Greece

Sources from old books

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

GREECE, VVHICH CONTAINETH THESE CHIEFE COVNTRIES, ALBANIA, MACEDON, EPIRE, ACHAIA, and MOREA. (Book Greece) GREECE followes which is a famous Country of Europe, and the Fountaine and mother of learning. The Inhabitants did call it Hellas. But these that doe now inhabite it doe call it Romechi, and the Turkes Haromeli. Leunclavius calleth it Rumelia: and the 70. Interpreters Ihobel, and Iava. But Greece hath severall bounds assignd it. It reacheth properly from Ep•e by the River Achelous. On the East it hath the Aegean Sea: and thus Greece is properly bounderd. Which Pliny doth intimate, who saith, that Greece beginneth from the Istmus, and againe he saith, that Gre•ce is joyned to Peloponesus with a short neck of ground. Sometimes also Pel•ponesus and Thessalia are comprehended in Greece. So L. Aemilius Paulus, when he travaild thorow Greece, he went to Delphos thorow Thessaly, from thence to Lebadia, then to Chalcides, afterward to Aulides, and from thence to Athens, then to Corinth, Sicyon, Argos, Epidaurus, Lacedemon, Megalopolis, Olympia: and so having travelled thorow Greece, he returned to Amphipolis. Homer calleth the Phtiotae onely Graecians. Herodotus maketh a difference betweene the Thracians and Pelasgans. But now we call Greece all the Country, which lyeth Westward, and is washed with the Jonian Sea, on the South with the Libian Sea: on the East with the Aegean; on the North it is parted from Thrace, Mysia, and Dalmatia. This Country did heretofore excell other parts of Europe, both for the temper of the climate, and fertility, and Heards of Cattell. This is that Country which flourished along time, and was a famous Empire for Learning, Arts, and warlike Discipline. It was first free, but while it affected Sove•••nty over others, it was it selfe brought into servitude, for now it is under the Turkes Dominion. And heretofore Cyrus, afterward Xerxes, and other Kings of Persia did vexe it. Afterward the Macedons governd it, and then the Romanes, after the division of their Empire it was subject to Constantinople, untill the Gothes, the Bulgarians, and Sarazens did waste and destroy it, and now last of all the Turke hath brought it all into miserable servitude, except some Ilands which are subject to the Venetian, namely, Cor•yra, Cephalenia, Zacynthus, Crete, and other little Ilands. Greece had heretofore many flourishing Citties, as Athens, La••demon, Delphos, Argis, Mycenis, Corinth, and many others, the most of which are ruinate, and decayd. Here are 32. great Rivers, as Strymon, Chabrius, Eched•us, A•••s, •rigo•, Lydius, Alia•m•n, Pha•ybus, Feneus, Spe•chius, Pa•yassus, Apsus, Lous, Celidnus, Thyamus, A•h•r•n, ••a•h•hus, A•h•lous, Ev••us, Ilissas, As•pus, Ism•nus, Cephisus, •oag••us, •••us, Sus, Peneus, Alphejus, Selas, Pa•ysius, Eurotas, and •nachus. The Sea• are called the Jonian Sea, from Ionia who was a Queene in the farthest parts of Italy, as Soli•us affirmeth: or as Archidamus thinketh, from I•nius a King of the Illyrians, or from the Jonians who were drownd in passing that Sea. It was called before the Cronian and Rhaean Bay, and the Cretian from the Ile Creete, as ancient Writers doe witn••se, it is now called Mar di Candia, or the Gandian Sea. There is also the Carpathiam Sea, so called from the Iland Carpathus, which lyeth by the Easterne Promontory of Creete. The Aegaean Sea, as Fest•• and others doe write, was so called from Aegeus the Father of Thel•us, who cast himselfe into it. I omit other opinions. Valerius Flaceus calleth it Aego•, and Aegeon, Thu•ydides calleth it the Greeke Sea, and the •ropeans doe call it by a Greeke name Archipelagus: The Turkes call it the white Sea. The Romanes did heretofore call this Sea by two names as Pliny witnesseth, namely, all that which touched Maced•n and 〈◊〉, the Macedonian Sea; and that which touched Greece, the Graecian Sea: Ptolemy calls it Myrtoum, or the Myrtoan Sea, being a p••• of the Aegean, which beareth on Caria a Country of Asia the less•: C•staldus calleth it Mar d• Mandria. Strabo, Pliny, and others doe place it betweene Pel•ponesus, and Attica. It was so called from Myrthus the Sonne of Mercury, who as Solinus and Isodorus report was cast into this Sea by O•n•maus, or as Pliny thinketh, from a small Iland, situate not farre from the Towne Carystum. The most doe call it the Icarian Sea, from the fable of Icarus. It is now called Mar di Nicaria, as Cast•ldus writeth. It hath also divers Mountaines, as Bertiscus, Athos, Olympus, Ossa, Pelion, Citerius, Othris, Oeta, Pindus, Aroceraunij, Stimphe, Calidromus, Carax, Pa•nassus, Hel••on, Cithaeron, Himettus, Stimph•lus, Pholoe, Cr••us, Zarex, Minthe, Taigetus, and others. Moreover Athens famous for Arts and Disciplines was in Greece. So that Diodorus Siculus calleth it the common Schoole. Cicero Lib. 4. Epist. Famil. calleth it the famousest University of Europe, whether Romanes and other Nations did repaire to study Philosophy and the Greeke tongue. Cicero doth often commend Greece for Arts, Eloquence▪ good wits, and plentifull speech, so that the Romanes got the knowledge of Philosophy, and other Arts and Sciences from them. And Flaccus singeth thus.

Graijs ingenium, Graijs dedit ore rotundoMusa loqui. — The Muses gave the Graecians wit.And eloquence of speech to it.

GREECE hath yeelded these famous Schollers, Nus•us the Poet, Solon, Socrates the Prince of Philosophers, Xenophon, Plato, Isocrates, Demosthenes, Thucidides, and many others. Concerning the Graecians religion, Idolatry raigned amongst them, so that they had an infinite number of Gods and Goddesses. Augustine Lib. 3. of the Citty of God, affirmeth according to Varros opinion, that the Romans and Graecians together had above 3000. gods, of which there were 300. Iupiters. Every one had his Lar or Houshold god. And they had Tutelary gods for every affection of the minde, and for defence and protection from danger, and every god had distinct and peculiar Ceremonies, Prayers, Priests, Sacrifices, and Offerings. The common people doe not now keepe their ancient fashions. For they let their haire grow long, and doe onely cut the forepart of their haire, and doe weare a double thicke Hat. They use but little houshold stuffe as the Turkes: neither doe they lye on Fether-beds, but on Flock-beds, or Beds stuffed with Wooll or Toe. They never mingle any wine with water, and women are not present at their drinking feasts and meetings, neither doe they sitt downe at Banquets. But the Heathenish Greekes have an ancient custome in bewailing the dead. The Greeke Christians doe differ in Religion from the Romanes, and doe call themselves the Easterne Church. They have foure Patriarks, the Patriarches of Constantinople, of Alexandria, of Hierusalem, and Annoch. These are created by the Metropolitan Bishops, as the Popes are by the Cardinals, and they are famous for their sanctimonious, holy, modest, and religious life. Their yeerely revenue is 400. crownes, which is begged in the Churches which are under their government. For the Clergie men have no Inheritance. They may marry one wife, but no more, they acknowledge onely two Sacraments, Baptisme and the Lords Supper. They communicate in both kindes, both in Bread and Wine. They hate Purgatory, and detest graven Images, and doe not shave their haire. But the richer Graecians, and men of Authority, doe weare Princely apparell. Those that are under the Venetians doe goe in habit like to Venetians. Those that are under the Turkes, doe goe like Turkes. The Governour of Greece is called V•omeli Beglerbey, that is, King of the Romane Princes, for hee governeth all those Countries which the Turke hath in Europe, which are subject to Constantinople. Hee hath 40. Sangiacks, under him, who are Captaines of the Horse troopes chosen out of the Spachoglans, and they are Governours in the chiefe Citties of the Provinces, to keepe them in peace and obedience, and they have 150. Sobasci Cimmeriotae, or more, who are Vice-governours under them of lesser Townes. Under these Sangiacks there are 30000. Spachi, every one of which maintaineth 3. or 4. Horses for service. And these Spachi are distributed thorow the Flamboler, that is, the bands, which doe containe 200.300, 400. or 500. Horsemen. The chiefe of the Sangiacks is the Governour of Modena, who is President also of all Morea, who upon the Beglerbeys command is to bring forth a thousand Horse, who are bound to serve him for wages. Also the Governour of Bosna bringeth 900. Horse, and the Governour of Thessalonia bringeth forth 500. Horse, an hundred whereof he hath alwaies in a readinesse, the rest hee sends when the Turke demands it. There are also under this Beglerbey, 20000. Horsemen who are subject to the Sangiacks, who are called the Tymariots, because they have stipends out of the Tymar, which is the Emperours Exchequer. And also 40000. Akengi, or Acconti, that is, Scouts or light Horsemen, who being free from any taxes or contributions, doe serve without wages, and are supplyd with victuals by the chiefe Citties thorow which they passe. There are also many Feudataries who are called Mosselin, out of which there are sometime raised 60000 Horsemen, and a great number of Footemen. It would be tedious to rehearse all matters, neither doe we intend it, wherefore we returne to the more speciall parts of Greece.

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

• 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.

1695. A New Body of Geography by A. Sewall & T. Child.

GREECE, Grecia.

THIS large Country is now called RƲMELIA by the Turks, and heretofore abounded more than any other throughout the whole Universe, in Learned Men, Prudent Law-givers, and valiant Generals, but at present affords only an Habitation to unfortunate Slaves; where Ignorance is altogether predominant, as having been establish'd in those parts by the Great Turk, through a Maxim of State. Divers Territories are comprehended under this Name, which was first imposed only on two small Provinces, that is to say, Greece proper, and Thessaly. Afterward the same Name was appropriated to Epirus, Macedonia, and to all the Islands round about the Continent: Moreover Sicily, and part of the lower Italy was termed Magna Graecia, and the adjacent Territories of Asia, receiv'd the Denomination of Asiatick Greece. In Hellas or Greece proper, were compriz'd Aetolia, Doris, Phocis, Attica, Megaria, Baeotia, and the Country of the Locrians; but now Greece may be distinguish'd into seven principal parts, which in time past, constituted many Kingdoms; that is to say, 1. Macedonia, 2. Thessaly situated on the Archipelago, 3. Albania on the Gulph of Venice, 4. Epirus on the Ionian See, 5. Achaia to the South of Epirus and Thessaly, 6. Peloponnesus or the Morea, to the South of Achaia, separated from thence by the Gulphs of Lepanto and Engia, 7. the Islands of the Archipelago.

The ancient Grecians were the Inventers as well as ingenious Improvers of many Arts and Sciences; being the first Nation that submitted to Laws, and found out the best Method of Political Government: They were also so Renowned for their Valour in the Field, and Civil Prudence at home, that divers People were wont to resort to them from all parts of the World, either to be instructed in the liberal Sciences, or train'd up in the Art of War. The most Eminent Law-givers among them were Cecrops, Draco and Solon at Athens, Lycurgus at Lacedaemon, Nicodora at Mantinea, Zeleucus at Locri, and Minos in Crete, who all acquir'd a very great Reputation, insomuch that the Romans could not forbear boasting that their best Laws were receiv'd from them; for to that very purpose they sent Spurius Posthumus, Aulus Manlius, and Publius Sulpitius into Greece, to be inform'd of the several Constitutions, Customs and Manners of that Country. As for their Military Atchievements, they set up the third Universal Monarchy under Alexander the Great, and extended their Arms into several remote Parts of the World. But alas! how much are the present Greeks degenerated from their Noble Ancestors? How is their former Valour exchang'd for Pusilanimity; and their sagacious Wit turn'd into supine Stupidity? Indeed, both their Priests and Common People are now so far Cow'd by the Turks, and so miserably ignorant, that to get a little more ease than ordinary, they often renounce the Christian Religion to embrace Mahometism, being ready to apostatize even in every small Calamity and Discontent that happens among them.

GREECE is bounded on the North by a long Chain of Mountains; on the South by the Mediterranean Sea; and the East by the Archipelago or White Sea; and on the West by the Jonian and Adriatick. Its utmost extent from the 35 Deg. to the 44 Deg. 30 Min. of Latitude consists of 190 Leagues, and of about 150 from the 44 Deg. 30 Min. to the 57 Deg. of Longitude, which ought to be understood of its greatest length and breadth. The Air is extreamly Temperate and Healthful: The Soil in like manner affords good store of Corn, excellent Grapes, and other most delicious Fruits, and breeds many Herds of Cattel, together with variety of Game.

