Campania

Sources from old books

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

Campania. (Book Campania)

CAMPANIA, called in French Comté de Champagne, was so called, from the broad and long fields thereof,* 1.1 as Gregory Turonensis noteth. For it is a very plaine and champion Country, and fit for tillage. The Territories of Brye, Burgundy, Carolois, and Lotharingia, doe encompasse it one every side.* 1.2 * 1.3 The skie thereof is very cleare, and the aire temperate. The fields do yeeld abundance of Corne, Wine, and all sorts of Cattle: and there are woods which do yeeld great store of game both for hauking and hunting. Campania is described both by it selfe, and also with the Principalities adjacent, and lying neare unto it. If it be considered properly by it selfe, it is twofold; the Lower, and the Higher. In the Lower is Tricassium, and the Territories which are commonly called Ivigny, Bassigny, and Vallage. Moderne Writers doe call that Tricassium, which is now called Troyes:* 1.4 It is a Citie neare the River Seyn. Antoninus calls it z 1.5 Tracasis, and placeth the two and twentieth Legion there: Ammianus names it Tricassa; Bede, Trecassa; Nithardus, Tricassinum: and anciently it was called Augusiobana Trecasium, as Ioseph Scaliger noteth. It is now a Bishops Seat, and hath a strong Castle for its defence. The County of Ivigny doth seperate Campania from Burgundy. The chiefe Towne thereof is Ivigny, which is under the jurisdiction of the Baylywicke of Troyes. Bassigny is so called, because it is the better part of the Lower Campania, for Bas signifies in French beneath. It is encompassed with the Rivers Matrona, or Marne, Mosa, and a little part of Mosella, and it is watered with more Rivers than the other parts of this Country. The Metropolis thereof is commonly called Chaumont en Bassigny, which hath the title of a Baylywicke, and a stately ancient Castle seated on a Rocke which is well fortified. These Townes are reckoned in it, besides Langres, of which I shall speake hereafter: namely Montigny, Goeffy, Nogent le Roy, Monteclar, Andelot, Bisnay, Choiseul, Visnory, and Clesmont; being all strong Townes, and the most of them fortified with Castles. The Territorie of Vallage is thought to bee so called from the faire and fruitfull Valleyes which are in it. The Townes of chiefe note are Vassy, neare Bloisa, in the Countrie of Guise; Fanum S. Desiderij, or S. Desire: and Ianivilla, or Ianville, the inheritance of the Familie of the Guises; some write it Iont-ville. There are also in the Territorie of Vallage Montirandel, Dentlerant, Le Chasteau aux forges, Esclaren, and others. The Higher Campania is called Le Pays de Partoys, having its appellation from a Towne commonly called Perte. It is a most fruitfull Country, abounding with Fruits, Wood, and Hempe. The Metropolis thereof is Vitriacum or Vitry, seated neare the confluence and meeting of the Rivers Saltus and Matrona. And there are also contained in it Argilliers, Lasaincourt, Louvemen, and other Townes. Thus we have taken a view of Campania by it selfe, now we are to describe the adjacent places, as the Dukedome of Rhemes, and Langres, and the Counties of Catalaune, Ligny, and Motte, which are free within themselves, and not subject to Campania. The Dukedome of Rhemes (or the Duché Parrie, & Archivesche de Reims) is so named from a Citie which was anciently called Duro•ortorum, but now a 1.6 Rhemis. Ptolemy calls it Durocottorum: Strabo, Duricortora: Stephanus, Dorocotteros: and Caesar Durocortum Remorum. It is a free Citie of Campania: the Archbishop thereof is a Duke, and the first Peere of France; under whom are these Bishops in this Country: the Bishop of So•sson, of Chaalon, of Amiens, of Noyon, of Senlis, of Beaurois, and of Laon: In this Citie the Kings of France are inaugurated and * 1.7 annoynted with oyle. The Dukedome of Langres (or the Duché, Patrie & Evesché de Langres) hath a Citie which was heretofore called Andomatunum Lingonum, but is now commonly called Langres: Ptolemie calls it Andumatonon, and Antoninus vitiously Antematunum; Pentingerus his Itinerarie table, Andematunum; Tacitus Lingonum urbs and Gregory of Tours, urbs Lingonica. It is a Bishops See, the Prelates whereof are Dukes and Peeres of France. The Countie of Catalaune (or Euesché, Conté & Pairie de Chaalon) was so named from the Citie Catalaune: the later Writers doe call it Cathelaunum, but now it is called Chaalon en Champaigne: It is a Bishops See, situated on a plaine neare to the River Matrona, and adorned with high Towers, which stand up like aspiring Pyramides. In the Countie of Lignie is the Towne Lignium, venerable for antiquitie, neare the River Saltus. Concerning the Countie of Motte, (or Conté de la Motte) we finde nothing but the name thereof. The Countrie of the Briensians (whom Nithardus calleth Brionenses) is usually described with Campania, being an ancient Country, and now called la Brye. It beginneth at a Village called Cretelium, not farre from the bridge of Charanton, where Matrona mingleth with the River Seyn, the former whereof doth almost part Campania, and the latter Gastinois from the Briensians: for all that lyeth betweene these two Rivers, even to the Dukedome of Burgundy, is esteemed to be in the Countie of Brye. It was so called from a Towne, commonly called Brye or Bray, Conte Robert, which appellation it received from Robert, Earle of Brye, who had a mansion house there. The Cities of Brye are Castellum Theodorici, or Chasteau Thierry. Iatinum Medorum, or Meldarum urbs, which Ptolemy placeth by the River Matrona, and is now called Meaulx, and Provinsium or Provence, a Towne famous for sweet smelling Roses: the Archbishopricke of Sens, with the Towne of Pontium are reckoned and accounted a part of this Countrie. Under this Archbishop are these Bishops, the Bishop of Paris, of Meaulx, of Troyes, of Chartres, of Nevers, of Orleans, and of Ausoire or Auxerce. Senonum urbs, formerly called Agendicum, but now commonly Sens, is seated neare the the River Icauna, which in French is called Yonne. Besides these aforesaid Countries, which we have mentioned, Mercator reckoneth these following, namely, Barsur Seine, Auxerre, Viconte de Tonnerre, Pour suivent, Braine, Grandpre, Mailly, Vertus, Roussy, Retel, Ivigny, and the Baronie of Iamville.

