The Turkish Empire

Maps

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

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

Sources from old books

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

Turkie.

Such shares of the Worlds vastnesse hath it pleased the Almightie, to cast into the lap of this great Potentate, commonly called the Gran Seignior; that for wealth, Territories and command of souldiery, hee would have you to understand, that all other Princes come short of him; & are terrified, when his Armies are united, to particular destructions. Compound the ambiguitie by your owne discretions.

For Countries, he possesseth Asia minor, now Natolia, with all the Regions within the Propontis and the Hellespont. Which places in times past made the Crownes of Kings to shine with Gold and Pearle. As Phrygia, Galatia, •ithynia, Pontus, Lidia, Caria, Paphlago•ia, Lycia, Magnesi•, Cappadocia, and Comogena. Neerer the Caspian; Georgia, Mengrelia, Armenia; All Christians of the Greek Church. To which, if you adde the Empire of Trebisond, you shall then finde him great Controller of the Black-sea. For although Russia, Bogdonia, Moldavia, and some Polanders, keepe the North and West shores; yet is it, as a man, who alwaies for feare the theeves approach, dare not slacken his guards, for doubt of surprisall.

Next doth the pride of his Greatnesse send you into Assyria, Syria, Palestine, Mesopotamia, Iudea, the three Arabies, the Red-sea, Aegypt, and the shores of Afrike, as farre as the confederation of the Kings of Barbarie, Fez, and Marocco. Neither resteth he there, but he can bring you to the Towers of Alexandria, and bid you looke Northward (as farre as is possible) at all the Ilands in the Archipelago, except Ca•die, and some few other under the Venetian.

But is this sufficient? Stay, and answer your selves. The fields of Greece lye waste, and are ashamed to shew forth that disparitie of countenance, which in times past Thracia, Macedonia, Thessalia, Epyrus, and Peloponnesus smiled with in ancient times. Nay more, his Bashawes will bring you to Buda and Belgrade, and affright you with Hungaries conquest, telling you, that now it knoweth no other Proprietor but the Turke as Conquerour. And concerning the Princes of Transylvania, Slavonia, Poland, and others, with whom he hath contracted a Treatie of pacification, they notwithstanding observe such correspondencie as Wolves and Dogges doe, watching advantages to prey upon the harmelesse.

His principall Cities are Trebisond, Amasia, Babylon, (or rather the ruines of confusion,) Tauris, gotten (if not regotten) from the Persians: Mecha, famous for the history and death of Mahomet: Cairo, once Memphis, of late new Babylon, now the mirrour of heat, dust, sluttishnesse, and the mortalitie of an hundred thousand in a yeare, when the Pestilence rageth amongst them. Aleppo, the chiefe Seat of Syria, and Constantinople, a Citie exceeding all the Cities in Europe, for populous numbers; For it is thought that seven hundred thousand soules reside therein, which if it be true, it is well-neere twice as much, as may be said of Paris.

Shall I come backe againe, and tell you of Ierusalem, Tyrus and Sidon? Alas, they are but names; and all the miseries denounced by the Prophets, have broken their bones asunder, and bruised them like a rod of iron. The few Cities of Europe, the poore harbours of Asia, the port Townes of the Ilands, and the two Castles of the Hellespont, stand upon no better termes. Only Algier lifteth up the head of a strong Castle, protesting a generall entertainment to Pirats, and bragging of the defeature of Charles and Emperour.

Now if you demand, how from so small a mole-hill such mountaines have beene raised? know, That in the yeare of grace 1300. did Ottoman, the sonne of Zichis, step before other Families, and (as if hee were adopted the darling of successe) in his fathers behalfe, obtaine jurisdiction over Bithynia, Cappadocia, and most part of Pontus. His successour Orchanes conquered the great Citie of Prusia, and made it the Seat of his Kingdome, but in the two and twentieth yeare of his Progresse he was slaine by the Tartars, and left his sonne Amurath to succeed both in his honour and family; who perceiving the dissention of the Greekes, and division of the Empire, spent not his labours without a great satisfaction: for with the water that drave the Mill, hee drowned the same, and invited (as a guest) to this banquet of Combats, became Master of the feast. So he made a conquest of Gallipolis, Cherfonesus, Peloponnesus, Hadrianopole, Servia, Bulgaria, and Mysia, but after three and twentie yeares convulsion of the Grecian glory, hee was stabbed with a dagger, and so gave way to his sonne Bajacet to fill the chaire of imperiousnesse. He began well, attaining Phocis, Macedonia, and had indangered the most part of Thracia, had not fortune kept him from insulting, and tript up his heeles even in the race of his Triumph. For with the losse of two hundred thousand Turkes against the valiant Tamberlane, he also lost his freedome; and how he died, our Stages have instructed Mechanicall men: yet in the meane while did Calephin his sonne take up the Colours of defiance, and (forbearing the revenges of Asia) he wrecked his anger on Sigismond, and determined to have over-run the other Kingdomes of Europe. But prosperitie was not so attendant, for ere six yeares had inlarged the branches of his strange spreading tree the axe was put to the root; and, as in Daniels vision, Nebuchadnezzar-like, hee fell to the earth. But this stumpe sprung againe, and Mahomet his sonne in imitation of his fathers progresse, set forward his journey, and wan Valachia, Slavonia, and infested all the borders of the Ionian sea, making Hadrianople the store-house of his projects; wherein for foureteene yeares he raised up such ornaments of Mars and Bellona, that he terrified the Emperour of Germanie, and all the Confederates of Hungarie. Presently followed Amurath the second, who filled up his Inventorie with Epyre, Aetolia, Achaia, Beotia, Attica, and Thessalonica, now Salenica, subject to the Venetians, with the gulph of Napoli adjacent to Nigropont. Next him Mahomet the second overthrew the Schoole of Athens, & on a fatall day, the nine and twentieth of May, 1452. forced Constantinople: whereof when Corinth, Lemnes, Mitylen, Caplea, (a Towne belonging to the Genois) and many other Ilands understood, they tooke the course of prostitution, and had some mercie extended. The like part played Trebisond, after that, God gave him leave to continue two and thirtie yeares in pompe and jollitie.

After him, Bajacet the second obtained Naupast, Methon, and Dirachium from the Venetians. Then made hee a contract with Fortune for the most part of Dalmatia, and thought to have bargained for Austria, but the conditions were somewhat too unreasonable, and an envious hand poysoned his bodie, as ambition had inthralled this minde; which was imputed to his sonne Selimus, in detestation of his long life, after whose departure this Selimus set forward for the conquest of Africa, uniting Aegypt and Damascus, to the Empire.

Now behold Fortunes wanton, Soliman the magnificent, who stepped backe againe into Europe, and over-reached Belgrad, Buda, and Strigonium, leaving Hungarie as a sorrowfull mother mourning for the losse of her dearest infants. Yet herewith not satisfied, he besieged Rhodes, loading his Camels with the broken Colossus therein sometime erected, to which hee added the devastation of the five Churches, and Iula. At Zigoth he was arrested, with an imperious interdiction from his supreme Commander, and so died. His sonne, Selim the second, lived and reigned untill Cyprus fell from the Venetians, 1570. This losse resembled a stone pulled from a ruinous wall, which being loose before, did not much indanger the foundation, which the following battell of Lepanto did somewhat repaire; by the reputation whereof, the enemie ever since hath beene more considerate to try Masteries at Sea. After him, time wrought Amurath the third great Lord of Lords, over-looking the most part of Europe, and the West of Asia, more proud of Sinan Bassa and Cicala, (the one his Admirall at Sea, the other Visier of his Army) than of the conquest of a Kingdome; because by their industrie the honour of the Empire flourished, and he being a corpulent man, presumed to follow his pleasures, fatting himselfe with all the delights that luxurie and incontinencie could invent: At last, this lumpe was extinguished, and Achmat, the first of that name, is left at this present to manage the Horses of this Phaëtonticall Chariot.

Let no man therefore wonder at this excesse of Dominion, considering how thirteene of their Princes successively have delighted in Armes, and prosecuted warres in person; a president from the worlds creation, not to be matched by any the Commanders of the first foure and bravest Monarchies. Thus much for satisfaction of admiration: Now to the forme of Government, which is meerely tyrannicall, and different from all other, as guided by the heads, and strengthened by the hands of slaves, who thinke it as great an honour so to be stiled and so to live, as they doe with us, who serve in the highest places of Princes Courts. No man is master of himselfe, much lesse of his house wherein he dwelleth, or of the field which he tilleth, except certaine families in Constantinople, to whom for some good service immunitie was granted by Mahumet the second. No more surety hath he of his life (be he never so great) longer than Durante beneplacito of the grand Seignior, who disposeth thereof and of his fortunes, by no other Rule than that of his will. For although these great slaves attaine to immensive riches, yet are they but the Collectors thereof for his Treasurie, whither at their decease it returneth all, except what it pleaseth him to bestow upon posterity, who never are preferred to eminent place, except (and that of late) yeares and desert plead rising fortunes. Insomuch, that when a Sister or a Daughter of a Sultan is given to wife to a Beglerbeg, the children begotten on them doe seldome rise above the degree of private Captaine, so carelesse are they of Nobility, knowne parentage, kindred, or hereditary possessions.

These slaves are either the sonnes of Christians, tithed in their childhoods, Captives taken in the warres, or Renegadoes, such as have willingly quitted their Religion and Countries, to fight against both, and are to the Christians the most spightfull and terrible adversaries.

These children they call Iemoglans, and are brought up under severe Tutors in divers Seraglioes, distinguished by Wards, like those in Hospitals, according to their seniorities, where all are brought up liberally, and taught to write, to reade, to handle their weapons, yea, many of them to converse in secrets of State.

All of them, thrice every weeke within the courts of their houses, learne and exercise some military discipline, rise every morning before day, wash their bodies in cold water, and then repaire to Church. After they have performed these duties, they are allowed a small breakfast, and then are they againe to follow their Bookes, or severall dispositions. At mid-day, at foure of the clocke in the after-noone, and two houres within night, before they goe to bed, they must againe to pray, and he that is missing at any of the prefixions, is sure to have many bastinadoes on the soles of his feet. They never have liberty to walke abroad, no, not so much as to approach the gates of their College, no, nor suffered to speake with any Christian or stranger.

It should seeme that they remove from Chamber to Chamber, according to their Antiquities and Proficiencies. For those of the first Chamber (or Ward) are first preferred, yet not according to Senioritie, but according to the worth of his calling, and the worthinesse of the person. The meanest place that at first these young Gentlemen (for such is their resemblance) attaine unto, is to attend the grand Seignior in his Seraglio, as a Page or Groome of his Chamber, and those are they that are of extraordinary capacities and dexterity of wit, and therefore called to great places of honour and dignitie.

The residue (being alike brought up in their youths) are either preferred to be Chauses, Ianizars, Spaheioglans, and Silistarspaheis, or taken into the Port, or Gardens, to servile drudgeries an inferiour offices, as to fetch Hey, Wood, and such like provision, for the Stables, the Court, and the Kitchins.

Out of the first ranks come the Beglerbegs. The word signifieth Lord of Lords. They were but two, the one of Greece, the other of Natolia, but now by reason of their many conquests, they are also accounted to be many. Next under the Bassa, their office is to command all the Horsemen in those Countries wherein they are appointed to serve. The Sanziaks are Governours of Cities, and Colonels of the foot, and command all officers of warre and peace within their territories.

The Chauses goe on Embassies, and execute commandements: They are as Pur•evants, or under-Sheriffes: Attend on the Emperour on Horse-backe, and on the Courts of Justice, carrying a weapon on their shoulders, resembling a Mace, and can also solicite the causes of Clients.

These are, as it were, the heads of this imperious government. The hands are the Spachi & Ianizars, the maine nerves and supporters of this admired bodie. The Spachi are Horse-men, weaponed for the most part at once with Bow, Mace, Launce, Harquebush and Cemiter, whereof they have the severall uses, agreeing with their fight, flights, or pursuments. Of these there are reckoned to bee two and thirty thousand, the one halte of them are called Spachioglans, and ride on the right hand of the Sultan, when they are in the field; and the other are termed Silistarspachies, and march on the left hand.*Of the Timariots in place convenient. But out the Ottoman Empire, both in the Field, the Court, and the City, insomuch that the Sultans themselves have beene afraid of their insolencies, yet terme they the Emperour Father, (for no knowne friend besides have they to relie on) and hee againe in time of war committeth his person to their trust, valour, and fidelity. In the Citie sixteene thousand are said to be continually abiding, who are there imployed Constables, for keeping of the peace, and observation of good orders: for Clerks of the Market, to look to the prices, and wholesomnesse of victuals: for arresting of offenders, and warding of the gates. Some are appointed to guard the houses of Ambassadours, or of such particular Christians, who will bee at the charge, either about the Citie, or in their travels, towards whom they shew themselves both civill and faithfull. Notwithstanding amongst themselves (as I said before) they are very insolent and mutinous, in regard of their great multitudes, and many privileges, so dangerous is an armed Souldier in a rich and peaceable City. For whereas their first privileges were given them for safety of the Provinces, as rewards of their abstinence and vertues, as also to re-answer their benefactors confidence. In these daies their insolencies are become so exorbitant, that they will seldome obey any Authority; but by combining themselves together in mutiny, will tyrannize the Countries committed to their charges, in such rude manner, that they seeme not onely to play the Princes over the people, but doe also terrifie their greatest Officers.

In them, two properties are to be noted; their birth-place, & training. As concerning their birth-place, they are not chosen out of Asia, but out of Europe; for they ever accounted the Asians esseminate and cowardly, alwayes more ready to flie than willing to fight• but the Europians, hardy, couragious, and good men of war. The Asians they terme after their owne name, Turks; but the Europians, Rumi, that is, Romans.

As concerning their Training, they are taught when they are young: and therefore no marvell, if as they grow in age, so they increase in strength, activity, and courage: for these three vertues make a perfect Souldier. The tithing of Springals is made every third yeare, unlesse occasion constraine a quicker election; as it hapned in the Persian war, wherein they were forced not only to make more haste than ordinary, but also compelled to take up Turkish Az•m•••n•, which was never seene to be put in practice before. When these young lads are brought to Constantinople, they are surviewed by the Captaine of the Ianizars, who registieth their names, their Parents, and their Countrie, in tables. From thence, some are sent into Natolia, and other Provinces, to learne their Law and Language; where being nuzled in the superstitions customes of them, with whom they converse, they turne Mahumetans before they have discretion to discerne good from evill. Another sort is distributed into the offices of the Seraglio: The third sort (of the fairest complexions, and comliest proportion) are appointed to services in the Port of the Grand Seignior. During the time that they are counted Azamoglani, they have no certaine Governour, nor trained up in prescript orders, but some are set to keepe Gardens, some to manure Fields, other to manual occupations, and to dispatch houshold businesse, as aforesaid. At riper and abler yeares, they are called into the Schooles of the Azamoglani, (for so they are still termed till they are inrolled in the seroule of Ianizars) and then delivered over to prescribed Schoole-masters, who traine them up in exercises of labour and travell, allowing them spare diet and thin clothing. When they are well profited in that profession, whereunto they have most addicted their minds, then are they inrolled either in the roll of the Ianizars, or of Spachie. For their maintenance, the one sort are allowed no lesse than five Aspers, nor more than eight a day, the other ten.

Being inrolled for Ianizars, immediatly they enter into action, to Garrisons, or to wait in the Port.

In their journeys and expeditions, they count it religious service to spoile the cottages and houses of Christians, who must not finde fault with any outrage: whatsoever they bargaine for, they must carry it at their owne prices. They are subject to no Judge but their Aga; and he neither can give judgement of life and death upon any of them, but in cases of sedition and mutinies, and that seldome and very secretly. They enioy many immunities and privileges; by reason whereof they are crouched to, and feared of all men.

The election of the Emperour is in their power; for unlesse they approve and proclaime the Election, the instalment and investiture is of doubtfull force. Every Emperour comming to the Crowne giveth them some donative, and augmenteth their pay, so that the more the Emperours, the greater will be their entertainment. In any dangerous war, part of them goe forth with their Aga, or his Lieutenant, but these are the last men that come to blowes. There is not amongst the Turkish Honours an Office more subject to envie and jealousie than this Captainship; for hee and the Beglerbeg of Greece may not choose their Lieutenants, but the grand Seignior only: The generall favour of the Ianizars is his assured destruction.

The number commonly is foure and twenty thousand, but in our times they carry not their wonted reputations, because both Turkes and Asians are inrolled for Ianizars; whereas in former ages none were admitted but the Europian Christians. Besides, contrary to their custome, they marry wives without limitation. By their long residence about Constantinople (than the which there is not a more effeminate City in the world) they are growne vile, base, and men of small service; yea lazie, insolent, and proud above measure. It is the received opinion, that in their prowesse and discipline, consisteth the flourishing estate of this Empire; but the degenerate carriage of these men at this present (as I have before related) may afford us good hopes, by the favour of the Almighty, shortly to see an end of their licentious tyranny, as heretofore it hath befallen to the preceding Monarchies.

Besides these Ianizars he hath the Azapi, a base Besonio, sitter for the spade than the sword, entertained rather with numbers to tire, than by prowesse to defeat Armies, opposing them to all dangerous services; yea, to fill trenches with their slaine carcasses, and then to make bridges with their slaughtered bodies, for the Ianizars to passe over to the breaches. And as the Romans had their Legions and Auxiliaries, the one the slowre of their Chivalrie, the other as an aid or augmentation; even so the Turke accounteth his stipendarie horsemen or Timariots; the s•news of his armes; the Alcanza (such as he presseth out of Townes and Villages) Scar-crowes, and for ostentation; the Ianizars as the Pratorian Legions and the Azapi as • rabble of Pesants; being indeed meere hindes, and tied to serve on horse-backe for certaine privileges which they hold, in number about thirty or forty thousand, without allowance of any pay, save what they get by spoile and rapine.

Besides these, he hath at command the Tartars, as Auxiliaries, whereof there are likely threescore thousand, who live by spoile, and serve also without pay. In their Marches they scoure the Country two daies journey before: next them follow the Achangi, then the Timariots, then those few Azamoglani that bee, and lastly the Ianizars. The Chauses ride on horse-backe (and carry Bowes and Arrowes, besides their Maces and Cemiters) after whom followeth the Sultan with the Officers of the Court, and Archers of his guard; the Spahies, as aforesaid, incircling the slankes of this brave battell. The Pages, Eunuches, and carriages, followed by an other sort of Auxiliars, called Voluntaries, make the Reare; And these follow only upon hope to be entertained in their roomes of the slaine Spahies and Ianizars; their Commanders being nothing curious (in these times) to receive those that be not the sonnes of Christians into Orders. Thus have we lively described his forces at land.

At Sea; there is no Prince furnished with better meanes for building of Ships, than he; for not only the woods of Epyre and Sicilia, but also of Nicomedia & Trapezond are so huge, so thicke, and full of tall Trees, fit for all sorts of buildings, that a man would take the Trunkes, falling sometimes by violence of storme from the bankes of their Woods into the Luxine Sea, to be Triremes already built and framed. They can want no workmen to fit and square this Timber; for vile Covetousnesse hath drawne whole flocks of Christian Shipwrights into their Arsenals. The yeare after his defeature at Lepanto, he shewed his Navie whole and entire, yea, itching to cope with the Christian Armada. Neither can hee want a competent number of Marriners: for out of the Gallies which he maintaineth in Lesbo Rhodes, Cyprus, and Alexandria, and from the Havens of Tunis, Bugia, and Algier, he is able to draw a sufficient proportion of Sea-men and Gally-slaves, as often as occasion requireth, to furnish his Royall Army. The experience hereof we have seene at Mal••• at Lepanto, and Goletta. Of warlike furniture his store is infinite, his Ordnance innumerable; out of Hungary he carried five thousand; in Cyprus he won five hundred; at Goletta few lesse. The siege of Malta, wherein they discharged threescore thousand Bullets, may well declare their abundance of powder and shot: at Famagusta they discharged an hundred and eighteene thousand: at Goletta in nine and thirty daies, they rased with their uncessant vollies a Fortification which was forty yeares in building: in the last Persian warre, Osman Bassa drew after him five hundred field peeces. Where ever they come, they never cease playing with their Ordnance, till they have laid all levell with the ground; if that prevaile not, they goe to worke with Spade and Pickaxe: if that faile too, they will never give over till they have filled the Ditches with the bodies of their slaughtered souldiers.

They are Lords of three things, wherewith they terrifie the whole world: multitudes of men unconquerable; militarie Discipline (if so at this day) uncorrupted; of Corne and provisions, store infinite. Multitudes in times past have bred confusion, and commonly we have seene great armies overthrowne by small numbers; but the Turkish multitudes are managed with so good order, that although it be farre more easie to range a small Armie than a great, yet even in order have their great Armies so excelled our small ones, that I must needs conclude, that they goe farre beyond us both in discipline and numbers; herein giving place, no not to the ancient Romans, much lesse to any moderne Nation, how warlike soever. And this their due commendation consisteth not onely in Armes, but in thirst, patience, and hard diet; as for Wine, by their Law they are utterly forbidden it. In the field every ten souldiers have their Corporall, to whom without grudging they dutifully obey. You shall never see Women in their Armies; their silence is admirable, for with the becke of the hand, and signe of the countenance, they understand without words what they are to doe: rather than they will make any noise in the night, they will suffer their slaves and prisoners to escape. They punish theft and quarrelling extremely. They dare not (for their lives) step out of their rankes to spoile Vineyard or Orchard. They feare not death, beleeving their destinies to be written in their foreheads, inevitable: The valiant are assured of preferment, the cowards of punishment. They are never bilited in Townes, nor suffered to lodge one night within them. To keepe them in breath and exercise, their Princes are alwaies in action with some neighbour or other, being very jealous of the corruption of their Discipline.

The which notwithstanding, either time, pride, or the covetousnesse of the great ones hath much impaired. For in comparison of what they have beene, they are now nothing equivalent to those of other Christian Princes. The Florentine (in despight of him) with six ships only hath so kept the bottome of the Streits for these six yeares past, that they have not dared to hazard the Revenue of Aegypt by Sea; but have sent it over land with a guard of Souldiers. And because the Gallies dare not looke upon such Instruments; and yet the Admirall, supposing it no policy to let them lie unaffronted, hath done what he may to imploy and encourage the Pyrats of Algier and Tunis to undertake the service. And in truth, they have many tall Ships (the spoile of Christian Merchants) warlike appointed, yea growne expert in Navigation and all kinde of Sea-fights, by the wicked instruction of our fugitive Sea-men, and other Renegadoes. But false men will alwaies deale falsly; having no mindes to attempt any enterprise, where the victory is like to prove bloudy, and the booty worthlesse.

The Royall Navie is set forth in the beginning of Mar, to annoy the enemy, to suppresse Pyrats, to collect tribute, and to reforme disorders in the maritime Townes. It consists not of above threescore Gallies, which are all that can be spared from imployment in other places. In October the Admirall returneth from his circuit; and during Winter the Armada is dispersed, and the Gallies drawne into their dry Stations. Meane time the Pyrats, both Christian and Mahumetan flie out, and rob on the Aegean and Mediterran Seas uncontrolled, more than by the defensive strength of the assailed. Thus is he served, and thus enabled to maintaine his Servitors.

For the civill and politicke government of these Estates, he causeth a Councell to be holden foure daies in the weeke by the Bass•es, wheresoever the Prince sojourneth; if it bee in the time of peace, then at Constantinople, or in some other Towne, according to occasions, within his Dominions: if in warre, then it is kept within his Pavilion. In this Councell called Dyvan, where audience is open to every suter, first they consult of Embassies, and of answers to be made unto them; of matters of State and of Soveraignty, of the meanes to provide for decayed or ruinated Provinces, of Murders and Condemnations. And secondly, adde the Suppliants, Complainants, or Suters, speak without Advocate or Atturney, and is forced to answer presently to the information of their Adversarie, if they be present, or otherwise to prove their accusation by witnesses. Upon hearing of both parties, judgement definitive is given, and may not bee repealed.

Now as touching his Treasure, It is generally received, that he enjoyeth little lesse than fifteene millions of ordinary Revenue. And where some men thinke, that out of so large a Dominion a greater Revenue may be raised, therein they deceive themselves; in not calling to remembrance, that the Nation give their minds to nothing but warre, nor take care of any thing but provision of Armour and Weapons; courses sitter to destroy and to waste, than to preserve and inrich Provinces. Whereupon, to give courage to their Armies, and to continue them in the love of warfare, they suffer them to spoile the people, hardly leaving them wherewith to hold life and soule together. And therefore the poore men, not •ire of so much as their houshold provisions, much lesse of their wealth, (which by time and industry they may gather) take no more paines about their Husbandry and Traffick•• 〈◊〉 they needs must; yea, no more than their owne necessity, as neere as they can, shall enforce them, to make •eere at the yeares end. For say they, Why should we sow, and another reape? Or why should we reape, and another devoure the reward of our labours? This is the cause; that in the Ottoman Dominions you shall see admirable •uge Woods, all things laid waste; few Cities well peopled, and especially the better part of the fields lying unmanured. An assertion easily and probably to be proved by Constantinople it selfe. No object in the world promiseth so much afarre off to the beholders; and entered, so deceiveth expectation; the best of their private buildings being inferiour to the more contemptible of ours, and is said to containe but seven hundred thousand soules, halfe of them Turkes, and the other halfe Iewes and Christians, and those for the generall Grecians. An estimate neere which (as I have heard) our London may affoord. And no wonder: for in our Countries, by the abundance of people ariseth the dearenesse of victuals; but in Turkie, through the scarcity of Inhabitants, the greatest number of the Husbandmen perish with carrying provision, and other necessaries to the remote places, thorow which their Armies are to travell. In their Gallies likewise falleth most commonly so great a mortality, that of ten thousand Rowers haled from their houses, scant the fourth part returneth againe. This the rather hapneth, because the Turkes in Winter time (as aforesaid) mooring their Gallies, doe not inure their Sea-men and Gally-slaves to change of aire, and the discommodities of tempestuous Seas in all seasons.

The whole trade of Merchandize for the most part is in the hands of Iewes or Christians of Europe; Epidaurians, Venetians, Frenchmen, and Englishmen. In so large a Territory as the Turke hath in Europe, there is never a famous Mart-towne, but Constantinople, Capha, and Thessalonica; In Asia, but Aleppo, Damasco, Tripoli, and Adena: In Africke, Cair, Alexandria, and Algier.

Although the ordinary Revenues are no greater than aforesaid, yet the extraordinary arise to a richer reckoning, and that by confiscations and presents. For the Bassaes and great Officers (as Harpies) sucke the very bloud of the people, and after they have heaped up inestimable riches, for the most part they escheat to the coffers of the Grand Seignior. It is reported that Ibraim Bassa carried from Cair six millions, and Mahumet Visier, a farre greater masse. Ochiali, besides other riches, had three thousand slaves. The Suliana, Sister to Selim the second, received daily five and twenty hundred Chechini, and for the ease of pilgrims and travellers, (journeying betweene Cair Meca) she began to trench a water-course along the way; an enterprize great, chargeable, and majesticall.

Yea, to give you an estimate of his Revenues, I have seene a particular of his daily expences, amounting by the yeare to one million, nine hundred threescore and eight thousand, seven hundred thirty five pounds, nineteene shillings eight pence sterling, answered quarterly, without default; with the allowance of foure hundred ninety two thousand, an hundred threescore and foure pounds, foure shillings, and eleven pence; which is for every day, five thousand three hundred ninety and three pounds, fifteen shillings and ten pence; upon which account runneth for his owne diet, but one thousand and one Asper a day, according to the frugall custome of his Ancestors, amounting in sterling money by the yeare, to two thousand one hundred ninety two pounds, three shillings eight pence. Amongst five and forty thousand Ianizars, dispersed thorow his whole Dominions, every one at six Aspers a day, is expended five hundred ninety one thousand, and three hundred pounds. The tribute-children farre surmount that number, and are allowed one with another three Aspers a day. The five Bassaes, besides their ordinary revenue, receive one thousand Aspers a day: and of ordinary revenue, the chiefest receiveth for his Timar or annuitie, threescore thousand Ducats; the second, fifty thousand Ducats; the third, forty thousand; the fourth, thirty thousand; and the fifth, twenty thousand. In Europe he maintaines three Beglerbegs, viz. in Greece one, another in Hungary, and a third in Sclavonie, at a thousand Aspers a day; the fourth in Natolia; the fifth in Carmania of Asia, at like allowance. The Admirall receiveth two thousand one hundred and ninety pounds: the Captaine of the Ianizars one thousand nine hundred and fiftie pounds, besides his annuitie of twenty thousand Ducats by the yeare. The Imbrabur Bassa (Master of the Horse) receiveth three hundred and eight and twenty pounds, his annuitie is fifteene thousand Ducats. The Captaine of the Spahi, or Horse-men, receiveth one thousand nine hundred threescore and one pounds; the Capigi Bassa (head Porter) one thousand foure hundred and fourteene pounds. The Sisingar Bassa Controller of the Houshold, two hundred threescore and three pound. The Chaus Bassa (Captaine of the Pensioners) two hundred threescore and two pounds sixteene shillings, besides his annuitie of ten thousand Ducats. The residue of the foresaid account is expended upon inferiour officers and attendants upon the Court, Citie, and Armies, every man receiving according to his place and calling (viz.) the Masters of the Armory, Masters of the Artillery, Physitians, Porters of the Court and Citie, Archers of his Guard, Servitors of his Stable, Sadlers, Bitmakers, Captaines of Gallies, Masters, Boat-swaines, Pursers, Shipwrights, and such like.

Where, note by the way; That a Sultany is equall to the Chechini of Venice, and sixscore Aspers amount to a Sultanie.

To raise his Donatives to a high reckoning, it is a custome, that no Ambassadour appeare before him empty-handed; no man may looke for any office or honourable preferment, if money be wanting: no Generall may returne from his province (or journey) without presents: and you must thinke, that so magnificent a Prince will swallow no trisles.

The Va•vods of Valachia and Moldavia, hold their estates by vertue of their bribery, and yet are often changed: For the Estates are given to the best Chapmen; who make good their dayes of payment, oppresse the people, and bring the Commons to extreme povertie. Notwithstanding all this, we have seene the Persian warre to have drawne dri• his Coffers, and emptied his Treasures. Not long sithence, both at Constantinople, and thorow the whole Empire, the value of Gold was raised above beleefe; insomuch that a Chechin of Gold went for double his value, and the alay of Gold and Silver was so much abased, that the Ianizars finding themselves aggrieved thereat, brought great feare, not onely upon the Inhabitants, but also to the Grand Seignior, in threatning, That they would set fire on Constantinople. In Aleppo threescore thousand Ducats were taken up of the Merchants, in the name of the Grand Seignior.

But although his Revenues are not so great, as the spacious apprehension of so mightie an Empire, may seeme to produce; yet hath he an assistance of greater value than his surest revenues, and that is, his Timariots, or stipendaries. For it is the custome of the Ottoman Princes, to seize on all the land which they take from their enemies; and assigning a small parcell (peradventure none at all) to the ancient Lords, they divide the residue into Timars, to every Servitor a portion, viz. to every one about foure and twenty or thirtie Acres of our measure, with seed to sow it; Upon condition to pay halfe the fruits the seventh yeare, and halfe of the twelfth. Herein consisteth the chiefest preservation of the Ottoman Empire; for unlesse, upon this consideration, the care of manuring the Land were committed to these Masters; and they againe set it over unto others for their profit and lucre, all would lye waste thorow the whole Empire: themselves affirming, That whatsoever the Grand Seignior once treadeth with his horse-hoofe, (were it not for this course) there never after would grow grasse againe. With these Timars, he also maintaineth an hundred and fifty thousand horse-men, excellent well armed, and alwayes readie at their owne charges to march whither their Leaders will command them. So great a Cavalry can no other Prince maintaine, with the yearely expence of fourteene Millions of Gold. Which maketh me to wonder, that some Writers comparing the Turkish receits with the Entrado of the Christians, never spake word of so huge a member of the Turkish Puissance. It is reported, that in the warre of Persia, the Turke conquered so much land, that thereof he erected forty thousand Timars, and a new Exchequer at Tauris, from whence he receiveth yearely a Million of gold.

By these troopes, the Grand Seignior so aweth his subjects, that they no sooner can stirre, but (as so many Falcons) these Timariots are presently on their necks; And this is the drift of this dispersing them thorow the Provinces. So that one part of them is alwayes readie at the sound of the Trumpet upon all occasions to march, while the other stay at home to keepe the Inhabitants in their due obedience.

With his Treasure his Bassaes intermeddle not. But two generall Treasures (or over-feers) are chiefe dealers therein; the one residing in Romania, the other in Natolia. The Cadalisquers have the administration of Justice, who assist the Bassaes in the Divan; Neither doe any sit there but the twelve Beglarbegs, the Princes children (being Presidents in their fathers absence) and some certaine of the Cadies, to assist in matters of Law and difficultie, as is used with us in the Court of Star-chamber.

This Court is holden foure dayes in the weeke by the Bassaes, wheresoever the Prince sojourneth: if it be in the time of peace, then at Constantinople, or in some other Town, according to occasions within his Dominions: if in Warre, then it is kept within his Pavillion. In this Councell called Divan, (where audience is open to every futer) they consult of Embassies, and of answers to be made unto them, of matters of State and of Soveraigntie, of the meanes to provide for decayed or ruinated Provinces, of murders and condemnation. The Suppliant, Complainant, or Suter, speaketh without Advocate or Atturney, and is forced to answer presently to the information of his Adversary, if he be present, or to prove or disprove his accusation by witnesses. Upon hearing of both parties, judgement definitive is given, and may not be repealed. When the Councell hath sitten seven or eight houres, the Bassa visier maketh true relation to the Prince of all that hath beene handled; if he lye, it is present death: For the Prince often listeneth at a window, termed Dangerous, right against the Divan, being made in such sort that he may heare and see, and not be perceived: Though he be seldome there, yet are they alwayes suspitious: After he hath heard the discourse and advice of his Councell, he seldome gain-sayeth, but confirmeth or moderateth the same. These things thus ordered, they are written and registred by Officers appointed.

To the management also of the Civil Government, they, as the Christians, have many severall degrees of Civilians: or rather Church-men; which is a kinde of Ecclesiasticall Law, the professours whereof are all of the Clergie, if I may so terme them. And to the training up of these professors, there are certaine Houses (or Colleges) called Medressae in Constantinople, Andrianople, Burssia, and other places, in which they live, and studie their Sciences: wherein they have nine severall degrees.

The first, are called Saffi, and are the puisne Students, or Novices.

The second, are Calsi, Readers (or Tutors) unto the first.

The third, are Hogi, Writers of Bookes; for they have no Printing.

The fourth, are Naipi, or young Doctors, who are not yet so well studied in their Lawes, as to be profound, or absolute Judges, but yet are of sufficiencie to supply a Judges place, in case of absence.

The fifth, are Cadi, who are both Judges and Justices, to punish offences. Of this sort, there is one atleast in every Citie thorowout all the Grand Seigniors Dominions, they are distinguished from other men by their high Turbants, being at least two yards in compasse.

The sixth, are called Mudressi, who are as Suffragans unto their Flamins, or Bishops. Their authoritie stretcheth to over-looke Cadies, and to see that they doe their duties in their severall charges.

The seventh, are Mulli (Bishops) and are the principall Church-governours next unto the Mustee. Their office is to place and displace Church-men at discretion.

The eight are Cadeliscari: they are two great and principall Judges (or Cardinals) the one of Grecia, the other of Natolia. Selimiu the third added another over the Provinces of Aegypt, Syria, Arabia, and part of Armaria, equall in authoritie to the former. These sit every Session in the foresaid Divano amongst the Bassaes to determine temporall suits, being (as it were) chiefe Justices in dignitie and authoritie.

The ninth and principallest is the Muftee: Hee commandeth and governeth all Church-men (or Judges) whatsoever; and his sentence in matters of Law and Religion is uncontrollable: yea, the greatest Bashaws in matters of Law or difficultie referre all to his decision without appeale. Such is his greatnesse, that he may not abase himselfe to sit in the Divano; neither when he commeth into the presence of the great Seignior will he vouchsafe to kisse his hand, or to use greater reverence towards his Highnesse, than his Highnesse will afford unto him. And therefore when hee entereth the Grand Seigniors Chamber hee will presently rise, and then both sit downe face to face, and so conferre. And these be the degree; and no other, by which the poorest scholler may ascend unto the highest place of Honour in this Turkish government.

Toward the East,* 1.25 from Ta•ris to Balsara lye the Persians; Toward the South, and the Persian Gulfe, the Portugals. Toward the Red-sea, •hesterh•••. Upon the West, the Xeriffe and the Kingdome of Naples; On the North, border the Polonians and the Germans.

Without all question the Turke farre excelleth the Persian in military discipline: for Mahumet the second tooke 〈…〉 the first, (and after him his sonne Soliman) defeated Ismael and Ta•ias. Amurath the third, by his Lieutenants tooke from them all Media, the greater Armenia, and their chiefe City Tauris. Their battalions of footmen, and the use of great ordnance, which the Persians wanted, (and knew not how to manage,) were the chieft decasions of these their good fortunes. And although the Persians have sometime prevailed in horse-fights, yet hath it beene alwayes with losse of ground, not to themselves onely, but to their Confederates also. For Selim the first tooke from the Momeluks, Syria, and Aegypt: and Amurath the third almost extinguished the Nation of the Georgians, their surest allies.

To the Portugals hee is farre inferiour; for in Sea-fights and Sea-forces there is as great inequality betweene them,* 1.27 as betweene the Ocean, and the Persian Gulfe. The Portugals have in India Havens and Castles, Territories and Dominions, plentifull in timber, provision, and all sorts of warlike furniture for the Sea, nor without many great Princes, their Allies & Confederates: whereas the Turke hath no one place of strength in the Persian Gulfe, except Balsara. That tract of the Sea-coast of Arabia, which standeth him in stead, hath but foure Townes, and those weake, and of small esteeme, which is sufficient to indure: So that in this Gulfe, as likewise in the Red-Sea, he hath small meanes to rigge out any strong, Armada. Besides the soile is utterly barren of timber fit for building of Gallies: for which scarcity whensoever he had occasion to set forth a Navie, hee was constrained to send downe his stuffe from the Havens of Bithynia and Cilicia, by Nilus to Cair, and from thence to convey it over land upon Camels backes, to his Arsenall at Suez. What successe his fleets have had in those parts, may bee read in the discourse of Portugal: for the Portugals take great care to prevent him of setting foot in those Seas, yea, when they but heare that hee provideth Sea-forces, they presently make out, and spoile whatsoever they light upon.

For Captains, Souldiers, Armes, and Munition, he is better provided than Prester Iohn; for this Prince hath a large territory without munition, & infinite Souldiers without weapons; Baruangasso his Lieutenant lost all the aforesaid Sea-coast of the Red-Sea, and brought the Abessine into such extremity, that to obtaine peace he promised payment of a yearely tribute. In Africke he hath a greater jurisdiction than the Xeriffe: For he is Lord of all those Provinces which lie betweene the Red-sea, and Velez de Gomera: but the Xeriffe hath the richer, the stronger, and the better united. Neither of them for the neighbourhood of the King of Spaine, dare molest one another.

The residue of his neighbours are the Christians, and first the King of Poland: what either of these Princes can effect the one against the other, hath beene manifest by their forepassed actions. In some sort it seemeth that the Turke feareth the Polaques: For, upon sundry occasions being provoked (as in the reigne of Henry the third, in that war which Ivonia Vaivod of Walachia made with the said Turks, wherin great numbers of Polaques served) and (in the reigne of Sigismund the third,) notwithstanding the incursions of the Kosacks, and the inrodes of Iohn Zamoschus, Generall of Polonia; he stirred not, neither with wont-like disdaine; once offered to revenge so great an indignity. Againe, They, since the unfortunate journey of Ladislaus, never enterprized journey against the Turks. no, nor at any time aided the Walachians their neighbours, their friends and Confederates, but suffered whatsoever they held upon the Euxine Sea to bee taken from them. But the smothering of this, wrong I rather attribute to the base minde of their King, than to want of good will or courage, either in the Gentry or Nobility. Sigismund the first, being by Leo the tenth moved to warre upon the Turke, answered; Few words shall serve; first make firme peace betweene the Christian Princes, then will I be nothing behinde the forwardest. Sigismund the second bare a minde so farre abhorring from war, that he also never made attempt against this enemie, but being injured by the Moscovite, he let him likewise doe that what he would, unrevenged. King Stephen, a great politician, thought the warre of Turki full of danger, notwithstanding discoursing with his familiars, he would often say, that if he had but thirty thousand good footmen joyned to his Polonian Horsemen, hee could willingly have found in his heart to have tried his fortune with this enemie.

The Princes of Austrich are borderers by a farre larger circuit of land than any other Potentate, and being constrained to spend the greatest part of their revenues in the continuall maintenance of twenty thousand footmen and horsemen in garrisons; they seeme rather to stand content to defend their owne, than any way minded to recover their losses, or to inlarge their bounds. Ferdinands journey to Buda and Possovia, was rather to be counted couragious, than prosperous: the reason was; not because his souldiers wanted strength and courage, but skill and discipline. For numbers he was equall to the enemie, and reasonably well furnished with necessaries, but his troopes consisted of Germans and Bohemians, Nations by influence heavie, slow, and nothing fit to match the Turkes, skilfull and ready in all warlike exercises.