MACEDONIA, a vast Province of Greece formerly a famous Kingdom, took its Name from one Macedon the Son of Osiris, or of Jupiter, (according to the Report of Stephanus and Solinus,) and was known by the various Names of Aemonia, Mygdonia, Paeonia, Edonia, Pieria and Aemathia is bounded on the North by Dalmatia, and the Mountains of Moesia; on the South by Epirus, on the East by the Aegean Sea, and on the West by the Jonian or Adriatick, being at present divided into four parts, viz. Macedonia properly so call'd, Jamboli, Comenolitari and Janna. Caranius descended from Hercules, is reputed to have first founded this Monarchy about A. M. 3240. which flourish'd chiefly under King Philip, and his Son Alexander the Great, and continu'd nigh 500 Years, till the Reign of Persius A. Ʋ. 586. when the Romans subdu'd the whole Kingdom, and reduc'd it into the form of a Province, 256. Years after the Death of Alexander the Great, and after a Succession of 41 Kings. Indeed the ancient Macedonians being a very Warlike People, through the prudent Conduct of their Princes, advanc'd themselves from small beginnings to that height of Grandeur, that they became Lords of 150 different Nations, and are also very much commended for their Generosity, in severely punishing the Crime of Ingratitude.

In these Territories are found divers Mines of Gold, and the famous Mount Athos or Monte Santo; which takes up about 90 Miles in compass, and is advanced as it were a Peninsula into the Sea. It is also of so prodigious an height, that Pomponius Mela an ancient Geographer affirms that it ascends even beyond the lower Region of the Air, where the Clouds are form'd; and Pliny declares that its shadow reacheth as far as the Isle of Lemnos, which is distant 45 Miles from thence to the East: Moreover on this Mountain stand 24 Monasteries of Caloyers, or Grecian Monks of the Order of St. Basil, who are employ'd in Cultivating the Earth, and gain a livelihood through their own labour. The chief of these Convents, viz. those of Garopedos, and Agias-laura, contain 600 Religious Persons, and the others 5000. The greater part of them are fortified against the incursions of Pirates, and all the Bishops under the Jurisdiction of the Patriarch of Constantinople, are chosen out of the same Colleges. And indeed the Students are here well instructed in the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, and the Sacred Rites of the Greek Church, on which account it is termed by the Grecians, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or the Holy Mountain according to the report of Bellonius, who hath accurately describ'd this place.

SALONICHI, or Saloniki, Thessalonica the Metropolis of Macedonia, is seated on a small River at the foot of an Hill, and hath a very commodious Harbour on the Bay of the same Name, being distant 220 Miles from Durazzo or Drazzi to the East; 350 from Constantinople, 120 from Sostia to the South, and only 38 hours Journey from Larizza.

It is yet a famous large Mart Town, and bears the Title of a Metropolitan See, being well fenc'd with a Citadel on a Hill, and encompass'd with its old Walls built after the ancient Method of Architecture, with Turrets or Towers at certain distances, and extended about four Leagues in compass. It is also defended by two other Forts, the least of which stands at the Landing-place farthest from the Walls mounted with 20 pieces of Cannon. The Grand Citadel not unlike that of Constantinople, and commonly call'd by the same Name, viz. The seven Towers, commands the whole Town from the top of the Hill, at the foot whereof there is a large Suburb having its particular enclosure. William, King of Sicily seiz'd on this City, A. D. 1180. but it was afterward reduc'd to the Obedience of the Constantinopolitan Princes until Andronicus Palaeologus Brother to the last Christian Emperor of the East, sold it to the Republick of Venice in 1313. by reason that the Gr•cians were no longer able to secure it against the inroads of the Turkish Forces; neverth•less Sultan Amurath II. laid Siege thereto, and at length after many Assaults took it from the Venetians. So that the Turks have been ever since Masters of the place. However the Greek Christians as yet retain 30 Churches there, the chief of which is the Arch-Bishops See dedicated to St. Demetrius. This Cathedral hath three several Bodies supported by fair Pillars, and (as they say) was sometimes honour'd with the Preaching of St. Paul. There are also five Convents of the Order of St. Basilicus, every one of them maintaining about 100 young Virgins, who may (if they think fit) lay aside their Religious Habit and Marry. The Churches of St. Sophia, Gabriel, St. Demetrius, and the Virgin Mary are now the most Magnificent Turkish Mosques; the last of these having been Converted to that use by Mahomet IV. who was depos'd in 1687. This Noble Structure is inviron'd on each side with 12 Pillars of Jasper Stone; as many Crosses being set up on their Chapters, which the Turks have not as yet defac'd. Moreover the Jews have 36 Synagogues here, especially those of Castille, Portugal and Italy, besides two Colleges that contain about 10000 Students. who arrive there from all parts of the Ottoman Empire. Of all the stately pieces of Architecture with which Thessalonica was was heretofore beautify'd, there remains at present nothing so remarkable as a Triumphal Arch of Brick-Work, supported by two Marble Pillars, beset with Trophies, and many other curious Pictures: But this ancient Monument is now half demolish'd, and so much shatter'd through the injury of time, that it is difficult to guess on what occasion it might be erected. The City is for the most part inhabited by Jews, and well frequented by reason of the Traffick there establish'd for Silk, Wool, all sorts of Leather, Cotton, Grain, Powder, Iron, &c. As for its Government, it hath a Mufti to manage all Affairs relating to Religion, a Mousselin for its chief Civil Magistrate, and a Molla to Administer Justice.

AMPHIPOLI, Amphipolis, call'd Emboli by the Turks, is water'd on every side with the streams of the River Strymon on the frontiers of Thrace; about 60 Miles from Salonichi to the East, being a place of much Antiquity, and the See of an Arch-Bishop. Suffragan to the Patriarch of Constantinople. It was heretofore known by the Names of Ʋrbs Martis, and Novem Vi•e, according to the report of Suidas, and the Modern Greeks have impos'd on it that of Christopoli. Indeed this City is much celebrated in the ancient History of Greece; for Aristagoras the Milesian, escaping by flight from Darius, would have settled here in the LXIX. Olympiad, but was hinder'd by the Edonians; and the Athenians afterward sent thither 10000 Inhabitants, who were all cut off by the Thracians. However Aginon the Son of Nicias, found means to establish a new Colony there, after having expell'd the Edonians. In process of time, those People by taking part with the Lacedemonians against the Athenians, caus'd the War to be renew'd in the Reign of King Philip of Macedon. Lastly, Amphipolis was taken by Perdiceas, in the LXXXIX. Olympiad.

SIDEROCAPSA, is a small Town noted only for the Gold Mines in the adjacent Territories; which formerly afforded King Philip the Father of Alexander the Great no less a Summ than 1000 Talents of Gold every year; so that the same Prince after Crenidas had discover'd them, gave Orders for the Stamping a new Coin call'd Golden Philips. These Mines sti•l yield the Grand Signior a Revenue of 9 or 10000 Ducats per Month, and there are about five or six Hundred Furnaces for the Melting and Refining of Gold in the Mountains near this place.

ALBANIA, Albania called Arnaut by the Turks, formerly depended on the Province of Macedonia, by which it is bounded on the East; as also on the West by the Adriatick and Ionian Seas; on the North by Servia and Dalmatia, and on the South by Livadia. It is extended from North to South for the space of about 200 Miles, and hath been entirely subject, during two Ages to the Dominion of the Turks, excepting Corcyra and two other smaller Islands on the Sea-Coasts. This was the Native Country of the valiant George Castriot, Sirnamed Scanderberg, who gain'd 22 Battles over those Infidels.

And was at last wrested out of the Hands of his Successors by Mahomet II. But at present the Inhabitants, who are about 70000• in number, being for the most part Christians or Renegadoes, shew a great Disposition to shake off the Turkish Yoke, and to put themselves under the protection of the State of Venice. Neither is it unlikely that such an Enterprize may hereafter take effect; since these People were ever famous for their Valour, more especially the swiftness and dexterity of their Cavalry, to whom the Turks themselves have been beholden for their Victory.

ALESSIO, ALESSO or ALES•O, Lisias aut L•ssus, t•e Capital City of Albania, is situated on an high Hill near the mouth of the River Drin, which there dischargeth its Waters into the Bay, called from thence the Gulph of Drin; at the distance of 20 miles from the Promontory of Monte Santo to the East, 25 from Croia to the North, and 35 from Durazzo toward Scodar, almost in the midst between Epidaurus or Ragusi Vecchio, a Town of Dalmatia, to the North, and Aulona, or Valona, another of Macedonia, to the South. It is fenc'd with a Castle, and its Episcopal See was formerly subject to the Metropolitan of Durazzo.

This Town is particularly famous for the Tomb of that Renowned Warriour Scanderbeg, who died there, A. D. 1467. and for whose Memory the Turks have so great a Veneration, that they esteem themselves very fortunate, when they can get an opportunity to come near his Monument, and to carry away a small portion of the Earth, or a piece of the Sepulchre, which they tie to their Elbows as a precious Relick, a kind of Charm of great Efficacy to animate their Courage in Battel.

CROYA or CRƲA, is a strong Hold of considerable importance, on the River Lizane, and was formerly the See of a Prelate Suffragan to the Arch-Bishop of Durazzo; being distant 52 miles from Scutari, almost to the South. It hath been for a long time the usual place of Residence, of the above-mention'd George Castriot, Sirnamed Scanderbeg, Prince of Al•ania; but after his Death Mahomet II. Emperor of the Turks, made himself Master thereof, A D. 1477.

DƲRAZZO or DRAZZI, Dyrrhachium, a Celebrated Sea-Port Town at the mouth of the River Argentaro, ow'd its first foundation to the Corsicars, or People of Corfu, A. Ʋ. 130. and was formerly an Arch-Bishop's See under the Patriarch of Constantinople: Its ancient Name of Epidamnus was chang'd into that of Dyrrhachium by the Romans, when they settled a Colony there, and it is more especially famous for affording kind Entertainment to Cicero during his Exile, until he was recall'd by a Decree of the Roman Senate. This City being besieg'd, A. Ʋ. 315 by a company of Out-Laws and Banditto's, the Citizens sent to imploy the Assistance of the Corinthians, whose Auxiliary Troops were defeated by the Corsicans: Whereupon the Athenians espousing the Interest of the latter, a small quarrel gave occasion to the Corinthian War, and became as it were the leaven of the Great Peloponnesian so famous in the Greek History. Sultan Bajazet II. took the same place from the Venetians in the XV. Century; but it is not much Inhabited, by reason of the unwholsomness of the Air, altho' the Harbour be very commodious, being distant 58 miles from Scurari to the South, 18 from Croya to the South-West, and 220 from Brund•sium or Brindisi in Italy.

ALBANOPOLI, Albanopolis is a Town of a small extent, yet formerly reputed to be the Capital of the whole Province of Albania. It is distant 60 miles from Dyrrhachium or Durazzo to the East.

As for the Cities of Antivari and Scutari, see the Description of them in Dalmatia, to which Province they more properly belong.

THESSALY, Thessalia, a very pleasant Country, is bounded on the North by Macedonia, on the South by Achaia, on the East by the Archipelago, and on the West by Epirus, being encompass'd with divers noted Mountains, viz. Olympus or Elbos, Pindus or Mezzovo, Ossa or Cassovo, Oeta or Bunina, &c. It was heretofore known by various Names, particularly those of Aemonia, Dryopis, Hestiaeotis, Estiotis, Pelasgia,, Argos Pelasgicum, &c. but is at present call'd JANNA, from a Town of that Denomination. It is also divided by Strabo into four Provinces, viz. Thessaliotis, Phthiotis, Pelasgiotis, and Hestiotis. The Air is very healthful, and the Soil extreamly fertile, bringing forth abundance of most delicious Figs, Water-Melons, Pomegranates, Oranges, Lemons, Citrons, Grapes, Almonds, Olives, Onyons, and all sorts of Grain.

The ancient Inhabitants of this Country were generally well bred and courteous, but somewhat gluttonous, which gave occasion to the Proverb, Thessala Bucca, to signifie a Dainty bit. They were very much addicted to Magick, having been instructed in those Arts by the Sorceress Medea, and very dextrous in forging Counterfeit Coin. They were also the first that tam'd Horses, and set forth Ships to Sea. The Modern Thessalians being for the most part Christians, are a warlike People, and remarkable for their comliness, having Black Hair and Eyes, and their Faces of a beautiful sanguine fresh Colour. The Province of Thessaly was for a long time govern'd by its particular Princes, but was afterward subdu'd by the Macedonians and Romans, and at length became subject to the dominion of the Turks since the time of Sultan Amurath. Deucalion was one of the most ancient Kings, in whose time happen'd a Deluge by the inundation of the River Peneus, so much celebrated in the Writings of the Poets. He reign'd in the same Age with Cecrops the first King of Athens, 349 years before the destruction of Troy. Hellen his Son gave name to a considerable part of Greece, and Dorus his second Son impos'd his on the Dorians near Mount Parnassus. Xuthius the third begat Aehaeus, Founder of the Peloponnesian Achaeans, and Ion his second Son was chief of the Inhabitants of Attica.