CAMPANIA, THE STATE ECCLESIASTICK. (Book Campania (ecclesiastical))

Here is the Archbishop of Rhemes, under whom are eight suffragan Bishops: as the Bishop of Laon, a Duke and Peere of France: the Bishop of Chalon an Earle and Peere of France▪ the Bishop of Suesson, the Bishop of Terwaen, whose Seate was translated to Boulogne, the Bishop of Amiens, the Bishop of Noviomagum, or Noion, an Earle and Peere of France: the Bishop of Senlis, and the Bishop of Beauvais; an Earle and Peere of France.

Here is also the Archbishop of Sens, under whom are seven Bishops, to wit, the Bishop of Paris, of Chartres, of Orleans, of Nivers, of Auxerre, of Trois en Champaigne, and of Meaux.

CAMPANIA. (Book Campania (county))

• 1.1CAMPANIA called in French Comté de Champaigne, is derived as I have said before, if we shall beleeve Graegorius •uronensis, from the great and spacious Field wherof it consisteth. For it is a very plaine and Champion Country.* 1.2 The Territories of Brie, Burgundie, Carolois, and Lotharingia doe encompasse it on every side. The Tricasses, Lingones, the R•mi, the Catalaunians, the Meldae, the Senones, and others, who are now worne out of memory, were heretofore seated in this Country. The Tricasses nominated in Plinies chiefest Bookes, Ptolemy calls Trikasstoi, and Ammianus Tricassini, as also in certaine Panegyricks and in the Inscription of an ancient Stone. Hericus calleth the Trecae in the life of S. Germane, and others call them by contraction Tresses. Their City is called Tricassium, and commonly Trois en Champaigne. Those which Caesar, Pliny, and others doe call Ling•nes, Ptolemy calls Do•gones, and the same Pliny, Faederati. That Province which containes their City which is Langres, is now called La Duché, Patre and Evesche de Langres. Those which Caesar calleth R•mi, Ptolemy calleth Rhem•i; Pliny Faederati, and the Country in which is their City of Rhemes is called Duché Pairie, and Archenesché de R•ims, as wee have before mentioned. The Learned doe thinke that the Cathelaum mentioned in Amianus Marcellinus should bee written Catalauni. And so they are nominated in Eutropius his Bookes. Their City is now called la Evesché de Challon. In the Catalannian Fields. Atilla King of the Hunnes (in the yeere from the building of the City of Rome 1203. and after the birth of Christ 450.) was overcome by the Romanes, Gothes and Frenchmen, under the conduct of their Captaines Actius Patricius, Theodoricus and Merovaeus, there being slaine on both sides 162000. except 90000. Gepidaans and Frenchmen, who were slaine before. Iornandes cap. 36. doth delmeate and set forth these Fields, and the place of the Battell. The Meldae Pliny calleth Liberi: Strabo Meldoi: Ptolemie Meldai: and an Inscription engraven on an ancient Stone, Meldi. Strabo precisely maketh them and the Leuxovians to bee the Parokeanitae, which are in the middle of the Country where there is now the Towne Meaulx neere the River Matrona. The Senones which are celebrated by Caesar, Pliny, and others. Ptolemy calleth by the same name, and placeth them in Gallia Lugdunensis. Strabo thinketh that there are other Senones neere to the Nerviais, towards the West. The former of them did make those horrible incursions into Italy so much spoke of, and they did moreover wage a most fierce warre against the Romanes in the yeere from the building of the City 364. which they called The Senonick French warre. Their Captaine was Brannus an Nobleman of France. After the Fight or Battell, they entred the City of Allia, and there having slaine all they met, and wasted all with fire, they besieged for many moneths the Capitall, into which the Romane youth had fled for their safegard: but at last having made a peace with them for a certaine summe of money, contrary to faith and promise they were partly slaine, and partly put to flight by M. Furius Camillus the Dictator, who entred the City with an Army. All these things Livie Lib. 5. Florus Lib. 1. cap 13. and many other Writers doe delineate in their proper colours. Campania is honoured with the title of a County, and was once the Inheritance of Eudo Nephew to Gerlo the Norman by his Sonne Theobaldus:* 1.3 This Gerlo was he that accompanied into France Rudulphus or Rollo the Norman, to whom Charles the Simple granted Neustria which was afterward called Normandie. After Eudo there succeeded in a right Line, Stephen, Theobaldus the 2. whose sonne Theobaldus the third dying without issue, there succeeded him his Cosin germane Henry surnamed the large, the sonne of Stephen King of England, who was Brother to Theobaldus the second. Henry had a sonne who was Earle of Campania, and the other Territories, but he dying without issue, his Brother Theobaldus invaded the County, and writ himselfe Count Palatine