Algiers

Sources from old books

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

Of ARGIER, and the trade thereof.

ARGIER containes onely two Townes of note, Tremesin once the principall of a Kingdome, and Argier the principall now of this Countrey, not found to be very spacious in its selfe, but strong and of late much fortified, inriched not onely by the labour of the Moores banished out of Spaine, but also by the spoyles of many Merchants of all nations, brought thither as the retreat and receptacle of all Turkish and Moorish Pirates, which doe much infest the mediterranean Seas, and of late yeares have found the way out of the Straights of Giblatar into the Canary Ilands, and into sundry other Countries bordering upon the Ocean. In it are accounted eighty thousand soules, the most part of them living by Piracies. Merchandizing is not much in use in this Citie, yet some of the Inhabitants are found to detest this common ill gotten gaine, by piracie and theft, and these are observed to maintaine some trade with other nations alongst the coast. What points necessary thereto according as I noted there in 1619. I shall here set downe: and first their commodities vented thence to forraine parts, are such as followeth.

The commodities this Kingdome affords is, Barbary horses, Estridge feathers, honey, waxe, reisins, figges, dates, oyles, almonds, castile sope, brasse, copper, and some drugges: and lastly, excellent piraticall Rascalls in great quantitie, and poore miserable Christian captives of all Nations too too many, God give them comfort, patience, and release in due time, if it be his blessed will.

Their coines passing currant here in trade is the Double, which is accounted to hold correspondencie in value with the English shilling, or rather two Spanish Rialls single.

Foure doubles is 1 ℞ 〈◊〉, called there an Osian.

Five doubles and 35 aspers is a pistolet of Spaine.

Seaven doubles is accounted a sultany or Chequin, the common peece of gold found currant in all Barbarie.

Fiftie aspers is accounted to make a double; and these are the usuall coines passable in all this coast belonging to this Kingdome.

The 100 li. or Rotolos here is 120 li. English, so that their 84 li. makes 100 li. sutle, and 94 li. or Rotolos is 112 li. English, according to the custome of Valentia in Spaine, from whence it is conceived they have drawne this originall of Waights: they are observed to have two severall maights, the proportion being 10 li. of the small making, 6 li. of the grosse.

But heere sundry commodities are found to be weighed by sundry Cantars, as iron, lead, yarne, and all wools are weighed by a Cantar of 150 Rotolos of the Rotolos above specified.

Reisins, figgs, butter, honey, dates, oyle, soape by the Cantor of 166 Rotolos abovesaid.

Almonds, cheese, cottons by the Cantar of 110 Rotolos.

Brasse, copper, waxe and all druggs by the Cantar of 100 Rotolos.

And Flaxe is weighed by the Cantar to containe 200 Rotolos.

Gold, silver, pearles and jems are weighed by the mitigall, which is worth there 9. doubles, and is 72 gr. English: and the soltany, checquin or hungar weighes 52 gr. English, being accounted equall to Angel gold and worth in England in circa 3 l. 11 shill. per ounce, Troy weight, or thereabouts.

They use in Algier two picos or measures, the Turkish and Morisco, the Morisco pico being the measure of the Countrey, and •…s ¾ of the Turkish, by which is sold all linnen only.

The Turkish pico is divided into 16 parts, and every 〈◊〉 part is called a Robo, and is 131/192 part of an English yard, which with the al•…owance of an ynch according to our custome in England, hath beene found to make 1. ½ picos turkisco and by which all silke stuffes and woollens are sold in this place.

Their dry measure is called a Tarrie, which heaped up, as they use it, is 5 gallons English, and so hath it beene found to produce •…n corne, salt and some such commodities.

They keepe their accompt in doubles and osians, and some in sol•…anies and aspers, the coines of Barbarie, 4 doubles making an ossian, •…nd 50 aspers making a double.

Their customes are heere 10 per cent. as in Tunis, and paid upon the commodity according to the value sold, and permission given to •…and, and if not sold, to be shipt againe free of all dueties (as I said •…efore) in the Kingdome of Tunis. And it is to bee noted, a Ship •…ntring here and anchoring, must either land her sailes or her •…udder for prevention of running away without license, which •…ust bee obtained in Duano, which is the common assembly of •…he Bashaw, who is Commander for the grand Seignior and of the principall Moores of the Kingdome and City, and then paying •…hese duties with licence she is dismissed, viz to the Kaiffa 28 dou•…les, to the Alamine 31 do. to the captaine Anchoredge 15 do. to the Bashaw, 8 do. to his Chiouse 4 do. to his Almin, 8 do. to his Chouse, 4 do. to the Bashaw sorman, 2 do. to the Druggerman, 8 do. to the Sackagie 8 do. to the Consols duety, 42 do. which in all make 162 doubles: And so much shall serve for Argier; now I saile along the Coast, and observe some Maritime Townes of note there seated.

The trade in generall of ARGIER and TVNIS.

THough these two Kingdomes of TVNIS and ARGIER doe afford many faire Townes according to the manner of this Countrey, yet it is not found that the same doth produce many Merchants of quality or of great consideration; This tract of land is found at present to belong to three severall inhabitants, the Moores as propriators, inioy the principall part; and these are found within themselves to acknowledge severall Soveraignes, which not seldome are at variance, sometimes amongst themselves, sometimes with their neighbours, and because of the liberty given here for entertainment and protection to all nations, not onely these Townes doe harbour Levents which wee call Pirates, and they call naturall Turkes, but also Christians of all Countries which hence with robberies infest these adjoyning Mediterranean Seas, and joyning themselves with the abovesaid Levents, make up a dissolute and resolute company of Sea-farers and Pirats; and because these are not sufficient to worke any matters of moment alone to make their strength the greater, and their force the stronger, there is of their owne accord added thereto the Tagarins, a poore, desperate and naked rascality, and the Spanish Moores, or Moorish Spaniards of late yeares banished from the Kingdome of Spaine, who willingly some in purse and some in person vndertake these designes to be revenged of their banishment from their native Countries, their case herein being most miserable; for whilest they lived in Spaine they were accounted for Moores, and now being amongst the Moores are still doubted as Christians.

