Africa

Sources from old books:

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

AFRICKE followes: which was so called, if we beleeve Nisias, from Afer a companion of Hercules, who accompanied him even as faire as Calis. But if we trust Iosephus, and Isidorus, from one of the posteritie of Abraham, whose name was Afer: or (as Festus doth suppose) from the Greek word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which signifies cold, for it is free from cold, because the most part of it is situated betweene the Tropicks. The Arabians doe call it Fricchia, from the word Farruca, which with them signifies to divide: for Africke is almost divided from the other parts of the Earth. Or else it was so called from Ifricus a King of Arabia Foelix, who (they report) did first inhabite this Country. The Greekes call it Libya either from Libya the daughter of Epathus, or from the Greeke word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which signifies stonie, or because Libs or the Southwest-wind bloweth from thence. In the Scriptures it is called Chamesia; the Arabians, and Aethiopians doe call it Alkebula, and the Indians Besechath. The Aequinoctiall Circle doth almost cut the middle part of Africke. The Tropicks passe not beyond it, either Northward or Southward, but it is stretched out beyond either of them ten degrees and more. It is bounded towards the North, with the Mediterranean Sea, and the Streights of Hercules; towards the East with the Arabian Bay, or the Erythraean Sea, and with the Isthmus which is betweene the Mediterranean Sea and the Arabian Bay; to the South it is washed with the Aethiopian Ocean: and on the West with the Atlanticke. It hath the forme of a Peninsula, which is joyned to Asia by the Isthmus above mentioned. And though the length thereof which lyeth from West to East, is shorter then the length of Europe; yet the length thereof from the North, toward the South is such, as Europe can hardly be compared with it: for it taketh up almost 70 degrees, but Europe scarce 35. Beside, Europe is full of windings, but Africke is uniforme and continued. Europe (as I said before in the description thereof) is every where inhabited; but this is full of Deserrs and inhabitable places. That was formerly knowne, but not this: where it is inhabited, Africke doth excell in fruitfulnesse. But for the most part, it is not inhabited, but full of barren Sands, and Desarts, and troubled with many kindes of living Creatures. It is reported that the fruitfulnesse of the fields is very wonderfull, and doth give the tillers such a harvest, as doth requite the labour with a hundred-fold increase for that which is sowne. That is wonderfull which is spoken of the fertilitie of Mauritania: viz. that there are Vines which two men cannot fadome about, and bunches of Grapes a cubit long. There are very high trees neare to the Mountaine Atlas, plaine and smooth without knots, and leaved like the Cypresse tree. Africke doth bring forth Elephants and Dragons, which lie in waite for beasts, and kill them with winding about them: besides, it hath a great number of Lyons, Buffs, or wilde Oxen, Libbards, wilde Goates, and Apes. Herodotus reporteth, that Asses with hornes bred here, besides Dragons, Hyenaes, rough Wolves, begotten of the Wolfe and Hiena, Panthers and Ostriches, roughtd besides many kinds of Serpents, as Aspes, & Crocondiles, to which nature hath made the Ichneumon an enemie, &c. But, as the same Author witnesseth, there is neither Stagge nor Boare in it. Africke bringeth forth the Basiliske: and although many things are thought to be fabulous which are reported of him; Yet it is certaine that Leo being Pope, there was a Basiliske which infected Rome with a great plague by his noysome breath. There are also divers kindes of Monsters, whose diversitie and multitude they ascribe to the want of water, whereby the wild beasts are enforced to come together at a few Rivers and Springs. The Romanes divided Africke into sixe Provinces. The Proconsularie Province, wherein was Carthage; Numidia, under the jurisdictin of a Consull; Bizacchius, Tripolitana, Mauritania Caesariensis, and Mauritania Sitiphensis. Ptolomie in the beginning of his fourth Booke doth reckon twelve Provinces or Countries, Mauritania Tingitana, Mauritania Caesariensis, Numidia, Africa properly so called, Cyrenaica or Pentapolis, (for so Ptolomie calls it) Marmarica, Lybia properly so called, the Higher and Lower Egypt, the Innermost Lybia, Aethiopia under Egypt, & the Innermost Aethiopia. Leo Africanus doth divide all Africke into foure parts, Barbarie, Numidia, Lybia, and the Countrie of Black-Mores. But in this Leo is deceived, because hee hath not made the Red Sea the bound of Africke, but Nilus; whereby it comes to passe that hee joynes Egypt and the Easterne part to Asia. Let us therefore, besides those foure parts reckoned up of Leo, place in Africke, Egypt, the Higher Aethiopia, the Lower and outermost Aethiopia, and the Islands. Egypt is stretched forth in a long tract of Land, from the South unto the North. The bounds thereof, on the West side are the Desarts of Barca, Lybia and Numidia beyond Nilus, together with the Kingdome of Nubia. On the South it is bounded with the Country of Bugia and Nilus, where it runneth a little from the West Eastward. On the Eastside there are the Desarts of Arabia, which lye betweene Egypt and the Red Sea; and on the North side it is enclosed with the Mediterranean Sea; Other things concerning Egypt wee will unfold in the particular Description thereof. At this day they call all that part of Africke, which reacheth from Egypt to the Straits of Gibraltar, and is included with the Mediterranean Sea and the Mountaine Atlas, Barbaria: and it containes the Kingdomes of Morocco, Fesse, Tremisen, Tunis, and Barca, of which wee will speake more largely in the Description of Barbarie. At this time it shall be sufficient to shew the Reader the division and bounds thereof. The Kingdome therefore of Morocco is divided into these Provinces, Hea, Susa, Guzala, the Land of Morocco, Ducala, Hoscora, and Tedletes: it is bounded with the Atlantick Ocean, with the Mountaine Atlas it selfe, and the Kingdome of Fesse. The Kingdome of Fesse hath on the West the Atlanticke Sea, on the North the Straits of Hercules, on the East the River Mulvia, on the South the Kingdome of Morocco. The Countries therein are Temesna, the Territory of Fesse, Asgara, Elhabata, Errifa, Garetum and Elchausum. The Kingdome of Tremisen, is bounded on the South with the Desart of Numidia, on the East with the great River, on the North with the Mediterranean Sea. The Kingdome of Tunis doth containe the whole tract of Land from the great River, to the River of the Countrie of Mestata. The Countries thereof are five, Bugia, Constantina, the Territorie of Tunis, Tripolis, and Ezzaba, Barca, or Barcha is stretched forth from the borders of Mestata to the confines of Egypt. Numidia is called at this day Biledulgerid; the bounds thereof are the Atlanticke Sea on the West side, the Mountaine Atlas on the North, the confines of Egypt on the East, the Desarts of Libya on the South. The Regions thereof are Tesset, Tegelmessa, Seb, Biledulgerid, Dara and Fezzen. Lybia was called by the Ancients Sarra, because it is a Desart. It beginneth from the Kingdome of Gagoa neere Nilus, and is extended toward the West, even to the Kingdome of Gualata, which lyeth neere to the Atlantick Sea, on the North the Kingdome of Numidia doth border on it, on the South the Kingdome of the Nigritans or Blackmoores. The Nigritans are so called either from the blacke colour of the inhabitants, or frō the black river which glideth through their Country. They have on the East the Confines, or the Borders of Nilus, on the West the Westerne Ocean, on the South partly the Aethiopian Sea, and partly the Kingdome of Manicongus; but on the North the desarts of Libya. The Kingdomes therof are five and twentie, namely, Galata, Gumea, Melli, Tombutum, Gago, Guber, Agadez, Cano, Caseva, Zegzeg, Zanfara, Gunangara, Boruum, Goago, Nubia, Biro, Temiamo, Dauma, Medra, Gora, the Territorie of Anterot, the Territorie of Giolosa, the Coast of Guinea, the Territorie of Meligens, and the Kingdome of Benin. The Abyssines do inhabit the higher or innermost Aethiopia, whose Prince is called Prester Iohn. His Country is large, & doth almost touch either Tropicke, and it is extended betweene the Aethiopian and the Red Sea, on the North it hath the people of Nubia and Bugia that borders on Egypt; on the East the Red Sea; on the South the Mountaines of the Moone; on the VVest the Kingdome of Manicongus, the River Niger, the Kingdome of Nubia, & the River Nilus. These Kingdomes are subject to him, Barnagnes, Tigremaum, Tigraim, in which is the Cittie Caxumo, Angote, Amara, Xoa, Goyami, Bagamedrum, Gueguere, Fatiagar, Damar, Dancali, and Dobas. The lower or outermost Aethiopia is the Southerne part of Africke, unknowne unto Ptolomie. The beginning thereof on the East side is above the River Zaire not farre from the Aequinoctiall, and it doth contain all the littorall part of Africk, and beyond the Aequinoctiall, even to the Straits of Arabia. The Regions thereof are five, first the Country of Ajana, in which are the Kingdomes Del, and Adea Magaduzzum. Secondly, the Countrie of Zanguibara, the Kingdomes whereof are, Melinda, Mombazza, Quiloa, Mozambique, Manoemuci, Cephala, Manomotapa, Torra, and Butua; the Kingdome of Cafria, and Manicong, in which there are sixe Provinces, Sunde, Pango, Songo, Bamba, Barra & Pemba, to which are added the Kingdomes of Angola, Loangi, & Anzichi. There are some very great Lakes in Africke, which seeme rather to be Seas, thē Lakes, of which the chiefest is Zembre, which is fifty miles in compasse, & out of it there flow the Rivers, Nilus, Zaire, and Cuama. Besides, this part of the VVorld hath great Rivers, as Nilus, Niger, Senaga, Cambra, Zaire, Cuama, & the River called the River of the Holy Ghost, all which by their overflowing do wonderfully water it, & make it fruitfull. It hath many great mountains,* 1.15 amongst which the chiefe is k 1.16 Atlas, who rising out of the vast sands lifteth up his high head above the clouds, so that the top thereof cannot be seene. The inhabitants call it the Pillar of Heaven. It beginneth from the VVest, where it gives the name to the Atlanticke Sea, and from thence by a continued winding ridge it extendeth it selfe towards the East: towards the borders of Egypt it is round, rugged, steepe, and unpassable by reason of steepe rockes; also wooddy, and watered with the breaking forth of springs. The top of this Mountaine is covered even in the Summer with deepe snow: yea sometime the backe thereof (if the North wind be sharpe) is covered with a snow deeper then the highest tree, whereby both men and cattell do perish. There is another very high mountaine called l 1.17 Sierra Liona, whose top is alwaies hid with clouds, from whence a terrible noise is heard at Sea, so that it is called the Mountaine of Lions. The Mountaines also of the Moone, much renowned by the Ancients, are here placed under the Tropicke of Capricorne: they are very rugged, of an incredible heigth, and inhabited by wild people; and neere them there are such low and deepe valleies, that it may seeme that the Center of the Earth is there. Lastly, there are the Mountaines Cantaberes in the Kingdome of Angola, verie rich in silver mines, and other which wee will mention in our particular Descriptions. The chiefe Islands about Africke are these. In the Atlanticke Ocean, there is the Isle called, Portus Sancti, or the Isle of the Holy Port: Madera, the Canarie Islands, and Caput Viride, or the Greene Cape. The Isle of the Holy Port was so called from the discoverers, who having failed thither with much danger and difficultie, would have this place so called in memory thereof. The compasse of it is about fifteene miles. Madera tooke his name from the great plenty of trees that grew here. The circuit of it is about an hundred and forty miles. The Canaries were so called from the multitude of dogges that were found there: they were called by the Ancients, the Fortunate Islands▪ Pliny doth mention sixe: Ombrio, Innonia the greater, and lesser, Capraria, Navaria, and Canaria. Ptolomie calls them Aprosuum, Hera, or Autolala, Pluitalia, Casperias, Canaria and Centuria, and doth place them all almost in a right Line towards the North. Cadamustus maketh ten, seaven tilled, three desert: the names of those that are manured are the Islands of Fracta Lancea, Magna Sors, Grand-Canarea, Teneriffa, Gomera, Palma, and Ferro. Cape Verde, or the greene Cape is planted with greene Trees, and from hence it hath that name. The Isles thereof toward the West, doe lie in the midst of the Ocean: as the Islands of S. Anthony, S. Vincent, S. Lucia, S. Nicholas, the Island of Salt, Bonavista, Maggio or May, Saint Iames, and the Island called Insula del fuego. In the Aethiopian Ocean are the Islands, called Insula Principis and Saint Thomas his Island. Behinde the Promontory called Caput Bonae spei, or the Cape of good Hope, there are other Islands, but none inhabited except the Island of Saint Laurence.