LARISSA, Larissa nam'd Asababa by the Turks, is pleasantly seated on the Banks of the River Peneus or Salampria, on a rising ground at the distance of 28 miles from the Gulph of Salonichi to the West, 25 from Pharsalus or Farsa to the North, as many from Diurn or Stadia, 160 from Athens to the North-West, and 380 from Constantinople to the South-West. It is dignify'd with the Title of a Metropolitan See, and is one of the most flourishing Cities of Greece, by reason that the late Grand Signior kept his Court there almost 20 years together. His Palace stands in the upper part of the Town, the Northern side being environ'd with the famous Mountain Olympus, and the Southern with a Plain inhabited by Christians, Turks and Jews. There is also to be seen a fair Stone-Bridge over the River, consisting of nine Arches. This City was founded by Acrisius, A. M. 2745. and hath been heretofore remarkable for the Birth of Achilles. It was taken from the Empire by Samuel King of Bulgaria, A. C. 981.

ARMIRO, Eretria a considerable Sea-Port Town lying on the Sinus Pelasgicus, now call'd from thence the Gulph of Armiro, about 17 English miles from Larissa to the South. It is mention'd by Strabo, Thucydides, Polybius, Stephanus, Livy, and other ancient Writers, by some of whom we are inform'd, that the Argonauts set Sail out of this Bay, when they were bound for Colchis to fetch the Golden Fleece; and that their Ship nam'd Argo, was built at Pagase, a Neighbouring place situated in the same Bay. It hath been also observ'd, that the Royal Navy of Xerxes King of Persia was here sorely shatter'd by a Tempest, and the whole Country of Greece by that means deliver'd from his invasion.

VOLO, Pagasa aut Pagasae, formerly communicated its name to Pagasicus Sinus a Gulph of Thessaly, to the North of Negropont, and was guarded by strong Towers, built after the ancient method of Fortification. This Fortress hath as yet a convenient and spacious Harbour, and was not long since a considerable Magazine of the Turks, wherein were kept the Provisions which they had gather'd in the circumjacent fruitful Provinces, until it was storm'd by Signior Morosini the Venetian General, A. D. 1683. who found there above four millions of pounds weight of Bisket, together with other Victuals, and 27 Pieces of Cannon, which when he had convey'd thence in Vessels, he set fire to the Magazines, Houses and Mosques, and caus'd all the Walls of the Town to be entirely demolish'd.

PHARSALƲS, now call'd FARSA, is chiefly famous for that memorable defeat of P•mpey's Forces, by Caesar, in the Neighbouring Plain call'd Pharsalia, A. Ʋ. 607. This place was first made an Episcopal See, subject to the Jurisdiction of the Arch-Bishop of Larissa, and afterward erected into a Metropolitan under the Patriarch of Constantinople.

SCOTƲSA is a small City, and the See of a Prelate, Suffragan to the Arch-Bishop of Larissa; from whence it is distant 18 miles to the West. But we must not confound it with another Town of the same name in Macedonia.

EPIRƲS, Epirus at first call'd Molossia, and afterward Chaonia, from Chaon, the Brother of Helenus, was heretofore a distinct Kingdom; but in process of time united to that of Macedonia, by which it is bounded on the North, as also on the East by Thessaly; on the South by Achaia or Livadia, and on the West by the Ionian Sea. This Coun ry in time past fed many Herds of excellent Oxen and Horses, and was very populous, being every where beset with a great number of Towns: But the Romans so often harras'd it after divers Revolts of the Inhabitants, that it was at length almost reduc'd to a Desert. The Turks rendred themselves absolute Masters thereof in the XIV. Century, excepting the Island of Corfu, which remain'd in the Hands of the Venetians, who have Conquer'd some places during the late War.

LARTA or AMBRACHIA, Ambracia and Arta, took its ancient name from Arbraceus, the Son of Thesprotus, being remarkable on the account of its situation on a Gulph of the same name, and for having sometimes afforded a Royal Seat to the Kings of Epirus; as JANNINA or JOANNINA, now doth to a Sangiack or Turkish Governor. Larta is distant 24 miles from Preveza to the North-East, and still subject to the Dominion of the Ottoman Port.

PREVEZA stands at the mouth of the Gulph of Larta, and sprung up out of the Ruins of that ancient City Nicopolis, which was founded by the Emperor Augustus, in Memory of the famous Battel of Actium; that he had gain'd from Mark Antony. It is at present a Fortress of considerable strength, seated at the distance of 90 miles from Lepanto to the North-West, and 150 from Larissa to the South-West. In the year 1539. Marco Grimani Patriarch of Aquileia, and Admiral of the Popes Gallies, accompanied with Andrea Doria General of the League, endeavour'd to surprize this place, but their design did not take effect. However Captain General Mor•sini reduc'd it to the Obedience of the State of Venice, in 1684.

CHIMERA is a very strong Town built on a Rock near the Sea-Coasts, 30 miles from the Island of Corfu to the North. It is the Capital of a Territory of the same name, and as yet remains in the possession of the Turks.

ACHAIA, Achaia call'd also LIVADIA by Modern Authors, whereto in time past, the name of Greece was more particularly appropriated, compriz'd on the Eastern side, the Countries of Baeotia, Megaris, and Attica, or the Duchy of Athens; in the midst those of Doris and Phocis, where stood the renowned Oracle of Delphos, together with the Mountains of Helicon and Parnassus, so much celebrated in the Writings of the Poets. On the Western-side lye the Territories of Aetolia and Locris.

This Province hath Thessaly for its Northern limits, being also bounded on the East by the Aegean Sea; on the South by the Gulph of Egina, or Engia the Isthmus of Corinth, and the Gulph of Lepanto; and on the West by the Ionian Sea, and part of Epirus. But the name of Achaia is sometimes appropriated to a small part of Peloponnesus, or the Morea, which was termed Achaia propria by Ptolemey, to distinguish it from the former, and is now nam'd Romania Alta, and the Duchy of Clarentia. Lastly, Achaia is sometimes taken for the whole Peninsula of the Morea. We are inform'd by Pausanias, that those Persons that wash'd their Bodies with the Waters of Slemnos, a River of Achaia, were wont to forget their Amorous Intrigues; and Pliny tells us, that the Wine of the same Country caus'd Women to Miscarry. It is suppos'd that St. Andrew the Apostle suffer'd Martyrdom here, and some Authors have writ the History of his Passion, whereof they pretend to have been Witnesses.

ATHENS, Athenae, or ATHINI, according to the pronunciation of the Modern Grecians, took its name from the Goddess Minerva, call'd 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Greek, who was there chiefly ador'd, and is situated almost in the middle of a large Plain, between the Rivers Ciphisus and Ilissus, at the distance scarcely of one mile from the Gulph of Aegina or Engia, 44 from Corinth to the East, 24 from Megara, 50 from Thebes to the South-East, 120 from Lacedemon almost to the North, 160 from Larissa to the South-East, and 420 from Constantinople to the South-West. It was heretofore the Metropolis of Greece, more particularly of the Province of Attica, and one of the most famous and flourishing Cities of the Universe, whether you consider its Antiquity, Power, Grandeur of its Republick, Senate and Academy, or any other advantage that can render a place illustrious and renowned in the World: Neither hath any other Town had a larger share in both good and bad fortunes than Athens. It hath been for a long time as it were the Seat of the Muses, and the Nursery of all Arts and Sciences: But now alas! the Scene is quite chang'd, and it hath been thrown down, though not utterly ruin'd by the Fury of the Destroyer, together with all the other Noble Cities of the East. And indeed there are few in Turky that have escap'd so well as this, or that have enjoy'd greater priviledges under the Ottoman Tyranny; being as yet the Capital of a Duchy of the same name, and the See of an Arch-Bishop. As for its Original, it was founded (as the most judicious Historians agree) by Cecrops, after he had reduc'd the Inhabitants of Attica, the Offspring of the Carians and Ionians, under a political Government, and at the same time advanc'd himself to the Throne, imposing the name of Cecropia on the whole Territory, which happen'd (as 'tis suppos'd) not long after Deuc•lions Flood, 830. years before the building of Rome, and about 1580. before the Nativity of Jesus Christ. Cecrops enacted many excellent Laws and Constitutions, and divided his new Kingdom into Twelve Principal Cities, every one of which had Courts of Judicature, and its peculiar Magistrates, and were so little subject to their Princes his Successors, that they seldom or never consulted them, excepting only in Cases of some imminent or publick Danger: But still Cecropia was the chief Seat of their Empire, and daily increas'd in Wealth, Grandeur, and Strength; until Ericthonius the fourth King of Attica being admonish'd by the Oracle, that Neptune and Minerva strove who should have the Honour of giving a new Name to his City, conven'd a General Assembly of the People, wherein both Sexes having their free Voices, Minerva carry'd it, and had the Victory by one Vote: Whereupon ever since that time the City was call'd Ahenae, or Athens, from Athene, the Greek Name of that Goddess, in Memory whereof the Attick Games term'd Panathenaea, were publickly Celebrated.

Thus Athens continu'd a Monarchy about 550. years, until the Death of Codrus the Son of Melanthus, the seventeenth and last King, a Prince less fortunate than magnanimous; who being inform'd by the Oracle during the Invasion of the Dorians, that They should be Conquerors whose King was slain, preferr'd his Country's safety before his own Life; for having put himself into a disguise, he rush'd in among the thickest of his Enemies, and bravely died to save his Subjects; which Fact was no sooner known, but the Dorians gave ground, and retreated without performing any notable Enterprize. Insomuch that the Athenians in reverence to Codrus, would never be perswaded to admit any Governor by the name or title of King, but were govern'd by Magistrates call'd Archontes for 600 years after, who were at first chosen for their whole Lives, then chang'd every ten years, and afterwards every year; under whom they most valiantly defended their Liberty and Territories for the space of 534 years, until the Tyrant Pisistratus seiz'd upon the Goverment. Afterward they encounter'd the Persians, and with inconsiderable Forces in proportion to their Enemies, defeated the numerous Armies of Darius and Xerxes, chiefly through the Courage and prudent Conduct of their valiant Generals Miltiades and Themistocles. The most noted of these Victories were that of Marathon, obtain'd at Land, against a Million of Men, of whom (as they say) 50000 scarcely escap'd; and the memorable Sea-fight at Salamis against Xerxes's Navy. They also maintain'd War against divers other Nations with various success, more especially against the Lacedaemonians, with whom they often contended for the Soveraignty of Greece: However the latter took Athens, and impos'd on the Citizens 30 Tyrants for their Governours. But they were soon deliver'd from this slavery by the Policy and Valour of Thrasybulus, and at last through the assistance of the Thebans, under that renowned General Epaminondas, they entirely subdu'd the Spartans their Enemies at the Battel of Leuctra. Insomuch that the Athenians became absolute Masters of the Aegean Sea, and of the greater part of the Islands therein, carry'd their Conquests even to the Frontiers of Egypt, and (according to the report of Aristophanes,) had no less than 1000 Cities under their Dominion. But in process of time, having abandon'd themselves altogether to Luxury and Idleness, they degenerated so far, that the Macedonians under King Philip and his Son Alexander the Great took an opportunity to advance their Monarchy, and extended it by little and little over the whole Continent of Greece.

After the Death of Alexander, the Athenians in vain endeavoured to recover their Liberty; yet in some measure enjoy'd it under the Protection of the Romans, until they ruined themselves by siding with Mithridates King of Pontus in his unsuccessful Wars; for Sylla, to revenge the Injury, plundered the City, set Fire to the Pyraeum and Munichia, sparing neither Sacred nor Profane Places in his Fury, put the most part of the Inhabitants to the Sword, and would have destroyed all, had not the Night favour'd the escape of some. They were in like manner unfortunate afterward, in taking the weaker Side in the Wars between Caesar and Pompey. But Caesar, a no less merciful than valiant Conqueror (to use his own Expression) pardoned the Living for the sake of the Dead; altho' after his Death they shewed themselves ungrateful to his Memory, in erecting Statues to his Murderer Brutus; on which account, Augustus succeeding in the Empire, took from them the Isle of Aegina. In the Time of Claudius Caesar S. Paul arrived at Athens, and having in his Way observ'd an Altar dedicated to the unknown God, took an occasion to preach to them the true God, the Creator of all things, whom, till then, they had worshipped in Ignorance. At this Sermon, among many others, Dionysius a Senator of the chief Court Areopagus, embrac'd the Christian Faith, and was deservedly ordain'd by the Apostle to be the first Bishop of Athens, so that this Church became very considerable; for a great number of Athenians, animated by the Example of their Bishop Publius, suffered Martyrdom under the Emperor Adrian, A. C. 123. Among the Christian Emperors, Constantine the Great was their peculiar Patron and Benefactor, honouring their Governours with the Title of Archduke; and through the Bounty of Constantine II. they obtain'd several Isles in the Archipelago. But under Arcadias they were obliged to submit to the common Fate of the rest of Greece; as also all Italy, being miserably harrass'd and pillag'd by Alaricus King of the Goths.

