of Aram-Maacha) being broke in pieces, these petit States arose from the ruins of it. Of little observation in the course of business, whether entire or subdivided into parcels: but that the King hereof (the King of Maacha) aided the Ammanites against David with 1000 men: no very great number I confess, (as one who lay more out of the danger than the rest of the Syrian confederates did) but sufficient to ingage them in the quarrel with them. Nor find we any thing after this touching their affairs, but that the Kings of Henai Ivah and Sepharvaim (who shared the greatest part amongst them) being swallowed up by the Assyrrians, (as the forementioned Texts do expressely say) some Colonies of the people hereof, were sent by Salmanassar the Assyrtian Monarch, to plant the desolate dwellings of the Tribes of Israel, as appeareth plainly in the 2. of Kings chap. 17. v. 24. A course in which the Conquerour dealt exceeding wisely; weakning thereby the great Cities and mightier States of this Countrey, which otherwise might have been apt enough to revolt again; and strengthning therewithall their conquests in the Land of Israel, which otherwise had lain open to the next Invader, and yielding little or no profit to the publick Treasurie.

After this time it followed the same fortune with the rest of Syria, till Tigranes the last King hereof was subdued by the Romans. At what time all the rest of Syria being reduced under the form of a Province, this part being then in the possession of Antiochus, Sonne of that Antiochus surnamed Eusebes whom Tigranes had spoiled of his estates: was left unto him by the Conquerours with the title of King. Continuing in his line till the death of another Antiochus the last King hereof; when made a Province of the Empire by Tiberius Caesar, as is said by Tacitus; Qu. Servaeus being sent hither as the first Roman Praetor for the government of it: though Sueton doth refer it to the times of Vespasian.

4. PALMYRENE.

PALMYRENE is bounded on the East by the River Euphrates; on the West, by Syria preperly and especially so called: on the North, with Comagena; and on the South with Mount Libanus (dividing it from the Province of Coele-Syria, and part of Arabia Deserta.

It took this name from Palmyra the Chief City of it. When conquered by the Romant, and made a distinct Province of it self, it had the name of Syria Secunda, and Salutaris. Called Syria Secunda,

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to distinguish it from Syria specially so called, which by them was named Syria Prima, and Saluta•• in regard of the medicinal waters springing in many places of it. But before it had any of these names, it was in the Scriptures called Aram-Sobah, wherof Adad-azer was King in the time of David, as we reads 2 Sam. 8. 3. and 1 Chran. 18. 3.

The Countrey destitute of Rivers fit for Navigation, save that it bordereth on Euphrates; but liberally furnished with those hot springs, good for many diseases, which gave it the name of Salutaris. Of which thus writeth Marcellinus lib. 14. In his trastibus havingerum nusquam visitur flumer, at in lacis plurimis aquae suacte natura calentes emergunt, ad usum aptae multiplicium medelarum. So he. The sense whereof we had before.

Places of most observation, are 1. Palmyra, seated in a desart and sandy plain, one of the Cities built by Solomon in the Wilderness, mention of which is made 1 Kings chap. 9. v. 17, 18. this Palmyra being supposed to be that City which is there called Tadmer, or Tamer in the Vulgar Latine. The cause for long time of much contention betwixt the Parthians and the Romans, as situate in the borders of either Empire: not fully setled in the Romans, till that they had subdued Zenobia, then the Queen hereof. By Adrian the Emperour who repaired it, it was called Hadrianople, but it held not long, the old name in short time prevailing above the new. 2. Gezer, 3. Bethboron the upper, and 4. Bethberon the nether, said to be fenced Cities with Walls, Gates, and Barres, 2 Chron. 8. 4. and 5. Baalath, four of the other Towns here built by Solomon; but either quite worn out of knowledge, or called by new names in the time of Ptolouy, who faith nothing of them. 6. Adada, built, as the name doth intimate, by some of the Adads Kings of this Countrey or of Damascus, to which last made subject. 7. Sura more towards the River Euphrates, in the Notitia, called Flavia Firma Sura, which sheweth that it was either repaired or made a Colonie by the Emprour Vespatian, whose fore-name was Flavius: honoured with an Episcopal See also in the times next following, as appeareth by the Acts of the Council of Constantinople. 8. Alamatha, on the banks of the River Euphrates, which if it were lawful for me to criticize upon my Author, I should conceive to be that Hamath of the Scriptures, which is call'd Hamath Sobah, 2 Chro. 8. 3. against which Solomon prevailed: the mistake from Camatha to Alamatha being not uneasie in the Transcripts. And if it were the same as I think it was, confirmed herein by that passage in the second of Chron. chap. 18. ver. 3. where it is said, that David smote Hadad-ezer King of Sobah unto Hamath, as he went to stablish his dominion by the River Euphraters. By which it seemeth that Hamath stood upon that River as the Camatha or Alamatha of Ptolomy is said to do. I should conceive it to be the chief feat of those Kings, and the Principal City of this Kingdome: the word Sobah, being added to it, not onely for distinctions sake, but in way of eminency. 9. Resapha, a Town of note in the time of Prolomy, but of greater in the holy Scripture, where it is represented to us by the name of Reseph, Esay 3. 12. Reseph Civitas Syria as St. Hierome hath it: and a Town of Syria, then most like this. 10. Betah, and 11. Becothai, two other Cities of this Kingdome, taken by David in his warre against Hadad-ezer, 2 Sam. 8. 8. the last supposed to be the Barathins of Ptolomy, though placed by him here some time, they are Towns of Arabia, the Desart by which it seems it was alotted in the change of time.