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

AFRICA, AND THE PROVINCES AND CITIES OF TRADE THEREOF.

OF AFRICA, AND THE PROVINCES THEREOF.

CHAP. XIV.

AFRICA I make to be my second division of the world, which is found to be a Peninsula, almost incompassed round, having the red Sea on the East, the Atlantique Ocean on the West, the Southerne Ocean on the South, and the mediteranean on the North; and where the Sea is defective to make it a compleat Iland, there is a little Isthmus of twenty leagues that tyeth it to Asia, which sundry Princes in former ages intended to trench through, to have the benefit of both those Seas united, but have desisted as finding the Sea in the red Sea gulfe to be higher than the land of Aegypt, by nature all flat, levell, and plaine, and so might thereby over-flow and drowne all Aegypt.

Africa is at this day usually divided into eight parts, which are;

1. Barbarie.
2. Numidia.
3. Libya.
4. Negrita.
5. Ethiopia Interior.
6. Ethiopia Exterior.
7. Aegypt, &
8. The Ilands thereof.

And first Barbarie is now divided into foure Kingdomes, which are, first, Tunes; second, Argier; third, Fesse; and fourth, Morocco: the commodities these Countries send abroad, I shall speake of when I come to these particular places.

1652. Cosmographie in four bookes by Peter Heylyn. OF AFRICK.

AFRICK is bounded on the East by the Red-Sea, and Bay of Arabia, by which parted from Asia; on the West, by the main Atlantick Ocean, interposing betwixt it and America; on the North, by the Mediterranean Sea, which divides it from Europe and Anatolia; and on the South, with the Aethiopick Ocean, separating it from Terra Australis incognita, or the Southern Continent; Parted from all the rest of the World, except Asia only, to which joyned by a narrow Isthmus not above 60 miles in length. Memorable for the great design which Cleopatra the last Queen of Egypt had upon it, which in brief was this: When Mark Anthonie was encountred by Augustus in the Naval battel of Actium, Cleopatra fearing the success, fled through the midst of all his Fleet, with the 60 Gallies which were appointed for her guard; Being come to the North part of this Isthmus, she gathered together all her portable treasures, and intended to hoist her shipping out of the Mediterranean, and hale them over the Land to the Red-Sea; whence she had purposed to take sail, and together with her Sweetheart Anthonie and some other choicest friends, to seek out some other place of dwelling far enough from the Romans; But from this, Anthonie, who fled after her, and vainly hoped for a change of fortunes, did at last disswade her.

The Form hereof is like a Pyramis reversed; the Basis of which, from Tanger on the Streit of Gibraltar to the point where it joyneth unto Asia, is reckoned at the breadth of 1920 Italian miles; the Conus of it very narrow; But from the Conus or Pyris to the most Northern part of the B•sis, it extendeth it self the space of 4155 miles, being much lesse then Asia, and far bigger then Europe.

By the Grecians it is called most commonly Libya, (of which more hereafter) part of it taken for the whole: by the Aethiopians, Alkebu-lam; by the Indians, Besecath. But the most noted name thereof is Africa, which Josephus out of Cleodenus and Polyhistor, deriveth from Epher or Apher, one of the Nephews of Abraham by Midian the son of Keturah. The Arabians, by whom it is called Ifrichia, derive it from the Verb Faruch, signifying to divide; because more visibly divided both from their own Country, and the rest of the World, then any other part thereof which was known unto them. Some of the Greek Fablers setch it from one Afer a Companion of Hercules, whom he attended unto Spain. Some fetch it out of Aphar, an Hebrew word, signifying Dust, agreeable to its sandie and dustie soile: Festus an old Grammarian, from A Privativum, and the Greek word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which imports a Country void of cold, as suitable to the fiery temper of the Aire. By Bochartus, who brings all from the old Phaenician, it is said to be derived from Peruc, Spica, an Ear of corn; which mollified into Feric, came at last to Africk, that is to say, a Country plentifull in Corn. Which Etymologie of his may receive some countenance from that great plenty of Corn which was bred in this Country, especially in those parts hereof which the Romans called the Proper Africk, whereof we shall speak more when we come to Barbary; the whole Continent taking from that Province the name of Africk. But in my mind, (if that from the Hebrew Epher or Aphar, be not worth accepting) I should prefer the Etymon of Festus before any other; unlesse we might be sure that Carthage anciently was called Africa, as Suidas telleth us it was: for then without all peradventure we would seek no further. For other more particular names by which it hath been called in some elder writers, i.e. Olympia, Oceanica, Eschatica, Coryphe, Ammonis, Hesperia, Ortygia, and perhaps some others, it is enough to our design to take notice of them.

It is situate for the most part under the Torrid Zone, the Aequator crossing it almost in the very midst; and for that cause supposed by many of the Ancients not to be inhabited at all, or but very •hinly in the middle and more Southern parts of it; or if at all, with such strange people, as hardly did deserve to be counted men. Pomponius among others was of this opinion, guessing the inward parts thereof to be taken up by such strange Brutes, as the Cynophanes, who had heads like dogs: 2. The Sciapodae, who with the shadow of their Foot could and did use to hide themselves from the heats of the Sun: 3. The Gamosaphantes, a naked people, ignorant of the use of weapons, and therefore fearfully avoiding the sight of men: 4. The Blemmyae, who being without heads, had their eyes and mouths in their breasts: 5. The Aegypani, who had no other humane quality to declare them to be men, but the shape and making of their bodies. These people (as they thought) possessed some small portion of the mid-land parts of this great Country; the rest they knew not, or conceived to be unhabitable, in regard of the great heats thereof. But late discoveries and navigations have found the contrary; the Country proving in most parts to be well inhabited; and the coolnesse of the nights, by mists, dewes, and gentle gales of wind, to mitigate the heat of the day.

Quod{que} die Solis vehementi excanduit aestu,Humida nox resicit, paribus{que} refrigerat horis.

That is to say,

What the Sun burns by day, the Night renewes,And doth as much refresh with moystning dewes.

For notwithstanding that it be in some places full of sandy desarts, a disease incident to some parts of Arabia, Persia, and other Countries of a more Northernly situation; yet it is said by some, who speak it upon knowledge, that the greatest part of those Regions which lie under the Line or near it, (both in America and here) have so many goodly Fountains, Rivers, and little Brooks, such abundance of Cedars and other stately Trees of shade, so many sorts of delicate Fruits ever bearing and at all times beautified with blossoms; as may make them hold comparison with any others supposed to be of a more temperate situation.

But as was said before, the Ancients knew not much of this Country, and therefore spoke upon conjecture, or more doubtful hear-say. For though Hanno a noble Carthaginian, imployed by that State, discovered much of the Western Shores of this great Peninsula, yet he ventured not much into the Land; nor did his Journal (either suppressed by the Romans, or not much took notice of) give any great light to other Nations to pursue those Voyages; being writ in the Carthaginian tongue, but since translated into Greek, and published at Basil by Sigismund Gelenius, ann. 1533. As little credit did it find in former times, that some Phoenicians in the dayes of Pharao Neco, passing down the Red Sea, should sail about the Coasts of Africk to the Streits of Gibraltar, and so return again to Egypt by the Mediterranean; as we find in Herodotus, that they did. But what those Ages disbelieved or esteemed impossible, is now grown ordinary; the Circumnavigations about this Country being very frequent, since first performed by Vasques de Gama, an Adventurous Portugal, in the year 1497. by means whereof these latter Ages are better instructed in the particulars of it then the former were; who knew not much beyond the limits of the Roman Empire and some parts adjoyning upon Egypt, more then the strange Beasts, and more strange Reports which they had from hence, occasioning hereby the By-word, Africa semper aliquid apportat novi.