of Campania. This Theobaldus being afterward made King of Navarre upon the death of Grandfather by the Mothers side, brought the County to belong to the Crowne, and left Henry his Successor both in Campania, and in that Kingdome. Lastly, Ioane Daughter and Heir to this Henry being married to Philip the Faire King of France, Campania and the other Provinces were united to the Crowne of France, from which they were never after separated. Campania as I have already spoken, is usually now describ'd both by it selfe, and with the Principalities adjacent and lying round about it. As it is considered properly and by it selfe it is twofold the Lower, and the Higher. In the Lower is Tricassium, and the Territories which are commonly called Ivigny, •assg•y, and Vallage. Moderne Writers doe call that Tricassium, which is now called 〈◊〉. Th•se who were heretofore Earles of Campania, from this City were called Earl•s of Tricassium. It is one of the greatest and fairest Cities in this Kingdome. The Latitude thereof is 47. degrees, and some few minutes, towards the North. It is a Bishops Seate, and Belles••rr•tius reckons 83. Bishops thereof. Among these was that famous Lu•••, whom Sidonius Apollinaris praiseth for his vertues, (Lib. 6. Ep. 1.4. 〈◊〉 9.) as also Paulus Diaconus (in Marciano) Bede (Lib. 1. Histor. cap. 17.) and others. This City hath a large Jurisdiction, and it is the seate of a President, of Counsellors, of Judges, and others of the Kings Officers. The Townes have reference to it, namely, Bar Sur Seine,* 1.4 Mussil •••tique, La ferté Sur Auge, N•gent, Pent Sur Seine, Fruille, Chastel, and S. Florentin, being all Townes of Campania. The Territory of Ivigny separateth •ampania from Burgundie. The chiefe Towne thereof is Ivigny, which is under the Jurisdiction of the Bayliwick of Tricassium. Bassigny is so named because it is the better part of Lower Campania, as we have before declared. The Metropolis thereof is named from the bald Mountaine, which Ivonus mentioneth (Ep. 105) commonly call'd Chaum•nt on Bass•gny. It hath an ancient Castle seated on a Rock and well fortified, the Tower on the West side whereof is called in French Donyon and La haulte fueille. This Castle the Earles of Campania did heretofore make their Palace. No River runneth by it, nor affordeth water unto it, but that which Cesternes doe yeeld, and a Fountaine at the foote of the Tower. There are also in Bassigny the Townes of Montigny, Go•ssy, N•gent le Roy, Monteclar, Andelot, Bisnay, Ch•iseul, Visnorry, and Clismont, being all strong Townes, and the most of them well fortified with Castles, besides Andomatunum Lingonum, commonly called Langres, of which we shall speake in an other place. The Territory of Vallage, is supposed to be so called from the Valleys in it which are both faire and fruitfull. The Townes of chiefest note in Vallage are first Vasscium, or Vassy, neere Blois, in the Country of Guise. Francis Duke of Guise comming hither in the yeere 1562. was the Author of that Vasseian Massacre, mentioned by the French Historiagraphers, wherein many that professed the reformed Religion were slaine on the Kalends of March. Not farre from thence there is a kind of earth found of which B•le Armenack is made. The second Towne of not is S. D•••re or Dedu••, which was taken by the Emperour Charles the fifth, and afterward a peace being concluded was restored againe to the French. It hath a strong Castle. The third is the Towne of Ian•••ille, (or as some write is •o••t ville) which some doe fabulously report was so called from Ianus. It belongeth to the Families of the Guises. Prye, so called from a Towne commonly named Brye, or Bray Counte Robert, is reckoned by some with Campania. The Country of Brye although it were heretofore and also now is very wooddy, yet in fertility and fruitfulnesse it is not inferior to any part of Campania. For it hath a cleare skie, and a sweete and temperate ayre. It is watered with great, wholesome, and fruitfull Rivers. The Cities of Brye are Castellum Theodorici, Iatinum, Medorum or Meldarum, now called Meaulx, Provinse, and others. Castellum Theoderick, commonly called Chasteau Thierry is the Metropolis of the Country of Brye, having a Baily and President in it. It hath also a Bishops Seate, of which Belleforrestius reckoneth 101. Bishops, the last of which number was Ludovicus Bresius. Provinsy a Towne famous for the sweete red Roses that are in it, and for the Rose-cakes, and Rose-water which are made of them in the Summer time. Here are some ruinous Monuments of Antiquity. And so much shall suffice concerning Campania.

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

CHAMPAIGNE; where are

• Remois, — Reims.
• Champaigne,
  • Troyes.
  • Ch••loons.
• Bassigny, Langres.
• Senonois. Sen.