These last and some others inhabitants of these Cities of Tunis and Argier, doe still professe more civility then the common sort, and have some reliques of that honesty left them which peradventure they brought with them hither out of Europe; and these are onely they that in these Cities professe Merchandizing, and are found to use some trade alongst this coast from one part to another, and so to Marselia and Lighorne, Townes seated on the Christian opposite shore inioying many priviledges and immunities for Merchants of what nation soever.

The Spaniards inhabiting in this coast in sundry good and well fortified Townes, are the second that heere beare sway; the Country for some certain miles in circuit over-awed by their garrisons pay them contribution; and it is supposed that the charges in maintaining these exceeds the gaine yeelded thereby, and heere is but little trade found.

The third sort I account the Genois and the French nations, who upon this coast by permission of the State, doe pay certaine yearely pensions, for admission of trade, and have built themselves Fortresses and Castles for the defence of their estates and persons; and shipping; and these are now found the onely Merchants inhabiting this coast: heere they have their scales for the corrall fishing; for honey, waxe, corne, hides, horses, spunges and many other commodities, which the Countrey men willingly for love of their Spanish plate do bring them in, and heere traffique is made upon good termes and sure guard, buying and selling as they list to inhance or debase the commodities they either buy or sell: by which a great gaine is yearely made unto them.

And this is as much as I conceive necessary in this point of Mercantile traffique in these two Kingdomes and Cities of Tunis and Argier: but there is heere a piraticall Trade also much practised by the people of these two places who set out Vessels in partnerships and shares for to take Prizes or Gonimas as they terme them, which is ever performed by all manner of advantages without faith or promise either kept or regarded, which spoiles have beene so great, and their booties so beneficiall, that the desperate spirits of many of sundry nations have come hither in hope to raise by rapine and theft what else by honest courses they could not elsewhere compasse: their manner of setting forth these Ships is upon a small cost and done with little charge, considering the frugality in dyet used in these Countries, and their division at their returne is commonly allotted, (as I observed in these parts when for some time I abode amongst them) ⅓ for the bodie of the Vessell ⅓ for the Victuallers and setters out, and ⅓ for the Captaine and his company; and this is truely and exactly made in species and kind, for they hardly admit a commodity taken or slaves captivated to be sold at the Market, and the divident to be made in money: but they (as I have often seen) will divide it in kind, as if a bagge of pepper, then by dishfulls, or a peece of cloth or linen, then by proportionall shares, according to their grosse capacity, which custome I understand is since by their better judgement rectified, and Merchants Ships warned by their losses of latter dayes, goe better arm'd, man'd and provided; and seeing their prizes come in thinner, they are more provident in their division, though more venturous in their thefts. Argeer in this kind hath been able to set out neere 300. saile little and great in those times, now not a quarter so many: and Tunes then had 20. in 31. good saile, now it hath not a dozen; so that I may conclude their trade decreaseth and daily diminisheth, which GOD of his goodnes grant it may still doe, to the Merchants comfort and the mariners joy: and thus leaving these two piraticall Kingdomes and Cities, with this Maritime coast, I come in the next place to the famous Kingdomes of FESSE and MOROCCO.

1652. Cosmographie in four bookes by Peter Heylyn.

TREMESEN, or ALGIERS.

THe Kingdom of TREMESEN is bounded on the East with the River Ampsaga, (now called Ma•or) by which parted from the Kingdom of Tunis; on the West with the Kingdoms of Fesse and Morocco, from which separated by the River Malutha or Malva. So called from Tremesen or Teleusine, the chief City of it. Called also the Kingdom of Algiers, from the City so named, sometimes the Seat-royal of their Kings.

In the flourish of the Roman Empire, it had the name of Mauritania Casariensis: Mauritania, because a part of the Kingdom of Juba King of Mauritania, of which more anon; Casariensis, from Casarea the chief City of it, as that so called in honour of Augustus Caesar, on whom the Kings hereof depended. Time made more antiently the Kingdom of the Masaesyli one of the most powerful Nations in all this tract, over whom reigned Syphax before mentioned; called therefore by Strabo, Masaesylilia, with good propriety; and corruptedly, Massylia.

The Kingdom extended in length from East to West, for the space of 380 miles, but of breadth not answerable: Is generally of the same nature (as to the Soil and Air) with the rest of Barbary; sufficiently fruitful towards the Sea, more barren and uncomfortable in the Southern parts. But meanly peopled, by reason of the continual spoils made by the Arabians, who possess the Desarts; and the Cities of it much wasted by continual wars. Nor have the People any peculiar Character, but what belongeth to others of these Africans also.