Touching the State of Christianity in this great Continent, it is very weak; most of those Regions which Christian religion had once gained from Idol•try, Mahometism having since regained from Christianity: Insomuch that not only the North-part of Africk near the Mediterranean. from Spain to Egypt, where the Gospel once so exceedingly flourished, that three hundred Catholike Bishops were at one time banished thence by Gensericus King of the Vandals, is at this present utterly void of Christians, (except some few Towns belonging to the King of Spain) but even in all this vast Country, thrice as big as Europe, there is not any one Region entirely Christian, but the Kingdom of Habassia only, and perhaps not that; none where the Christians are intermingled with Mah•metans, but only Egypt; nor where mingled with Idolaters, but in Longo and Angola, and some few Towns upon those Coasts in the hands of the Portugals. So little benefit have those Nations gotten by our late Discoveries; it being Gain, not Godlinesse, which the Merchant aims at.

The Nations inhabiting this Country, or dispersed in it, may be reduced to Africans properly so called, Egyptians, Habassines, Arabians, Jewes• and some Europaean Christians: the Europaean Christians only in their Forts and Garrisons, the Jewes in all the good Towns where Trade is stirring, the Arabians chiefly on the Sea-coasts bordering on the Red-Sea, but wandering in great herds or companies all about the Country with their wives and children; the Habassines and Egyptians in their severall kingdoms: The Africans again subdivided into Moors and Caferes, of which the Moors are wholly under the Law of Mahomet the Caferes dwelling in the inland and more Southern parts, not discovered antiently, in their wonted Gentilisme. Accordingly, the Languages herein spoken are different also; The Portugal or Spanish being used by the Europaeans; 2. The Chaldee or Syriack by the Iewes; 3. The Arabick by those of that Nation, and in all Barbary except Morocco only; 4. The Habassine, and 5. The Egyptian, in those Kingdoms; 6. That called Aquel-amarig, or the Noble language, supposed to be the natural and original language of the Roman Africans, intermixt with some Arabian words, and spoken generally in Morocco, and so amongst some of the inhabitants of Barbary nearest to Mount Atlas; 7. That named Sungai, used in Tombutum, Guinea, and others of the people of the Land of Negroes; and 8. That called Gubeo, spoke by those of Aithiopia inferior, and such of the Land of Negroes as lie next unto it.

In reference to the State of the Roman Empire, it contained only the Dioceses of Egypt, Africk, and part of the Diocese of Spain. The Diocese of Egypt subdivided into the Provinces of, 1. Libya superior, 2. Libya inferior, 3. Thebais, 4. Augustanica, 5. Arcadia, and 6. Aegyptus specially so called; distinguished by other names in the Nicene Council: That of Africk, into Tripolitana, 2. Byzacena, 3. Zeugitana, 4. Numidia, 5. Mauritania Caesariensis, 6. and Mauritania Sitifensis; that other part of Mauritania, called Tingitana, being laid to the Diocese of Spain. The rest of this Peninsula, as they never conquered, so it never was much taken into consideration. But being more perfectly discovered now then in former times, (though not so perfectly as that I can be able to promise an exact accompt of it) it is divided commonly into these seven parts; 1. Egypt, 2. Barbary or the Roman Africk, 3. Numidia, 4. Libya, neither of which the same with those of the antient Romans, 5. Terra Nigritarum 6. Aethiopia superior, and 7. Aethiopia inferior. Such of the Islands as do properly belong unto any of these, shall make up the eighth. In the Descriptions whereof we will follow the Method of Plautanus, and begin with Egypt, as being peopled and possessed before all the residue.

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

AFRICA is a Peninsula so great, that it makes the Third and most Meridional part of our Continent. It approaches so near to Spain, that only the Streight of Gibraltar divides them; and touches so little upon Asia, that only an Isthmus of 30 or 40 Leagues, between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, joyns them together.

Besides this Isthmus, Africa is bounded on all sides by the Sea, as appears by the Map. The Latins called it most commonly Africa, and the Greeks, Libya; yet both the one and the other are indifferently found in the Authors of the one and the other Tongue. The first was given by one Afer, descending from Abraham and Kethura; others say, of one Afer, Son of the Libyan Hercules; or (according to the Greeks) it is taken from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, Sine Frigore, because (according to its scituation) it must be without Cold. According to the Arabs the name should be taken from Ifriquia, that is, Divided; because were it not for that Isthmus which joyns it to Asia, it were quite divided from our Continent. According to the Punick Tongue it signifies the Land of Corn, for the abundance of Grains gathered in that particular part called Africa.

The name of Libya, is taken either from Libya, the Daughter of Epaphus, the Son of Jupiter; or from Libya, one of the three Lakes which descend into the River Triton; or from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which in the ancient Greek Idiom signifies Black, because its Inhabitants are Black; or from Lub, which among the Arabs signifies Thirst, because a good part of the Country wants Water. But these Histories, Fables, and Etymologies, are taken from divers Authors of divers Tongues; and for different Reasons there may be new ones found or made, to content those which are covetous of them.

The Form of Africa is near Triangular, yet it advances four Promontories to the four principal places of the World. Cape Bona, towards the North; the Cape of Good Hope, towards the South; Cape Guard a Fuy, towards the the East; and Cape Verd, towards the West: the three last are on the Ocean, and the first on the Mediterranean Sea.

Its length, taken from Cape Verd to Cape Guard a Fuy, is about 2000 Leagues, Its breadth, from Cape Bona to that of Good Hope, is about 1800 Leagues;but both its length and breadth, are found much less in all other places.

Its scituation is under or about the Torrid Zone; the Equinoctial Line passing over it, and cutting it in two, though unequal parts. The most part of Africa is between the two Tropicks, which it out passes 11 ½ Degrees, and and 15 Degrees on one and the other side, to wit, 11 ½ Degrees beyond the Tropick of Capricorn, and 15 on this side that of Cancer.

It is every where inhabited, though not so well as Europe or Asia; whether by reason of the insupportable Heats which reign there, or because it hath many Countries dry and without Water; or because it hath others, where there is much Sand easily removed by the Wind, often burying Men in it; or by reason of the great number of venemous, fierce, and cruel Beasts, which are found through the whole; or because they sell and transport one another for Slaves, I leave to judge.

It is moreover observable, that it is fresher and cooler under and about the Equator, than under and about the Tropicks. The reason is, because the Sun makes two Summers and two Winters, under and near the Equator; and that the Nights are equal to the Days, which is a great refreshment.

Divers Authors divide Africa in a very different manner; yet most agree to make first the Division into two great parts, calling that Oriental which is on the East of the Nile, and that Occidental which is on the West; others by the Equator, calling it Northern on this side, and Southern on the other side the Equator: Others by the Colours of the People, observing that on this side the Tropick of Cancer they are white, and beyond it black. But all these Divisions have many faults, to avoid which, and to make our Division of Africa into two great Parts, agree with that of ancient Authors, and with the disposition in which the Country is now found, I draw a Line from the Gulph of St. Thomas unto the extremity of Egypt, on the Red Sea. This Line carried along where the Estates are distinguished one from the other, divides Africa into two equal parts, cuts no Estate in two; and that which is on this side is called by the Ancients, and by the Modern more precisely, Africa or Libya; that which is beyond this, is called both by the one and the other Ethiopia.

This first Division will facilitate those of the other parts, dividing Africa or Libya into two, and Ethiopia likewise into two; Africa or Libya into the higher and farther, in regard of us; and exteriour and interiour in regard of those of the Country. Ethiopia into high and low, according to the Moderns, or into Ethiopia under Egypt, and Ethiopia Interiour, according to the Ancients.

In the Higher and Exteriour Africa or Libya we have Barbary, Billedulgerid, and Egypt: In the Farther and Interiour Africa and Libya, Saara or Desart, the Country of the Negroes and Guinny. In the Higher Ethiopia, or under Egypt, are Nubia, Abissina, and Zanguebar: In the Lower or Interiour Ethiopia, Congo, the Mono-Motapa, and the Cafres.

Barbary extends it self along the Mediterranean Sea, from the Ocean unto Egypt, and is bounded on the South by Mount Atlas. Billedulgerid lies along this Mountain, likewise from the Ocean unto Egypt, bounded on the South by Saara or Desart. Egypt is only one Valley, from the Cataractes of Nile unto the Mediterranean Sea. This last part hath retained its ancient name; the other two put together, answer to what the Ancients called Mauritania, Africa proprie dicta, and Libya likewise proprie dicta: so that the most Western parts of Barbary and Billedulgerid together make Mauritania, the Middle Africa, and the most Eastern Libya.

Likewise Saara or Desart, the Country of the Negroes and Guinny, stretch themselves from the Ocean unto the High and Low Ethiopia: And the most Western part of Saara answers to the ancient People Gatuli, the Easternly part of Garamantes. The Country of the Negroes, to Nigritarum Regio: Guinny to many People, of which the most famous have been the Perorsi. This Guinny is 750 Leagues long: The Country of the Negroes near 1000: Saara, Billedulgerid, and Barbary, each 11 or 1200 Leagues; their breadth being only 100, 200, or 300 Leagues. The length of Egypt, from South to North is not above 200 Leagues. Its breadth, if we esteem it only the Valley along the Nile, is very narrow; and sometimes only 5, 10, sometimes 12 or 15 Leagues.

We have divided Ethiopia into the Higher and the Lower, placing in the Higher, Nubia, Abissina, and Zanguebar; in the Lower, Congo, Mono-Motapa, and Cafres. Nubia is for the most part on this side, and to the West; Abissina above, and Zanguebar beyond the Nile, and in the most Easternly part of Ethiopia. Congo makes the most Western part of Ethiopia; the Mono-Motapa, and Cafres, the most Southern: This on the Coast, the other within Land.

Nubia, Abissina, and Zanguebar together, answer to the Ethiopia sub Egypto of Ptolomy; Nubia to the most Northern part, and nearest to Egypt; Abissina more Southern; Zanguebar to that which is on the Coasts, and there where Ptolomy describes the Regions of Barbary, Azania, and Trogloditica; which answer to the particular Zanguebar, on the Coast of Ajan, and the Coast of Abex; which we esteem under the general name of Zanguebar. In the Lower Ethiopia, Congo answers to the Hesperii Aethiopes, the Mono-Motapa to Agisymba Regio, the Cafres to the Anthropophagi Aethiopes.