This part of Syria, as the rest, was once a distict Kingdome of it self, by the name of the Kingdome of Sobah, or of Aram-Sobah. The first KING thereof, whose name occurs in holy Scripture, being Rehob, the Co-temperare of Saul King of Israel; by whom discomfited in battel, as is said 1 Sam. 14. 47. But Adad-ezor the Sonne of Rehob, a Prince of greater power and valour then his Father was, having brought all the neighbouring Kings under his command, (as is said 2 Sam. 10. 19. conceived himself a fit match for David, and thereupon opposed his passage, as he went to recover his border at the River Euphrates. In which action though he lost a thousand Charets, and twenty thousand Foot, and seven hundred Horse, yet would he not so end the wane, but first with the Syrians of Damaseus, and after with the Ammonites and their confederates; and finally by the aid of the Mesopotamians, renewed the quarrell. But being discomfited also in this last enterprise with the lose of forty thousand and seven hundred men, and his life to boot, the Kingdome of Zobah was brought under by the Kings of Damaicus. The Storie of this warre we have in the 2 of Sam. cap. 8. and 10. in the first of Chron. cap. 18. and 1 Kings 11. 23, 24. yet were not the Kings of Damascus so well setled in it, but that David had possessed himself of Betah and Berothia, and other peeces of importance: the Regal City of Hameth-Soba being wonne by Solomon, and many of the best Towns of it built by him to assure his conquest. But the Kingdome Solomon being rent in pieces in the next Succession, the Kingdome of Zobah fell again unto those of Damasous; and so continued till Damascus it self was conquered by the Kings of Assyria: unless perhaps that Hamath which Jeroboam the second is said to have subdued (together with Damascus it self) to the Crown of Israel, 2 Kings 14. 28. were this Hamath Soba; as perhaps it was.

After this nothing memorable in the Affaires of this Countrey, till the time of Gallientus the Roman Emperour: during whose reign amongst the rest who cantonned that Empire betwixt themselves, (commonly called the Thirty Tyrants) O tenatus a man of great power and vertue assumed the Imperial habit, and took unto himself the command of these parts of Syria, together with Mesopotamia and some other Provinces, which he had conquered from Savores the King of Persia; against whom he had so good an hand, that he discomfited him in battell, seized upon his Treasures, took many of his Nobles, and most of his Concubines. For which great Acts admitted partner in the Empire by Gallienus, he was not long after slain by Maeonius his own Cousen German. Who by that murder hoped to obtain the Principality of Palmyreni (for by that name it was now called): but in that deceived. For after his death, Zembia his unfortunate Widow, a most masculine Ladie, not onely preserved the principalitie of Palmirene for the use of her Children; but took upon her both the Purple habit, and the command of his Annie: which she managed

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with great wisdome and gallantry, the rest of the time of Gallienus, and all the reignes of Claudius an 〈◊〉 his two next Successors. But vanquished and rook Prisoner by Aurelianus (who had the hap¦piness to unite the broken limbs of that Empire into as strong a body as ever formerly) she was led in Triumph thorow Rome. The terrour of her name, and the unusualness of the sight, so heightning the general expectation: ut ea specie nihil unquam esset pompabilius, saith Trebelliu Pollio; That never any shew was esteemed so glorious. A Ladie of so strong a vertue, and of such command upon her self, that she is said never to have made use of her husbands company, when she perceived her self with child. After this nothing singular in the Story of Palmirene, but that when all the rest of Syria was subdued by the Christans of the West, this Province and the next onely were made good against them by the Turkish Sultars of Damasens.

5. COELE-SYRIA.

COELE-SYRIA is bounden on the East with part of Palmyrene, and Arabia Deserta; on the West, with Palestine; on the North, with Palmyrene, and some part of Syria Propria, from which divided by the Interposition of Mount Libanus; on the South, with Ituraea, and Arabia Deserta also.

It was called by the Greeks Coele-Syria, i.e. Syria Cava, because partly situate in the hollow vallies interjected betwixt Libanus and Anti-Libanus: and sometimes also Syro-Phoenacia, from the intermixture of those people; as the Phoenicians which went with Dido into Africk, were called Libe-Phoemces. By the Romans, when made a distinct Province of their Empire, it had the name of Phoenice Libam, or Phanicia Libanensis, to difference it from the other Phoenicia, which they called Maritima: but before all this by the Hebrews named Aram-Damasek, Syria-Damascena in the Latine, from Damaescus the chief City of it: unless perhaps we should rather say, that Aram-Damasek conteined only that which lay between the Mountaines of Labanus and Anti-Libanus; the rest being added by the Romans, out of the neighbouring parts of Palestine, and Arabia-Deserta, as perhaps it was.

Chief Rivers hereof are, 1. Abanak, and 2. Pharphar, the Rivers of Damascus, as the Scripture calleth them, 2 Kings chap. 5. The one of which is thought to be the River Adonis, spoken of already; the other that which Ptolomy calleth Chrysorrhoas, or the golden flood; which rising in the Hills of this Countrey, passeth by Damascus; and so together with the other into the Mediterranean Sea Chief Mountaines of it, 1. Alsadamus, by the Phoenicians called Syrion, by the Amorites, Samir; a Ridge of Hills which beginning at the East point of Anti-Libanus, bend directly Southwards, shutting up on that side the land of Israel, whereof more in Palestine, 2. Hippus, a ledge of Mountains in the South parts of this Province, where it bordereth on Arabia Deserta.

