Tunis

Sources from old books

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

Of TUNES and the Trade thereof.

The Kingdome of Tunes containes sundry Cities of trade, the principall being the citie of Tunes it selfe, then Bona, Biserta, Tripolis, and Africa, and here was seated that famous Citie of Carthage, who contended with Rome for the mastery of all the world, and challenged the prioritie in Africa as queene and supreame Lady thereof, now onely seene in her ruines, and knowne by her vast extent, and from whose ashes sprung up Tunes the abovesaid, seated upon a Lake six myles distant from the Sea; the Port commanded by the Fort of Golletta, and at this day acknowledging the great Turke for their Protectour, who every three yeares doth send hither a Bashaw to command; but the chiefe rule appertaines to the Die or Governour, chosen and elected by the natives of this Kingdome. This Kingdome is much bettered and inriched by the labour of those Moores which by thousands were banished from Spaine, who have here built many Cities, and Temples, according to their superstitious use, planted Vines, Oranges, Lemons, Figges, Dates, Almonds and Olives, and thereby have both much peopled and profited this whole Countrey; and where in Anno 1619. and 1620. in two severall voyages, at my residents there I observed in trade these things.

Their coines used in trade is here commonly most currant the Spanish both silver and gold; the Riall of ½ Spanish is accounted 46 aspers, the ℞. of 4/4 23 aspers, the ¼ 11½, and the Pistolet of Spaine commonly by them termed the scudo, is 64 aspers, but these rise and fall according to the plentie and scarsitie thereof: silver coines of their owne I have not observed any stamped amongst them, save the asper spoken of before, eighty whereof makes a sultany, chicquin, or hangar duccat, which is the common peece of gold knowne passable through all Africa & Asia, and through all the Dominions of the Grand Signeor: and these coines passe thus currant in Tripolis, Barbaria, in Africa, Vna, Biserta, and other maritime parts alongst the coast.

Their common waight is a cantar, or 100 li. being about two pound bigger than our 112 li. of England, so that their pound waight hath been found to make neere 16 ounces Troy, and produceth in Lighorne the common scale of passage from Christendome 150 li.

This cantar cont. 100 Rotolos or li. each Rotolo is divided into 16 ounces, and each ounce into eight tamins, and hereby is waighed all sorts of commodities, except silver, gold, pearle, &c. which are waighed by a carrot waight and mitigals, as I shall shew in another place more convenient.

Their common measure of length is a pico cont. 27 inches English, by which all silkes and woolen are measured, and called the pico turkisco, but the Morisco pico, is an inch lesse and q^t 26 inches, by which all Linnens is onely sold, and no other commoditie.

Their liquid measure is a Mettor, which in oyles makes about 32 li. English, and accounting 7½ li. to a gallon is foure gallons and 2 li. by which is sold honey, wines, and such like liquid commodities.

Their accounts by Merchants are kept by dollers and aspers, and by some in sultanies and aspers, as being the proper coines and species of that kingdome.

The commodities of this Kingdome, are excellent horses, waxe, honey, raw and salted hides, corrall taken up at Bona on the coast where the Genoes and Marselians have built them forts and scales for trade and commerce with the Inhabitants, to this purpose spunges, dates, almonds, rice, oyle, hard soape, Christian captives of all kinds and Nations.

The customes paid usually is ten per cent. upon all commodities entring, fo•… so much onely as is landed and sold, accounted upon the reall value sold, and what is not sold may be at all times shipt without payment of any custome or dutie whatsoever: a Broaker being appointed by the Dye of the Citie to attend the Merchants actions, who keepeth a register of the sales made, according to which the said ten per centum is paid by the Merchant seller. The Citie of Tripoly distinguished of Barbarie is found upon this coast, and to agree with Tunes in waights, measures, and coines: and thus much shall serve to have said of Tunes in Numidia.

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.

THe Kingdom of TVNIS (in Latine called Regnum Tunctanum) hath on the East Cyrene, on the West the Kingdom of Algeirs or Tremesin, on the North the Mediterranean, on the South Mount Atlas. So called from Tunis the chief City of it.

The Country towards the East barren and destitute of water; but in the Western parts sufficiently plentiful of Corn and other fruits, and generally well set with Trees. The people more patient of labour then the rest of Barbary, and for that cause perhaps more healthy; but questionlesse of so good constitution, that they live commonly to great Age, unlesse a violent death prevent them; and are not much afraid of sickness, or much troubled with it.

It contains in it the two whole Provinces of Africa Propria (or Africa Minor, as some call it) and the Numidia of the Romans, called since Numidia Antiqua, to difference it from the present Numidia, lying on the other side of Mount Atlas. The principal Mountains of which Countries, besides those spoken of already, were 1 Audas, 2 Buzara, 3 Cinna, 4 Dios, or the Hils of Jupiter, 5 Gillius, by some named Gigion, and 6 those called Thizibi. Rivers of most esteem with them, though not much with others, besides those mentioned before, 1 Ampsaga, now called Collo, and by some Sat Gemar, which divideth this Kingdom from that of Tremesen; 2 Catuda; 3 Cyniphus, issuing from the hils called Zuchabarus, and falling into the Sea not far from Tripolis. Besides which there were some great Lakes; the chief whereof, 1 Hipponites near Mount Cinna; 2 the Lake of Pallas, or that called Palus Tritonia, where Minerva was said to have shewed herself the Inventress of Spining and of Oyle, and for that much worshipped by this People; 3 Sylura, another great Lake, but not so famous as the former, because not honoured by a Goddesse.