The Venetians likewise are borderers for many hundred miles space by Sea and land: but they maintaine their estate by treaties of peace, by traffike and presents, rather than by open hostilitie; providing very strongly for their places exposed to danger, and avoiding all charges and hazard of warre, yea, refusing no conditions; (if not dishonourable) rather than willing to trie their fortune in battell. And the reason is, not because they want money and sufficiencie of warlike furniture, but souldiers and proportionable provisions for one sole State to provide against so extraordinarie an enemie.

For, if time hath proved, that neither the Emperours of Trapizond and Constantinople, nor the Sultans of Aegypt, nor the puissant Kings of Persia and Hungarie, have beene able to maintaine themselves against this enemie; who can but commend this honourable State, for their warinesse, and moderate carriage?

For howsoever of custome, for affectation, or admiration we carry to Antiquity, we use to extenuate things present, and (like old men) we fashion our selves to extoll the ages past, and complaine of times: yet if we will speake without partiality, we must needs confesse, that never since the worlds first creation in any age was there found a body of warre so politickly devised, so strongly cemented, and so severely disciplined as is this, for greatnesse and powerfulnesse.

Which the effects thereof may well witnesse, with the fortunate successe of continuall victory. I may not stand hereto recount the extreme diligence and circumspection of Ottoman, the first raiser and founder of this Empire; nor the wily wit and cunning of his sonne and successor Orchanes, who first passed his Turkish forces into Europe, after he had taken Prusia from the Greeks, and subdued Carmania: nor yet the wisdome and dexterity of Amurath, in espying of advantages, and prosecuting of them: Nor will I make any long discourse to intreat of Bajacet, who conquered Bulgaria, and destroyed Bosnia: neither of Amurath the second, who in person fought six and thirty battels, and in all departed Conquerour: And yet his sonne Mahumet the second exceeded him, and all before him. Equall to him was Selim the first, who in eight yeares razed and extirpated the whole Empire of the Mamelukes, defeated two Sultans, and adjoyned to the purchases of his predecessors Aegypt, Cerenaica, and Syria, a good part of Arabia, and all that which lieth betweene the Syrtes of Aegypt and Euphrates. And more than this, did in a pitched field overthrow the Sophy of Persia. The memory of Soliman is yet fresh, who for Armes was no whit inferiour to his ancestors, but for gravity, constancie, civill carriage, and fidelity of his word, went beyond them all. He wan the Island of the Rhodes from the Knights of S. Iohn of Ierusalem, tooke Belgrade from the Hungarians, with a great part of that Kingdome; and from the Persians Babylon, and Dyerbecha, the two maine fortresses of the Turkish Empire in those quarters. All which notwithstanding this honourable State, having both before them, and on both their skirts this so-powerfull an enemy, covering both Sea and Land with his forces, have to this day by their provident wisdome, so governed their affaires, that in despight of him they have hitherto maintained themselves not onely in liberty, but also in prosperity and reputation of greatnesse.

His last neighbour is the King of Spaine, betweene whom there is no great difference, you shall heare the Spaniard say, that the Kings revenues (they meane those of Europe only) exceed the Turkish: for he receiveth more than foure millions out of his Provinces of Italy and Sicilie, two and upward out of Portugal, and three from the Indies, one yeare with another. In these onely he equallizeth the Turke, yea, and in the ordinary revenues of Castile, Arragon, and Belgia he farre exceeds him. But what can you finde (say some men) to compare to his Timars? First I answer, that as the Kings revenues are farre greater than the Turks; so also his Subsidies which he levieth extraordinarily (of late times for the most part turned into ordinary, as his Croisados) doe amount to as much as the entire profits of some whole Kingdome. His tenths of the spirituall livings, are able to maintaine one hundred strong Gallies: his eicheats in Spaine and Naples, bring more into his Coffers than a man would thinke. His benevolences and presents sent him from Naples, Sicily, Sardinia, Millan, and the New-world, are infinite and magnificent. Not long since Castile granted a contribution of eight millions of gold to be paid in foure yeares, which summe amounteth to the Turks whole Revenue of one yeare. What should I speake of his Commendams of the orders of Montegia, Calatravia, Alcantara, and S. Iames, which were enough, if he had nought else to suffice him: he is great Master of the said orders, and thereby hath meanes to advance and enrich his servants, whomsoever he pleaseth, as freely as if he were King of France and Poland. Also in Spaine he keepeth three thousand good horsemen, and as many in Flanders; in Millan foure hundred men at Armes, and a thousand light-horse: in Naples fifteene hundred men at Armes, and a great company of light-armed Italians. The number of his souldierie in Sicily is one thousand five hundred. Neither are his feodaries lightly to bee esteemed, who upon necessity are bound by their tenures, at their owne charges to serve personally in the field, especially if you consider their numbers, wherein are reckoned three and twenty Dukes, two and thirty Marquesses, nine and forty Viscounts, seven Archbishops, (for they likewise in this case are bound to contribute, as the great Lay-Lords) three and thirty Bishops. And in Naples fourteene Princes, five and twenty Dukes, seven and thirty Marquesses, foure and fifty Earles, foure hundred forty eight Barons, to speake nothing of Portugal, Sicily, Sardinia, and Millan. Lastly, you must note, that these troopes to whom the Turke granteth these Timars, are not so renowned for their valour, as for their number: For the Timars and profits of their Villages and possessions, together with the greedy desire of enriching themselves with the demaines of their Farmes, hath bred such love of ease and peace in their mindes, that they are growne cowardly and base minded; by their good wills hating the travels of warre and journeyes, and marching with a greater desire of returning home to enjoy the pleasures of their Gardens, and the plenty of their Granges, than with stomacks to cope with their adversaries, or to enrich themselves by hazard. For if by a little pillage, fierce and valiant Souldiers have become cowards, and men of small service; what will faire possessions, a pleasant seat, a rich dairy, and wife and children left behind, bring to passe? I may well say, and say truly, that these Timariots are fitter to bridle and keepe under the subdued Provinces, than to fight in field against armed Nations: and to this use it is good policy to maintaine them. For who knoweth not that the Turkish subjects doe hate his Government, his Religion and Tyranny? For Religion onely, the Moores and Arabians, who differ in opinion: and for Religion and Tyranny, the Christians, who make more than two third parts of his Subjects. For jealousie hereof, hee is forced to keepe the greater part of these troops at home, unlesse hee should lay naked his estates to infinite casualties. To speake in a word, his Cavalrie is so farre and wide dispersed thorowout the Provinces, that they cannot easily be drawne to any famous journey in great numbers, without losse of long time; neither are they able to stay long from their houses, but they will fall into diseases and extremities: so that if the Grand Seignior had no other aids neerer hand but these Timariots, hee might happen to make very many unfortunate journeyes.

The experience offore-passed exploits, doth well shew the difference of their severall forces. The losse of the Spanish Fleet at Zerby, may bee put in the balance against the Turkish flight from Malta. The losse of Goletta, against the taking of the Rocke of Velez. Tunis is alwaies to be taken at his pleasure, who hath a liking thereto. The Spanish King never enterprized any sole journey against the Turke; but he hath valiantly defended his owne at Malta and Oran. I will speake nothing of the defeature at Lepanto, for other Princes had their shares therein.

A treaty of truce was mentioned betweene both Princes not many yeares since, and equally accepted of both parties. For the one was invested in the Warre of Persia, the other in the commotions of the Low Countries. These Warres, by reason of their remote distances, were extreme chargeable to both Princes, but worser to the King than to the Turke: for although Persia be farre from Constantinople (from whence the principall smewes of the warre were to bee drawne) yet it bordereth upon Mesopotamia and other subdued Provinces, from whence his Armies were supplied with provisions and treasures, but Belgia is farre distant from any part of the Spanish Dominions. The Turke hath to doe with the Persian (a State without any mighty confederate worth speaking of) but the King was ingaged in a warre (of greatest difficulty) favoured by the English, the French, and the Germans, Nations severally equall in all points to the Persian.

Of those Countries which the Turkes terme Romania.

And now that we have runne over the spacious Provinces of this mighty, rich, and dreadfull Potentate; we will also in some sort, to the pleasure of the Reader, relate many the particulars of those good and ancient Regions, which at this day this Saracenicall Nation termeth by the names of Romania and Natolia. Romania at this day is taken for that part of Christendome which was anciently called Grecia, and containeth the Provinces of Thrace, with his Chersonesus vulgarly, the streight of Gallipoli, Macedon, Epyre, now Albania; Achaia, now Livadia; Peloponnesus, now Morea; and the Iland of the Archipelago.

Untill the comming of Cyrus King of Persia, these Provinces remained in freedome, but of all others he first gave them the yoke of subjection. After him Xerxes the sonne of Darius, with the succeeding Princes of Persia, did no lesse afflict them. When their turne was past, Philip King of Macedon acted his part, and united them under his owne Dominion, untill the daies of Perseus, whom the Romans subdued and subjected. But the Roman Empire being divided into the East and West, the Grecians beganne their Empire under Constantine the Great, and ruled honourably many ages, untill the descent, first of the Goths, secondly of the Bulgars, thirdly of the Sarazens, and lastly of the Turks, who slew their Emperour, and seized on the Empire. Who at this day (except some Relikes, remaining under the Venetian Dominion) possesse the greatest part thereof, as well upon the Continent as in the Ilands. Those that are under the Venetian jurisdiction (saith Bellonius) little differ, especially in Religion, from those that are tributary to the Turke: for both sorts being mingled, those that are subject to the Turks, live like the Turks; and those that live under the Venetians, doe as doe the Venetians. So unspeakable is the rudenesse of either, that through all their Cities you shall not finde a Schoole to instruct their youth. Promiscuously all speake the Greeke tongue corrupted from the ancient, but some better than others. The Burghers subject to the Italians, speake Italian as well as Greeke, but the Villagois altogether Greeke. And so the Grecians which are subject to the Turke, in Cities speake Turkish and Greeke; the Villagois onely Greeke; and in places of Trafficke they borrow one from another, according as their businesse is with those with whom they negociate. And as they differ in language, so doe they in attire. Those that serve the Venetians, goe apparelled like Venetians; those that live under the Turke, like Turkes. Both the Ilanders and those that live on the Continent, as well in Europe as in Asia, although subject to Turkie, keepe their ancient Christian faith. Long agoe they rejected the primacy of the Latine Church, and elected to themselves Patriarches, whom they acknowledge for their chiefe Pastors, and have appointed them their severall Sees. Whom not onely the Grecians thus obey, but likewise all those Provinces which follow the Greek Church, as Circassia, Walachia, Bulgaria, Moscovia, Russia, the better part of Polonia, Mongrelia, Bosnia, Albania, Sclavonia, some part of Tartarie, Syria, Croatia, and generally all the Provinces about the Euxine Sea. In number they are foure, viz. the Patriarks of Constantinople, Alexandria, Ierusalem, and Antioch.

Of these, the Patriarch of Constantinople is Primate; sitteth in Constantinople, and chiefly moderateth over the Caloieri, (so are the Greeke Priests termed) which reside in Mount Athos, and generally over all Christians, professing the rites of the Greeke Church thorowout Europe; and for the Monasteries of Mount Athos, and all other dispersed over Europe, he paieth the Turke yearely 12000. ducats.

The Patriarch of Alexandria moderateth in Aegypt and Arabia, and his dwelling places in Memphis and Cair, are not much inferiour to his of Constantinople.

The Patriarch of Ierusalem absolutely moderateth in Iudea, & overall Professors of the Greeke Religion thorowout Syria. And must of necessity every yeare, on the fifteenth day of August, efficiate at the solemne Service in the Monastery situated upon Mount Libanus.

The Patriarch of Antioch precedeth in those Monasteries and Greeke Churches, which are in Beritus, Tripolis, Aleppo, and other places of Asia. And in these places, as in all other, the Turke permitteth the Grecians to use their consciences freely, so they performe their due and accustomed tributes.

A Nation no lesse scattered than the Iew, but infinitely more populous; three parts of the Inhabitants of all Greece and Romania being Grecians, besides those who dwell in the Ilands of the Mid-land Sea, Propontis and Aegeum. Infinite numbers there are of them also in the lesse and greater. Asia, and in Africa not a few. A people once so excellent, that their precepts and examples doe still remaine as approved Canons to direct the minde that affecteth vertue: Admirable in Arts, and glorious in Armes, famous for Government, and passionate affectors of freedome; but now drowned in ignorance and contented slavery, having (as it should seeme) utterly lost their mindes with their Empire. So base, as to be imagined, that they had rather remaine as they be, than indure a temporary trouble to redeeme their pristinate estates, delighting in nothing but in ease, in shades, in dancing and drinking.

Thrace hath on the East the Euxine Sea, the Thracian Bosphorus, Propontis, and Hellespont: on the North, the Mount Hemus; upon the West, the higher Mysia, and part of Macedon; on the South, the Archipelago. It is a most Noble Province, cold, plaine, and admirable populous, stored with Graine, Pulse, and excellent Wine towards the Sea-side: but towards the up-land (lying more subject to cold) it is not so fertile nor wooddy.

In it stands many goodly Cities: Philipopolis, Nicopolis, Hadrianopolis, and amongst many other Constantinopolis, by Heaven erected to be the head of an Empire; as the onely seat which the Romans, Greekes, and now the Turks, have chosen and reputed to be most commodiously seated, not for the government onely of the Empire, but as they conceit of the whole world.

Gallipolis is another famous portion thereof: I will not stand to describe these trivials, yet is it a place of great moment, and therein resideth a Governour, or Lord Admirall, without whose licence no ship of what Country soever may passe the streight, but he must there cast Anchor at least for three dayes, untill the Turkes have made full search, whether they transport any slaves or prohibited wares by stealth, or no.

Next followeth Macedon, a fertile region inclosed with hils, and neere the Ionian sea, plaine and woodie. That it was once the Empresse of the East, it is well knowne, but at this day it is Turkish, and without any famous Cities, save in a peece of Albania. In it is nothing memorable but the Mount Athos, or the holy Mount. It is 75. miles in compasse, three dayes journey long, and halfe a dayes journey broad, resembling the shape of a man lying with his face upward, whose highest Cone, alwayes covered with snow, is seene thirtie miles off at Sea. It is exceeding fertile in Grasse, Fruit, Oyle, and Wine. Long agoe it was dedicated in honour of Saint Basile to the Greeke Caloieri, and endowed with privileges, which at this day it enjoyeth by the Turkes good favour; that is to say, that no man neither Grecian nor Turke may inhabit in this place, except he be a Priest. So that their number in these dayes are about six thousand, dispersed into twentie and foure Monasteries, ancient and warlike, so built for feare of theeves and pyrats, although there be no such great cause. In these Monasteries are many relickes, which cause great concourse of people, and they are stately built, and richly adorned.

This hill is in as great request with the Grecians for their sanctimonious strictnesse of life, as is Rome with the Latines; yea, the Turks themselves doe send hither many bountifull almes. None of them live idly, but must doe somewhat, and so doe daily for the oeconomike of the house; as to dresse Vines, fell Timber; yea to build ships, and such like mechanicall labours. They are poorely clad, like Hermits, neither weare they shirts of Linnen, but Woollen; and them they spin, and sow themselves, never giving themselves to studie: and that more is, many of them can neither write nor read. And yet notwithstanding, if any man have occasion to journey by their houses, he shall, if he please, finde viands scot-free, according to his calling.

Epyre, now Albania, was once a very famous Province, as witnesseth P. Aemilius. It had in it seventie Cities, now destroyed, and turned into ruines, or Villages, meanly inhabited. For the most part it is woodie, and barren, but neere the sea, fertile and adorned with very beautifull havens.

Achaia is a very goodly Region, as may be gathered by the goodly Cities, which therein once flourished (viz.) Delphos, Thebes, Athens, Megara, & many moe now destroyed.

So is Peloponnesus, termed by Plinie the bulwarke of Greece. It yeeldeth all things that man can desire, either for life or pleasure. And although the ancient Cities be now defaced, yet is it for quantitie, the best peopled part of Greece. It is now under the Turke, and counted the best Sangiakship in Turkie, as bound to bring at the commandment of the Beglerbeg of Greece, one thousand horsemen under his owne pay. It is worth yearely fourteene Ducats. The Ilands adjoyning unto these large continents, I will not discourse of: for as they are diverse in worth and estimation, so are they many in number, and (for the most part) not worthy relation.

Dalmatia, is at this day divided into Sclavonia, Dalmatia and Albania. Sclavonia lieth upon the West, Albania upon the East, and in the middle, Dalmatia. In all fertilitie it is as good as Italy. Of a Countrie first wasted by Caesar Augustus; secondly by the Gothes; thirdly by the Turkes, and at this day shared amongst three such Lords, as are the Venetians, the Turke, and the Emperour; it may be said to be reasonable well inhabited. And so it is having many fine Cities in it, as Iadera, Ragusa, &c. Howbeit, that part which is subject to the Turke, lieth almost desart, by reason of their continuall inrodes.

Bossina, or Maesia superior, is also a parcell of Illyria, and erected into a Turkish Beglerbeg-ship, having under it nine Sangiaks. Servia, now Rascia, lieth between Bosnia and Bulgaria; it was taken by the Turke 1438. and reduced into a Sangiak-ship under the Beglerbeg of Buda. Bulgaria, which some take for the lower Maesia, is so famous a Province, that the Turkish Emperour hath erected it for the cheife Seat of the Beglerbeg of Europe; under whose command are twentie and one Sangiaks.

Valachia containeth the two Provinces of Moldavia and Transalpina. Valachia is a plaine and fertile Countrey smally inhabited, and destitute of fire-wood; but stored with excellent Horse, Cattell, and Mines of Gold and Silver, if the people durst dig them for feare of the Turkes. It is 500. miles long, and 120. broad. It hath one Archbishop, and two Bishops, and is more populous than Moldavia. They speake both one language, being almost halfe Italian. This Countrey and Moldavia are plagued with three bad neighbours, viz. the Turkes, the Tartars, and the Cassoks. They follow the Greeke Church, and in matters of Religion obey the Patriarch of Constantinople. They are the same which in ancient times were called Daci. The Turks have often attempted with their mightiest powers to have made a small conquest of these Provinces, but they have hitherto bin valiantly resisted, and repulsed, partly by the Natives, and partly by the Polonians, Transylvanians, and the Cassoks, in dislike of each others bad neighbourhood. Yet is it tributarie to the Grand Seignior, and payeth him yearely twentie foure thousand Chechini.

Moldavia, being in a manner round is almost 300. English miles over every way. It hath two Archbishopricks, and two Bishopricks, and is exceeding fertile in Corne, Wine, Grasse, and Wood. It affordeth great plentie of Beefe and Mutton, and therwith feedeth Polonia, a great part of Germanie, & the populous citie of Constantinople. A great & fat Oxe in this Country is valued but at thirtie shillings, a Sheepe at three shillings. The tenth whereof (which of duty is yearely payed to the Prince) amounteth to 150000. The Clergie and Gentrie (for they alwayes can make best shift for themselves) contribute no parcell hereof. It hath a small River passing thorow the Country, and falleth into Danubius, neere unto Gallatz, called Pruta, the water whereof (as also of Danubius) is unwholsome to drinke, for it causeth the body to swell. In 1609. certaine English Gentlemen travelling 240. miles in this Country, could meet but with nine Towns and Villages in all the way, and yet for above a hundred miles space together, the Grasse groweth at least one yard high, and rotteth every yeare upon the ground for want of Cattell and manurance. On the East, it hath the black Sea, on the West Podalia: on the North the Tartars; and on the South the Danubie, and the Country of Bulgaria. It payeth yearely unto the Great Turke by way of Tribute 3200. Chechini, besides one thousand horses, sent yearely unto Constantinople for a present, from both these Princes, of Moldavia, and Valachia. It also payeth tribute to the Polander, but how much I cannot shew you.

Therin dwell many Armenians, Iewes, Hungarians, Saxons, and Ragusians, who forestall the whole traffick in those parts bartering their Corne and Wine into Russia and Polonia, and their Skins, Wax, Hony, powdered Beefe, Butter and Pulse, into Constantinople. The Malmesey likewise which is transported out of Creet into Poland and Germany, is carried thorow this Country, whereof the Vaivod receiveth a massie impost.

Of those Countries which at this day the Turks terme Natolia.

THat which the Turkes at this day terme Natolia, or Turcia major, once Asia minor, comprehendeth the Provinces of Pontus, Bithynia, Asia it selfe, Lycia, Galacia, Pamphylia, Cappadocia, Cilicia, and Armenia the lesse; and in these Provinces of ancient times flourished the States and Kingdomes of the Trojans, of Mithridates, of Craesus, of Antigonus, of the Paphlagonians, of the Galathians, of the Cappadocians, and Phrygians: All which at this day are not sufficient to satisfie the onely ambition of the Turkish tyranny. The Inhabitants for the most part are Mahumetans, and naturall Turkes, of simpler natures than the Turkes of Europe, and nothing so cruell as the Renegado Christians. Yet are there many Christians among them in many of these Regions, following the Rites of the Greeke Church. Among these Turkes, there is no acknowledgement of Superioritie, Bloud or Nobility, but all are equall slaves to the Grand Seignior, over whom he appointeth Beglerbegs and Sanziaks. They are either a kinde of idle or lofty people, for they are smally industrious, and were it not for their slaves, their grounds would generally lie unmanured.

Pontus and Bithynia are now united under one name, and called Bursia. Here once reigned the great King Mithridates; and here stood the famous Cities of Chalcedon, Nicomedia, Apamaea, Prusia, Nice, and Heraclea Ponti.

Asia propria, now Sabrun, is the peculiar Province of Asia minor, & containeth in it many famous Provinces; as Phrygia major & minor, Caria, Mysia, &c. In Phrygia minor stood that Noble citie of Troie, famous at this day (saith Bellonius, an eie-witnesse) for its very ruines of wals, gates, circuit, and marble sepulchers, found upon the wayes without the wals.

Pamphilia, now Caramania, is one of the old seven Sangiakships of Turkie, and yeeldeth 8000. ducats of yearly revenue. In this Country, as also in Cilicia, are woven those fine cloths which we call Chamblets, watered and unwatered, they are made of the haire of Goats so fine and white, as no Silke can surpasse them in those two properties.

Cappadocia, now Amasia, is a goodly Country, and the seat of the Turks eldest Son. In it are many goodly cities, as Trapezond, once the seat of the Comneni, Emperors of Trapezond, whose Name and Progenie ahumet the second utterly extinguished.

Cilicta now part of Caramania, is a good Country: the Inhabitants are given to pasturing of Goates for lucre of their fleeces, of which they make their Chamblets; but otherwise, neither given to Fishing, Navigation, nor Husbandrie. At the foot of Mount Taurus (saith Bellonius are divers small Villages, and excellent pastures about them, which for the fertilitie thereof should seeme to be one of the Turkish Races: from thence he culleth out every yeare six hundred horse of service, which they highly esteeme, and name Caramanni.

Armenia minor is a better soile, and more populous than Cappadocia, and round about incircled with tall, huge, broken, and wooddie mountaines.

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

IN Asia, unto which we now are come, the Turkish Empire hath the first place. Mela in his first Booke maketh mention of the Turkes,* 1.1 and so doth Pliny, Lib. 6. Cap. 7. And it is not to bee doubted but that Nation which is now growne so great by our sloth and dissention was both named and originally descended from them. Postellus thinketh that the Hebrewes did call them Togarma. They doe call themselves Musulmanni, that is, the Circumcised, or as some doe interpret it, the Right Beleevers. But they will not be called Turkes, for they account that name very reprochfull, which in the Hebrew language signifies Banisht men, or as some doe interpret it, Spoilers or Wasters. The Empire of the Ottoman Family which is very large and potent, doth containe many Provinces and Countries of Europe,* 1.2 Affrick, and Asia. In Europe it extendeth and stretcheth it selfe neere the Sea shore of the Hadriatick Bay from the borders of Epidaurus, now called Ragusus, and so encompassing all the Aegean Sea, and also Propontis, and a great part of the Euxine Sea, it is bounderd with the Citty Theodosia, situate in the Taurican Chersonesus, which they now call Caffa; which space of ground containeth 8000. miles. In the Mediterranean parts it reacheth from Iavarinus a Towne of Hungary, which the Inhabitants call Rab, even to Constantinople, which is seated in the borders of Europe. In Affrick Turky doth containe all the Sea Coast from the Towne Bellis de Gomera, even to the Arabian Bay, or the red Sea, except some few places which are subject to the King of Spaine. It doth also extend it selfe very farre into Asia. The Country for the most part is fruitfull, and yeeldeth great store of Wheate,* 1.3 Barley, Oates, Rye, Beanes, Millet, and other kindes of Pulse. It hath abundance of Rice, Hempe, and Cotton. It hath also Vineyards. It yeeldeth also great store of Pompions, Mellons, Cowcumbers, Nuts, Apples, Peares, Pomegranats, Oranges, Chestnuts, Figges, Cherries, and other fruits; but not in every Kingdome. For there are some places, as in Cappadocia and Armenia the lesse, where none of these fruits doe grow, by reason of the intensive and excessive cold. It hath also veines of Gold, Silver, Iron, Brasse, and Allom. It doth breed divers kindes of living creatures, and great store of Cammels, Mules, and other Cattell. The Turkish Horses and Mastiffes are much esteem'd.* 1.4 The Turkish Empire began thus. Ottoman their first Emperour was a Tartarian, and a Souldier to the great Cham, a stout man, and strong of body. He leaving the Tartarians under the colour of some injury, began to lye in waight about the Mountaines of Cappadocia. At first he had but 40. Horsemen with him; but afterward many guilty persons, allor•d with the hope of booty and the consciousnesse of their wicked deeds, flocked unto him: by whose ayde and assistance he began to attempt openly, what he formerly intended, and so possessed himselfe of Cappid••ia, P•ontus, Bithyma, Pamphilia, and Cilecia, all rich Countries. This was done about the veere of our Lord 1300. After him succeeded his Sonne Or•hanes. He by the same Arts, but with greater strength of wealth and riches, preserved and enlarged the Empire which he had received from his Father, and made great use of the present opportunity, the Christians being at that time in dissention amongst themselves: whereby it came to passe that hee conquerd Mysia, Ly•a•ia, •hr•g••, and •aria, and also he besieged and tooke Nicaea: and enlarged his Kingdome even to the Hellespont. At that time the Palaeologie•s contended with Cae•a•uzens. But hee knowing before hand that if hee should savour him, hee should bee called into Eur•pe, he past it over, and sh•••d posterity a way how to vexe Europe. In his latter time hee was kill'd in a battaile against the Tartarians, after he had raigned 21. yeeres. After him succeeded his Sonne Amurath, who was cunning in simulation and disimulation, couragious, hardy, and not inferiour to hi• Ancestor• for Military affaires. He cunningly nourished those aforesaid dissentions betweene the Graecians, who being wearied and tyred with continuall warre, having hired Ships of the Genoa•s (behold the tr•• herousnesse and covetousnesse of men) did passe over our of Asia into Thrace, in the yeere 1363. he tooke Callipolis which is seated in the Che•sonesus, after which a great part of Thrace yeelded it selfe. Afterward he overcame Mysia, the Bessians, and Triballians. Afterward having taken Adrianopolis, and thinking to get •ervia and Bulgaria, he was stabbed with a dagger by Servius Servant to Lazarus the Lord of Servia whom he had tooke prisoner in the Warres. Hee left two Sons, Soliman and Bajazet. Bajazet after his Brother was slaine, obtaining the government, purposed to conquer & subdue all Thrace. He was a man of a sharp wit, and an aspiring mind, bold in attempting diligent in contriving▪ stout in suffering, acute and wise in foreseeing oportunities and occasions, and resolute in executing. Insomuch that having subdued all Thrace, he purposed to attempt Constantinople, but first he thought it good to possesse himself of Thessaly, Macedon, •h•cides, and Attica▪ and afterward the Prince of Bulgaria being slaine, hee subdued the Mysians (who are now called Servians) the •••rians who are called Bosnensians) & the Triballians (now Bulgarians.) And now having besieged Constantinople eight yeere, fearing the comming of the Hungarian and French Army, which the Emperor brought with him, he raiseth his Siege, and meetes with them at Nicopolis, where joyning battel with them, he got the victory, the most part of the French Captaines being either slaine or tooke Prisoners. Bajazet growing proud with this good successe, marcheth againe to Constantinople, and besieged it two yeeres together, so that the besieged were ready to yeeld, but that Tamerlaine the great Cham of the Tartars had purposed and resolved to waste all Asia with fire and sword, to race the Citties, and take all the pillage hee could get, and so being terrified with his approach he left the Citty, and so carryed his Army to the borders of Galatia and Bithynia, where they met and fought untill it was deepe in the night. But Bajazet being too weake, was overcome, and being taken Prisoner, he was bound with Golden Fetters, and so carryed in a Cage thorow Asia. And long afterward he dyed in Asia, after he had raigned 13. yeeres 6. moneths. He left these Sonnes, Calapinus, Moyses, Mahumet, and Mustapha. Calapinus dyed suddenly, whose Sonne Orchanes was murthered by his Uncle Moyses, and Moyses by his Brother Mahumet. This Mahumet overcame all Valachia, and Macedon, and carried the Turkish Colours even to the Jonian Sea: hee built himselfe a Palace at Adrianopolis, and after he had raigned 17. yeeres, he departed this life in the yeere of our Lord 1422. After him Amurath the second got the Empire. He being brought into Thrace by the ayde of the Genoas, in a Battell overcame his Uncle Mustephus, whom the Graecians did favour more. Hee raced and demolisht the ancient Citty of Thessalonica, which was then a faire Citty, pleasant, rich, and well seated, which the Venetians then held. And when he understood that the friendship of George Lord of Servia would bee much availeable unto him both to sett and establish his owne affaires, and to weaken the Christians, he sought by all meanes to win him to his side, and moreover he married his Daughter. And now being confident in his owne strength, hee besiegeth Belgrade. There were slaine at this Siege 7000. Turkes. After him there succeeded Mahumet the second. Hee having established his government by the murther of his Brother, tooke Constantinople in the yeere 1458. on the last day save one of May. Two yeeres afterward he marched to Belgrade, but there having lost many of his men, he departed from thence wounded. Afterward he possessed himselfe of Bulgaria, Dalmatia, and Croatia, with all Rassia. He tooke also Trapezuntes and Mytilenes, with some other Ilands of Aegean Sea. Hee tooke also Eubaea and Theodosia, now called Caphas. Hee governed the Empire 32. yeeres. Bajazet the second waged warre with the Venetians; and tooke from them Naupailum, Methona, and Dyrrachium. And having depopulated and wasted all Dalmatia, he dyed by poison. His Sonne Selymmus invaded the Empire. Who having tooke Alcair the strongest Citty of Aegypt, and the Sultane being slaine, he added all Alexandria and Aegypt to his Empire, and tooke Damascus. Solyman the onely Sonne of Selimus succeeded his Father, and tooke Belgrade the strongest Fortresse, and Bulwarke not onely of Hungary, but of all the Christian World. He tooke Rhodes, Strigonium▪ and •uda, and other Citties, and he besieged Vienna in Anstria, and at length dyed at Zygethus, in the yeere of his raigne 47. Selimus the second succeeded after him, who made a Truce with the Emperour Maximilian for 8. yeeres, and tooke Cyprus from the Venetians. He possest himselfe of Tunetum and Goleta, and dyed in the yeere 1575. After whom succeeded Amurath, and after him Mahumet the third, who began his raigne with the murther of his 18. Brethren. He hath 4. rich Citties in these Territories, Constantinople, Alcairum, Aleppo, Taurisum. Constantinople was heretofore called Bizantium, of which we have spoke in Thrace. For it excelleth all other Citties. The Turkes have a great care to build spacious Meschites or Temples, and Carbarsara or Hospitals, also Baths, Conduits, Bridges, High-waies, and other publike workes, which the Turkes doe build very faire. The Church of Sophia in Constantinople is the fairest of all the rest, which remaineth still, as Bellonius witnesseth, and doth farre exceed the Romane Pantheon, where all the gods were worshipped. I omit the Turkes royall Palace, and many ancient Monuments for brevity sake. The Ottoman government is Lordly. For the Turkish Emperour is so absolute a Lord within his owne Dominions, that the Inhabitants are his Slaves and Subjects: neither is any one Master of himselfe, much lesse Lord of the House which he dwelleth in, or of the Land which he tilleth, except some Families in the Citty of Constantinople, to whom Mahomet the second in reward of some service did grant that Priviledge.

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

IN Liconia is found the City of Iconium, the regall seate of the Aladine Saltans, the ruine of Lystra where Timothy was borne, and where Paul and Barnabas healing a criple were adored for Mercury and Iupiter.

In Pisidia was the famous battell fought betweene Cyrus and Artaxerxes, where Cyrus lost his life and the victory; and out of which Xenophon made that notable retreit with his Grecians, in despight of 20000. which followed him at the heeles.

In Armenia minor is seated the Mountaine Ararate, on whose toppe the Arke is said to rest after the deluge. And thus much shall serve to have said of Natolia which in generall for merchandise doth yeeld these commodities, galles, carpets, oyles, wines, cottons, wools and cotton yarne, grograms, grograme yarne, sheep wools, hides r•… and salted, and dry Cordivants, aniseeds, goats wooll, soape, silke, comi•… seed, muscadins, cute, resins &c. and thus much in generall of Natolia, which ere I leave, a Word of Trapesond.

1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome. The Empire of the GRAND SIGNIOR, or GREAT TURK

• The Empire of the GRAND SIGNIOR, or GREAT TURK, holdeth
  • In EUROPE, and
    • Towards the higher ESCLAVONIA,
      • Hungaria, in part,
        • Buda,
        • Gyula.
      • Esclavonia, in part, — Pesega.
      • Croatia, in part, — Wihitz.
      • Dalmatia, in part,
        • Narenca,
        • Mostar.
• Towards the lower ESCLAVONIA,
  • Bosnia,
    • Jaycza.
    • Bagnialuch.
  • Servia, — Belgrade.
  • Bulgaria, Sophia.
• On the BLACK SEA,
  • Podolia, in part. Oezaco•,
  • towards Moscovia, Azac, or Azoff.
• In GREECE, which by the Turks is called ROMELI, the Parts or Provinces of
  • Romania,
    • Constantinople,
    • Adrinopoli,
    • Gallipoli.
  • Macedonia,
    • Salonichi,
    • Heracle•.
  • Albania,
    • Scutari,
    • Durazzo,
    • Vilona.
  • Thessaly, — Armiro.
  • Epiro,
    • Preveza,
    • Larta.
  • Achala, and Etolia,
    • Athens, or Setines.
    • Thebes, or Stives,
    • Lepanto.
  • Peloponnesus, or the Morea,
    • Corinte,
    • Misistra, or Lacedemone,
    • Petras.
  • And divers Isles; the chief of which are
    • Negroponte,
    • Stalimene,
    • Sancta Maure, &c.

• In ASIA,
  • ANATOLIA, wherein are divers Cities, among which are
    • Smyrna,
    • Ephesus,
    • Bursa,
    • Chioutaige,
    • Angoura,
    • Cogni,
    • Trebisonde, &c.
  • Divers Isles, the chief among which are
    • Rhodes, — Rhodes.
    • Cypre, or Cyprus,
      • Nicosin,
      • Eamogousta.
    • Metelin, — Metelin.
    • Scio, Scio.
    • Samos, Samos.
    • Patmosa, or Patmos, Patmos.
  • SOURIA; which is divided in
    • Sourie, or Syrie,
      • Aleppo,
      • Tripoli.
    • Phenicie,
      • Sayd, or Sidon,
      • Damascus.
    • Judea, or the Holy Land,
      • Jerusalem,
      • Naplouse,
      • Gaza.
  • ASSYRIA, which is divided in
    • Mesopotamia, or Diarbeck,
      • Caramit,
      • Asanchif.
    • Chaldea,
      • Bagdad,
      • Balsora.
    • Assyria, in part,
      • Mosul,
      • Chiahnezul.
  • TURCOMANIA, and
    • Georgia, in part,
      • Stranu,
      • Cori.
    • Turcomania,
      • Teflis,
      • Derbent.
  • ARABIA, in part, to wit, in the
    • Stony, — Arach.
    • Desart, — Ana.
    • Happie,
      • Zibid,
      • Aden.
• In AFRICA,
  • The Kingdom of ALGIER; where are four Parts or Kingdoms, to wit,
    • Telensin, — Telensin.
    • Algier,
      • Sargel,
      • Tenes,
      • Algier.
    • Bugia,
      • Bugia,
      • Steffa.
    • Constantina,
      • Constantina,
      • Bonna, and Tebessa.
  • The Kingdom of TUNIS, with its eight Government; to wit,
    • Four Maritime,
      • Biserta,
      • Gouleita,
      • Sousa,
      • Media, or Africa.
    • Four Inland,
      • Tunis,
      • Cairoan,
      • Begge, and Urbs.
  • The Kingdom of TRIPOLI, with its parts of
    • Tripoli,
      • Tripoli,
      • Lepeda.
    • Desart of Barca,
      • Corena,
      • Alberton.
  • EGYPT, with its three Parts; to wit,
    • Errif,
      • Alexandria,
      • Roserta,
      • Damierta.
    • Bechrio, or Demesor, — Cairo,
    • Sayd, — Sayd, or Thebes.
  • Nigh unto EGYPT,
    • Coast of Abex, in part,
      • Suaquen,
      • Arquico, or Ercocco.
    • Between Egypt and Arabia, Sues.
• In EUROPE, restored from this Empire,
  • The Signieury, and Republick of — Raguse.
  • The Vayvodes, or Princes of
    • Transilvania, Hermanstat.
    • Valaquia, Tergovis.
    • Moldavia, Saczou.
  • And the Cham of the — Petit Tartaria, — Caffa.

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

TURKEY in EUROPE; or that which the Grand Signior possesseth in whole (or in part) in EUROPE; may be comprehended under

• ESCLAVONIA, which is possessed by the Turk, Hungarians, and Venetians, and may be divided into
  • HUNGARIA, with its chief Cities
    • belonging to the Grand Signior; as
      • Buda,
      • Gyula,
      • Canissa,
      • Alba Regalis,
      • Quinque Ecclesiae.
    • Belonging to the Emperour, or Hungarians,
      • Presbourg,
      • Strigonium,
      • Zegith,
      • Newhausel.
• ESCLAVONIA, with its Parts and chief Places, as they belong to the Turks and Venetians,
  • Croatia,
    • Turks, — Wihitz.
    • Venetians, Sisseg.
  • Esclavia,
    • Turks, Posega.
    • Venetians, — Copranitz.
  • Dalmatia,
    • Turkish,
      • Narenza,
      • Mostar.
    • Venetians,
      • Ragusa,
      • Spalato,
      • Sebenico,
      • Zara.
• DACIA, (now belonging to the Turks) with its Provinces of
  • Transilvania,
    • Waradin,
    • Hermenstad.
  • Bosnia,
    • Saraih,
    • Bagnialuch,
    • Jaycza.
  • Servia, — Belgrad.
  • Bulgaria, — Sophia.
  • Moldavia,
    • Zuccania,
    • Lazy.
  • Bessarabia, — Khermen,
  • Walachia, — Targovisko.

• GREECE, as it is possessed by (or under the subjection of) the Grand Signior; which may be divided into the Provinces, or Parts of
  • ROMANIA, or ROMELI, of old, THRACE,
    • Constantinople,
    • Andrinopoli,
    • Gallipoli,
    • Caridia,
    • Abdera,
    • Pera, and Galata.
  • MACEDONIA, with its parts of
    • Jamboli, — Heraclea.
    • Camenolitaria,
      • Pidna,
      • Pella.
    • Migdonia,
      • Salonichi,
      • Stagira,
  • ALBANIA,
    • Durazzo,
    • Valona,
    • Croja, and Sintari.
  • THESSALY, now by the Turks called JANNA,
    • Anniro,
    • Larissa.
  • EPIRE, now by the Turks called CANINA,
    • Preveza,
    • Larta.
  • ACHAIA, and ETOLIA, now called LIVADIA,
    • Athens, now Sitines,
    • Thebes, now Stives,
    • Lepanto.
  • PELOPONNESUS, now called the MOREA,
    • Corinte,
    • Misistra,
    • Modon,
    • Petras, and Coron.
• Together with divers ISLES, (which for the most part are in the possession of the Turks, except some few, which the Venetians yet keep;) which as they lye in the
  • AEGEAN SEA, are
    • Negroponte,
      • Negroponte,
      • Caristo.
    • Stalimene, of Old, Lemnos, — Lemnos.
    • The Isles called the SPORADES, and CYCLADES; which are the Isles of
      • Milo,
      • Tira,
      • Tiresio,
      • Nio,
      • Stapalia,
      • Morgo,
      • Nicfia,
      • Levita,
      • Zinara,
      • Raclia,
      • Siphano,
      • Micone,
      • Teno,
      • Helena,
      • Engia,
      • Fermenia,
      • Zea,
      • Andri,
      • Coos,
      • Delos,
    • Samothracia, — Samos:
    • Tasso, Tasso.
    • Pelagmisi, Pelagmisi.
    • Sciro, — Sciro.
    • Creba, or Candia,
      • Candia,
      • Canea,
      • Suda.
  • IONIAN SEA, are the Isles of
    • Zante, — Zante.
    • Zefalonia,
      • Zefalonia,
      • Augustali.
    • Corfu, — Corfu.
    • Cerigo, Cerigo.
    • Santa Maura, Santa Maura.
    • Strivalis, Strivalis.
    • Val de Campara, — Val de Campara.
  • ADRIATICK SEA, or GULPH of VENICE, are the Isles of (if any are so called,)
    • Zara,
    • Vegea,
    • Lesina,
    • Cherso,
    • Curzolo, and Grissa.