Towns of most consideration in it, 1. Heliopolis, so called from an Image of the Sun there worshipped in time of Paganism; now Ballebec, or (as some say) Balbec. 2. Chalcis, more East-ward towards Damascut, which gave the title of a King to Prolomy Mennaeus, and his sonne Lysanias, the Kingdome then extending over the City of Abila, and the whole Province of Iturea in Palestine. But that Family being either expired, or grown out of favour, and Abila with Ituret otherwise disposed of, the title of the King of Chalcis with the Town and territory, was given to Herod brother of Agrippa the first, King of Jeurie. Erroneously supposed by some learned men to be that Chalcis, from which the Countrey called Chalcidice takes denomination: that Chalcis being placed by Ptolomy a degree and an half more East than Damascus, and two degrees more towards the North; whereas this Chalcis lieth on the West of that City, in the shades of Libanus, and in the very same degree of Northern Latitude. 3. Abila, seated at the foot of Libanus, betwixt Heliopolis and Chalcis, from whence the Countrey round about is called Abilene: given to Lysanias, the sonne of the former Lysanias King of Chalcis, with the title of Tetrach. Mentioned Luk 3. 1. with those other Princes which shared Palestine amongst them: not that he was the sonne of Herod, as antiently Beda and Euthymius, and of late-times some very industrious men have been of opinion; but partly because the Cities of Chalcis and Abila of right belonged to those of the Tribe of Naphthalim (though never conquered or possessed by them) and so to be a part of Palestine; and partly because the Teirarchy of Abtlene, when Saint Luke wrote that Gospel, was possessed together with the rest by King Agrippa. Restored (as it seemeth) to the former Family, after his decease; for known it was by the name of Abil-Lysaniae in the time of Prolomy. 4 Adida, memorable for the victory which Aretas King of Arabia obtained neer unto it, against Alexander King of Jewrie: the Kingdome of Syria then lying open as a prey to the next Invaders. 5. Hippus, or Hippons, as Plinie calleth it, not far from the Mountain of that name. 6. Capitolias, now called Suente. 7. Gadara. 8. Scythopolis. 9. Gerasa, and 10. Philadelphia, reckoned by Ptolomy as Cities of Coele-Syria, but of right belonging unto Palestine, where we mean to take more notice of them. 11. Damascus, situate in a large plain environed with hills, and watered with the River Chrysorrboas, which with a great noise descendeth from the Mountains, and so abundantly serveth the City, that not only most of the houses have their Fountains of it, but their Orchards and gardens have some Rivulets conveyed into them. The Countrey round about abundantly enriched with plenty of most excellent wines (the vines hereof bearing grapes all the year long) and great store of wheat, as their Orchards with variety of most delicate fruits: our Damascens, (or Pruna Damaseena as the Latines call them) coming first from hence; as also do our Damask Roses but infinite short of their naturall sweetness, by the transplantation. A place so surfeiting of delights, so girt about with odoriferous and curious gardens, that the vile Impostor Mahomet would never be perswaded to come into it: for fear (as himself was used to say) lest being ravished with the ineffable pleasures of it, he

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should forget the business he was sent about, and make there his Paradice. But Muhavias, one of his Successors, having no such scruple, removed the Regal Seat unto it, where it continued (for the most part) till the building of Bagdat by Bugiafer the twentieth Caliph, about an hundred years after this Removall.

The chief buildings of it of late times, till destroyed by the Tartars, were a strong Castle, in the opinion of those times held to be impregnable; and not without great difficulty forced by Tamerlane, whom nothing was able to withstand: and as Majesticall a Church, gamished with fourty suumptucus porches, and no fewer then 9000 Lanterns of gold and Silver; which with 30000 people in it (who fled thither for Sanctuary) was by the said Tamerline most cruelly and unmercifully burnt and pulled down unto the ground. Repaired by the Mamalucks of Aegypt, when Lords of Syria, it hath since flourished in Trade, the people being industrious, and celebrated for most excellent Artizans: the branching of Satins, and fine Linnen which we call by the name of Damasks, being amongst many others, one of their inventions. Renowned in the Old Testament for the Kings hereof, and the birth of Eliezer, Abrahams Steward (so honourably antient was this City); and in the New, for the Conversion of Saint Paul, who first preached the Gospell in this place, and here so narrowly escaped the snares of his enemies, that he was fain to be let down out of the house in which he was, by the help of Basket. 12. Eden, at the foot of Mount Libanus, now a Town of the Maronites, and antiently of such esteem, that the whole Countrey of Damascus was called Beth-Eden, Amos 1. 5.

But antient and honourable though this City was, we find nothing of the story of it, till the time of David, the Kings thereof untill those daies, being conceived to have been Homagers and Tributaries to the Kings of Zobah. The first exploit ascribed unto them in the Holy Scripture, is their coming to the aid of Adad-ezer, upon his first dereat by David: in which action having lost 22000 men, they were so broken, that they did not only suffer David to put Garrisons in the best Cities of Damascus. but patiently became his Servants, and brought presents to him, 2 Sam. 8. 5, 6. The name of this unfortunate Prince not made known in Scripture, is by Josephus affirmed out of Nicolas Damasceus, to have been Adad (a name much cherished and assumed by the Kings his Suceessours): who keeping constant to the party of Adad-ezer in his following wars; was at last slain with him in that great discomsiture which David gave them, mentioned in the 2 of Sam. chap. 10. v. 18. In which Text the Scripture telleth us nothing of the death of those Kings, that being supplyed to us by Josephus out of their Records. Who also addeth, that Rezin one of the Chief Commanders of Adad-ezer, taking this advantage, not only usurped his Masters Kingdome, but made himself Master of the Kingdome of Damascus also. From this time forward the Seat-Royall of the Kings of Syria. Nor is this the tradition of Josephus only, but founded plainly on the Scriptures; of which see 1 Kings 11. v. 23, 24. the Scriptures after this, taking no notice of any other Kings of Syria (by the name of Kings of Syria) but of those that reigned in Damascus; who in short time had swallowed up the petit Kingdomes of Gessur, Ish-tok, Rehob, besides that of Sobah before-mentioned.

The Kings of Syria or Damascus.

1. Adad, the Friend and Confederate of Adad-ezer King of Sobah; in whose quarrel he was vanquished and slain by David.

2. Rezin, of whom the Scripture saith in the 2 of Chron. that when David slew them of Sobah, he fled from Adad-ezer his Lord, and gathered men unto him, and certain Captains over a Band, and went to Damascus and dwelt therein, and reigned in Damascus.

