Morocco

Sources from old books

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

THat part of Barbary which was heretofore called Mauritania Tingitana, doth now containe two Kingdomes, namely,* 1.1 of Marocco, and Fesse, of which we will now speake in order. The Kingdome of Marocco was so called from the chiefe Citty thereof Marocco. It lyeth betweene the Mountaine Atlas, and the Atlantick Ocean, in a triangular or three cornerd forme.* 1.2 It is a pleasant Country abounding with all kinde of Fruit and Graine, as Oyle, Honey, Sugar, and other fruits, as also Dates, Grapes, Figges, Apples, and divers sorts of Peares. It hath also great Flockes and Heards of Cattell: and many Goates,* 1.3 whose hides are called Marocchini, and the haire of them are good to weave a kinde of cloth which they call Camelottes. Lastly, this Country produceth all things which are necessary for food, or to delight the smell, or recreate the sight. The Provinces hereof are Hea, which on the East is enclosed with the River Essivalus, on the South with the Mountaine Atlas, on the West and North with the Ocean, it is a rugged Country, Mountainous, Wooddy, rich, and populous. It hath not such plenty of Wheate as of Barley and Millet. But there is very little fruit, which ariseth rather from the slothfull idlenesse of the Inhabitants, than the indisposition of the Climate or Soyle. But there is great store of Honey, on which they live for the most part, but they cast away their Waxe, not knowing how to use it, here are few Citties,* 1.4 but many strong Townes, Villages, and Castles. Susa hath on the North the Mountaine Atlas, and the Towne Hea, on the East the River Sus, it is a fruitfull, pleasant, and rich Country. It hath abundance of Wheate, Barley, and Pulse, and in some parts great store of Sugar, although the Inhabitants know not how to boyle it, or use it: in other parts it hath divers fruits, as Egges, Grapes, Peaches, and Dates: it hath no Oyle, which is yet brought hither from other places. There is Gold in the Mountaine Ilalemus. The chiefe Towne in this Country is Taredantum, which the Mores doe call Taurent, a faire Towne, built by the ancient Affricans. It containeth about 3000. houses, and the Inhabitants are of a more civell behaviour. Here the English and French Merchants doe live, and doe exchange Iron, Tinne, and Lead for Sugar. There is also Messa, under which three lesser Townes are contained, which are distant a mile one from another, it was built neere the Sea Coast by the ancient Affricans. Teijeut is a Citty built heretofore by the Affricans on a faire Plaine, by the one side whereof the River Sus runneth. It is devided into three parts which are about a mile distant one from another, and being conjoyned they doe make a triangular or three cornerd figure: Tedsi is a great Citty, founded heretofore by the Affricans, and seated in a pleasant soyle: and Tagavost the greatest Citty of all this Country. The Country of Morocco hath a triangular or three cornerd forme, the bounds thereof on the West are the Mountaine Netisa, on the East the Mountaine Hadimeus: on the North it is extended even to the confluence and meeting of the River •ensi•t and Asifinual. This Country as Leo reporteth, is well inhabited, and aboundeth with Heards of Cattell and wilde beasts. It is a continued Plaine, not much unlike to Lombardy, those Mountaines which it hath, are cold and barren, so that they beare nothing but Barley. In this Country there is the Citty Marocco, which some think to be that which Ptolemy calls Bocanum Hemerum. It is accounted one of the greatest Citties of the world. For it is so great, that in the raigne of Prince Halis the Sonne of Iosephus, it contained above 100000. houses, and it had 24. Gates. But this great famous Citty hath beene so harassed and wasted by the Arabians frequent inrodes and excursions, so that now there is scarce a third part of the Citty standing. There are also in this Country other lesser Townes, as Elgiumuha, a little Towne, seated on a Plaine, neere the River Sesseva, and built by the Affricans. Tenezz• is a strong Citty, built heretofore by the Affricans on that side of the Mountaine Atlas which is called Ghedmina, Delgumuha is a new Citty seated on a high Mountaine with a strong Castle. Imizmizi is a faire Citty seated on a Rocke: Tesrast is a small Towne seated on the banke of the River Asiselmel: also Agn•et and Hanimmei. Guzzula is seated on the North side of the Mountaine Atlas, and on the East it joyneth to Hea. This Country doth yeeld great store of Barley, and Cattell, and it hath Mines of Brasse and Iron. The Townes here and Castles have no Trenches or Ditches: the Villages are faire, populous, and rich: and all the Country is well inhabited. Duccala is a Country which beginneth on the West from the River Tensiftum, it is bounderd on the North with the Ocean, on the South it is