CHAMPAGNE, with its parts

• Towards the LOW COUNTRY, as
  • The Principality of
    • Chasteau Regnaud,
    • Sedan,
    • Charleville.
  • Retelois, &c.
    • Retel,
    • Rocroix,
    • Donchery,
    • Messieres,
    • Mouson.
• True CHAMPAGNE,
  • Remois,
    • Reims,
    • Fisines.
  • Champagne,
    • Troyes,
    • Chaalons,
    • Espernay.
  • Pertois,
    • Vitry le Francois,
    • St. Menehoult.
• Towards LORRAINE,
  • Valage,
    • Bar upon Aube,
    • St. Disier.
    • Langres,
  • Bassigny,
    • Chaumont in Bassigny,
    • Joinville.
• Towards the ISLE of FRANCE;
  • Senonols,
    • Sens,
    • Joigny,
    • St. Florentin,
    • Tonnerre,
    • Monte reau fautyoune,
  • Brie Champagnoise,
    • Provins,
    • Sesanne, in Brie.

CHAMPAIGNE, so called from being a Champain Country; its chief places are, 1. Rheims, famous for being the place where the Kings of France are usually Crowned, and anointed with an Oil here kept, which they say came down from Heaven, and never decreaseth; and here is a Colledge for English Jesuits. 2. Chaaloons, 3. Langres, 4. Sens, and 5. Troyes, all places of some account.

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

Champaigne into 8 Countries.

• Champaigne proper
• Remois
• Perthois
• Rethelois
• Vallage
• Bassigni
• Senonois
• Brie Charpenoise

CHAP. IV. CHAMPAGNE, Campania.

CHAMPAGNE, is one of the twelve principal Governments of France, and the Province that best furnisheth the Granaries and Cellars of Paris. It is so called (says Gregory of Tours) from the spacious and pleasant Plains which are found therein, more especially near Rheims and Chalons. This name is Modern, and the first that hath made mention thereof, is the Author of the continuation of the Chronicle of the Count Marcellinus, who is followed by the said Gregory of Tours, and other Writers. The Country of Champiagne and Brie, according to the division of Julius Caesar, lies partly in Celtick and partly in Belgick Gaul, being situated between the 47 degree, 20 Minutes, and the 50 degree of Latitude, and extends from Raviers in Senonnois in the South, to Rocroy in Rhetelois in the North, about 150 miles. From West to South-east; that is to say, from Cressy in Brie near Meaux, as far as Bourbon les Bains, near the head of the River Meuse, about 120 miles; but in some places its breadth is not above 60 miles from East to West. It is bounded on the North by Picardy, Heynault and Luxemburg; on the South by Burgundy; on the East by Lorrain, and on the West by the Isle of France.

This Province was heretofore famous for the grandeur of its Counts or Earls, who possess'd it as absolute Sovereigns, and were so potent that they maintained fierce Wars against the Kings of France and Burgundy: They were also so Illustrious by reason of their noble Descent, that those Princes have not disdain'd to make Leagues with them, and even to contract Marriages with their Family. In the division of Inheritances among the Sons of Clovis I. and Clotaire I. Champaigne, constituted a part of the Kingdom of Mets in Austrasia: and in the time of Segebert King of Mets, A. C. 570. there was a certain Duke of these Territories, named Lupus, who shewed much fidelity in preserving the States of the young King Childebert, against Ʋrsion and Berfroy; Guintrio or Vintrio, whom Brunehaut caus'd to be Assassinated, was afterwards Duke. But this Title denoted then only a kind of Government, and not a perpetual Dignity. The first Hereditary Count was Robert of Vermandois, who made himself Master of the City of Troyes in 953 and left the possession theereof to his Brother Herbert. But in the year 1284, the whole Province was inseparably united to the Crown of France; which Act was confirmed by the Treaty of Laon, in 1317. and by another ratified on the 14 day of May. A. D. 1335. Moreover, King John annexed the Counties of Champagne and Brie, to the demesns of the Crown in 1361.

Among the principal Rivers are reckon'd the Seine, which receives into its Channel the Waters of the Jony and the Aubre; the Marne, the Aisne and the Veste, besides a great number of other small Rivulets that are very full of Fish. The River Meuse or Maes hath its source in this Province, but it quickly runs out of it into the County of Barr, which it crosseth from South to North, and then returns into this Province and passes by Sedan and Charleville, from whence it runs through the County of Namur, Bishoprick of Liege, and Dutchy of Guelderland into Holland, where it falls into the Sea near the Brie.

The Soil although white and chalky, brings forth many sorts of Grains in abundance, particularly Rye. The vast Plains are extreamly fertil in Corn and excellent Grapes, and yield good Pasture for Cattle. On the Northern side are also large Forests, affording variety of Game, together with Mines of Iron and other Metals.

But for a more particular description of this Province we will divide it into eight Parts, according to the method of most modern Geographers.

Champagne in 8 Parts.

• Champagne, prop.
  • Troyes Bish.
• ...Remois.
  • Rheims Arch-bish.
• ...Perthois.
  • St. Dizier.
• ...Rhetelois.
  • ...Rhetel.
• ...Velage.
  • ...Joinville.
• ...Bassigny.
  • Langres.
• ...Senonnois.
  • ...Sens.
• ...La Brie Champenoise.
  • ...Provins.

In the District of CHAMPAGNE, properly so called, are comprehended these most remarkable Towns, viz.

• Troyes, Bishop, Cap.
• ...Pont sur Seine.
• ...Meri.
• Romeru, or Rameru.
• ...Plancy.
• Chalons, Bish.
• ...Epernay.
• ...Ai.
• Dormans, &c.