3. Adad II. an Idumoean, supposed to be of the family of Adad-ezer, but rather as I think of Adad, for fear of David fled to Aegypt, where he maried Taphnes, the Queens Sister: and hearing that both David and Joab were dead, returned again into his Countrey, and as some write, expelled Rezin out of Damascus, and reigned there as King.

4. Hezion, Successour unto Adad.

5. Tabrimon, the Sonne of Hezion, as is said 1 Kings 15. 18.

6. Ben-hadad the Sonne of Tabrimon, hired by Asa King of Judah, to aid him in his wars against Baasha of Israel.

7. Ben-hadad II. Sonne of the former, twice invaded Israel in the reign of Achab, but both times notably repulsed; the first time by a sally of 700 men at the siege of Samaria, the next at Aphec, where with the like number in effect he was taken prisoner, and his Army routed.

8. Hazael, Captain of the host to Ben-hadad, annointed King of Syria by the Prophet Elisha, whom God appointed so to do, that by his hands he might avenge himself on Ben-ha-dad, whom Hazael slew, but he proved as ill a neighbour to the Kings of Israel, as those before him. He attempted upon Judah also in the time of Joas, but bribed with the Treasures of the Temple, he withdrew his forces.

9. Ben-hadad III. Sonne of Hazael, discomfited in three set Battels by Joas King of Israel.

10. Ben-hadad IV. Sonne of Ben-hadad the third.

11. Ben-hadad V. Sonne of Ben-hadad the fourth.

12. Ben-hadad VI. Sonne of Ben-hadad the fifth, in the time of one of which three Kings, but which one we find not for a certain, Jeroboam the Sonne of Joas King of Israe!, subdued

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both Chamath, and Damascus: of which see 2 Kings 14. v. 18.

13. R•zin II. Sonne of Ben-hadad the sixt, and the last King of Damascus, who joining with P•k•h King of Israel, against Ahaz of Judah, enforced him to call unto his aid ••glal P•alasar, King of Assyria, by whom Rezin was taken, and beheaded, and the City of Damascus won: the Kingdome of Syria by that means united to the Assyrian Empire.

After this time the Syrians continued subject to the Babylonian and Assyrian Monarchs; and in the overthrow of that Empire by the Medes and Persians, became a part of their estate: remaining so till the first battel betwixt Alexander and Darius fought near Issus in Cilicia. The victory wherein falling to the Macedonia, gave him without more trouble than the seige of Tyre, the possesion of Syria and Phoen•••. He dying not long after his conquest of Persia, this Countrey lay as it were at stake betwixt Prolomy King of Egypt, and Antigonus the chief Lord of Asia: but the possession of it, together with the rest of the Persian. Empire in both Asias, fell in conclusion to the share of Scleucus, for his many great and signal victories surnamed Nicanor; a man strangely preferred. For being at the first, Governour of Cha•dea onely, he was fotced to leave Babylon, and forsake his Province for fear of Antigonus, then dreadful to all the Macedonian Captaines; and to flie into Egypt, where he became Ptolomies Admiral. After which Ptolomie sighting a pitched field with Demetrius, son to Antigonus, took Seleucus with him; and having won the battel, gave him aid and license to recover his former government. Seleucus wel-beloved of the people, soon made himself Master, not of Chaldea onely, but of all the Persian Provinces beyond Euphrates: and not long after (being seconded by his good friend Ptolomy, Cassander, and Ly••machus) he encountred Antigonus at Ipsus in Ionia, where Antigonus himself was slain, and his whole army routed. This victory made Seleucus Lord of all Asia, from whence passing over into Europe, he vanquished and flew Lysimachus: seven moneths after which victory he was slain by Ptolomy Ceraunus, whose patron and protector he had formerly been; being yet the last survivor of all Alexanders Princes, and the onely possessour of all the dominions which his master had, by the way of conquest, Egypt excepted. His Successours, although they were Lords of all Asia, yet since in Syria they kept their residence, to the end that they might the better furnish themselves with Souldiers out of Greece, upon all occasions, as was said before; they were commonly called the Kings of Syria. But long they held not in that greatness of estate and power which Seleucus left them: though being a full-bodied Tree, and of several Limbs, it endured the lopping off of many branches, and many a sad blow at the very root of it, before it fell For in the time of Seleucus Callinicus, the fourth of this house, A•saces a noble Parthian recovered from it all the Provinces of the Persian Empire, lying on that side of Euphrates, and erected the so much celebrated Parthian Kingdome, whereof more in Persia. And in the reign of Antiochus Magnus, so called for his victories in Egypt, Judea, and Babylonia, the Romans extorted from it all the Asian Provinces, on this side Mount Taurus; not wanting many provocations to incite them to it: for he not only had made warre against Ptolomy Philopater King of Egypt, whom the Romans had taken into their protection; but stirred up the Cities and States of Greece against them; invaded Lysimachia, and some other parts of Europe in defiance of them; and had received Annibal the Carthagimar, and Thoas the Aetolian, their most mortal enemies, into his dominions, governing his Counsels by the influences which they had upon him. Nor may we think but that ambition and avarice, to adde to their same and Empire by the overthrow of so great a Prince, did perswade much with them. So that the point being brought to a ready issue, they pleaded it on both sides in the battel of Magnesia, a City of Lydia, to which Antiochus brought an Army of 300000. foot, and as many armed Chariots, besides store of Elephants, if the Roman writers be not over-lavish in their reports. But rejecting the advise of Annibal, and committing his affaires wholly to Evil Counsellers, he was vanquished by no more than four Legions of enemies, and for his peace, compelle to quit all his Asian Provinces, on that side of Taurus, and to pay 15000. Talents in ready mony for the charge of the warre. The rest of his estates they were content he should enjoy for a longer time, Et libentius quod tam facile cessisset, (as Florus handsomly puts it on him) because he had so easily relinquished that. Afterwards in the civil broyles among themselves, about the succession of the Kingdome, Alexander, King of the Jews, took from them many of their best Towns in Palestine, as Joppa, Gaza, Anthedon, Azotus, Rhinocorura, almost all Samaria, and Gaulonitis, with Sythopolis, Gadara, and many other strong Towns in Coele-Syria. Finally, when they had consumed almost all the Royal race, and changed their Kings no less than ten times in 40. years, (a sure sign of a falling and expiring Kingdome) they were fain to cast themselves upon Tigranes King of Armenia, a puissant and successeful Prince, till ingaged in the quarrel of Mithridates against the Romans: by whom stripped of all his Estates on this side Euphrates, he was fain to content himself with his own Armenia, leaving Syria to the absolute disposal of Pompey, who presently reduced it to the form of a Province. This said, we have not much more to do with the house of Seleucus, but to lay down their names, and times of their several governments, till we draw towards the last end of