Places of most importance in it, 1. Guagyda, inconveniently seated, as paying their accustomed tributes to the King of Tremesen, their natural Prince, and contribution to the Arabians, who are here so numerous and powerful, that the Kings themselves of this small kingdom were fain to buy their peace of them at excessive rates. 2. Tigedent, somtimes famous, and abounding with men of learning; now almost forsaken, by reason of the ill neighbourhood of these Arabians. 3. Tebocrit, inhabited for the most part by Weavers. 4. Bresch, the Inhabitants whereof use to paint a black Crosse on their cheek, and another on the palm of their hands: the reason of which custom they are ignorant of, but some conceive it to be a remembrance of their Christianity. 5, Ned-Roma, built as the people do pretend, by the antient Romans, as an Epitome or Abridgment of that mighty City, to which it is said to have some resemblance; and that imported by the name, which signifieth in their language, Like to Rome. Perhaps the same which Ptolomy calleth Novum oppidum or the New-town, then a Roman Colonie. 6. Batha, once a great City, since decaied by wars. 7. Oran, a noted Haven on the Mediterranean, said to contain no sewer then 10000 Families. Powerful at Sea, and much infesting with their Gallies the Coasts of Spain; till taken for Ferdinand the Catholick▪ by Peter of Navar A. 1506 since which time peopled & possessed by the Spaniards: In vain besieged by the Turks, A. 1562. 8. Masalquivir, a fair and capacious Haven on the same Sea also, and taken by the said Peter of Navar, about the same time. 9. Haresgol, in former times of much esteem amongst the Moors; but being destroyed by the King or Sultan of Cairoan, it bequeathed its greatness unto Tremesen, which after grew into renown. 10. Tremesen, once adorned with many beautiful Mosques, and five sumptuous Colleges, curiously wrought with Mosuick work. So populous, that there were reckoned in it 16000 families; and so well fortified, that it held out seven years against Joseph the great King of Fesse: not taken after that, though they were very much weakned by Abulthasen or Albohacen his son, successor, under a siege of 30 moneths. By those, and the succeeding troubles it hath undergone, exceedingly impaired both in strength and beauty. More antient, 11. Siga, an African City, and a Roman Colonie; the retiring place of Syphax and Bocchus, sometimes Kings of this Country. 12. Arsenaria, another Colonie of the Romans. 13. Jol, the seat-royal of king Bocchus, after such time as this country was conferred upon him by the Romans, on the taking of Jugurth: called afterwards Casarea, in honor of Augustus Caesar, whose Feudatories the Kings hereof were then accounted; or as some say, in honor of Claudius Caesar, by whom made a Colonie: the Metropolis of it also when a Roman Province, which from hence was called Caesariensis. Situate in or near the place where Oran now stands, which seemeth to have risen out of the ruines of it. 14. Saldae, a Roman Colonie also, out of whose ruines rose Algiers. 15. Algiers, by the Arabians called Gezeir, now the chief City of this Kingdom, situate near the Sea, in the form of a Triangle, with an Haven to it, but neither great, nor safe from the northwinds, which do much annoy it. The buildings very beautiful; the publike Innes, Bathes, and Mosques, exceeding sumptuous; every Trade having a several place or street by it self. But that which is the greatest grace of it, is the situation of the houses standing in even streets one above another upon the rising of a steep Hill; so that the windows of one street or row of housing do all along overlook the tops of the other next beneath, which yieldeth to the Sea a most pleasant prospect. A City not so large, as strong; and not so strong, as famous. Famous for being the receptacle and retrait-place of the Turkish Pirats, who domineer so infinitely over the Mediterranean, to the great damage of the Merchants of all Nations, that frequent those seas. Famous also for the shipwrack which Charles the fifth here suffered, who besieging this Town, lost in the haven of it at one tempest, besides an infinite number of Karvels and small Boats, divers strong Gallies, 140 ships, a great many excellent peeces of Ordinance; such a number of gallant Horses, that in Spain the race of horses for service had like to have been lost for ever; and above half his men. It long enjoyed the benefit of proprietary princes, (but Homagers or Tributaries to the Kings of Tremesen) till such time as Selimes and Mahomet faling out, made the first, and that an irreparable breach in the Government. For Selimes, to strengthen his side, implored the aid of Hairaccius Barbarossa, a noble Pirate; who taking his best advantage, slew the disjointed Brethren, and setled himself in the kingdom: which he had scarce made warm, when he left it to Hairadine Barbarossa his brother, An. 1514: This Hairadine drove the Spaniards out of Bugia, and was so renowned for Martial prowesse, that Solyman the magnificent made him Lord High-Admiral of his Fleet: which office, when to the prejudice of Christendome he had fortunately and for long time undergone; he died lamented, and made the Turk the heir of his kingdom; the kingdom of Tremesen being made subject to the Turks much about that time. 16. Tetuan, and 17. Sargel, situate Westward of Algiers; Towns of Trade and Pyracie.

The old Inhabitants of this Kingdom, when a Roman Province, were the Herpiditani, Taladusii, Thalesssii, Malchubii, Maccurebi, Chituae, and others of as little note; the most predominant Nation being the Masasyli, over whom (and in that over all the rest) reigned Syphax, spoken of before; unfortunately famous for his tragical love to Sophonisba; for whose sake siding with the Carthaginians against the Romans, he was vanquished and sent prisoner to Rome. His kingdom given to Masinissa King of the Numidians, continued in his line till the death of Jugurth; and then bestowed upon the Kings of Mauritania, part of whose kingdom it was reckoned in the following times, till made a Province of the Empire by the Emperor Clandius. Won from the Romans by the Vandals, and then by the Saracens, it followed the fortunes of these last, while they stood and flourished: But growing into many distractions, and every Sultan or Provincial Governour shifting for himself, it became a Kingdom, under the stile and title of the kingdom of Tremesen. The majesty of it much impaired by Abulthasen or Albohacen king of Fesse, who brought it, not long after, under his command. Recovering after some short time its former liberty, it became a Kingdom once again, and so continued till the time of Abuchemen; who incurring the hatred of his people, because by his supine neglect the Spaniards had surprised and taken Oran and Masalquivir, their two best Havens, made an easie passage for his brother Abuzeiden to the Regal diadem. Abuzeiden scarce well setled, lost it to Hairadine Barbarossa, An. 1515. He to Charles the fifth, by whom Abuchemen was restored, becoming Homager and Tributary to the Crown of Spain. But his successor Abdulla, weary of the Spanish servitude, put himself under the protection of Solyman the magnificent, as a Prince of his own Religion; to whom at his decease he left the possession of his Kingdom also; ever since subject to the Turks; whose Beglerbeg or Supreme Officer for these African Provinces, resides for the most part in Algiers, and hath 40000 Timariots under his command.