The whole divided by the Romans into these four parts, viz. 1. Africa specially so called, lying on the Sea, from the River Ampsaga to the Lesser Syrtis; 2. Tripolitana, from the Lesser Syrtis to the Greater; 3. Numidia, lying on the West of Zeugitana, or Africa Propria; and 4. Byzacena, so called from Byzacium, or Byzacina, a chief City of it; the territory whereof so extremely fruitful, that 400 Ears of corn were sent to Rome in the time of Augustus, and 360 in the time of Domitius Nero, growing on one stalk. But this Division being long since worn out of memory, it is divided at the present into the Provinces of, 1. Ezzab, 2. Tripolis, 3. Tunis, 4 Constantina, 5. Bugia. 1. EZZAB is that part of this Kingdom which lieth next to Cyrene: A small Region, and not very fruitful; yet the Inhabitants hereof are conceived to be rich, (the richer, in regard they are free from tributes) their wealth not rising from the commodities of their own Country, which affordeth them little else besides Dates and Olives; but from such merchandise which they buy of the Venetians, and sell to the Numidians. The richest, those of Mesrata, (a little Province of this Tract) which lieth near the Sea. Towns it hath some, but none of note: the chief of which, 1. Mesurata, 2. Sibeca, both upon the Sea; of which the first gives name unto that little Province spoken of before. Of more note in the former times was Philoeni Villa, situate on the Greater Syrtis, near the Promontory then called Hippi, but now Cabo de Surta; memorable for the adjoyning Altars called Phileni Arae, erected by the Carthaginians upon this occasion. Some controversies being grown betwixt those of Carthage and Cyrene, about their bounds; it was agreed, that two men at a set houre should be sent out of each City towards the other; and where they met, there to be fixed the Meer-stone of their several Territories: The Phileni, two brothers nominated for Carthage, were so quick of foot, that they had goten a good way into the Country of the Cyrenenses, before they were met; wherewith the Cyreneans much enraged, put to them this choice, either to go so much back again, or to die in the place: This last accepted by the Phileni, who preferred the common good of their Country before their own; for preservation of whose name and honour to succeeding Ages, the grateful Carthaginians did erect these Altars.

2. West of the Province of Ezzab, lieth that of TRIPOLIS, which together with Ezzab made that Province which the Romans called Tripolitana: Not much more fruitful then the other, except in Barley; but more commodiously seated in regard of the Sea, which is here more safe for navigation, the former lying wholly on the greater Syrtis. Chief Towns hereof, 1. Leptis Magna, so called to distinguish it from another, but of lesse note, and therefore called Leptis Parva, situate in the (now) Province of Tunis. A town of so great wealth and trade, that it was worth a Talent daily to the Carthaginians. 2. Euphranta, called also Pyrgos Euphranta from some strong Tower in it, on the Western-bank of the greater Syrtis. 3. Cinsterna, on the Eastern side of the River Cyniphus. 4. Cabis, the utmost City of this Province westward; the same which Ptolomie cals Tacapa, situate at the fall of the River Triton into the lesser Syrtis. 5. Sabratha, and 6. Heva; not else observable, but that together with Leptis Magna they made up that one City which the Romans called from thence Tripolis. 7. Tripolis, founded by the Romans, and by them peopled with Colonies from those three Cities before mentioned. A City of great name and riches, till destroyed by the Saracens: By whom rebuilt adorned with many fair Temples, Colleges, and Hospitals; and flourishing in much wealth and lustre, it became a Kingdom of it self, but subject to the Kings of Tunis, till taken by the Genoes with a Fleet of 20 sail, and by them sold to the King of Fesse. Recovered not long after by the King of Tunis, it came once more to have a King of its own; till by the valour of Peter of Navar, it was conquered for Ferdinand the Catholique, the first Monarch of Spain; whose Nephew Charles the 5. conferred it on the Knights of S. John of Hierusalem, then expelled from Rhodes: whom the Turks under Sinan Basa General of Selimus the second, dispossessed by force, An. 1551. since that the ordinary Residence of the Turkish Begterbeg for these African Provinces, and made an usual retreat for Pyrats▪ who infest these Seas, and do much mischief to the Coasts of Sicil, Italy, and others of the Christian Countries.

3. The Province of TVNIS, lying Westward to that of Tripolis, taketh up so much of this Kingdom, as antiently contained the Province of Byzacena; and so much of the Roman Africk, as lieth on the East of the River called Guadilharbar, the Hipponites Lacus of the Antient writers. The Country antiently so fruitful, that it yielded usually an increase of an hundred and fifty fold: For proof of which, besides the testimony of approved Authors, the wonderfull, if not prodigious Ears of Corn which before we heard of, may serve sufficiently. Now indigent, and so unprovided of all Grain for the use of their families, that they are fain to furnish themselves out of other places: the People not daring to manure or sow their land, for fear of the Arabians, who ever and anon fall into these parts, and spoil what they meet with.