The City of ATHENS is encompassed on the North with the Mountain Parnes, now call'd Chasha and Nozea, on the North-east by that of Pentelicus or Pendely 6 miles off, that of Hymettus or Telo-bouni from East to South about 5 miles distant; and the Hills Coridalia, now Daphni-bouni, reaching from West to almost North, at 6 or 7 miles distance. Nearer to the Town stands a little pointed Rock, call'd from a Chappel ercted on its Top, S. George's Mountain, which is probably the Anchesmus of Pausanias, and lies about a mile off the Town. The Stream of the River Ilissus flows by it South-east, and turneth round it South and South-west by the Hill heretofore nam'd Musaeum, whence it falls into the Channel of the Cephisus; which taking its rise from several Springs on Mount Parnes and Pentelicus, runs by the City North-east, about 3 miles distant from it, and waters in its Passage a Wood of Olive Trees, at least 6 miles long, and 1 or 2 broad, which is now the greatest Wealth and Ornament of the Athenian Plain. The City itself, standing North of the Citadel, and so covered by it that it hardly appears on that Side toward the Sea, is extended for the space of a mile and an half in length, in breadth somewhat above a mile, and 4 in compass, but is destitute of Walls, insomuch that it hath been frequently surpriz'd by Pirates, until some Years ago all the Avenues were secured by Gates, and the utmost Houses were made to serve instead of Walls; which are shut up every Night, and reasonably well defended against the Inroads of those roaving Corsairs. The Houses are built close together, and the Streets very narrow, the whole City being divided into 8 several Quarters or Parishes, commonly call'd Platoma, besides the Castle. The Harbour, formerly known by the Name of Portus Phalereus, and now by that of Il Porto, which is distant 2 miles from thence, and was sometimes joyn'd by a long Wall, hath been by degrees so stopt up with Sand, that it is now scarcely capable of containing Vessels of a small Size.

There are many notable Monuments of Antiquity yet remaining at Athens, which may well be preferred before those of any other Place in the World, Rome only excepted: The chief of these is the Acropolis or Citadel, being the most ancient and eminent part of the City, that had at first no other Inhabitants but such as dwelt within those Walls; afterwards, in times of its greatest Prosperity, it serv'd as a Castle, situated in the middle of the Town, and is even still applied to that use, altho' it now stands somewhat above to the South-west; the other Buildings, that anciently encompassed it, being utterly destroyed. This famous Fortress is built on a long Rock, with inaccessible Precipices on every Side, but the North-west End, where you mount by a steep Ascent to the Entrance, and which is better fortified than the rest with high thick Walls: The whole Rock, of an Oval Form, stretcheth it self forth about 1200 ordinary Paces in circumference, and is surrounded with Walls of a very ancient Workmans•ip, making an Area, twice as long as broad. About 200 Paces lower, yet not altogether at the Bottom of the Hill, are distinctly to be seen the Foundations of other Walls, encompassing the first almost quite round, which may well be suppos'd to be those erected by Theseus, who first enlarged the City. The other noble Monuments are, The Temple of Minerva, the chief Goddess of the Athenians (which is not only still the chief Ornament of the Citadel, but both for Matter and Art the most beautiful Piece of Antiquity now extant in the World) the Theatre of Bacchus, under the Southern Side of the Castle; the Panagia Spiliotissa, or Church of our Lady of t•e Grotto; the most magnificent Pillars, Gate and Aqueduct of the Emperor Adrian; the Stadium, or Place where anciently the Citizens ran Races, fought wild Beasts, and celebrated the Games call'd Panathenaea; the Hill Musaeum, so called from the Poet Musaeus, the Disciple of Orpheus, who was wont there to recite his Verses; the Ruins of the Areopagus; the Odeum or Musick Theatre; the Temples of Theseus, Augustus and Jupiter Olympius, the Tower of Andronicus Cyrrhastes, or Temple of the eight Winds; and the Phanari or Lanthorn of Demosthenes: All which are accurately descr•bed by our ingenious Countryman Sir George Wheler, in his Journey into Greece.

The present Revenue of the Archbishoprick of Athens amounts to 4000 Dollers per annum, and 200 Churches are counted in and about the City, besides several Convents for Monks, and Nuns na•ed Calogrega's: But only 52 of these Churches have their particular Priests, who officiate therein, and ordinarily read their Liturgies; the rest being, as it were, so many Oratories and small Chappels, are seldom us'd but on certaim Times and Days of the Founders and Benefactors. The Catholicon (as they term the Cathedral) is founded on the North Side of the Town, between S. John's Pillars and the Basarstreet: It is no stately Structure, as surpassing very few of our ordinary Parish Churches in Magnificence, yet kept in Repair and indifferently well adorn'd, according to the Mode of the Country.

The Inhabitants of Athens are about 10000 in number, whereof three Parts are Christian Greeks and the rest Turks, but they would never admit any Jews among them, altho' it hath been often attempted. They are naturally endued with much s•btilty or sharpness of Wit, which they shew in Buying, Selling and Managing all their Domestick Affairs. Their Healthiness is also extraordinary, which may be attributed to the Serenity of the Air, in regard that when the Pestilence rageth round about them, viz. at Thebes, Negropont, Napoli, Corinth, &c. it seldom or very rarely comes thither. The Turks lately had 5 Mosques here, viz. 4 in the Town and one in the Castle; the finest of these is the Mosque of the Bazar, and that in the Citadel, transformed from the abovementioned stately Temple of Minerva, besides a Convent for Votaries in the Turkish Superstitions. The Consuls of England and France have likewise their particular Chappels, not to mention 4 publick Bagnio's, much us'd here, as in most other eminent Towns in Turky.

Moreover, Athens is well watered by Channels under Ground, brought from the Sources of Elissus and Cephisus on Mount Hymettus, which are convey'd into several publick Fountains and private Houses; of these, that in the Basarstreet is the Principal, and bears the Name of Ʋssin Chelibi. The Soil of the adjacent Territory is very fruitful in Olives, especially one sort of them commonly call'd Colybades, being almost as big as the Spanish Olives, yet not of quite so Oval a Figure, rather resembling that of a Jujuba. These are so well esteemed, that they are often pickled green and carried to the Grand Signior's Court as a great Rarity. Neither are other Sorts of Provisions wanting here, whether Corn, Wine, Oyl, Beef, Mutton, Goats-Flesh, Fish or Fowl, together with abundance of Partridges and Hares. In the XIIIth Century Theod•sius Lascaris, Emperor of Constantinople, besieged the City of Athens, but was repulsed; afterward it was governed by one Delves, of the House of Aragon: But he dying, the Turks, under the Conduct of Bajazet, then Emperor, took it, together with the Province of Boeotia, but were within a while dispossessed of it again by that valiant Christian Commander Reinerius Acciaiolo, who reduced it to the Obedience of the Venetians, from whom it was not long after retaken by Antony, a Natural Son of Reinerius, one of whose Posterity, named Francus, lost it for want of Succour, which the Greeks in vain desired of the Latins, that obstinately refused to assist them on any other Terms than their Conformity in Religion, and renouncing those Points wherein they differed from their Church; so that Mahomet II. soon made himself absolute Master of the Place, in the Year 1455. and his Successors have for a long time retained it in their Possession, until, at length, it was happily regained by the Venetians, in 1687.

THEBES, Thebae, as yet call'd 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 by the Modern Greeks, which they pronounce Thiva, not Stiva or Stives, according to the common Maps, is seated on a rising Ground, not far from the River As•po, between 2 little Streams, one on the West-Side and the other on the East, which may well be those of Ismenus and Dirce, at the distance of 50 m. from Athens to the North-west. 16 from Chalcis to the West, and 40 from Megara to the North. Cadmus the Son of Agener (as the Story goes) after he had a long Time in vain sought for his Sister Europa, stoln away by Jupiter, not daring to return to his Father, stayed here by the command of the Oracle, and erected a strong Castle on a small Hill, about A. M. 2620. Afterward Amphion (as the Poets fe•gn) walled about the same Fortress by the Sound of his Harp, making the Stones to come and lay themselves in due Order for the Building. It was indeed heretofore reputed the Capital City of Baeotia, yet the Inhabitants were never much celebrated in History, either for their Wit, Learning or Martial Exploits, only they once behaved thems•lves gallantly against the Lacedaemonians, and entirely defeated them, at the Battle of Leuctra, under the conduct of Epaminondas their General, a Theban by Birth, and one of the most renowned Captains of Greece; which made Justin say, That the Glory of the Thebans was •orn and buried with Epaminondas. We also find it recorded, That they defended themselves against the Confederate Forces of Polynices, the Son of OEdipus and Jocasta, who took up Arms againsts his Brother Eteocles, and besieged Thebes, together with Adrastus King of Argos and some others, 37 Years before the Destruction of Troy. This War, generally call'd the Enterprize of the 7 noble Generals against Thebes, proved fruitless; but their Posterity carried the Town 10 Years after, A. M. 2843.

Philip King of Maced•n having subdued the Thebans, put the Garrison to the Sword, cutting all off against whom he bore a Grudge or suspected, expelled the rest, and recall'd those of his Faction, whom they had banis•ed, giving them Offices and considerable Places. Insomuch that the Citizens bearing this heavy Yoke with much Reluctancy, on the Report of Alexander's Death, actually revolted, and sollicited their Neighbours to do the like; but the Town was taken a second Time and utterly ruined, not one House being left standing but that of the famous Poet Pindar, who was a native of this Place, as Hercules and the God Bacchus were likewise supposed to have been born there. This Calamity happen'd in the CXIth Olympiad, and the 419th Year since the Foundation of Rome. However, Cassander, the Son of Antipater, rebuilt the City, 20 Years after; and in process of time it was dignified with the Title of a Metropolitan See. But it is now reduc'd to a small Town or Burrough, and (as Sir George Wheler observes) seems to be in the same condition it was in Pausanias's Time; that is to say, only inhabited in that part which was the Castle, and anciently bore the Name of Cadmea, from Cadmus its Founder. The Walls that now remain (as the same Author assures us) appear very ancient, having some square Towers, the Stones well hewn, and laid in exact Order, according to the Rules of Architecture. The Town is esteemed to reach 3 miles in compass, and to contain 3 or 4000 Souls. The Turks, who are the least part of the Inhabitants, have 2 Mosques, and the Christians several Churches. The Cathedral is named Panagia Chrys•phoritia, but hath nothing remarkable about it, only some Fragments of ancient Inscriptions, among the Stones of the Pavement: Such as these are also found in some other parts of this Town, and are its only Remains of Antiquity now extant.

At a little distance from hence, toward the Road to Negr•pont, stands a Hill, where the Inhabitants dig a kind of Stone, whereof they make Bowls for Tobacco-pipes. The Stone, when first taken out of a deep Pit, is of the Colour of New Cheese, and almost as soft, being in lumps usually as big as a Man's two Fists. This Stuff is brought to the Town and very curiously wrought into Bowls of Pipes; which as soon as dry groweth very hard, as white as Snow and shining. The best and least apt to break are the heaviest, and sold for 10 Aspers a piece, but the worser sort may be bought for 5 Aspers.

AƲLIS, Aulis is a Town of Boeotia, on the Straits of Negropont; famous for its Harbour, where a Fleet of King Agamemnon, and the rest of the Grecian Princes, consisting of about 100 Ships, rode at Anchor before they set Sail for Troy.

MARATHON, called at this Day Marathona & Marason, is now a pitiful ruin'd Village of Attica, distant about 10 miles from Athens, not far from Rhamnus; altho' it was heretofore so famous for the Death of King Icarius; the Valour of Theseus, who having tamed a wild Bull there, dragg'd it through the Town, and sacrificed it to Apollo of Delph•s; but more especially for that memorable Victory which 10000 Athenians, together with 1000 Plataeans their Allies, under the command of Miltiades, abtained over the Persian Army, consisting of 600000 Men, A. Ʋ. 264. in the 3d Year of the LXXII. Olympiad, on the 6th Day of the Month Boedromion, which falls toward the end of our September. The Lake of Marathon is covered all over with Rushes and Weeds, after the manner of a Morass or marshy Ground, and (as they say) at certain Times is almost dry. Great quantities of very large Eels are bred here, which are often caught by the Monks of the Convent of Pendoly, who have a Me•oc•i or Farm thereabouts, where some of the Cal•iros live and keep Buffalos, that delight extremely to feed and wallow in the Mire of this Lake.