Turkey in Europe.

THE Estate or Empire of the Sultan, or the Ottomans, whom we call the Grand SIGNIOR, or Great TƲRK, is part in Europe, part in Asia, and part in Africa; the greatest part is in Asia, and the least in Europe; and yet this is not the least considerable, since the Grand Signior makes here his residence, and hath from hence his best Forces. That which he holds in Europe extends it self from the 35th degree of Latitude to the 45th, and sometimes near the 47th, which are 250 or 300 French Leagues; and from the 40th of Longitude unto, or beyond the 56th, which are likewise 300 Leagues.

• 1.78This part of the Estate of the Turks, which we call TƲRKEY in EƲROPE, may be divided into two principal Regions, viz. Sclavonia, or Esclavonia, and Greece. ESC LAVONIA, which shall be along the Danube from Germany unto the Black Sea, and is bounded on one side with the Danube, and on the other with the Mountain Marinai: and under the name of Esclavonia may be understood Hungaria, especially so much as the Turk is Master of; the particular Esclavonia, with the Provinces of Croacia, Esclavia and Dalmatia, of which parts the Grand Signior holds but one part; then the Kingdom of Dacia. The other Region, which I call GREECE, shall reach from the Mountain Marinai, a great way into the Mediterranean Sea, and advancing towards the South, in which are several Provinces, which we shall treat of.

HƲNGARIA.

• 1.79The Kingdom of HƲNGARIA taken entirely, is bounded on the East with Transilvania and Walachia, on the South with Sclavonia, on the West with Austria, and on the North with Poland. It is part possessed by the Christians, and in part by the Turks.

• 1.80This Kingdom is of an exceeding fertil Soyl, yielding Corn thrice a year, and feeding such abundance of Cattle, that it supplied Germany, Sclavonia, and other adjacent parts, with about 100000 Oxen yearly; they have Deer, Pullain, Phesants, Partridges, and all sorts of Fowl in such plenty, that they are free for any one that will take them; and their Rivers are found to afford excellent Fish, It also aboundeth in several good Commodities, as Hides,* 1.81Butter, Cheese, Copper, Hony, Wax, Fish, &c.

• 1.82The People are of a rude behaviour, not addicting themselves to Literature, nor Mechanical Trades. They use the Scythian Language; they are well proportionate, strong, and very valiant. The Females are denied the Estates of their Parents, neither have they any thing in Marriage; and until Men and Women are marryed, they are not allowed the use of Beds to lye upon.

• 1.83This Kingdom now stands divided between the Grand Signior and the Hungarians. The Turks have here four Beglerbies, to wit, of Buda, of Canisa, of Agrica, and of Temiswar; the chief Cities which they possess, are Buda, seated on the Danube, once the Metropolis of the Kingdom, and Royal Seat of the Kings of Hungaria; it was taken by Solyman in 1536. Next Guyula, a strong Town on the Confines of Transilvania, which was betrayed by the Governour to Solyman in hopes of a great Reward, which proved insuccessful unto him to the loss of his life: then Alba Regalis, which by the Germans is called Wisenburgh; also Quinque Ecclesiae, taken in the same year with Alba Regalis: And these are the strong places, and of good account with them. The chief places in the Emperours or Hungarians possessions, are Presburg, seated on the edge of Austria, and since the Turks became Masters of Buda, this hath been the Metropolis of Hungaria: next, Strigonium, or Gran, once taken by the Turks, but regained; also Zegith, taken by Solyman the Magnificent in Anno 1566, who there ended his days: then Newhausel, which hath several times withstood the fury of the Turks. The other Towns in the Hungarians possession, were (if not are) Komara, in the Isle of Schut; then Bars, Novigrad, Vizzegrad, Papa, Sarwar, and Owar.

The chief Order of Knighthood in this Kingdom, is that of the Dragon, instituted by Sigismund King of Hungaria, and Emperour.

ESCLAVONIA.

• 1.84ESCLAVONIA hath for its Eastern bounds the River Drinus, and a line drawn thence to the Sea; for its Southern bounds the Adriatick Sea; for its Western, part of Italy; and for its Northern, Hungaria. The whole length of this Country is about 480 miles, and its breadth about 120; it is scituate under the 6th and 7th Climats, the longest day making 15 hours and a half.* 1.85 This Country is divided into the Provinces of Croacia, Dalmatia, and the particular Esclavonia, and are partly possessed by the Venetians, and partly by the Turks.

• 1.86The Country is observed to be more fit for grazing and feeding of Cattle, than for Tillage, for the Sheep and other Cattle bring forth their young twice a year, and their Sheep are shorn four times a year; likewise their chief Commodities are Horses, for Service; Cattle, which yields them abundance of Hides, Tallow, Butter, Cheese, and Wool, of which they make Cloth. Here are also some Mines of Gold and Silver, which are in the Turks possession.

In Esclavonia, the chief places in the Turks possession are Posega, a place of good account, and Barra: and in the Venetians possession is Copranitz, a fair, strong, and good City.

• 1.87The Province of CROACIA is in a manner wholly possessed by the Venetians, the Turks only possessing the strong Town of Withitz: the chief places possessed by the Venetians, are 1. Sisseg, or Sissaken, famous for its resisting the Turks in 1592, a fair and strong City. 2. Gardiskia, seated on the Savus. 3. Novigrod, also seated on the Savus: and 4. Bruman.

• 1.88The Province of DALMATIA, whose Southern parts are washed with the Adriatick Sea, is divided betwixt the Venetians, who hold the greatest part, and the Turks; whose chief places are, 1. Marenza, seated on the Sea-shoar; 2. Mostar, an Inland Town towards Bosnia; 3. Stagno, and 4. Sibioncello, both Maritim Towns; and nigh unto which is the Isle of MELEDA, which also belongs to the Grand Signior. The chief Towns in the possession of the Venetians, are 1. Rhagusa, seated on the Adriatick Sea, a City of great Traffick and Riches, being a Commonwealth of it self. 2. Spalato, a Maritim Town on the Adriatick, and in a most pleasant Valley on the South side of great Mountains; and in the Wall towards the Sea, is to be seen a great remainder of a Gallery in Dioclesians Palace. This Town is kept by the Venetians as their only Emporium, plyed successively with two Gallies, which carry between this place and Venice such Merchandize as are Transported into Turkey, or from thence brought in. 3. Zara, a strong Fortress, feated on the Adriatick within the Gulph, which, by reason of its commodions scituation, is most apt to command the whole Adriatick, and is strongly fortified and well Mann'd. In this City is a Temple of St. John di Malvatia, which was built by a company of Sea-men, who being in a great and dangerous Tempest, made a Vow, that if they escaped they would consecrate a Temple to the said St. John; and being saved, they Landed here, and performed their Vows. 4. Sebenico, seated on the Sea-shoar, having large Territories. 5. Nona; and 6. Traw.

DACIA.

• 1.89The Kingdom of DACIA is bounded on the East with the Euxine Seas, on the West with Hungaria, and on the North with the Carpathian Mountains. The Country throughout is very fertil, affording for Merchandize, Oxen, Butter, Cheese, Tallow, Hides, Hony, Wax,* 1.90 and excellent Warlike Horses, whose Manes are said to hang down to their feet; their Fruits are good, and in great plenty, and the Earth is inriched with Mines of several Metals. It is seated in the Northern Temperate Zone, between the 7th and 10th Climates, which makes the longest day to be 17 hours.

• 1.91The People are well made and proportionate; they are head-strong, resolute in their Opinions, and of no ready wit; they use the Sclavonian Language, they are Christians, and follow the Greek Church.

The Kingdom at present is divided into several Provinces, as in the Geographical Table of Turkey in Europe, is set down; all which are subject to the Grand Signior.

• 1.92The Province of TRANSILVANIA hath for its chief places, 1. Waranine, far engaged towards the West, and it is a frontier Town to Hungaria, and of some account and strength. 2. Hermensted. more towards Moldavia. 3. Weisenburg; 4. Burges; 5. and Hanyad.

• 1.93The Province of BOSNIA hath for its chief place, 1. Saraih, the Metropolitan City, seated in a fruitful Valley, which on the North and South sides are immured with ridges of pleasant Hills, of an easie ascent. This City is said to contain about 80 Mescheetoes, and about 20000 Houses, which for the most part are but meanly built. 2. Bagnialuch, once the residence of the Bosnian Kings; and 3. Jayeza, the usual Sepulchre of those Kings.

• 1.94The Province of SERVIA, whose chief Cities are, 1. Belgrade, once the Bulwark of Christendom, valiantly resisting the power of Amurath the 6th, and Mahomet the Great; but yielded to Solyman. Anno 1520, when this whole Country became a Turkish Province, 2. Stonebourgh, once the Seat of its Despot; and 3. Samandria.

• 1.95The Province of BƲLGARIA hath for its chief places, 1. Sofia, the Seat of the Beglerbeg of Greece, under whom are 21 Sangiacs, seated almost in the midst of a long and fruitful Valley, beautified with many fair Hanes and Baths, the chief of which hath hot, Fountains. Its Colledge is magnificent, and its Mescheetoes are many and beautiful, especially that in the midst of the City, which is the largest; and here the doors of the houses of the Christians and Jews are not above 3 foot high, which is so made to keep out the Turkish Horses, who would else in their Travels make them serve instead of Stables: so great is the slavery that they live under. 2. Oesco; 3. Novi; 4. Durostoro; and 5. Destor; all which are seated on the Danube. 6. Proslavia, seated at the mouth of one of the branches of the Danube at its fall into the Euxine Sea. 7. Calutra; and 8. Varna, both seated on the Euxine or Black Sea.

• 1.96The Province of MOLDAVIA, whose chief places are, 1. Zuccania, once the Seat of the Vaivod. 2. Sotzowa; and 3. Lazy, both good Cities.

• 1.97To the Province of Moldavia doth belong the small Country of BESSARABIA, which lieth between Podolia and Bulgaria, and is commodiously seated on the Black Sea. Its chief places are Kherman, or Moncastro, the Seat of the Turkish Sargiack, seated on the River Tyras, not far from its influx into the Sea; and 2. Kilia, also seated on the Euxine Sea.

• 1.98The Province of WALACHIA, being divided from Bulgaria by the Danube, and is esteemed the richest Province in all Dacia. Its chief places are, 1. Targovisco, the Seat of the Vajuods; 2. Domboviza; and 3. Brailonum.

GREECE.

• 1.99The rest of Turkey in Europe may be comprehended under the name of GREECE, which is divided into several parts, to wit, Romania, which answers to the ancient Thrace; Macedonia, whose divers parts have received divers names, as that of Jamboli, of Camenolitaria, of Migdonia, or particular Macedonia, Albania, and Thessaly, which is now called Junna; Epirus, now Canina; Achaia and Aetolla, now Livadia; and Peloponnesus, now the Morea.

• 1.100GREECE, esteemed the Mother of Arts and Sciences, hath for its Eastern bounds the Egean Sea, the Hellespont, Propontis, and Thracian Bosphorus; and for its Western, the Adriatick Sea and Italy. It is seated in the Northern Temperate Zone under the 5th and 6th Climates, the longest day being 15 hours.

• 1.101The Soil without doubt is very rich and fruitful, and would be very prositable to the Husbandman if pains were taken in tilling it; but the Great Turk seizing on their Estates, when and as often as he pleaseth, makes them careless to cultivate it; yet here are found several good Commodities, which are transported to other places, as Wines, Oils, Silk, both raw, and wrought into severai Manufactures, as Velvets, Damasks, &c. also Gragrams, Brimstone, Copper, Vitriol, Cottons, Sopes, Carpets, Cute, Currants, Cuminseed, Anniseeds, &c.

• 1.102The Grecians, though a scattered People, since the Turks became Masters of their Country, vet still retain their Name, Religion, Customs, and Language, as indeed they do in all other places where they live. They were once a Nation so excellent, that their Precepts and Examples do yet remain, as approved Canons to direct the mind to Vertue; they were Lovers of freedom, every, way noble; in matters of Government famous, in Arms glorious, in Arts admirable, and to whom the rest of the World were held Barbarians; but since they became under the Turkish yoke (for the generaliay) their Spirits are so low, that their knowledge is turned into ignorance, their liberty into contented slavery, their Vertues into Vices, and their industry in Arts and Sciences into idleness. They are much addicted to drink and dancing, for which they had the name of Merry Greeks; they are of a good proportion, and of a swarthy complexion; their Women are well favoured, brown, and excessively amorous; in matters of Habit they differ little from those amongst whom they live. The Christian Faith was here established by Timothy, to whom St. Paul wrote two Epistles. The Fathers which this Church most adhereth unto, are Chrysostom, Basil, and the two Gregories; and the Church is governed by Patriarchs, one of Constantinople, another of Alexandria, another of Jerusalem, and another of Antioch; freely exercising their Religion, which differeth much from the Church of Rome, as, I shall in place elsewhere take notice o•, and have every where their Temples and Monasteries. If a Patriarch die, another is elected by the Synod of Bishops.

• 1.103This Country hath bred several famous Men, as Alexander the Subverter of the Persian Monarchy, Xenophon, Plutarch, Herodotus, and Thucydides, famous Historiographers; Epaminondas, Pyrrhus, Miltiades, and Aristides, Captains; Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, and Theophrastus, Divine Philosophers; Demosthenes, Aeschines, and Isocrates, eloquent Oratours; with several others, too tedious to name; but to proceed to the Provinces.

• 1.104ROMANIA, particularly so called, a Country of it self, neither of a rich Soyl, nor pleasant Air, more inclining to cold than heat; yet by reason of the famous Cities of Constantinople, Adrianople, and others here seated, renders it the chief, and best inhabited of all Greece. Its chief places are Adrianople, so called by the Emperour Hadrian, who repaired it; it was added to the Kingdom of the Turks by Bajazet, Anno 1362, and continued the Seat of their Kings till Mahomet the Great took Constantinople from Constantine Palaeologus, the last of the Eastern Emperours, about 90 years after. Blunt in his Voyage to the Levant, in his description of this City saith, That it is seated on three low Hills, of which that in the midst is the largest and fairest, on the top of which is a stately and magnificent Mosque, and in the Churchyard are about 30 or 40 Cocks under a stately Fountain, for People to wash before Divine Service; as also at the bottom of this Building, on the North and South sides, are 20 Conduits with Cocks, and on the East side are the Priests Lodgings and Gardens; and round the Church-yard are Baths, Cloysters, and a Colledge for the Priests, with other useful Offices, all covered with Lead. In this City are several Besestines, or Exchanges, some of good account, as likewise many fair Hanes. To this City are four stately and lofty Bridges of Freestone, which make a pleasant shew, and is a fair, large, and well composed City. 2. Gallipoli, seated near the Hellespont, but within the Sea of Marinora. This was the first City that the Turks possessed in Europe, it being surprized by Solyman, Son to Orchanes, in Anno 1358. Here the Beglerbegh of the Sea hath his residence. A little below Gallipoli is the streightest passage of the Hellespont, a place formerly famous for Xerxes his Bridge, but especially for the two Castles of Sesto, on the European side; and Abydo, opposite to it on the Asian shoar, of note for the Loves of Hero and Leander; which Castles are now called the Dardanelli, and command the passage, and are the security or Bulwark of Constantinople on this, as those on the Thracian Bosphorus are on the other. 3. Caridia, seated on the Thracian Chersonese, opposite to the Isle of Lemnos, as also to Troas in Asia, and therefore now called St. George's Arm. 4. Abdera, the Birth-place of Democritus, who spent his time in Laughing. 5. Pera, a Town of the Genoueses, opposite to Constantinople. 6. Galata, also opposite to Constantinople, from which it is parted by a River, wherein is found a good Harbour for Shipping; and here all the Western Christians, as English, French, Dutch, and Venetian Merchants have their common residence, intermixed with Jews, Grecians, Armenians, and some few Turks: And lastly, Constantinople, the now Metropolitan City of all Greece, the Seat of the Grand Signior, and formerly of the Emperours of the East; first built by Pausanias a Làcedemonian Captain, about 660 years before the Birth of Christ. It is a City very commodiously seated for an Universal Empire, overlooking Europe and Asia, commanding the Euxine or Black Sea, the Hellespont, and Sea of Marinara or Propontis; on the upper part of which, and near the Thracian Bosphorus, it is seated, where it hath a Haven so deep and capacious, that the Turks for its excellency call it the Port of the World, so that for strength, plenty, and commodity, no place can compare to it. This City is in form Triangular; its Walls are composed of Stone and Brick, equally intermixed, to which it hath 24 Gates for entrance, whereof 5 regard the Land, and 19 the Water, being about 16 miles in compass; and supposed, with Pera and Galata adjoyning to it, and Scutari on the Asian side, to contain about 700000 living Souls, good part of which are Christians and Jews; and it would be far more populous, were it not for the Plague, which like a Tertian Ague here reigneth every third year, and sometimes oftner. This City is adorned with many magnificent Buildings, both publick and private, as also with curious Statues, and other such like Ornaments, which were brought out of Rome, and other parts. There is no City in the World makes so stately a shew, if beheld from the Sea, or adjoyning Mountains, as this doth, whose lofty and beautiful Cypress Trees are so intermixed with the Buildings, that it seemeth to represent a City in a Wood, whose seven aspiring Heads (for on so many Hills it is seated,) are most of them crowned with magnificent Mosques, all of white Marble; in form round, and coupled above, being finished at the top with guilded Spires, some having two, some four, and some six adjoyning Turrets, of a great height, and very slender: so that there is no City in the World hath a more promising Object, and being entred, so much deceiveth the expectation, having many vacant places, several rows of Buildings, consisting only of Shops, the Houses not fair, lofty, nor uniform; the Streets exceeding narrow and ill contrived; yet here are many stately Houses, where the Great persons reside; also many Canns for Merchants, and abundance of Mosques, amongst which that of Sancta Sophia is the chief, once a Christian Temple. To every one of the principal Mosques doth belong publick Bag•io's, Hospitals with Lodgings, Santons, and Ecclesiastical Persons, which are endowed with competent Revenues: the inferiour Mosques for the most part are built square, many of them Pent-houses, with oper Galleries, where on extraordinary times they pray. The number of Mosques of all sorts, including Scutara, Para, Galata, and the Buildings that border the Bosphorus, are said to be about 8000. This Temple of St. Sophia is almost every Friday, (which is their Sabbath) visited by the Grand Signior, by reason of its being so near his Seraglia, which is divided from the rest of the City by a lofty Wall, containing in circuit about three miles, wherein are stately Groves of Cypresses intermixed with delightful Gardens, artificial Fountains, variety of Fruits, and curious Plains. The Buildings are low, but rich and stately, with several fair Courts one within another; and to the South-side doth joyn the Grand Signiors Palace, in which are also several large Courts, and stately Structures. On the left hand of one of the Courts the Divano is kept, where the Bassa's of the Port administer Justice; out of the second Court is a passage into a third, into which Christians are not permitted entrance, but upon great favour: on the North-side stands the Grand Signiors Cabinet, in form of a stately Summer-house, having a private passage from his Seraglio; and from this place he takes Barge to delight himself on the Water. Not far from the Palace is a spacious place, encompassed with Houses, called the Hippodrom by the Ancients, and by the Turks, Almidan; where every Friday the Spachies of the Court play at Giocho di Canni, that is, they are mounted on Horses, and ride after one another, throwing Darts at each other, which they endeavour to avoid by their hasty turning.

The Black Sea is distant from Constantinople about 15 miles; it is much troubled with Ice in the Winter, neither is it so Salt as other Seas: and here the Turks forbid Traffick to Forreigners, there being no passage into it but by Rivers; neither this passage of the Bosphorus hath been always, but forced by violence of Streams that fell into the over-charged Euxine; where it rusheth into the Bosphorus there are two Rocks, formerly called Cyancae and Symplegades, so near, that at a distance they seem but one. Here upon the top of a Rock, encompassed with the Sea, stands a Pillar of white Marble called Pompeys Pillar; the Bosphorus is in length about 20 miles, but very narrow, the broadest place not exceeding a mile.

• 1.105Before I pass to the other Province in Greece, a word or two as to the Manners, Dispositions, Religions, &c. of the Turks. They are for the most part of a good complexion, full-bodied, proportionable, and of good statures; they keep the hair of their Heads shaved, only a lock on the hinder part; but their Beards they wear at full length, which with them is a sign of Gravity and freedom, they not allowing their Slaves to wear Beards; they are subtle, and of a quick wit, are generally very courteous to Strangers, but bear an inveterate hatred against Christians; they are exceeding jealous of their Wives, denying them the liberty of the Streets, or going to their Mosques; their Salutations are with an inclination of the head and body, laying their hands on their bosoms; they use much Perfumes in their Garments, and all of them affect clealiness so religiously, that besides customary Lotions, and daily frequenting Baths, they never so much as make water, but they wash their hands and privities, at which business they couch to the Earth, fearing their Garments should be defiled with any of their Excrements, which is held a pollution and hindrance to the acceptation of Prayer; and if they bath not twice or thrice a week, they are esteemed Nasty: they use not much exercise, loving a Sedentary life, but delight in riding; yet generally they have some Trade, which they imploy part of the day in, even the Grand Signior.

• 1.106Their Food is gross, refusing all dainties for a piece of fat Mutton, which they boil in Rice; and with Pease, Rice, and Mutton, they make Pottage; they abstain from Blood, Hogs-flesh, and things strangled, neither care they for Fish or Fowl, which are here numerous and so gentle, that they will suffer themselves to be taken: they have neither Tables nor Stools, but sit upon the Floor (which is covered with Tapestry, or the like) cross-legg'd; their Dishes are made with feet, and their Spoons have long handles like Ladles. Their common drink is Water, also Sherbet, Ʋsaph, but above all Coffee, which is held in great esteem. As to their Sciences and Trades, they are not over ingenious, nor knowing, contenting themselves with such as are necessary for them. By their Law they are exhorted to marry for the propagation of their Religion, every man being allowed four Wives, which must be of the Turkish Religion, besides as many Concubines (which are Slaves, and of any Religion) as he is able to keep; they buy their Wives of their Parents, recording the Contract; and in their Nuptial Rites they observe many Ceremonies, some of which I shall take notice of. The day before the Marriage is spent in Feasting, the Man his Friends, and the Woman hers, who at night bath and anoint her, and so depart till the next Morning, and then she is drest in her best Apparel; all things being ready, the Relations and Friends of the Bridegroom, who are all mounted on Horse-back, ride two by two to the Brides to conduct her to the Bridegrooms, who is also ready mounted and richly habited, according to his quality, to receive his never seen wife, who (after the Nuptial Ceremonies are performed) is conducted to the Bride-Chamber, where she is undrest and made ready for his enjoyment; the rest of the day is spent in feasting and merriment. By the Law, he is obliged to shew equal respect to all his Wives, and to give them due benevolence alike, and upon failure they may justly complain to the Cadi, who will grant her a Divorce; but the Women are little better treated than Slaves, giving their Husbands respect and reverence due to a Master, not sitting at meat with him, nor medling with Houshold affairs, nothing being required, but to please their Husbands, to live peaceably together, and to nurse their Children.

• 1.107Their Religion is contained in their Alcoran, made by Mahomet their Prophet; it is written in Arabick Rhime, and forbid by him to be written or read in any other Language; which said Book is so reverenced by them, that it is not touched with unwashed hands; they call it the Book of Glory,* 1.108 and Guide to Paradice; They believe in God, and hold Jesus Christ for a greater Prophet than Moses, but Mahomet for the greatest; they deny the Divinity of Christ, yet confess him to be the Son of the Virgin Mary; that he was conceived by the smell of a Rose, which the Angel Gabriel brought her, and that she bore him at her Breasts; that he was free from the Temptations of the Devil and Original sin: he is called in the Alcoran, the Word and Breath of God, said to raise up the dead, to give sight to the blind, to cure the lame, to give speech to the dumb, to know the secrets of hearts, and that by his Vertues his Disciples wrought Miracles, and that he shall return to Judgment about 40 years before the end of the World to judge, save, and condemn Christians, as Mahomet shall do them. By their Law they are obliged to pray seven times a day; their Sabbath is on Friday, which they strictly observe, and are very devout at their worship; and at the doors of the Mosques they put off their Shoes, as a place too holy to defile with dirty Shoes; and the Women are not permitted to come into their Mosques, but have apartments for themselves. They observe two Solemn times in the year, which are both Lents, one is called Ramdan, which continueth a Month, and the other Byram, which lasteth three days. They admit of no Hell for any, but those who believe not Mahomet; but allow of a Purgatory, which holds but till Dooms-day, where in their Graves (which they say is the place of Purgatory) they are inflicted with pain by a bad Angel, whose fury is lessened by a good one, according to the life the party led when living; and at the day of Doom, Moses, Christ, and Mahomet, shall bring their several Followers to Judgment, and intercede for them; and that Cain, the first Murtherer, shall be the Leader of the Damned; and all shall receive the reward due unto them, the Just into Paradice, and the Damned into Hell, where they shall be tormented for ever; yet they hold a distinction amongst the Damned, for those that have committed no great sins shall go into Purgatory, from whence they shall shortly be delivered. Paradice, according to Mahomets description, is a place of all delight, where they shall have stately Palaces richly furnished, Christalline Rivers, Fields and Trees alwaies in their verdure, whose Fruits shall be delightful to the tast, and their shape pleasing to the eye; under whose fragrant shades they shall spend their time with amorous and handsom Virgins; not such as have lived in the World, but on purpose created for them, whose lost Virginities shall daily be restored to them, and that they shall ever continue young, the Men at the Age of 30, and the Women at 15; and that Boys of Divine features shall administer to them, and set before them all varieties of curious Meats.

• 1.109Their Justice is grounded on their Alcoran, in which they observe this Rule, To do as they would be done unto. Their Judges for the most part are always Ecclesiastical Persons, amongst which there are many Orders, of which the chief is the Mufty, who decides great Cases, and to him lie Appeals, and his Decrees the Grand Turk will not question: then the Cady, who hath over him the Monlacady, or Lord Chief Justice. All the Judges, except the Mufty, are limited to set Precincts, and if they are found corrupt, are severely punished; the execution of their Justice is very severe and cruel, and very speedy; and if the business be matter of fact, upon the least complaint the Parties and Witnesses are brought before the Judge, and according to evidence and Justice, gives his Sentence, which in few hours is executed; and a False-witness, if convicted, suffers the same punishment as the accused should have done, if found guilty.

• 1.110The Great Turk is very powerful in his Forces; his Infantry are of two sorts, the one raised out of Towns and Cities, and the other is the Janizaries, in which he puts the greatest confidence. Their Cavalry are also of two sorts, one the Spahyglans, from whom are chosen the Troops which guard the Grand Signiors person, and the other the Spahy-Tymariots, which are such as hold Land free from all Duties, in lieu of which they are obliged to furnish him with 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, or more or less Men and Horses at their own charge, as occasion requires, according to the quantity of Land they hold; and besides these there are other sorts of Horsemen, who are Volontiers; some serving for devotion to gain Paradice by dying for Mahomets Cause, others serving for the gains of the booty and spoils of the Countries, and others to merit a Timar; and all are very expert in Military affairs. As for their Sea Forces they are but small, as not much minding it, most of them being Gallies; yet are they often found troublesom to Christians.

• 1.111Concerning their Funerals, so soon as Life is departed several of their Priests are sent for, who after they have performed certain Ceremonies, and desired God to have mercy on their Soul, they wash the Corps, and wrap it in Linnen, but not tie it neither at head nor feet, then lay it on a Bier, setting a Turbant at the upper end, and so carry it to the Grave; which for the poorer sort are usually made by Highway-sides and in Fields, having two stones of white Marble, one at the head and the other at the feet, with an Inscription concerning the deceased; but the better sort have Sepulchres in their Gardens. As they are thus carried to their Graves, some of the Dervices go before with lighted Tapers, then follow the Priests singing, and after them their Relations and Friends: their Graves are boarded on the sides and bottom instead of a Coffin, and being laid in, are covered with another board to hinder the Earth from falling, but high enough that one may kneel; for they hold that two terrible and black Angels, which they call Gudequir and Mongir, do immediately come to the Grave and unite the Soul to the Body, demanding how he hath lived; and if he gives them satisfaction they depart, and two white Angels come and protect him unto the day of Judgment, one sitting at his head, and the other at his feet; but if he can give no good account of his life, then the terrible black Angels grievously torment him until the day of Doom. A Purgatory is so obnoxious unto them, that in their Maettins they beseech God to free them from the examination of those terrible black Angels, as also from the punishment of the Grave, and their evil Journey. But to proceed to the other Provinces in Greece.

• 1.112The Province of MACEDONIA is at present severed into three parts, viz. into the Territory of Jamboli towards the North, whose chief places are Heraclea, Bylazora, Joro, and Sydero-Caspae, famous for its rich Mines of Gold and Silver. The second part is Camenolitaria, being its Southern parts, and on the borders of Thessaly; its chief places are, 1. Pidna, seated on the influx of the River Alaicmon, which Town was besieged and took by Cassander, in which Siege he took Olympias the Mother, Roxane the Wife, and Hercules the Heir of Alexander the Great; all which he put to death. 2. Pella, seated on the same shoar, the Birth place of the said Alexander. 3. Edissa, and 4. Scydra, both Midland Cities. The third part is called Migdonia, or the particular Macedonia, lying in the midst of the Province; its chief places are 1. Salonichi, anciently called Thessalonica; to the People of which City St. Paul wrote two of his Epistles; it is seated on the Egean Sea, is very populous, inhabited with Christians, Turks, and Jews; but chiefly with the last, who are here more numerous than in any other part of Turkey, and is a place of great Commerce, and is the fairest and richest City in all Macedonia. 2. Stagira, the Birth-place of Aristotle; 3. Pallene, sacred to the Muses; and 4. Neopolis, on the confines of Romania.

• 1.113The Province of ALBANIA lieth on the Adriatick Sea, famous for being the Country of that eminent and brave Souldier George Castriot, called by the Turks Scanderbeg; its chief places are 1. Durazzo, a place of great strength. 2. Valona, a good City seated on the Sea-shoar, opposite to Otranto in Naples. 3. Croja, under whose Walls Amurath the Second, that damned wretch; finished his wicked life 4. Scutari, or Scodra, famous for its resisting the Turks: and 5. Belgrado; and 6. Albanopoli.

• 1.114The Province of THESSALY, now called JANNA, is a Country no less fertil than pleasant; it lieth South of Macedonia, and is famous first for the Hill Olympus, which for its height, is by the Poets taken for Heaven; then for its pleasant Vale of Tempe, called the Garden of the Muses: and thirdly, for the Pharsalian Fields, where the Empire of the World was disputed in two great Battles; the one betwixt Caesar and Pompey, and the other between Brutus and Casstus on the one side, and Anthony and Augustus on the other. The chief places in this Province are, 1. Armiro, now the Seat of a Turkish Sangiac. 2. Larissa, seated on a fair River, which at a small distance falls into the Gulph of Salonichi. 3. Tricca, and Pharsalis.

• 1.115The Province of EPIRE, now called CANINA, is very Mountainous, hath for its chief places (possessed by the Turks) Praveza and Lart•, both Sea-Towns; and the chief places in the Venetians possessions, are Torre de Butrinto and Perga, both Sea-Towns and places of good account; opposite and nigh to which is the Isle of Corfou.* 1.116 In this Province is Mount Pindus, sacred to Apollo and the Muses; and here are also the Acroceraunean Hills, so called for their being so subject to Thunder-claps.

• 1.117The Province of ACHAIA, now called LIVADIA, washed on the East with the Aegean Sea; it is divided into these parts, viz. Aetolia, Attica, Baeotia, Locris, Megaris, Doris, and Phocis, in which parts are several good Cities and Towns; amongst which are 1. Athens, now Sitines, more famous for its Antiquity than any thing else, being now scarce any other than a Fishers Town; but formerly a large, rich and stately City, the Nursery of Learning, and a place from whence all Arts and Sciences spread themselves all over Aeurope. 2. Thebes, now Stives, seated on the River Gephisus, famous for the Wars here made between Polynices, and Eteocles, Sons to Prince Oedipus; it was sack'd by the Macedons, after which it was re-edified by Cassander, but of no account nor beauty to what it was formerly. Next to this City are the Streights not above 25 foot broad. 3. Lepanto, chief of Aetolia, seated in the bottom of a Gulph so called, and where Augustus and Anthony sought for the Empire of the World; and where more lately was that signal Battle between the confederate Christians and the Turks. This City enjoyeth a good Trade, and affordeth several good Commodities, as Silk, Oils, Cottons, Galls, Anniseeds, Wax, Hony, Currans, Wines, &c. 4. Marathon, of note for the Victory of Miltiades, gained against the powerful Army of Darius, which consisted of 100000 Foot, and 10000 Horse. 5. Megara, where Euclid taught Geometry. 6. Platea, nigh to which was fought an exceeding great Battle between the Grecians and the Persians. 7. Delphos, famous for the Temple of Apollo, which was destroyed by the Phocians, who took from it 60 Tuns of Gold. 8. Sparta, formerly of great Account; and 9. Micenae, famous for the Temple of Juno, as also for the habitation of Agamemnor. Nigh to this City was the Lake of Lerno, where Hercules slew the Lernian Seven-headed Hydra. In this Province is the famous Temple of Aesculapius; where is also the Mount Helicon and Parnassus, much famoused by the Poets; and here are also those pleasant Arcadian Plains, and the places where the Olympian Games were solemnized, with several other memorable places of Antiquity.

• 1.118PELOPONNESƲS, now called MOREA, is a Peninsula bounded with the Sea, except where it joyneth to Achaia by an Isthmus of about six miles in breadth; the whole Peninsula is about 600 miles in compass, and contained once many flourishing Provinces, as ARCADIA, ARGORIS, ACHAIA PROPRIA, ELIS, LACONIA, and MESSENIA; but at present it is one sole Turkish Province. The People were accounted the chief of all the Grecians, and gave Rules to the rest as subordinate unto them. The chief places are, 1. Corinte, seated at the foot of the Acrocorinthian Hills, hard by the Fountain Pyrene; a small Town, and of little note to what it was, being out of the ruins of the ancient and famous Corinth; which was a place of great strength and power. 2. Misistra, once of good account: 3. Thalana, nigh unto which is Mount Tenarus, from whence Hercules drew Cerbenus; as also the Lake Lerna, where the said Hercules slew the Monster Hydra. 4. Selassia, where Antigonus vanquished Cl•omenus. 5. Nemaea, where Hercules slew the Lions: 6. Olympia, very famous for the Statue of Jupiter Olympicus, which was 60 Cubits high, and of a proportionate thickness, being made of Gold and Ivory; and in honour to this Jupiter were the Olympick Games instituted by Hercules, and performed on the Plains of this City. 7. Megalopolis, the Birth-place of that eminent Historian Polybius. 8. Mantinea, nigh unto which the Theban Army, which consisted of 30000 Foot and 3000 Horse routed the Army of the Athenians and Spartans, which consisted of 2000 Horse, and 25000 Foot, where that gallant Leader Epaminondas received his deaths wound. 9. Lacedemon, 10. Argos, 11. Thebes, now ruinated; but the chief places for Traffick now remaining, ar• 12. Modon, 13. Petras, and 14. Coron, all three Cities seated on the Sea-shoar, subject to the same Customs, and found to afford divers good Commodities, the product of Turkey.

The ISLES seated in the GRECIAN or AEGEAN, IONIAN and ADRIATICK Seas.

IN these Seas there are several Isles, many of which are of good note, and well frequented by Merchants; most of which are in part, if not altogether in the possession of the Grand Signior; yet the Venetians are not quite expunged. But the Turk hath divided all or most of them into eight Beglerbyats, and 60 and odd Sangiacats, that is, into general and particular Governments.

The AEGEAN or GRECIAN ISLES.

• 1.119The chief of the Aegean Isles are 1. NEGROPONTE, in the power of the Turks, in circuit 365 miles; Its chief places are 1. Negroponte, seated in a Gulph so called; 2. Caristo, and Dion, a Sea-port Town.

• 1.1202. STALIMENE, of old LEMNOS, about 100 miles in circuit, well peopled by Grecians, except three Towns which the Turks keep strongly fortified to keep them in awe. Its chief Town is Lemnos, or Mirina, but of no great note. Here is a Sovereign Mineral against infection, called Terra Sigillata; the Earth thereof is made into small Pellets, and sealed with the Turks Stamp, and so dispersed and sold to Merchants for an excellent Antidote.

• 1.1213. The SPORADES and CYCLADES are a great body of several small Isles dispersed about this Sea or Archipelago, and lie so thick, that they oft-times become dangerous to Sea-men, especially in Storms. The chief of these Isles are, 1. Milo, so called for its abounding in Hony; it is about 60 miles in compass, very fertil, and affordeth store of Grain and Oil, but no Wine: its chief place is so called. 2. Tira, 3. Tiresio, 4. Nio, 5. Stapalia, about 50 miles in circuit, whose chief place is so called. 6. Morgo, 7. Nicsia, about 75 miles in compass. 8. Livila, 9. Zinara, 10. Raclia, 11. Siphano, 12. Micone, 13. Teno, 14. Helena, 15. Engia, in a Gulph so called; all small Isles. 16. Fermenia, about 60 miles in circuit. 17. Zea, about 50 miles in compass. 18. Andri, about 80 miles in compass, not far from Negroponte, and is found to afford the same Commodities; its chief place bears the same name. 19. Coos, more towards Asia minor, whose chief Town is so called, and is inhabited by Turks, but the rest by Grecians. In this Isle was born Apelles, that famous Painter; as also Hippocrates, that revived Physick when it was lost; and here Aesculapius had his Temples and Altars, where he was worshipped. 20. Delos, famous for the Temple of Apollo, as also for a Cu¦stom here used, not to permit the birth of Children, nor dying of People, being sent to Rhena, an Isle not far distant. 21. Namfio, 22. Policandro, 23. Pira, 24. Chiero, 25. Pergolo, 26. Serphino, 27. Pario, 28. Sirna, and 29. Sidrille; all small Isles of little note.

• 1.1224. CANDIA, or CRETA, (now in the Turks possession) an Isle seated in the Mouth of the Aegean Sea, in compass about 590 miles, of a fertil Soil, and affordeth to Merchants several good Commodities; but Corn is not over plentiful, which defect is supplied from Peloponnesus. It is very populous, and hath many good Towns; the chief of which are 1. Candia, the Bulwark of Christendom, till lately gained from the Venetians; in which Siege it was ruinated, being before a good City. 2. Suda, a Maritim Town, enjoying a commodious Haven, which by the Turks is well fortified and defended by two Castles. 3. Canea, and 4. Sittia. In this Isle lived Strabo, that famous Cosmographer.

• 1.1235. SAMOTHRACIA, a small Isle, of note for being the Birth-place of Samo, one of the Sybils; and Pythagoras, that Divine Philosopher.

• 1.1246. In the Aegean Isles, or Archipelago, are these Isles, 1. SCIRO, Northwards of Negroponte, from which it is not far distant. 2. SCHIATI; 3. PELAGMISI, towards the Gulph of Salonichi. 4. TASSO, a small Isle, seated in the entrance of the Gulph of Contessa in Macedonia: and 6. LENIBRO, also a small Isle, not far from Lemnos.

The IONIAN ISLES.

• 1.125The principal of the IONIAN Isles, are 1. ZANTE, about 50 miles in circuit, and about 7 Leagues from Peloponnesus, under the obedience of the Venetians; it is wonderful fruitful in Oils and Wines, but especially in Currants. The chief City bears the name of the Isle, a place not very large nor beautiful, but fortified with a strong Castle, which commandeth not only the Town and Harbour, but a good part round about it. The Isle is much troubled with Earthquakes, in regard of which they build their Houses very low.

• 1.1262. ZEPHALONIA, about 120 miles in compass, of a fertil Soil, and affords the same Commodities as Zante; but the Currants are smaller, and not so good. Its chief place bears the name of the Isle. 2. Augustali, 3. Guiscardo, and 4. Nollo.

• 1.1273. CORFƲ, about 50 miles in length, and 24 in breadth, seated 12 miles from Epirus, and very convenient for the Venetians, who are the Masters of it, being in the Center of their Maritim Territories. It is fruitful in Oil, Hony, Wax, and some other Commodities; its chief City is so called, and is now reputed to be one of the Bulwarks of Christendom, and the Key of the Venetian State, being held impregnable, oft-times having resisted the fury of the Turks. It is seated at the foot of a Mountain, on the Summit of which are built two strong Castles, seated on high Rocks, which are as strongly fortified; the other place of note are Castello, St. Angelo, and Pagiopoli.

• 1.1284. CERIGO, 60 miles in compass, about five miles from Cape Malo in the Morea. It is defended by Rocks, which in themselves are inaccessible, out of which the Inhabitants take abundance of Marble: it hath many Havens, but none commodious for Shipping. Its chief Town bears the same name, where was formerly a Temple dedicated to Venus, out of which Helena the wife of Menelaus was ravished, and stoln by Paris.