Places of most note in it, in the elder times, 1. Adrumetum, or Adrumystus, now called Machometta, once a Roman Colony, and the Metropolis of the Province of Byzacena; by consequence, in the times of Christianity an Archbishops See: walled and repaired by the Emperor Justinian, and by his command called Justiniana. 2. Zama, the incamping place of Annibal before his battel with Scipio. 3. Nadagora, memorable for the great battel betwixt the two renowned Generals of Rome and Carthage, not parallel'd since their own times, nor in those before them. In which the great Controversie between those Cities being to be tried, the fortune of the day fell unto the Romans: For though Annibal shewed his singular judgment in ordering his Souldiers, as Scipio could not but acknowledge; yet being far the weaker in horse, and by an Order of the Senate of Carthage to fight in a place of disadvantage, he could do no marvels: the Romans with the losse of no more then 1500 of their own men, killing 20000 of the Carthaginians in the fight and chase. 4. Salera, the first place took by Scipio after the landing of his Army. 5. Vtica, a Tyrian Colony, beautified with an Haven capable of the greatest ships; much spoke of in the wars of Carthage, and memorable for the death of Cato (hence sirnamed Vtican) who here slew himself, for fear of falling into the hands of Caesar. It is now called Biserta. 6. Byzacium, seated in liberal and fruitful soils, as was shewn before; whence the Province had the name of Byzacena. 7. Ruspinum, made by Caesar the seat of his war in Africk, against the sons and faction of Pompey: as memorable in the times succeeding, for being the Epi•copal See of S. Fulgentius. 8. Thystrus, remarkable for the Tragedie of the Gordiani: Of which the Father in this City was saluted Emperor by the Souldiers, in hatred to Maximinus then their Emperor, whose Procurator they had slain in a tumult: but his party being discomfited by Capellianus whom Maximinus sent against him, and his son killed in the defeat; upon the hearing of the news, he here hanged himself. 9. Hippagreta, on a great Lake betwixt Carthage and Vtica; once of the Towns which held out longest for the Mercinaries, in their desperate Rebellion against the Carthaginians; by which the Estate of that great City was in danger of ruine, at the end of the first Punick war. 10. CARTHAGE, once the Lady and Mistresse of Africk; situate in the bottom of a safe and capacious Bay, the entrances whereof were very strongly fortified both by art and nature; Environed with the Sea, except upon one side only, where joyned unto the Land by a narrow Isthmus about two miles and an half in breadth: In compasse 24 miles; but measuring by the outward wall, it was 45.

For without the wall of the City it self, there were three wals more, betwixt each of which there were three or four Streets, with Vaults under ground of 30 foot deep, wherein they had place for 300 Elephants and all their Fodder, with Stables over them for 4000 Horse and all their Provender; and Lodging in those Out-streets for the Riders of the said Horse, and for 20000 Foot besides, which never came within the City to annoy or pester it. On the South side stood the Castle called Byrsa, which took up two miles and an half in compasse; first built by Dido, on that ground which she obtained of the Libyans, when she got leave to buy only so much land of them, as she could compasse round about with an Oxes hide. In that, the sumptuous Temple of their antient Deities, Juno, Apollo, Aesculapius, Belus. On the West-side, a standing Pool made of the Sea-water; let into it by so narrow a passage, that there was but 70 foot open for the Sea to enter: On which they had a stately Arsenal, with their Ships and Gallies riding by it. Of the foundation and affairs of this mighty City we have spoke already. The Government of it first by Kings, those absolute enough at first, afterwards limited by the Senate, and finally made meerly titulary by the power of the People: which unproportionable mixture is much condemned by Aristotle in the 2. of his Politicks. Their Territories, before the second Punick war, when they were at the greatest, extended on the Seacoasts of the Mediterranean, from the Greater Syrtis to the Streits, and so unto the River Iberus, for the space of 2000 miles in length: their Revenues answerable, and readily brought in, by reason of their infinite trading. Which made the Roman people think themselves unsafe, whilst this City stood. Resolved on the destruction of it, they sent against it L. Martius and M.Manlius, their two Consuls, with a puissant Army: to whom the Carthaginians willingly delivered up their Arms and Shipping, contracting only for the preservation of the City it self, which was faithfully promised. But when they had withall given up the sons of their principal men to be sent to Rome for Pledges of their future loyaltie; they were told, that a City consisted not in wals, but in lawes and government. These with the Corporation, should remain as formerly; the Town to be removed ten miles further off, where there was no Sea to thrive and grow rich upon. Enraged herewith, it was resolved to abide the utmost; but they wanted necessaries for resistance. That want supplied for want of Iron to make Arms, with Gold and Silver; the Houses pulled down to furnish them with timber to build a Navy; and noble Ladies cutting off the hair of their heads, to make Ropes and Cordage; 25000 Women listed to defend the wals. But the fatal moment being come, a second Scipio is sent thither to dispatch the work; by whom at last the Town was taken, and for 17 dayes together consumed with fire; the Queen and multitudes of the People burning themselves in the Temple of Aesculapius, because they would not fall into the hands of the Romans. Reedified by Iulius Caesar, and made a Colonie, it recovered some part of her former lustre; but so, that her chief glory was rather to be sought for in her antient, then her present fortunes. Populi Romani Colonia, olim Imperii ejus pertinax amula, & priorum excidio rerum, quam ope prasentium clarior; was her character in the times of Pomponius Mela. But in this last Estate, accompted for the Metropolis of the Diocese of Africk, the Residence of the Vicarius or Lieutenant-General, and the See of the chief Primate of the African Churches; who had 164 Bishops under him in that one Province wherein Carthage stood. Destroyed in the succeeding times by the Vandals, and after that by the Saracens; it is at last reduced to nothing but a few scattered houses, not above five and twenty shops, one Temple: all the rest a ruine. So truly said the antient Poet,

Sic patet exemplis Oppida posse mori.Thus by examples do we see,That Towns may die as well as we.