MEGARA, formerly the chief Town of a Territory named Megaris, hath still preserved its ancient Name, and is situated in a Valley, between the Mountain Kerata to the North, that hath a Ridg running North-westward to joyn with Mount Cithaeron, at the bottom of a Bay of the Corinthian Gulph, now call'd Livadostro. The whole Mountain is known by the vulgar Name of M•criplai, or the Long Mountain, the Plain being bounded westwardly toward Corinth by that of Palaio-bouni, or the Old Mountain, anciently Gerania, on the South-east by the Gulph of Engia or the Saronick, and on the North-west by the Bay Livadostro. This Country, call'd in times past Megaris, extends itself for the space of 20 miles in compass, and is not unfruitful, producing great variety of Plants and bulbous Roots. The City was built on 2 little Rocks, stretched out South south-east and West north-west, about 2 miles from the Shore of the Saronick Gulph, having the Island Aegina in sight, South by East, and that of Coleuri South-East. The ancient Bounds of it yet appearing comprehend those 2 Rocks, and some part of the Plain Southward; but now it is only founded on one of the Rocks, consisting of pitiful Cottages, the broken Stones of its Ruins serving sometimes instead of Walls, or Clay dryed in the Sun, covered only with Faggots, and those again plaistered over with Earth above them: These Huts standing close together, are only of one Story high, and may be about 3 or 400 in number. They are also much incommoded with Smoak, that hath no other Passage to go out than either at the Door or at a Hole made in the Top of the Room, Chimneys not being in fashion in these Parts.

In the middle of the Town, on the highest Point of the Rock, stands a Tower, where a Veyvode sometime resided, until the Corsairs came and carried him away: Which Accident hath •ver since so extremely terrified the Turks that they durst no longer dwell there, insomuch that the Town is now altogether rid of those Infidels; but the remaining Christians are so much afraid of the Pyrates, that on the first Sight of a Boat in the Day-time, and but hearing their Dogs bark in the Night, they immediately fall to packing up their few Goods, which they hide as well as they can, and run away. These few Inhabitants get a Livelihood by manuring the Ground, for which they have one Moiety of the Crop, the other belonging to the Turks, as their Land-lords under the Grand Signior. They also make Pitch, and saw Planks and Boards out of the Pines and Firs that grow in great abundance on the neighbouring Mountains. Here are as yet to be seen many curious Inscriptions and other Monuments of Antiquity. As you pass from hence by the streight Way to the Harbour, on a Rock, by the Sea-side, appear the Ruins of Old Walls, perhaps of some Fortress appertaining to the ancient City Nicaea, which probably was there founded by Nisus one of the four Sons of Pandion; who at his Death divided his Kingdom of Attica into four Parts, and gave Megaris to the same Nisus. Somewhat lower are the Remains of 12 little old Churches, and on that account the Place is commonly call'd Dodeca Ecclesia, i. e. the Twelve Churches. But now there is not so much as one Church left entire, nor any People, Priests or Dwelling-Houses. This was without doubt the Port-Town of the Megarians, and the 2 Rocks that make the Harbour, were heretofore call'd Minoa.

However, notwithstanding the present mean Condition of the City of Megara, it was at first the Metropolis of a Monarchy, under 12 Kings, then a considerable Republick, which maintained divers Wars against the Athenians and other People, and established a Colony in the Island of Sicily. It is also remakable for giving Birth to Euclid the great Mathematician and the Poet The•gnis. It is distant about 2 miles from the Gulph of Aegina, 26 from Athens to the West, and as many from Corinth to the North-east.

LEPANTO, Naupactus aut Naupactum, now call'd Epactos by the modern Greeks, as also Einebachri by the Turks, is the chief City of the Gulph, whereto it hath of late communicated its Name, and reckoned by Ptolemey among those of L•cris Ozelorum, extending it self on the Side of a very steep Hill, at the distance of 100 miles from Preveza to the South-east, 140 from Athens to the West, and 480 from Constantinople to the South-west. The Mountain behind is joyned to the Town by two other little Hills, that command it: Altho', in times past, before the Inv•ntion of Gunpowder, it was so strong that it gave much Disturbance to the Romans, affording a Place of Refuge to the rebellious Aetolians. It is built from the Sea-shore up to the highest Point of the Hill, which is fortified with a small Castle, in the mounting whereof one must pass no less than 4 Ranges of Walls, one above another, that make the Prospect of the Place at a distance somewhat resemble the Papal Mitre. Between these Walls the Inhabitants have their Houses, and by them the City is divided into 4 Quarters. The little oval Harbour is no small Ornament thereto, being commodiously situated in the middle of the South Side, and defended by a little Tower at each Side of the Entrance, on which are planted some small Brass-Guns. But the Mouth is so narrow that it may be easily secured by a Chain of 50 feet long, and is too shallow for any Vessels besides Barques and small Gallies, neither can the last enter the Port but at High Water, for there is a Tide in the Gulph, the Water coming in by the Castles in the Morning and going out in the Evening. Moreover, this Harbour is lined round about on the inside with good Walls, and the Workmanship of them appears to be ancient. All Traders passing out of the Gulph are oblig'd to pay 3 per cent Custom to the Emir, who returns 6000 Crowns a Year Rent for his Office, neither are any large Ships of the Franks permitted to come within the Castles, but stay at Patras and send in their Barks.

On each Side of the Town, under the Mountain (which perhaps is the same with Mount Corax) fruitful Valleys are stretch'd forth toward the Sea; that Westward is well planted with Olive-Trees, Vineyards and Corn, and that to the East no less well set, being divided into Gardens of Oranges, Citrons and Limons without Seeds. It is also watered with many fresh Streams, springing out of the rocky Mountain above it, and in the Summer shaded with abundance of large Plane-Trees. There were not many Christians in this Place before it lately fell into the Hands of the Venetians, the greatest part of its Inhabitants were Turks and Jews, and it hath been for a long time a noted Harbour for Pyrates. The Turks had 5 or 6 Mosques there, and the Greeks 2 Churches, viz. 1 in each Suburb, tho' but very small; but they were so few in Number and so ill treated, that their Archbishop usually kept his Residence at Arta. The Jews, in like manner were allowed 3 Synagogues for their Publick Oratories. The Trade of Lepanto consists chiefly in Turky-Leather, Oil, Tobacco, Rice, Barley, and Furrs; the Wine is also the best in Greece, but the Vessels being pitched, as they generally are throughout the Morea and Athens, renders the Taste somewhat unpleasant to Strangers.

In the Year 1408. this City was subject to the Grecian Empire, but the Emperor Emanuel assigned it to the State of Venice, who caused it to be well fortified. In 1475. it was in vain besieged by Mahomet the Great, the same that took Constantinople, who sat down before it with an Army of 30000 Men, but in 1498. Bajazet II. attackt it with 150000, and made himself Master of the Place, through the Treachery of the Venetian Governour, whom he had corrupted with Mony. In 1687. after the Venetians in the preceeding Years had almost driven the Turks out of the Morea, their General Morisini landed on July 22d near Patras, which Town he took, together wi h the Dardanel Castle on that Side, notwithstanding the utmost Efforts made by the Serasquier to oppose his Design, who was defeated on the 24th instant. Afterward the General crossed over to Lepanto, which was soon abandoned by the Turks, so that he took Possession of the Place without so much as striking a Blow; and found therein 120 Pieces of Brass-Cannon. At the Entrance of the Gulph of Lepanto, about 13 or 14 miles distant from the Town to the South-west are 2 Capes: One of these, united to the Peninsula of the Morea, was anciently call'd Antirrhium Promontorium, as also at present Cape Antirio, and is defended by a small Fortress, named the Castle of the Morea, or of Patras. The other, that joyns to the Continent of Achaia, is termed by Strabo, Rhium Promontorium, and commonly Rio, having, in like manner for its defence a little Fort, called the Castle of Rumelia: These 2 Castles are likewise named the Dardanels of Lepanto, in allusion to those of the Helespont. They are of a square form, encompassed with strong Walls, on which are mounted divers Pieces of Artillery.

The Emperor Augustus defeated Mark Antony not far from hence, and near the same Gulph of Lepanto, happened a memorable Sea-Fight between the Christians and Turks, Octob. 2. 1571. so that it is difficult to determine which of these was the most glorious Victory: For in this last Engagement the Turks lost above 30000 Men, b•ing the most fatal Overthrow they ever met with since the first Foundation of their Empire. Besides the Slaughter, the Christians took 5000 Prisoners, and, among others, the 2 Sons of Hali Bassa, General of the Ottoman Fleet, which consisted of 200 Galleys, together with 70 Frigats and Brigantines. Of those 130 Galleys were taken, above 90 were stranded, burnt or sunk, and almost 20000 Christian Slaves at the same Time set at Liberty: Neither was the Booty less considerable, since all the adjacent Isles were pillaged, and a great number of Vessels, laden with Merchandizes were carried off. The chief Admiral of the Christians, in this signal Combat (which continued from about 6 of the Clock in the Morning till Evening) was Don John of Austria, natural Brother to Philip II. King of Spain; and their Fleet was composed of 210 Galleys, 28 great Transport Ships, and 6 Galleasses, furnished with heavy Artillery: They lost about 8000 Men, the most noted of whom was Barbarigo, Commander of the left Wing, who having forc'd the Right-wing of the Enemy, received the Shot of an Arrow in his Right-Eye, whereof he died not long •fter.

DELPHOS or CASTRI, a Town of Phocis, heretofore famous for the Temple of Apollo, where the Oracles w•re pronounc'd and consulted for many Ages. It is seated on the South-side of Mount Parnassus, somewhat inclining to the West, neither on the top, nor at the foot of the Hill, as being a great way distant from the Plains of Crissa below, and much farther from the Rocks above it. The high Cliffs appearing above the Town seem to end in two points, which probably gave occasion to the old name of Biceps Parnassus, altho' it hath many more tops, and those too much higher than these, for it is a very large Mountain. But those two tops seen from Delphos hide all the re•t between which, the Water falls in great abundance after Rain or Snow, and hath even worn them almost asunder. There is also a Spring with a very plent•ful Source of Water continu•lly issuing out from among those Rocks, just under the Cleft or Separa•ion; which may well be supposed the famous F untain Castalia that so inspi•'d the ancient Poe•s, by reason of the Marble-Steps on its D•scent, and th• Niches wrought in the Rock for Statues above it. The Stream of this Spring gl•ding down a very deep and narrow Precipice to •he South, soon joyns with the River Pleistos, and separates Mount Cirphis from Parnassus, from whence it runs by Crissa, and empties it self into the Bay of Sal•na. In the Rock above the Fountain is a kind of little Chappel, dedicated to S. Jo•n, and above that •hree Niches for Statues, viz. one great one in the m•ddle, and two lesser on each Side. Moreover, in the cleft about 8 or 10 Yards high, one may d•scern a H•le, with some Stairs on the R ght-hand leading up thereto, but very much broken: This perhaps may be the Antrum Corycium or Grotto of the Nymphs so named by the Poets, and it must needs make a very fine Cascade, when there is Water enough falling from the Mountains.

The Town of CASTRI, that sprang up out of the Ruins of DELPHOS, consists only of about 200 Houses, and those too ill built. The Turks, who are not above 12 in number, have one Mosque, but the Greeks have 5 or 6 Churches, and, tho' poor, are nevertheless very Civil, Honest People. The little Trade they maintain is in Cotton and Tobacco; their Wine is also exceeding good. In descending yet farther, you come to a Monastery call'd Panagia, the Church whereof is dedicated to the Virgin Mary: It is situated on the Brink of the Mountain, on Ground supported by old strong Walls, of hewn Stone, where are •o be seen divers Capitals and Fasts of Corinthian Pillars, Inscriptions and other Monuments of Antiquity. The Lordship of Castri belongs to a Tamer or Turkish Nobleman, call'd Abd-Haga, who resides at Salona. Timarlicks are a kind of Fee-Farms depending on the Demesns of the Grand Signior, and they that hold them of him are oblig'd to serve in the Wars, according to their Revenue.

ELEƲSIS▪ now call'd Lepsina or Lephsina, was heretofore one of the most famous Cities of Greece, and at first vied even with Athens for Empire, until it was reduc'd by Theseus: Nevertheless, in the most flourishing Times of the Athenians it was reck•ned among their principal Towns, chiefly by reason of the Temple of Ceres, call'd Elcusine, dedicated to the Sacred Rites and Mysteries of that Goddess, for which the ancient Grecians had a very high Veneration, more especially the Athenians; insomuch that when reduced to the utmost Extremity, the Enjoyment of those Mysteries was ever one of the Articles they would capitulate for. The Original of these Ceremonies proceded from Celeus, King of Eleusis and Father of Triptolemus, whom the Goddess Ceres instructed in the Art of Husbandry, as a Recompence for his kind Hospitality, in entertaining her when she was in search of her Daughter Proserpina, carried away by Pluto. However, the Town of Eleusis is now utterly ruin'd, having been worse treated by the Christian Pyrates than the very Turks themselves, so that it is now deserted by all its Inhabitants. The Place is seated on a long Hill, extended toward the Sea South-east and North-west, not far from the Foot of the Mountain Gerata. The whole Hill seems to have been built upon, but chiefly toward the Sea, where we first meet with the august Ruins of the stately Temple of Ceres, lying together in a confused heap, the magnificent Pillars being buried in the Rubbish of its ruined Roof and Walls, and its curious polished Cornishes treated with no more respect than the most ordinary Stones of the Pavement; so that it is impossible to judge of the ancient Form of this Noble Structure; only it seems to have been built of a most beautiful white Marble, with no less admirable Workmanship, as appears from the Chapters and many Pillars of the Ionick Order, divers carv'd Stones and Statues, and other Fragments, as yet remaining.