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

THe Kingdom of ALGIER is at present the most famous, or rather the most infamous on the whole Coast of Barbary: As well for its Riches and Forces, as for those Pyracies it exercises towards the Christians, and the barbarousness it useth towards its Captives.

Its name is taken from the principal City, seated in the midst of its Coast on the Mediterranean Sea; towards the West, it is separated from the Kingdom of Fez, by the Rivers of Zhas and Mulvia; towards the East, divided from that of Tunis, by the Guad-il-Barbar. The Northern Coast is washed by the Mediterranean Sea; the South confined by the Mountains of Atlas, which divide it from Segelmesse, Tegorarin, and Zeb, parts of Billedulgered. Its length from West to East, is near 300 Leagues, its breadth 50, 60, or 75 Leagues.

We will divide it into five parts, of which that of Algier shall make the middle one; Telensin and Tenes shall be on the west; Bugia and Constantina on the East. The Turks (as Grammajus saith) hath established 20 Governments, whereof 10 are on the Coast, and 10 others within Land. On the Coast there are 5 West ward of Algier, and 5 Eastward of Algier. Sargel, Tenes, Marsalquibir, Hunain, and Haresgol, advance towards the West: Algier, Bugia, Gigell, Constantina, and Bona, towards the East. Of the 10 Governments which are within Land, Grammajus places 6 in the Mountains of Telensin, or Benrasid, Tenes, Algier, Bugia, Constantina, and Bona. These names of Mountains being taken from Cities, neighboring on them, and almost all on the Coast. The 4 Governments remaining are, Steffa, Necab or Necaus, Mezella or Mesila, and Mastin, which are the names of their chief places.

But Grammajus not contenting himself with this division within Land, makes yet other 10; of which, 4 he calls Kingdoms, and which are only Tributary. Huerguela or Guergela, Cuco, Tricarta or Techcort, and Labes. 2 Provinces, Benirasid, and Tebesse. 2 Dynasties or Signiories, Meliana, and Angat: And likewise 2 Kingdoms subject, Telensin and Tenes. Of these 10 pieces, Telensin, Angat, Benirori, Tenes and Meliana, are towards the West; Coco, Labes and Tebesse, towards the East; Guerguela and Techcort, far towards the South.

These 2 last are so engaged in Billedulgerid, that I cannot well describe them with the Kingdom of Algier, though they be Tributary to it. And the Governments or Provinces within Land, are so near, and sometimes so engaged with those of the Coast, that I will not change the order I have taken to consider this Kingdom in 5 principal parts; in each part observing the Governments, Provinces and Kingdoms therein. Hunain, Haresgol and Marsalquibir, on the Coast; Telensin, Hanghad and Benirafi, within Land, shall compass the quarter of Telensin. Tenes and Sarsell, on the Coast, and Meliana, within Land, shall be the quarter of Tenes. Algier on the Coast, and Cuco, within Land, that of Algier. Bugia and Gilgili, on the Coast, Stefe, Labes, Necaus and Mesila, withing Land, that of Bugia. Bona on the Coast, Constantina and Thebesse, within Land, that of Constantine.

The City of Telensin, which those of the Country now call Tremecen and Tilmisan, hath once been chief of a Kingdom of the same name; of which, the Provinces of Telensin, Tenes, Algier and Bugia, were the parts. The City is not above seven or eight Leagues distant from the Sea: It hath been one of the greatest and fairest of all Barbary. This may appear in that there remains but eight Mosques of consideration, it having had 250; but four Bania's of 160; but two Inns for the Franks, and four for the Moors of 34; but six Hospitals of thirty or forty. It had 16000 Houses about the year 1000, 20000 about the year 1200, 25000 in the year 1550, and the Jews had ten great Synagogues. The divers changes which it suffered, and the rude treatment which they received from the Turks, hath made many of its Inhabitants retire into Fez, and some other where, which hath reduced it low. That which remains, is magnificent, its Houses better built, its Streets more large and spacious, its Gardens more embellished: Its People more civil, and its Merchants of better credit then those of Algier. It hath a Cittadel built after the Modern Fortifications.

2. Humain, which others call Humanbar and Ʋnhaim, is the ancient Artifiga. Its Port is not great, but good; its Land hath much Figs, Oranges, Citrons, Pomgranates and Cotton; of which, the Inhabitants make divers Manufactures. In 1535 this place was ruined by the Castilians, and not restored till long after.

3. Haresgol is the ancient Siga, a Roman Colony, the residence of Syphax, (sometimes King of this Country) before he seised the Estates of Massanassa: Its scituation is on a Rock, whose foot is washed by the Sea, and hath no communication with the firm Land, but on the South side. This City hath been much greater then it is; the takings and retakings which it suffered by the Kings of Fiz, by the Califfs, by the Moors, by the Castilians, and by the Arabs reduced to the estate it is at present under the Kings of Algier, who kept a Garrison in its Castle.