Of note at the present, 1. Tunis, supposed to be the Themisa or Thunisa of Ptolomie; of small accompt till the last destruction of Carthage, by whose fall it rose. Situate not far from the ruines of that famous City, in compass about five miles, and in that compass said to contain 10000 housholds. Of great traffick, and well frequented by the Merchants of forrein nations, chiefly from Genoa and Venice. Remarkable in the Story of the Holy Wars, for the sieges and successes of two of our English Princes; that namely of King Edward the first, in his fathers life time; and that of Henry the fourth, then but Earl of Darby: by both which (though the last served only under the command of the French) the City was compelled to a Composition; Lewis the 9. commonly called S. Lewis, dying at the first siege of it. 2. Goletta, a strong Fort, built for defence of the Haven of Tunis, in a Demy-Iland, divided from the main Land by two narrow passages, but so that it commands them both. Taken, but not without extreme difficulty, by Charles 5. Ann. 1535. together with the Turkish Navy riding in the Lake fast by it; but again recovered by the Turks about 40 years after, Ann 1574. 3. Cairoan, built by Hucba, who first conquered Africk for the Saracens, in a sandie Desart, about 100 miles from Tunis, and 36 from any part of the Sea, to secure himself from any invasion, which the commodiousness of the Sea might bring upon him. Adorned by the first founder of it, with an admirable Temple raised on Pillars of Marble, who placed also in it a College of Priests, and made it the chief Residence of his posterity for the space of 170 years, who reigned here under the great Caliphs as the Sultans of Africk. Destroyed by the Arabians, in the 424 year of their Hegira, but regained from them by the King of Morocco; and still of such esteem amongst these Mahometans, that their chief men are brought thither to be buried from all parts of the Country, hoping by the prayers of those Priests to find a shorter way to Heaven then in other places.

4 More Westward yet lies the Province named CONST ANTINA, so called from Constantina the chief City of it. Extended from the Lake Hipponites, now named Guaditharbar, to Constantine a Mountain bordering on Bugia, which I conceive to be the same with Mons Audus in Ptolomie. The soil hereof said to be very rich and fruitful both for Corn and Cattel, yielding abundance of Fruits, and great store of Butter. Rubricatus, by Orosius called Ordalio, now Ludog, the chief River of it.

Principal Cities of this Province, 1. Tabraca, on the East; and 2. Hippo Regius, on the Western bank of Rubricatus: both Roman Colonies, but this last most famous, in being the Episcopal See of renowned S. Augustine. 3. Bona, the birth-place of that Father, built by the Romans about an hundred miles from the Sea, but situate in a large Plain, containing 40 miles in length, 25 in breadth: so rich and fertile, that the Town flourisheth to this day, adorned with a sumptuous Mosque, and never without the company of Merchants coming from Genoa, Tunes, and the Isle of Zerby, for their Fruits and Butter. 4. Thuburnica, another Colonie of the Romans. 5. Sicca Veneria, another Town of the same nature; by Solinus called Veneria only, and by Pliny, Sicca. 6. Culcua, another of the Roman Colonies, by the Moors now called Cucutina, but Constantina by the Latines, and most Nations else; Now the chief City of this Province, situate near a Mountain of the same name near the edge of Bugia. An antient City, but containing still 8000 families, many sumptuous buildings, amongst which a large Temple, two Colleges, and three or four Monasteries frequently visited by the Merchant, every Trade having here its peculiar Street; their chief commodities, Wooll, Cloth, Silks, Oyl, and some sorts of Fruits; which they exchange for Dates, or Slaves, who are here good merchandise. The City for the most part fenced about with high craggy rocks; and where those want, with strong wals, of a great height, and most exquisite workmanship, declaring the antiquity of it; A further argument whereof may be a fair Triumphal Arch not far from the City, and some Hot Bathes, after the manner of the Romans.

5. Most Westward lieth the Province of BVGIA, extended from Mount Constantine to the River Ampsaga, now called Chollo or Sef-Gemar: which with so much of Constantina as lieth on the Westside of Rubricatus, made up that Province which the Romans called by the name of Numidia. The length hereof 150 miles on the Mediterranean, the breadth not above half so much. Narrower then Mauritania, as is said by Pliny; sed ditior & magis culta, but the richer of the two, and the better peopled. The Country of a sat soil, plentiful both in fruits and corn, but most fit for pasturage; to which the people were so addicted, that many of them cared not for building Houses, (instead whereof they used the Hold of a Ship with the Keel turned upwards) but removed from one place to another, as their Pastures failed them. From thence called Nomades by the Grecians, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 signifying to feed or grase. The people of good mettal, swift of foot, and well skilled in horsmanship; but better in the onset and to give a charge, then in standing to it: such as the wild Arabians are now said to be.

Chief Towns hereof (besides Thuburnica, Culcua, Bona, Hippo, spoken of before, belonging to Numidia, though not to Bugia) 1. Bugia, built by the Romans on the side of a lofty Mountain looking into the Sea; by some conceived to have been the Thebuaca of Ptolomy, now the chief City of this Province, adorned with many sumptuous Mosques, some Monasteries and Colleges for Students in the Law of Mahomet, and many fair Hospitals for relief of the Poor; Fenced also with a strong Castle. Secured by the strength whereof, and growing rich by the fruitfulness of the situation, the Citizens began to grow proud and wanton; working much mischief to the Spaniards by their Gallies which they had at sea, till taught more modesty by Peter of Navar a Spanish Captain, A. 1508. by whom the Town was taken, and the people plundered. 2. Chollo, upon the Sea-side, the Chollops Magnus (as I take it) of Ptolomie; reported for a wealthie City. 3. Nicaus, seated towards Mount Atlas, in a pleasant and delightful country; which though interspersed with many hils, yet being those hils are clothed with woods, yield them good store of Goats and Horses, and feed the Vallies with fresh springs which do issue from them; they rather adde then detract any thing from the pleasures of it. 4. Madaura, by some called Madurus, the birth-place of Apuleius. 5. Thunudromum, another of the Roman Colonies. 6. Cirta, or Cirta Julia, the Metropolis of Numidia when a Roman Province, and formerly the Seat-royal of Syphax King of the Masaesyli, within whose country it was reckoned in former times, though afterwards laid unto this Province. Situate near the mouth of the River Ampsaga, and memorable for the tragedie of Sophonisba, the daughter of Asdrubal of Carthage; a Lady of most exquisite beauty, and yet carried more charms in her tongue then in her eyes. •spoused first unto Masinissa King of the Numidians, but after upon reason of State married unto Syphax: who being took prisoner by his Rival, and brought to Cirta, the Lady upon hopes of liberty and honour both, bestowed her self on her first Lover: but Scipio fearing lest that marriage might withdraw Masinissa from the Roman party, caused the Lady to be seized on; which Masinissa not being otherwise able to prevent or remedie, sent her a Cup of poyson, which she drank and died.