enclos'd with the River Habiel, and on the West with the River Hammirabith. There are few walled Citties in this Country. Among which is the Citty Azaefi situate on the Ocean shore. The Affricans built it: there is also Conte which was built by the Gothes, and Tit built by the Affricans: Elmedina is the head Citty of all this Country: Centopozzi is a small Towne: There are also Subeit, Temaracost, Terga, Bulativan, Azamur, and Meramer. The Country of Hascora confineth on the North on Duccala: it is bounderd on the West with the River Tensiftus, and on the East it is devided with the River Quadelhabit from the Country of Tedeletes. There are many rich populous Townes which belong to this Country▪ as the Citty Alemdin which is built in a Valley encompassed with foure high Mountaines, in which there dwell both Noblemen, Merchants, and Artificers: Tagodast is seated on the top of a Mountaine, and environd with foure other Mountaines: Elgumuha is built on a high Mountaine betweene two other Mountaines which are as high: and Bzo is an ancient Citty seated on a very high Mountaine about 20. miles from Elgiumuha VVestward. Tedles is a Country not very large, it is bounded on the West with the Rivers Servi and Omirabih, on the South it joyneth to the Mountaine Atlas, on the North it is bounderd with the confluence and meeting of the Rivers Servi and Omirabih, so that the Country lyeth in a triangular or three cornerd figure. There are some Townes in it, the chiefe whereof is Tesza, built by the Affricans, and well inhabited. There are also Esza, Githiteb, and others. The chiefe Rivers of this Kingdome are Tensift, and Omirabih, which issuing out of the Mountaine Atlas, doe runne into the Ocean. But Tensift riseth in the Country of Morocco, and is enlarged by the receit of many Rivers, the greatest whereof are Sifelmel and Niffis. But Omirabih doth breake forth among the Mountaines, where the Province of Tedles confineth on the Kingdome of •esse. On the shore side in some places there is found great store of Amber, which is very cheape there, so that the Portugals and other forraigne Nations doe transport it into other Countries. Here are many Mountaines, as Nisipha, Semede, Sensana, and others. The most whereof are cold and barren, so that they beare nothing but Barley. In this Kingdome there are no great store of Churches, Colledges, nor Hospitals. In the Citty of Morocco there are many Churches, and one of the most curious and magnificent is that which standeth in the middle of the Citty, and was built by the aforesaid Halis. There is also another built by his successor Abdul Miomem, and enlarged by his Nephew Monsor, and enriched which many Pillars brought thither out of Spaine. He made a Cisterne under this Church, which is as bigge as the Church, he coverd the Church with Lead, and made leaden Pipes at every corner, to receive and convay the raine water into the aforesaid Cisterne. The Tower or Steeple of stone like unto Vespasians Romane Amphitheater, is higher than the Steeple of Bononia in Italy, the steps which goe up into it are very broad, and the walls thick. This Tower hath three Belfries or Turrets, on which there is another little arched Tower built. And this hath three Turrets one over another, and they goe from one to another by a wodden Ladder. If any one looke downe from the highest Tower he will thinke that men of great stature are no bigger than children of a yeere old. And this Tower hath a golden Moone for a Weathercock, and three golden Globes, so fastned upon Iron, that the greatest is placed lowest, and the lesser highest. There is also a strong Castle in this Citty, so that if you beheld the spaciousnesse thereof, the Walls, Towers, and Gates, built of Tiburtine Marble, you would thinke it a Citty. It hath a Church with a high Steeple, on the top whereof there is a Moone for a Weathercock, and under it three golden Globes or Balls one bigger then another, which doe weigh in all 130000. Crownes. Within the Walls of this Citty there are Vineyards, Date-trees, spacious Gardens, and Corne-fields. For the Arabians frequent incursions, and in rodes doe hinder them from ploughing the ground without the walls. The Inhabitants of this Kingdome are in some parts more civill, and in some parts ruder and voide of civility. They eate Barley bread not leavened nor baked in an Oven, and sometimes they make meate of Barley meale, Milke, and Oyle, or Butter. Many of them doe use no Tables, nor Table-cloathes. They are clothed with a kinde of cloth made of Wooll like Carpeting stuffe, they weare a great deale of fine cloth about their heads, yet the forepart of their head is bare, none weare Hats or Caps but old men, and learned men, they weare no Smocks, and in stead of Beds, they have haire Blankets in which they wrap themselves. They shave their beards before they are married, but afterward they weare them long.