4. Oran and Marsa-el-Quibir, which belongs to the Marquisate of Oran, are in the hands of the Catholick King. Oran which the Africans call Tuharan, the Arab of Nubia, Vaharan, is the Cuisa of the ancients; and Marsa-el-Quibir, there Portus Magnus, since this name signifies, the great Port. This was taken by the Marquess of Comares, in the year 1505; the other by the Cardinal Ximenes, in the year 1509. At the taking of this last, the Castilians lost only 30 men, killed 4000 Moors, and delivered 20000 Christian Captives. This City of Oran before it was taken, had above 6000 Houses, abundance of Temples, Hospitals, Canes, Bania's, &c. and had sometimes been the residence of the Catholick Kings: The Venetians, Genouese, Catalonians, &c. having here so great a Trade, that its riches and power inclined its Inhabitants to deny Tribute to the Kings of Telensin, and to make some incursions on the Coast of Spain, which was the cause of their loss. At present it is a Suffragan Bishoprick to the Archbishoprick of Toledo; it hath some Convents and Hospitals, among others one very rich. It is strongly seated on the Mediterranean Shore, powerfull at Sea in their Gallies, and is a place of some Trade, affording most of the Commodities the Country produceth.

5. Masalquibir hath one of the fairest, greatest and most secure Ports that is in all Africa. The Government or Marquisate of Oran comprehends likewise some Castles and Mountains, where there are good Garrisons which keep the Neighborhood in jealousie. Mazagran with its Castle on the Coast, is in the hands of the Moors.

The Quarter of ANGHAD or RANGƲAD, though for the most part desart, yet hath some fertile places, where are the Cities G••gida, and others. Guagida hath yet about 3000 Families, its Land fruitful in Grains, and watred with many Rivers. The Desart is possessed by the Arabs, and amongst them many Lions, Wild-Boars, Stags, and above all Ostriches, in hunting of which, the Arabs often exercise themselves, making profit of their Feathers, eating their Flesh, and currying their Skins to carry their Baggage in. They keep the heart to make use of in Charms or Witcherasts, the Fat to mix in their Medicaments, and the Nails or the Horn to make Pendants for the Ears, to deck themselves with, when they utter the other parts.

BENI-RASID or BENIRAXID, hath some Plains towards the North, many Mountains toward the South, is fruitful almost every where, and hath three or four places of some consideration in these Mountains.

1. Beni-Arax, of Old Bunebora, is not walled, it contains more then 2000 Inhabitants.
2. Calaa or Calat-Haoara, of Old Ʋrbara, between two Mountains, is strong.
3. Moascar, of Old Victoria, hath a Castle where the Governor of the Countrey resides.
4. Batha, of Old Vaga, on the River Mina, having been ruined by the Inhabitants of the Mountain of Guanseris, some Morabut out of their opinion of his sanctity, restored it in Anno 1520. And
5. Medua.

The Province of TENES is between that of Telensin and Algier, to whose Kings it hath been subject sometimes to one, and sometimes to others, and sometimes it self hath born the Title of a Kingdom. Its principal places on the Sea are, Tenesa and Sargel; within Land, Meliana.

1. Tenesa, part on the side of a Hill, and part on a Plain descending to the Sea; hath a Castle and a Palace, formerly the abode of its Kings or Lords, now of its Governours: Its Inhabitants are addicted to Traffick. The Country, both in the Mountains and Plains, yields them Grains, Fruits, Hides, Wax, Hony, and some other Commodities.
2. Brischa: and
3. Sersela, East of Tennesa, and between Tennes and Algier, have many Roman Antiquities. The first is the ancient Icosima, the other is Rusubricari. This hath suffered divers Ruins; the Moors driven from Granada rebuilt it, and enriched it with their Piracies, with their Silks and Fruits. The Inhabitants both of the one and the other, are for the most part Weavers.
4. Meliane, or Malliana, is on a Mountain, where yet the most part of the Houses have their Fountains and Wall-nut Trees.
5. Mezume, is adorned with a Castle, a Palace, and a fair Temple.
6. Teguident hath a large circuit, which had been empty, had not sometime since a Marabut repeopled it.

These two places are by some esteemed in the Quarter of Telensin. Among the Mountains Beni-Abucaid, is near to and of the appurtenances of Tennes. Guanseris can set forth 2 or 3000 Horse, and 15 or 16000 Foot.

The Quarter of ALGIER comprehends likewise that of Couco, in the Mountains of Eguiel-Vandaluz alias Couco, and Tubusuplus, which is the principal place, built on the top of a Rock, craggy on all sides. It may contain about 1600 Houses: the Kings or Lords of the Country reside here, and have oft disputed their liberty with the Kings of Algier. These Mountains are two or three days Journey long, and their approaches very difficult: They yield Olives, Grapes, and especially Figs, of which the King makes his principal Revenue; Cattle, Iron, Saltpeter; and the Plains afford Corn, and every where Spring of Running-water. The People are Bereberes and Azuages, well armed and couragious. The Metropolis of the Kingdom is ALGIER, at present the most famous place of all the Coast of Barbary, either for its Riches and Power, or for the extent of its Estates. It is seated on the declension of a Mountain in form of a Triangle, so that from the Sea all its Houses appear one on the top of another, which renders a most pleasant prospect to the Sea. Its circuit is not above 3400 Geometrical paces, fortified with some ill-disposed Bastions; but the Island, which was before it, is joyned to the City some years past; where is built a Pentagone, the better to secure the Port and Island, and keep it from being fired, as in 1596, 1606, &c. It is a City not so large as strong, and not so strong as famous: Famous for being the receptacle of the Turkish Pirates, who so much domineer over the Mediterranean Sea, which too often proves to the great damage of all Merchants who frequent those Seas. This City hath at present 12 or 15000 Houses; it had not when J. Leon of Africa wrote above 4000. The Streets are but narrow, but the Houses fair and well built, yet one which runs along the Sea is fair and large; they count 100 Mosques, whereof 7 are very sumptuous; 5 Houses or Lodgings of Janizaries, capable to hold each of them 600 Men; 62 Bania's, of which two are very beautiful; 100 Oratories of Turkish Hermits, and almost as many publick Schools. Out of the City are many Tombs of Turks, Moors, and Jews; the burying place of the Christians is without ornament. Among these Tombs is remarkable that of Cave, Daughter of Julian, Earl of Baethica, who having been ravished by Roderic King of the Goths, was the cause of the Moors descent into Spain. It hath almost no more Suburbs, the City being encompassed with many Hillocks and rising Grounds, whose sides and Vallies are covered with 12 or 15000 fair Gardens, abounding with store of pleasant Fruits, with their Fountains and other places of delight. Beyond these Hills is the Plain of Moteja, 15 or 16 Leagues long, and 8 or 10 broad, very fruitful in Grains. This place is famous for the Shipwreck which Charles the Fifth here suffered, who besieging this Town, lost in its Haven at one Tempest (as Heylin noteth,) besides a great number of Karvels and small Boats, divers strong Gallies, 140 Ships, a great many Pieces of Ordnance, about half his Men, and such great quantity of gallant Horses, that in Spain they had almost like to have lost their race of good and serviceable Horses.