• 1.1295. SAINT MAƲRA, where stood a Temple dedicated to Apollo, where Mad-brain'd and unfortunate Lovers were cured of their phrenzies, by casting themselves head-long into the Sea. Its chief place bears the name of the Isle, and is inhabited by Jews that were driven out of Spain; and this of all the Ionian Isles is under the Turks obedience.

• 1.1306. STRIVALIS, seated opposite to Messina, two small Isles of no great account, inhabited by some few Greek Colonies, or Fryars, who never go out of the Isles; neither do they permit Women amongst them, but as they die, have a new supply; they live by their labour, their diet is on Herbs, Roots, Oil, Olives, and the like. Flesh they are denied, but may eat Fish sometimes.

• 1.1317. VAL DE CAMPARA, about 56 miles in compass, Northwards of Zephalonia, famous for the Birth place of Ʋlysses. This Isle affordeth those Commodities that are found in Zant, and the Currants are the best and fairest, but in less quantities.

The ADRIATICK ISLES.

• 1.132The Adriatick Sea is in length 700 miles, and about 140 in breadth; the Venetians are Masters of them, to whom the Duke is espoused every Ascension day by casting in of a Ring; a Ceremony performed with great state.

• 1.133The Islands seated in this Sea are not many, and those that be are neither great nor famous; the chief of which are ZARA, a small Isle, but the chiefest for Traffick, having divers good Harbours. It is fruitful in Wines, Grains, Cattle, and some Oils. 2. VEGEA, fertil in Wine and Pulse, about 10 Leagues in compass. 3. LESINA, about 50 Leagues in compass, being the largest of all the Adriatick Isles, very fertil throughout; its chief Town being so called, a place though unwalled, yet of good strength, by reason of its strong Fortress. 4. CHERSO, well stored with Cattle. 5. CƲRZOLO, a fair, fruitful, and populous Isle, whose chief place is so called. 6. GRISSA, about 100 miles in circuit, an Isle rich in Salt-pits. 7. ABSIRTIDES; 8. LISSA; 9. ARBE; and 10. BRAZZIA, with some others of no great note.

The chief Rivers in Turkey in Europe are the Drin, the Alsea, the Penea, the Wardar, the Mariza, and the Don, or Danube, which of all others is the strongest and most considerable; the others being, for the most part, only famous in Antiquity.

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

TURKY in ASIA, or that which the Grand Signior doth possess in whole, or in part, in ASIA; wherein are several Regions, Countries, Isies, &c. may be considered as they lie

• Westernly, and towards EUROPE; as, ANATOLIA, or ASIA. MINOR, wherein are comprised several Provinces; all which are at present by the Grand Signior included under four Beglerbeglies, that is, Lord Lieutenants; to wit, those of
  • Anatolia, particularly so called,
    • Smyrna,
    • Ephesus,
    • Pergama,
    • Troya,
    • Burfia,
    • Comana,
    • Chaloedoine,
    • Scutari,
    • Sinopi,
    • Castele,
    • Angouri,
    • Sardis,
    • Philadelphia.
  • Caramania,
    • Archalich,
    • Side,
    • Nigdia,
    • Tarsus,
    • Satalia,
    • Antiochia:
  • Tocat,
    • Amasia,
    • Tocat,
    • Trebisonde,
    • Caisaria,
    • Caraisar,
    • Marast,
    • Arsingan,
    • Sukas.
  • Aladuli,
    • Vardar,
    • Adana,
    • Maaraz,
    • Manbeg.
• South-westernly; as, Divers ISLES, as they lie in the ARCHIPELAGO, MEDITERRANEAN, and AEGEAN Seas; the chief of which are,
  • Cyprus,
    • Nicosia,
    • Paphos,
    • Salamis,
    • Amathus,
    • Arsinoe,
    • Famagusta.
  • Rhodes, — Rhodes.
  • Metelin, of old, Lesbos,
    • Metelino,
    • Medina.
  • Samos, — Samo.
  • Tenedos, — Tenedos.
  • Scarpante, — Scarpante.
  • Lero, — Lero,
  • Negropont, — Colchis,
  • Coos, — Coos,
  • Lero, — Lero,
  • Pathmos, — Pathmos,
  • Scio, or Chios, — Scio,
  • Icaria, of old, Icarus, — Nicaria,
• Southernly, and regarding Arabia and the Mediterranean Sea; as, SOURIA, or SYRIA; with its parts of
  • Syria Propria,
    • Aleppo,
    • Aman,
    • Zeugma,
    • Antioch,
    • Samosat,
    • Hemz, or Emsa,
    • Hierapolis,
    • Alexandretetts.
  • Phoenicia,
    • Tripoli,
    • Sayd, or Sidon,
    • Tyre, or Sor,
    • Damascus,
    • Acre.
  • Palestine, formerly Judea, Canaan, or the Holy-Land,
    • Jerusalem,
    • Samaria,
    • Naplouse,
    • Gaza,
    • Joppa, or Jussa,
• Southernly, and towards Arabia Deserta; as, ASSYRIA, now DIARBECK; with its parts of
  • Chaldea, or Babylonia, now Yerack,
    • Bagded, or Babylon,
    • Balsera,
    • Cousa,
    • Orchoe,
    • Sipparum.
  • Mesopotamia, or the particular Diarbeck,
    • Orpha,
    • Caraemid,
    • Merdin,
    • Asanchif,
    • Carra,
    • Sumiscasack,
    • Virta.
  • Assyria, now Arzerum,
    • Mosul, of old, Ninive,
    • Schiarazur.
• Easternly, and regarding Persia; as, TURCOMANIA; with its parts of
  • Turoomans,
    • Erzerum,
    • Cars.
  • Curdes,
    • Schildir,
    • Bitlis.
  • Georgiens,
    • Derbent,
    • Tiflis.
• North-Easternly, and towards the Caspian Sea; as, GEORGIA; with its parts of
  • Avogasia, — St. Sophia,
  • Mingrelie,
    • Phazza,
    • Savatopoli.
  • Gurgista•,
    • Cori,
    • Bassachiuch.
  • Quiria,
    • Zitrach,
    • Stranu,
    • Chipicha.
• Northernly, and towards Moscovy; as, COMANIA,
  • Asof,
  • Maurolaco,
  • Serent.

Turky in Asia.

UNDER the name of TƲRKY in ASIA we understand not all which the Great Turk possesses, but only certain Regions which he alone possesses, or if there be any Estates intermixed, they are inconsiderable. And in this Turky we shall find Anatolia, which the Ancients called Asia Minor; the greater Souria, which the Ancients called Syria the Great; Turcomania, by the Ancients called Armenia the Great; then Diarbeck, which answers to Mesopotamia, and to divers parts of Assyria; and the Chaldea, or Babylonia of the Ancients.

ANATOLIA is that great Peninsula, which is washed on the North by the Black-Sea, Mare Major, or Euxine Sea; and on the South by that part of the Mediterranean which we call the Levant Sea; which extends Westward to the Archipelago or Aegean Sea, and thence to the Euphrates, which bounds it on the East.

The Ancients divided this Great Asia Minor into many lesser Regions; of which the principal are, viz. Pontus, Bithynia, Little Asia Minor; into Lycia, Galatia, Pamphilia, Cappadocia, Cilicia, Caria, Ionia, Aeolis, Lydia, Phrygia Major and Minor, Paphlagonia, Lycaonia, Pysidia, Armenia Minor, Mysia, the Isle of Rhodes, &c.

But at present the Turks do in general call this Great Asia Minor, Anatolia, which signifies Orient: That part of Anatolia, which is most exposed to the North, to wit, Pontus, Bithynia, Galatia, and Cappadocia, by the appellation of Rumla: The more Meridional parts they call Cottomandia, which are Lycia, Pamphilia, and Cilicia: The Little Asia Minor, which is on the Archipelago, hath no other name than that of Anatolia.

But all these Names are little known amongst them, much less those which are attributed to the lesser parts of Anatolia.* 1.2 The Turks divide it into four Beglerbeglies, which are as our Lord Lieutenancies; under which are 35 or 34 Sangiacats, which are as our particular Governments.

The Beglerbeglies are of Anatolia, of Caramania, of Toccat, and of Aladuli: The two first compose all the Western part of Anatolia; the two last all the Eastern part. The Beglerby of Anatolia, hath under him eleven or twelve Sangiacks. The Beglerby of Caramania hath only seven or eight; he of Toccat likewise seven or eight; and he of Aladuli, five or six.

The Cities where the Beglerbies keep their residence, are Cuitage or Cutage, formerly Cotyaeum, for him of Anatolia; Cogna, once Iconium; others put Caesaria, once Caesaria penes Anazarbum, for him of Caramania; Amasia, which keeps its ancient name; and sometimes Trebizonde, formerly Trapezus, for him of Toccat; and Maraz, for him of Aladuli. But to proceed to the Provinces of Anatolia.

PONTƲS is a Country of a large extent, and taketh up all the length of Anatolia, and was by the Romans anciently separated into four parts; viz. Polemoniacus, Pontus Galaticus, Pontus Cappadocius, and Metapontus, or Pontus especially so called.

POLEMONIACƲS hath for its chief places, Nixaria, formerly Neo-Caesarea, which is the Metropolis; Zela, enlarged by Pompey, and called Megalopolis, Barbanissa, and lastly Sebastia, so called in honour of Augustus, whom the Greeks called Sebastos; a place for strength very considerable, and contended against Tamerlane; which was no sooner taken by him, but (to satisfie his Revenge) he caused most cruelly to be buried alive in great Pits about 12000 Men, Women, and Children. Nigh to this City is Mount Stella, where Pompey gave Mithridates his fatal overthrow.* 1.4 This Mithridates was a great and eminent King of Pontus, who for 40 years withstood the Romans; not more excellent in War, than in Learning and Memory, who spake 22 several Languages, who invented that Counter-poyson, from him named Mithridate; who at last, by the Rebellion of his Son, and the Valour of L. Sylla, Lucullus and Pompey, was vanquished; where Pompey, upon a small Island at the entrace of the Euxine Sea, erected a Pillar, which at this day bears his name, and is by the Inhabitants shewed to Strangers, as a memorial of his Victories in these parts.

In this part of Pontus, on the rise and fall of the River Thermodon, and on the Banks thereof, the Amazons, a sort of Warlike-Women were here said to reside, so called, either because they used to cut off their right Breasts, which otherwise would be an impediment to their shooting, or because they used to live together. They were at first Scythians, and accompanied their Husbands to these parts, about the time of the Scythians first coming into Asia, in the time of Sesostris King of Egypt. These People held a great hand over the Themiscyrin, who inhabited this Region, and the Nations round about them, and at last by Treachery were murthered;* 1.5 but their Wives being grievously angred (as well through Grief and Fear, as Exile and Widdow-hood) set upon the Conquerors, under the conduct of Lempado and Marpesia; who not only overthrew them, but also much added to the largeness of their Dominions, and for a considerable time continued in great reputation. The Names of the chiefest of the Amazon Queens were, Lampedo, Marpesia, Ortera, Antiopa, and Peuthesilea, who with a Troop of gallant Virago's came to the Aid of Priamus King of Troy: who at last was slain by Pyrrhus, Son to Achilles. These Amazons, in matters of Copulation, used to go to their neighbouring Men thrice in a year; and if it happened that they brought forth Males, they sent them to their Fathers; but if Females, then they kept them, and brought them up in the Discipline of War and Courage.

• PONTƲS GALATICƲS is Eastward of Pontus; its chiefest Cities are, viz. 1. Amasia, remarkable for the Martyrdom of St. Theodorus, also being the Birth-place of Strabo the famous Geographer, and in these latter times for being the residence of the eldest Sons of the Grand Signior, fent hither as spon as circumcised, who are not to return till the death of their Father. It is a great City, about 4 days Journey from the Black-Sea. 2. Themiscyra, now Favagoria, seated on a large Plain near the Sea. 3. Diopolis, remarkable for the great Overthrow Lucullus gave to Mithridates. 4. Sinope, of note for being the Birth and Sepulchre of Mithridates. 5. Castamona, the chief City of the Isfendiars, which for strength and scituation, is by them preferred before Sinope.

• PONTƲS CAPADOCIƲS hath for its chief places, viz. 1. Ceras•s, from whence Cherries were first brought into Italy by Lucullus, after he had finished his War with Mithridates. 12. Pharnacia, built by Pharnaces a King of Pontus 3. Trebezond, the Metropolis of the Comneni, famous for the Trade of Fish, caught by the People on the Euxine-shoars, here salted, and then transported in great quantities to Constantinople, Cassa, and elsewhere. In this City did anciently reside the Deputies of the Grecian Emperours, for the security of the Out-parts against the Incursions of the Persians; and now is the place of such Gallies, as by the Grand Signior are appointed for the scouring and securing their Trade on the Coasts of the Euxine Sea.

• METAPONTƲS, whose chief places were, 1. Flaviopolu, so called in honour to Flavius Vespasianus. 2. Claudiopolis, in honour to Claudius, Emperour of Rome. 3. Juliopolis, in honour of the Julian Family; all which are Mid-land Towns. 4. Diospobis, of grent resort, on the Euxine Sea, so named from a Temple consecrated to Jupiter. 5. Heraclia, a Colony of the Phocians, remarkable for being the Seat of a Branch of the Imperial Family of the Comneni. But above all is Tocat, a good fair City, built at the foot of a very high Mountain, spreading it self round about a great Rock that is in the midst of the Town, on the top of which is seated a Castle, with a good Garrison. It is well inhabited by Armenians, Greeks, Jews, and Turks, who have the command thereof; its Houses are well built, but its Streets are narrow, and amongst its Mosques there is one very stately. Here the Christians have 12 Churches, hath an Archbishop, under whom are 7 Suffragans. Here are two Monasteries for Men, and two for Women; the greatest part of the Christians are Tradesmen, and generally Smiths: this is the only place in all Asia, where plenty of Saffron groweth. This City is one of the most remarkable Thoroughfares in the East, where are continually lodged the Caravans from Persia, Diarbeck, Constantinople, Smyrna, Synopus, and other places; and here the Caravans turn off as they are variously bound. Here are excellent Fruits and Wine, and Provisions are had at easie rates.

• BITHYNIA hath on the North the Euxine Sea; a place famoused for the Victory of Alexander against the Persians; then for Mount Stella, where Pompey overthrew Mithridates; and Tamberlain with 800000 Tartans, encountred Bajazet with 500000, where 20000 lost their lives, and Bajazet in the pride of his heart being taken, and penn'd up in an Iron-Cage, beat out his own Brains against the Bars. Its chief places are, 1. Nice,* 1.10 where the first General Council was held by the appointment of Constantine the Great, for the expelling of the Arian Heresie. 2. Chalsedon, where the 4th General Council was, to repel the Nestorian Heresie. 3. Scutari, opposite to the Haven of Constantinople, in which place the Persians received their Tribute from the other Cities of these Parts; and lastly, 4. Bursa, once the Seat of the Ottaman Kings in Asia, till they gained Adrianople in Europe, by Mahomet the First; now inhabited by Turks, Jews, and Greeks; by some accounted as fair, rich, and populous as Constantinople, and enjoys a great Trade. It is seated on the Foot of Mount Olympus for its defence, and is adorned with fair Mosques, and many Tombs of the Ottoman Princes.

• LYCIA hath for its Southern bounds the Mediterranean Sea, and is environed on 3 sides with the Mountain Taurus, which makes it very strong: It was formerly exceeding populous, containing about 60 Cities; the greatest part whereof remained in St. Pauls time, but now are reduced to ruins. The chiefest of which were, 1. Mira, the chief City of this Province. 2. Patera, adorned with a fair Haven, and Temples; one of which was dedicated to Apollo, having therein an Oracle, and for Wealth and Credit suitable to that at Delphos. 3. Telmesus, whose Inhabitants are famous for interpreting of Dreams.

• GALATIA is bounded on the East with Cappadocia. Towns of note; viz. 1. Augoura, seated on the River Sangar, 16 days Journey from Constantinople, famous for the Synod here held in the Primitive times, and is one of the greatest and richest places of this quarter, furnishing Turky with a great number of Chamlets and Mo-hairs. 2. Tavium, where there was a Brazen Statue of Jupiter, in whose Temple there was a priviledged Sanctuary. To this Province St. Paul did dedicate one of his Epistles.

• PAMPHYLIA hath for its Southern bounds the Mediterranean Sea. The principal Cities are, 1. Satalia, (founded by Ptolomy Philadelphus, King of Egypt,) is the strongest, and best for Traffick of all its Coasts, communicating its name to the neighbouring Gulph, called Golfo di Satalia, and to the most Oriental part of the Mediterranean Sea; famous for the rich Tapestries that are here made. 2. Side, famous in the time of the Gentiles for a Temple of Pallas. 3. Perge, renowned in Old time for the Temple of Diana, and for the Annual Feasts there held in honour of her; and yet more famous for St. Pauls Preaching here. 4. Aspendus, and Inland Town, strongly scituate, once the Metropolis of the Province, famous of old for its Musicians. These Provinces were converted to Christianity by the Apostles, St. Paul (who Journied through most Cities in these quarters,) St. Peter, and St. John, as doth appear by Holy Scripture. The Country for the most part is very Mountainous, which proceed from Mount Taurus, as branches thereof: Here are abundance of Goats, of whose Hair are made great quantities of Grograins and Chamlets, which for fineness are not inferiour to Silk, with which it serves other Countries, being its chief Commodity; but nearer the Sea it is more fruitful, being well watered and planted, more populous and pleasant.

• CAPPADOCIA hath for its chief places, 1. Mazaca, enlarged and beautified by Tiberius the Emperour; and in honour to Augustus Caesar, by him called Caesarea, being the Metropolitan City of Cappadocia, as also the Episcopal See of St. Basil. 2. Nyssa, the See of Gregory, Surnamed Nyssenus, and Brother to Basil. 3. Nazianzum, also the Episcopal See of another Gregory, Surnamed Nazianzenus, which 3 for their admirable abilities in all kind of Learning, and for their Piety, are not to be parallel'd. 4. Comana, remarkable of old for its Temple consecrated to Bellona, whose Priests, and other inferiour Officers of both Sexes, in the time of Strabo amounted to about 6000. 5. Erzirum, scituate in the Confines of Armenia Major, which is the Rendezvous for the Turkish Army, when they have any design against Persia; at which place they are likewise disbanded and sent home, being a Frontier Town. It is seated an the end of a large Plain, circled with Mountains; its Houses are not very well built, but hath several great Inns for entertainment of Passengers, as at Tocat; and it is observable, that Barly after 40 days, and Wheat after 60, is fit to cut: And, 6. Pterium, memorable for the great Battel fought between Croesus King of Lydia, and Cyrus of Persia; in which Croesus lost not only the Field, but also his Kingdom. The Country is very rich in Mines of Silver, Iron, Brass, and Alum; hath great plenty of Wine, and several sorts of Fruits; also Crystal, Jasper, and the Onyx-stone: But the greatest Wealth which they have is their Horses. The People of this Country were anciently very Vicious, and prone to all kinds of Wickedness; but since Christianity was received amongst them, their former Vices are now changed to Vertues.

• CILICIA hath on the South the Mediterranean Sea. Places of note here found are, viz. 1. Tarsis, pleasantly seated, famous for the Birth-place of St. Paul; 2. Anchiala, on the Sea-side; both which, with some others, were built in one day by Sardanapalus King of Assyria. 3. Epiphania, the Birth-place of George the Arian, Bishop of Alexandria. 4. Adena, seated in a fruitful Soil, abounding in Corn and Wine, defended by a strong Castle. 5. Alexandria, built by Alexander the Great; and to distinguish it from Alexandria in Egypt, was named Alexandretta, but now Scanderone; a famous Haven-Town, serving for the Scale to Aleppo, which is distant from it about 100 English miles, to which all Shipping, either out of the Ocean or Mediterranean, come to lade and unlade their Goods, which are hence transported by Camels to Aleppo; and here the English, French, and Venetians, have their Vice-Consuls to protect their Goods and Ships. 6. Amavarza, a City in the time of Strabo, of great antiquity. 7. Nicopolis, founded by Alexander in memory of his great Victory: And 8. Issus, seated on a large Bay, famous for the Battel here fought between Alexander (with an inconsiderable Army of Macedonians) and Darius, and his vast Army, which consisted of about 600000 Assyrians; whereof about 160000 of the Persians were slain, and about 40000 taken Prisoners; in which Battel, the Wives and Daughters of Darius were taken, Alexander not losing above 200 of his Men.

On the Right-hand of Cilicia is Isauria, which may bear the name of a Province: It is fruitful in Vines, and several sorts of Fruits, having a rich Soil. The chief Cities are, 1. Claudiopolis, into which Claudius the Emperour brought a Roman Colony: And, 2. Seleucia, founded by Seleucus.

• CARIA hath for its Southern bounds the Carpathian Sea. Its chief places are, 1. Miletus, not far from the Hill Latmus, the Birth-place of Thales, one of the 7 Wise-men of Greece; to this place St. Pauls called together the Bishops of Ephesus and other of the adjoyning Cities. 2. Mindus, which being but a small City, and its Gates so big, made Diogenes the Cynick to cry out, to have them shut their Gates, lest the City should run out at them. 3. Milasa, famous in old time for two Temples dedicated to Jupiter: And 4. Borgylia, where Diana also had a Temple.

In this Country is the Hill Latmus, which was the retiring place of Endymion, who by the study of Astronomy did there find out the Changes and Courses of the Moon, by the Poets feigned to be her Favourite; others there be who would have it, that in a Cave under this Hill Jupiter hid him, and casting him in a deep sleep, descended sometimes to kiss him.

• IONIA, bounded on the West with the Aegean Sea. Places of note in this Country are, 1. Ephesus, famous for many things; as, First, for being the Burial-place of St. John the Evangelist, who (as some say) went here alive into the Grave. Secondly, for the Temple of Diana, which for its Greatness, Furniture, and stately Workmanship, was accounted one of the Wonders of the World. Thirdly, for St. Pauls directing an Epistle to the Inhabitants thereof. Fourthly, for being the Episcopal See of Timothy the Evangelist, first Bishop hereof: And, Fifthly, for its Ecclesiastical Council here; but now much ruined from its ancient beauty, it being now reduced to a small Village. 2. Smyrna, which is now the only City of Trade in these parts; famous for being one of the 7 Churches of Asia, to which St. John dedicated his Revelation, being one of those 7 Cities that strove for the Birth of Homer, where (in a Cave hard by) he is said to have writ his Poems: But now violated by the Mahometans, her Beauty is turned into Deformity, her Religion into Impiety, and her knowledge into Barbarism. This City is seated on the bottom of a Bay or Gulph, called the Gulph of Smyrna, where the English, French, and Venetians keep Consuls to protect their Merchants, and keep up their Trade, it being under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Signior. 3. Colophon, another of those Cities which strove for the Birth of Homer: Here the People are so well skill'd in Horsemanship, that whose side soever they took in War, were sure to gain the Victory. 4. Erythra, the habitation of one of the Sibyls, from whence called Sibylla Erythraea. 5. Ipsus, remarkable for the great Battel betwixt Antigonus and Seleucus, two of Alexanders chief Commanders, wherein Antigonns lost both the day, and his life. 6. Lebedus, of note in ancient times for those Plays here yearly held in honour to Bacchus. 7. Priene, the Birth-place of Bias, one of the 7 Wise-men of Greece: And, 8. Clazomene, seated on a small Ilet near the shoar, beautified with a Temple dedicated to Apollo.

• AEOLIS, North of Ionia, hath for its chief places, 1. Cuma, the habitation of Sibylla, Surnamed Cumana. 2. Elaea, on the Mouth of Caicus, being the Port-Town to Pergamus. 3. Myrina, which in honour to Augustus is called Sebastopolis. 4. Pitane, not far from the Aegean Sea; and here they had an art in making Bricks that would swim above water.

• LYDIA: Its chief Cities are, 1. Sardis, in which was one of the 7 Churches in Asia, being the Royal Seat of Croesus, and the Kings of Lydia, until it was subdued by the Persians: and, 2. Philadelphia, on the Banks of the River Caystrus. Its People are said to be the first Inventers of Dice, Chess, and other such Games; as also the first Hucksters, Pedlers, and the first Coyners of Mony. The Country by reason of the great plenty of gallant Rivers renders it very fruitful and pleasant, being enriched with Mines of Gold and Silver, as also precious Stones.

• PHRYGIA MAJOR, bounded on the East with Galatia. The chief places are, 1. Gordion, the Seat of Gordius, which from the Plough-tail was taken and chosen King of this Kingdom, who tied such a Knot, (called the Gordian-knot) which Alexander the Great cut in pieces, when he could not unty it. 2. Midium, the Seat of Midas, Son to this Gordius; who covetously petitioned Bacchus, that whatsoever he touched should be turned into Gold; which was granted, but soon was forced to lose the benefit of it, else he would have been starved, his Victuals turning into Gold: and falling into a second oversight in Judgment, in preferring Pan's Pipe before Apollo's Harp, he for his small Judgment in Musick, was rewarded with a comly pair of Asses-ears.

3. Colossi, to whom St. Paul writ one of his Epistles. 4. Pesinus, where the goddess Cybele was worshipped, being called Dea Pesinuncia. This City is placed in the Borders of Galatia. The Country is very rich, pleasant, and well watered with Rivers, the People being anciently more Superstitious than in any other place of Asia, as is manifest by the Rites used in their Sacrifices of Cybele, and other of their goddesses, being accounted such as use Divination. They are a People which much delight in Effeminacy. Here Reigned Tantalus, who wanting wisdom to make use of his great Riches, is by the Poets feigned to stand in Hell up to the chin in water, under a Tree whose Fruit doth touch his Lips, but yet cannot reach them.

• PHRYGIA MINOR, bounded on the South with the Aegean Sea. Places of most note, viz. 1. Dardanum, or Dardania, being the Town and Patrimony of Aeneas. 2. Troy, seated on the Banks of the River Scamander, famous for having sustained a Ten years Siege against the Greeks; in which time the Trojans lost 860000 Men, and the Grecians 666000 Men, being then so famous a City, that it might be counted the glory of the East, from whence all Nations desire to derive their beginning; but now remaining nothing but Ruins. Four miles from which there was another City, built by Lysimachus, one of Alexanders Captains, which from other Cities there adjoyning was peopled; by him called Alexandria, or Troas Alexandria, or New Troy, in honour of Alexander the Great, who begun the Work, which though not so great, rich, and famous as the first, yet was the Metropolis of the Province; but now by the Turks quite ruinated, by their carrying the Stones and Pillars to Constantinople, for the beautifying of their Bashaws Houses. 3. Sigaeum, the Port-Town to Troy. 4. Assus, called by Pliny, Apollonia, in which place the Earth will consume the Bodies of the Dead in 40 days. 5. Lyrnessus, opposite to the Isle of Lesbos, destroyed by Achilles and the Greeks in the beginning of the Trojan War.

• PAPHLAGONIA hath for its chief Cities, 1. Gangra, remarkable for a Council there held in the Primitive times, called Synodus Gangrensis. 2. Pompeiopolis, so called by Pompey the Great: And, 3. Coniata, or Conica, fortified by Mithridates, when he was Master of this Country.

• LYCAONIA, bounded on the East with Armenia Minor. The most eminent places in this Country are, 1. Iconium (now Cogni) the Regal Seat of the Aladine Kings; a place of great strength, whose scituation is in the Mountains, advantagious for defence and safety. 2. Lystra, famous for the Birth-place of Timothy, and where Paul and Barnabas having healed a Cripple, were adored for Mercury and Jupiter: And, 3. Derbe, where the said Apostle preached.

• PISIDIA hath for its chief places, 1. Seleucia, built by Seleucus. 2. Sagalassa, scituate in the most fruitful part of this Country. 3. Selge, a Colony of the Lacedemonians: And, 4. Termessus, strongly seated. This Country was famous for the Battel fought betwixt Cyrus and Artaxerxes; where Cyrus lost his life, and the Victory; out of which Xenophon made that notable Retreat with his Grecians, in the despight of 20000 Men, which pursued him.

• ARMENIA MINOR is bounded on the East with the Euphrates, which separates it from Armenia Major. Cities of hote, viz. 1. Meteline, the Metropolitan City, now called Suur, abounding in great quantities of Wine and Oil. 2. Nicopolis, built by Pompey in remembrance of a Victory he there obtained against the Forces of Tygranes, King of Syrid. 3. Garnasa, a strong Town. 4. Oromandus; and, 5. Arabyssus, remarkable for the exile of St. Chrysostom, Patriarch of Constantinople, confined here by the malice of the Empress Eudoxia. This Country, as to its fertility, pleasantness, &c. is the same as Cappadocia afore-mentioned.

• MYSIA hath for its chief places, 1. Cyzicus, seated in the Propontis, in an Island of the same name, but so near the Continent, that it is joyned to it by two Bridges. The Metropolis of the Consular Hellespont, a place of great strength and beauty, whose Walls, Bulwarks, Towers, and Haven, were made of Marble. 3. Adramyttium where Paul took Shipping to go to Rome:

And, 4. Pergamus, seated in a goodly Plain, on the Banks of the River Caicus; a place of great strength, beautified with a Library of about 200000 Volumes or Manuscripts, all writ in Parchment; famous also for those costly Hangings known to us by Tapestry. Here was one of the 7 Churches of Asia, to which St. John writ his Revelation; and lastly, famous for the Birth-place of Galen, the eminent Physician, who lived to the Age of 140 years in good health.

• The Mountains and Rivers in Anatolia may have somewhat in particular observed of them. Mount Taurus begins between Lysia and Caria, and extends it self all the length of Asia, being a continual Ridge of Hills, running through Asia from West to East; which for its length, height, and the branches it casts forth on one side and the other, the greatest and most famous Mountain in the World. On Mount Ida, the Trojan Paris judged of the Beauty of Juno, Pallas, and Venus, and giving the Golden Apple to the last, drew on himself and his Friends the enmity of the other two. On the Mountain Tmole in Lydia, Midas, having esteemed Pan's Pipe to be more pleasant than the Harp of Apollo, was by him pulled by the Ears, not to make them greater, but so hard as gave occasion to the Poets to jeer him, and say, that he had Asses Ears. This Mountain is very fruitful, especially in Vines and Saffron. On Cragus was feigned to be the Monster Chimera, which Bellerophon made tractable. On Latmus in Caria passed the Loves of the Moon, and Endymion, &c.

Amongst the Rivers, Pactolus hath rouled down so much Gold in its Streams, since Midas washed there, that the Riches of Croesus, and others, are come from thence. The Granick was witness of the Victory of Alexander the Great, against the Satrapes of Darius; but Alexander washing himself in the cold waters of Cidnus, had near lost his life. The River Acheron, and the Lake Acherusia, near Heraclia in Bithynia, are esteemed to reach to Hell; and that this way Hercules brought up the Villain Cerberus. Halys (at present Lali) served for the bounds and limits between the Kingdom of Croesus and the Empire of the Persians; but it proved fatal to Croesus, &c.

• There are many other things observable about, and within the lesser Asia. The Bosphorus of Thrace, or Channel of the Black-Sea, or Streight of Constantinople, is so narrow, that Darius Hystaspes built a Bridge over it, and passed with his Troops over it from Asia into Europe, to make War against the Scythians. Xerxes, the Son of Darius, did as much over the Hellespont or Streight of Gallipoli, or the Dardanelles, which we call the Castles of Sestos and Abydos, which are seated three Leagues above the entrance, and at the narrowest place of the Hellespont, opposite each to other: Formerly famous for the unfortunate Loves of Hero and Leander, drowned in the merciless Surges. Here also Xerxes, whose populous Army drank Rivers dry, and made Mountains circumnavigable, is said to have passed over into Greece on a Bridge of Boats. Sestos is strongly seated on the side of a Mountain, descending to the Sea on the European shoar; Abydos, on a low Level on the Asian shoar. The Amaniden Streights, or Passes of Mount Aman, between Cilicia and Syria, are easie to keep; the Way for about 2500 Paces, being between Rocks and Crags; the Feet of which are washed with many streams which fall off from the Mountains. Here it was that Alexander the Great vanquished Darius.

The ISLANDS about ASIA MINOR.

THe ISLANDS about ASIA MINOR have been very remarkable to Antiquity, though not so at present: They are almost in the Archipelago; some in the Mediterranean Sea, almost none in the Black Sea; yet at the entrance into that Sea, and near the Bosphorus of Thrace, are The two Islands called CYANEES, so near the one to the other, that the Ancients would make us believe they joyned. METELIN, of old LESBOS, famous for the City Meteline, which for its greatness and excellency of its Wines, gives name to the Island. In this place was born Sappho, the Inventress of the Sapphick Verse: Pittacus one of the Sages of Greece; and Arion, the Dolphin Harper.* 1.33SCIO, or CHIOS, distant from the Ionian shoar four Leagues, being in compass about 126 miles; remarkable for the Church of its Convent of Niomene, one of the fairest in the World. It affordeth excellent Fruits in great plenty, but of most note for its Mastick, not found elsewhere; it is now under the power of the Grand Signior.* ICARIA, now called Niceria, in compass 12 Leagues; here Icarus suffered Shipwreck; abounding in Corn and Pasturage.* PATHMOS, in compass about ten Leagues; Mountainous, but reasonably fruitful, especially in Grain. Here it was that St. John being banished by Domitian, writ his Revelation to the Churches of Asia. PARMACƲSA, near Miletum, where Caesar was taken by them. CLAROS or CASAMO, about 13 Leagues in compass, very Mountainous, but hath good Harbours; in former times sacred to Apollo; abounding in great plenty of Aloes, where they are gathered and transported to other Countries. LERO, noted also for Aloes. COOS, seated in the bottom of the Aegean Sea, furnished with sweet and pleasant Streams, which refresh this Island, and makes it very fruitful; it is in compass 23 Leagues, having its chief place so called, fortified with a strong Tower, now a Garrison of the Turks. This Island is remarkable for being the Birthplace of so many famous men, especially Hippocrates, the Revivor of Physick, when almost decayed, unto the ancient practice of Aesculapius, unto whom this Island was consecrated, having therein a Temple, made rich with the Offerings of those that had been sick, whose Cures were there Registred; and Apelles the famous Painter. Scarpante, stored with the best Coral in the World. NICOSIA, which was the Seat of the Kings of the Family of Lufigua, and the See of an Archbishop, and Peopled with 40000 Families. FARMACƲSA, scituate on the Sea, much stronger than Nicosia. BAPHO, of old Baphus, famous for its Temple, dedicated to Venus. Mount Olympus, now St. Michaels Mount, stands in the middle of this Island. NEGRO-PONTE, where the Sea ebbs and flows seven times a day; which because Aristotle could not unriddle, he here drowned himself; the chief City is Colchis SAMOS, about 30 Leagues in compass, strongly seated almost on all sides with Rocks, having a fair Haven, fertil in Fruits, especially in Oil and Olives; the Island much infected with Pirates. This is the only place in the World for Spunges, under whose Rocks they grow in the Sea; for the getting of which they have People which from their Infancy are bred up with dry Bisket, and other extenuating diet, to make them lean; then taking a Spunge wet in Oil, they hold it part in their Mouths and part without, and so they dive down into the Sea to get it; those that have been used to this trade, can abide under water almost an hour together. TENEDOS, scituate at the Mouth of the Hellespont, opposite to Troy, remarkable for the concealing the Grecian Navy, which proved the final destruction of Troy. RHODES, scituate in the Carpathian or Rhodian Sea, being in compass 46 Leagues; a place of great strength, its Soil fertil, its Air temperate, plentiful in all things, as well for delight as profit, full of excellent Pastures, adorned with pleasant Trees, whose Leaves are alb the year long in their verdure. In this Island the Sun is so powerful and constant, as it was anciently dedicated to Phoebus. This Island, as Sandys in his Book of Travels noteth, was held Sacred to the Sun, to whom they erected that vast Colossus of Brass, which may well be accounted one of the Seven Wonders of the World: He saith, this Colossus was in height 70 Cubits; every Finger as big as an ordinary Statue, and the Thumb too great to be fathomed. It was 12 years a making, the bigness was such, that being erected at the entrance of the Port, Ships past between its Legs; but in 66 years, by an Earthquake it was thrown down and broken in pieces: And besides the Mass of Stones contained therein, 900 Camels were laden with the Brass, which was used about it. This City bearing the name of the Island, is seated 4 miles from the ancient City, famous of old for their Government, their expert Navigations, and since for the abode of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, now in the hands of the Turk. This City and Island of Rhodes, as indeed Tenedos, Samos, and the rest of the Isles in this Sea, are of little or no Trade; yet they are found to produce several good Commodities: And, CYPRƲS, which amongst all is the greatest, being in circuit about 183 Leagues distant from the Cilician shoar, about 20 Leagues it stretcheth it self from East to West, in form of a Fleece, and thrusting forth a great many Promontories. This Island, during the Empire of the Persians and Macedonians, was accounted for Nine Kingdoms, most of them bearing the names of their principal Towns; but by Prolomy divided into these 4 Provinces, viz. 1. Lapethia, 2. Paphia, 3. Salamine, and 4. Amathusia. Places of most note are, 1. Nicosia, the Metropolis of the Island, being a walled City, in form round, five miles in compass, adorned with stately Buildings, resembling some Cities in Florence, as well for its beauty and pleasant scituation, as for its plentifulness in People. 2. Tremitas, the Birth-place of Spiridon, a famous Bishop of the Primitive times. 3. Paphos, seated near the Sea, built by Paphos, Son of Pygmalion, King of Phoenicia and Cyprus, where stands Pygmalions Statue; which (as the Poets feign) was by the power of Venus turned into a Woman; where she had her so much celebrated Temple, and where her Votaries of both Sexes in their natural nakedness, did perform her Sacrifices. 4. Salamis, once the Metropolitan City in the Island, but now turned to Ruins; in which there was a famous Temple consecrated unto Jupiter. 5. Aphrodisium, so named from Venus, where she had another Temple. 6. Famagusta, though but small, yet one of the chiefest in this Island, strongly seated. 7. Arsinoe, famous for the Groves of Jupiter. 8. Amathus, renowned for the Annual Sacrifices made unto Adonis, the darling of Venus, where she had another Temple. 9. Episcopia, where Apollo had both a Temple and a Grove. This Temple was held so Sacred, that those which touched it were thrown into the Sea.

• This Island is seated under the Fourth Climate, which makes the longest day to be but 14 hours and a half. It is exceeding rich and fertil, abounding in Corn, Wine, Oil, Silks, Cotton, Turpentine, Wool, Hony, Salt, Verdigreace, Alum, Storax, Colloquintida, Laudanum: All sorts of Metals, &c.

To this Isle, as to all other parts of Turky, no English are suffered to Trade, except those of the Company of Levant Merchants; where they have a Factory, and a Consul, who is generally elected by the said Levant Company, and established by the Ambassador. The People are very civil to Strangers, delighting in Hospitality, also addicting themselves to War, being strong and active; and the Women were in former times given to unchastity, by reason of their so great adoration of their goddess Venus, it being the custom of these Women to prostitute themselves on the Shoars to Passers by; where their Virgins would do the same. But upon their receiving of Christianity, by the Preachings of St. Paul and Barnabas, being the Birth-place of the latter, this (with other of their uncivil and barbarous Customs) were laid aside.

This ANATOLIA, or ASIA MINOR, which I have hitherto treated of, is seated (for the most part) all in a healthful and temperate Air, the Soil being generally fruitful, once very populous, and replenished with many fair and goodly Cities, now lamenting the loss of about 4000, some of which by Earthquakes, but most by the Wars the Turks brought against them. The Commodities or Merchandizes which it abounds with, and communicates to other Nations, are chiefly excellent Wines, Goats-hair, Camels-hair, Grograin Yarn, Silk, Cotton Wool, Cotton Yarn, Cloth of a course make, Coral, Gauls, though not so good as those of Syria, Grograins, Chamlets, Mohairs, Turky-Carpets, Spunges, Turpentine the best in the World; Mastick, with some other Commodities of less note which the English, French, Venetians, and Dutch fetch from hence; but chiefly from Smyrna, it being the chief Town of Trade, being a flourishing Factory, where those Nations (as hath been said before) keep their Consuls.

SOƲRIA, or SYRIA.

• SOƲRIA, formerly SYRIA the Great, and at present Soristan with the Eastern People, is near hand that which the Romans called their Diocess of the East, as may seem by our now calling it the Levant. It extends from the Mediterranean Sea, which washes its Western Coast, to the Euphrates, which on the East divides it from Diarbeck; and from Mount Aman, or Monte-Negro, which bounds it on the North, and separates it from Cilicia unto Arabia and Egypt, which border on its Southern parts.

The Ancients have divided it into three principal Parts: the particular Syria, called Syria Propria, which (as the greatest and best) held the name of all Phoenicia, and Judaea or Palestine: This last stretcheth more towards the South,* 1.55Syria towards the North, and Phoenicia remaineth in the middle; and all are along the Mediterranean Sea, from Anatolia into Egypt; the particular Syria alone touches the Euphrates, the rest upon Arabia. At present the Turks divide all Syria into two Beglerbeglies, Aleppo, and Damascus; some make a third of Tripoli of Syria: and give to this last five Sangiacats, nine or ten to Damascus, and seven to Aleppo; which in all are 16 or 20 Sangiacats, whose Names and Scituations are for the most part unknown; we will content our selves to speak something of the Cities, which have been, or which yet are, the principal of all these Quarters, beginning with those of Syria.