TROYES, Treca, olim Augusto-bona and Tricassis, is seated on the River Seine, at the distance of 80 miles from Paris to the South-east, 64 from Rheims to the South, 70 from Dijon to the North-west, and 65 from the source of the Meuse to the West. It is a City of very great Antiquity, and is reckon'd among the most considerable of the Kingdom for Trade, which consists chiefly in Linnen Cloth. It hath been long since dignified with the Title of an Episcopal See, the Jurisdiction whereof is extended over 510 Parishes and depends on the Metropolitan of Se•. Nine or ten of its Prelates have have been Canoniz'd for Saints; of these St. Amatre was the first, and S. Lupus the eight, who hindered Attila from ruining the City; which was nevertheless afterward done by the Normans. But Count Robert caused it to be Re-built, and it is at present a fair well built City, and adorned with a fine Palace; the Cathedral Dedicated to S. Peter, is a very stately Structure, in which 40 Canons Officiate. There are also two Collegiate and ten Parochial Churches, besides the Abby of S. Lupus, a Colledge of the Fathers of the Oratory, and many other Religious Houses. The City is defended with strong Walls, and the Inhabitants are reckoned Couragious and are train'd up in Arms. Here is a fine Palace, and a Bailiage and Presidial.

Pont-Sur Seine, Pons ad Sequanem, a small Town so called from its Situation and Bridge over the River Seine. It stands 22 miles from Troyes to the North-West, and 57 from Paris. Rameru, Ramerucum, stands on the Banks of the Aube almost in the midst between Troyes and Vitry la Francois. Planci is in like manner watered by the same River, and stands 15 miles West from Rameru.

Chaalons, Catalaunum, is seated on a most pleasant Plain on the River Marne, over which here are many Bridges, distant 50 miles from Troyes to the North, 26 from Reims to the South-East, and 100 miles from Paris to the East. It is a very ancient, large and well Fortified City, and was esteemed one of the Principal of Gallia Belgica in the time of Julian the Apostate. It is encompassed with firm Walls and deep Ditches full of Water. The whole City is divided into three Parts, viz. The City it self; the Island formed in it by the River Marne and the Burrough. The Houses appear very white, being built of Chalky Stone, and the Streets are large, the publick Places are fair and spacious, more especially those in which stand the Town-house and Collegiate Church, consecrated to the Virgin Mary. This City is the Seat of a Bishop Suffragan to the Archbishop of Rheims. The Cathedral Church is Dedicated to St. Stephen, and is remarkable on the account of its Bishops, Chapter, and its Tower extreamly high and large. There are also 12 Parochial Churches, and 3 Abbeys, together with many other Convents. A considerable Traffick is maintained here, particularly in Linnens, Cloath and Corn; the richest Merchandizes are kept in the Subburbs of Marne, from whence they are with m•ch convenience transported to Paris. The City of Chaalons was sometime governed by its own Counts, until they resigned their Right to the Bishops, who are dignified with the Title of Counts and Peers of France. It is Recorded in History, that Merouee King of the French, Theodoricus King of the Goths, and Aetius the Roman General, A. C. 453. defeated the Forces of Attila King of the Huns, cutting off above 180000 Men in the adjacent Plains of this City, called Campis Catalaunicis, although others affirm that this memorable Battel was fought in Campis Secalaunicis, that is to say, at, Sologne near Orleans. This City hath a Seat of Justice and a Generality.

Espernay, Epernacum is distant 16 miles from Chalons-sur-Marne to the W. as well as •dy; the former of these Towns standing on the South side of the River, and the other on the N. over-against one another.

Dormans, Dormanum stands likewise on the Banks of the Marne, 19 miles from Espernay, and 36 from Chaalons to the W. This Town hath imparted its Name to the Noble Family of Do•mans, &c.

REMOIS, Ager Rhem••st lies between Chaalonnois, Soisonnois, Rhetelois, &c. Its Principal Towns are these, viz.

• Rheims, Archb. Cap.
• ...Fimes.
• Mochaut, &c.

RHEIMS, Remi, olim Dur•cortorum and Remorum Caput, is situated in the midst of a Plain, where the River Vesle washeth part of its Walls, which are extended in compass above an Hour's Journey, and enclose a great number of spacious Courts, large Streets well-built Houses, and magnificent Churches; more especially the Cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which is a vast pile of Building, the Gate thereof being esteem'd the most stately throughout the whole Kingdom on the account of its admirable Architecture, Images and other curious Ornaments. In this Church the Kings of France are usually Crown'd, and anointed by the Archbishop of Reims, with a sacred Oil preserv'd in a small Vessel commonly call'd La Sainte Ampoule, or the Holy Bottle, which (as they say) was sent from Heaven at the Inauguration of Clouis I. and is kept for that use in the Abby of S. Remi. In the same City are establish'd, besides a Metropolitan See, a Presidial Court, another of the Bailliage, and an University founded by Charles of Lorrain Cardinal of Guise with the permission of King Henry II. The Archbishops of Rheims are stiled the first Dukes and Peers of France; twelve or thirteen of these Prelates have been canoniz'd for Saints; and besides several that have attained the Dignity of Cardinals, four of them have been Popes, viz. Sylvester II. Ʋrban II. Adrian IV. Adrian V. six Princes have possess'd the See, and among others two of France, viz. Arnold the Son of King Lotharius, and Henry the Son of Lewis the Gross, besides four others of the Royal Blood. Here are to be seen some Monuments of Antiquity, as a Fort of Julius Caesar's, &c. but particularly one that was but lately discover'd (in 1677.) which is a Roman Triumphal Arch that is quite entire; it is compos'd of three Arches, adorned with many Figures and Trophies; it is supposed to have been formerly the North Gate of the Town, and called Porta Martia. The City of Rheims is distant 74 miles from Paris to the North-East; 66 from Troyes to the North; 24 from Chalons to the North-West; and 54 from Verdune to the West.