The Coast of Cafres reaches 1200 Leagues; the Mono-Motapa is 4, 5, or 600 long and broad; Congo 6 or 700 long, and 300 large; Nubia 400 long, and 200 broad; Abissina 7 or 800 long, and 4 or 500 broad; The Coast of Zanguebar stretches 15 or 1600 Leagues, with not above 100 of breadth, like to that of Cafres.

The Mountains of Africa are in great number, and very remarkable, both for their height, extent, the Metals wherewith they abound, and other particulars. The most famous are Atlas, those of the Moon, and Serre Lione.

Atlas was the most famous Mountain among the Ancients,* 1.10 who believed it bounded the World on the South. Its name was taken from Atlas, King of Mauritania, whom Perseus turned into a Mountain, by making him see the Head of Medusa; and because he had been an Astronomer the Poets feigned, that he bore up the Heavens. It is true, this Mountain is so high that it seems to touch the Skies; it extends it self from the Great Sea or Occidental Ocean, to which it hath given the name of Atlantick, even near to Egypt, for the space of more than 1000 Leagues, leaving Barbary on the one side, and Billedulgerid on the other; casting forth branches under divers names on both sides. There is the Great and Little Atlas.

The Mountains of the Moon, now of Beth, are higher than any of Europe, and are alwaies covered with Snow and Ice: But these Mountains make divers branches towards the Cape of Good Hope; they are called Picos Fragosos; towards the East of Congo, the Mountains of Chrystal; above the Lakes of Zaire and Zafflan, the Mountains of the Sun, and of Salt-Peter; and it may well be, that the highest between Abissina, the Mono-Motapa and Cafreria, retain the name of the Mountains of the Moon.

The Mountains of Serre Lione, by the Portugals, Sierre Lioa, are the Chariot of the Gods of the Ancients: And this name was given, because from their top they send forth continual Lightnings and Thunders, as if the Gods could not march with less noise. Their principal ridge is between the Country of the Negroes and Guinny, where they make two Branches; one advancing into the Farther Africa or Libya, and the Higher Ethiopia; the other between the Higher and Lower Ethiopia: this seeking the Mountains of the Moon, the other Atlas.

The largest and most famous Rivers of Africa are the Nile and the Niger; the Nile hath been known in all times. Ancient and Modern Authors have been troubled to tell where its Head-spring is, and more to give the reason of the Increase and Decrease of its Waters; we will speak something of it in Egypt. Its course is 1200 Leagues in a strait line, and little less than 2000 in its turnings: It descends from the Lake Zaire, traverses the Higher Ethiopia, Nubia, and Egypt, and falls with several Mouths into the Mediterranean; about the middle of its course it embraces the Isle of Meroe or Gueguere: And this Isle hath many Estates and Signories, and may boast it self the greatest and fairest of all River Isles that we have knowledge of.

The Niger hath its Springs in the Kingdom of Damont, above the Lake Niger, and not far from the Nile, when it is out of the Lake of Zaire. This Niger doth in some part divide the Higher Ethiopia from the Lower, approaches Nubia, and the Countrey of the Negroes; hitherto rolling its streams from South to North, till losing it self in the Earth, it rises again near the Lake Borno; turns its course, and continues it to the West, traversing the whole Country of the Negroes 200 Leagues from the Sea, it divides it self into many Branches, which have divers names, and falls into the Ocean between the 11th and 16th degrees of Latitude. Its course is a little longer than that of the Nile; its streams more violent, and hath the same property of overflowing and fatning the Earth; engenders the same Creatures, but not so strong; hath grains of Gold in its Sand: But the Country which it traverses is neither so well habited, rich, nor known, as that of the Nile. Some believe the Nile and the Niger come from the same Springs, and that they begin not to divide but between the Higher and Lower Ethiopia; one continuing its course towards the North, the other turning from East to West: So the Arab of Nubia calls both, Nile; and to distinguish them adds, Nile of Egypt, and Nile of the Negroes.

The other Rivers of Africa are not to compare with these. Zaire in Congo may be considered for the quantity of Waters it streams down, and for the greatness of its Mouth at the Sea, and so some others: but let us pass to the Promontories.

We have already touched a word or two on the principal ones, to wit, the Capes of Bona, Hermea, Promontorium, Cape Verd, Arsinarium Prom, Gard a Fuy, Aromata Prom; (this Name was given, because of the Drugs and Spices of the East, which passed before, this Cape to descend by the Red Sea into Egypt, and from Egypt into the Mediterranean, and through all the West,) and of the Cape of Good Hope, of which the Greeks and Latins have had no certain knowledge, much less those before them; nevertheless we find some Authors among the Ancients, who would make it appear that the Barbarians, that is, the stranger Nations, have made (or caused to be made) the Circum-navigation of Africa, which could not be done without knowing of this Cape.

The Kings, Emperours, or Princes, which at present possess Africa, are in very great number; the most powerful and considerable are the Great Turk, or Sultan of the Ottomans, who holds all Egypt, a great part of Barbary, and almost all the Coast which touches the Red Sea. The Negus of the Abissines, who possesses the fairest and greatest part of the Higher Ethiopia; the Xeriffs of Fez and Morocco, which have held those two Kingdoms in Barbary, and likewise Dara, and Segelmesse in Billedulgerid. The King of Tombutt, among the Negroes: the Mona's or Mani, that is, Kings of Congo, Monotapa, and Emugi; and the Soba of Angola, in the Lower Ethiopia; he of Adel, in the Coast of Ajan; besides which there are many Xeques of the Arabs, many free and vagabond People, who (for the most part) live without Chiess, Faith, or Law.

The Kings of Castile and Portugal hold many places on the Coasts of Africa; those of Castile hold some on the Mediterranean Sea; those of Portugal hold a great number on all parts of the Ocean, which encompasses Africa; but the Hollanders have taken some from them, and others are delivered to the English.

Amongst a great number of different Tongues that are in Africa, the three or four principal and most general ones are the Beribere or African, which comes from the Ancient Punick, the Arabick and Ethiopian. The African and Arabick extend themselves through all Barbary, Billedulgerid, Egypt, and Saara, according as the People of these Countries, descend from the Africans or Arabs. The Ethiopian is in the greatest part of Ethiopia; if it be not on the Coast, where the commerce and confluence of Strangers hath long since changed the Tongue: But the Negroes seem to have a particular Language. These Tongues have divers Idioms, and very different the one from the other; all (or at least the three first) descending from the Hebrew, or Tongues derived from it.

The Religions which have course in Africa may be reduced to four; Mahometism, Paganism, Christianity, and Judaism. Mohometism possesses Barbary, Billedulgerid, Egypt, Zaara or the Desart, part of the Negroes, and a good part of the Coast of Zanguebar. Paganism holds part of the Negroes and Nubia, Guinny, and almost all the Lower Ethiopia (I comprehend the Cafres with the Pagans,) part of Zanguebar, and some mixture otherwhere. Christianity holds in Africa almost the whole Empire of the Abissines, part of Egypt; but the most part Schismaticks; and along all the Coasts of Africa, where the Portugals are the strongest, they have introduced Christianity: as in Congo, Angola, and some Coasts of the Cafres and Zanguebar. As for Judaism, it is scattered in many Cities on the Coast of Barbary; as at Morocco, Fez, Algier, &c. Likewise in Egypt, and on the confines of the Abissines and the Negroes, they have the Kingdom of Ximen tributary to the Abissines; but the Jews are but a small number in Africa in comparison of the others. I make account that Africa being divided into 16 equal parts, Mahometism would possess 5 or 6, Paganism 6 or 7, Christianity 3, and Judaism only one.

AFRICA, as it is at this day known, may be divided into these 8 parts following, viz. 1. Barbary, (in which is found the Kingdoms of Morocco, Fez, Algier, Telensin, Tunis, Tripoli, and Braca.) 2. Billedulgerid or Numidia. 3. Egypt. 4. Zaara or Libya Interiour, in which is comprehended the Country of the Negroes, Guinny, with some certain Isles. 5. Nubia. 6. The Empire of the Abissines, or the higher or greater Ethiopia, in which I comprehend Zanguebar. 7. Ethiopia the Lower, in which are found the Kingdoms of Congo, the Empire of the Monomotapa, the Land of Cafres: And 8. and lastly, the Isles of Africa. And of these in order.