SYRIA PROPRIA.

• SYRIA PROPRIA is bounded on the East with the River Euphrates, and on the West with the Mediterranean Sea. It is very fertil, affording plenty of excellent Fruits, Cotton-Wool, Sheep, which have Tails that weigh about 30 pounds, with several other good Commodities. The People were formerly very industrious, but much addicted to Gluttony, as did appear by their often and great Feasting; they were subtle in their dealings, much given to Superstition, being worshippers of the goddess Fortune, and other of their Syrian goddesses, much addicted to Plays and Pastimes, and given to Scoffing and Laughter.* 1.57 The chief Places in this Country are, 1. Antioch, or Antiochia, once the Metropolis of Syria, once so fair, that it held the third or fourth degree amongst the best Cities of the Roman Empire. Its Walls are yet standing, and the most beautiful that Eye ever beheld; within it is nothing but Ruins. Its scituation is on the River Orontes, so called; at present Assi, or Haser, four Leagues from the Mediterranean shoar; a place of great strength, having for its Fortification an enchosure of two strong Walls, on which for their further defence were erected about 460 Towers, together with a strong Castle. The City before its Ruins being adorned with stately Palaces, Temples, &c. fit for so great a City, being formerly the Seat of some of the Roman Emperours, and of the chief Officers of their Empire in the Orient. It was the first Seat of a Patriarch, that St. Peter established, and which held in the Infancy of the Church, 1. The Diocesses of Thrace, Asia, Pontus, and the East. 2. Daphne, about five miles from Antioch, so named from Daphne, one of the Mistresses of Apollo, who was here worshipped, famous for having here his Oracle and Grove, which was about 10 miles in compass, all encompassed with Cypresses and other Trees, so tall and close together, that the Beams of the Sun could not dart through, though in his greatest power; watered with pleasant Streams, beautified with Fountains, and enriched with abundance of Trees, which yield variety of excellent Fruits, as well for tast as tincture; for its Temples dedicated to Apollo; for its Sanctuary or Asyle, and for the place where Daphne was changed into a Laurel, that it hath been compared with the Valley of Tempe in Thessaly. 3. Aleppo, built upon four Hills, at present is the greatest and principal Town of all Syria, and one of the most famous of the East, being the ancient Hierapolis, having large Suburbs, which are for the most part taken up by Christians. It is seated between the Euphrates and the Mediterranean Sea, and in that place where that Sea and the Euphrates make the nearest conjunction, which makes it capable of the best and greatest commerce of the World, to wit, of all the Levant, with the West, by the passage of the Gulph of Ormus and Balsora, which brings Commodities up the Euphrates, just against the City of Aleppo; from whence the Caravans bring them by Land to Aleppo, and carry them from thence to Alexandretta or Scanderoon, scituate on the Mediterranean Sea; and thence into the parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe, which border upon the Mediterranean, and farther into that Ocean. This City is the ordinary residence of a Turkish Bassa, who commands all the Country from Alexandretta to the Euphrates. 4. Aman, or Ama, seated between Tripoli and Aleppo, in the midst of a great Plain, encompassed on all sides with very pleasant Hills, abounding in Grains, Wines, with abundance of Orchards, stored with varieties of Fruits and Palm-Trees. It is almost encompassed with the River Orontes, and with a great Lake; the Gardens are watered with many Channels, drawn from the Rivers; there are very excellent Pastures, so that Seleucus Nicanor there fed 500 Elephants, 30000 Horses, and a great part of his Militia. And to this day this City is the best peopled of all Syria, next to Aleppo and Damascus. 5. Emsa, or Hemz, seated in the spacious and fruitful Plain of Apamene, watered with many pleasant Streams, which, for its Scituation, is almost the same with that of Aman; and because the Arabes call it Hamsi, and that name comes somewhat near to Hus, some Authors will have it to be the Country of the Patient Job. 6. Aradus, seated in a Rocky Island of a mile in compass, just opposite to the Mouth of the River Eleutherus, which from the Continent is distant not above a League. 7. Seleucus, so called from him, as being the Founder of it, who was esteemed the greatest Builder in the World, founding 9 Cities of this Name, 16 in memory of his Father Antiochus, six bearing the name of his Mother Laodice, and three in remembrance of his first Wife Apamia; besides several others worthy of note in Greece and Asia, either repaired, beautified, or built by him. 8. Laodicea, built by Seleucus (as aforesaid) abounding in excellent Wine, and choice Fruits. 9. Larissa, now Laris, seated four Leagues Southwards of Laodicea, much noted in the Stories of the Holy Wars. 10. Hierapolis, a City of great note in Ancient times for their Idolatry, in adoring and worshipping the Syrian goddess. The Temple was built by Stratonice, wife to Seleucus, in the midst of the City, encompassed with a double Wall about 300 Fathom in height, the Roof thereof in-laid with Gold, and built with such sweet Wood, that the Cloaths of those which came thither were as it were perfumed, Without the Temple were places for the keeping of their Oxen, and other of their Beasts for Sacrifice; as also a Lake of about 200 Fathom in depth, for the preservation of their sacred Fishes. The Priests, besides other subservient Ministers, which here attended, were about 300 in number. 11. Zeugma, seated on the Banks of the Euphrates. Here it was that Alexander the Great, with his Army, passed over on a Bridge of Boats. 12. Heraclea, nigh to which Minerva had a Temple, where, for a Sacrifice, they used once a year to offer a Virgin, which afterwards was changed to a Hart. 13. Samosat, seated near the Banks of the Euphrates, over which the was a Bridge which served for a passage to Mesopotamia. In this City was born Paulus Samosatenus, Patriarch of Antioch, who, for his teaching that our Saviour was not the Son of God, was (in a Council here held) condemned of Heresie. 14. Palmyre, at present Faid, seated in a Desart and Sandy Plain, was built by Solomon in the Wilderness, where one their Kings Odenat, and his wife Zenobia, have been well known for their Victories, divers times gained against the Parthians; and for endeavouring to gain the Empire of the East. 15. Resapha, a Town of great note in the Holy Scripture: And, 16. Adida, memorable for the Victory that Aretas, K. of Arabia, obtained against Alexander, K. of Jewry.

PHOENICIA.

• PHOENICIA hath for its Eastern and Southern Bounds, Palestine; for its Western, the Mediterranean Sea; and for its Northern, Syria Propria. This Country was adorned with several great and beautiful Cities, though of no great extent: For the most part seated on the Sea-shoar, which makes it much frequented by Merchants, there being several good Commodities found therein, as Corn, Oil, Hony, excellent Balm, &c. The People were here held to be very ingenious and active. Places, of most note are, 1. Tyre, at present Sor or Sour, seated in a Plain so advantagious, (that is, on a Rock almost quite encompassed with the Sea) that it oft disputed the Priority with Sidon, and in the end gained it. Nebuchadonozor ruined it after a Siege of 14 years; then Alexander the Great, after a Siege of 7 or 8 months. It was many times restored to its power and splendor, by means of its Purple, and of its Trade: and when it was in its glory, it might be said, That if only its scituation were considered, it was a Fortress; if its Traffick, a Mart; if its Magnificence, a Royal-Court; and if its Riches, the Treasure of the Universe. The Cities of Carthage, Ʋtica, Leptis, and others in Africa, and of Cadiz in Spain, without the Streights were its Colonies. And some have adventured to say, America was peopled by them. Its Haven is likewise the best of all Phoenicia, and the Levant. 2. Sidon, at present Sayd, and sometimes Sayette, hath been much esteemed in the Ancientest of times: It was built, or at least took its name from Sidon, the eldest Son of the Children of Canaan, scituate upon a Rock along the Coast of the Sea, and with a fair Port. The Neighbouring Champain is very fertil, and watered with divers Streams which descend from Libanus, with which they watered and enriched their pleasant Orchards. It hath been very famous for Arts and Sciences, and particularly for being the first Authors of Arithmetick and Astronomy; The first Inventers of Letters; the first Navigators and Builders of Ships; the first Inventers of Glasses; and the first that exercised Arms. From hence it was that Solomon and Zorobabel had their principal Workmen, both for Stone and Timber, which were employed in the building of the Temple. It hath Peopled divers Colonies; among others, Thebes in Boeotia. The Persians were the first that ruin'd it, after them others, and at last the Turks; who at present are Masters of it, as also of Tyre. The present Sidon is built somewhat West of the Old; but of small note in respect to the splendor of the Old, yet still hath some Trade. The chief Commodities being Corn, Galls, Wools, Cottons, Cotton-Yarn, white Silk, and Wax. 3. Damascus, called by those of the Country Scham; seated in a very fruitful Plain, and begirt about with curious and odoriferous Gardens and Orchards, which abound in all sorts of pleasant and delightful Fruits: watered with the River Chrysorrhous, which sendeth forth many Rivulets; by which the whole City is so well furnished, that not only most Houses have their Fountains; but also their Gardens and Orchards receive the benefit of the cool Streams, which gently glide through them: The whole Country round about being enriched with plenty of excellent Vines, which beareth Grapes all the year long; as also great plenty of Wheat. A place so surfeiting of Delights, that the vile Impostor Mahomet would never enter into it, lest by the ravishing Pleasures of this place, he should forget the business he was sent about, and make this his Paradise. This City is famous, first, for her Founders, who were Abrahams Servants; next for the Temple of Zacharias, which was garnished with 40 stately Porches, and adorned with about 9000 Lanthorns of Gold and Silver, and last of all, for the Conversion of St. Paul, who here first preached the Gospel; for which he was forced to make his escape out of the House, being let down the Walls in a Basket. Josephus believeth that it was built by Ʋs, the Son of Abraham, Grandchild to Noah: However it were, after Type and Sidon began to decay, this began to be in some repute, and hath been esteemed the chief City of Phoenicia, and sometimes of all Syria. It is beyond Mount Libanus, in respect to Tyre and Sidon; seated in a Soll so fertil and delightful, by reason of the Rivers and Fountains, that in Holy Scripture it is called a famous City, a City of Joy, a House of Delight and Pleasure; and some Authors call it the Paradise of the World. Yet hath it felt very great changes, as well as Tyre and Sidon: It hath been taken, retaken, ruined, and re-established divers times, by the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Parthians, Saracens, Tartars, by the Soldans of Egypt, and in fine, by the Turks, in whose hands it is at present, very flourishing and rich. The Houses of private persons are not so fair without as within; the publick Buildings are very beautiful; the Castle is in the middle of the City, built by a Florentine. 4. Serepta, seated on the Sea Coast betwixt Tyre and Sidon, memorable in Holy Scripture for the Prophet Elijah, in raising from death the poor Widows Son. Here is found excellent Wines, accounted as good as those of Grece. 5. Acre, of old Acon, and Ptolemais, is bounded with the Sea on two sides; the third is joyned to a Plain of the Continent. The City is very strong, being walled with a double Wall, fortified throughout on the out-side with Towers and Bulwarks, and in the middle of the City a strong Castle, on the top of which there was every Night set Lights, which served to direct Ships at Sea to their Port. The Plain is fertil and well watered with Streams, which descend from the Neighbouring Mountains. The Christians took, lost, and retook this place divers times, when they made War into the Holy Land; in which, none more famous than Richard the First, and Edward the First, both Kings of England. The same did likewise the Saracens; the Soldans of Egypt ruined it, and after re-built it; and at present it remains in the hands of the Turks. 6. Tripoli of Syria, (for distinction from Tripoli of Barbary) seated in a rich Plain, is at this day by some esteemed the Metropolis of Phoenicia, thought it hath three times more Ruins than whole Houses; and seated about two miles from the Sea, but not above half a mile from its Haven, which formerly served for a Port to Aleppo, but since removed to Alexandretta or Scanderone: But yet a place of some small Trade, affording Corn, Cotton-Wool, Yarn, Silk, some Drugs, Pot-Ashes, and other Commodities. The Buildings are generally low, and the Streets narrow, excepting those which lead towards Aleppo, which are fair and broad; having many pleasant Gardens, which are watered with delightful Streams, in which Gardens they keep great quantities of Silk-Worms. The Soil is excellent good, if it were well tilled; but the Air is unhealthful. 7. Biblus, now Gibbeleth, was the habitation of Ciniras, the Father of Myrrha, Mother to the fair Adonis; from whence the neighbouring River took its name, remarkable in the infancy of Christianity, for being the See of a Bishop; but now by the Turks made desolate. And, 8. Barutt, or Beryte, a place formerly of great Trade, but now of great concourse, and much frequented by Merchants, and others; it being the Road for all those Caravans that travel from Aleppo, Damascus, and Jerusalem; to Cairo, and Mecca. It is subject to the Grand Signior. Near to this Town is that noted Valley, where (as some Authors say) St. George by killing the Dragon, which had his abode in a Cave here, redeemed the Kings Daughter, which was to be delivered to his fury.

PALESTINE.

• PALESTINE, formerly called Judaea, Canaan, or the Holy Land, is bounded on the East with Mount Hermon, so much spoken of in Holy Scripture; on the South, with part of Arabia Petraea; on the West, with the Mediterranean Sea, and part of Phoenicia; and on the North, with the Anti-Libanus, which separates it from Syria and the rest of Phoenicia. Its scituation is between the Third and Fourth Climates, which makes the longest day to be 14 hours and a quarter. So populous, that before the coming in of the Israelites, they had 30 Kings; and afterwards David numbred 1300000 Fighting men, besides those of the Tribe of Benjamin and Levi. This last and most Meridional part of Syria, which we call Palestine, first received the name of the Land of Canaan, because the Children of Canaan first seised it, and parted it amongst them; when God had promised it to Abraham and his Posterity, it was called the Land of Promise; but when it fell into the hands of the Hebrews, after their return from Egypt, and that they had divided it by Tribes, it took the name of the Land of the Hebrews, under which it was governed by Prophets, Judges, and Kings; but under these Kings it was soon divided into two Realms, which they called Judah and Israel. Under the Romans it was only known by the name of Judea, or Palestine: of Judea, because that the Tribe of Judah was always the most powerful of the Twelve; and the Kingdom of Judah the most noble, and preserved it self longer than that of Israel: of Palestina, because the Philistines, which possessed a part of the Maritim Coast of Judea, were powerful, and very well known to Strangers. After the death of our Saviour Jesus Christ, all this Country was called the Holy Land. The People which anciently possest this Country were the Jews, being of a middle stature, strong of body, of a black complexion, goggle-ey'd, a subtle and ingenious people, and such as will live in any place, much given to Traffick, Usury, and Brokage; not lending without Pledges, and taking the forfeitures of them. Their Law or Religion was given them by God the Father, which, with the several Ceremonies and Rites, &c. prescribed to them, may be found in the five first Books of Moses; their Synagogues are neither fair within nor without, save only adorned with a Curtain at the upper end, together with several Lamps, and in the midst is placed a Scaffold in form of a Reading-Desk, for their Priest which readeth their Law, and sings their Liturgy; they read in a strange tone, and sing as bad: during the time of their Service, their heads are veiled with Linnen fringed with Knots, answerable to the number of their Laws, and observing a continual motion of their body to and fro, and often jumping up, which they account for great zeal in their devotion; they observe much reverence to all the names of God, but especially to Jehovah, insomuch that they do never use it in vain talk. Their ancient Language was Hebrew; they keep their Sabbath on Saturday, in which they are very strict; they marry their Daughters at the Age of 12 years, as not affecting a single life. This Country is so fertil in all things, that it was termed a Land flowing with Milk and Hony; adorned with pleasant Mountains and luxurious Valleys, enriched with pleasant Streams, and where the Inhabitants are neither scorched with Heats, nor pinched with Colds. To speak of all the memorable transactions that have happen'd in this Country would require a Volume by it self; I shall only run over some of the chief, and then proceed to the description of some of the Cities and Places of most note that are found therein. It is famous for bringing our Saviour Jesus Christ into the World, where he wrought so many Miracles; but infamous for their horrid action of crucifying him, the Lord of Life. Here it was that the Lord appeared to Jacob; here, out of the Plains of Moab, the Ark was built of Sittim Wood; here, on Mount Tabor, Christ was transfigured; on Mount Moriah, Isaac was to be sacrificed; on Mount Sion was the Tower of David; on Mount Calvary, as some aver, was the Burial-place of Adam, our Forefather. Here, over the Brook Kedron, David passed in his flight from Absalom; over which our Saviour, when he went to his Passion, passed: Here runneth the River of Jordan, sufficiently famous; nigh to which stood the Cities of Sodom and Gomorrha: Here, at a place called Endor, Saul consulted with a Witch; near to Sichem, Jacob had his Wells: Here, at Ashdod, in the Temple of Dagon, the Ark of the Lord was brought, when taken; upon the entrance of which their Idol fell down: Here, at Hebron, is the Plain of Mamre, where Abraham, sitting in his Tent, was visited by God from Heaven in the likeness of a Man; this City he bought for a Burial-place, for him and his Posterity, where Sarah his Wife was first interr'd: And on Mount Seir was the habitation of Esau, after his departure from Canaan. I shall cease to trouble the Reader with the mentioning of many more remarkable Passages which were here transacted, but only refer them to the Books of the Old and New Testament, where they shall find them recorded; also great satisfaction may be received from Josephus, a Book of good repute.

This Country is at present possessed by the Turks, as Masters of it, but inhabited by Moors, Arabians, Greeks, Turks, Jews, nay, I may say with People of all Nations and Religions; But setting aside matters of History, let us proceed to say something of the principal places found herein, and first with Jerusalem.

• Jerusalem is so well known in the Holy Scriptures, that we must confess it hath been not only one of the greatest, but one of the fairest Cities in the World, being called the City of the Lord. Its Kings, High-Priests, Temple, and Royal Palaces, have made it famous even amongst the remotest people; Its circuit was onto 50 Furlongs, which are only 6250 Geometrical Paces, but so well builded, that it was capable of the receiving of 150000 Families. Its Temple and Palaces, especially those of Solomon, were the fairest, greatest, and most magnificent which ever eye beheld: Its Gates, Walls, Towers, Ditches, cut out of the Rock; and its scituation in the Mountains made it seem impregnable. This City, once sacred and glorious, elected by God for his Seat, placing it in the midst of Nations, like a Diadem, crowning the head of the Mountains, the Theater of Mysteries and Miracles, was once the glory of the World; but its Pride, and other horrid Sins in the end lost it divers times. Nebuchadonozor was the first that ruin•d it; Pompey contented himself to dismantle it of its Walls, and to fill up the Ditches; Vespasian and Titus Caesar utterly razed it and destroyed in the place 1100000 People that were assembled to the Pass-over; Adrian ruined likewise some Towers and Walls, which had been left to lodge the Roman Garrison; and after caused a new City to be built, partly on its ancient Ruins, and partly without them. But with the divers changes it hath since fallen under, its beauty and magnificence is quite decayed: Yet is it not so lost, but that there are several Places yet remaining worthy of note, together with several others that were since built; as on Mount Calvary, where Christ the Saviour of the World was Crucified, there is a rich, magnificent and large Temple, built by the vertuous Helena, Daughter to Coilus, a British King, and Mother to Constantine the Great, which not only possesseth the Mount, but also all the Garden below, where his Sepulchre was; and in this Temple there are several rich Structures, as one where Christ was imprisoned before his Crucifixion, another where Christ was nailed to the Cross, another where he was Crucified; also one where the Sepulchre was, the Altar of the Holy Cross, the Altar of the Scourging, the Chapel of the Apparition, the Chapel of the Angels, the Chapel of the division of his Garments, the Chapel of St. Helena, who built this Temple, the Chapel of St. John, the Sepulchre of Joseph of Arimathea under ground; together with several others, too long to recite. To this place there is a great resort, as well of Protestants as Papists, though for sundry ends, which brings a great Revenue; none being permitted to enter without paying some Mony, which the Jews here inhabiting do Farm of the Grand Signior at a large yearly Revenue, and so become Masters thereof, making a great profit by shewing them to Strangers, which come hither from all Nations. Several other places are yet remaining, as the Castle of the Pisans, the Monastery of the Franciscans, the Church of St. James; the Church of St. Mark, where once stood his House; a Mosque, where stood the House of Zebedaeus; a Chapel, where stood the House of St. Thomas; the Church of the Angels, where the Palace of Annas the High-Priest stood; the Church of St. Saviour, where the Palace of Caiphas stood; the Court of Solomons Temple, yet remaining; but in the room of the Temple a Mosque.

Near about Jerusalem there are several places of note yet remaining, as in the way between Jerusalem and the City of Bethlem, there are the Ruins of Davids Tower, the Tower of Simeon, Bathsheba's Fountain, the Cistern of Saget, the Monastery of Elias, Jacobs House, the Sepulchre of Rachel, the Cistern of David, the House of Joseph, the Monastery of Bethlem, the Monastery of the Holy Cross. And at Bethlehem, over the place where Christ was born, the vertuous Helena erected also another fair and goodly Temple, which is possest by the Franciscans of Jerusalem, being called by the name of St. Maries of Bethlehem. Nigh to Jerusalem is the Desart of St. John Baptist, where is yet the Ruins of a Monastery over his Cave, and the Fountain; as also the Mountains of Judah, where is the Church of St. John Baptist, the Fountain, and the House of Elizabeth, also the Sepulchre of Zachary, a part of the Pillar of Absalon, and the Cave of St. James. At Bethania, two miles from Jerusalem, is the House of Simon the Leper, the House of Lazarus, as also his Sepulchre, where is the Mount of Olives, where is the Sepulchre of the Virgin Mary, where Christ was often, and from whence he ascended up into Heaven.

Joppa, or Jaffa, serves for a Port to Jerusalem, from which it is 10 miles distant; and it was thither that the Wood and Stones, taken from Mount Libanus, and destined to the building of the Temple of Solomon, were brought by Water, and from thence by Land to Jerusalem. This is the Port where Jonah embarked to flie from the face of the Lord. From this History the Heathens made the Fable of Andromeda, and pretended to shew in the Rock, which is before the Port, the marks of the Irons, to which Andromeda was chained, and exposed to the Sea-Monster.

After Jerusalem there rests yet Gaza, now Gazere, greater and better inhabited than Jerusalem. 1. Jericho, seated on the River Jordan, about 30 miles distant from Jerusalem. a City once of great fame, being in the time of Christianity an Episcopal See; also noted for her beautiful Palms, but especially for her Bals•mum; but now turned to Ruins, in the place whereof stands a few poor Cottages, inhabited by the Arabians. 2. Samaria, once the Seat of the Kings of Israel, hath now nothing left but the Ruins of some proud Buildings. And, 3. Sichem, now Naplouse, hath some Samaritans, and remains the Capital of that Quarter, and the best inhabited, but with many Ruins; and to speak truth, there is now scarce any place of mark in all the Holy Land; whereas under the Cananites, under the Hebrews, under the Jews, there were so many People, so many Kings, so many Cities, so rich, and so powerful, that throughout the whole Continent of the Earth there was no Country might compare with it. Jerusalem is at present governed by a Bassa, and Naplouse by another, which obey the Beglerby of Damascus.

DIARBECK.

• DIARBECK, taken particularly, answers only to Mesopotamia, which is but part of the ancient Assyria; taken in general, it answers to the three parts of that Assyria, of which the particular Assyria is now called Arzerum, Mesopotamia, Diarbeck, and Chaldea or Babylonia, or Yerack. The first is the most Oriental, and almost all beyond the Tygris; the second the most Occidental, and is between the Euphrates and the Tygris; the third the most Meridional, and lies on both sides the Tygris.

• This Country of Chaldea, now Yerack, is for the most part exceeding fruitful, yielding ordinarily 200 fold, the blades of their Wheat and Barly being about four fingers broad, having yearly two Harvests. The People anciently were much given to Divinations, South-sayings, and Idolatry. Places of most note are, 1. Babylon, formerly Babel, the ancientest City in the World, seated on the Bank of the Euphrates,* 1.67 first built by Nimrod, and much enlarged and beautified by Nebuchadnezzar; so that it was accounted one of the nine Wonders of the World. This City was so vast, that its Walls stretcht in circumference 365 Furlongs, in height 66 Yards, and in breadth 25, scituate on both sides of the Euphrates, which also ran through the City, emptying it self into divers Rivolets; over this River Euphrates there was a stately Bridge, at each end of which there was a sumptuous Palace, beautified also with the Temple of the Idol Bell; the whole City being adorned with fair Buildings, stately Palaces, and Temples, with a number of fair and large Streets, famous for its Tower of Babel• which exalted it selt 5164 Paces in height, which is something above 5 miles, having its basis or circumference equal to its height. A City once esteemed the Mistress of the World, and so rich, that it is said, that Alexander at his taking it found treasured up 200000 Talents of Gold, (a Talent of our Money being esteemed at 4500 Pounds) a vast Treasure; but the sins of the People drew the wrath of God upon it; and by reason of its Invasions by the Medes, Persians, and Macedonians, who subdued it, so ru•ned, that it soon lost its pristine glory and magnificence, being reduced to Ruins; out of which was raised a new City called Bagdad,* 1.68 so named from its many Gardens therein contained, but not to compare to the old Babylon, neither in largeness nor glory, being not above 7 miles in compass, but yet remains to this day a place of great Trade; between which and Aleppo are found many Caravans to travel with many thousand Camels laden with rich Commodities brought from India, and elsewhere, abounding with the same Commodities as Aleppo doth. At this place they make use also of Pigeons, as they do at Alexandretta and Aleppo, which serve instead of Posts, which, when occasion serveth, as upon the arrival of Ships, Caravans, or the like, they take these Pigeons and tie an Advertisement (which they write in a little piece of Paper) about their Necks, which done, they carry the Pigeon to a high place, and toss it up, and immediately it flieth to the other place to which it is designed, which gives notice to them. The Palaces in this City most worthy of note are, the Mosque, a large and rich Structure, built of Free-stone, resembling Marble, in form orbicular; then the Sultans Palace adjoyning to the Buzzar, or great Market-place, is a rich, large, but low Fabrick; next the Bridge, whose passage is over Boats, which are chained together, which, upon occasion may be separated, having resemblance to that of Roan in Normandy; and lastly, its Coho-houses, which are Houses of Good-fellowship, being in the nature of Coffee-houses with us, which in this place are many, to which a great resort of People cometh to sip Coffee, which by them is highly esteemed, as indeed by most People in these Regions: 3. Balsera, the Port-Town to Bagdad, seated near the place where Tygris loses it self in the Persian Gulph; which is likewise called the Gulph of Balsora and Ormus. This City is said to have 10000 Houses, and answers to the ancient Teredon. 4. Coufa, was sometime the Sea• of the Califfs, and near it was Ali interr'd; whence it hath likewise been called Masad-Ali, or Merat-Ali, the House of Ali; and there is always a Horse kept ready to mount Mahomet Mahadin, the Son of Almansor, the Son of Ocem, the Son of Ali, when he shall come to convert the whole World to the Law of Mahomet; for this Conversion is to begin at Coufa: but they hitherto have had, and may for the future have time enough to curry their Horse, expecting the coming of their Cavalier. 5. Orchoe, now so called, is the Ʋrchoa of Ptolomy, and Ʋr, the place of Abrahams Nativity. 6. Borsippa, by Ptolomy called Barsita, famous for the great Victory which Cyrus, the first Persian Monarch, here obtained against Nabonius King of Babylon. 7. Ctesiphon, seated on the Tygris; And, 8. Sipparum, noted for the great Trench made near it, which was made to receive the overflowings of the Euphrates, which was in compass 160 miles, and in depth 20 Fathoms, which was made to preserve the City of Babylon from overflowings.

Bagdad and Balsera have each their Beglerbies, and many Sangiacs; but to speak truth, sometime the Turk, sometime the Persian possesses these Quarters; the last took Bagdad in the year 1624, which the Turks regained in 1638. Fame now speaks it the Persians.

MESOPOTAMIA.

• MESOPOTAMIA, bounded on the West with the Euphrates. The Southern part of this Country is very barren and full of Desarts, scarce affording any Herbage, nor hardly so much as Trees. But as this part is so much deficient, that towards the North hath as great plenty, which makes amends, abounding with great store of Corn and Wine, together with all such hecessaries as are required for the life of man.* 1.70 Place of most note are. 1. Rohai, or Orpha, which is the ancient Edesse, being 10 miles in circuit, scituate on the River Scirtas, which passes through the midst of it, not far from the Euphrates into which it falls. 2. Caraemid, anciently Amida, seated near the Tygris, encompassed with a strong Wall, a Frontier Town of great strength, being much desired by the Persians; now the chief Seat of the Bassa, which governs this Country for the Turk, where the Patriarch of the Jacobite Christians also had his residence. 3. Merdin, not above 4 or 5 miles in circuit, but is very strongly seated on a high Mountain, and having a Castle of about a mile in circumference; not far from which, in the Monastery of Saphran, is the Patriarchal See of the Jacobite Sectaries 4. Asanchif, esteemed the Metropolis of the Country▪ yet not being of above 4 or 5 miles compass, but hath four great Suburbs well filled with Inhabitants. 5. Carra, where Crassus and the Romans were defeated, is now called Herren, or Harrar, the City to which Abraham did remove when he went towards Canada; remarkable in former times for its famous Temple, dedicated to the Moon, which was here worshipped under both Sexes. 6. Sumiscasack, not far from Edesse, hath its Castle seated very advantagiously. The Castle of Corna, that is pointed, is one of the most important places the Turks possess in all these quarters, being built above the place where the Tygris and Euphrates meet, to keep in awe both these Rivers: And 7. Virta, by some Authors supposed to have been built by Alexander the Great, encompassed with Walls, and fortified with Towers and Bulwarks, that it was in a manner impregnable.

ASSYRIA.

• ASSYRIA, particularly so called, hath for its Western limits Mesopotamid, and is called at this day, Arzerum. A Country very fruitful, seated in a Plain, and watered with several good Rivers; the People were anciently much addicted to Marshal-affairs, yet very demure in their Habit and Behaviour, not going out of their Doors without first being perfumed, adorned with Rings on their Fingers, and a Scepter in their Hands; they were much given to Bathing, and especially after Copulation. In their Nuptial Ceremonies, they never see the Woman until they are married; but when they hear a good Report of a Maiden, being such as liketh them, they go to her Parents, and with them agree; which done, on an appointed time they meet in the Church, in such a part of it as is designed for that use, where there is a Partition with a Hole in it: on one side the Bridegroom and his Friends stand, and on the other the Bride and her Friends; then the Cassisse or Priest bids the Bridegroom put his hand through the Hole, and take his Bride by the hand; which no sooner done, but her Mother, or some other of her Friends, being prepared with a sharp Instrument, pricks his hand all over; and if he doth not pull away his hand when he is so pain'd, but still holds her so fast that she cries, they hold it a sign that he will love her; and if he lets her go, a sign of no great love.

• Places of most note: 1. Ninive, first built by Nimrod, and afterwards so enlarged by several succeeding Kings, that it became at last to exceed Babylon, as well in largeness as otherwise; its Walls being in circuit 60 miles, being about 33 yards in height, and 24 in breadth; and on whose Walls there was (for further strength) 1500 Tunrets, or Towers, which made it to be thought impregble, To this City the Lord sent Jonah the Prophet, to Preach Repentance to them; but afterwards for their Sins, it was destroyed by Astyages King of the Medes, out of whose Ruins the City, 2. Mosul was •aised, which at present is the chief City of Assyria, seated on the Tygris, most eminent for being the residence of the Nestorian Patriarch, where, are founded 15 Christias Churches. It is enclosed within a Wall, and is the residence of a Bashaw, a place much ruined, but of note for the great concourse of Merchants, this being a thoroughfare City. 3. Schere•e zull, or Schi•hrazur, is very near to Persia, and is the Seat of a Turkish Beglerby, or Bassa, who hath 10000 Timariots under his command, for the defence and security of this Country. It is near to, if not the same as Arbela, renowned or the Victory of Alexander the great against Darius, and is said to retain its ancient name, and to be an Archbishoprick of the Jacobites. 4. G•gilamela, noted for the last and greatest Battel betwixt Alexander and Darius, King of P••sia, in which Alexander gained the Victory. 5. •alach, built by Nimrod, being one of the Cities to which Sa•inanassar transplanted the Ten Tribes. 6. Arbela seated on the Banks of the River Caprus, by some supposed to be the place where Noahs Ark was framed: And 7. Sittace, pleasantly seated in a fruitful Soil.

TƲRCOMANIA.

• TƲRCOMANIA, or ARMENIA MAJOR, touches the Ca•pian Sea between Georgia and Servan; and on the Black Sea, between Anatolia and Georgia, it extends from East to West little less than 200 Le•g•e•, and from South to North, 150 answering to the great Armenia of the Ancients.

• Some divide it only into two sorts of People, the Turcomans and the Curdes; I would add at least the Armenians and the Georgians, these possessing a great part of the Country as well as the others, who are the natural and most an••ent Inhabitants: for the Turcomans are esteemed to descend from Turquestan in Tartary, from whence come the Turks, and to whom they are most resertbling; the Curdes descend from the ancient people of Assyria, Mesopotami•, Chaldea or Babylonia; the most Easternly of these three parts being yet called by the Turks and by the Persians, Curdistan, or the Country of the Curdes: and the Georgians descend from Georgia, which is above, and contiguous to our Turcomania.

Of these four sorts of People, the Armenians are the most indurstrious and civil, addicting themselves to Merchandize, as appears by their Manufactures, especially in their rich Tapestries, Grograins, watered Chamlets, &c. with which they drive a trade; being also proper Personages and good Archers. The Turcomans apply themselves to the Field, and to look after their Flocks▪ the Curdes are almost ever on Horse-back, having much of the Arabick Nature: the Georgians are the most docil, and the most peaceable. The Tarcomans and the Curdes are Mahometans; the Georgians and Armenians, the greatest part Christians. And the Armenian Tongue is one of the most general in all Asia; extending it self likewise other where, and having Armenian Patriarchs and Bishops, not only in Armenia, but likewise in Anatolia, Persie•, the Holy Land, Aegypt, Russia, and Polonia.

Amongst the Ceremonies observed by the Armenians, I shall take notice of some few, as I find them in the Travels of Tavernier. They are very costly in adorning their Churches, especially the Choir and the Altar; at the ceremony of the Mass they light abundance of Tapers, and after the Gospel is read, several of the Noviciates, some having Bells fixed to long Sticks, and others having Copper-plates hung about with Bells, shaking and striking them one against another, together with the Ecclesiasticks and Laity, who sing, and make an indifferent harmony; during which the Archbishop and Bishops performs several Ceremonies, and says certain Prayers; which being done, having the Chalice in his hand, and the Bread upon it, he turns towards the People, who immediately prostrate themselves on the ground, beating their Breasts, and kissing the Earth, whilst the Archbishop pronounceth these words, This is the Lord, who gave his Body and Blood for you: then he turns towards the Altar, and eats the Bread dipt in Wine, (for they never drink the Wine;) then he turns again to the People with the Chalice in his hand, and they that will receive, taking the Bread from the Archbishop; and this Bread is consecrated the day before. That which is observable amongst them, they give the Communion to Children of 2 or 3 Months old; and they never administer the Sacrament all the time of their Lent: They have four Feasts in the year besides their Lent, at which times they observe the same Ceremonies as at Lent, eating no Flesh, Fish, Butter, Eggs, or Oib for 8 days; the Feasts are Christmas, the Ascension, the Annunciation, and St Georges.

When a man designs his Son for the Priesthood, he brings him to the Priest, who puts the Cope about his Shoulders, open on both sides; after which he takes him home, and keeps him till the age of saying Mass, which is 18 years; then he goes into the Church, out of which he is not allowed to depart for a year, during which time he is employed in the service of the Church. And the Priest that is married after he hath said Mass, must be 5 days before he returns home to eat, drink, or lie with his Wife.

They generally Baptize their Children on Sundays, which is performed by putting it naked into the Water, then gives it to the Godfather, anoints it in several places in form of the Cross with holy Oil, and pronounceth these words, I baptize thee in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and sayeth several Prayers suitable to the occasion.

In their Marriages the Ceremonies are too many here to repeat:* 1.76 I shall take notice of some few. They are permitted to marry at 3 or 4 years of age; the agreement is made betwixt the Mothers, or for want of them, by the Females next of kin; which agreement the Father stands unto, and after a Ring is presented to the intended Bride, the Contract stands. The Bridegroom and Bride never seeth one another till after the Nuptial Ceremonies are ended, both riding to the Church with their faces Vailed, the Bridegrooms is a Carnation Tiffany, or else Gold and Silver Net-work, and the Bride with a large white Veil, which covereth her body; thus Riding, they are attended by their Relations and Friends with Tapers in their hands, also the Drums, Trumpets, and other Musical Instruments wait on them to the Church-door: being entred and advanced near the Altar, they lean Forehead to Forehead, then the Priest lays the Bible on their Heads (instead of a Desk) and so pronounceth the Ceremony, which is much like ours; after the Benediction they hear Mass, and so return to the House of the Bride. At their Feasting the Men sit by themselves, and the Women by their selves; the Man goeth to Bed first, and the Woman pulleth off his Breeches, but putteth not off her Veil till Candles be put out; and at all times of the year the Woman riseth first, so that the poor Bridegroom knoweth not whether he hath met with a Beauty, or a course and ill-favoured piece of flesh; but be she what she will, he must keep her.

About their Dead; the Body is washed, wherein is put some Holy-water, then it is drest with a clean white Shirt, a pair of Breeches, a Waist-coat, and a Bonnet; then it is put in a Linnen-Sack, and sewed up; then it is carried to the Church, accompanied with the Friends and Relations of the deceased, who carry in their hands Tapers, and being come to the Altar, after some Prayers are said, they leave the Corps there all Night; the next Morning the Bishop or Priest, attended as before, says Mass; several Prayers being said, and Dirges sung, the Corps is puts in the Grave, and the Bishop casts 3 handfuls of Earth in, one after another, saying, From earth thou camest, to earth thou shalt return, and stay there till our Lord comes; then the Grave is filled up, and the Relations and Friends that will, go back to the House of the Deceased, where a Collation is prepared. These, with many other Ceremonies, are performed by them.

• The Air is healthful, though its temperament be cold, because of the Mountains and Hills, which overspread the Country; but intermixt with fertil and and delightful Valleys, the Soil producing more Grain and Fruits than Vines; It yields Bolearmoniack, Hony, and, towards Servan, Silk, together with some Mines of Silver. The Pastures are every where excellent, and particularly for Horses, of which they make great account; for when Armenia was subject to the ancient Kings of Persia, it furnished them yearly with 20000 Horses. At present the Turk possesses the greatest part of the Country, and keeps still, or did not long since, Beglerbies at Erzerum, Cars, Revan, Van, Schildir, Tefflis, and Derbent: besides which there are many Cities of considerable note, some of which the Persians hold.

1. Erzerum, on the Euphrates, near the black Sea, on which, and not far from Erzerum, is Trebisonde, which facilitates a great trade between the East, West, and North; for coming from the Indian Ocean by the Gulph of Ormus, and so up the Euphrates, they may receive passing by what comes from the West to Aleppo, and carry it unto Erzerum; from whence, to Trebisonde by land, is not above 25 or 30 Leagues. 2. Gars, Chars, or likewise Chissery, is four or five days Journy from Erzerum towards the East, on the River Euphrates; it hath been taken and retaken divers times by the Turks and Persians. The same may be said of Revan, Schilder, and Van: this last is not great, but well Walled, and with greater Ditches, and hath a Castle whose scituation is such, as renders it almost inaccessible. 3. Tefflis is likewise in some esteem at present, but much more formerly under the name of Artaxata, which Artaxias, Father of Tigranes King of Armenia, caused to be builded and fortified at the perswasion of Hannibal. 4. Derbent, of great antiquity, being supposed to have its foundation laid by Alexander the Great; who also erected that no less great than strong Castle, which is called Kastow, adjoyning to the said City, which is the greatest and most ordinary passage between Turcomania, Persia, and other Southern Provinces of Asia, to Zuire, the Kingdom of Astracan, and other more Northern Estates of Europe and Asia. Its scituation is upon the utmost Mountains, which regard the Taberestan, or the Caspian Sea: and all is so well fortified, that the Turks have took occasion to call the place Demir, or Temir Capi, or the Port of Iron: and the name of Derbent signifies a Streight Port; and in all likelyhood these are the Caspiae Portae, so famous among the Ancients; because that in the black Sea, and the Sea of Tabarestan, which is about 3 or 400 thousand Paces: It is all high, Mountainous, and hard to be passed; and if there be any passages, they are infamous for Robberies and Incursions, which the Inhabitants of the Countries, or the Princes which possess them, make. This City is a place of great strength, being invironed with two strong Walls, and fortified with Towers and Iron-gates, being accounted the Key or Inlet to Persia, now in the hands of the Grand Signior. 5. Bitlis, and Manuscute, belong to the Curdes, who have here many and divers Lords, better affected to the Persians than the Turks. Bitlis is between two Mountains, watered with a River, which receives many fair Fountains. The Houses are built with Stones, which is rare in that Country; others being of nothing but Wood and Earth. The Castle is seated advantagiously, but I believe this place is not now in the hands of the Turks; and to speak truth, we have at present little knowledge of any thing concerning these quarters.

ARMENIA was much better known, and more famous in Ancient time than at present, under the name of Turcomania.* 1.79 Its Bounds are very advantagious, being quite encompassed with high Mountains, large Rivers, and washed by divers Seas, and seated Northwards of the Caspian Mountains, which divides it from Media, now called Servan.