Fimes, Fimae, Fismae, is a Burgh on the River Veste in the confines of the Isle of France 15 miles from Rheims to the West. It is more especially remarkable on the account of two Councils held there in the Church of S. Maire the Martyr Finibus apud Sanctam Mairam, and for a certain Stone fixed not far from thence, which serves as a Boundary between the Bishopricks of Rheims, Laon and Soissons.

PERTHOIS, Ager Perthensis, is extended on the Frontiers of Lorraine between the Rivers Marne and Ornay, and contains these considerable Towns, viz.

• S. Dizier, Cap.
• ...Sermaise,
• ...Vitry le Francois,
• ...Harzicourt.

S. Dizier, Fanum Sancti Desiderii aut Desideriopolis stands on the Banks of the Marne 30 miles above Chaalons, near the Frontiers of the County of Barr, 14 miles from Vitry le Francois to the E. and 15 from Joinville to the N. It was taken by the Emperor Charles V. A. D 1544. after a very notable Siege, and restored to the French at the Peace concluded at Cressie.

Vitry le Francois, Victoriacum Francicum took its Name from King Francis I. the Founder thereof, who caused it to be built in the room of a Neighbouring Town that was burnt, which is at present called Vitry le Bruslé. It is seated on the Confluence of the Marne and the Orne, being distant 18 miles from Chaalons to the S. E.

RETELOIS, Rhetelensis Ager, is the Northern Part of the Province of Champagne, and includes these Towns of chiefest Note, viz.

• Rhetel, Cap.
• ...Mezieres,
• ...Charleville,
• ...Rocroi,
• Sedan, &c.

RETEL, Retelium aut Reiteste is situated near the River Aisne, 24 miles from Rheims to the North; 27 from Sedan to the S. W. and as many from R••r•• to the S. in the adjacent Territories of this Town, which bear the Title of a Dutchy. The French obtained a great Victory over the Spanish Troops, and those of the Prince of Conde commanded by the Marshal de Turenne, A. D. 1650.

Mazieres, or Masieres, Maderiacum aut Maceriae is a strong Town, and stands in a Peninsule made by the River Meuse, partly on a rising Ground and partly in the Valley, the Citadel being fortified with a double Rampart. It is a place of great importance, being a Passage from Luxemburgh into France. It is distant 23 miles from Rhetel to the North, 15 below Sedan to the West, as many from Rocroy; not above 7 from the Confines of the Dutchy of Luxemburgh, and 46 from Rheims to the N. E.

Charleville, Carolopolis is in like manner seated on the Meuse just over against Mazieres, and was heretofore only a Burrough call'd Arches, where Charles de Gonzagua Duke of Nevers and Mantua caused a very pleasant Town to be built, A. D. 1609, and imparted his Name thereto, It hath been since regularly fortified, and on the other side of the River is erected the strong Fortress of Mont-Olympe, where is to be seen the Ruins of an old Castle, supposed to have been a Temple of the Pagans.

Rocroy, Rupes Regia is a very strong Hold near the Forrest of Ardenne on the Frontiers of Hainault, being distant 30 miles from Retel to the N. 45 from Meziers and Charleville to the N. W. about as many from Marienburgh to the S. and 15 from Philipville. The French Forces under the Conduct of the Duke of Anguien gained a Battle over the Spaniards, and defeated their General Don Francisco de Melo near this Town on the 19th day of March, A. D. 1643.

Sedan, Sedanum stands on the East side of the River Meuse, near the Frontiers of Luxemburgh, at the distance of 15 miles from Charleville to the East, 28 from Retel to the North-East, and 8 from Bouillon to the South. This Town was formerly subject to the Archbishop of Rheims; by whom it was afterwards granted to the King instead of Cormecy. In process of Time the Braquemonts and Marcans became Lords thereof, and at length it devolved on the Princes of the Family of La Tour: But in the Year 1642 it was united to the Crown by a Compact made with Prince Frederic-Maurice de la Tour d' Auvergne, Duke of Bouillon and Lord of Sedan. It is a strong Place, being defended with a good Castle and Walls, &c. It was chiefly inhabited by Protestants, who had a famous University here before the late Persecutions.

The County of VALAGE lies between those of Perthois, Bassigni Senonnois, and contains these principal Towns, viz.

• Joinville, Cap.
• ...Brienne,
• ...Vignoris,
• ...B•r sur-Aube,
• Clervaux, Abb. &c.

Joinville, Jovis Villa, Joanvilla, aut Joville, is a small Town, but dignified with the Title of a Principality, seated on the River Marne at the distance of 30 miles to the North from Chaumont, 15 from S. Dizier to the South, and 43 from Chaalons to the South-East. This Principality was erected by King Henry II. A. D. 1552. in favour of Francis of Lorrain Duke of Guise, to serve as an Inheritance for the younger Sons of that Noble Family, and hath been the Burial-place of divers of these Dukes. But that which hath made this City most noted, is, that the Holy League, which made so much Disturbance in France, was revived and concluded on here in the Year 1584 by the Duke of Guise and his Adherents.