The Macedonian Kings of Syria.

A. M.

3654. 1. Seleucus, Nicanor, the first King of this house. 31.

3685. 2. Antiochus, surnamed Soter, or the Saviour; memorable for nothing so much, as marying with Stratonice his Fathers wife, in his Fathers life-time.

3704. 3. Antiochus II. by his flattering Courtiers surnamed Theos, or the God: but being poisoned by his wife he proved a mortall.

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3719. 4. Seleucus II. surnamed by the like flattery Callinicus, or fair Conquerour; because shamefully beaten by the Parthians.

3739 5. Seleucus III. called for the like reason Ceraunus, or the Thunderer; the eldest sonne of Callinicus.

3742. 6. Antiochus III. surnamed Magnus, the younger sonne of Callinicus, a Prince that imbraced many great actions, and was fortunate in his successes beyond Euphrates: he plagued the Jews, but lost all Asia Minor unto the Romans.

3778. 7. Seleucus IV. called Philopator, the sonne of Antiochus, who first began to cast his eye upon the riches of the Tempse at Hierusalem.

3790. 8. Antiochus IV. surnamed Epiphanes, or the Illustrious, but more truly Epimanes, or the mad, the great scourge of the Jews; brother of Seleucus Philopator. With whom beginneth the story of the first Book of the Maccabees.

3802. 9. Antiochus V. called by the name of Eupator, the sonne of Epiphanes; who by Lysias his Captain tyrannized over the poor Iudeans, for the litle time that he reigned; as did also

3804. 10. Demetrius, surnamed Soter, sonne of Seleucus Philopator, by the hands of Nicanor: having possessed himself of the diademe by the death of Eupator, slain in his favour by the Souldiers who revolted from him. He was afterwards deposed for a time by Alexander Bala, pretending himself to be the Sonne of Eupator, supported herein by the Antiochians.

3814. 11. Alexander Bala, discomfited in his first battell by Demetrius, whom he slew and vanquished in the second; maryed Cleopatra Daughter of Ptolomy Philometor, by whose aid he was victorious. But a quarrel breaking out between them, Ptolomy invaded Syria, and caused himself to be crowned King of it: Alexander being slain by some of his Souldiers.

3819. 12. Demetrius II. surnamed Nicator, Sonne of Demetrius the first, recovered his Fathers Kingdome, a friend of the Maccabees, but so cruell to his own people, that he was driven out of his Kingdome by Tryphon Generall of his Armies.

3821. 13. Antiochus VI. surnamed Entheus, the Sonne of Alexander and Cleopatra, advanced unto the Throne by Tryphon, and after slain by him to make way for himself unto the Throne.

3824. 14. Tryphon, called also Diodorus, having driven out Demetrius, and slain Antiochus, made himself King.

3827. 15. Antiochus VII. surnamed Sedetes, brother of Demetrius, having overcome and slain Tryphon, succeeded him in the estate; for a while victorious against the Parthians, but afterwards overcome and slain by them. After whose death Demetrius Nicator (having lived in Parthia since the loss of his Kingdome) was restored again unto the Throne; which having held about 4 years, he was again dispossessed and slain by

3843. 16. Alexander II. surnamed Zebenna, an Aegyptian of mean birth, set up by Ptolomy Euergetes, and pretending himself to be the adopted Sonne of Antiochus; afterwards vanquished and slain by

3845. 17. Antiochus VIII. from the croockednesse of his nose surnamed Gryphus, Sonne of Demetrius, aided herein by the Aegyptian, with whom reconciled: having reigned about eight years in peace, embroiled himself in warre with his half-brother Antiochus surnamed Cyzicenus; which with variable successes on both sides, continued till the time of his death, having reigned 29 years in all.

3874. 18. Seleucus V. Sonne of Antiochus Gryphus, in the beginning of his reign overcame and flew his Uncle Cyzicenus; but being vanquished by Antiochus surnamed Eusebes or Pius, one of the Sonnes of Cyzicenus, he fled into Cilicta, and was there burnt in his palace.

19. Antiochus IX. surnamed Eusebes, having first vanquished Seleucus, and afterwards Antiochus, another of the Sonnes of Gryphus, was crowned King of Syria; but slain not long after in the Persian wars.

20. Philip, and Demetrius III. surnamed Eucoerus, younger Sonnes of Gryphus, jointly Kings of Syria, but reigning in their severall parts. Of which Demetrius intending to disseize his brother, was himself vanquished, and forced to fly into Parthia; leaving the whole Kingdome unto Philip. During which warres amongst themselves, Syria was invaded, and in part conquered, by Aret as King of the Arabians, and Alexander King of the Jews.