The Cities,

1. Temeudfusta, about 7 or 8 Leagues from Algier, with a good Port: and,
2. Teddeles, 18 or 20 are the best places of the Coast: the first answers to the ancient Jomnium Municipium, the other to Rusipisir; likewise Municipium.
3. El Col de Mudejares, of old, Tigisi, is newly repeopled by the Morisque Mudejares of Castile and Andalusia; and the Tagartins, which were of Valentia: It is 8 or 10 Leagues from Algier, beyond the River Selef, which they here call the River of Saffran.
4. Gezaira, a City seated on the Sea-shoar.
5. Mensora: And
6. Garbellum, both Sea Towns.

The Air about Algier is pleasant and temperate: The Land hath excellent Fruits, as Almonds, Dates, Oils, Raisins, Figs, some Drugs, &c. The Plain of Moteiia is so fertil, that sometimes it yields 100 for one, and bears twice a year good Grains. In the most Desart Mountains are found Mines of Gold, Silver, Iron, quantity of fierce Beasts. The Country affords excellent Barbary Horses, also Estridge Feathers, Wax, Hony, Castile Soap, &c. Besides they have good quantities of most Commodities, which by reason of their Piracy they take from other Nations, to the great inriching of the place, most of the Inhabitants living by it, setting out Vessels in Partnership and sharing the Gains, selling the Commodities and the Men they take as Slaves in open Markers. The Natives of Algier are fairer, and not so brown as the Moors; but the City is filled with all sorts of Nations. The Janizaries make the greatest part of the Militia: The Turks have the chief Trade, who are found to transport several Commodities to other Countries; but there are many of the Moors driven from Spain, and others who have retired themselves from the Mountains; many Arbas, Jewish, and Christian Slaves. The number of the Inhabitants of this City cannot be esteemed by the 12 or 15000 Houses it contains; for there are some Houses where are found 100, 200, or 300 Persons; the Christian Slaves only amount to about 30 or 40000 within and about the City; and there are no less than 6000 Families of Renegadoes. But the Right Honourable the Earl of Sandwich, late General of the English Fleet, by order from King Charles the Second, put out to Sea with a Fleet of Ships, scoured those Seas, forced them to deliver up all the Slaves, who were Subjects in any of the Kings Dominions, as well as Englishmen, and brought them to very honourable terms: By which they are not to seize or stop any English Ship, but give them free liberty of Trading where they please; and the like Peace is made with Tunis, and other of the Turks Territories: But these perfidious People soon violated it.

The Province of BƲGIA is between the Rivers Major and Sefegmar. This on the East, that on the West. On the Coast are two principal places, Bugia and Ghegel; in the Land are Steffa, Labes, Necaus, and Messila, in some consideration.

1. Bugia is a great City, its circuit capable of 20000 Houses, but hath not above 8000; but that which is uninhabited is Mountainous and inconvenient: It was built by the Romans on the side of a lofty Mountain, which regards the Sea; now the chief City of this Province. Its Streets and Houses are in good order; it is adorned with many sumptuous Mosques, some Monasteries and Colledges for Students in the Law of Mahomet, and many fair Hospitals for the relief of the Poor: Its Castle is good and strong, seated on the River Guad al Quibir, that is, Great River.
2. Ghegel, formerly famous, is now only a Borough of 500 ill-built Houses. Its Castle is very good; its Land hath little Corn, store of Hemp, Figs and Nuts. They hold this place to have been the beginning of the fortune of Barbarossa.
3. Labez makes a separate Estate above Bugia, and consists only in Mountains of so difficult access, that the Kings of Algier, and the Turks, can scarce force them to pay Tribute. The chief Fortress of these Mountains, and the residence of their King or Xeque, is Calaa. The others are,
4. Coco de Teleta;
5. Tezli, at the foot of the Mountain. These Mountains have little Corn or Fruit; they can raise 5000 Horse, 5000 Harquebusiers, and 20000 Men, armed after their mode; all valiant, and better defenders of their liberty than those of Couco.
6. Necaus.
7. Mesila, are beyond the Abez, but near the same River. Necaus is the most pleasant place of all Barbary: It hath something of particular in its publick Buildings, every House hath its Garden so embellished with Flowers, Vines, Fruits, and Fountains, that it seems a Terrestrial Paradise.
8. Chollum.
9. Gergelum, &c.

The Province of CONSTANTINA hath sometime had its Kings. This is the New Numidia, of the Ancients the most Occidental part of the True Africa, and which touches on Mauritania to the West, the River Sugefmar making the separation. This Province comprehends three quarters, of which that of Constantina extends to the Sea, and a good way in the Land; that of Bona likewise on the Sea, but little on land; that of Tebessa is farther in the Land, touching on Billedulgerid.