Of these Numidians there is much mention in the Stories of Rome and Carthage; imployed by this last City in all their wars, both in Spain, Italy, and Sicil. Siding at last with Scipio against that State, they did good service to the Romans in the weakening and destruction of that City; whose fall they did not long survive: first conquered in the war of Jugurth; after the death of Juba, made a Roman Province. Their Kings, as far as I can trace the succession of them, follow in this Order.

The Kings of the Numidians.

• 1 Gala, the Father of Masinissa.
• 2 Desalces, the brother of Gala; according to the laws of the Country, which gave the Crown unto the brother, not the son of the former King, (like the law of Tanistry in Ireland) succeeded Gala.
• 3 N. N. a son of Desalces, in the absence of Masinissa, then serving under the Carthaginians in the wars of Spain, possessed himself of the throne: slain not long after by a Rebel.
• 4 Masinissa, son of Gala, recovered the kingdome of his Fathers; but again outed by Syphax and the Carthaginians, betwixt whom and Masinissa, touching Sophonisba, there was deadly feud. Aided by Scipio and the Romans, with whom associated against Carthage, he not only recovered his own kingdome, but was gratified with the greatest part of that which belonged to Syphax. A professed Enemy to Carthage, (the final ruine whereof he lived to see) till the time of his death, being then ninety years of Age.
• 5 Micipsa, the son of Masinissa; of whom nothing memorable.
• 6 Jugurth, the son of Mastanabilis, one of the Brethren of Micipsa, having wickedly made away the two sons of Micipsa, usurped the kingdom; & manifestly withstood the Romans, whose attempts sometimes by force, sometimes by subtility, but chiefly by money and bribes, he overthrew and made frustrate: Et fuit in Ingurtha (saith Florus) quod post Annibalem timeretur. At last, being broken by Metellus, vanquished by Marius, and by Bocchus delivered into the hands of Sylla, he was by Marius led in triumph to Rome. In this Triumph was carried 3700 pound weight in Gold; in Silver-wedges, 5775 pound weight; and in ready Coin, 28900 Crowns: it being the custome of the Romans in their Triumphs, to have carried before them all the riches and mony which they had brought out of the conquered Countries, to put into the common Treasury.
• 7 Hiempsal, son of Bocchus king of Mauritania; gratified for his Fathers treacherie in betraying Jugurth, with the kingdome of Numidia: Relieved Marius, in his exile.
• 8 Hiarbas, another of the Marian faction, preferred to the Numidian Crown, but vanquished and deprived by Pompey, at that time one of Sylla's Captains.
• 9 Hiempsal II. preferred by Pompey to this kingdom.
• 10 Juba, the son of Hiempsal the second, who siding with Pompey against Caesar, in the Civil wars, gave a great overthrow to Curio one of Caesar's Lieutenants; Curio himself slain, his whole Army routed, such as were taken prisoners murdered in cold blood. But being discomfited by Caesar, after Pompey's death, Numidia was made a Province of the Roman Empire.

Thus by the fall of Carthage, and the death of Juba, came the whole Provinces of Africa Propria, and Numidia (containing the now Kingdom of Tunis) into the power of the Romans. Of which, the Nations of most note were the Nigitimi, on the Eastern parts of the Mediterranean, the Machyni, near the Lesser Syrtis; the Libya-Phoenices and Mideni, bordering upon Carthage; the Ionii, Navatrae, and Cirtesii, taking up all the Sea-coasts of Numidia. Such as inhabited more Southwards on the back of these, not so much considerable: None of them to be staid upon, but the Libya-Phaenices, a mixt people of the old Libyans and new Phoenicians, as the Liby-Aegyptii were of the said Libyans and the neighbouring Egyptians. The memory of all of them so defaced by the violent inundation of the Arabians, that there is scarce any tract or footsteps of them in all the Country. When conquered by the Saracens, they were at first subject to the Caliph or Sultan of Cairoan: after the spoile whereof by the Arabians, subdued by Abdul Mumen King of Morocco, and by him added to that Kingdom. In the distractions of that State, made a peculiar Kingdom by some of the Relicts of the Stock of the Almohades, who took unto himself the title of King of Tunis, that City being his chief Seat. By him transmitted unto his posterity, till the dayes of our Grandfathers; when Muleasses, one of the youngest sons of Sultan Mahomet, having first murdered Maimon his eldest brother, and put out the eyes of twenty of the rest, usurped the Soveraignty. Rosetta, the onely one of those Princes who escaped this massacre, by the aid of Solyman the magnificent obtained the Crown: outed thereof not long after by Charles the fifth, appearing in favour of Muleasses, An. 1535. But the Tyrant did not long enjoy his ill-gotten Soveraignty, when his eyes were were also put out by his own son Amida, and so committed to close prison: Nor did Amida enjoy it long, dispossessed by Abdamelech his fathers brother. To Abdamelech, Mahomet his son succeeded, and in his life another Mahomet the brother of Amida; who being supported by the Turks, recovered from the Christians the strong Fort of Coletta; and dying, left the Turk his heire, who doth now possesse it.