3884. 21. Tigranes King of Armenia, during these dissentions was by the Syrians chosen King, that by his power they might be freed from the Jews and Arabians: the most puissant Prince that had reigned in Syria since the time of Antiochus the Great, as being King of Syria by election, of Armenia by succession, of Media by conquest. But ingaging himself with Mithridates (whose daughter he had maryed) against the Romans, was vanquished by Lucullus: who with the loss of five Romans onely, and the wounds of an hundred, is reported to have slain of his Enemies above a 100000 men. Finally, being again broken and vanquished by Lucullus, he yielded himself to Pompey (who being appointed Lucullus successour, deprived him of the honour of ending that warre;) and retaining to himself Armenia only, he left all Syria to the Romans; having reigned eighteen years. And though Antiochus Comagenus, the Sonne of Eusebes, petitioned Pompey for a restitution to the Throne of his An•estours; yet it would not be granted: Pompey replying that he would not trust the Countrey into such

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weak hands as were not able to defend it against the Arabians, Parthians, and the like Invaders; and so reduced it presently to the form of a Province. The government of this Countrey under these new Lords, was accompted to be one of the greatest honours of the Empire: the Prefect hereof having almost regall jurisdiction over all the regions on this side Euphrates; with a super-intendency over Egypt. Niger the concurrent of Severus, was Praefect here: and on the strength hereof presumed on that competition. So also was Cassius Syrus, who being a Native of this Countrey, and well-beloved by reason of his moderate and plausible demeanour, had almost tumbled M. Antonius out of his Throne. On this occasion it was enacted by the Senate, that no man hereafter should have any militer or legale command in the Province where he was born: Left perhaps supported by the naturall propension of the people, to one of their own Nation; and heartned by the powerableness of his Friends, he might appropriate that to himself which was common to the Senate and people of Rome. But this was when it was entire, and passed but for one Province only, Phoenicia being also taken into the accompt, which made the Antiochians so proud and insolent, that Adrian, in his time intended to subduct Phoenicia from it, netot civitatum Metropolis Antiochia diceretur, (faith Gallcanus) that Antioch might not be the chief of so many Cities. But what he lived not to accomplish, was performed by Constantine. By whom Phonicia was not only taken off, but Syria itself divided into four distinct Provinces, as was shewed before; each of them having its Metropolis or Mother City: but all subordinate to the command of the Comes or Praefect of the East, as he to the command of the Praefectus Praetorio Orientis; the greatest Officer of the Empire, of whom we have often spoke already.

For the defence hereof aswell against all Forrein invasions, as the insurrections of the Natives, (a wavering and inconstant People) the Romans kept here in continuall pay four Legions, with their Aids, and other Additaments. For so many Mutianus had here in the time of Galba; and by the strength and reputation of those Forces, was able to transfer the Empire upon Vespasian. And though the Constantinopolitan Emperours to whose share it fell in the division of the Empire, rather increased than diminished any part of this strength: yet when the fat all time was come, and that Empire was in the Declination, the Saracens, under the conduct of Haumar their third Caliph, an. 636. possessed themselves of it, Heraclius then reigning in Constantinople. And it continued in their power, till Trangrolipix the Turk having conquered Persia, and the Provinces on that side of Euphrates, passed over the River into Syria, and made himself Master of a great part of that also. A quarrell falling out betwixt him and his neerest Kins-men, and thereby a great stop made in their further progress, was thus composed, by the mediation of the Calivh of Babylon in the time of Axan his Successour. To Cutlu Muses was assigned a convenient Army, to be by him employed against the Christians, with Regal power over the Provinces by him gained, without relation or subordination to the Persian Sultans: of whose successes and affairs hath been spoke elsewhere. To Melech, and Ducat, two others of his discontented Kins-men, but all of the same Selzuccian family, he gave the fair Cities of Aleppo and Damascus, and those parts of Syria, with whatsoever they could conquer from the Caliph of Aegypt, who then held all Phoenicia, and the Sea-coasts of Palestine, to be held in see and vassalage of the Crown of Persia. To these two brethren then we are to refer the beginning of the Turkish Kingdome in Syria: who with their Successors, by reason that here they held their residence, caused themselves to be called

The Turkish Kings of Damascus.

1075. 1. Melech and Ducat, the first Turkish Kings of Damascus by the gift of Axan the second Sultan of the Turks in Persia, added to their dominions all the rest of Syria, together with Cilicia and some neighbouring Provinces in the Lesser Asia.

2.—Sultan of Damascus, at such time as the Christians of the West won the Holy Land: against whom he notably defended the City and Territories of Damascus; and in a set Battel discomfited and flew Roger the Norman, Prince of Antioch.

1146. 3. Noradine (the Sonne of Sanguin) Generall of the Armies, and Sonne-in-Law to the former King, succeeded him in the estate. A noble Prince, memorable amongst other things for a gallant answer made to his Commanders, when they perswaded him to take the advantage on the death of Baldwin the third, and to invade Hierusalem whilst the Christians were busie in solemnizing his Funerals. Not so, faith he, Compassion and regard is to be had of the just sorrow of those Christians, who have lost such a King, as could not be equalled in the world.

1175. 4. Melechsala, Sonne of Noradine, contemned by reason of his youth, by his Nobles and Souldiery, who made choice of Saladine for their King, by whom dispossessed first, and after vanquished.

1176. 5. Saladine the Turkish Sultan of Egypt, having vanquished the Persians, or Parthians, coming under the conduct of Cacobed, Uncle to Melechsia, to restore that Prince to his Estate, remained King of Damascus: and by the puistance of his Armies recovered from the Christians all Syria, and the Holy Land, with the City of Hierusalem.

1199. 6. Eladel, or El-Aphzal the eldest Sonne of Saladine, suceeded in the Realm of Damascus, which he exchanged for that of Egypt with his Brother Elaziz.

7. Elaziz, the second Sonne of Saladine succeeded upon this Exchange in the Realm of Damascus, murdered not long after by his Uncle Saphradine.

8. Saphradine the Brother of Saladine, having barbariously murdered eight of the Sonnes of Saladine, (the youngest called Saphradine escaping onely, who was after Sultan of Aleppo) possessed

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himself of the Kingdome of Damascus, left at his death to Corradine his Sonne or Nephew.