1. Tebessa, formerly Thebeste, surpasses (as they say) all other Cities of Barbary in three things: In the force of its Walls, beauty of its Fountains, and great number of its Wall-nut Trees. In counter-change its Inhabitants are brutish, its Houses ill built, and its Air unwholsom.
2. Bona, of old Hippo Regnis; ill inhabited at present, part of its Inhabitants being retired into the Mountains: hath been famous to Antiquity for its greatness, but much more for its Bishop St. Augustine, so famed among the Doctors of the Church. It hath suffered great changes under the Romans, Vandals, Moors, and afterwards under Barbarossa.
3. Tabarca, a City and Isle is of this Government, likewise the Hills and Mountains of Bona, where are gathered much Fruits of Jujubes, Grains, and store of Cattle; and the Coast hath red, white, and black Corral, which the French near to Bona, and the Genouese near to Tabarca, go to fish for. The Family of the Lomolins in Genoua having a Fortress in the Isle of Tabarca, the French a Bastion between Tabarca and the Point of Mascara; the one and the other for the security of their Fishing and Commerce.
4. Constantina, which the Moors called Cusuntina, the Ancients Cirta Julia, is a great City, not having less than 8000 Houses. Its scituation on a Mountain, which hath but two Advenues, the rest being Precipice, makes it strong. The River Sufegmar washes the foot of the Mountain; its Castle stands to the North, Collo and Sucaicada (on the Coast) are under the Government of Constantina, likewise the Mountains which extend themselves to the Mediterranean Sea, and to the confines of Bona. The Country about Constantina is fertil, its Mountains tilled. Collo hath its Inhabitants more civil than those of Constantina, those having no trade but with those of Billedulgerid, the others with those of Europe. The Inhabitants of the Mountains can raise about 40000 Men, and maintain themselves almost in liberty, both against the Kings of Algier and the Arabs.
5. Cirta, in the Roman History, was the residence of many Kings of Numidia; among others of Massinissa, afterward of Syphax, who drove Massinissa from his Estates, and settled himself at Cirta with his Wife Sophonisba, who had been promised to Massinissa. This Woman a little after having perswaded Syphax to favour Carthage, of which she was against the Romans; drew their Arms into his Estate, where Scipio defeated and took Syphax Prisoner, Massinissa besieged, and took Cirta where Sophonisba was; who had so many attractions, and so much cunning, that in the same day she beheld her self Captive and Wife to Massinissa: But she killed her self soon after, that she might not fall into the Romans hands, and be led in Triumph through Rome.
6. Stora: and,
7. Mabra, both Maritim Towns.

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

The Kingdom of ALGIERS. Regnum Algerianum, aut Mauritania Caesariensis.

THe Kingdom of Algiers, which takes its name from the chief City of it, lies between the Kingdoms of Tunis and Fez, along the Sea Coasts of the Mediterranean. The extent of it from East to West is 240 leagues, and from South to North 70 in the largest places. It is very full of Mountains, especially in the Southern parts of it, where it is bounded with Mount Atlas.

The Air is so temperate, that the heat of the Summer doth not dry the leaves of the Trees, nor the Winter make them fall. The greatest part of the Countries of this Kingdom are dry and barren. On the North of Tremesen near the Mediterranean the Soil is very fruitful in pastures. The Mountains on the West of Tenes, Bugie, and Algiers, produce abundance of Corn, Meadows, and Fruits, especially in the Valleys. In the Desarts are Lyons, Ostriches, Wild-Boars, Porcupines, Deer, Camelions, Hedg-Hogs, Apes, and all sorts of Venison. This Kingdom hath but few Cities and those not well peopled, except Algiers.

In this Kingdom we meet with divers Nations, Turks, Janisaries, whose poverty or hopes of raising their Fortunes, hath brought thither from the Levan; Azuagues, who come from the Mountains of Couco and Labez; many Jews, and Moors, who have been banished out of Spain; Grenadins, Andalusians, and Tagacins, who have been driven out of Arragon and Catalonia; and a great number of Slaves, which the Pyrates bring from Sea. Here are also Larbrusses, which are Arabians, living by the Rivers and in the Desarts in great numbers, who labour to maintain their Liberty against the Algierines. They are very valiant, and dwell in the Province of Tremesen. These Arabians rule over the Bereberes, who are the Inhabitants of the Mountains, and Natives of the Country.

The most remarkable Rivers are the Ziz, whose Waters are very clear and full of Fish; it runs cross the Desart of Angued upon the Borders of the Kingdom of Fez, and discharges itself in the Mediterranean, having received Hued Habra into it. 2. Tesne, or Siga, now called Haretgol, rises out of Mount Atlas, passes thro the Desarts of Angued, and falls into the Sea about 5 leagues from Oran. 3. Mina, or Chytimath, crosses the plains of Barthaba, and empties itself into the Sea near the City of Arzeo. 4. Zilif, rises out of Mount Guanccexis, and crossing the Desart plains, runs into the Sea on the East side of Mostogon, upon the confines of Tremesen. On the Banks of this River dwell certain Arabians, very rich and valiant. 5. Celef, or Cinalaf, near the Sea called Safran, empties itself into the Sea 3 or 4 leagues from Algiers. 6. Soffage, or Ceffage, or Save, waters the Country of Matigia, and falls into the Sea on the East of Algiers, near the Cape of Metasus. 7. The two Brooks of Hued-el-Harrar, and Hued-el-Hamith have a full current in Summer, but little or no stream in Winter. They run into the Sea between Algiers and Ceffay. 8. Hued-Icer, or Serbere, springs out of Mount Atlas, and falls into the Sea on the East of Metafuz. 9. Hued-el-quiver, or Zinganor, or Nazabats, rises out of Mount Atlas near Zeb, and mingles with the Sea near Bugie, 10. Suf-gemar, or Ampsago, rises at the foot of Mount Auras in the Province of Bugie, passes near Constantina, receives the River Marzoc, and then pours itself into the Sea. 11. Yedoch, or Ladoch, springs from Mount Atlas, near Constantina, and runs into the Sea on the East of Bone. All these Rivers of Algiers run from South to North.