• This Country is well replenished with Mountains, Vallies, Rivers, and Lakes. The Mountain Anti-Taurus divides it East and West, almost from onenextremity to the other; whose most Easternly point is called Abus, from whence the Euphrates, Tigris, and Araxes take some of their Streams. The Gordian Mountains pour forth the greatest supplies to Tigris; and the Pariardes increase most the Streams of Euphrates, Araxes, and Farza.

• Farza turns his course towards the North, and after having passed Colchida, and pressed through 100 or 120 Bridges, falls into the Euxine Sea. Araxes turns towards the East, watering the fairest and richest Plains of Armenia; and falls into the Caspian Sea between Media and Albania. Both the one and the other Euphrates descend towards the West; but approaching the Euxine Sea, it turns again towards the South; and reunites its two Channels into one, traverses the Anti-Taurus and Taurus, divides Armenia and Mesopotamia from Asia Minor, Syria, and Arabia; descends into Chaldea, where it waters the ancient Babylon, and loses it self in the Tigris. This last descends from Mount Abus, and the Georgian Mountains, falls into divers Lakes, loses it self and rises divers times out of the Earth; cuts the Mountain Niphates, separates Mesopotamia from Assyria, washes Ninive, Seleucia, Ctesiphon; receives all the branches of the Euphrates, and discharges it self in the Persian Gulph.

• The greatest Lakes of Armenia are, Thospitis, Areessa, and Lychintes; this last is towards the Araxes and the Caspian Sea: Areessa is the same that Pliny and Solinus call Arethusa. Thospitis, according to Ptolomy, is another Lake the Tigris likewise crosses; after which it loses it self the second time. The first hath its Water so, as it will take spots out of Cloaths, but is not good to drink.

• Among the Kings of Armenia, which made themselves most known to the Romans or Parthians; Tigranes, Son-in-law to Mithridates King of Pontus, hath been the most famous. This Tigranes, after having been an Hostage in the hands of the Parthians, regained his Estates by their means, in recompence of which he gave them 70 Valleys, on the confines of Media and Assyria; but after he knew and had gathered together his Powers, he retook all those Vallies, beat the Parthians out of them, pillaged Assyria as far as Ninive and Arbela, subjected to himself a part of Media; and afterwards all Mesopotamia, Syria, Phoenicia, and Cilicia. But whilst he believed himself above Fortune, Mithridates his Father-in-law was divers times defeated, and driven from his Realm of Pontus by Lucullus and the Romans, and retiring himself into Armenia to his Son-in-law, his refusal to abandon or deliver him into the hands of Lucullus, drew the Romans into Armenia, where Lucullus several times defeated Tigranes, took Tigranocerta, where was his Regal Diadem, and likewise in a great Set-Battel, where Tigranes had 150000 Foot, and 1000 or 1200 Horse, flew 100000 Foot, and the greatest part of his Cavalry, constraining him to yield to the Romans the Provinces of Cilicia, Syria, Phoenicia, and Mesopotamia, and content himself with Armenia only; but for the present let us lay aside History.

• Ptolomy divided Armenia into four principal Parts, and allotted to the first 7 Regions or Provinces, 6 to the second, 3 to the third, and 4 to the fourth: placing in the first part 30 Cities, 27 in the second, 12 in the third, and 18 in the fourth; which are in all 4 Parts, 20 Regions or Provinces, and 87 Cities. Pliny accounts 120 Strategies in Armenia, which are the Governments or particular Jurisdictions of every Province; six for each, and one as much as the other. Armenia is not only known in prophane History, but likewise in Holy Writ. After the Deluge, the Holy Scripture makes mention, that the Ark of Noah rested upon the Mountains of Armenia: to say precisely at present which they were (there being so many in Armenia) Authors cannot agree. We only conjecture, that they must be either Abus, which ends the Anti-Taurus, or the Pariardes, or the Gordons, which are the highest in all Armenia; and from whence the Euphrates, the Tigris, the Phazza or Phasis, and Araxes descend.

Now Euphrates is called Frat or Forat, the Tigris, Diglath or Digelath; these two names, Frat and Diglath, are found among the four Rivers, which Moses saith came forth from the Terrestrial Paradise: We must therefore seek this Paradise not far from hence; the difficulty is to find the other two Rivers, Phison, and Gihou.

• 1.85Almost all Authors conclude the Nile for Gehon, and the Ganges for Phison; but as the Bible describes these Rivers no us, they must descend from the same place; which the Tigris, the Euphrates, the Nile, and the Ganges cannot do. The Tigris and the Euphrates have some Springs, which are not far distant the one from the other; but those of Ganges are more than 200 Leagues, and those of the Nile more than 1500 Leagues from those of the Tigris or Euphrates; and moreover those of Nile and of Ganges, are more than 2000 Leagues one from the other.

Phasis hath its heads in the same Mountain with the Euphrates, and may therefore better answer to Phison then can the Ganges. The Araxes hath its Springs in the same Mountains with the Phasis and Euphrates, and so may better answer to the Gehon than the Nile; for as for the Gehon, or Jehun, which we now know it answers to the Oxus of the Ancients; which runs between Bactriana and Sogdiana, and discharges itself into the Caspian Sea; but it hath its Springs in Mount Caucasus in India, a little on this side the Springs of the Indus, which are likewise 8 or 900 Leagues from those of Tigris and Euphrates.

Since then the Tigris, Euphrates, Phazza, and Araxes, have here their Springs, we may judge that the Terrestrial Paradise was in these Mountains. The Holy Scripture saith, that it had in the midst of it a Fountain, from whence issued a River alone, which divides itself into four others, which it names Phison, Gehon, Diglath, and Fratt. It is to be believed, that this Fountain was in the midst of the World, to the end the Rivers might have a course almost equal to water all parts of the World. It must likewise be concluded, that this Fountain must be in some high part of the World, to the end that Rivers might have an equal fall. The Mountains of Armenia are directly in the middle of our Continent: which may easily be proved by casting the eye upon the whole Continent: they are likewise the highest in the World, since they were first discovered after the Deluge, and those on which the Ark of Noah rested; and the modern names of the Rivers not being very different from the ancients, at least the three or four; I am bold to say, that if there yet remains any marks by which we may discover the place where the Terrestrial Paradise hath been, it is rather in these quarters than any other.

GEORGIA.

• Above Turcomania, and between the Black Sea and the Caspian, as far as Mount Caucasus, lies GEORGIA; which is divided into three or four parts, Mingrelia, Avogasia, Gurgiston, and Quiria: Avogasia is sometimes comprehended under the name of Mingrelia; and on the other side a part of the ancient Armenia passeth likewise under the general name of Georgia: Mingrelia and Avogasia together, are the same with Colchis of the Ancients, or little more: Gurgiston, to the ancient Iberia, and sometimes likewise to that part of Armenia, which falls under the general name of Georgia: Quiria answers to the ancient Albania.

The Georgians are docil, peaceable, lovers of Christianity, much addicted to drinking, and the stronger the Drink the better acceptable: At Feasts the Women never eat with the Men. They are great lovers of Onions and Herbs, are much addicted to Trade, are great Travellers, are very expert at the Bow and Arrow, and are esteemed the best Souldiers in all Asia.

• The Cities of Phans, or Phazza, and Savatopoli, are the most famous of Mingrelia and formerly of Colchis. Savatopoli, once Sebastopolis, and before that Dioscurias had the confluence of 300 different Nations, and different Tongues, which came hither from the North, in way of Traffick. Phazza, anciently Phasis, on the River of the same name, was the abode of Aeetes, who kept the Golden Fleece, which the Argonauts took away, after having vanquished all those difficulties which presented themselves to their hindrance.
• I believe that this Golden Fleece was no other thing, than a Trade of Wool, Skins, and Furrs, which all the Northern People brought to Phasis, which Jason and the Greeks, among all the People of Europe were the first Discoverers of: And because there was great profit, and many hazards and dangers in the first Navigations, it was feigned that the Fleece was of Gold, and that it was guarded by furious Bulls; Men well armed, and a horrible and affrightful Dragon. It may be added, That Jason with the Golden Fleece brought Medea with him, which after caused so many displeasures in his Family; that is, that Riches having introduced some Luxury among the Greeks, their Women became more proud and troublesom.

• Cori and Bassachiuch are the best Cities of Gurgistan: Tefflis and Derbent the fairest of that part of Armenia, which passes under the name of Georgia; Bassachiuch may answer to the ancient Artamista; Cori to Harmastis, or Armactia; Tefflis to Artaxata; and Derbent to Caspiae Portae: Bassachiuch and Cori, with some other places of Gurgistan, have their Princes, of which there are many throughout Georgia; Cori is most advanced towards the Sea, and Bassachiuch more engaged with the Mountains. Tefflis and Derbent are in the hands of the Turks, as we have said in Turcomania.

• QƲIRIA extends it self from the particular Georgia, which lies on the West and South unto Mount Caucasus, which bounds it on the North side. Some Authors divide it into two, others into three Provinces; of which the chief Cities are Stranu, Zitrach, and Chipicha; instead of Stranu: others put Zambanach; and instead of Zitrach, Gorgora; possibly these names are not different but to divers People, though they be the same places. However it be, Stranu, or Zambanach, answer to the ancient Albana, Metropolis of Albania; Zitrach, or Gorgora, answers to the ancient Getara, which the Greek Text in Ptolomy writes Gagara, and both the places are on the Sea: they have been, and may possibly yet be, rich and Merchandizing. Chipicha is farther up in the Land, and was the ancient Chabala.

COMMANIA.

• A Bove Georgia lies COMMANIA, little known by the Ancients, and less at present; Mount Caucasus bounds it on the South, and separates it from Georgia; the River Don or Tana is its Northern limits, and parts it from Muscovia; the Euxine or Black Sea, and the Sea of Zabaque or Tana, doth wash it on the West, and divides it from the petty Tartars: the Caspian Sea, or the Sea of Taberestan lies to the Eastward of it, and gives it Traffick and Communication with Persia and Tartaria.

• This Region may have 300 Leagues of length from the Streight of Vospero unto the River Volga, which are its extream bounds from East to West, and about 100 from North to South.* 1.93 The People pass all under the general name of Circasses, which the Polonians call Peint Zeorstki, that is, the Inhabitants of the five Mountains. They are free, having some Chiefs or Governours, and living very near after the manner of Switzers in Europe, hiring themselves to War, sometimes to the Turks, their Neighbours, on the Black Sea; sometimes to the Tartars or Moscovites, which are next them on the Sea of Zabaque and River Don; and sometimes likewise to the Soldan of Persia, who is their Neighbour on the Caspian Sea. They have been Christians of the Greek Churches, but with many Superstitions; at present, for want of Teachers, many let themselves fall to Mahumetism, others to Idolatry. They are warlike, nor care they for fortifying their Towns, confiding in their Arms, and in the scituation of their Country. At their Funerals, the Relations and Friends of the Deceased scarifie their Flesh, prostrating themselves on the ground, and tear their Hair. If a man have no Children by his Wife, he may take others to raise up Issue; and Women are allowed their Gallants, and the more she hath, the more she is respected; which proceeds from her handsomness, Beauties being admired by them; and this is no disgrace to her Husband, as amongst us: and if the Man or Woman cannot agree, they are parted. The People for the generality are of an excellent Complexion, especially the Women. All the Country People are slaves to the Lord of the Village where they live, and are employed to till his ground, and other services.

• But the People of these Quarters have been much more famous formerly, under the name of Amazons; for this was their true and natural Country, from whence they came, and made their incursions into divers parts of Europe and Asia. They had Soveraignty in Colchida, in Albania, in Cappadocia, in Asia the Lesser, in Cilicia in Syria; and did in divers places build many fair Cities, as Themiscyra in Cappadocia, and on the Euxine Sea; Mirlea in Bithynia, and on the Propontick, Pytane, Myrina, and Cuma on the Coast of Aeolia; likewise Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pyrene: On the Coast of Ionia, (these two Quarters, Aeolia and Ionia, being on the Aegean Sea,) Mitelene in the Isle of Lesbos, and Paphos in the Isle of Cyprus, who made themselves known in those Wars they sustained against Hercules, near Themiscyra; against Theseus, near Athens, whither they carried the War against the Greeks, before Troy, whither they went in favour of Hector, against the Persians, and other People, in divers occasions. Some of them made their abode at Themiscyra, others at Alope, which was afterwards called Ephesus; and others at Zeleja, not far from Troy.

To conclude, the Ancients have spoken so many wonders of them, that the least of them have passed for Fables. It may be believed, that some Estates in these Quarters being fallen under the Government of Women, their Husbands being deceased, and their Children young, or for some other reason, these Women administred the publick Affairs with so much conduct and generosity, both in Policy and War, that they excelled the greatest part of Men; from whence the Greeks, according to their ordinary custom, took occasion to speak things not only beyond the Truth, but all that came nigh to Truth. And so much for Turky in Asia.

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

Of the Empire of the Turks.

ALl the Territories of the Emperour of the Turks, otherwise called the Grand-Seignior, are generally known under the Name of Turkey. This Name is made to come from that of Turchestan one of the Regions of great Tartary, from whence they went out Shepherds, who setled themselves first of all in Natolia, and afterwards divided themselves into several Cantons under divers Chiefs. Ottoman one of those Chiefs govern'd so prudently, and was accompanyed with such success, that after the death of Aladin one of the Princes of the Country, he remained Master of Bithinia, of Cappadocia, and gave beginning to that great Empire about the year 1300. His Successors have been to the number of twenty two, their Residence was first of all at Burse in Natolia, at Adrianople, and at last at Constantinople in Romania. They have caused to be built in those Cities their stately Pallaces, which they call Serraglios. Most of the Turkish Emperours hitherto have seldom stirred out from thence but to the Army, or on Progress; they commonly spend their dayes with Children, Women, Eunuchs, Mutes and Dwarfs: their finest Sultanesses are Captives, or those who proceed from the most Beautiful Persons which are kept at Constantinople as breeding Horses, after that the lesser Tartars, who are the Turks Hunters have brought them thither. These Emperours make a Conscience of spending what they exact from the People otherwise than in War; they have a particular Treasury wherein they keep this Revenue; for the subsistance of their Family several of them choose a Trade, which they actually work in.

In less than three hundred years the Turks have made Conquests in Europe, Asia and Africa, as considerable as those of the Romans, which took them up about eight hundred years; they keep so well what they acquire, that it is hardly possible to dislodge them from thence. True it is their Provinces are not Populous like those of Christendom; War and Pestilence sweeping away a great number of their Men; their Lands do not afford such great Productions as formerly, the Turks being extraordinary lazy, and too presumptuous to cultivate it; their Custom is to ruine the Citys, and to keep only the most important Places of that Frontier: from whence it comes, that most of the Cities of Turkey are without Walls, and much smaller than their Suburbs The Turks have it for a Proverb, that their grows no more grass where there Horses have once fet footing. The Countrys of their Empire have their Quality very different, by reason of their diverse Scituations; those of Europe are the best and most Beautiful, though one may take whole days Journeys there without meeting with either Burroughs or Villages; those of Asia are still more desart. What is in Africa is only inhabited towards the Coast, and near the great Cities. The Grand Seignior is so called by reason of the absolute Power he has generally in all his Dominions, and over all His Subjects, and not upon the account of the extent of his Empire, for there be Soveraigns which possess much more Land than he does; their Lands pass from the Father to the Children, these only enjoy them as usufructuaries and not as Proprietors. There be some Provinces, as Turcomania and Curdistan, where the Inhabitants have them in propriety. There be no other Gentlemen in Turkey than the Princes Officers, who are obeyed by the rest of the People. His Higness takes upon him very extraordinary Titles: Soliman the 2d. said, that one of his smallest Territories was the Empire of Alexander the Great.

The Religion of the Turks is that of Mahomet, a Native of Mecca. There goes every year to that Town a great Number of Mahometans in Caravans, each of thirty or forty thousand Persons. The Places of their Assemblies are Damascus, for those of Turkey in Asia, Cairo for those of Aegypt and of Constantinople, Zibith, or Aden, or Mocca, for the Indians; Bagdad for the Persians. A fifth Caravan there is, which is that of Barbaresques and the Western of Fez and Morocco. Amongst other things which Mahomet setled by his Law, he prohibited those of his Sect Wine and gaming, for to take away all occasion of Duels and of quarrel which might have arose amongst them. Nevertheless, tho' during the encampments there be abstinence from Wine, yet amongst ten Turks there is seldom found one but who's a Drunkard. He would not that any Mahometans shoud be Slaves, for he who first received his Instructions was one of his Slaves called Zeidin, whom he made a Freeman for that reason. He ordered that Prayers should be said five times in the day, and that for a Month should be kept a Lent called Ramedan; fasting is there observed all the day long by some Turks with so much scruple, that going along the streets they wear a Crape before their Faces, for fear that in breathing they should swallow a Fly or a drop of Rain, Water or Dust. They shut their Teeth on the same score, and dare not so much as swallow their Spittle; they take each day for divers intentions, Friday for the Musulmans who are those of their Law, Saturday for the conversion of the Jews, Sunday for that of the Christians, Monday for the Prophets, Tuesday for the Priests and Cheiques, Wednesday for the Dead, for the sick, and for the Slaves, Thursday for all the World. There be Jews in Turkey and several other Sect a great number of Catholicks, of the Religious of several of the Roman Orders, who have there their establishment.

The common liquor of the Turks is Sorbet, which is very delicious to drink; their Coffee warms and fortifies the Stomack: When they make their greatest Regale, they give Coffee, Sorbet and Perfumes. It is the custom of presenting the Person they go to see, this custom is practised almost through all the Levant: their Zizi or Purses are each worth eight hundred Piasters, The Grand Seignior takes a Pride in cloathing those who come near his Person, to whom they are led by holding them under the Arms, since the assassination of Amurath the 1. The Arabick and Persian Tongues are there in esteem, though the Turks hold it for an Honour to understand no other than their own.

All Turkey contains thirty Beglierbyats, which are as many general Governments, on which depend several Sangiacats, or particular Governments, with several Castles. Natolea at Chioutaie, Caramania at Cogni, Diarbekir, Damaseus, Sivas at Amasie, Erzerum, Van, Tehilder, Scheherezul, Aleppo, Maras, Cyprus, Tripoli of Souria, Trebizonde, Kars, Mosul or Ninevah, Rika: all this in Asia. In Europe there is Rumeli at Sophia, that of the Sea at Gallipoli, Budah, Temesvar, Bosna, Caffa, Candia. Each Beglerbyat has its Revenue affected upon its Government. Those of Kairo, of Bagdat, of Lazac, of Yaman, or of Aden, of Abex, of Bassora have theirs out of the Grand Seigniors fund; those three last Governments have been taken from the Turks. Most of the Governours are called Bashaws, that is to say, Chiefs. They have Rank according to the ancientness of the Conquests, and of the places whereof they are Governours. A Beglierbey has three Tougs, a Toug is a Horses Tail at the end of a half Pike that is carryed before Him. A Bashaw has two, and a Sangiac has but one. Besides the Prime Visier who is all mighty, there be five Visiers or Chancellours of State, those of Natolia, of Bagdad, of Cairo, of Rumeli, and of Buda. The Grand Seignior gives no considerable Government to his eldest Son, for fear it should prove of ill consequence as it has done to some of his Predecessours. The coming of him to the Empire, is often the Sentence of Death to the other Brothers, who are in the mean time kept like poor Victims in the Seraglio. It has been observed in this Family of the Ottomans, that the youngest Brothers have often attained to the Empire, to the exclusion of their Eldest; when the Grand Seignior means to humble any of his Bashaws, he makes him marry one of his Sisters, or some other of his Relations. The Court of the Prince is called the Port, because all must dance attendance at the door; the Rank of the left hand which is the side of the Sword, is in Turkey the most honourable, whether in Councel or in the march of Armies: Such Turks as are learned say that they imitate Grand Cyrus herein. I say the Learned Turks, for some of them are so little vers'd in Histories and Chronology, that they say Job was the Judge of the Court of King Solomon, that Alexander the Great was General of the Armies of the same King. The People of the Law esteem the Right Side, which is willingly granted them by the Soldiers.

The Forces of the Turks are great, but his Neighbours are puissant, and in possession of doing him a great deal of mischief. The House of Austria, the King of Poland, the Great Duke of Muscovy, the Republick of Venice, are the most considerable of them in Europe: The King of Persia in Asia. As the Interests of these Princes are divers, and that they have not any great Correspondence with one another, it comes to pass that the Grand Seignior enlarges the bounds of his Empire to their cost. As concerning Forces by Sea, the Turks have none that are considerable, and they have a saying. that if the Sea be for the Christians, the Land is for them. The Turkish Armies are well disciplin'd; the belief of Predestination, besides the use of Opium, renders them capable of all manner of attempts. Their principal Forces consist in the Janizaries, who compose the Infantry; the Horsemen are known under the Name of Spahis. These Spahis have Lands called Timars, and furnish as many men as their Revenue has six and twenty Livers a year. To avoid the hurry and trouble of Moveables; they eat on the ground on a Leathern Carpet: a piece of Tapistry which they carry upon the Crupper of their Horse, serves them for quilt or mattress, for Bolster or for Cloak. They laugh at the Franks who are used to walk alone in Rooms, and go very fast in the Street. On the contrary to this, they repose in their Houses on Velvet Cusheons, and when they walk, they still keep up their gravity. The Officers and the Guards being in the Court of the Divan, which is the Councel, are such observers of Silence, that not so much as one word is to be heard, though there be often above eight thousand together. When the Souldiers are punish'd for any Crimes, they give 'em several blows with a Cudgel; to the Janizaries upon their Buttocks, to the Spahies under the Sole of the Foot. The Principal Maxims of the Turks are to give Offices to Persons of Merit, not to consider their Birth; to ruine most of the Cities for the sparing the charge of a Garrison; and to keep only as long as they please Treaties made in other Tongues than their own; not to restore the good places they have once taken, no longer to make their Armies so numerous that they may the better subsist, not to allow of Gentlemen, nor suffer Mahometan to remain Slaves; to make use of the Tartars in their greatest expeditions for the better harassing and laying wast their Enemies Countryes, to render the Insularies responsible for the Turks, they give them for Governours: to give Military Offices to Children, who are born Christians, and those of the Law to natural Turks.

Of Turkey in Europe.

THis Turkey consists in three sorts of Countreys, those which the Grand-Seignior shares in with Christian Princes, Hungary, Sclavonia, Croatia, Dalmatia: those which his Highness possesses entirely on the South of the Danube, Bosnia, Servia, Bulgaria, Romania: those which were formerly known under the name of Greece.

Hungary is a considerable Kingdom, and likely to be the Stage of the greatest War that has been for some Ages, and has a peculiar discourse in the following Leaves Sclavonia properly taken is between the Drave and the Save; sometimes most of those Countreys are attributed to it which are on the South of the Danube. The Sclavonians have such a passion to be thought Warriours, that they beg of God in their Prayers to dye armed in War, and that their Enemies may dye in their Beds. Croatia is the Countrey of the Croats, where there be Horses of a mean size, but very fleet. Dabnatia is along the Gulph of Venice, where the Turk possesses little besides some part of the Inlands of the Countrey: He possesses only Narenca upon the Coast, which place formerly pretended to the Dominion of the Neighbouring Sea. Zara the best place of the Venetians in those parts, is upon a Rock which buts out into the Sea, and is only joyned to the Terra Firma by the space of six and twenty paces. Spalato is there the Town of greatest Traffick since the late Peace. Fiume belonging to the House of Austria, has in its Neighbourhood the place called Tersacs, where the Papists say the Chappel of the Virgin was three years and some Months, before it was transported to Loretto in Italy.

Bosnia has had the Title of a Kingdom. Servia has the City of Belgrade very considerable, and as advantagiously scituated as any City of Turkey, near the place where the Danube receives the Teyss and the Save. Bulgaria, whose ancient Inhabitants were formidable to some Roman Emperours, has Sophia for the Capital, a great passage from Hungary to Constantinople. This Province extends as far as the Black Sea, where the Ruines are to be seen of the wall which the Emperour of Constantinople caused to be set up from Silistria upon the Danube as far as Tomi, noted in antiquity for the Banishment of Ovid. There dwell the Dobruck Tartars, which the Turks make use of in their greatest expeditions, because this Militia is no great charge to the Grand Seigniours; who by the ancient conventions, only pay these Tartars at the end of the Campaign, a certain quantity of Cloaths and a Sultanin a Head; besides the Booty they may have taken in their Enemies Countrey: There is to be seen upon the Coast, the City of Varne, renowned for the Victory of Amurath the 2d. over the Hungarians: that of Nigeboli upon the Danube, where the Christians were also defeated by the Infidels under Bajazet the 1. in the year 1396.

Romania has for principal Cities Constantinople, Adrianople, Gallipoli. It was formerly Thrace; Constantine the great called it Romania, not to abolish entirely the Name of Rome, after having given his own to the City of Bizance.

Constantinople is the Head of the Turkish Empire, so as it was of the Eastern Empire, when it served for abode to the Roman and Greek Emperours. Its Scituation is the most curious imaginable, having the conveniency of one of the finest and best Harbours of Europe, which may receive a thousand or twelve hundred great Ships; it is full thirteen Miles in compass. The Houses are low, whether that they are built after that manner to avoid the incoveniency of the Winds, or that the Turks think not fitting to raise them high as they do those of God and of their Princes, or that they have no design to build for others, since most commonly their Children do not succeed them in their Estates, which the Grand Seignior gives to whom he thinks fitting. The Church of Saint Sophia is the most stately Building of all that City, and has serv'd for a Model to most of the Turskish Moskees. Constantinople is very subject to Fires, by reason that most of its Houses are built of Wood. In the year 452. besides a great number of Houses; six and twenty thousand Volumes were burtn with the Gut of a Serpent, six and twenty foot in length, wherein the Iliads and Odysses of Homer were written in Letters of Gold. The Preservation of this City depends on that of Gallipoli, of the Castles of the Dardanelles, and of the Towers of the Black Sea; at the entrance of the Bosphorus, where formerly a chain was made use of to barr entrance to Enemies Ships: The Channel of Constantinople is so narrow, that in some parts of the Town the Cocks may be heard, who crow on the nearest Shoar of Asia. This Channel has to Currents at the same time; that which is nearest Europe carries away the Ships towards the Black Sea, and that which is on the side of Asia carries them toward the Mediterranean Sea. The seven Towers make a Fortress, where Prisoners of State be confined. Galatia a small City beyond the Port wherein are the Franks. Above Galatia is the Burrough of Pera, the Residence of some Christian Embassadours. Formerly a Wall was raised two days Journey in length, from the Black Sea as far as Selivrea, to hinder the Incursions of the Scythians and of the Bulgarians. Osman had a design of transferring his Seat from Constantinople to Grand Cairo: Constantine left Rome for Bisance: Julius Caesar had also the Thoughts of making his abode at Troy, or in Alexandria. Adrianople is now one of the Principal Abodes of the Grand Seignior. Chiorlick a small Town where Bajazet the 2d. vanquished his Son Selim, the same who boasted that he wore not a great Beard as his Father did, for fear the Janizaries should catch hold of it, and lead him where they pleas'd.

Asperosa seems to be the ancient Abdera, whose Inhabitants were looked upon as the most stupid in the World; near this place stood the Stable of cruel Diomedes, who gave his Guests to his Horses instead of Oats.

Greece was formerly the most famous Countrey of Europe; its inhabitants had for a long time the advantage of excellence of Wit, and Grandure of Courage, over other Nations; they have added to, and brought to perfection most of the Arts and Sciences; they build their Cities at some distance from the Shoar, for fear of being exposed to the plunder of Pyrates, who were very rife at that time; and that the the Civility of the Citizens might not be corrupted by conversing with Terpawlins. They sent several Collonies into Italy, into Asia Minor, and left their Names in most of the Regions which be upon the Mediterranean Sea. Athens, Sparta, Argos, Gorinth, Thebes, Megalopoli were the most powerful Cities of Greece. In some of these Towns the Soveraign Power was in the hands of the People, in others it was given to the most conspicuous. The principal People of Greece, who affected the Dominion of it, and who sometimes interessed others in their party, were the Athenians, the Lacedemonians, the Thebans, the Etolians, the Acheans, the Boeotians, the Phoceans, Megara, Corinth, Sicion, Argos, Micoene, Elide, Arcadia, Messenia have also formed considerable States. Macedonia, Thessalia, Cyprus have had the Titles of Kingdoms. Most of the other States were Realms, then Commonwealths, and afterwards obeyed the Macedonians in part, the Romans some patticular Lords, and finally the Turks.

The Greeks are now almost all the Greek Church; their Countrey is much changed since in the hands of the Turks; almost all the Towns being ruined and without defence. If there be some considerable for their Strength, they are kept for the maintenance of Commerce, and for resisting the Christian Galleys. There be six Provinces in Greece, Macedonia, Albania, Epirus, Thessalia, Achaia, Peloponesus; these two last having particularly been called Greece. All these Names, except that of Albania are ancient, and more known to us, than those which be given them by the Turks. Macedonia which Alexander the Great made one of the greatest Monarchies in the World, was a Kingdom which ended in Perseus; after whom the Romans swayed there, as did also some petty Kings unto Amurath the 2d. Emperour of the Turks. Pella was the Birthplace of that ancient Conquerour. Edissa the abode of King Philip his Father, who was there assassinated. Philippi is famous for the defeat of Cassius and Brutus. Monte-Santo otherwise Athos, for the great number of its Caloyers, religious Greeks, who chose it for the Place of their abiding, by reason of the goodness of the Air. Its shadow reaches to the Isle of Lemnos, which is seen from Mount Ida in Asia. Xerxes had the satisfaction to make it his Island. Stesicrates a Sculpturean, proposed to Alexander the Great to make of it a very extraordianry Statue; with one hand it should have poured a great River into the Sea, with the other it should have held a considerable City. Thessalonica or Saloniki, has had Kings of its own. Albania is renowned for its good Cavalry; where Valone is accompanyed with good harbour, from whence the passage is easie into Italy. Pyrrhus King of Epirus had a thought of making a Bridge of Boats from that Coast to Otranto in Italy. During the War against the Pyrates, Terentius Varro Pompeys Lievtenant, had the same design. Durazzo is noted for the encampments of Gaesar and of Pompey; Groye for being the brave Scanderbegs Native Place, that Flail of the Ottoman Empire, whose Armies he defeated in two and twenty set Battails. Scutari was a long while besieged by the Forces of Mahomet the 2d. who shot therein so many Arrows, that they furnished the Garrison with Wood sufficient to warm themselves with all the Winter. Epirus has had the Title of a Kingdom, Prevesa was the best Town; it was formerly Nicopolis built by order of Augustus in memory of the Naval Victory which he gained over Marc-Antony and Cleopatra near Actium. Larta is the ancient Ambracia which served for Residence to King Pyrrhus. Near that place dwells the Acarnanes, the best Slingers of Greece, the only People which did not assist the Greeks in their Trojan War. The Epirots were the first People of Greece, who made War upon the Romans, and who made use of Elephants against them, unknown before to Italy. Thessalia has had several Tyrants, amongst others Jason of Pheres. There be the Cities of Larisse, the Native place of Achilles, where Mahomet the 4th. for some time made his Abode, during the last War of Candia; Armira, Volo, with their Sea Ports. Tricca the Episcopal Title of Heliodorus, who chose rather to lose his Bishoprirk thandisown his Romance of Theagenes and Chariclea. Achaia has two Cities, Setines and Stives, the former was the most flourishing Republick of the World, the Abridgment of all Greece; the other, as we have said, has dared to aspire to the general Dominion of the Countrey. Sparta is famous for the signal Victory of the Christians over the Turks in the year 1671. In that engagement a hundred and eighty nine Turkish Galleys were lost, five and twenty thousand Turks killed, four thousand made Prisoners, twelve thousand Christians freed. This City is in the Countrey of the ancient Aetolians, who despised the orders of Alexander the Great, during his greatest Conquests. Negrepont formerly Euboae, is only seperated from Achaia by a Strait called otherwise Euripe. This Euripe has given a good deal of Exercise to Philosophers, who have sought out the cause of its ebbing and flowing; those who seem to have examined it best, say that it is regular towards the days of the New and Full Moon, that is to say, in twenty four or twenty five hours it has twice its ebbing and flowing as the Ocean, and that it is irregular towards the dayes of the first and last quarter of the Moon, that is to say, that in twenty four or in twenty five hours, it has 11, 12, 13 or 14 times Floud, and as often an Ebb. The Peloponesus, the most renowned Peninsula in the World, is joyned to the rest of Greece, by a Neck of Land of about six thousand paces in breadth, which several Kings and Emperors have in vain endeavored to dig through. It was a saying fodere Isthmum, when they meant to express nenterprize which had no probability of being effected. The Christians who called it Morea, upon the account of its Mulberries, have made there retrenchments in divers times against the Turks, who won them under Amurath the 2d. and under Mahomet the 2d. The midst of that Peninsula was formerly inhabited by the Arcadians, who had in their Countrey the finest Asses in the World; and who neglected to learn Astrology, when the other Greeks received it, because they esteemed themselves more ancient than the Moon. Patras, where St. Andrew was put upon the Cross, is one of its best Towns. Modon the abode of the Sangiacbey or Governour of the Province. Maina gives its Name to a Petty Countrey, which has no longer the Liberty it a long time maintained against the Turks, by favour of the Sea, and the sharpness and steepness of the Mountains. Napoli of Romania and Malvasia are peopled on the score of their Sea-Ports, where a great Trade is droven. Corinth now ruined, was formerly named the Rich; the conveniency of its Scituation made it be called the Market of Greece: Its Inhabitants invented the Greek Galleys; after that it was burnt by the Romans, there came a mixture of its melted Mettals, which has retained the Name of Corinthian Brass. Philip King of Macedon esteemed three places in Greece for strength, the Castle of Corinth, Demetrias and Calcis. The Castle of Corinth, named the Acrocorinth, and Ithoma near Messena, by reason of their Scituations, were called the two Horns of the Peloponesus. Mesitra is the ancient Sparta, otherwise called Lacedemon, whose power was particularly upon Land, whereas that of Athens was upon the Sea. Its most Noble Citizens were called Spartiates; the others, Lacedemonians, perhaps with the same difference that is put between the Castillans and the Spaniards. The Government of this State consisted in few persons, they observed there a stile in speaking and writing, which expressed much in few Words. Olympies was noted for the Temple, and Oracle and Statue of Jupiter the Olympian, one of the seven Wonders of the World; for the Olympyads, which were reckoned from four to four years after the celebration of the Olimpick Games. The Ceremonies where of were kept until the Countrey was subdued by the Romans. Sicion had its Kings almost as soon as the Assyrians. The Ancients did affirm that the River Alpheus which passes in the Peloponesus, went under the Sea to the Fountain Arethusa in Sicily.

Besides the Dominions of the Grand Seignior, which we have mentioned in Africa, in Asia and Europe, His Highness possesses Suaquem upon the Red Sea, Teflis in Georgia, Asoph at the Mouth of the Dom. Themon and Temroch near the Palus Maeotides on the side of Asia, Arabia Petrea part of desart Arabia. The Kingdoms of Zibit and Ziden in Arabiafoelix, with the Towns of Dolfar and El-catif: In Europe Bessarabia, Ocziacou, Dassain towards the Mouths of the Nieper; Gaffa and other places in lesser Tartary. The Isle of Gandia, Waradin in Transilvania: The Scituations of these Countreys and places, is to be seen in the Map, to know the importance of them. Transilvania, Valachia, Moldavia, lesser Tartary, the Republick of Ragusa, the Corsairs of Barbary and others hold of the Turks.

What belongs to the Turk in Asia, comprehends much about the same Provinces, which the ancient Romans had in that part of the World; and besides that, those of Armenia, and Assyria. 'Twas formerly adorned with a great number of brave Cities; The conduct of the Turks, and the laziness of the Inhabitants, have quite ruined most of them. One wou'd think this Countrey ought to be very populous, by reason of the freedom which Men enjoy there, of having several Wives; yet it's certain, it has very few people, if we consider its large extent. There seldom pass five or six years together, without several thousands of persons being swept away by the Plague. What is considerable is, that along the Coasts, where the Echelles, that is to say, places of Trade, inrich themselves by the transportation of the Levantine Merchandizes, which consist in Skins, Cotton, Tapistry, Camlets, and other like Stuffs: These Echelles have this in particular, that they have Consuls for the Nations of Europe: And in consideration of the Christian Princes, the Knights of Maltha, do not commonly form any enterprizes thereabouts. The Merchants, who dwell there, send and receive their Letters by a sort of Pigeons called Carriers, which they keep, and which they send for that purpose to the places, where they have been brought up. The Grand Seigniour, has his Bashaws there, who keep the people under extream subjection. The Mahometan Religion is received in most places. Where are also to be seen Jews, and Christians of the Greek Church. As for manners, a Cadi, or Judge, has judiciously observ'd, That amongst the Nations, who inhabit this Region, the Turks were blameable for their Whoring, the Jews for their Superstition, and the Christians for their Litigiousness.

This Turkey is certainly in a choice scituation; in the midst of our Continent, and in the Temperate Zone; it has the Course of the Euphrates, and Tigris, with the conveniency of four Seas, the Mediterranean, the Black Sea, the Caspian, and that of El-Catif, which open to it the Commerce of the principal Regions of the World, and particularly, that of the East-Indies. The Euphrates having pass'd near the ruins of the ancient Babylon, joins it self to the Tigris below Bagdad. Its Channel is inconsiderable in those parts by reason of the many Islets that are made there. It has this advantage, that it joins the Traffick of the Black Sea, which is not far distant from its Sources, with that of the East-Indies. The Tigris forms several Lakes, sometimes going under the Earth, and after having passed by Bagdad, mixing with Euphrates. The Waters of these two Rivers, fall into the Sea El-Catif; formerly under the name of Euphrates, now under that of Tigris, or rather under that of Chat, which is called the Arabick River. The Countrey, which they Water; is so beautiful, and so fertil, that several place therein the Terrestrial Paradice. There are hardly any Stone Bridges upon the Tigris; and by reason of its inundations, they commonly make their Bridges of Boats.

Four great Provinces are in this Turkey Natolia, Turcomania, Dierbech, and Souria. Natolia, formerly Asia Minor, is a Peninsula much more long than broad, between the Black Sea, the Archipelago, the Mediterranean, and the River of Euphrates. The ancient Greeks sent thither several Colonies: Cyrus the Great thought his Empire would not be considerable, unless he had Asia Minor. Mighty Battails have often been fought for the preserving this Province, and for the Conquering it. There are reckoned four Beglerbeyats, or general Governments; that of Natolia at Chioutaye; Caramania at Cogni, Amasi at Tocat, and Aladuli at Maraz. The City of Burse, has been successively the Residence of the Kings of Bithynia, and of some Greek Emperours, and Turkish ones too, before they passed into Europe. The first Ottomans have their Tombs there: Soliman the First, would needs be buryed at the neck of the Dardanelles near Gallipoli: Burse yields little but to Conscantinople, for its Riches, and its multitudes of people. Nice is known for the holding the first General Council, and for the Residence of the Greek Emperours, after that the French had taken Constantinople in the Year 1201. Angoure is famous for the Victory of Tamberlane over Bajazet Emperour of the Turks, and before, for that of Pompey over Mithridates. Tocat is the Appennage of the Sultan-Mothers. The Countrey round about it produces Saffron. Troy, Pergamus, Sardis, have been Royal Cities. Troy, famous by reason of its being taken by the Greeks after a Siege often Years, or rather for Homer's immortal Banter, has its ruins mingled with the decays of some Modern works. It was called Dardania, upon the account of Dardanus its first King, Ilium, by reason of its Castle of Priam. The City of Pergamos, is highly renowned for the riches of King Attalus, and the invention of Parchment. Sardis, for the Residence of the ancient Kings of Lydia. Dinobi upon the Black Sea, has Copper Mines in its Neighbourhood, which are perhaps the only ones in Asia. It has been the abode of Mithridates, the most formidable Enemy of the Romans; who notwithstanding his defeat, had the thought of traversing Lacholcide, Soythia, and Illyria, to come and attack Italy. Chalcedon is the place, where was held the Fourth General Council. As its ancient Inhabitants were cracking, that their City was built before Bizantium; a Persian told them judiciously, that its Founders had been blind, to choose so incommodious a scituation, in respect of that of Bizantium. Avido one of the Castles, that are called Dardanelles upon the Hellespont, has seen the swimming Amours of Hero and Leander, as also the passage of that prodigious Army of Xerxes King of Persia, upon a Bridge of six hundred and seventy four Galleys. Fogia, Smyrna, Ephesus, Milazo, and Halicarnassus, are upon the Coast of the Archipelago. Fogia, formerly Phocee, the Mother of Marscilles, is the first City that was taken in a form'd Siege, and the taking of it was Harpagus his Act, General under Cyrus the great. Smyrna, which is often called the Smirnes, and which contains above ninety thousand Souls, is in a fertile ground, and drives one of the greatest Commerces in the Mediteranean-Sea: The English, French and Venetians, have their respective Consuls there. Alexander the great did in vain endeavour to ditch the Peninsula that is near it; this is said to be the only Enterprize which that Heroe was unable to bring about. Ephesus has had the Temple of Diana. Melazo, formerly Miletum, has establish'd several Colonies in diverse places, and held out a long while against the Kings of Lydia. It was near some neighbouring Islands of the City of Miletum, that Julius Caesar was taken by Pyrates. Halicarnassus boasts of having had the Mausoleum built by Queen Artemisa, in memory of King Mausolus, her Husband. Santhe prides it self in the brave resistance of its ancient Citizens, who suffered all the Extremities imaginable, in the sieges they held out, at several times, against Harpagus, Alexander the Great, and against Brutus. Sattalia, otherwise Antali, gives its Name to a neighbouring Gulph. Tarsus was the place of St. Paul's Education. Tiagna is the native Countrey of the learned Apollonius; Amasia, that of Mithridates and Strabo. Zela, which is not far off, is renowned for the Victory of Julius Caesar, over Pharnaces. Trebizond has been the capital City of an Empire of short continuance: This Empire having been established by Isaac Comnone, who having retir'd from Constantinople, was destroyed by Mahomet the Second, Emperour of the Turks; the same who rendred himself Master of the Empire of the Greeks. Laiazza is near the passage of Cilicia, where several Battels have been fought. The modern History sets down that of the Sultan of Aegypt against Bajazet the Second, Emperour of the Turks, wherein the latter was defeated: Alexander the Great, gained here a memorable Victory, over Darius, in person. Ventidius Bassus, the Roman, vanquished the Parthians here; and the Emperour Severus discomfited Pescenninus Niger, his Rival to the Empire. Near this Place we are shown the ancient City of Anchialus, which is said to have been built in a day by Sardanapalus: Perhaps the Workmen of that Age were as dexterous as the modern Muscovites, who in the Market sell Houses whole, and ready made to be set up. Amongst the Rivers of Asia Minor, Thermodoon, now Pormon, has had the Amazons in its neighbourhood. Lalli serv'd for bounds to the Dominions of Cirus and Croesus; Granique towards the Hellespont, has been witness of the first Victory of Alexander the Great over the Persians; Pactolus, near Sardis, has been famous for its golden Sand, which gave occasion to the great Riches of the Kings of Lydia: the Meander for its fine Swans, and its Sinuosities. The Cidne, near Tarsus, has its Waters so cold, that they killed the Emperour Barbarossa, who bathed himself therein: Alexander the Great, having done the like, was abandoned by most of his Physicians, and was only cured by the Remedy of Philip, who ordered a Potion pretty like the modern Emetic Wine. The most renowned Mountains of Asia Minor, are Taurus, Ida, and Micale. Taurus divides all Asia into two parts, as we have already said. It is the most famous in the World for its length, for its heighth, and its branches, Caucasus and Imaus are parts of it. Ida, near Troy, is famous for the judgment of Paris; Micale, near Ephesus, for the Sea Engagement, which the Greeks won over the Persians, the same day that these were vanquish'd at Platees in Boeotia.