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

THE Kingdom of TƲNIS, besides its particular Province, hath sometimes extended it self over Constantina and Bugia on one side, and over Tripoli and Ezzab on the other. At present it hath only its own Province, and something in Billedulgerid.

This Kingdom of Tunis is divided into 4 Maritim Governments, and 3 or 4 Inland ones. The Maritim are, Biserta, Goletta, Sousa, and Africa; Begge, Ʋrbs, Cayroan, and part of Billedulgerid, are the third or fourth within Land. Altogether extend themselves from the River Guad il Barbar, unto that of Capes: this separating them from the Kingdom of Tripoli, the other from the Province of Constantina.

The River Guad il Barbar, or Hued il Barbar, takes its source near Ʋrbs, which it waters with a Channel made on purpose, and discharges it self into the Sea near Tabarca. In its course it makes so many turnings and windings, that it must be passed 25 times in the Road between Bona and Tunis, and that with much difficulty and danger, there being no Bridges, and scarce any Boats to Ferry over. The River Capes, of old Triton, descends from Billedulgerid, and waters at first a very Sandy Country, leaves Capes on the Right, and on the Coast of Tripoli, and disburthens it self into the Little Syrtes, now the Gulph of Capes. Magrada, another River, hath its Spring likewise in Billedulgerid on the Confines of Zeb, which it waters in part, washes Tebessa of the Province of Constantina, cuts the Kingdom of Tunis into two almost equal parts, and disburthens it self in the Sea near Garilmesse, between Tunis and Hammamet. Its increases are sometimes extraordinary, and all of a sudden, so that Travellers are often forced to wait some days for a passage.

BENSERTA, of old Ʋtica, is a City but of an indifferent greatness, but strong, and peopled with about 6000 Families. It looks Eastward on a Gulph so called, which is about 16000 Paces long, and 8000 broad. Here is a fair Burse or Exchange for Merchants; two great Prisons for their Slaves, and some Bastions to defend the Port, which is good and large. This place is famous for the death of Cato, sirnamed Ʋticensis, who for fear of falling into the hands of Caesar, here slew himself; and is of note in the Carthaginian Wars.

The Government of GOLETTA is much esteemed, because of the neighbouring Carthage; or rather, because of Tunis, whose Key it is. It is a Fortress built in the neck of the Gulph between Tunis and the Sea, by which all must necessarily pass: And it hath given occasion to build a Fort on the top of a Hill, whose foot is washed by the Sea. There was heretofore the old Fort, and the now; the Old was only an intrenched Bastion, guarded by 30 or 40 Janizaries; the New is great, well fortified and furnished with all things necessary. A Fountain of Running-water crosses the place, so that it seems rather a City than a Fortress. Charles the Fifth took this Fort in 1535, which the Turks retook in 1574. Under this Fort was it, that General Blake with the English Fleet,* 1.57 fired the Pirate Ships of Tunis in 1654. Tunis, at the bottom of this Gulph, is at present one of the fairest Cities of Barbary; it counts 8 Gates, 8 chief Streets, which are crossed by abundance of others, 10 Places or Markets, more than 300 Temples and Synagogues of the Jews, and many Oratories, some likewise for the Christians; 150 Bania's or Hot-Houses; 86 Schools; 9 Colledges, where Youth is nourished and instructed at the publick expence; 64 Hospitals, and a great number of Canes or Inus for Merchants and Christians, &c. The Buildings of the Royal Palace are magnificent; it had long since 10000 Houses, and is much increased since the Moors of Granada were driven out of Spain. Among its Inhabitants are many Merchants, Apothecaries, Druggists, Confectioners, Cooks, Bakers, Butchers, and above all, Drapers and Weavers, &c. Their common Bread is kneaded with Oil, of which they have abundance, and utter quantity into Egypt. Their Linnen and Manufactures have vent through all Africa: It is a place of great Traffick,* 1.58 and much frequented by Merchants of Foreign parts, affording several other good Commodities, as Gold, Saffron, Wax, Oil, raw and salted Hides, variety of Fruits, Wool, Spunges, Hard Soap; they have also a great trade for Horses and Ostrich Feathers, &c. and above all for Christian Slaves. Commodities most vendible here are, English Cloths, Perpetuanoes, Iron, Lead, &c. They have no Water either of Well or of Fountain, (except that which is reserved for the Bassa,) but make use of Cisterns and Rain-water: They are fain to have their Mills turned by their Slaves, or by Oxen. The Arab of Nubia, Sanutus, and some others, esteem Tunis to answer to the Ancient Tarsis. This place (as Heylin noteth) is observable in the History of the Holy Wars, for the Sieges and Successes of two of our English Princes, viz. Edward the First, in his Fathers life time, and Henry the Fourth, then but Earl of Darby; by both of which the City was forced to a composition. But the Ruins of Carthage,* 1.59 from which Tunis had its increase are remarkable, because of the Antiquity, Scituation, Greatness, and Power of this City. The beginning of it is given to Dido, the Phoenician, who inclosed with the Wall the Quarter or Castle of Byrsa, which is two miles and a half in Circuit, which in the Country they still call Bersac, and Byrsa signifying a Hide to the Greeks, and a Fortress to the Phoenicians; the one agrees with the Fable that Dido had bought, and builded the place on the greatness and extent of an Oxes Hide; the other, to the scituation and advantage of the place where this Fortress was built. This Scituation, and the goodness of the neighbouring Port, drew so many People, that it became one of the fairest Cities in the World. Its circumference in its splendor was 360 Stadia, like to that of Babylon, and its Inhabitants have been so rich and powerful, that they disputed with the Romans for the Empire of the World, being once called the Lady and Mistress of Africa. The particular power of this City was not known till the third and last Punick War; when after having had to do with Massinissa, to whom they yielded a good part of their Estates, after having granted and put into the Romans hands their Ships of War, their Elephants, their Arms, and their Hostages, which were demanded: when they commanded them to leave the City, and to inhabit from the Sea-Coast, despair made them resolve on the War. They made other Arms, built new Ships, the Women and Virgins giving their Hair to make Cables and Cordage, and defended themselves yet 3 or 4 years. It was afterwards restored, and at divers times; but the Vandals, and in the end the Arabs, have wholly ruined it, there not remaining above 7 or 800 Houses of Fishermen, Gardiners, &c.