The Kingdom and City of Algiers are govern'd as the former, in the form of a Commonwelth, under the Protection of the Grand Seignior, but the Souldiery is most absolute. The Bassa is Vice-Roy in appearance, but the Government is subject to the Militia. The Bassa himself is not allowed to go into the Divan, unless he be called and invited by the Council. The Council of State is made up of the Officers of the Janizaries. The Aga of the Janizaries is president of it. The Turks at this day divide the Kingdom into 18 Provinces, as they appear in the following Table.

The Kingdom of Algiers hath 18 Provinces from East to West.

• 1. The Province of Bone,
  • Bone, or Hippone.
  • ...Bedernac.
  • Mele, or Mile.
  • ...Tabarca.
  • ...Bastion of France.
• 2. The Province of Constantine,
  • Constantine, or Cirta of Numidia.
  • Chollo, or Culla, now Ascol.
  • ...Succaida.
• 3. The Province of Gigeri, or Gigel,
  • ...Gigeri.
• 4. The Province of Bugie,
  • Bugie, or Bigeya.
  • Micile, or Mesile.
  • Stefe, or Dissefe, or Tezzeza.
  • Necaux, or Vaga.
• 5. The Province of Algiers,
  • ...Algiers.
  • ...Metafuz.
  • ...Teddelez.
  • ...Sasa.
  • ...Le Col de Medujare.
• 6. The Province of Sargel,
  • Sargel, or Canuceis.
  • Blescar, or Bersac.
• 7. The Province of Mostogan,
  • ...Mostogan,
  • ...Masagran,
    • Ports.
• 8. The Province of Horan, a Marquisate,
  • Horan, or Auran, or Guisa, or Buisa.
• 9. The Province of Haresgol.
  • ...Haresgol.
• 10. The Province of Humanhar,
  • Humanhar, Hunaim, or Siga.
  • Tebecrit, or Thudaca.
  • Ned-Roma, or New-Rome.
• 11. The Province of Tebessa,
  • Tebessa, or Thabuna.
• 12. The Province of Tenez,
  • Tenez, or Lagantum, or Tripasa.
  • Meduca, or Mac•
• 13. The Province of Labez,
  • Tessi, Calaa, Bors, three Fortresses.
• 14. The Province of Couco, or Cinaba,
  • Couco, a Fort.
• 15. The Province of Miliane,
  • Miliane, or Magnane, and Manliane.
  • ...Mezane, Tassare.

• 16. The Province of Beni-Araxid.
  • ...Beni-Arar.
  • Calaa, or Atoa.
  • ...Aelmo-hascar.
  • Batha, or Bunhora.
• 17. The Province of Angad-Aben, or Angued,
  • ...Guagida,
  • ...Lanigare.
  • ...Tensegts.
• 18. The Province of Tremesen, or Telensin,
  • Tremesen, or Telensin, Hubet, Tefezare, Tezela.

Bone, Hippone, and Hippo-regius, in the 33 D. of Latitude, and 23 D. 30 min. of Longitude, near the Mediterranean Sea, was the Country of S. Austin. The Soil is fruitful in Corn, Jujubes, Figs, Melons, Apples, Pears, and other Fruits, in good pastures, which are filled with Oxen, Cows, and Sheep. The Vandals and Sarazens have taken it so often, that there is but little of the antient splendor to be seen in it.

The City of Constantine, Cirta, Tiburnica, and Constantina, is on the East of Bone, and on the South of a Mountain near the River Sufigemar, with a Cittadel on the North side; it hath about 1000 Houses.

Gigeri, Igilgili, is a great Town near the Sea with a Castle, which commands all the Country about it between Algier, and Bugie, in the 33 D. 30 min. Latitude, and 27 D. of Longitude. The Soil yeilds Barley, Flax, and Hemp.

Bugie is situated near the Sea upon the side of a Mountain on the East of Algiers. It hath fair Streets, several Mosques, Colleges, Cloisters, Inns, Taverns, Hospitals, a good Market, and a strong Cittadel. The Soil is not good for Corn, but bears excellent Fruits. The Mountains yield plenty of Barley, some Bread-corn, Flax, Hemp, a great number of Horses, Oxen, Goats; and the Forrests are full of Leopards, Monkeys, and Venison.

Algier, Rusuculum Algercum, stands upon the Sea-shore in the 33 D. of Latitude, and 24 D. 40 min. Longitude. This City is governed in the form of a Commonwealth, as Tunis and Tripoli, under the protection of the Grand Seignior: It is the retreat of the greatest Pyrates of Barbary. The famous Pyrate Barbarossa made it very formidable. It is 4 square, built on the side of a Hill, in the form of a Theatre; the Walls are 12 foot thick, and 30 or 40 in height in some places, they are flanked with 4 square Towers, fortified with several Castles, and a great Ditch. The Soil of this Province is very plentiful in Fruits, the plain of Metigie brings forth 2 or 3 Crops of Barley, Oats, Bread-Corn, and several other grains every year. It also affords all sorts of Venison, Melons of an admirable Taste, of which some are ripe in Summer, others in Winter, bunches of Grapes a cubit long. In the Forrests are an abundance of Leopards, Tygers, Wild Boars, Hedg-Hogs, Oxen, Partridge. They have plenty of Fish, Fowl, and Venison.