Under the Name of BARBARY, are comprehended several Kingdoms, to wit,

• The Kingdom of MOROCCO, wherein are several Provinces; and which may be considered as they lie
  • On the Sea, as
    • Susa,
      • Taradante,
      • Messa,
      • Tagavostum,
      • Tojouta,
      • Gartguessemum.
    • Hea,
      • Tednest,
      • Teculethum,
      • Goza,
      • Tefethna.
  • Within Land, as
    • Guzula, — Guzula.
    • Morocco,
      • Morocco,
      • Agmer,
      • Elguimha,
      • Temella.
    • Hascora,
      • Elmadina,
      • Tagodaft.
    • Teldes,
      • Teiza.
      • Tedza.
    • Ducala,
      • Azamor,
      • El Medina,
      • Asafi.
• The Kingdom of FEZ, with its several Provinces; which may be considered as they lie
  • On the Ocean, as
    • Temesne,
      • Anfa,
      • Almansor,
      • Rabatt,
      • Adendum.
    • Fez,
      • Fez,
      • Mahmora,
      • Salla, or Sally.
    • Asgar,
      • Cafar-el-Cabir,
      • Lharais.
  • On the Streight of Gibraltar, Habar.
    • Arzila.
    • Tangier,
    • Tettinguina.
  • On the Mediterranean Sea, as
    • Errif,
      • Gomer,
      • Bedia.
    • Garret,
      • Mellila,
      • Fetis.
  • Up within Land, as— Chaus,
    • Teza,
    • Dubdu,
    • Ga•sis.
• The Kingdom of ALGIER, with its Provinces; which may be considered as they lie
  • On the West, as
    • Telensin, with its Quarters
      • Telesin,
        • Telesin,
        • Oran,
        • Marsalquibi•.
      • Hanghad, Guagida.
      • Beni-Rafid Batha.
    • Tenez,
      • Tenesa,
      • Sersela,
      • Meliana.
  • In the Middle, as— Algier,
    • Algier,
    • Temendfufta,
    • Taddeles.
  • On the East, as
    • Bugia,
      • Bugia,
      • Chollum,
      • Gergelum,
      • Steffa.
    • Constantina,
      • Constantina,
      • Bona,
      • Tabarca,
      • Tebessa.
• The Kingdom of TUNIS, with its Governments; and which may be considered as they lie
  • On the Sea, and are Maritim, as
    • Benserta,— Benserta.
    • Goletta,
      • Tunis,
      • Goletta.
    • Sousa,
      • Susa,
      • Hammmetha.
    • El-Media, or Africa,— El-Media.
  • Within Land, as
    • Beija, or Bege, — Beija.
    • Urbs,
      • Urbs,
      • Arbes,
      • Musti,
      • Marmagena.
    • Cayroan,
      • Cayroan,
      • Cafsa,
      • Hama.
• The Kingdom or Province of TRIPOLI, whose chief Maritim places are those of
  • Capes,
  • Et-Hamma,
  • Tripolis the New,
  • Lepeda,
  • Tripolis the Old.
• The Country of BARCA, or LIBYA, which may be divided into
  • The Kingdom of BARCA, as it regards the Sea, and makes the most Eastern Coast of BARBARY, whose chief places are
    • Camera,
    • Bernichum,
    • Torachara,
    • Tolometa,
    • Zadra,
    • Barca,
    • Cayroan,
    • Boni-Andreas,
    • Musolomarus,
    • Albertonus,
    • Rox•.
    • Ripaealba.
  • The Desart of BARCA, within Land, more Southward, and under the Tropick of Cancer; whose chief places are,
    • Ammon,
    • Gorham,
    • Angela,
    • Alguechet,
    • Erner,
    • Sert•,
    • Ascor,
    • Eb•ida, and Couzza.
  • BILLEDULGERID, with its several Kingdoms, Parts, or Provinces, which may be considered as they lie
    • Southwards of MOROCCO, as
      • The Kingdom of SUS, or TESSET, with its Quarters and Cities of
        • Ydausquerit,
        • Extues,
        • Nun,
        • Tesset,
        • Guadenum,
        • Istena,
        • Archa,
        • Ydausquerit,
        • Simotamat,
        • Ydiausan.
        • Ydunadaf.
        • Mereit,
        • Deudyzdud,
        • Yduquinsus.
        • Arabala,
        • Aragati,
        • Ynduzel,
        • Denseniz,
        • Tizitit,
        • Aytiacoli,
        • Buleza,
        • Tesset,
        • Suana,
        • Ydaubagul,
        • Deursumugt,
        • Monasterium,
        • Ausulima,
        • Buaadora,
        • Nun,
        • Albene,
        • Utemila,
        • Intrena Castra.
    • The Kingdom of DARHA, with its Cities of
      • Taragalel,
      • Benisabih,
      • Quitera,
      • Temesguit,
      • Tagumadert,
      • Timesguit,
      • Darba,
      • Tabarnost,
      • Timulin,
      • Tamegu•rut,
      • Tesut,
      • Afra.
    • Southwards of FEZ and ALGIER, as The Kingdom of SEGELOMESSE, with its Estates and Cities of
      • Gastrium,
      • Segellomesse,
      • Tamaracrostum,
      • Zebbelum,
      • Chasaira,
      • Manunna,
      • Mazaligum,
      • Abuhinanum,
      • Feghiga Castra,
      • Melelum,
      • Tebelbotta Castra,
      • Humeledegum,
      • Vnaelhefenum,
      • Tebubassatum,
      • Sugailfilum.
    • Southwards of ALGIER, and TUNIS, as
      • The Quarter of TEGORARIN, with its Parts of
        • TEGORARIN,
          • Tegorarin,
          • Tegdeat.
          • Calamati.
        • TESSEBIT,
          • Tessebit,
          • Tuat,
          • Teguat,
          • Benigorait.
      • The Quarter of ZEB, with its Estates of
        • ZEB,
          • Peschata,
          • Borgium,
          • Dusena,
          • Teolacha,
          • Nesta,
        • MEZZAB,
          • Macaza.
          • Mezzab.
          • Deuser.
        • TECHORT,
          • Techort,
          • Ne•au,
          • Statio.
        • GUERGUELA,
          • Guargals,
          • Statio,
          • Statio.
    • Southwards of TRIPOLI, as The Quarter of BILLEDULGERID, with its Parts of
      • BILLEDULGERID, particularly so called,
        • Tensar,
        • Caphesa,
        • Nesiioa,
        • Chalbiza,
        • Clemena,
        • Neszara.
      • GADEMES,
        • Gademes,
        • Statio,
        • Stat,
        • Stat.
      • FEZZEN,
        • Fezzen,
        • Samela,
        • Nati Morti.
      • JASLITEN, — Jasliten.
      • TEORREGU,
        • Teorregu,
        • Masta,
        • Statio,
        • Tega,
        • Stat,
        • Serai Mons,
        • Stat.

EGYPT may be divided into three Parts, and then

• The first shall contain the Twelve Cassilifs or Governments within EGYPT; as
  • In the Higher EGYPT, the Cassilifs of
    • GIRGIO,
      • Asna,
      • Barbanda,
      • Girgio,
      • ••id,
      • Chiana,
    • MANFE•OUT,
      • Ma•••o••,
      • A••otha.
    • AEBENSUEF,
      • Fium,
      • M•ni•,
      • Benisuaifa.
    • MINIO,
      • Assuana,
      • Chana,
      • Minio,
      • Ichmina.
    • CHERK•FFI,
      • Almona,
      • Paulicella;
      • Anthium.
    • FIUM,
      • Fium,
      • Cosora.
    • GIZA, — Gez•.
    • CAIRO,
      • Cairo,
      • Sues,
      • Elmena,
      • Larnabula,
      • Ant••li,
      • Emelcocena.
  • In the Lower EGYPT, the Cassilifs of
    • MANSOURA,
      • Heroa,
      • Mansoura,
      • Belbesa,
      • Sahidum,
      • Ber•lies,
      • Mesela,
      • Elboera,
      • Te•exa,
      • Faramida,
      • Cassia.
    • GARBIA,
      • Damiata,
      • Petra,
      • Bourles,
      • Beltina,
      • Mig••,
      • Eli•ala,
      • Demanohoura.
    • MENUFIA, — Menufia.
    • BASBEIH, or CALIOUBIEH, with the Territory of ERRIF, or ALEXANDRIA,
      • Tureta,
      • Zuga,
      • Euo•,
      • Sebennets,
      • Alexandria,
      • Tur•is,
      • Bochira,
      • Arabum,
      • Rosetto,
      • Atacona,
      • Tunia,
      • Turamania,
      • Alhaman,
      • Democuria,
• The Second Part shall contain the Cities seated on the RED SEA; among which are those of
  • Buge,
  • •ibid,
  • Sa•,
  • Cosur,
  • Ficte,
  • Dacati,
  • Suguam,
  • Libelezaita.
  • Azirut,
  • Grodol.
• The Third shall be the Cassilif or Government of BONHERA, or BAERA, without the True EGYPT, and in LIBYA, but under its Jurisdiction; whose chief places may be considered as as they lie
  • On the Sea, among which are those of
    • Ripaealba,
    • Roxa,
    • Lagoseium,
    • Albertonus portus,
    • Solona,
    • Musulomara,
    • Trabochus portus,
    • Patriarcha portus,
    • Salinae,
    • Favara,
    • Forcella,
    • Bon Andreas,
    • Doera,
    • Laaneum,
    • Zadra,
    • Tolome•a,
    • Taochara,
    • Berzebona,
    • Ber•ichum,
    • Careora,
    • Camera,
    • Av•um portus;
    • Salinae.
  • Within Land; as
    • Cayroan,
    • Barca,
    • Solue.
    • Altahune,
    • Nachel,
    • Maghar Alacquin.

LIBYA INTERIOR, which doth comprehend

• ZAHARA, or SAARA, with its Parts or Provinces of
  • ZANHAGA, — Tegassa.
  • ZUENZIGA,
    • Zuenziga,
    • Ziz,
    • Ghir.
  • TARGA,
    • Hair.
    • Targa.
  • LEMPTA,
    • Lempta,
    • Dighir,
    • Agades.
  • BERDOA, — Berdoa.
  • BORNO,
    • Borno,
    • Kaugha,
    • Amasen.
  • GAOGA, — Gaoga.
• The Land of NEGROES, with its Parts or Kingdoms, as they lie
  • On this side the Niger, as
    • GUALATA,
      • Guadia,
      • Angra,
      • Arguya.
    • GENEHOA,
      • Genehoa,
      • Walade,
      • Ganar,
      • Samba-Lamech.
    • TOMBUT,
      • Tombut,
      • Salla,
      • Berissa,
      • Guegneve.
    • AGADES,
      • Agades,
      • Deghir,
      • Mura.
    • CANUM,
      • Cano,
      • Tassana,
      • Germa.
    • CASSENA,
      • Cassena,
      • Nebrina,
      • Tirca.
    • GANGARA,
      • Gangara,
      • Semegonda.
  • Between the Branches, and about the Mouth of the Niger, as
    • JALOFFES,
      • Emboule,
      • Lambaya,
      • Yagoa,
      • Bersola,
      • Nabare,
      • Besu,
      • Catcheo,
      • Boyla,
      • Codan,
      • Julieto.
    • GAMBIA,
    • CASANGUAS,
    • BIAFARES,
      • Emboule,
      • Lambaya,
      • Yagoa,
      • Bersola,
      • Nabare,
      • Besu,
      • Catcheo,
      • Boyla,
      • Codan,
      • Julieto.
  • Beyond the Niger, as
    • MELLI, — Melli.
    • SOUSOS, — Beria.
    • MANDINGUE,
      • Mandinga,
      • Tocrur.
    • GAGO,
      • Gago,
      • Dau.
    • GUBER, — Guber.
    • ZEGZEG,
      • Zegzeg,
      • Channara.
    • ZANFARA,
      • Zanfara,
      • Reghebil.
• GUINY, and regarding the Atlantick Ocean; with its Parts or Kingdoms of
  • MELEGUETTE, with its chief Places, as they lie
    • On the Sea, as
      • Bugos,
      • Timaa,
      • Bagga,
      • Serbora,
      • Masfah,
      • Faly Hamaya,
      • Samwyn,
      • Crou, and Growaly.
    • Within Land, as
      • Bolombere,
      • Quinamora.
  • GUINY, particularly so called, or the IVORY or GOLD Coast, with its chief places, as they lie
    • On the Sea, as
      • Tabo,
      • Taboe Petoy,
      • Wetoe,
      • Moure,
      • Nassau,
      • St. George del Mina,
      • Cormantir,
      • Berku,
      • Pompena.
    • Within Land, as
      • Laboure,
      • Uxoo,
      • Quinimburm,
      • Acanes Grandes,
      • Dauma,
      • A•••raus,
      • Adios,
      • St. Eaurenco,
      • Zabandu,
      • Buma,
      • Roggis,
      • Jamo.
  • BENIN, with its chief Places, as they lie
    • On the Sea, as
      • Popou,
      • Jackeyn,
      • Loebo,
      • Fosko,
      • Borli,
      • Bodi, and Cesge.
    • Within Land, as
      • B•din,
      • O•verre,
      • A•ovon, and Curamo.