The Government of SOƲSA contains the Cities of 1. Hammametha, which communicates its name to the neighbouring Gulph, at the bottom whereof it is scituated; its Walls are strong, and its Harbour safe. 2. Susa is in a higher and lower City; the former on a Rock, and of difficult access; the last on the Sea, with a good Port, where are laded great quantities of Oils. both the one and the other well built. The Duke of Savoy made an enterprize on them in 1619. 3. Monastero, so called, because there was once a famous Monastery of the Order of St. Augustine. The Riches about Susa is in Olives, Pears, and other Fruits and Pastures for Cattle. The ordinary Food for the Inhabitants is Barly-bread, the Country affording no other Grain. The Inhabitants of Susa and Hammametha addict themselves to Traffick, others to Whitning of Cloth; they make Charcoal, and draw some profit from their Fishing.

The Government of AFRICA, or EL-MADIA, hath nothing considerable; but this place may be made far better than it is. Its scituation is in a Peninsula, which touches not the Main but by an Isthmus of 2 or 300 Paces, where there is likewise some Marsh; and on this side the City is invested with a double Wall and good Ditches. Its Port within the City is capable to lodge 50 Gallies; but its entrance is so narrow, that a Galley is forced to lift up its Oars to pass.

The Coasts about Susa and Elmedia have been well known in the Roman. History, in the time of the Wars between Caesar and the Party of Pompey. Caesar landed at Rhuspina, now Susa, Adrumetum, now Hammametha, being in the Enemies hands; and in the beginning had divers little favourable encounters thereabout. In the end he happily defeated both Scipio and Juba, near to Thapsus, now Elmedia; and after that defeat, Cato despairing slew himself at Ʋtica, now Benserta: Scipio saved himself in some Ships; but being met by Caesars Fleet, passing his Sword through his Body, he precipitated himself into the Sea. Juba would have retired to Zama, where he had left his Wives, Children, and Treasures; but Zama having refused to open him the Gates. He and Petrejus retired into a House in the Fields, where they killed themselves. During this War, and almost upon the landing of Caesar, hapned near Hammametha a thing incredible, which was, that 30 Gaul-Horsmen assaulted a Post of 2000 Moorish Horse, put them to rout, and pursued them into the City.

For Zama, or Zama Regia, it is far distant from the position which Ptolomy gives it, and from that of Ortelius, which we at other times, and which all others have since followed. This Author places it 500000 Paces from Carthage, and 600000 from Adrumetum; but it appears both by the Roman History, and by the Itinerary Table, not to be distant from Carthage above 100, or 120000 Paces, and from Adrumetum 100000 Paces, or little more.

BEGGE or Beija, and ƲRBS; this in the Road from Tebessa to Tunu, that in the way from Constantina to Tunis; are both seated in fair Plains, so fertil in Grains, particularly Begge; that those of Tunis say, that if they had two Begges, they would yield as many Corns as there is Sand in the Sea; and nigh to Ʋrbs is Camud, Arbes, Musti, and Marmagen; all fair Cities.

CAYROAN, of old, Thesdrus, ought as it seems to be among the Maritim Governments, since it holds on the Coast Tobulha, Asfachusa, and some other places; but its principal place being on the main Land, its Government is likewise esteemed to be within the Land. This City is seated in a Sandy-plain, which affords neither Grain, Fruit, nor scarce any Water but what is preserved in Cisterns; it is about 100 miles from Tunis, and about 36 from any part of the Sea. It was first built by Hucha, who was the first that conquered Africk for the Saracens; who adorned it with a stately Mosque, supported on Pillars of Marble, of which two or three are very fair ones, and of a prodigious greatness, who also placed in it a Colledge of Priests, and now in much esteem, being the residence of a High Priest of the Law of Mahomet: and to this place (from all parts of the Country) the Corps of their chief Men are brought to be interred; who believe, that by the Prayers of those Priests, they shall find a shorter way to Heaven, than if interred at any other place. Its Inhabitants are now reduced to about 4 or 500 Families. Not far from Cayroan,* 1.65 are the Mountains of Zaghoan and Gueslet, the last not above 12000 Paces distant; both the one and the other have divers foot-steps of Roman Buildings. But I believe it was from the last that Scipio considered the Battel between Massinissa King of Numidia, and Asdrubal chief of the Carthaginians; and of this encounter Scipio would sometimes say to his Friends, That he was the third who had had the pleasure to see a famous Battel, without having run any resigoe; to wit, Jupiter from the top of Mount Ida, and Neptune from some eminence in the Isle of Samothrace, who beheld the Battels between the Trojans and Greeks; and himself this between Massiniss• and the Carthaginians. The other Cities of this Kingdom of Tunis, and towards Billedulgerid, are Caffa, Hama, Techios, Neifa, and Nafta.

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

The Kingdom of TƲNIS. Regnum Tunetanum.

THis Kingdom is situate between the lesser Syrtes and the Kingdom of Algiers. It is in breadth from South to North about 70 leagues, and in length from East to West about 100.