9. Corradine, Sonne or Nephew to the Tyrant Saphradine, was by him at his death left Sultan of Damascus, to which all Syria and Palestine were then made Provincials. But the treacheries and murders of Saphradine crying loud for vengeance, Haulon the Tartar in the year 1262. having taken the King of Damascus Prisoner (but whether Corradine or some other I am not able to say) brought him before the walls of the City, threatning to kill him in the sight of his people, if they did not deliver it unto him. Which the Citizens refusing to do, the wretched King was torn in peeces, and the City taken by assault: the Kingdome by the Conquerors conferred upon Agab the Sonne of Haalon. And so ended the Selzuccian family of the Kings of Damascus in the person of Corradine, or the Sonne of Corradine, most miserably murdered by the Tartars; as it had done in Egypt 17 years before in the person of Melechsela and Elmutam the Sonne of Meledine, as villainously disposed and murdered by the Mamalucks. So slippery is the foundation of those Kingdomes which are laid in blood.

Nor did this Kingdome hold long in the hands of the Tartars, recovered from them in short time by the Mamalucise then Kings of Egypt; from them once more regained by the furious Tamerlane, who in the year 1400. besieged Damascius with an Army of 1200000. men (if the number be not mistaken, and one Cypher added more than should): in pursuite whereof he filled up the ditches with his Prisoners, put all the people, to the sword, and with great art raised three Towers as a trophey of his victory, built with the heads of those whom he had so slaughtered. A man so strangely made up of vice and vertues, that it is hard to say which had the predominancie. But the violence of this tempest being overblown, the Mamalucks from whom he had also conquered the Kingdome of Egypt, recovered Syria by degrees, and repaired Damascus: continuing in their power till the year 1516 when Selimus the first discomsited (am•s•n Gaurus the Aegyptian Sultan in the fields of Aleppo. Upon the newes whereof the Citizens of Damascus, fearing the spoil of their rich City then of very great trading, set open their Gates unto the Victors; as did all the other Cities and Towns of Syria by their Example. By means whereof, without any more blows, the Turks became Lords of all this Country; as the next year of Egypt also by the vanquishment and death of Tonombeius who succeeded Campson: so rooting out the name and government of the Mamalucks, and adding those rich Kindomes to the Turkish Empire.

And so much for Syria

MOVNT HERMON.

IN our passage out of Coele-Syria into Palestine; we must cross Mount Hermon; a ledge of hills, which beginning at the East point of the Anti-Libanus, bend directly South: in different places, and by several Nations called by divers names. By Ptolomy called Alsadamus; by the Amorites, Samir; by the Phoenicians, Syrion; & by that name remembered in the book of Psadmes. But Alsadamus they are called onely where they border upon Coele-Syria. Where they begin to part the Region of Traconitis from Arabis-Deserta, they are called by Moses and the Scriptures Hermon; part of the Kingdome of Og, the King of Basan, as is said, Josuah chap. 12. ver. 6. Syrion by the Sidonians, as is affirmed Deut. chap. 3. v. 9. Running farther after this unto the South, they are called Gilead or Galaad: by Strabo, Trachonitae, after the name of the Region along which they pass: and are conceived to be the highest part of all Mount Labanus, or rather of that long Ridge of Mountains which there take beginining. And so we are to understand the words of the Prophet Jeremie saying, Galaad tu mihi caput Libani, as the Vulgar readeth it. That is to say, that as the head is the highest part of a man; so these hills, or this part of them, was the highest of all the branches or spurres of Livanus. Called Galeed by Jacob from that heap of stones which was there laid by Laban and Jacob, to be a witness of the Covenant which was made betwixt them, Con. 31 ver. 27. the word signifying in the Original an heap of Witnesses. And Laban said, this heap 〈◊〉 between me and thee this day; therefore was the name of it called Galeed, ver. 28. By these hills, and the main body of the Anti-Libanus lying on the North, and the Mountaines of Phoenicia and lanmaea on the West, the land of Palestine is so shut up on every side, that no Foretress can be stronger by wit or Art, than that Countrey by Nature, the passages in some parts so narrow as hardly to afford passage for a single person, Clauditur undig, montibus, hinc abruptis, rupibus et profundis vallibus concursu Torrentium, inde altis et implexis anfractibus sic contractis, ut per angustos colles vix pateat transitus viatori, as my Author hath it. I forgot to adde, that that part of these hills, which commonly is known in Scripture by the name of Hermon, is in one place thereof called Sihon, as Deut 4 ver. 48. where it is said that the Israelites possessed the Land from Aroer on the bank of the River Arnon, even to Mount Sion, which is Hermon: as also that one of the highest tops or Summits of it, had the name of Amana, alluded to by Solomon in the fourth of the Canticles, by some mistaken for Amanus a branch of Taurus, which divides Syria from Cilicia in the Lesser Asia, with which Solomon had but small or no acquaintance. And so having cleared our selves of so much of this Mountain as lay before us in our way, we palestine: where we shall meet with it again, (or rather with the Western parts and branches of it) under the names of Gilead and Trachonitis, as a part of that Country.

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

Syria,

W. Mediterranean, S. Palestine and Arabia E. Euphrates, N. Cilicia, and the lesser Armenia; 525 miles long from Taurus to Arabia. 470 miles broad from the Mediterranean to Euphrates, the language Arabick, the religion Christian, Mahumetan, Pagan, or a mixture of all professed by the Drusians:

the prime Rivers,

1. Chorsaeus or Chison.
2. Orontes now Saldino.
3. Eleutherios now called Casmar.
4. Singos.
5. Euphrates:

the Mountains,

1. Carmel.
2. Piena.
3. Casius, four miles high.
4. Libanus, famous for Cedars, Frankincense and Honey falling on the boughs of the trees; 150 miles long from Sidon in Phaenicia, to Smyrna in Caelosyria, inhabited by Maronite Christians, that pay the Grand-Seignior 17 Sultanies a man when above 12 years of age.