Brienne, Castrum Briennium is a Town of a small compass, nevertheless honoured with the Title of a County, and stands on the Banks of the Aube, 25 miles from Joinville to the W. and 21 from Troyes between Bar-sur-Aube and Planei. It was in time past one of the Seven Peerages that were establish'd by the ancient Counts of Champagne, and the Place where the Peers usually held their Assemblies.

Bar-Sur-Aube, Barium ad Albulam aut Albam is so called from its Situation on the River Aube at the foot of an Hill in a very pleasant Country about 30 miles from Troyes to the East, and 15 from Chaumont to the West. It is a well-built Town, and famous for its good Wines. It was for some time possess'd by certain particular Counts, but was at last reunited to the Crown at the same time with the rest of Champagne.

Clervaux, or Clairvaux, Claravallis is an Abbey of the Cistercian Order, famous for the Conversation of S. Bernard, by whom (as they say) it was Founded, through the pious Liberality of Thibaut or Theobald III. Count of Campagne, A. D. 1115. It is built in a Valley before call'd, The Vale of Wormwood, 14 miles from the Frontiers of Burgundy, and 5 from Bar-sur-Cube to the S. in the midst between Chaumont to the E. and Ber-sur-Seine to the W.

BASSIGNY, Bassiniacus Ager lies between the Spring-heads of the Marne, and the Meuse on the side of Lorraine, containing these most considerable Towns, viz.

• Langres, Bish. Cap.
• ...Chaumont,
• ...Lusi,
• ...Nogent-le-Roy.

LANGRES, Linganes aut Andoma••inum is very advantagiously Situated on a Hill near the Spring-head of the River Marne, at the distance of 20 miles from the Confines of Burgundy; 50 from Troyes to the S. E. about 45 from Besanson to the N.W. and 34 from Dijon towards Chaumont. It is a very ancient, large and well Fortified City, and the See of a Prelate, Suffragan to the Archbishop of Lyon. It was ruined by the Vandals in the beginning of the 4th Century, but afterward rebuilt and restor'd to its former Grandeur. The Cathedral Church is dedicated to S. Mammez the Martyr. The Bishops of Langres, who take place among the six Ecclesiastical Peers of France, bear the Title of Dukes, Marquesses and Barons, as being both Spiritual and Temporal Lords of these Territories, wherein they constitute Bailiffs, Judges and other Officers of Justice. Five or Six Rivers have their Source in the adjacent Country, which on that account is supposed to be the highest Ground of the whole Kingdom of France.

Chaumont, Calvomontium and Calvus Mons, stands on a Hill near the Marne between Thoinville and Langres, from whence it is distant 20 miles, and 15 from Bar-sur-Aube to the E. This large Town, which had been before only a Burrough, was lately enlarged, and first encompassed with Walls A. D. 1500. It was govern'd by its own Lords, until it was annex'd to the Jurisdiction of the County of Chamgagne.

SENONNOIS, Senonensis Ager, lies on the Southern and Western sides of Picardy, between Champagne properly so called, Brie and Gastinois. This Country is extended for the space of 16 Leagues in length, and 8 in breadth, and includes these principal Towns, viz.

• Sens, Archb. Cap.
• ...Pont-sur-Yone,
• ...Jo•gni,
• ...S. Floren•in,
• ...Tonnerre,
• ...Chabli.

SENS, Senones aut Agendicum Senonum is seated in a verdant Plain on the confluence of the Seine and the Yonne, over which it hath a Stone-bridge; and is distant 53 miles from Paris to the South, 28 from Auxerre to the North, and 30 from Troyes to the West. It is a very fair City, and without doubt one of the most ancient throughout the whole Kingdom of France. For the Galli Senonenses, heretofore extended their Conquests very far into Italy and Greece, took Rome, and (as it is generally believ'd) founded Sienna Senigaglia, and some other Towns, which as yet bear their Name. These Territories, during the Second Race of the French Monarch's, were subject to the Jurisdiction of certain particular Counts, until King Robert made himself Master of Sens, A. D. 1005. This City is large and well-built, and water'd with a great number of Brooks, which run through all its Parts, and serve for the convenience of the Inhabitants. It is the See of an Archbishop, who was formerly Metropolitan of Paris, Orleans and four other Diocesses, but since Paris hath been erected into an Archbishoprick, he hath only Troyes, Auxerre, and Nevers for his Suffragans. The Cathedral Church of S. Stephen is admired for its stately Front, adorned with divers Figures and two lofty Towers; as also on the account of its large Body, rich Chapels, ancient Tombs, and the costly Basis of the High Altar, where is to be seen a Table of Gold enrich'd with many curious Stones, representing in Bas-relief the Images of the four Evangelists and S. Stephen. The whole Diocess comprehends above 900 Parochial Churches, and 25 Abbies, five of these being included within the City or Suburbs. Divers Councils have been celebrated here, the first of which was convened by Archbishop Sevin, A.C. 980.

Pont-sur-Yonne, Pons ad Icaunum aut Pons Syriacus, stands on the Frontiers of Champagne, and the Banks of the River Yonne, about eight miles from Sens to the North toward Paris; as likewise doth Joigni Jogniacum aut Juniacum, a small Town at the distance of 15 miles from Sens to the South, and as many from Auxerre to the North.

Tonnerre, Tornodorum and Ternodorum ad Hermontionem, is a considerable Town bearing the Title of a County, and built on the side of the River Armanson in the Confines of Champagne and Burgundy, about 35 miles from Sens to the South-east, and 17 from Auxerre to the East, towards Chastillon sur Seine.