The Air is of much the same temperature with the rest of Barbary. The Soil in the East parts is barren, because it wants Water; in the South the Mountains and Valleys bear great plenty of Fruits; in the Western Coasts the Land is much more fruitful in those places, that lye near the Rivers. The Country about the City of Tunis is very barren, which makes Corn always dear there. The Incursions of the Arabians force the Inhabitants to sow their Barley and Rye in the Suburbs, and to inclose their Fields and Gardens with strong Walls, where they also produce an abundance of Oranges, Citrons, Lemons, Dates, and other sorts of Fruit. They have also Olive-trees, Rosebushes, and other sorts of Odoriferous Plants. The Mountains of Zaogan, Benitefren, and Nufrese yeild some small quantities of Barley and Honey. In most of the Mountains of this Kingdom, there are an abundance of Lyons, Wild-Oxen, Ostriches, Apes, Camelions, Goats, Hares, Pheasants, Partridges, and other sorts of Red Beasts, and Venison.

The Camels and Horses of it are ready merchandize and cheap. The most remarkable Rivers are Guadibbarbar, Magrida, Megerada, and Caps, or Capes. The first of them hath so many windings, that they who come from Tunis to Bone are forced to wade over 26 times, for there is neither Bridge nor Ferry; it runs into the Sea near Tabarca. The second is but a branch of the former, which having passed the Country of Choros, falls into the Sea near Marsa. The 3d rises in a Mountain upon the borders of the Country of Zab, runs thro Tebessa, and falls into the Sea near Garelmelech. The 4th passes thro a Sandy desart near Mount Vassalat on the South side, and empties it self into the Sea near a City of the same name; the Water of it is so hot, that it can't be drank, unless it be set a cooling an hour before.

The Inhabitants of Tunis are Moors, Turks, Jews, and Slaves of divers Nations. The Inhabitants of the Mountains of Zagoan dwell in Tents, and live upon the profit they gain by their Bees. They that dwell on the Mountains of Tunis Southward, joyn themselves in 2 or 300 of a Troop to make a kind of a movable Town, when they change the pastures for their flock.

The Government of this Kingdom is at present managed by the Turk. The authority of the Bassa sent hither by the Grand-Seignior from the Port is much greater, than that of the other Bassa's of Africk. Yet the Inhabitants have a power to choose a Governour or Captain whom they call the Dey, who governs the Kingdom, makes Cadi's or Judges, and passes sentence in all affairs civil and criminal. The Divan, or Council is made up of an Aga or Chara, 12 Odabachi's, 24 Boulouchachi's, 2 Secretaries, and 4 Chiaou's. They judge all manner of matters after they have taken the judgment of the Dey, who rejects or approves their Resolutions as he thinks fit. The Revenue of the Bassa of Tunis, is thought to be 200000 Ducats a year. The chief Trade of it consists in Oyl, Olives, Soap, Horses, and Ostrich-Feathers.

This Kingdom is divided into 8 Provinces, Seigniories, or Governments, of which five lye by the Sea Coasts, viz. Tunis properly so called, the Seigniory of Goulette, the Seigniory of Bisert, the Province of Sousa or Susa, the Government of the City Acafrique, or Mehedie. The other 3 Provinces lye in the middle of the Country, viz. The Government of Cairoan or Carvan, the Government of Ʋrbs, the Government of Beggie, and a part of Numidia, or Lybia. All these Governments are subject to the Governour of Tunis, which is the chief of them.

The City of Tunis, Tunetum, stands upon the corner of the Gulph of Goulette, in the 32 D. of Latitude and 34 of Longitude, about 3 or 4 leagues from the Antient Carthage; it is but one league in compass, the Walls of it are 40 cubits high, and flanked with several Towers, with a Cittadel built upon an hill on the West side of it. They have neither Pit, nor River, nor Spring of sweet Water, but only Cisterns. There is but one Pit of Water tollerably sweet, which is preserved for the use of the Bassa.

Goulette is a Fort built upon an Hill with two Redoubts, a good Port, Magazines, a Custom-house, a Prison for Christian-Slaves, and two Mosques.

Marsa, which signifies in Arabick a Port, is built in the same place old Carthage stood.

Napoly in Barbary, or N•bel, Neapolis, lies near the Mediterranean, about 3 leagues distant from Tunis Eastward, inhabited now only by a few Gardeners and Peasants.

In the Seigniory of Biserte, the most remakable place is Biserte, a small Village about 20 leagues from Tunis; it is the old Ʋ•ica famous for the Death of Cato. The Lake adjoyning to it affords Dolphins of 5 or 6 pound weight, and abundance of Aloses. From the end of October to the end of May. In the Country of Choros there are Olive-trees of a great height.

Ʋrbs stands in a fine plain, about 20 or 25 leagues from Tunis Southward, with a Castle and a River.

Beggie is built upon the side of a hill, about 3 leagues from the Sea, and 10 from Tunis, in the great Road.

Casba is almost without Inhabitants, because of the Incursions of the Arabians. The Soil of these two Governments is very frui•ful in Corn.

In the Province of Susa, the most remarkable City is of the same name, built by the Romans upon a Rock near the Sea, over against the Isle Panthalaraea. It hath a good Port, in which the Pyrates of Tunis bring their Ships to Anchor. The Isles of Camiliers, Querquence, and Gamaleri, are subject to this City. The ground is very fruitful in Barley, Figs, Olives, Pasture and Fruits. Susa is the seat of the Governour, whose Revenue is 1200 Ducats. The City of Africk is built on the side of it, in the form of a Tongue, fortified with Walls, and flanked with Towers with a fine Port. Cairoad stands about 7 miles from the Sea, the Country about it is Sandy Barren.