PELOPONNESƲS, or the MOREA, the most noble Peninsula of the whole Continent of Europe, is separated on the North from Achaia by the Gulph of Lepanto, and from the Country of Megaris by the Corinthian Isthmus or Neck of Land about 6 miles broad; through which runs the River Styx, the Waters whereof are deadly, through their excessive Coldness, so that the Poets took occasion from thence to feign it to be one of the Infernal Rivers. On the other Sides the Morea is bounded by several Parts of the Mediterranean, viz. by the Ionian-Sea on the West, that of Sapienza or Candia on the South, and the Aegean on the East. It lies between the 34th Degree 40 Minutes, and the 37th Degree 30 Minutes of Northern Latitude, and between the 44th Degree 50 Minutes, and the 48th Degree 30 Minutes of Longitude, extending it self in compass for the space of 550 miles, as also about 160 in breadth, from Corinth on the North to Cape Matapan on the South, and 170 in length, from Cape Scilli on the East, as far as Cape Tornese to the West. It is likewise distant 380 miles from the Island of Sicily to the East, and 70 from the Western Coasts of Candia to the North-West.

This Country hath been known in several Ages by different Names; for it was at first call'd Argos, or Argos Achaicum, to distinguish it from Argos Pelasgicum or Thessaly; afterward Aegialia▪ from Aegialus a King of the Sicyonians; then Apia, from Apis the third King of Argos; and at length Peloponnesus, from Pelops the Son of Tantalus, who brought a Colony thither out of Phrygia, and reigned there for some time. As for its modern Denomination Authors differ much about its Original; for some imagine that its Form resembling the Leaf of a Mulberry-tree, call'd in Latin Morus, and in Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, induced the Emperors of Constantinople to impose on it this Name of the Morea: And indeed the Ancients were wont to compare its Shape to that of Plane-tree-leaf. Others would willingly derive it from the Word Romea, which by a Transposition of Letters was changed into Morea; It being certain that as long as Constantinople remained in the Possession of the Roman Emperors, that City was styled New Rome, and the Inhabitants of those Territories Romeans, that is to say, Romans. But Doglioni is of another Opinion, believing that the Moors, when they made Incursions into these Parts, left their Name there.

However, this Peninsula is one of the finest Countries in Europe; for the Air is Clear, Healthful and Temperate, and the Soil everywhere fertile, abounding with Corn, Wine, Oil and all manner of most delicious Fruits; the Mountains full of Game and Medicinal Plants have been long since celebrated by the ancient Greek and Latin Poets; the most remarkable of these are, 1. Mount Cyllene in Arcadia, on which Maia brought forth Mercury. 2. Maenalus, consecrated to the God Pan, so named from Maenalus the Son of Lycaon. 3. Minthe, now Oline. 4. Nonacris, where the River Styx takes its Rise. 5. Taigetus, &c. The principal Rivers are these, viz. 1 Carbon or Orfea, heretofore well known by the Name of Alpheus, and famous for its Vertue in taking away the Spots and blemishes of the Skin. The Poets attribute a miraculous Course to this River, through the Ionian-Sea, till it intermixeth its Waters with those of the Fountain Arethusa in Sicily, because it is often swallowed up under Ground, and riseth again with greater Strength. But it really takes its first Rise out of the Mountain Stymphalus, runs through the Countries of Arcadia and Elis, receives into its Channels the Rivers Celadon and Amarynthe, together with 140 other Torrents or lesser Brooks, and at last falls into the Gulph of Castel di Tornesi. 2. Eurotas or Vasali Potamos, which rising in Arcadia continues its Course through Laconia, and empties it self into the Gulph of Pastel Rampani. 3. Planizza, formerly called Inachus and Haliacmon. 4. Pamissus or Spirnazza, that dischargeth its Waters into the Gulph of Coron, near Calamata. Besides the abovemention'd River Styx, those of Lynceus, Asteria or Stella, Erasin, &c.

The Inhabitants of the Morea are esteem'd Ingenious and Warlike; in some measure imitating the Valour of their Ancestors, who maintained a War against the Athenians, during 27 Years, viz. from A. Ʋ. 323 in the LXXXVIIth Olympiad, to A. Ʋ. 350. when the City of Athens was taken. This War was commonly call'd the Peloponnesian, and is elegantly described by Thucydides and Xenophon. The same Peninsula of the Morea, after many Revolutions, fell into the Hands of Emanuel a Greek Emperor, about A. D. 1150. who divided the Empire at his Death among his 7 Sons, and by that means was the Cause of its Ruin. These Princes were Styled Despotes, that is to say, Lords or Governours, and depended on the Emperor, both as to their Government and Election; altho' they were otherwise in a manner absolute, and almost hereditary Lords in their respective Jurisdictions; for the Emperor seldom nominated a Successor to a late Despote, but his Son, Brother or near Relation. Constantine, surnamed Drasares, Brother of Theodosius II. enjoyed this Dignity when Sultan Amurath invaded the Morea; but the Greek Emperor put a stop to his Fury by a Promise of a yearly Tribute. Afterward Constantine Palaeologus being crowned Emperor at Constantinople shar'd the Morea between his 2 Brothers, Demetrius and Thomas. Whereupon the Turks commanded by their Emperor Mahomet II. under colour of assisting Demetrius against his Brother, took an opportunity amidst those Dissentions to usurp their Estates, and seiz'd on the places possess'd by the Venetians without much resistance, after the Death of General Bertoldo D'Este, whom the Republick had sent to oppose their designs. Since that time the Ottoman Port hath maintain'd a Governor here, with the Title of Sangiack or Morabegi, i. e. Lord of the Morea, under the Beglierbeg of Greece; and Modon was his usual place of Residence, until he was expell'd thence by General Morosini, who re-conquer'd the greatest part of these Territories in the year 1685. and 1686. and reduc'd it to the Obedience of the State of Venice, having caus'd all the Churches that were Mosques before, to be Consecrated again; insomuch that many Greek Families have left Achaia, to settle in the Morea, and about 12000 Inhabitants have already transported their effects thither.

This Peninsula hath had various Divisions at several times; for in that of Pausanias, it contain'd only three distinct Countries, viz. those of the Arcadians, Achaians, and Dorians. Afterward Ptolemey, and others divided it into eight parts, viz. Achaia proper, Arcadia, Argia, Corinthia, Elis, Elea or Cauconia, Laconia, Messenia, and Sicyonia. But it is now generally distinguish'd by our Modern Geographers into four Provinces, viz.

• I. The Dutchy of Chiarenza, Patras, Arch-Bish.
• II. Belvedere, Modon, Bish.
• III. Zachonia or Braccio di Mana, Malvasia, Arch-B.
• IV. Saccania or Romania, Minor, Napoli di Romania, Arch-Bish.

The Dutchy of CHIARENZA.

This Dutchy is bounded on the North by the Gulph of Lepanto; on the South by the Provinces of Zaconia and Belvedere, on the East by that of Saccania, and on the West by the Ionian Sea; containing the old Destricts of Achaia proper, Sieyonia and Corinthia.

The most remarkable Towns are these, viz.

• Patras, Arch-Bish. Cap.
• ...Chiarenza.
• Caminitza, Bish.
• ...Castel-Tornese.

PATRAS is seated on a Hill not above half a mile from the Sea, and about 5 from the Gulph that bears its name; at the foot of a high Mountain formerly nam'd Cerynea, with a Valley between, being also distant 18 miles from Lepanto almost to the South, and 120 from Misitra or Lacedaemon to the North-West. It was first founded (according to the report of Pausanias) by one Eumelus, a Native of the Country, who having receiv'd instructions in the Arts both of Architecture and Husbandry from Triptolemus, together with necessary Materials, call'd the place he built from his tilling the Ground Arva. Afterward when the Ionians were expell'd out of the Peloponnesian Achaia, another Benefactor nam'd Patreus, very much enlarg'd it, insomuch that Arva and its Walls were contain'd within his new Walls, and the Town was from thenceforth call'd Patras by his Name. However it was ruin'd some time after by reason that the Citizens sent succour to the Aetolians against the Gauls; for the Aetolians being defeated by them in divers Battels, the rest that escaped the slaughter, dispers'd themselves into several places thereabout, until the Reign of Augustus Caesar, who being mov'd either with the conveniency of the adjacent Harbour of Panormus, which had afforded a safe retreat to his Navy; or some other private reason, invited the People of many Towns round about Patras, to come and settle there; on which account he adorn'd the place with all the Priviledges and Immunities of a Roman Colony; calling it Calonia, Augusta, Arva, Patrensis. This City notwithstanding the various Changes and Revolutions it hath undergone, still retains its ancient Name, and is very well Peopled, especially with Jews, who maintain a considerable Trade with the Grecians of the Neighbouring Islands, and the English and French Merchants. It is defended by a strong Castle built on the highest point of the Hills, from whence there is a descent every way into a fruitful Valley well planted with Oranges, Lemons, and Citrons, much esteem'd for their most delicious taste. In these Gardens, besides a great number of tall Cedars, is a very famous Cypress Tree, perhaps the oldest and biggest in the World, its Stock being 18 foot round, and its Branches stretching forth 20 foot in Diameter.

The Goddess Diana was in time past worshipped here, under the name of Diana Latria, to whom a Beautiful young Man and Maid were sacrific'd every year; which cruel Superstition continu'd (as they say) till Eurypiles arriv'd at Patras, and was Converted by St. Andrew the Apostle, who suffer'd Martyrdom in the same City; having (as the Tradition goes) resided there a great while before, and prevail'd with a certain King of the Morea, to embrace the Christian Religion, meaning perhaps no more than some Roman Governor of that Province. However Patras hath been for a long time the See of an Arch-Bishop, who in ancient times was wont to have the second place in the Councils or General Assembl•es of the Church, and at present hath about 1000 Churches under his Jurisdiction, which extends it self over all the Western parts of the Morea, as far as Corone, the three other Metropolitan Sees being those of Napoli di Romania, Corinth, and Malvasia. The Turks had lately four Mosques in the Town, and the Jews that made up a third part of it, had as many Synagogues; the number of all the Inhabitants in general amounting to four or five Thousand. In the time of the Despotes of the Morea, it enjoy'd the Title of a Dutchy, and was sold by the last of those Princes to the State of Venice, A. D. 1408. from whom the Turks took it in 1463. The Venetians recover'd it in 1533 under the Conduct of the famous Andrea Doria, who made himself Master of the place without much opposition; the Fortifications being then out of order; and a little after secur'd his Conquest by reducing the Fort, which was forc'd to surrender, though formerly it obstinately held out a whole year against the Greek Emperor Constantine Paaeologus. However the Turks return'd the next year with a formidable Army and drave out the Venetians: But General Morosini having routed the Ottoman Forces in the Neighbourhood, and cut off 2000 of them, on the 20th. day of July, A. D. 1687. the Garrison of Patras march'd out, and carried away with them, all their Artillery and Ammunition. Whereupon Mahomet Bassa, who commanded 6000 Men near the Castle of Romelia, fled in like manner together with that Garrison; Guisuelderem Mahomet, who was encamp'd near the Castle of the Morea, did the same, and the strong City of Lepanto immediately surrender'd without any resistance.

CHIARENZA stands on the right-side Bank of the River Inachus, call'd by Ptolomey, Penaeus Fluvius, on a Hill near the Gulph of Patras, about 25 miles from thence to the South-West. This City which is suppos'd to be the ancient Cyllene, was sometimes of great Note, and the Capital of the Dutchy of the same name under its own Princes. When the Venetians first reduc'd it to their Obedience, it remain'd in a pretty good condition. But the Scene is now so far chang'd, that there is scarcely any thing to be seen besides its Ditches, and some small Foot-steps of its former beauty. Moreover its Harbour which was not capable of containing many large Vessels is now choak'd up with Sand.

CASTEL-TORNESE, call'd Clemontzi by the Turks, is a small Town near the Cape of Tornese, in the Dutchy of Chiarenza, altho' others place it in the Province of Belvedere. It is built on an eminence that overlooks a spacious Country round about, between the Gulph of Chiarenza, and that of Arcadia, before known by the name of Chelonates, at the distance of three miles from the Sea-Coasts. General Morosini having summon'd this place after the taking of Ratras, in 1687. it was soon surrender'd by the Aga, or Turkish Officer.

BELVEDERE.

This Province is extended between the River Carbon or Orfea on the North, which separates it from Chiarenza and Zaconia, or Braccio di Maina on the East; being also bounded by the Sea of Sapienza on the South, and that of Ionia on the West, it comprehends the old Provinces of Elis and Messenia.

The places of chiefest Note are these, viz.

• Modon, Bish. Cap.
• ...Belvedere.
• ...Coron.
• ...Calamata.
• ...Navarin.