The Empire of the ABISSINES or the HIGHER AETHIOPIA, wherein are comprehended divers Kingdoms, Countreys, Coasts, Isles, &c. which may be considered as they lye

• Northernly and towards EGYPT, as The Kingdom of NUBIA with its Estates and Cities of
  • Gorham,
  • Jalac,
  • Mathan,
  • Gualva,
  • Dancala,
  • Cusa,
  • Zaghara,
  • Bugia,
  • Angimi,
  • Tamalma,
  • Sula,
  • Tagua.
• North-Easternly and towards the Red Sea, as The Coast of ADEX which comprehendeth the
  • Kingdom of BARNAGASSO.
    • Suaquen,
    • Ercocco,
    • Carna,
    • Corberia,
    • Barva,
    • Zama.
  • ISLES of
    • Bahia,
    • Suaquem,
    • Mire,
    • Macruma,
    • St. Peitre.
• Easternly and towards the Sea of ZANGUEBAR; as
  • The Coast of AJAN which comprehendeth the
    • Kingdom of ADEA
      • Brava,
      • Magadoxa,
      • Barraboa,
      • Quilmanca.
    • Kingdom of ADEL
      • Adel,
      • Zeila,
      • Barbora,
      • Meta.
    • ISLE of — Zocotora.
  • The Coast of ZANGUEBAR with its Estates and Cities of
    • Mongale,
    • Chelicia,
    • Pate,
    • Lamon,
    • Angos,
    • Mongalo,
    • Melinda,
    • Mombaze,
    • Angos,
    • Quiloa.
    • Mozambique,
    • Darcelum.
  • ISLES about the Coast of ZANGUEBAR, as
    • Monfia,
    • Santus Rochus,
    • Zanzibara,
    • Penda.
• Southernly, Westernly and towards the Kingdom of CONGO or the LOWER AETHIOPIA, where are the Kingdoms or Provinces of
  • TIGREMAHON
    • Chuxumum,
    • Saibana
  • ANGOTA
    • Angotina,
    • Bugano,
    • St. Maria.
  • XOA — Xoa.
  • FATIGARA — Mundinae,
  • CANCALA
    • Degibeldara,
    • Degibelcora.
  • BAGAMEDRI
    • Chilcut,
    • Ermita,
    • Azuga,
    • Baza,
    • Machanda,
  • GOYAME
    • Chilcut,
    • Ermita,
    • Azuga,
    • Baza,
    • Machanda,
  • AMBIAN
    • Cemenia,
    • Ambiami,
    • Amasen,
    • Syre.
  • DAMBEA
    • Ambadara,
    • Chedaflan.
  • VANGUE
    • Matagazi,
    • Vangue.
  • DAMOUT
    • Damute,
    • Harode,
    • Gaga.
  • AMARA
    • Amara,
    • Fungi,
    • Baraena,
    • Burn.
  • AMBIAM
    • Ambiam,
    • Therva,
    • Azuga,
    • Ougne,
    • Losa,
    • Sesila,
    • Agola.
  • GEMEN
    • Gemen,
    • Dara,
    • Jaflan.
  • GORGA
    • Gorga,
    • Bara,
    • Gafat.
  • GAVI-GASA — Gasabella.
  • NAREA
    • Falaccia,
    • Gavi,
    • Zet.
  • GAFATES
    • Cafates,
    • Maurama.
  • FUNGI — Fungi.
  • QUARA
    • Quara,
    • Nova.
  • AGAG
    • Agag,
    • Gorava,
    • Giarva.

The Empire of the ABYSSINS; or the LOWER AETHIOPIA; with its Empires, Kingdoms, Land, &c. which may be divided into (or comprehended under) three Parts, or Heads; and then:

• The First shall contain The Kingdom of CONGO, with its Kingdoms or Provinces of
  • LOANGA,
    • Loango,
    • Sette,
    • Majumba,
    • Quanvi,
    • Quiloogo,
    • Sellaga,
    • Kaye,
    • Katte.
  • PANGO,
    • Pango,
    • Cundi Funquenes,
    • Angote,
    • Chicaco de Lula.
  • SUNDA,
    • Sunda,
    • Betequa,
    • Quincasso.
  • SONGO,
    • Sonho,
    • Bommo,
    • Matinga,
    • Cascais,
    • Melemba,
    • Calinde,
    • Palmarinho,
    • Mombalas,
    • Quivala.
  • BAMBA,
    • Bamba,
    • Mussula,
    • Lengo,
    • Loanda St. Pavo,
    • Fort Mols,
    • Motole,
    • Bengo,
    • Azele.
  • PEMBA,
    • St. Salvador,
    • Pemba,
    • Tinda,
    • Simba,
    • Lemba.
  • BATTA,
    • Batta,
    • Agisimba,
    • Gongou.
  • ANGOLA,
    • Engaze,
    • Maisirgan,
    • Benguela,
    • Quicongo,
    • Manikimsombo,
    • Manikilondo,
    • Gunze,
    • Mapongo,
    • Embacca.
  • GIAQUES,
    • Zaire,
    • Dagar,
    • Elifie.
  • MALEMBA,
    • Meri.
    • Debsan.
• The Second shall contain
  • The Empire of MONOMOTAPA, with its Kingdoms or Parts of
    • SUTUA,
      • Batua,
      • Carma,
      • Zet,
      • Dobdel,
      • Augesa.
      • Calburas,
      • Bafat,
      • Quiticui,
      • Degme,
      • Hagala,
      • Giera,
      • Amara,
      • Matagasi,
      • Bera,
      • Armeta,
      • Gallica.
    • MONOMOTAPA, particularly so called,
      • Monomotapa,
      • Zuggi,
      • Tialso,
      • Zimbro,
      • Jouros,
      • Garma,
      • Mosata,
      • Vigiri Magna.
  • The Empire of MONOEMUGI, wherein are some Kingdoms, whose chief places are
    • Agag,
    • Astagoa,
    • Leuma,
    • Camur,
    • Beif,
    • Bagametro,
    • Zembre,
• The Third shall contain The Land and Coast of CAFRES, which encompasseth the Empire of MONOMOTAPA, with its Parts of
  • MATAMAN,
    • Angra dos Negros,
    • Cabo Negro,
    • Doileus portus.
  • Coast of CAFRES, particularly so called,
    • Cape St. Anthony,
    • Cape St. Lucia,
    • St. Martins-Bay,
    • Cape of Good Hope,
    • Carascalis Portus.
    • Biscarius Portus,
    • St. Nicholai.
  • CHICANGA, — Zimbaos.
  • QUITEVA,
    • Deje,
    • Cuama.
  • ZEFALAN, — Zefalan.

The ISLES of AFRICA, as they lie and are found

• In the Mediterranean Sea, And on the Coast of BARBARY, as the ISLES of
  • MALTA,
    • Marzasirocco,
    • Vallett•,
    • il Borgo,
    • Madalena,
    • Medina,
    • St. Maria Meleca,
    • St. Maria Loret••,
    • Rodumifessa.
  • GOZA,
    • Goza Cast,
    • Scilendo.
  • Cumin, — Cumin.
  • Forfala,
  • Gamelera,
  • Chercura,
  • Lampedusa,
  • Limosa,
  • Panthalaria,
  • Galata,
  • Albusama.
• In the Occidental or Atlantick Ocean; as
  • On the Coast of MOROCCO; as the ISLES of
    • Madera,
      • Tonzal,
      • Sancta Cr••,
    • Porto Sancto.
  • The CANARY ISLES, or ISLES of
    • Forteventura,
      • Forteventura,
      • Chabras,
      • Lanegala,
    • Lancellotta,
      • Lancellotra,
      • Porto de Cavallos.
    • Grand Canaria,
      • Canaris,
      • Tedele,
      • Arginogy.
    • Teneriffe,
      • Laguna,
      • St. Crux.
    • Gomer, — Gomer.
    • Fer, — Hierro,
    • Palma,
      • Palma,
      • St. Andre.
  • The ISLES seated about those of the CANARIES,
    • Graclosa,
    • Alegria,
    • St. Clara,
    • Rocco,
    • Savages.
  • The ISLES of CAPE VERD; or the ISLES of
    • St. Antonio▪
    • St. Vincent,
    • St. Lucia,
    • St. Nicholas,
    • Salt,
    • Bonavista,
    • Mayo,
    • Fuego.
    • Brava,
    • St. Jago,
      • St. Jago,
      • Ribera Grande.
• In the Meridional of AETHIOPIAN Ocean, as
  • Between GUINY, and the Lower AETHIOPIA, where are the ISLES of
    • St. Thomas, — Pavoasan,
    • Princes,
    • Anncabon,
    • St. Matthew,
    • Assension,
    • St. Helena,
    • Perdinando Po▪
    • Tristan de Cunha,
    • Goncalo Alvarer.
  • On the Coast of ZANGUEBAR; as the ISLE of Madagascar, or St. Laurence,
    • Ving•gora,
    • Tombaja,
    • St. Andrew,
    • Cacambout,
    • Port of St. Vincent,
    • St. Anthony,
    • St. Augustine,
    • Boamarage,
    • Angoada.
  • The ISLES seated about the Isle of MADAGASCAR, and in the Sea of ZANGUEBAR, particularly so called; among which are those of
    • Zocotora,
    • Penda,
    • Zanzibara,
    • Sanctus Rochus,
    • Monfia,
    • St. Christophers,
    • St. Esprite,
    • Comerae,
    • Aliadorae,
    • Syrtium,
    • Nona,
    • Baixos,
    • St. Anthony,
    • St. Maria,
    • Radix,
    • St. Maurice,
    • Mascarenhae,
    • Diego Roix,
    • Johannis de Lisbo•,
    • Sancta Clara,
    • Sancta Just••, or Juliani,
    • St. James,
    • St. Vincent.
• In the Red Sea, or Sea of Mecque, And on the Coast of the Higher AETHIOPIA; as the ISLES of
  • Bahia Cabras▪
  • Suaquem,
  • Miri,
  • Meger,
  • Maczuam,
  • Balaccia,
  • St. Pi•tr•.