Chabli, Cabliacum, stands between Tonnerre to the East, and Auxerre to the West. It is a small Town, but remarkable on the account of the excellent Wines that are made therein, and for the bloody Battle which was fought in the adjacent Plain between the Sons of the Emperor Lewis the Debonaire, A.C. 841.

The County of BRIE is divided into two Parts, and made part of two Provinces of the Isle of France and Champaigne. BRIE CHAMPENOISE, Brigiensis Saltus, aut Bria, lies between the Rivers Seine and Marne, abounds in Pasture, and is very fruitful in Corn, Fruits, &c. The most considerable Towns in it are these, viz.

• Meaux, Bish. Cap.
• ...Provins
• ...Chasteau Thierry
• ...Colomiers
• ...Sezanne
• Montereau-Yonne, &c.

MEƲX, Meldae, Patinum Meldarum, the Capital City of Brie and the See of a Prelate Suffragan to the Archbishop of Paris, is situated on the Marne, at the distance of 25 miles from Paris to the East; 50 from Rheims to the South-west, 60 from Chalons to the West, and 50 from Sens to the North. It is divided by the River into two parts, viz. one called the Town and the other the Market, and surrounded with three Suburbs. The Cathedral is dedicated to St. Stephen, and the Diocess contains 410 Parishes. There is also a Collegiate Church bearing the Name of St. Sainctin first Bishop of Meaux; and some others that are Parochial, and besides the Abby of St. Faron appertaining to the Benedictine Monks of the Congregation of St. Maur, a great number of Monasteries. This City was for sometime subject to its own Lord, but at length united to the Crown of France: It suffered very much in the year 1358. John King of France, being at that time the Prisoner of our King Edward III. The Dauphine had possess'd himself of this Place, but in his absence the Citizens had plotted with those of Paris to take it from him, but were not able to effect it, for though they let in the Parisians into the Town, the Garison kept the Market and overcame them, cut them to pieces and fir'd and piliag'd the City. It was afterwards taken by the Forces of our valiant King Henry V. after a Siege of three Months. This was the first City of France wherein the Protestants preach'd against the Errors of the Church of Rome, for which many of them suffer'd Martyrdom. In the Civil War, the Protestants got the Possession of this Place, but it was taken from them by Surprize by Claude Gouffier Duke of Rouanez for King Charles IX. It is now a well-built, flourishing and populous City, and is the Seat of a Baily and an Election.

Provins, Provinum aut Pruvinum stands on the foot of an Hill and the Banks of the Rivulet Vousie, being distant 12 miles from the Seine to the North; 25 from Meaux to the South; 36 from Troyes to North-West, and 38 from Paris to the South-East. This small Town is famous for an excellent sort of Roses which grow in the adjacent Fields, and bear the same Name.

Chateau-Thierry, Castrum Theodoricum, is a very fair Town with a Castle, enjoying the Title of a Dutchy, and seated on the South-side of the Marne, about 20 miles from Meaux to the East; 30 from Reims to the South-west; 40 from Chalons to the West, and 45 from Paris to the East,

Colomiers, Colomeriae aut Columbaria, is adorned with the Palace of Longueville, and water'd with the little River of Morin, 12 miles from Meaux to the South, toward Provins, and 30 from Paris to the East.

Montereau-Faut-Yonne, Monasteriolum ad Icaunam, Monasteriolum S. Martini in fau•ibus Icaunae, aut etiam Mons Regalis, takes its Name from a place where the Waters of the Yonne fall and are swallowed up in the Chanel of the Sienne. Thus it is founded on the confluence of these two Rivers, and defended with an Old Castle, being distant 16 miles from Provins to the South-west, 17 from Sens to the North-west, and 40 from Paris to the South-East. The Town it self properly belongs to the Jurisdiction of Gastinois, and the Suburbs on the other side of the River to that of Brie. It was heretofore a Royal Seat, and is beautified with a fair Stone-bridge, on which John Duke of Burgundy was slain, on the 10th Day of September, A.D. 1419.

The Governor-General of the Province of Champaign, at present is the Duke of Luxemburg; under whom are four Lieutenant-Generals and two Bailiffs, all Noblemen. And in these following Towns there are particular Governors, viz. Troyes, Chalons, Langres, Chaumont, Retel, Chateau-Portien, Rocroy, Meziers, Charleville, Sedan, S. Menchould, S. Disier, Vitri, Bur-sur-Aube, Epenay, Fismes, and Brie-Comte-Robert.

A Chronological Table shewing the Succession of the Counts of Champagne and Brie.

	Succeeded A. C.	govern. Years
1 RObert	958
2 Herbert		died in 993
3 Stephen I.	993	26
4 Eudes I. le Champenois	1019	18
5 Thibauld or Theobald	1037
6 Stephen II. sirnam'd Henry
7 Theobald II.	1101	51
8 Henry I. the Rich	1152	28
9 Henry II. the Younger	1180	17
10 Theobald III.	1197	4
11 Theobald IV. King of Navarre	1201	53
12 Theobald V. the young	1254	16
13 Henry III.	1270	4
14 Joanna Queen of Navarre	1274

This last Princess was styl'd Countess Palatine of Brie and Champagne, and Married to the French King Philip IV. sirnam'd the Fair, A. C. 1284.