MODON, anciently call'd Methone, and now Maitune, or Mutum by the Turks; is advantagiously seated on a Cape of the Sea of Sapienza, and hath at the foot thereof a very fair and commodious Harbour; being distant 15 miles from Coron to the South-West, and 70 from Cape Matapan almost to the West. It is a strong rich and trading City, dignify'd with a Bishop's; See under the Metropolitan of Patras, and was lately the usual place of Residence of the Turkish Sangiack, or Governor of the Morea. It sustain'd much damage in the time of the Emperor Trajan, by the inroads of the Illyrians, who surpriz'd and slew many Inhabitants: But the munificence of that generous Prince made amends for those losses; for he granted it many considerable Priviledges which were likewise confirm'd by Constantine the Great. In 1124. the Venetians made themselves Masters of Modon, under their Doge, Domenico Michiole, but it was retaken the next year by the Emperor of Constantinople. In 1204. on the Division of the Empire, it fell again to the lot of the Venetians, out of whose hands it was wrested in 1208. by Leo Veteran a famous Genoese Pirate: But the Usurper did not long enjoy his new Possessions, for being seiz'd in the Hellespont, he was convey'd to Corfu, and there put to an ignominious Death, whereupon his Party was so extreamly terrify'd and discourag'd, that the Captains Dandalo and Promalino soon found means to reduce Modon without any resistance. In 1498. Sultan Bajazet II. besieg'd the same place with an Army of 150000 Men, and surpriz'd it after a stout Defence and a sharp Encounter with the Forces that came to its Relief. In 1659. General Morosini took it from the Turks, who regain'd it in the end of the Candian War. However in 1686. the Arms of the State of Venice prevail'd again to rescue this Noble City from the Ottoman Tyranny, and the Conquerors then found in it about 90 pieces of Ordinance.

BELVEDERE is the Elis of the Ancients, and stands on the Banks of the River Peneius, 15 miles from the Coasts of the Ionian Sea to the East, and 24 from Chiarenza to the South. This Town gives its name to the whole Province, which now comprehends both the Territories of Elis and Messene, of which the former were heretofore famous, for producing abundance of Horses of an excellent kind.

CORON, Corona is one of the most important places in the Morea, by reason of its strong and commodious situation on the left side of Cape Gallo, or the Acritas Promontorium of Ptolomey. It was anciently esteem'd a Colony of the Thebans, call'd Pedasus by the Poets, Epea by Pausanias, and Corona by Strabo and Pliny, which last name (as they say) was taken from a Brass Coronet in Greek, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 found in digging its foundation: The Town lies on a tongue of Land, in form of an irregular Triangle, and one of the Angles is guarded with a large Tower built by the Venetians for a Magazine, A. D. 1463. Between the two other sides that front the Land, there is a space wide enough to go round the Fortress, which hath for its defence an old Wall of an unequal thickness Flank'd with strong Towers. Somewhat farther toward the East, is a Suburb containing about 500 Houses. Nevertheless the Town hath no Port excepting the Gulph that bears its Name, wherein a great number of Vessels may safely ride at Anchor. The Coun•ry affords good store of all sorts of Fruits and Grain, as well as excellent Oils and Silks, with which many Ships are laden thence every year.

Baudrand is of opinion that this Town that hath often chang'd its Masters, was first resign'd to the State of Venice, by the Despotes or Princes of the Morea; but Verdrizotti assures us that they never had it before the Division of the Eastern Empire. However Leo Veteran the Genoese Corsair surpriz'd it in 1204. But after he had been executed at Corfu it return'd to the Venetians, its rightful-Owners, from whom it was taken by the numerous Army of Bajazet II. in 1498. The Spaniards, under the Conduct of Andrea Doria, Adm•ral of the Emperor Charles V's Fleet, recover'd this Place from the Turks in 1532. but were soon after obliged to leave it. In 1685. General Francisco Morosini reduced it to the Obedience of the Republick, notwithstanding the obstinate Defence of the Besieged, and the Succours that came to their Relief, putting the whole Garrison to the Sword. Divers Persons of considerable Quality lost their Lives during this Siege, which continued 49 Days, among whom were the Commander La Tour, General of the Land-Forces of Maltha, the Prince of Brunswick the Prince of Savoy, Captain Ravagnin, &c.

Calamata is an unwall'd Town or Borough, extending itself in a Champain Country, on the Left-side of the River Pamissus or Spirnazza. It is indifferently well inhabited, and had a Castle of a regular Fabrick, built on a neighbouring Hill. Signior Morisini surpriz'd it by a Stratagem, A. D. 1659. and left it, after having set Fire thereto, and pillaged the Country round about. The same General retook this Fort in 1685. and caused it to be entirely demomolished.

NAVARINO, Navarinum aut Pylus Messeniaca, one of the most ancient Towns of the Morea, is distant 13 miles from Modon to the North and 28 from Coron almost to the West, being divided into 2 Parts, viz. the Old and the New, the former is founded on a steep Rock that stretcheth itself into the Sea, which makes its Natural Situation very strong, besides its Artificial Fortifications. On the Left-Side stands the New Town, on the Side of a Hill, defended by strong Walls and a Citadel, with 6 Bastions, erected by the Turks A. D. 1572. at the bottom whereof lies a Harbour, the best and most capacious in all the Morea, its Entrance being commanded by the Cannon of old Navarino. Sultan Ibrahim chose this Haven, A. D. 1644. for the Rendezvous of his Fleet, consisting of 200 Sail, and designed against the Island of Candia; the Turks having been Masters of the Town ever since the Year 1498. until 1686. when General Morosini appearing before Old Navarin with 200 Ships, under the command of General Coningsmark, forced the Garrison to come to a Capitulation. But the New Town made a resolute Defence, in Hopes of being relieved by the Serasquier of the Morea, then on his March. However, General Coningsmark, leaving the Management of the Siege to Signior Mocenago, defeated the Serasquier, and soon constrained the Town to surrender.

ZACONIA, or BRACCIO DI MAINA.

The Province of ZACONIA, otherwise called Braccio di Maina, i• the largest of the 4 into which the Peninsula of the Morea is usually divided, comprizing the ancient Countries of Arcadia and Laconia. It is situated between Chiarenza on the North, Saccania on the East, the Sea of Sapienza or of Candia on the South, and Belvedere on the West. There are here many vast Rocks, Caves and Precipices, that render these Territories subject to frequent Earthquakes. The principal Towns are these, viz.

• Malvasia, Archb. Cap.
• Misitra or Lacedaemon, Bish.
• ...Zarnata,
• ...Chielefa,
• ...Passava,
• ...Maina,
• &c.

MALVASIA, or Napoli di Malvasia, heretofore well known by the Name of Epidaurus, is founded on a Rock, near the farthest South-eastern Promontory, commonly called Cape Malao, affording a very pleasant Prospect from thence into the Sea and the adjacent Country. It is also encompassed on all Sides with the Sea, and joyned to the Continent by a fair Timber Bridge; nevertheless, it is supplyed with Springs of fresh Water sufficient both for the use of the Town and Gardens round about. Neither is the Place less remarkable for its Strength, since one can approach thereto only on the North-Side, and there it is guarded by a triple Wall. Next to this Wall is a Suburb, containing a great number of Houses, and enclosed within a strong Rampart. The Convenience of its Harbour, defended by the Fortress, is likewise no small Advantage to the Inhabitants. The neighbouring Fields yield as much Corn as serves to maintain 60 Persons; which Complement of Men, considering the natural Strength of the Place, may be enough for the Garrison: Moreover, the Soil brings forth abundance of Grapes, whereof are made the most excellent sort of Wine in the whole Country of Greece, commonly call'd Malmsey by the English. This ancient City, dignified with a Metropolitan See, •ows its Foundation to a Colony of Argos, and was, in times past, much frequented on the account of the famous Temple of Aesculapius. Altho' the Fortress of Malvasia seems almost impregnable, yet the French and Venetians, under the command of Baldwin Count of Flanders, afterward Emperor of Constantinople, took it from the Grecian Emperor; and it was retaken from William, a French Baron, to whom it had been given by the said Baldwin. Whereupon he resigned his Right to the Venetians; who having subdued it with a powerful Fleet, kept it in their Possession till 1537. when they delivered it up to Sultan Solyman to purchase a Peace. In the Candian War they stormed, plundered and burnt the same City, putting most of the Inhabitants to the Sword, and carried away all the Artillery. However, the Turks rebuilt it, and have ever since maintained a good Garrison there. In 1689. it was besieged again by the Venetians, under the Conduct of their Doge Morisini, who being recalled home by the Senate, on September 14th, left the Place blockt up by 3 Forts and a Squadron of light Frigats, so that on the 10th of August 1690. it was actually surrendred to the State of Venice, having been the last Place that stood out against their Forces. It is distant 50 miles from Misitra or Lacedaemon almost to the East, and 100 from Athens to the South.

MISITRA is situated (according to the Report of Mr. Vernon and Sir George Wheeler) about 4 miles from the old Ruins of Lacedaemon, as also 30 miles from Megalopolis or Leondari to the South-west, 20 from the Gulph of Castel-Rampani, 85 from Corinth, 120 from Athens to the South, 150 from Lepanto to the South-east, and 526 from Constantinople to the South-west. This City being one of the most ancient and famous of Greece, was at first call'd Lelegia from Lelex its first King (who was contemporary with C•crops I. King of Athens) afterward Lacedaemon, from the Name of his Successor, and Sparta from Queen Sparta, the Daughter of Lacedaemon by Europa, or (according to the Opinion of others) from Spartus the Son of Phoroneus, King of the Argives, its Founder. Some Authors affirm, That it was built A. M. 2997. in the Time of the Patriarch Jacob, 983 Years before Rome, and 1763 before the Nativity of Jesus Christ. We are informed by Polybius that it was of a round Figure, and extended 48 Greek Stadia or Furlongs, that is to say about 6 English miles in compass. And indeed there never was any other City in the World that flourished so much in military Glory, as having had a great share in those notable Atchievements which rendred that Nation so illustrious, for they often contended for the Mastery with the Athenians, and subdued almost the whole Continent of Greece. They were also governed by Kings for a much longer time than any of their Neighbours, for the Kingdom of Lacedaemon was first founded by Lelex, about A. M. 2570. when Sthenelus IX. and last King of the Family of Inachus began to reign at Argos. The first Dynasty continued 181 Years, viz. from Lelex to Tisamenes, the Son of Orestes, the 13th and last King of that Race, who was expelled A. M. 2951. by the Heraclidae, who were also call'd Eurysthenidae and Agidae. Under these the second Dynasty was begun by Procles and Eurysthenes, the Sons of Aristodemus of Argia, who became the Heads of two Royal Families, whereof the one named Eurythenidae, was the more renown'd of the two, and furnish'd 31 Kings, the last of them being Agesipolis III. The other Family was that of the Proclidae or Eurypontidae, wherein are reckon'd only 24 Kings, and this Dynasty lasted 895 Years. The Lacedaemonians were first civilized by their famous Law-giver Lycurgus, who being constituted Guardian to Charillas, the posthumous Son of his Brother Polydectes, not only preserved the Crown for him till he came to Age, but by his admirable Laws and prudent conduct extremely augmented the Lustre of that Kingdom. The same Lycurgus erected a Senate, on the one Hand to moderate the Sovereign Power, and on the other to curb the Insolence of the common People: This Senate consisted of 32 Persons, invested with equal Authority, the Prince himself being one of its Members. But King Theopompus establish'd the Ephori, a sort of Officers who had much the same Power with the Tribunes of the People at Rome, to counterbalance the Power of the King and Senate, taking warning by the Ruin of the Government of the Messenians and Argives, caused by the too absolute Dominion of their Monarchs.

At Misitra are now only to be seen the miserable Ruins of the ancient Grandeur of Lacedaemon; nevertheless it still retains the Title of a Bishop's See, under the Metropolitan of Corinth. The City is divided into 4 different Quarters, sever'd one from another, viz. the Castle, the Town, and 2 large Suburbs, one of which is call'd Mesochorion or the Middle-borough, and the other Hexochorion, or the Out-borough. The Castle, City and Mesochorion are separated from the Hexochorion by the River Eurotas or Vaseli-potamos. Within the Castle formerly stood the Temples of Diana Lipathria, and of Minerva Panachaida, or Pr•tectress of all Achaia, besides the Monument of Eurypilus, Son of Euaemon, who was present at the Taking of Troy. Moreover this Castle or Citadel, now bearing the Name of To Castron, is environed with firm Walls, and stands so advantagiously on the Top of Mount Taygetus, that some Historians make no Scruple to avouch it was never taken by open Force either by the Turks or Venetians. The City, lying at the Foot of the Castle, that covers it toward the North, consists of 2 spacious Streets and several other crossing them. The Old Market-place, call'd Agora by the Greeks, is beautified with a curious Fountain, and hath a Church near it erected from the Ruins of the Temple of Minerva. Here are also the Remains of 4 Marble Buildings, which are the most considerable Antiquities of Misitra, viz. the Persian Portico or Gallery, built by the Lacedaemonians in Memory of a signal Victory obtain'd by them over a formidable Army of Persians, at the Battle of Plataea; the Temple of Helena; as also that of Hercules and Venus Armata. The Cathedral Church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and nam'd Panagia, i. e. All-holy, having seven Domes. All its Pillars are of very fair Marble, and the Pavement a Piece of curious M•saick Work. Not far from the Church is the Bishop's Palace, together with an Apartment for 10 or 12 Caloyers or Greek Monks, who are the Dignitaries of the Panagia. In passing somewhat farther we meet with the famous Monastery of the Pandanessis, belonging to the Order of S. Basil, the Church whereof is more magnificent than the Metropolitan, tho' not so large. In the Mesochorion is another Church, dedicated likewise to the Virgin Mary, under the Name of Panagia, and far more sumptuous than the other 2; but the stateliest Mosque the Turks had in Misitra, stood in the same Quarter, in the Building and Adorning of which Structure, they had made use of all the rich Remains of the Lacedaemonian Antiquities. Without the Walls of the City are still to be seen the Dromos and the Platanon; the former was anciently a Place where the Spartans were wont to perform their Exercises of Wrestling, Racing and other Publick Sports. The Platanon was a pleasant Grove of Plain-trees, the Shade whereof is very refreshing and delightful.