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

THat, which the Romans call'd Africa, was known among the Greeks under the Name of Libya. Thus these two Nations styled the Provinces that were opposite to them towards the South, on the other side of the Mediterranean Sea, and these Names were afterwards communicated to the rest of Africa: The Writers of Holy Matters call it the Country of Cham, because that, in the Division made by the Children of Noah, it fell to Cham's share.

Africa is a great Peninsula, which represents in some manner the Figure either of a Heart, Pyramid, or Triangle. Those who compare it to a Bow, say that the Cape of Sierra-Leona, and that of Good Hope, are the two ends of it; that the Isle of St. Thomas in the Ethiopick Sea, is the Middle of the string where they put the Arrow, whose Heel they place at the Isthmus of Sues in Egypt.

This part of the World advances thirty five Degrees beyond the Equator, and as many on this side the same Line, and yet the Inhabitants of the Southern parts, are much blacker, and less Politick than those of the Northern. Its length is from West to the East, from Cape Verd, to that of Guardafuy, which are above two thousand Leagues distant from one another: Eighteen hundred are reckon'd from Cape Boa, towards the midst of the Coast of Barbary, as far as the Cape of Good Hope.

The Portuguese were the first who discovered the African Coasts upon the Ocean. Some say, it was first sail'd round under the Ptolemeys, others that Solomon sent Fleets to Ophir, which having been fitted out in the Red Sea, return'd to Joppa in the Holy Land, by the Mediterranean Sea. Three famous Seas serve for its Bounds, as the main Ocean, the Mediterranean, and the Red Sea. The Ocean communicates it self to the Mediterranean Sea, by the Streights of Gibraltar, and to the Red Sea, by that of Babel-Mandel. Several Opinions walk about touching the rise of the Name of the Red Sea; the Vulgar believe this Sea to be so call'd by reason of its red sand: some assert, that the reflection of the Mountains, which seem reddish, burnt, and glowing, communicates that Colour to it: Others attribute it to the Rain-Waters, and to those of a Fountain, which run into that Sea from the Coasts of Arabia. Probably this Name of Red, and that of Rubrum, which the Latins, have given the Gulph of Arabia, came from that of Erithrean, which is Greek, and was peeuliar to that Gulph, which was known to us sooner than the other parts of the Erithrean Sea. The Red Sea is very long and narrow, full of Rocks, and divided into three Channels according to its length: The middle one, called the Long Sea, is from twenty five, to fifty Fathoms deep, Navigable by night and day; the two others, along the Shoars, are so full of Rocks, small Islands, and Woods, that they are only to be sail'd in the day time, nor that neither, without having Pilots, which are taken at Babel-Mandel, or Zeilan. This Sea receives no considerable Rivers. There is green and red Corral, and they fish and take some Pearls, near the Island Dalaca. The ebbing and flowing is so great, that some Naturalists have affirmed, that the Children of Israel past it dryfoot, during the Ebb, and that the Egyptians, having not well nicked their time, were overtaken and lost by the return of the Tide. But the Holy Scripture tells us, that the Sea divided it self for the facilitating the passage to the Israelites, and the Arabians still show the place of their passage between Azirut and El-Tor.

The greatest Rivers of Africa, are the Nile and the Niger. The Nile according to the newest Relations, has its Sourse in Abyssinia, at twelve Degrees of Northern Latitude; and runs a Course of full five hundred Leagues, after having pass'd thro' the Lake Bar-Dambea. Its Cataracts, or Water-falls, are towards its Source, and in the Confines of Aethiopia and Egypt; its Mouths make their influx into the Mediterranean Sea out of Egypt, where the Ancients have left seven, and the Neotericks four: Tho', indeed, there are but two of them now, unless there's an Inundation. Its Waters enrich and fatten the Land, and nourish Egypt, by their regular Overflowing. Its ufual height and encrease is to sixteen Cubits: more or less proves inconvenient. It is to be perceived by the retreat of the Cattel by the marks which are in the Pits, and by the heaviness of the Rivers Mud, which they expose in the night out o' doors, to receive moisture or Dew, which precedes and foreshews this Overflowing. The cause of it has been diversly alledged; some have said this River communicates its self with the Ocean, by the Lake and River of Zaire: and that the storms of the Sea cause its Waters to swell: Others affirm, that the sand, which gathers towards its Mouths, stops them, and that the Northerly Winds drove them up. Several Moderns believe that these Waters encrease from the thawed Snow, and from the Rains, which fall regularly, and abundantly in Ethiopia. It has lately been found out, that the Nitre, wherewith the Nile abounds so much, is the cause of all these wonderful effects, and that being heated by the Sun, it mingles it self with the Water, renders it troubled, swells it, and makes it pass over its Banks, insomuch that the Mud, which the Nile conveyes, does not come from elsewhere, nor does it make its Banks the higher.

The Niger keeps its ancient Name, which it received from the people whose Countrey it Waters; It sometimes goes under the Earth, and before it empties it self into the Atlantick Sea, it forms three principal Branches, the Senega, Gambia, and Rio Grande. It fertilizes all the places it passes through, and an abundance of Grains of Gold are found in its Sand. The Zaire is considerable for the rapidity and plenty of its Waters: the Zambre forms three Branches, Cuama, Spiritu-Santo, and Rio-de los Infantes. The Ghir often loses it self in the Sand, and almost as often gets out thence again.

The three greatest Lakes, are Zaire, Zembre, and Zaflan; all three in Ethiopia.

Amongst the Mountains of Africa, none are more renown'd than Atlas, and those of the Moon. The Poets have feign'd, that Heaven was supported by Atlas, by reason of its excessive height, or else upon the account of a King of Mauritania, called Atlas, who was one of the first that studied Astrology. Antiquity thought this Mountain to be the boundary of the World. In respect of its scituation, the Romans have divided all Africa into Citerior and Ʋlterior, and those of the Countrey divide it into Interior and Exterior.

Strabo and Mela separate Africa from Asia by the Nile; some Arabian Geographers shut it up between the Mediterranean, the Ocean, and the Rivers Zaire and Nile: In matter of division it seems more proper to follow the Seas, than Rivers. The Isthmus of Sues, which hinders Africa from being an Isle, is of about nine Leagues between the Red Sea and the nearest Channel of the Nile: for from one Sea to the other, there is above twenty five Leagues, or three days journey by Camels. They say, that one of the Ptolemeyes, Queen Cleopatra, some Sultans and other Soveraign Princes of Egypt, have endeavour'd to no purpose to pierce or cut the Neck of this Isthmus, and that they have been discouraged from their undertaking, by the vastness of the Work, and by the damage the Waters of the Red Sea might do, being found higher than those of the Mediterranean; and so might have corrupted by their bitterness that of the Nile, the only Water that's drunk in Egypt. Ptolomey intended a Memorable Work, in making Africa an Island; Cleopatra's design was to make her Ships pass into the Red Sea, that she might have escap'd falling into Augustus's hands. The Sultan's meant to facilitate the Commerce of the Europeans through their Dominions, towards the constant Levy of a vast Tribute.

The Africans exact great Services from their Elephants, their Camels, and their huge Apes; Dromedaries they call a sort of Camels, smaller and swifter than the others: they have wild Asses, Unicorns, Barbes, Cameleons, Marmousets, and Parrots. They get fine Feathers from their Ostriches, and their Civit Cats are much esteem'd for their scents.

There is no living-Creature in the World, that becomes so great, from so small a beginning, as does the Crocodile: it is form'd of an Egg, and still grows as long as it lives; insomuch that there are those that attain to twenty five or thirty Cubits.

The scituation of Africa, under the Torrid Zone, and the abundance of its burning Sand, occasions insupportable heats, principally towards the Tropicks, and make it the least fertile and worst peopled part of our Continent. Its greatest Rivers have Crocodiles; Its Mountains and Desarts are full of Lions, and other wild Beasts: The lack and scarcity of Water produces several Monsters, Creatures of several kinds, coupling commonly at the Wateringplaces, where they meet. The Anthropophagi, or Man-eaters, that have been found in those, parts, and the Slaves that are daily transported from thence, do also very much contribute to the rendring it desart.

The Africans, to consider them in general, are no great Soldiers, and their Armies are more numerous, than good. Their Combats are perform'd on Horse-back, with the Lance, and confusedly. The Arabians, who have taken up their Habitations in Africk, trust in their dexterity and Address: their being harden'd and enur'd to labour, and their long habit of fighting, renders 'em formidable to their Neighbours. Some say, there's no Nation, but has some good and evil, but that the Africans have nothing that's good.

As concerning Religion, there are Idolaters, Cafres without Law, Mahometans, Jews, and Christians of several sorts. The Portuguese have some Bishopricks in those places, where they have made any Establishments.