Turcomania is the Countrey of the Armenians, whose Tongue and Religion are received in most places of the Levant. Those People, who had their peculiar Kings before that the Turks subdued them, pretend, that they cannot be made Slaves, by reason of a Priviledge, which their Predecessours obtain'd from Mahomet, when that they assisted him to his establishment. This consideration has made most of the Merchants of Turkey, go under the name of Armenians. There are still at this day, in Armonia, Curdes, who defend their Liberty. The King of Persia has also some part of it. He is in possession of Erevan, which has in its neighbourhood the three Churches, the abode of the Patriarch of the Armenians. The Persians draw from thence a considerable Tribute, for the passage of the Caravans: For the better subjecting to themselves, what they stand possess'd of, they have carried thence whole Colonies, who inhabit the City of Giulfa, near Ispaham. Cha Abas used a very rigorous Policy towards these poor Wretches; he took away their Wives, to give them to Mahometans of his Kingdom, and gave them the Wives of those Mahometans. 'Tis held to be upon the Mountains of Armenia, and chiefly upon Ararat, that the Ark of Noah rested, and there we place the terrestrial Paradice: Not improbably it is the middle and the highest place of the World: Sem, Ham, and Japhet, set down there the bounds of their Dividend; there is to be seen the Sources of four famous Rivers, the Euphrates, Tigris, Faze, and Arais. The three first have Names conformable to those mentioned in Holy Writ. Arais may well be the Gehun, since Gehun in the Chaldaick Tongue, signifies a River; and Arasses in Persian, signifies the same thing; Besides, the Etopian people are placed near its Bed. This Arais joyns to Kur, before it falls into the Caspian-Sea: it is the only River of the Countrey, that bears Boats, and the Araxes of the Ancients, which has served for bounds to the Kingdoms of Media, and Armenia, where Justin has set down the Defeat of Cyrus the Great, by Tomiris, Queen of the Scithians.

Diarbech is the Assyria, where the Romans have often fought unhappily against the Parthians, and where the Turks and Persians have their greatest Disputes. Two Cities now ruin'd, have been very considerable there, Niniveh, and Babilon. Niniveh, opposite to and on the East of Mosul and beyond the Euphrates, was the abode of the Kings of Assyria, with twenty four of our Leagues in compass: The voluntary Death of Sardanapalus, and the repentance of its Inhabitants, have made it the labour of History. Babilon, a small days journey from Bagdad, which is upon the Tigris, has nothing more than ruins in a place called Felougia. In the neighbourhood is shown the place where was the Tower of Babel, famous for the confusion of Tongues. This Babilon was built by Nimrod, who is said to be the same with Belus; Queen Semiramis, as also Nebuchadnezzar, did much augment it: This Princess having caused Walls to be raised there, which have made it pass for one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and its fine Gardens in Terrace have given admiration to several persons. As it hath been the object of the greatest Conquerours of the East, it has been taken by Cirus, by Darius, by Alexander the Great, who died there at his return from his Conquests, and by Seleucus. The Children of Israel were there in captivity, for the space of seventy years: the Countrey round about produces two sorts of Pitch, the one dry, which is made use of in Buildings, the other liquid and very suceptible of fire, having this particular, of not being to be extinguish'd, but with Dirt, Vinegar, Alom, and Glew. The Power and Riches of Babilon have been so great, that it alone contributed more to King Cirus, than did the third part of his Dominions. After Babilon, Seleucia has been considerable in Assiria, Ctesiphon, Vologe-socerta, and lastly, Bagdad, which is in the place of Ctesiphon. Bagdad, which some call Baldac, and which is vulgarly called Babilon, is not only resorted to by Merchants of several Nations, but also by Mahometans, who go thither from all parts of Asia, to visit, in its neighbourhood, the Sepulchres of Omar, Ali, and other Disciples of Mahomet. It was for a long while the Residence of the Caliphs: one of whom, named Ʋlit, has had the glory of being Master of the greatest Monarchy that has ever been in the World: It extended from the most Western parts of Barbary, to the Indus. 'Tis observ'd of another Caliph, of this same City, that he left, at his death, eight Sons, eight Daughters, eight Millions of Gold, eight thousand Slaves, and his Dominions augmented by eight Kingdoms. In the Year 1638, when the Grand Seignior, Amurath the Fourth recover'd this strong and important City of Bagdad from the Persians; he caus'd three Men of each Company of his Army to be cast into the Ditch, and upon them a number of F*aggots, and Sacks of Wool, for the making the Assault with the more facility. Kufa is a Town, which the Inhabitants have in peculiar veneration, by reason of the Sepulcher of Ali. They keep there a Horse always ready to mount him, whom they say is to come and convert the whole World to their Law. Bassora is a Town near the mouth of the Tigris, called Chat by those of the Countrey. 'Tis spacious and pleasant, by reason of its Palm-Trees. By the means of its Harbour, it furnishes the Indies and Persia with Dates, which serve for Bread and Wine, to those who know how to prepare them. Its great Commerce of Horses, makes it often called by the Name of Mer-El-Catif. They were used to Voyage, upon this Sea or Gulph, along the shoar, and with the lead in hand. The Barks that are made use of there, are sewed with little Cords of Coco; insomuch, that not any Nails are to be perceived in 'em. Some few years ago, Bassora belong'd to Ali Bashaw, who called himself King of it, and who had this state from Father to Son, and was the Dominus fac-totum, paying only a small tribute to the Grand Seignior, who did not press him, for fear he should take the Persians side.

Souria is divided into Souria, Phoenicia, and the Holy Land. Souria proper to the City of Aleppo, which is reckoned for the best of all the Levant, and contains above two hundred and fifty thousand Persons. It is really the third of the Ottoman Empire, if we consider the resort thither of the Caravans, the Rendezvouz of the Turkish Armies in the Wars of Persia, and all its other advantages. The Jewels, Spices, Silks, and other precious Commodities, arrive here from the East by Sea, and by Land: They send them afterwards into Barbary, by means of the Port of Alexandretta, upon the Mediterranean Sea. They there make use of Camels, for the going to Bir, where they might have the conveniency of the Euphrates, as far as the Neighbourhood of Bagdad; but several Mills there hinder the Navigation. It's fine to see upon that River, the Peasants going down the stream upon Goats-skins, which they fill with Wind, and let out again, when they have made use of them. Antioch which, for excellency, has the Denomination of Great, was the abode of some Roman Emperours, and the Cradle of Christianity, St. Paul having established here the first Patriarchate of the Church. It has had formerly a Suburb called Daphne, which passed for one of the most delicious places in the World. Damas, the Metropolis of Phoenicia, sends us sweet smelling Waters, Wines, pleasurable Fruits, Prunes, Raisins, Cutlasses, Sword Blades; and other works, which keep the Name of it. They say, that after the Battel of Issus, Alexander the Great, found in Damascus, two hundred thousand six hundred Talents of Coined Money. This City is in so fertile, and so agreeable a scituation, that some have called it the Paradice of the World. Sayd (otherwise Sidon) has a French Consul, for Trade. Sur, or Sour, from whence came the Name of Souria, is the ancient Tyre; renowned for its fine Scarlet, for its good Mariners; for its Colonies; and for the Siege of seven Months, which it held out against Alexander the Great, before he could take it. In its Neighbourhood, is to be seen the Castle of Tygade, the ancient obode of Old de la Montagne, Prince of the Assassins, who executed blindly all the Orders of their Sovereign. Saint John de Aere, otherwise Ptolemaida, formerly the Residence of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, is accompanied with a Sea-Haven. Mount Libanus, is remarkable for its height, for its fertility, for the ancient Cedars, which have been found there, since the Creation of the World. It has full sixty Leagues in compass, and forty Villages of the Maronites. Those people who are Catholicks, receive their Name from the Monastery of Saint-Maron: They are in possession of four hundred Villages, and can bring fifteen thousand Men in Arms. Canobin is the Residence of their Patriarch, who bears the Title of that of Antioch. Besides the Maronites in this Mount Libanus, are Emirs, or Princes, and the Nations of the Druses, Nassarians, Kelbins, who maintain there their liberty. The Holy Land, where the principal Mysteries of our Salvation were wrought; is (as it were) in the midst of our Continent. It was first of all named the Land of Canaan, the Land of the Promise, the Land of the Hebrews, the Land of Israelites; and afterwards Judea, Palestine; and finally the Holy Land; by reason of the Birth, and Death of the Saviour of the World, and in consideration of the abode of the Prophets. Its principal and first Divisions have been into eleven people, who bore the Names of the Children of Canaan; into fifty two Kingdoms, and five Satrapies: into twelve Tribes, who went under the Names of the Children of Jacob. 'Tis however to be observed, that Manasses, and Ephraim, are the Names of the Children of Joseph, who died before the Division; and that the Tribes, who had the Lands on the East of Jordan, had them upon condition of engaging first in the most dangerous Actions. The other Divisions of the Holy Land, have been into twelve Governments under Solomon: Into two Kingdoms, Israel and Judah: Into six Provinces, after the Captivity of Babylon: Into three Roman Provinces: Into five Tribunals or Audiences, by Gabinius: And lastly, Into three Ecclesiastical Provinces. The Holy-Land has hardly, at present, any place of Remark; and the Turks only preserve the Towns they have there, by reason of the Money which they exact from the Pilgrims. It had formerly Cities so rich, so powerful, and in such great numbers, that no Countrey in the World was there that could be compared to't, for that reason: there having been reckoned above five hundred and seventy. Its extent from the South to the North, is about seventy Leagues; Its breadth thirty, somewhere more, somewhere less, according as it is bounded, either by the Mountains of Arabia, or by Jordan. What is there call'd the Desart, is so stiled, in that it has not all the fertility, that is found in the Countreys which are near it. Its modern Division is into three Principalities, Sayd, Cossaria, and Gaza. Two Governments are under the Bashaw of Damascus, Jerusalem, and Naplouse. Jerusalem, tho' fallen from its ancient Lustre, still preserves those places, which Jesus Christ was pleas'd to honour with his presence. It has been famous for the bigness, beauty, and riches of its Temple; for its Kings; for its High-Priests; and for other particularities. It was ruined by Nebuchadnezzar, by Vespasian, and Titus; These two last saw the Death of Eleven hundred thousand Persons. There are eight Nations of Christians, who are rank'd in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Roman Catholicks, the Maronites; the Greeks, the Armenians, the Syrians, or Jacobites, the Copties, or Aegyptians, and the Georgians. One of the Gates of the City, called the Eye of a Needle, has given occasion to the Proverb, that a Camel may as soon pass through the Eye of a Needle, as a Rich man enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Nazareth is the place, where the Saviour of the World was conceived; Bethlem that where he was born. There are an infinite number of rare things to be remark'd upon these Cities of the Holy Land: The misfortune is, that they are hardly any longer to be known.

Some Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, belong to the Turks, whereof that of Cyprus is the greatest; It has the Title of a Kingdom, and formerly contained nine. Nicosia is the Capital City of the Island. Famagusta the Principal Sea-Port. This Famagusta was the last place, which the Venetians defended there against the Turks, who took it at last after a Siege of seventy dayes, and above a hundred and forty thousand Shot made against the Town. The Grotto of the seven Sleepers, is near the City of Baffo. In an Abbey near Limisso, they keep Cats, brought up to the hunting of Serpents, after which they return back thither at the ringing of a Bell. The Isle of Rhodes is famous for the ancient abode of the Knights of the same Name, who were constrained to yield it to the Turk in the Year 1522: For the Colossus of the Sun, which was so prodigious, that few persons could embrace the thumb of it: Great Ships passed easily with full Sails between its Leggs: When the Sarazens caused the Copper of it to be carried into Aegypt, they found it to load above nine hundred Camels. The Isles of Chio, and Metilin, are in the Archipelago. Chio one of the most fertile and most delicious in the World, produces excellent Fruits, Malmsy Wine, and particularly Mastick. It has the High and Low Town, and in both are reckoned above twenty thousand Mortals: They are almost all Christians, Greeks, and Latins; and there is not a place under the Turk, where the Christians have more freedom. Metelin affords excellent Wines: And the Nightingales are said to sing more melodiously there, than elsewhere. Its ancient Inhabitants have had the reputation of being very expert Mariners. In the last Age, the famous Barberossa, who is said to have been a Native of this Island, rendred himself formidable to all Christendom. Patmos, or Palmosa, is known for the Exile, and the Grotto of St. John the Evangelist. The Isle of Lango, under the Name of Cos, has passed for the native Countrey of Hippocrates, and Appelles. The enviers of Hippocrates, attribute all his knowledge to Medicinal Receipts, which were brought into the Temple of Aesculapius. Apelles observ'd proportion in his Pictures, whereas Zeuxis made them greater than Nature for the giving them Majesty. The Inhabitants of Lango, are said to have found out the first use of Silk-Worms. Not far from thence, there is a little Island called Caloiero, which is almost impregnable: It is only a steep Rock, where the Monks, and those who inhabit it, draw up their Boats after them with Ropes.

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

TURKY IN EUROPE.

THE Turkish Empire was founded by Ottoman or Osman I. about the Year of our Lord 1298. or 1300. according to the Opinion of others, and its Seat was at first established at Prusa or Beruss in Bithynia, which in process of Time, after that those Infidels had made divers Incursions into Europe, was translated to Adrianople, and at length to Constantinople. It is probable that the Turks are descended of the Scythians, who inhabited the Circassian Mountains between the Euxine and Caspian Seas, being a Vagabond sort of People, and for the most part Shepherds, until they invaded Asia the Less, and carried their victorious Arms very far, throughout that Country. However, within this vast Empire are now comprehended many Kingdoms and Provinces in Europe, Asia and Africa, for the Emperor of the Turks is Soveraign Lord of a Continent, extended from Aden, the Capital City of Arabia the Happy, as far as above the Palus Moeotis for the space of about 700 Leagues from South to North, and 800 from West to East, viz. from the Western Limits of the Kingdom of Alger, which is Tributary to him, as far as Balsora on the Persian Gulph, wherein are included 25 Governments in Europe, 17 in Asia and 1 in Africa: But I shall here only give an account of the Possessions of this potent Monarch in Europe, and Treat of the two other Parts in the Description of Africa.

Turky in Europe is bounded on the North by Poland and Hungary, on the South by the Mediterranean-Sea, on the East by that of Zaback or Palus Maeotis, the Euxine or Black-Sea, the Sea of Marmora and the Archipelago. It is extended from South to North for the Space of about 300 Leagues, viz. from Cape Matapan on the Southern Coasts of the Morea as far as the Frontiers of Northern Hungary, toward the Vistula, and from the 35th Degree to the 50 of Latitude, as also about 440 Leagues from West to East, that is to say, from Canisa in Hungary to the utmost Limits of Eastern Tartary, from the 40th Degree to the 75th of Longitude. But the greater part of Hungary and the Morea hath been recovered by the Christians during the late Wars, which hath much diminished the Extent of the Turkish Dominions. The Air is Gentle and Temperate, more or less according to the Situation of the several Countries, and the Soil in like manner fruitful, with respect to the different Places of this Empire, as it shall be shewn in the Description of every particular Province.

The most remarkable Rivers are, 1. The Danube, that separates Valachia and Moldavia from Servia and Bulgaria; and afterward flowing in 2 or 3 distinct Streams, dischargeth it self into the Black Sea. 2. The Teisse or Tibisc, which taking its Rise, and continuing its entire Course through Hungary; at length falls into the Danube, which likewise receives into its Channel the Waters 3. of the Drave, and 4. of the Save, the former dividing Sclavonia from Hungary, and the other serving as the Boundary between the same Country and that of Bosnia. 5. The Mariza, the Source and Streams whereof water Romania, where it runs into the Archipelago, after having passed through the Cities of Philippoli, Adrianople and Trajan•ple: But the Rivers on the Southern Side are not so considerable. There are also divers large Gulphs, viz. those of Contessa, Caridia, Montesanto, Ajomana, Saloniki, Aumiro, Angia, Napoli, Coron, Arcadia and Lepanto, famous for the memorable Battle which the Christians gain'd over the Turks, A. D. 1571.

The Turks are naturally Ambitious, yet Clownish, Slothful and addicted to Gluttony: However, they are Courteous to Strangers and Travellers, and notwithstanding their rude Behaviour, readily expose themselves to Dangers; altho indeed they are only reputed to be valiant Soldiers, and endeavour to terrifie their Enemies with hideous Outcries. They cause Hospitals to be built for the Entertaining of Travellers, and even bequeath Legacies to their Horses and Dogs, to the End that they may subsist without Labour. The Use of Wine is prohibited by their Law, nevertheless they make no Difficulty to quaff it off to Excess, during the Night or in Private, but when convicted of such a Crime, are severely punished. The Liquors that serve for their ordinary Drink are, Sherbet, Coffee, Hassap and Poscet. In fine, they are permitted to marry as many Wives as they can conveniently maintain, and are usually attended with Eunuchs.

The Subjects, Tributaries and Allies of the Grand Signior are of different Religions; for the greater part of them adhere to that of the Greek Church, some profess the Roman Catholick, others the reform'd, being either Lutherans or Calvinists, others embrace the Doctrine of Mahomet, and lastly others that of the Jews, who are dispersed through divers Places of the Empire. The principal Points of the Alcoran or Turkish Faith consist in adoring one God, in acknowleding Mahomet as his chief Prophet, in esteeming Jesus Christ as a great Prophet, in Circumcising Persons in the 12th Year of their Age, in observing every Year a Fast for the Space of a Month; in prohibiting the Use of Wine, as also the eating of the Flesh of Swine and some other Animals, in praying 5 times in a Day, at several Hours, in obliging the Musulmans or Believers to travel in Pilgrimage once at least during the time of their Lives, or to send Deputies to Mecca, and in believing that the Impurities of the Body defile the Soul. The Soveraign of this State is commonly called, the Great Turk or Grand Signior, and assumes the Title of his Highness. In the most parts of the Provinces of his Empire are established Beglierbegs or General Governours, on whom depend the Sangiacs, Bassa's, and divers other inferior Officers. Within the Territories of Turky in Europe preside 8 Beglierbegs, the first of whom was that of Buda in Hungary, but at present the chief is that of Greece, the second of Gallipoli, who is styled Generalissimo or Admiral of the Sea; the third of Romelia, the fourth, fifth and sixth are those of Canisia, Agria (which now remains in the Possession of the Emperor) and Temeswar in Hungary, the seventh of Bosnia, who resides at Bagnaluca, and the eighth of Caffa in the Lesser Tartary.

Turky in Europe is divided into the Continent and adjacent Islands, that is to say, into three Parts, viz. the Countries of the Grand Signior's proper Subjects, Tributaries and Allies, every one of these three Parts comprehending divers Provinces, as it is more plainly represented in the ensuing Table.

The Continent of European Turky divided into Three Parts, viz.

• I. The Countries properly subject to the Dominion of the Grand Signior into 11. viz.
  • 1. Croatia in part, containing these Towns, &c. viz.
    • Vilitz, or Wihitz, Cap.
    • ...Constanovitz,
    • ...Ʋdun,
    • ...Lira,
    • ...Dublicza,
    • ...Obroacza,
    • ...Suenigrad,
    • ...Sternizza,
    • ...Kamengrad,
    • ...Dobranin,
    • ...Dublicza,
    • ...Nowogrodek,
    • ...Petrinia,
    • ...Carlstadt,
    • ...Segna.
  • 2. Sclavonia in part.
    • Posega, Bish. Cap.
    • ...Sopia,
    • ...Viwar,
    • ...Kouvatz,
    • ...Gradiska,
    • ...Dowahacz,
    • ...Brodt,
    • ...Zagrabia,
    • ...Sisaken.
  • 3. Bosnia, in part.
    • ...Bosna-saray,
    • ...Zucnik,
    • ...Jadra,
    • ...Quernik,
    • ...Vranduk,
    • ...Bagnaluca,
    • ...Ternovitza,
    • ...Warbosaum,
    • ...Tinima,
    • Debitza or Dobicza,
    • ...Jassenovitz,
    • ...Jaycza,
    • ...Cernizza,
    • ...Zelinaza,
  • 4. Dalmatia, in part.
    • Scardona, Bish. Cap.
    • ...Sdrigna,
    • ...La Vrana,
    • ...Trebigna,
    • Antivari, Archb.
    • Narenza, Bish.
    • ...Mestar,
    • ...Sfigna,
    • ...Castel-nuovo,
    • Cattaro. Bish.
    • Budoa, Bish.
    • Dolcigno, Bish.
  • 5. Servia, in part.
    • Belgrade, Cap.
    • ...Sabatz,
    • ...Orach,
    • ...Belina,
    • ...Zenobiz,
    • ...Fochia,
    • ...Janisabar,
    • ...Pristina,
    • Nice or Nissa,
    • ...Stratoria,
    • ...Siabrino,
    • ...Novobardo,
    • ...Precopia,
    • ...Cratovo,
    • ...Yagodnas,
    • ...Colubas,
    • ...Semendria,
    • ...Fesilan,
    • ...Perot,
    • ...Vidina,
    • ...Bercovitza,
    • ...Chiprovax,
    • ...Scopia,
  • 6. Bulgaria, in part.
    • Sophia, Cap.
    • ...Dragoman,
    • ...Ktiman,
    • ...Biltz,
    • ...Silistria,
    • Nigebali or Nicopolis
    • ...Ternova,
    • ...Rossi,
    • ...Rosgrad,
    • ...Pasargia,
    • ...Axiopoli,
    • ...Dorostero,
    • ...Tutracan,
    • ...Provas,
    • ...Dionisiopoli,
    • ...Varna,
    • ...Crosona,
    • ...Drimago,
    • Tomi or Trosmi,
    • ...Cavarno,
    • Mesembria, or Mesevira,
    • ...Mangalia,
    • ...Chinstenge,
    • ...Giustandil,
    • ...Pantaleo,
    • ...Ternovo,
    • ...Hasgrad,
    • Prounda or Prostavisa.
  • 7. Romania, in which are,
    • Constantinople, Patr. Cap.
    • ...Galata,
    • ...Selivrea,
    • ...Chiourli,
    • ...Bargas,
    • ...Philippopoli,
    • ...Nicopoli,
    • ...Bra,
    • ...Zarnis,
    • ...Maximianopoli,
    • ...Enos,
    • ...Abdera,
    • ...Margna,
    • ...Bistogna,
    • ...Sestos,
    • ...Garidia,
    • ...Gallipoli,
    • ...Trajanopoli,
    • ...Sisopoli,
    • ...Stragnara,
    • ...Malatia,
    • ...Adrianople,
    • ...Rudisto,
    • ...Mechaonva,
    • ...Pera,
    • ...Scutari,
    • ...Chalcedon,
  • 8. Greece in 6 Provinces, in which are,
    • 1. Macedonia, in which are,
      • Saloniki, Ca.
      • ...Zucaria,
      • ...Emboli,
      • ...Sibanova,
      • ...Cavalla,
      • ...Philipi,
      • ...Berrea,
      • ...Asomama,
      • ...Siderocapsa.
    • 2. Albania, in which are,
      • Alessio, Cap.
      • ...Lavalona,
      • ...Croya,
      • ...Scutari,
      • ...Antivari,
      • ...Lodrino,
      • ...Albanopoli,
      • ...Drivasto,
      • ...Durazzo.
    • 3. Thessaly, in which are,
      • Larissa, Cap.
      • ...Armiro,
      • ...Coniga,
      • ...Pharsalia,
      • ...Tricala,
      • ...Demetriada,
      • ...Volo,
      • ...Scotusa.
    • 4. Epirus, in which are,
      • ...Larta,
      • Preveza, to the Venet.
      • ...Panormo,
      • ...Bastia,
      • ...Elatria,
      • ...Orchimo,
      • ...Chimera,
    • 5. Livadia, or Achaia in part,
      • Athens or Athini, possess'd by th' Venetians,
      • ...Thebes,
      • ...Aulis,
      • ...Marathon,
      • ...Megara,
      • ...Lepanto,
      • ...Delphos,
      • ...Galato,
      • ...Eleusis.
    • 6. Morea, almost entirely subject to the Venetians.
      • ...Patras,
      • ...Chiarenza,
      • Caminitza, Bish.
      • ...Castel-Tornesi,
      • ...Modon,
      • ...Belvedere,
      • ...Coron,
      • ...Navarin,
      • ...Malvasia,
      • ...Misitra,
      • ...Zarnata,
      • ...Chielefa,
      • ...Pussava,
      • Napoli di Romania, Arc.
      • Argos, Arch.
      • Corinth, Arc.
  • 9. In Bessarabia are,
    • Tekin, Cap.
    • ...Orihow,
    • ...Smail,
    • ...Brailha,
    • ...Kilianova,
    • ...Bialogorod,
    • ...Moncastro,
    • ...Oczakow,
  • 10. Part of Podolia,
    • Camienieck, Cap.
    • ...Tremboula,
    • ...Zbarass,
    • ...Bar,
  • 11. Part of Hungary.
    • Canisia, Beg.
    • Temeswar, Beg.
    • Waradin, Bish.
    • ...Giula.
• II. The Countries tributary to the Turks in four, viz.
  • 1. Transylvania, in which are,
    • Harmanstadt, or Zeben, Cap.
    • ...Neustadt,
    • Albesule, Bish.
    • Brassaw or Cronstadt,
    • Bistricz, or Nosenstadt,
    • Megiez, or Medwesch,
    • ...Humad,
    • Segeswar, or Schesburg,
    • ...Wasserhely,
    • Millembors, o• •sebes,
    • Coloswar or C••••••burg.
  • 2. Moldavia, in which are,
    • Zockzow, Cap.
    • ...Nicmicz,
    • ...Targorod,
    • ...Jassy,
    • ...Choczin,
    • ...Czarnoucz,
    • ...Weissemburg,
    • ...Thorda,
    • ...Deva,
    • ...Enguedine,
    • ...Newmark,
    • ...Agnabat.
  • 3. Wallachia, in which are,
    • Tergowick, Cap.
    • ...Olten,
    • ...Braskow,
    • ...Brailaw,
    • ...Orsavo,
    • ...Arcin,
    • ...Jalonicza,
    • ...Dembronitza.

• • 4. In Ragusa are,
    • Ragusa, Archb. Cap.
    • ...Stagno,
    • ...Sabioncello.
• III. The Allies of the Turks, in two,
  • 1. Lesser Tartary, in which are,
    • Aloph, Cap.
    • ...Manitz,
    • ...Monaster,
    • ...Stokolak,
    • ...Ostam-Kirmen,
    • ...Korkuby,
    • ...Sterknitza.
  • 2. In Crimsky are,
    • Crim, Cap.
    • ...Percop,
    • Caffa-Beg,
    • ...Kerey,
    • ...Macop,
    • Bacca-Saraya, C.
    • ...Balaclava.
• The Islands in three,
  • 1. In th' Isle of Negropont are,
    • ...Negropont,
    • ...Protamo,
    • ...Caristo,
    • ...Geresto.
  • 2. Isles of the Archipelago,
    • ...Tasso,
    • ...Scyro,
    • ...Dronia,
    • ...Andro,
    • ...Naxia,
    • ...Faro,
    • ...Zia,
    • ...Standia,
    • ...Milo,
    • ...Sifano,
    • ...Fermenia.
  • 3. In the Isle of Candia are,
    • Candia, Cap.
    • ...Canea,
    • ...Retimo,
    • ...Sitia,
    • ...Tuda,
    • ...Spinalonga,
    • ...Schino,
    • ...Palaio-Castrio.

The Islands depending on TURKY.

THE Island of NEGROPONT, heretofore call'd Eubaea, and now Egripos by the Grecians, is suppos'd to have been joyn'd at first to the Continent of Achaia, by an Isthmus or neck of Land, which was broken by the violence of the Tides, or according to the Opinion of others by an Earthquake. It is situated between the 38 deg. and the 39 deg. 30 min. of Latitude, as also between the 49th deg. and the 52 of Longitude, its extent from South-East to North-West, consisting of about 44 Leagues, its length of 10 or 12, and its compass of 120. The whole Island is extremely fruitful in Corn and Grapes, but very much subject to Earth-quakes; being also well furnished with all manner of Provisions at extraordinary low rates; for Mutton is scarcely worth One Penny a Pound, the like quantities of Kids, and Goats-Flesh yielding not above a Half-penny; one may also buy Fish for One Farthing a pound, and Wine for Two-pence the Crondiry, i. e. about an English Wine-Gallon. Moreover Sweet-Meats are here made of divers sorts of Fruits; viz. Quinces, Pears, Plums, Nuts, Walnuts, Almonds, &c. but those Confectioners instead of Sugar use Wine boyl'd to a Syrup, that renders them grateful enough to the taste. The Mountain of Caristo is famous for its excellent Marble and the Stone Amianthos or Asbestos, whereas the ancient Natives made a kind of incombustible Cloath that was cleans'd by burning it in the Fire. The Modern Inhabitants, who observ'd the Customs of the other Grecians at first, partly adhere to the Rites of the Greek Church, and partly to those of the Roman Catholicks; but since the Turks took possession of these Coasts, the Greeks are only admitted among the Infidels, paying a certain Tribute for the Exercise of their Religion. As for the Government of this Island, the Eastern Emperors kept it in their possession for a long time, and afterward Duke Rabanius Carcerius resign'd it to the State of Venice, who constituted Pietro Zanco its first Governour. But it was taken by the Turks, under the Conduct of their Emperor Mahomet II. who made his attacks with a Fleet of 300 Sail, and an Army of 120000 Men, insomuch that the besieged were at last forc'd to surrender after a gallant defence. Whereupon the insulting Tyrant caus'd the unfortunate Proveditor of the Family of Erizzo, to be most cruelly put to Death by sawing his Body asunder, and cut off the Head of the Lady Ann, the Beautiful Daughter of the same Governour, with his own Hands, because she had generously disdain'd his foul Embraces; so that her Memory is still sacred among the Venetians, and deservedly enrolled in the Kalendar of Martyrs.

NEGROPONT or EGRIPOS, the Capital City of the Island of the same name, was sometimes an Episcopal See under the Metropolitan of Athens, and afterward erected into an Arch-Bishopricks being built on, or hard by the place where Cholcis formerly stood; that is to say, on a Peninsula of the same Isle, anciently call'd Eubaea; where it is separated from Boeotia by the narrow streight of Euripus, remarkable for the various and uncertain changes of its Tides, and on that account justly admir'd in all Ages as one of the great wonders of the World; for these Tides are one while regular and at another time altogether irregular, according to the different course of the Moon: On the days it is irregular, it ebbs and flows 11, 12, 13 and even 14 times within the space of 24 or 25 hours; but on those days that it is regular it observes the same Rules according to the Moon, with the Ocean and Venetian Gulph. Over this famous Arm of the Sea is erected a small Stone Bridge of four or five Arches, leading to a Tower, built by the Venetians, in the midst of the Channel, whereto is joyn'd a Draw-Bridge no larger than to let a Gally pass through. The Walls reach about two miles in compass, but in the Suburbs of the Christians beyond them, are contain'd more Building and People than in the City which is inhabited only by Turks and Jews. The Turks have two Mosques within, and two without, one of which was formerly the Cathedral dedicated to St. Mark: The Christians have in like manner some Churches in the Suburbs; from whence the City it felf is sever'd by a deep Ditch, and the Inhabitants of both may probably amount to fourteen or fifteen thousand Persons.

This is the chief Seat of the Captain Bassa, or Admiral of the Turkish Navy, who is Governour of the Island and City of Negropont, as also of Achaia, and other adjacent parts of Greece, having a Keiah or Deputy under him. His Palace stands on the Sea-Coasts without the Town, bearing North-East of the Bridge, and is fortifi'd only by the Galleys fasten'd to the Shore about it, altho' he hath another Palace in the Town, where the Proveditor of the Venetians kept his Court, whilst the Island remain'd in their possession. A considerable Fleet of Galleys constantly Rides in the Harbour, which is very safe and capacious, to be ready on all occasions to go out against the Pirates, and those of Malta. The City of Negropont is distant 16 miles from Thebes to the East, near the ruin'd Town and Port of Aulis, 45 from Athens to the North, 130 from Larissa to the South-East, and 380 from Constantinople to the South-West. In 1688. the Venetians laid a formal Siege to Negropont, with an Army of 24000 Men and storm'd it twice, but were oblig'd to retreat without success.

TASSO, Thasso aut Thalassia, an Island of the Archipelago, lies only at the distance of one League from the Continent of Romania, and is extended seven or eight in compass. The Ground is uneven, being partly plain and partly rising up to Hills of a great height: In the Mountains of the Southern side are found Quarries of good Marble, and some Vineyards bearing excellent Grapes. There are also abundance of Pine and Firr-Trees, and certain heaps of the refuse of Metal remaining as the evident marks of those rich Mines that formerly yielded to King Philip of Macedon, and his Son Alexander the Great, 80 Talents every year. The Town was first founded by a Colony of Phaenicians, and is at present well inhabited, altho' it hath lost much of its ancient splendor. Before their arrival it was call'd Chryse, from its Gold, and Thas in the Phoenician Tongue signifies A thin Plate of Gold, from whence the whole Island took its name.

NAXIA, Naxos, one of the Islands call'd Cyclades, heretofore afforded a Royal Seat to the Dukes that commanded in those parts, and is yet esteem'd the fairest in the Archipelago. It contains about 84 miles in Circuit, and yields good store of Marble, together with generous Wines; on which account the Ancients Consecrated it to Bacchus, who there entertain'd Ariadne, when forsaken by Theseus. Here are to be seen the Ruins of a Temple dedicated to the same Bacchus, which stood on a Rock encompassed with the Sea, and was joyned to the Island by a Draw-Bridge; besides two other of Apollo, one whereof bears the name of St. Salvador. The Inhabitants who are about 5000 in number, partly adhere to the profession of the Greek Church, and partly to that of the Latin, but most of those of the chief Town on the North-West side of the Island are Roman Catholicks: They are obliged to pay a Tribute of 6000. Piasters to the Grand Seignior ever since they were subdued by the Turks, unde Solyman the Magnificent, A. D. 1537.

SIFANO, Siphanos aut Siphnos, is an Island of the Archipelago situated toward the Coasts of Europe: It was anciently famous for its Gold and Silver Mines, the Tithe whereof was sent to the Temple of Apollo at Delphos. Its principal Town is named Schinusa, and stands on a high Hill: The Inhabitants are divided in matter of Religion, some of them being of the Romish persuasion, and others following the Discipline of the Eastern or Greek Church. They give it out that they still have a Mine of Gold in the Island, but that they conceal it for fear of the Turks.

The Island of CANDIA, Creta, lies between the 34 deg. and the 35 of Latitude, each space contains 20 Leagues; as also between the 50 deg. and the 55 of Longitude, including 68 Leagues; and its compass consists of about 140. It is distant 570 miles from Sicily to the East, 360 from Cyprus, 69 from Cape Maleo a Promontory of the Morea, and 140 from the nearest Coasts of Cyrene or Cairoan, a Town of Africa to the North, being very Mountainous, more especially on the Eastern side, where its breadth is more contracted.

The Air is very healthful and temperate, but the Southern Winds are sometimes incommodious on the Coasts that are exposed to their Fury. The Soil is extremely fertile in Grain, Grapes, and divers other sorts of Fruits, affording also very good Pastures, insomuch that Corn might be reap'd twice every year, if the Inhabitants were not so sloathful, who are also gluttonous, rude, and addicted to many Vices. The Corn, Wine, and Oyl, are more especially excellent, besides Citrons of a prodigious largeness: Moreover Orange, Pomegranate, Cypress, and Myrtle Trees grow every where in great abundance; but no Stags, Wolves, Foxes, Wild-Boars, Hedge-Hogs, nor any Venomous Creatures are bred here, excepting a kind of Spider termed Phalangium, the Sting whereof is mortal. Neither are the Meadows water'd with any Navigable River, but only with large Brooks, particularly the Armino and Istonia; along the Banks of this last Rivulet grows the Tree Leandro, the Wood whereof and Leaves are Poisonous, and render the Waters very noxious during the Summer. The most remarkable Mountain is Psiloriti or Mount Ida, which was heretofore noted for the Corybantes or Idaei-Dactyli, the Priests of Cybele, that took care to nourish Jupiter in his Infancy, and continually beat their Kettle-Drums, lest Saturn, who had made an agreement with his Brother Titan to destroy all his Male Off-spring, should happen to hear the Child cry. Near the head of the Brook Lene to the North, of the same Mount Ida, is a Grotto, wrought in a Rock, supposed to be the Labyrinth of King Minos, made according to Daedalus's directions. The Inhabitants of this Island were the first that rendred themselves formidable at Sea by Navigation, and on Land by the use of Arrows. Moreover, besides their Experience in Maritim Affairs, they invented Musick, and were the first People that recorded their Laws: Nevertheless they were always reputed Grand Lyers, Debauchees and Prirates.

The Lacedaemonians subdued Crete or Candia, in the name of Darius King of Persia, A. Ʋ. 422. and L. Caelius Metellus, the Roman Consul made himself Master of it in 686. Afterward this noble Island became subject to the Emperors of Rome, and those of Constantinople, until A. C. 823. when the Saracens surpris'd it, and built the T•wn of Candia, which in process of time gave its name to the whole Island. However Nicephocas Phocas r••ook it in 962, and at last Boniface Marquess of Montferrat, who had received it from B•l••oin Earl of Flanders, sold it to the State of Venice for a vast sum of Money, A. D. 1194. The Venetians caus'd it to be well fortify'd in some places, to curb the insolence of the Natives that were very apt to rebel, and in 1364. had actually formed a design to introduce the Genoeses, yet were prevented by the sagacious Politicks of the Republick: However the Turks under colour of besieging Malta in 1645. to be reveng'd for the great Prize taken the preceeding year by the Knights commanded by B•is-Baudran, fell into Candia, where they continued the War 24 years; for having taken Canea in 1645. they laid close Siege to the City of Candia; which notwithstanding the utmost efforts of many brave Commanders and Soldiers of divers Nations who came voluntarily to its relief, was at length constrained to submit to the Ottoman Yoke on Honorable Conditions in 1669. After the taking of this important place, the Turks over-ran the greatest part of the Island, and have since kept their hold: The Venetians scarcely retaining in their possession three Forts built on the Sea Shore, viz. those of Crabusa Suda, and Spina-Longa.

CANDIA, Candia aut Ma•ium, the Capital City of the Island which took its Modern name from thence, was formerly dignified with the Title of a Metropolitan See, under which were nine Suffragans, and is at present the usual place of residence of a Turkish Sangiack or Governour. It is situated in a Plain on the foot of the Mountains on the Northern Coasts, and hath a commodious Harbour at the distance of 35 miles from Rhitymna to the East, and about 40 from Spinalonga to the West. It is a very large City divided into two parts, viz. the old Town which is of a small compass, and the new being larger and more beautiful: It hath been heretofore a famous Mart, but now lies almost altogether desolate and little inhabited. This City whilst it remained in the possession of the Christians, was also well fortified with a Castle and other regular Bulwarks, besides an Arsenal furnished with all manner of Military Ammunition; that it obstinately resisted the assaults of the numerous Turkish Forces during some years, until at length it was taken by them on the 27th day of September, A. D. 1669.