The Emperors of Constantinople formerly made this City the Appenage or Inheritance of their eldest Sons, who were usually styled Despotes or Lords of Sparta; but it was seized by Mahomet II. surnamed the Great, about A. D. 1460. 7 Years after the taking of Constantinople, and 5 after that of Athens. In 1463. the Italians, under Sigismund Malatesta, stormed Misitra, but not being able to master the Citadel on Mount Taygetus, they raised the Siege, after having burnt and almost entirely ruin'd the Town, which was also taken by the Venetians in 1473. under the Conduct of their General Benedetto Colleone, but his Death intervening hindred them from subduing the Castle. However, they were both surrendred to General Morosini, together with divers other important Places in the Morea, A. D. 1687.

ZARNATA, a Hold of considerable Strength, seated on a pleasant Rising Ground, and defended by several Towers and other Fortifications, about 25 miles from Misitra almost to the West. It was attack'd by the Venetians A. D. 1685. when the Captain Bassa being posted not above 5 miles off, with a good Army, nevertheless durst not attempt to relieve the Place, insomuch that upon his Retreat the Turkish Garrison, consisting of 600 Men, surrendred, and according to the Articles of Capitulation were conducted to some other Town. But the Aga fearing the Loss of his Head, retir'd to Venice, and General Morosini left 250 Men in Garrison at Zarnata, under Colonel Prastini.

CHIELEFA, a strong Town, extending itself a mile in Compass, at the distance of 2 miles from the Sea, and 17 from Cape Matapan to the North, not far from the place where Vitulo, a Trading City of good note formerly stood, which communicated its Name to Port Vitulo, a Haven now little frequented, as not being either Commodious or Safe. Chielefa is of a square Figure, founded on a steep Rock, and having for its defence very firm Walls, flanked with 5 large Towers. General Morosini took this Fortress on Composition, A. D. 1685. and found there above 50 Pieces of Cannon. The Turks endeavour'd to regain it the next Year, but were routed by the Venetians, and lost all their rich Camp.

SACCANIA or ROMANIA, MINOR.

This Province, which comprehends the Territories of Argia, Sicyonia and Corinth, is bounded on the North by the Gulph of Lepanto, the Isthmus of Corinth and the Gulph of Engia, on the East by the Aegean Sea, on the South by Zaconia and the Gulph of Napoli di Romania, and on the West by part of the same Province of Zaconia and that of Chiarenza In the Country formerly call'd Argia is the Lake Lerna, famous for the Hydra or monstrous Water-Snake kill'd there by Hercules. The Cities of Note here are,

• Napoli di Romania, Archb. Cap.
• Argos, Bish.
• Corinth, Archb.

NAPOLI DI ROMANIA, Nauplia called Anaplia by the modern Greeks, took its Name from Nauplius the Son of Neptune, and as yet retains some Marks of its former Grandeur. It's a strong and fair City, built in the farthest part of the Gulph, now nam'd from thence Napoli, but anciently Argolicus Sinus, on the Top of a small Promontory or Cape, which is divided into two Parts, one Side whereof shoots forth into the Sea, making a safe and spacious Harbour, and the other toward the Land, renders the Passage to the Town almost inaccessible, for one can come to it only through a narrow and stony Way, between the Mountain Palamida and the Sea-shore. The Entrance of the Haven is likewise so strait, that a single Galley can only pass at once, but the Inside of it is capable of containing a considerable Fleet. Moreover, besides the natural Strength of the Place, it is defended by a Citadel, erected on a Rock in the Sea, and distant about 100 Yards from the City, which is now the Capital of the Morea, and the See of an Archbishop, having been sometime only that of a Bishop, Suffragan to the Metropolitan of Corinth. It was also lately the usual Place of Residence of the Turkish Sangiack or Governour, and contained above 60000 Greeks, besides a great number of Inhabitants of other Nations. Napoli is distant 78 miles from Athens to the South-west, and 60 from Misitra to the North.

This City, as well as many others, hath undergone many Revolutions and Changes of Government; for in 1205. the French and Venetian Forces seiz'd on it, and in 1388. it was stormed by King Giovanissa. who put the whole Garrison to the Sword and blew up the Town. Afterward Napoli fell into the Hands of Maria Erigana, or Anguien by Corruption, the Relict of Peter, Son to Frederick Cornaro Piscopia: But this Princess not being any longer able to maintain it against so potent an Enemy as Bajazet the Ottoman Emperor, sold it to the Republick of Venice, A. D. 1383. The Venetians defended it bravely against the Attacks of Mahomet II. in 1460. and in like manner forced Solyman II. to raise the Siege he had laid thereto in 1537. nevertheless they were obliged to resign it to him two Years after to procure a Peace. In 1686. General Morosini having ordered General Coningsmark to take Possession of Mount Palamida, within Musquet-Shot of the Town, defeated the Serasquier that came to its Relief, and took Argos, the Fleet at the same time taking Ternis: However, on the 29th Day of August the Serasquier advancing again with a Body of 10000 Men, attacked the Venetians in their Trenches: The Battle remained dubious for 3 hours, but at last the Turks were entirely routed. Whereupon the Garrison of Napoli came to a Capitulation, on the usual Terms, and was conducted to Tenedos.

ARGOS or Argo, Argos aut Argos Peloponnesiacum, was heretofore the Metropolis of the Dominions of King Agamemnon, and of the Country of Argia, being seated on the Inachus or Planizza, 7 m. from Napoli di Romania almost to the West, 10 from the Ruins of Old Mycenae, 25 from Corinth to the South, and 60 from Misitra or Lacedaemon. But this Noble City hath little now left excepting the bare Name, as a Memorial of its ancient Splendor, its magnificent publick Buildings being reduced to some paltry Houses and Cottages, besides the Citadel. However, its Episcopal See, under the Archbishop of Corinth, hath been for some Time erected into a Metropolitan. But we must distinguish this Argos from some other Towns in Greece of the same Name, particularly Argos Amphilochium in Epirus, Argos Pelasgicum in Thessaly, Argos Hippium in Achaia, so nam'd from the numerous Herds of excellent Horses there bred, &c. Argos in the Morea was purchased of Mary Erigana or Anguien, in 1388. by the Venetians, in whose Hands it remain'd till the Time of Mahomet II. Afterward they took it from the Venetians in 1463. but it was recover'd by General Morosini in 1686.

CORINTH, Corinthus, hath as yet almost preserved its old Name, being now commonly call'd Corintho or Coranto, and more contractedly Coritho, being situated almost in the midst of the Isthmus, that takes its Name from thence, at the distance of about 2 Miles from the Gulph of Corinth or Lepanto, and 6 or 7 from the Saronick Gulph, as also 85 miles from Patras to the East, 54 from Athens to the South-west, 25 from Argos, and 85 from Misitra or Lacedaemon to the North. Notwithstanding its former Grandeur and the Title of a Metropolitan See, it is not now large enough to deserve the Denomination of a City, yet may well pass for a considerable Country Town. It is defended by a Castle, formerly well known by the Name of Acro-Corinthus, and the lower Town lies pleasantly on an easie Descent of Ground toward the Gulph of Lepanto. The Buildings are not contiguous, but in Parcels of 10, 12, and sometimes 20 together, adorn'd with Gardens of Orange, Limon, Citron and Cypress-Trees. There is also so much Space between every one of these Knots of Buildings, as that they have Corn-Fields between them. The biggest of these Quarters is that near the Bazar or Market-place, consisting of about 80 or 100 Houses. Here are also 2 Turkish Mosques and one small Church called Panagia, which is the See of the Archbishop, tho' a mean Place for such an Ecclesiastical Dignity. The adjacent Plain toward Sicyon or Basilico is watered with 2 Rivulets, as also well cultivated and planted with Olive-yards and Vineyards, being beset with many small Villages, scattered up and down, that afford a most delightful Prospect, so that it is difficult to determine whether this Plain is more beautiful to the Beholders or more profitable to the Inhabitants, for it yields great Quantities of excellent Oil and generous Wines; but Corn grows so plentifully there as to make amends for the the Barrenness of its Neighbouring Countries.

The Castle or Aero-Corinthus stands on a very high Rock, having a great Precipice round about, but not so steep at the Entrance on the South-west Side, from whence runs out a Ridge of the Hills 2 or 3 miles Southward in the Morea. And indeed this is the only open Place from whence Mahomet II. made his Assault when he took the Castle from the Venetians after a Siege of 14 Months. This Side of the Rock is well cover'd with Houses; for the most part of the Inhabitants that dwell below in the Town have also Houses in the Castle, where their best Goods are secured from the frequent Incursions of the Corsairs. There are also abundance of Cisterns for Water hewn in the Rock, and some Springs, particularly one toward the Southern Side of the Hill, which was heretofore called Pyrene, being the Place where (as they say) Bellerophon took the winged Horse Pegasus as he was there drinking. The City of Corinth, in time past, brought forth the most able Architects, Painters and Carvers of Greece, and had 2 remarkable Havens, viz. that of Lechaeum on the Bay of Lepanto, and that of Cenchreae or Chenchri, on the Gulph of Engia, whence the Poets named it by a peculiar Epithet, Bimaris Corinthus. It was built (as it is supposed) by Sisyphus the Son of Aeolus, about A. M. 2616. and was called Ephyre, until being demolished and rebuilt by one Corinthus, the Son of Marothon, or (according to the Opinion of others) of Pelops, it assumed the Name of its second Founder. Thus, in process of Time, it became the most renowned of all the Cities of Greece, and by reason of the convenience of its Scituation, rose up to so great a height of Grandeur that the Citizens vyed even with those of Rome, and forbore not contumeliously to treat their Ambassadors, besmearing them with Dirt and Filth, according to the Report of Strabo; insomuch that the Roman Senate highly resenting these Indignities, and having before suspected their growing Power, determined to denounce War against them. Whereupon Lucius Mummius was sent with an Army into Greece, who took Corinth, set it on Fire, and laid it level with the Ground. During which terrible Conflagration, many rich Statues of Copper, Gold and Silver being melted down, produced that most precious Mixture of Metals thence call'd Corinthian Brass. But the City was re-edified and Peopled anew, through the Liberality of Julius Caesar. S. Paul preached and resided there for some time, and afterward wrote his 2 Epistles to the Corinthians. This City in later Times was granted by its Lords to the Venetians, until the Turks, under Mahomet II. took it from them, together with the adjacent Country: But they recovered it out of the Hands of those Infidels, A. D. 1687.

The Isthmus of Corinth, Isthmus Peloponnesiacus & Corinthiacus, is a Neck of Land extended about 6 or 7 miles in breadth, between the Gulph of Lepanto and that of Engia, which joyns the Peninsula of the Morea to the Continent of Achaia. It was anciently famous for the Isthmian Games, first instituted by Theseus, and there celebrated on a Hill, being part of the Mountain Oneius; as also for the Forest of Pine-trees, the Leaves of which served to crown the Conquerors, the Theatre, Stadium, Temple of Neptune and other Monuments of Antiquity, the Ruins of which are as yet to be seen, together with those of the Town, old Walls, Temples, &c. Divers Princes and other great Personages, viz. Alexander the great, Pitias, Demetrius, Julius Caesar, Caligula, Nero and Herodes Atticus, have at different Times attempted to cut a Channel through the Isthmus, and to make a communication between the two Seas, being incited thereto either through a desire to advance Navigation and Commerce, or merely to raise a Monument to their own Fame: However none of them were able to accomplish their Design, whether iterrupted with other more important Affairs, or wearied out with the tediousness of the Work, which gave occasion to the Proverb, Isthmum fodere, against those that presum'd to undertake things beyond their Ability. Moreover, a Wall was built on the same Neck of Land, and call'd Hexamillion, because it reached 6 miles in length, which is the whole breadth of that part of the Isthmus. This Wall was Ruined by Amurath II. But the Venetians caused it to be Rebuilt and Fortified, until it was demolished a second time by Mahomet II. in 1443.