We may consider Africa under a treble respect; the Countrey of the Whites; that of the Blacks, and Ethiopians; the Islands make a fourth.

The Countrey of the Whites, comprehends Barbary, Egypt, Biledulgerid, and the Zaara, or Desart. The Countrey of the Blacks has three parts, Nigritia, Nubia, and Guiney. Ethiopia is of two sorts, Higher and Lower. Ethiopia Superior, is much of Abyssinia, in the inward part of the Countrey. Ethiopia Inferior, contains Congo, Cafreria, with Monomotapa and Zanguebar. The Islands attributed to Africk, are either in the Ocean, as the Tercera's, Madera, the Canaries, the Isles of Cap-verd, Madagascar, and others; or in the Mediterranean Sea, as Maltha. We are not acquainted with those of the Red Sea. The Island Gueguere is within the Arms of the Nile.

Egypt, and almost all Barbary, belongs to the Turk; with exception to the Kingdoms of Morocco and Fez, which have a Prince of their own; and to the Cities of the Corsairs; and some Towns of the Christians upon the Coast. Abissinia, Nubia, Congo, and Mono-motapa, have their peculiar Kings. There are Arabian Cheiques in Numidia, and in Libya. The rest of Africa belongs to several little, petty Soveraigns; some of whose Dominions extend no farther than the compass of one Town or Burrough. But, to speak the truth, we have but little knowledge of the inward part of the Countrey. The Monarchs of England, Spain, and Portugal, and the States-General of the Ʋnited Provinces, have some Places upon the Coast, which furnish 'em with the means of carrying on the Commerce with the inland parts of the Countrey. The French have some places of Traffick in Barbary in Guiney, and in the Isle of Madagascar, which they have called the Isle Dauphine. The Great Master of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, is Prince of the Isle of Maltha.

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

Of AFRICA in general.

AFrica is the greatest Peninsula in the World, and the most Southern part of the old Continent. Several Authors allot it divers figures, the most common and easie resemblances are to an Heart, a Triangle, and a Pyramis.

The Greeks call it Lybia, from the Daughter of Epaphus, the Son of Jupiter, who was called by the same name. It was called Africa, from After, the Son or Companion of Hercules the Lybian. Josephus tells us, that it was so called from Afer, the Grand-son of Abraham. Several other opinions there are about the original of the name, but none of them certain. The Peopl• of Africa at thi• day give it also several names.

Africa is bound•d on the North with th• Mediterranean Sea, on the West with the Atlantick Ocean, on the South with the Aethiopian Sea, and on the East with the Red Sea, and Isthme of Suez, so that it is wholly encompassed with Seas, unless on the side next Asia, where it is parted by a little Neck of Land of about 25 leagues in length. The Situation of it is between the 35 D. of Northern Latitude, and 35 D. of Southern Latitude, so that the Aequator divides it into two equal parts, and between the 3 D. and 86 D. of longitude; so that it is about 1800 leagues in length, from the Cape of Good Hope to the Streights of Gibralter; and 1600 leagues in breadth from Cape Verde to Cape Guardafai. So that it is accounted more than 5000 leagues round the Coasts of it.

The Situation of this Country shews plainly, that the Air is very hot, besides the greatest part of it is full of hot Sand, which reflecting the Rays of the Sun, cause an intolerable heat, and make these Countries to be unfit for dwelling, barren, and without Water; whence it comes to pass that it abounds with wild Beasts and Monsters.

The Soil in general is barren; nevertheless, Africa affords plenty of Fruits, Corn, Spice, Silk, Wine, Oyl, Grapes, and Plants wonderful both for Nourishment and Wholsomness. Here are also noxious Herbs, as Addad, a drachm of whose water will kill a man in an hours time. In several places of it there are also Mines of Gold, Silver and Salt. It hath all sorts of Beasts, Lions, Leopards, Panthers, Elephants, Rhinoceros's, Unicorns, Camels, Dromedaries, Tigers, Apes, Horses, Wild Asses, Oxen, Sea-Horses, Crocodiles, and Serpents of an extraordinary bigness: The Beasts are very fat, and their Flesh very delicate, especially their Mutton, Pork and Beef. It hath also all sorts of Birds and Fish: In some places of it they catch Mermaids.

I have already spoken of the chief Rivers of this Country in the first part of this History, in treating of the World in general; and have there given an account of the rise and original of Nilus, Niger, and of their courses. It is certain, that the rise of Nilus hath been hitherto not known to the people of Europe, but is now discovered to be in the Western part of the Kingdom of Goyam, in the Country of the Abyssines, about the 12 degree of Southern latitude: So that this great River crosses the Country of the Abyssines, Nubia, Aegypt from South to North, and discharges it self into the Mediterranean Sea at 5 or 6 mouths. As to the River Niger, it is evident that it rises out of a Lake of the same Name in the Kingdom of Damut; it runs from South to North between the Country of the Abyssines and Congo; after having passed the Kingdom of Bono, it enters into the Lake Bor•o, after which it crosses Nigritia from East to West, making an Island, which the Arabians call N•h, between Gongaa, Zanfara, and the L• • Gua•da in the Kingdom of the Agades: afterwards it parts it self into several branches, the chief of which are Rio the great, towards the South, Gaonvea in the middle, and Senega towards the No•th; all of which discharge themselves into the Western, or Atlantick Ocean, near Cape Verde.

The Inhabitants of this Country are a mixture of •atural Africa•s and Arabians, they are ordinar•ly fier•e, cruel, ro•ast and dull; of which some dwell i• Towns, oth•rs in the Desarts in Tents, and some there are that are always wandring: They fight usually on Horseback with Lances. The Arabians are the most laborious and accustomed to labour, which makes them formidable to all their Neighbours.

The Africans have diverse Religions, according to the Countries they inhabit. Many of them are Mahometans, Idolaters, Cafri, i. e. People of no Religion or Laws; some are Jews, and Christians, which are of three sorts; 1. Such as adhere to the Greek Church, as the Abyssines, and other Aethiopians. 2. Such as are subject to the Kings of Spain and Portugal, who are Catholicks. 3. Such as have been conquered by the Dutch, who are Calvinists. Africa hath not been well known above 200 years, the Ancients speak of it only by guess, except of Aegypt, Barbary, and some Countries adjoyning to the Sea-coasts; for they thought that the Torrid Zone was not habitable, because of the extreme heat of the Sun, but now we are satisfied that it is every where inhabited, unless in some sandy and barren Desarts, tho the midland part of it is not as yet throughly known.

In the Reign of Honorius, when the Roman Empire began to decay, the Arabians and Sarazens possessed themselves of one part of Africa. After the Turks conquered some Provinces, of which some are subject to them, others pay •hem tribute. The greater part of it have Kings and Princes of their own, or are governed in the form of a Commonwealth. The Spaniards, Portugueze, and Dutch, are Masters of some places on the Coasts.

The most convenient Division of Africk, I think to be into the Continent and Islands. On the Continent I take especial notice of four great Countries, which I term the Countries of the Whites, which are Aegypt, Barbary, Biledulgerid, or Numidia; and Zaara, or the Desart. And then I observe 3 others, which I call the Countries of the Blacks, which are Nubia, Nigritia, and Guinea. Lastly, under the name of Aethiopia, which I divide into the Lower and Higher, I comprehend eight; the Coast of Abex, Abyssinae, Congo, Cafroric, Monomotapa, Monoemugi, Zanguebar, and the Coast of Aian. These 5 general parts are divided into several others of different names. The Isles I divide into 3 parts. 1. Those in the Mediterranean. 2. Such as are in the Ocean; and 3. Such as are in the Red Sea belonging to Africa, which are better distinguished in the Table.

The Continent of Africa hath these several Kingdoms.

• ...Aegypt.
  • Caire. In the Country of the Whites.
• ...Barbary.
  • Fez. In the Country of the Whites.
• Biledulgerid, or Numidia.
  • Tesset. In the Country of the Whites.
• ...Zaara.
  • Zanagha. In the Country of the Whites.
• ...Nubia.
  • Nubia. In the Country of the Blacks.
• ...Nigritia.
  • Tombut. In the Country of the Blacks.
• ...Guinea.
  • Accara. In the Country of the Blacks.
  • S. George de Mina. In the Country of the Blacks.

Aethiopia in 2 parts,

• The Higher or Superior
  • ...Abyssinae,
    • ...Amara.
• The Lower or Inferior
  • ...Loango,
    • ...Loango.
  • ...Ansico,
    • —
  • ...Cacongo,
    • ...Cacongo.
  • ...Congo,
    • ...S. Savador.
  • ...Cafrerie,
    • ...Soffola.
  • ...Monomotapa,
    • ...Monomotapa,
    • ...Zimbaoes.
  • ...Monoemugi,
    • ...Agag, Banda.
  • ...Zanguebar, Melinde, Megadoxe.
  • Coast of Abex, Degilbedera.

Isles in the Red Sea

• ...Suagen.
• ...Mazua.
• ...S. Pietro.
• ...Babelmandel.
• ...Zocotora.

Isles in the Mediterranean Sea,

• ...Malta.
• ...Gozo.
• ...Lampadouze
• ...Limosa.
• ...Gerves.

Isles in the Ocean,

• Madera 5.
• The Terceres, or Azoris 9.
• The Canaries 16
• The Isles of Capeverd.
  • The Isles about Cafroric. Madagascar.
  • Isles about Madagascar,
    • The Isles of Comorra, about Zanguebar in the Eastern Ocean.
  • The Isles of Guinea.

UNder the name of the Country of the Whites, I comprehend these four Countries, viz. Aegypt, Barbary, Biledulgerid, or Numidia, and Zaara, or the Desart; altho the people of them have a yellow complexion, by reason of the great heat of the Sun; yet I give them the name of Whites, to distinguish them from the Africans that inhabit Nigritia, Guinea, Nubia, &c. who are quite Black, and shall follow this Distinction in the following part of this Book.

UNder the name of the Negro's or Blacks, I com∣prehend Nubia, Nigritia, and Guinea, which contain in them many Regions, Kingdoms, and Provinces, about a 3d part of Africa, as is to be seen in these following Heads.