The Turks laid Siege to this City in the year 1645. after the Battle of Carvaca, but were oblig'd to raise it after having lost the Flower of their Army. However they left it blockt up very close until 1667. and then vigorously renewing the Siege, took it by composition in 1669. It is generally believed that the Ottoman Forces were sore shattered by the loss of 5 or 600000 Men, at that memorable Siege, which exposed their Government to Rebellion and Domestick Uproar often raised at Constantinople. In 1692. the Venetians made an attempt to besiege Candia, but were repulsed with considerable loss.

CANEA, Cydon was formerly styl'd the Mother of Towns by the Grecians, and hath for some time enjoyed the Title of an Episcopal See under the Metropolitan of Caradia. It was taken by the Turks, A. D. 1695.

RETTIMO, Rhitymna is another small City, and a Bishop's See, but is now subject to the Dominion of the Ottoman Emperor,

SITTIA is the Capital Town of a Territory of the same name, situated on the Northern Shore of the Island of Candia.

A Chronological Table shewing the succession of the Emperors of Constantinople, or of the East, from Constantine the Great, to Constantine Palaeologus, d•posed by the Turks, inclusively.

A. C.	Reigned Years,
1. Constantine the Great	306	31
2. Constantius	337	25
3. Gallus,	351	3
4. Julian the Apostate	361	2
5. Jovian	363	1
6. Valentinian	364
7. Valens	364
8. Procopius	364
9. Theodosius the Great	370
10. A•cadius	383	died in 408
11. Rufinus	395
12. Gainas	401
13. Theodosius the Younger	408	42
14. Marcianus	450	7
15. Leo the Elder Asper & Patricius	457	17
16. Zeno the Isaurian	474	17
17. Basilicus,	475
18. Marcianus and Procopius	479
19. Leontius	487
20. Anastasius Longinus	491	27
21. Justin the Elder	518	8
22. Justinian	527	39
23. Justin the Younger	566	12
24. Tiberius	578
25. Mauritius	582
26. Phocas	602
27. Heraclius	610	31
28. Constantin II.	641	3 Months
29. Heracleonas	641	6 Months
30. Constans	641	27
31. Constantinus Pagonatus, the Younger,	668	16
32. Justinian the Younger, Rhinotmetus	685	10
33. Leontius	695	3
34. Tiberius Apsimames	698	7
35. Justinian, Rhinotmetus re-established	705	6
36. Philippicus Bardanes	711	2
37. Artemius or Anastasius II.	713	2
38. Theodosius of Adrametum	715	2
39. Leo the Isaurian	717	24
40. Constantine Copronymus	741	34
41. Leo Chazarius	773	5
42. Constantine the Son of Irene	780	17
43. Irene	797	5
44. Nicephorus Stauracius	802	9
45. Michael Rhangabes	811	2
46. Leo V.	813	7
47. Michael the Stammerer	820	8
48. Theophilus	829	12
49. Michael the Drinker	842	15

Bordas.
50. Basilius the Macedonian.	866	19
51. Leo the Philosopher	886	25
52. Alexander the Son of Basilius	911	1
53. Constantine Porphyrogenneta	912	48
Romanus, Lecaperius, Christophanes, Constantinus, and Stephanus.
54. Romanus the younger	959	4
55. Nicephorus Phocas	963	6
56. John Zimisces	969	6
57. Basilius II. the Conqueror of the Bulgarians	975	50
58. Constantine the younger	1025	53
59. Romanus Agryropilus	1028	6
60. Michael the Paphlagonian	1034	7
60. Michael Calephates	1041	4 Months.
62. Constantine Monomachus	1042	12
63. Zoe and Theodorus	1054
64. Michael the old	1056	1
65. Isaac Comnenus	1057	2
66. Constantine Ducas	1059	8
67. Romanus Diogenes	1068	3
68. Michael Parapinaceus	1071	7
69. Nicephorus Botoniates	1078	3
Michael Ducas, and Constantine.
70. Alexis Comnenus	1081	37
71. John Comnenus or Calo Johannes	1118	25
72. Manuel Comnenus	1143	37
73. Alexis Comnenus the younger	1180	3
74. Andronicus Comnenus	1183	2
75. Isaacius Angelus	1185	10
76. Alexis Angelus the Tyrant	1195	8
77. Alexis the younger	1203	1
78. Alexis Ducas Murzofle	1204
79. Baldwin I.	1204	5 French Emperors of Constantinople. 4 10 3 1
80. Henry	1206
81. Peter de Courtency	1217
82. Robert de Courtency	1224
83. Baldwin II. who lost Constantinople in 1261.	1234
The other Grecian Emperors.
84. Theodorus Laparis	1204	18
85. John Ducas	1222	33
86. Theodorus the younger	1255	4
87. John the Blind	1258	1
88. Michael Palaeologus	1259	24
89. Andronicus Paloeologus the elder	1283	44
Michael.
90. Andronicus Palaeologus the younger	1327	15
91. John Cantacuzenus	1341	15
92. John Palaeologus I.	1355	27
93. Manuel Palaeologus	1384	36
94. John Palaeologus II.	1419	29
95. Constantine Palaeologus Dracoses	1438	5

The City of Constantinople was taken by Mahomet II. Emperor of the Turks. A. D. 1453.

The Succession of the other Eastern Emperors under the name of Ottoman Princes.

	A. D.	Reigned Years
1. Mahomet II.	1450	32
2. Bajazet II.	1481	30
3. Selim	1512	9
4. Solyman II.	1520	47
5. Selim II.	1566	8
6. Amurath II.	1574	20
7. Mahomet III.	1595	8
8. Achmet	1604	14
9. Osman	1617	4
10. Mustapha	1622	1
11. Amurath IV.	1623	17
12. Ibrahim	1640	8
13. Mahomet IV.	1648	Deposed 1687.
14. Solyman III.	1687
15.	1694	Now Reigning.

〈…〉

A Description of TURKY in ASIA.

TƲRKY in Asia contains all that part of the World which the Romans were once Masters of, with Armenia and Assyria. It is bounded on the North with the Euxine-Sea and Georgia; on the West with the Isthmus of Suez, the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, and the Sea of Marmara; on the South with Arabia and the Persian Gulph; on the East with the States of the King of Persia.

The Breadth of it from South to North is 630 Miles from the 29th Degree 30 min. to the 45th Degree of Latitude; and in Length about 1500 Miles from West to East, from the 55th Degree to the 95th, and from the Hellespont to the farthest Frontiers.

The Air is almost of the same Temperature in all parts of it, except in a little Tract of Arabia, which belongs to Turky, where it is very cold; but in other places it is very temperate. The Soil produces every thing necessary for Man's Life; it yields an abundance of Wheat, Barley, Wine, Fruits, Saffron. It hath excellent Pastures, wherein they feed great numbers of Horses and White Goats, which have Hair as fine as Silk. They have Mines of Gold, Silver, Brass, Iron, Allum, Christal, Arsenick, and Loadstone, from which the City Magnesia takes its Name. They have great plenty of Citrons, Oranges and Figs in many places, as also Palms, Honey, Bees-wax, Cassia, Cinnamon, Incense, Myrrhe, and several other Spices. Their Horses are beautiful, and very good; their Weathers very fat, whose Tail weighs 25 pound. All sorts of Wild Beasts and Fish are common there.

On the Sea-Coasts are their Places for Traffick, where they maintain a great Trade of Merchandises from the Levant, which consists of Skins, Tapestry, Cotton, Camelots, Silks and Spice. And for this end there are resident in those places Consuls from all Nations of Europe.

The most remarkable Rivers are Tigris and Euphrates, which rise in the Mountains of Ararat and Mingol in Armenia. It's Course is from East to West; and having passed through the City Erzirum, it runs Southward, separating Natolia from Armenia and Syria-Diarbecke. Afterwards it joins with Tigris at Gorno, 44 Leagues below Bagdat; and after it hath born the Name of Skhat-el-Arab for 15 Leagues, it empties it self into the Gulph of Balsora, about Twenty Leagues below the City of that Name; which being about a League and half distant from it, hath a Channel cut out of it, which will carry Vessels of 150 Tunn. Tigris fills many Lakes, and sometimes runs under Ground. The Country, which is watered by these two Rivers, is so beautiful and fruitful, that it seems a Terrestrial Paradise. The Bridges over the Tiger are not made of Stone, but of Boats usually, because of the great Floods and fierce Stream of that River.

The Asian Turks, who dwell in the Northern parts, are generally very ignorant and sloathful, delighting in Feasting, and all sorts of sensual Pleasures. They are very jealous of their Wives, and cruel to their Slaves. In the South and Arabia they are more ingenious, industrious, and subtile, good Husbandmen, and feed much Cattle. They are great Thieves; so that Travellers are forced to go in Troops to secure themselves from their Robberies.

They follow the Errors of Mahomet for the most part; but there are Jews, and several Sects of the Greeks, the chief of which are the Melchites, Nestorians, Dioscorians, Armenians, Jacobites, and Maronites. The three first have each of them their Patriarch, besides the Patriarch of Constantinople, viz. of Alexandria, Antioch, who resides at Damascus, and Bethlehem. The Armenians have two, the one of which hath his Residence in the Monastery of Ecmeasin in Georgia, and the other at Sis in Aladulia. The Jacobites have one, whose Seat is at Caramit in Diarbeck, or Mesopotamia. The Christians pay a certain Tribute to the Turks, called Carage. The richer sort pay about 150 Piasters an Head, the poorer Four. Women and Girls, Priests, Monks and Rabbi's, are exempted from it.

This Country is ruled by Beglerbegs, i. e. Chief Governours sent by the Grand Seignior, who have under them Sanziacks and Timariots. Some Princes in Georgia pay Tribute to him, but others maintain their Freedom against his great Power.

Turkey in Asia is divided into Seven Principal Parts, which are Anatolia, Syria or Soristan, Armenia or Turky, Diarbeck or Mesopotamia, part of Georgia, part of Arabia, and the Isles, which I will shew more plainly in the following Tables and Sections.

TURKY in Asia hath VII. Principal Parts.

• I. Anatolia, in which are,
  • ...Anatolia.
  • ...Caramania.
  • ...Amasia.
  • ...Aladulia.
• II. Syria, in which are,
  • ...Syria.
  • ...Phoenice.
  • ...Palestine.
• III. Turky, in which are,
  • ...Turky.
  • Part of Syria.
  • ...Diarbeck.
• IV. Diarbeck.
  • ...Diarbeck.
  • Yerach, or Chaldea.
• V. Georgia.
  • Imireta, a Kingdom.
  • ...Mingrelia.
  • Province of Guriel.
  • ...Abacassia.
  • ...Circassia Nigra.
• VI. Part of Arabia.
• VII. The Isles
  • ...Cyprus.
  • ...Rhodes.
  • ...Metelene.
  • Part of the Aegean.

Anatolia, or Asia Minor.

ANatolia, anciently called Asia Minor, is a large Peninsula, which reaches as far as the Aegean Sea, and Sea of Marmara, between the Mediterranean and Euxine Seas. It was divided of old into several Provinces or Kingdoms, as, Cappadocia, Galatia, Lycaonia, and Pisidia in the Midland; Bithinia, Paphlagonia, Pontus, towards the Euxine Sea; Armenia Minor, on the West side of the Euphrates; Cilicia, Pamphilia, Carbalia, Isauria, and Lycia toward the Mediterranean; Caria, Doris, Lydia, Iolia, Aeolis, the Greater and Lesser Phrygia, and Mysia, and Troas upon the Aegean-Sea. At present it is divided into Four Chief Parts only, viz. Anatolia Propria, Caramania, Amasia, and Aladulia, as in the following Table.

• 1. Anatolia Propria.
  • ...Chiutaye.
  • ...Nice.
  • ...Ephesus.
  • ...Smyrna.
  • ...Halicarnassus.
• 2. Caramania.
  • ...Antioch.
  • Tarsus, &c.
• 3. Amasia.
  • ...Amasia.
  • ...Trabisond.
  • Sival, &c.
• 4. Aladulia.
  • ...Maras.
  • ...Sis.
  • ...Adereus.

Anatolia Propria.

THIS Country, which is properly called Anatolia, contains near half that Region, which the Ancients called Asia Minor. It reaches from the River Casilmach along by the Euxine Sea, Sea of Marmara, the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, as far as the Coasts over against the Isle of Rhodes, having Caramania and Amasia on the East. The most remarkable Rivers are, the Meander, now called Madre, Ayala, heretofore Sangarius, and Otmagiath, or Hallis.

The Chief City of this Province is Chiutaye, or Cotyaeum, situate upon the River Ayala, the Seat of the Beglerbeg, about 30 Leagues from Byrsa, towards the North-East; which was heretofore the Chief City of Bithynia, and the Residence of the Turkish Emperors before Constantinople was taken. 'Tis yet a very considerable Place.

Nicaea, Nice, now Isnich, was of old the Metropolis of Bithynia. It is famous for Two General Councils, the One in 325. in the time of Pope Sylvester and Constantine the Great about the Heresie of Arius, the other in 787. against the Iconoclasts, or Breakers down of Images.

The City of Ancyra, now Angoure, or Angouri, is famous for the Victory of Tamerlan over Bajazet Emperour of the Turks, and of Pompey over Methridates.

Bolli, Aboni Teichos, is 20 Leagues from Angouri Northward, upon a small River, which runs into the Euxine Sea.

The City of Chiangare, or Pessinus, is towards the Frontiers of Caramania, upon a small River.

Ephesus, or Figena, is in Ionia, situate upon the Archipelago, or Aegean Sea. It hath a commodious Haven, a strong Castle. It was famous of old for the Temple of Diana, the Third General Council, assembled in 431. against the Errors of Nestorius.

Smyrna, or Smirne, is in the Province of Ionia, situate upon the Aegean Sea. It hath a convenient Haven: The Turks call it Smyr. The Air is temperate and healthful, and the Soil very fruitful. It was heretofore an Archbishop's See; but now 'tis remarkable for nothing, but for the continual Residence of French, and other Merchants of Europe.

Halicarnassus, or Halicarnasse, is a City in the small Province of Caria, upon the Gulph of Ceramis. Artimesia here erected an admirable Monument, to perpetuate the Memory of her Husband Mausolus King of the Carians.

Troy, or Troie, was a City in Phrygia: 'Tis thought that Dardanus, who came out of Candia, or Italy, was the Founder, and first King of it, about the Year of the World 2574. and had for his Successors Ericthonius, Tros, Ilus, Laomedon and Priamus. In this Kings Reign this City was burnt by the Greeks, after Ten Years Siege, in 2870. Alexander the Great built another City not many Furlongs from it, which he called New Troy, or Troas Alexandri, which was the Seat of the Suffragan Bishop of Cyzicum. The Turks call it Ezkistamboul.

Pergamus, or Pergame, is a City of Troas, or Phrygia, upon the River Caicus, now Maiti, the Seat heretofore of the Suffragan Bishop of Ephesus.

Sardes, Sardo, or Sardis, was a City of Lydia; now 'tis only a small Village near the Mountain Tmolus. 'Twas one of the chief Cities converted by St. John, and afterwards made a Metropolis.

Sinabe, Sinopi, or Sinope, is a City in Paphlagonia, lying near the Euxine Sea. It hath an Haven, and is the Seat of the Suffragan Bishop of Amasia. The Milesians built it in the 125th Year of Rome. Near it are found Brass Mines, which are rare in Asia.

Chalcedon, or Calcedoine, now Scutari, is a City of Bithynia, and hath the Title of an Archbishoprick. It lies upon the Thracian Bosphorus, which is a Chanel of the Euxine Sea, over against Constantinople. The Fourth General Council was assembled here in 451.

Avido, or Abydos, lying upon the Hellespont, or Streights of Gallipolis, is one of the Castles, which are now called the Dardanells.

Phocoea, or Foja, is a City of Ionia, seated on the Aegean Sea. It is a Port, and is called Fochia-Vechia, to distinguish it from another City, called Fochia Nova, a lesser City.

Miletus, or Milet, Melaxo and Melasso, was of Old one of the greatest Cities of Ionia, and had a good Haven in the Archipelago. It is seated on the River Meander, and on the Frontiers of Caria.

Caramania.

THIS Province had anciently the Title of a Kingdom; it borders upon the Mediterranean Sea as far as Anatolia on the West, Aladulia on the East, and Amasia on the North. It is divided into the Greater and Lesser Caramania. It hath these Rivers, Sattalia, Cydnus, and Xanthus, in the South; Cogni in the midland, which runs into a Lake; Genlu in the North, which runs out of this Province into Aladulia. It is ordinarily divided into the Greater and Lesser Caramania. In the first these are the Chief Cities, Cogni, Acsarat, Caola, Tyanea. In the other Chiolsac, Patera, Satalia, Scalameure.

Cogni, or Iconium, was an eminent City of Lycaonia, an Archiepiscopal See under the Patriarch of Constantinople: Now 'tis the Residence of the Beglerbeg. 'Tis situated in the middle of the Country, upon the River of the same Name.

Tyana, or Tigna, was a City of Cappadocia, at the Foot of Mount Taurus. An Archbishoprick.

Sattalia, or Attalia, gives Name to the Gulph adjoining, which hath a Port.

Tarsus, or Tarso, is a City of Cilicia, called now Terassa, or Terus, situate on the Bank of the River Cydnus. 'Twas once an Archbishoprick.

Amasia.

AMasia is a part of the ancient Cappadocia, between the Euxine Sea on the North, Anatolia Propria on the West, Caramania on the South, and Turkey on the East. It contains those Countries which were heretofore called Armenia Minor, a part of Cilicia, the Mountain Antitaurus, which parts Aladulia and Caramania. Besides Euphrates, which parts it from Turky, it hath the Rivers Casilmach and Pormon.

Amasia, or as the Turks call it, Amnasan, is situate upon the Iris, heretofore an Archbishop's See. 'Tis now the Seat of the Beglerbeg, or Turkish Governour in Anatolia.

The City of Zela is very near Amasia. It is famous for the Victory of Caesar over Pharnaces King of Pontus.

The City of Tocat, or Tocata, is upon the River Casilmach, in a very fine Country.

Trabezond, Trapezus, or Terra Bozan, stands on the Euxine Sea. It was the Seat of the Emperours, and of an Archbishop; but it lasted not long. Isaac, or Alexius Comnenus, who fled from Constantinople, founded it in 1204. Mahomet II. dissolved it in 1460. after he had taken that City. So that it continued an Imperial Seat but 256 Years. This Kingdom contained Cappadocia, Paphlagonia, Pontus, and some other Provinces. It had on the West the City Cerasonte, or Cerasus.

Aladulia, or Aladuli.

THIS Province is placed between Amasia on the North, Caramania on the West, the Mediterranean on the South, Syria and Turky on the East. It hath remakable in it

Maronias, Maras, or Marat, which lieth upon the River Euphrates, and is the chief City of that Province, the Seat of the Beglerbeg.

Issus, or Aiazzo, lying at the Foot of the Mountain Amana, and the Gulph called Sinus Issicus. Here Alexander the Great obtain'd a famous Victory over Darius. The first Battle gotten by Alexander over the Persians, was at the River Granicus, which is near the Hellespont. Pactolus, a River near Sardis, is known for its Golden Sand, which so much enriched the Kings of Lydia. Maeander, now called Madre, is remarkable for its Waters, and many Windings. Cydnus is terrible for its cold Waters, which were the Death of the Emperour Frederick Barberossa, who washed himself in it; and had likely to have been as fatal to Alexander the Great. The most observable Mountains in this Country are, Taurus, which is a Ridge of Hills dividing all Asia into two Parts; and its Heighth is proportionable to the Length. Mount Caucasus and Imaus are Branches of it. Ida by Troy is celebrated by the Poets for the Judgment of Paris.

Syria, or Sourie, Souristan.

SYria, or Sourie, is situate on the Mediterranean Sea, which bounds it on the West. On the South it hath Arabia Petrea, on the East Arabia Deserta, and on the North Euphrates, which separates it from Mesopotamia, or Diarbeck. Its Length from South-East to North-East is about 180 Leagues, or 540 Miles; and the Breadth from East to West 90 Leagues, or 270 Miles.

The Air is good, Soil fruitful, unless about the Borders of Arabia. It produces Wheat, Barley, Wine, abundance of Olives, Palms, Fig-trees, Citrons, Oranges, and several sorts of Spices. The Melons are extraordinary good. They have a sort of Canes, out of which they press Honey; yea, the Ground would bear any thing that is necessary for the Life of Man, if it were well tilled and manured.

It hath many famous Rivers. Jordan is better known for its mention in Holy Scripture, than for its Greatness. It rises in the Mountains of Galilee, and empties it self into the Caspian Sea. The Orontes, or Farfar, runs through the middle of the Country, and passing by Antioch, falls into the Mediterranean Sea, over against Cyprus.

This Province had anciently Kings of its own, and was made a Province by the Romans, after they had conquer'd it. It hath been inhabited since by several Nations. The Sarazens, the Christians under Godfrey of Bullen. The Sultans of Aegypt have been Masters of it successively. Selim I. conquer'd it in 1516. and his Successors have kept it ever since. The Grand Seignior hath set over it Three Beglerbegs, or Bassa's; the first resides at Aleppo, the chief City of this Province; the second at Damascus in Phoenice, the third at Tripoli.

The Inhabitants are very inconstant, and almost all very miserable, since they have lived under the Tyranny of the Turk. Their Arms are a Bow and Quivers, and a great Cimetar by their Sides. The most part are Mahometans, Turks or Moors. There are also Jews and Christians of several sorts. They have a very good Trade by the Sea-Coast; but the Tribute imposed upon them by the Grand Seignior and his Beglerbegs is intolerable.

It is divided into Three parts. 1. Syria Propria on the North. 2. Phoenice on the South-East. 3. And Palestine and Judea in the South.

Syria, specially so called: Or, Syria Propria.

THIS Province is bounded on the South-East with Euphrates, on the South with Aladulia, on the East with the Mediterranean and Phoenicia, on the North with Arabia Deserta. It's twice as large a Country as the two former.

Alep, Aleppo, or Barrhoea, was an Archbishoprick under the Patriarch of Antioch. It is one of the richest and greatest trading Cities of the Levant, being, as it were, the Center of Commerce maintain'd between the Mediterranean Sea and the Indies, by a Passage through the Gulph of Ormus and Euphrates, till they come just over against Aleppo, from whence they carry their Goods to Alexandretta upon the Mediterranean. The Persians, Arabians, Armenians, and other Eastern People, bring their Silks, Spices, Drugs, Jewels, and other Merchandises thither; and from the West the French, English, Dutch, Venetians, Genoeses, &c. carry thither their Cloaths, Silks, Skarlet, Lead and Furrs. Before the Portugueses opened the Way of Commerce by the Cape of Good-Hope, there was no other way of Traffick between the Eastern and Western People, but at Aleppo, or by the Red Sea and Aegypt. The Greeks have an Archbishop, the Armenians and Jacobites a Bishop each, the one resident at Tripoli, the other at Damascus in Phoenicia. They have many Mosques, Seven of which are very stately, and most of them are covered with Lead. They have one Hospital richly endowed, and several Exchanges full of Merchants and Tradesmen's Shops. Their Streets are paved with Marble. They have a Castle of great Antiquity, encompassed with a Ditch, full of Water at all times, where the Turkish Bassa or Governour dwells: It is about Two Miles from the City.

Antioch, now Antachia, is situated upon the River Orontes, a Seat of a Patriarch. It was anciently the Metropolis of Syria. In this City the Disciples of Christ being assembled, had the Name of Christians first given them in 41. It was graced with the Title of the Patriarchate of St. Peter, who founded a Church there in 38. The Ancients called the Bishop of Antioch the Patriarch of the East. The Remainders of this City stand like separate Villages, and groan under the Turkish Slavery. About the end of the Thirteenth Age this City was taken by the Mahometans.

Alexandria, or Alexandretta, is seated upon the Mediterranean, having a Port convenient for the Merchandise of Aleppo, from which it is distant about 17 Leagues. The Turks call it Scandarone. It is but little inhabited, because of the Badness of the Air; and would be wholly deserted, were it not for the great Trade from that Port.

Samosata, now Semsat, was once a famous City, and the Seat of the Suffragan Bishop of Edissa. It is situated on the right side of Euphrates.

Laodicea, or Laudichia, stands at the foot of Mount Libanus, near the Mediterranean. 'Tis now all Ruins, save that there are Four Marble Theatres to be seen.

Phoenicia, or Phoenice.

THIS Province is placed between Syria on the East and North, the Mediterranean on the West, Palestine and Arabia Deserta on the South. The Phoenicians are thought by some to have invented Letters, Writing and Books.

Damascus, called by the Turks Scham, is the chief City of Phoenicia. It is one of the greatest and richest Cities of the Levant, and hath been under the Dominion of the Turks for the last 200 Years. St. Paul was here baptized by Ananias, and first preached the Gospel. It is situated in a fruitful Country, at the Foot of Mount Libanus, incompassed with little Hills, in the form of a Bow, watered with a River, anciently called Chrysorrhoas, and with many fine Fountains. It is famous in all parts of the World almost for its delicious Wines, excellent Fruits, Wool, Silk, Plumbs, Grapes, Sweet Waters, and Blades. It is a great place of Trade; but the Jews are the chief Merchants there. All the Sects of Eastern Christians have Entertainment there. There are some Catholicks. The Franciscans, Capuchins and Jesuits have here their Colledges. In the middle of the City is a very fine Castle, which hath been often taken and retaken, demolished and rebuilt. The Turks are now Masters of it.

Tripolis of Phoenicia, or Tripolis Syriae, is a City and Port upon the Mediterranean; it belongs to the Turks. There are other Cities of the same Name, viz. Tripolis upon the Euxine Sea in Natolia, Tripolis of Barbary in Africa.

Sidon, or Said, is a Sea-port Town of Phoenicia. It is fallen into the Power of the Turks, who have held it for 150 Years, or more. Several French and European Merchants go thither for the Conveniency of the Haven, which makes it a place of Trade.

Tyre, or Sur, is at present only a small Village in Phoenicia, upon the Mediterranean. It was a famous Metropolis under the Patriarch of Antioch, and since of Jerusalem. The Tyrians were for a long time Masters of the Mediterranean, and so were famous. Alexander the Great took this City, and demolished it. The Emperour Adrian rebuilt it.

Berytus, or Berith, is situated upon the Mediterranean. It was the Seat of an Archbishop under the Patriarch of Antioch heretofore. It was taken by Baldwin I. King of Jerusalem, in 1110. It is now in the possession of the Infidels, and is upheld by a little Trade. It stands between Tripolis and Sidon.

Ptolemais, now Acon, Acre, S. John of Acre, is a City and Port, the Suffragan Bishoprick of Tyre. It is well situated, and watered with several Rivers, which come down from the neighbouring Mountains.

Palestine, or Judaea.

THIS Province hath many Names, being called the Land of Promise, the Land of Canaan, and the Holy Land; besides the forementioned. It contains in general the Twelve Tribes of the Children of Israel. The Length of it from South to North, from Mount Libanon and the Fountains of Jordan to the Borders of Aegypt, is about 70 Leagues; and from West to East about 42, from the Mediterranean to the Confines of Phoenicia and Arabia Petrea. It is between Phoenicia on the North, the Mediterranean on the West, Arabia Petrea on the South, part of Arabia and Phoenicia on the East. The Country is very fruitful, the Inhabitants are Syrians and Jews mixed together. It was divided in the time of our Saviour Jesus Christ into Six Parts, viz. Galilee, Samaria, Judaea, Trachonitis, Ituraea or Peraea, and Idumaea. Now 'tis divided into two chief parts by ••e River Jordan. The one is between that River and the Mediterranean Sea, and contains Four Parts. 1. The Jurisdiction of the Sanziack of Jerusalem. 2. The Principality of the Hemir of Casair, about the middle of the Sea-coast. 3. The Jurisdiction of Naples, anciently called Samaria. 4. The Hemit of Saida, or Galilee, who resides in the Castle of Sephet, and governs the whole Country about it. The other part is on the other side of Jordan, and makes part of the Kingdom of Arabia, which is subdivided into Six others. 1. Southward toward the Caspian Sea is the Country of the Arabians, called Pastores, heretofore the Country of the Moabites or Nomades. 2. In the Midland is the Country of Arabians, called Beduins, anciently Peraea, the Habitation of the Ammonites. 3. The Province of Bathar, heretofore Trachonitis. 4. The Province of Bathanan, of old Batanaea, or Basan. The 5. Northward is the Province of Auron, next to which is the 6. Ituraea. The River Jordan is worth our special Remark, because 'tis so famous in Holy Scripture. This River runs from North to South through the Lake of Samachonitis, the Lake of Genesareth, and lastly, empties it self into the Dead Sea, or Lake of Sodom; in which this City, and four other, being burnt with Fire from Heaven, are swallowed up, for the Punishment of the Enormous Crimes of the Inhabitants. 'Tis said, that this Sea will nourish no living Creature; yea, that the very Birds that fly over it are often suffocated with the Vapours that ascend from it. No Fish will live in it. The Water of it is very clear, and extreamly salt. It is 33 Leagues in length, and 8 or 9 over: The Land about it is barren for 2 or 3 Leagues from it. 'Tis said, that the Trees which grow about it bear no sound Fruit. They seem like fair Apples in appearance, but are nothing but Dust and Ashes within.

The last Kings which Reigned in Palestine or Syria were called Kings of Jerusalem only. Godfrey of Bouillon was the first that bore that Title, after he had taken that City from the Sarazens in 1099. His Successors kept it till about the Year 1317.

The Chronological Succession of the Kings of Jerusalem.

Their Names.	Years of Christ.	Years of their Reign.
1. Godfrey of Bouillon.	1099	1 Year.
2. Baldwin I. his Brother.	1100	18 Years.
3. Baldwin II. called Bruges.	1118	13 Years.
4. Fulk Earl of Anjou.	1131	11 Years.
5. Baldwin III.	1142	21 Years.
6. Almerick.	1163	11 Years.
7. Baldwin IV. called the Leper.	1174	12 Years.
8. Baldwin V.	1186	1 Year.
9. Guy of Lusignan and Sibill.	1186	8 Years.
10. Almerick II.	1194	11 Years.

The most Considerable Cities at this Day are,

• ...Jerusalem.
• ...Samaria.
• ...Naples.
• ...Jafa.
• ...Gaza.
• ...Tiberias.
• ...Bethsan.
• ...Ramah.
• ...Cana.
• ...Nazareth.
• ...Bethlehem.

Jerusalem, called by the Turks Elkodi, and by the Christians the Holy City, because it was honoured with the Presence of Jesus Christ. St. Peter here established the first Church in the World, notwithstanding the Church of Antioch had the Primacy. It had heretofore Kings and Patriarchs, and is now the Seat of a Sanziack, under the Power of the Turks. David took it in 2986. after whom Solomon beautified it with many Buildings, but chiefly with a magnificent Temple. Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon besieged it with a puissant Army, and having taken it in 3446. he burnt it, destroyed the Inhabitants, demolished the Temple, and laid it utterly waste. About 70 years after, in 3516. Cyrus sent the Jews again into Judea, and they built Jerusalem and the Temple. Titus besieged, took, burnt and destroyed it: And the Prophesie was fulfilled, which our Saviour spake concerning it, That one Stone should not be left upon another that should not be cast down. In the Year of Christ 132. the Emperour Adrian began to rebuild this City, and changed the Name of Jerusalem into Aelia. The Emperour Constantine made farther Additions, and raised many fine Buildings in it, after S. Helena his Mother had found our Saviour's Cross there. In the Year 614. under the Emperour Heraclius, this City was invaded by Chosroes II. King of the Persians. In the Seventh and Eighth Ages it was made a Prey to the Sarazens, with the rest of the Holy-Land. The French Princes undertook the Conquest of this Country about the end of the Eighth Age under Godfry of Bouillon, and made themselves Masters of Jerusalem in 1099. which gave an Original to the Kingdom of Jerusalem, of which Godfry himself was the first King, and had divers Successors. Saladin King of Syria and Aegypt won several Victories of the Christians, and at length drove them out of this City. About the Year 1187. this Country became subject to the Califs, or Princes of Aegypt, till 1517. when Selim I. Emperour of the Turks conquered it. This City, which now groans under the Tyranny of the Turks, is almost deserted. Some Romans hold our Saviour's House, and a Dwelling in the Holy Sepulchre. We may compare this Village for its greatness to Blois; the Streets of it are strait, the Houses very plain, and without Ornament. The Tomb of Godfrey of Bouillon still remains to be seen near Mount Calvary with his Brother Baldwin's, cut out of a Rock. On the West stands a Church, wherein is the Sepulchre of our Saviour Jesus Christ in a Rock, and not far from thence is Mount Calvary, where our Saviour was Crucified. There is a little Chappel, but well adorned and beautified.

Samaria, or Sebasta, was anciently the Capital City of the Kingdom of Israel, and gives Name to the whole Province, which is situated between Judaea properly so called, and Galilee. There is nothing now left of this famous City but the Ruins of it.

Naples, Naplouse, Neapolis, or Sichem, is equally distant from the Mediterranean Sea and the River Jordan.

Jafa, or Joppa, is a Sea-Town, but now so much ruinated, that there is nothing but the Haven and a few Houses. The Pilgrims, which come to see Jerusalem, have their Abode here.

Gaza, now Gazara, is a City well peopled, not far from the Sea. Now it hath a particular Governour under the Grand Seignior. The Country about it is very fruitful in Pomegranates, Fig-trees, Olives, Vines, and excellent Mushrooms. The Wine is much esteemed.

Tiberias, or Genesareth, is a City in Galilee. Herod gave it this Name in respect to the Emperour Tiberius.

Rama, Dispolis, or Lydda, is an ancient City, very famous for the Prophesie of Jeremy; it is 4 Leagues from Joppa. There are now nothing but Ruins, Vaults, and Cisterns, as at Alexandria in Aegypt.

Cana, or Chana, is a little City in Galilee, in the Tribe of Zabulon, where the Son of God did his first Miracle, in changing the Water into Wine at a Marriage Feast there.

Nazareth is a City of Galilee in the Tribe of Zabulun, famous for the Incarnation of the Son of God. The Chamber of the Holy Virgin was removed from hence into Italy, as some Authors relate, whom now they call Our Lady of Loretto. The Franciscans have a Monastery and a Church within this City, which the Pilgrims do also usually visit.

Bethlehem is very famous for the Birth of our Saviour. 'Tis but a Town, situate upon a small Ascent, very pleasant, where live some poor Christians, whose Trade it is to make Crosses and Rosaries, which they sell to the Pilgrims. At the Foot of the Hill is the Stable, where the Son of God was born. S. Helena built a Chappel there. Here is also a famous Monastery, which is at this Day common to the Romans, Greeks and Armenians.

Turcomania, or Armenia Turcica.

THIS Province contains almost all the ancient Armenia, and a part of the Country of the Curdenes. It is on the East of Euphrates, between Mesopotamia on the South, Persia on the East, and Georgia on the North. The Extent of it from West to East is about 160 Leagues from the Borders of Natolia to the Confines of Persia; and almost as much from South to North, from Curdistan in Persia in the South, to Georgia. This large Country is between the Mountains and Euphrates. It hath some parts of the ancient Armenia towards the Caspian Sea, between Albania and Media; others toward the Euxine Sea, between Asia Minor and Colchis.

The Air is very pleasant and healthful, tho' it be cold by reason of the Mountains. The Soil produces plenty of Fruits and Grain, but little Wine. They have Honey, Silk, and some Silver Mines: Their Pastures are excellent good, especially for Horses, of which they have very beautiful and fine ones. After the Flood the Ark rested upon the Mountains of Ararat in Armenia. Some hold that Paradise was about these Mountains, because of the Four Rivers which rise out of them, viz. Euphrates, Tigris, Araxes and Phasis.

The Armenians are plain and right down-Dealers, affecting no Ceremonies; they are content with little. They are naturally industrious, and addicted to Trade; upon which Account they are often seen in most parts of the World, where there is any Commerce.

The Apostle Bartholomew preached the Gospel first in Armenia; and they have preserved Christianity, but with some Alterations. They have two Patriarchs; one for the Greater, the other for the Lesser Armenia. The one hath his Residence in a Monastery near Ervan, the other at Sis near Tarsus in Cilicia. Their Creed hath received several Alterations. They believe, tha• the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father only. They deny Purgatory, though they pray fo• the Dead. They give the Communion to Infants. They do not mingle Water with their Wine in the Consecration of the Sacrament. They believe the Real Presence. They have a great Veneration for the Mass, and Sacrament of the Altar. Their Priests marry, but their Monks do not. They hate the Protestants, and admire Missionary Priests for their clear and strong Reasonings against the Mahometans. They keep two or three very strict Lents.

The Armenians have submitted themselves to the Emperours of Constantinople, the Saracens, and other Princes; and at length were made entirely subject to Selim, Emperour of the Turks, in 1515.

Nevertheless there are in this Country several Kings or Princes, who are not afraid of the Grand Seignior, nor King of Persia, because they keep all the Passes of the Mountains.

The most remarkable Cities are,

• 1. In Turkie,
  • ...Erzerum Cap.
  • ...Kars.
  • ...Sumischach.
  • ...Manuscut.
  • ...Majufarikin.
  • ...Roczan.
• 2. In Curdistan,
  • ...Van.
  • ...Bitlis.
  • ...Schelat.
  • ...Albach.
  • ...Cutiolar.

The City of Erzerum, Arziris, or Aziris, is the chief City of Turkie, situated on the Bank of the River Euphrates, and the Seat of a Beglerbeg.

Kars or Chiger or Carse, is near the Spring of Euphrates, and Borders of Georgia. It is so considerable a place, that the Grand Seignior assumes the Title of Lord of Cars.

Van, heretofore Arethusa, or Arcissa, is a great Lake, part in Turkie, and part in Curdestan, upon which stands the City of Van. Artemita, whose Inhabitants are for the most part Christians. Bithlis, Bithias, or Tigranocerta, is between Van and Caraemit.

Diarbeck, or Mesopotamia.

THIS Province contains all the ancient Assyria, the greatest part of which, that lies between Euphrates and Tigris, was called Mesopotamia; the other part, which is now called Yerach, was Chaldea or Babylon. The third part, which is called Assyria, or Arzerum, or the Turkish Curdistan, we have spoken of in Turkie. The Length of it from South-East to North-East is 200 Leagues, and the Breadth in the widest place 80. comprehending in it Diarbeck properly so called, and Yerach or Chaldea.

The Principal Rivers, besides Euphrates and Tigris, are, Ach-abur, and the Greater and Lesser Zab. In this Province began the first Empire of the World under Nimrod, or Belus, the Father of Ninus or Assur, from whom came the Name of Assyria. Nimrod built Babylon, which some confound with Bagdat, but erroneously; for the first was situate on Euphrates, and the other stands upon the Bank of Tigris. Bagdat, the chief City of Chaldea, or Yerach, is the Seat of a Beglerbeg. There was one also at Balsora, a great City for Trade, situate near the River Schat and Arab, about 20 Miles from their Fall into the Persian Gulph; but now an Arabian Prince is become Master of it, who sends every Year only some small Presents to the Grand-Seignior.

The most remarkable Cities,

• 1. In Dia•beck, are
  • ...Cara-emid.
  • ...Orfa.
  • ...Bir.
  • ...Harran.
  • ...Samosat.
  • ...Alchabur.
  • ...Nisibin.
  • ...Merdin.
  • Amed. And
  • ...Mosul.
• 2. In Yerach.
  • ...Bagdad.
  • ...Zab.
  • ...Vaset.
  • ...Cusa.
  • ...Gorno.
  • Balsora. And
  • ...Felougi.

Caraemid, or Amida, is a large City, seated up the River Tigris, now the Seat of a Beglerbeg, fortified with strong Walls, in which are 360 Towers.

Mosul, Ninus, New-Ninive, Seleucia and Mausilium, built on the Tigris, is a City famous for Merchandise; for they have a great Trade for Stuffs, Silks and Gold. The Patriarch of the Nes•orians hath his Residence here. It is raised out of the Ruins of the ancient Ninive, to which the Prophet Jonas was sent. The Repentance of its Inhabitants, the voluntary Death of Sardanapalus, and his vast Expensiveness, have made it famous both in Sacred and Prophane History.

Bagdad, or Bagded, Bagdadum, is seated on the Tigris, in the Province of Hierac, or Yerach, in the place of the ancient Seleucca. It is built out of the Ruins of Babylon, of which there are still some Remainders to be seen about a days Journey from Bagdad, which hath about 20000 Houses. The Turks are Masters of it, and have a Beglerbeg there.

Balsora, or Teredon, in the Province of Yerach, is also built upon the Tigris, or Tigis. 'Tis a populous rich City. At High Tide Ships may Sail to it, which makes it full of Trade. It is much frequented by the European Merchants. The Inhabitants having expelled the Turks, are governed by a Republick.

The Grand Seignior hath a part of the Western Georgia under his Command, as the Persian receives Tribute of some part of the Eastern.