In Phaenicia, a maritine part of Syria of great traffique, formerly was

1. the famous port Ptolemais razed to the ground, 1291.
2. And the ancient Mart of Tyre.
3. Sarepta or Sarphath on the Sea-coast, between Tyre and Sidon, and its good wines.
4. Sidon, in a rich valley between Libanus Northward, and Antilibanus Southward; the inhabitants whereof, the first makers of Chrystal Glass, Zech. 9.2. the matter thereof flowing thither from the adjoyning Rivers, with an haven for Gallies, and a Block-house.
5. Bunitus.
6. Biblis.
7. Orthosia lately Tortosa.
8. Tripolis, eminent for Amaza Franki, Kell-franhe, and other fruits, and two miles from the Sea, and half a mile from the haven on the west-side of it; rich in Gardens, Springs, and Silk-worms, whose Silks they sell raw to the Italians, and much increased by the trade of Scanderoon, and well fortified.

In Syria, properly so called, S. Phaenicia; rich in

• Fruits, especially Figs, hanging about the high ways.
• Sheep with great tails, weighing 25 pound and upwards; &
• great store of Cotton-wool:

is

1. Rugia.
2. Hicrapolis.
3. Barbarssus.
4. Chalcis.
5. Telnedissa.
6. Laodicea and its good wines.
7. Apamea.
8. Emesa or Hamse in a spacious and fruitful plain, and well watered.
9. Epiphania.
10. Laris.
11. Gebal, Ps. 83, now Gabella.
12. Aradus.
13. Daphne.
14. Antioch seated on both sides the River Orontis, twelve miles from the Mediterranean, the River Parsar passing on the South-side of it, now ruined.
15. Alburia.

In Comagena E. Euphrates and Mesopotamia, W. Amamus and Cilicia. N. Taurus and Armenia the less, a place famous for Divination, was

1. Samosata.
2. Germanica.
3. Singa.
4. Pinora.
5. Aleppo, the Aleph or first of Syria, on the bank of Singas, kept up, because commodiously scituated for the trade of the whole world between three ports of Tripolis, Berytus, and Alexandretta in Turkey, besides the Persian Territories, where the English Merchants have three houses for stowage, and a coul; the building low, and arched before their doors, and the scite pleasant among Gardens, and secure rather than strong.
6. Aman between Tripoli and Aleppo, pleasantly seated on two Hills, and environed with Orchards of Palme trees, and very good fruits.
7. Byrrah and those places, Esr. 37.13. 2 Kings. 18.34.

In Palmyrene, N. Comagena wholesome for hot Springs, but not well Rivered, is

1. Palmyra, see 1 Chron. 8.4.
2. Sura.
3. Alamath.

In Caelosyria the Syria so much spoken of in the Books of Kings and Chronicles, is,

1. Heliopolis, now Balbec.
2. Chalcis, west of Damascus in the shades of Libanus.
3. Abila.
4. Adida.
5. Capitolias, now Suente.
6. Damascus scituate in a large plain, environed with hills, and watered with the River Chrysorrous, watering the Orchards and Gardens, whence we have excellent wines; the luscious Damascenes, the sweet Damask Roses, and the curious Damask works.

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

Syria, now by the Inhabitants called Souristan, is a vast Country in the Greater Asia, called by the Jews, Aram: When it is largely taken it contains Phoenicia, Palestine or the Holy Land, and Syria properly so called. In the latter Acceptation, it is bounded to the North by Cilicia and the Lesser Armenia; on the East by Mesopotamia, divided from it by the Euphrates, and Arabia Deserta; on the South it hath Palestine and Phoenicia; and on the West the Mediterranean Sea. Its Length from North to South is 400 Miles; and from East to West it is in Breadth 200 Italian Miles. In ancient Times Damascus was the capital City of this Country, afterwards Antioch, and now Aleppo. The Country is by Nature extreamly fruitful, and was once as populous, but is now almost desolate. It contains the Cities Alexandretta, Amain, which is the ancient Apamea, Hierapolis now Tedith, Laodicea now Laudicia, Samosata now Scompsat, and Antioch now Antachin. Syria was at first subject to Kings of their own, the last of whom was conquered by Tiglath Pileser King of Assyria, and beheaded in Damascus. After this they were subject to the Kings of Assyria, Media, and Persia, till after the Death of Alexander the Great. Seleucus Nicanor began another Kingdom here about A. M. 3644, whose Successors reigned to the Number of 21, till Pompey subdued it to the Romans, and made it a Province in A. M. 4650, 62 Years before the Birth of our Saviour, and continued under the Romans till A. C. 636, or as others 64, when it was conquered by Haumer the third Caliph of the Saracens. About A. C. 1075 Melech and Ducat began a Turkish Kingdom here, which in 1262 was destroyed by Haalon the Tartar. Next it fell into the Hands of the Mamaluks of Egypt. * Constantine the Emperor took this Country from the Saracens in 932, and Godfrey of Bouloigne did the like afterwards. Baldwin IV. King of Jerusalem wasted it twice about 1173. Seraph Sultan of Babylon seiz'd the whole about 1292. The Egyptians possest it in 1304. And the Turks enjoy it since 1517. This Country is noted for producing Black Lions. The Language of the Inhabitants is somewhat like the Hebrew, but writ in different Characters. The People are effeminate and unconstant, passionate, cunning, and covetous, much addicted to sensual Pleasures, and delight in Oyntments and Perfumes. Herodian, Propertius, Virgil. Syria is a Country of great Trade, the greatest part of the Inhabitants are Mahometans, besides a considerable number of Jews and Christians of divers Denominations. Selden. in Prolegom. de Dis Syris. Bochart. Phaleg. l. 2. c. 6.