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

Of the Kingdome of MOROCCO and the Provinces thereof.

THE Kingdome of Morocco once of great splendor is now divided into 6. Provinces,

1. the first Tangovista, having a Towne also of that name:
2. Fisidet is the second which giveth name likewise to a Province;
3. the third is Massa the principall of a Province abounding in Amber.
4. Alarach is the 4^th fortified and kept by the onely garison of this Countrey.
5. The 5. is Taradant, in times past the second in this Kingdome, and the principall for traffique, ruind by the late warres, whereunto yet the resort is commonly made by many English and French for commerce.
6. The 6. and last is Morocco the Metropolis, of which a word according to my intended method.

1652. Cosmographie in four bookes by Peter Heylyn.

3. FESSE, & 4. MOROCCO.

THese Kingdoms I have joyned in title, because united for the most part in the storie and affairs thereof, and of late times making but one entire Estate under the Xeriffes of Morocco: and therefore handled both together in the point of History, though of a different consideration in the way of Chorography.

They contain in them the whole Country of Mauritania, truly and properly so called; divided antiently into Tingitana, and Sitifensis: Caesariensis being naturally a Numidian Region, the Masasyli and the rest of the Inhabitants of it, of Numidian breed; not laid to Mauritania, nor accompted any part thereof, till the death of Iugurth, when given to Bocchus King hereof, in reward of his treason for betraying that unhappy Prince into the hands of the Romans.

It took this name from the Mauri, the Inhabitants of it, when that name first given; the word Tania, signifying a Nation, being added to it; as in Britannia, Lusitania, Aquitania, and perhaps some others; and the name of Mauri given them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 which signifieth amongst other things obscure or black, by reason of the darknesse of their complexion. Accompted in their times, an hardy, but a bloody people; carelesse of life, fearlesse of death; implacable, if once offended, their thirst of revenge not to be quenched but by blood. Mauri sunt genus hominum suapte nature cadis avidissimum, nibilque non facile audens, & desperatis similes, contemptu viz. mortis & periculorum: the character given of them in Herodians time, and it holds good still; notwithstanding the intermixture of Goths and Saracens incorporated into the same nation with them, and passing by the same name in the Writers of the middle time. Post baec Mauri totam Hispaniam & Provinciam Burgundiam &c. dominio suo manciparunt, as my Author hath it; where by Moors we are to understand the Saracens which came out of Africk.

Chief Mountains of this Country, 1. Atlas Minor, so called to difference it from the greater Mountain of that name, from which it is seven degrees more North, but shooteth as that doth with a point or Promontory into the main Atlantick Ocean, on the South of Salla. 2. Durdus, extended also into Caesariensis, 3. Diur, 4. Phocra, of which little memorable. Rivers of most note, 1. Sala, 2. Subur, 3. Zilia, 4 Phuth, 5. Diur, 6. Cusa; all falling into the Atlantick: this last the same, as I conjecture, which our modern Writers call Ommirabili. And for the rest, we must find amongst them, 1. Sifelmel, 2. Tensist, 3. Niffis, the names of the chief Rivers, as at this time called.

The old Inhabitants here of in the time of the Romans, were the Metagonita neer the Streits, giving name unto Metagonitis an adjoyning Promontory; the Succosii, Verbicae, Nectiberes, Vacuatae, Voli; and on the East-side the Mauresii. These last participating of that common name, in which all united. Called by the Latines, Mauri; by the Greeks, Maurusii: The Etymologie as before. Their descent originally from Phut, the son of Cham; whose memory preserved here in the River Phut. To that, the coming of the Chanaanites, of the same extraction, served but as an Accessory. From those two fountains sprang the whole Nation of the Mauri. Governed by Kings; the most considerable of which when first known to the Romans, was that Bocchus, who betrayed Jugurth his friend and son in law, into the hands of the Romans: gratified for that treacherie with the Country of the Masasyli, (reckoned for part of Mauritania from that time forwards) as Hiempsal one of his sons was, not long after, with the Kingdom of Numidia. The whole Estates of Bocchus, Syphax, and Masinissa, united by this means in the person of Juba one of his posterity; the most potent Prince of all these parts: who falling in the African war against Julius Casar, Numidia was forthwith made a Province of the Roman Empire; Crispus Salustius being made the first Governour of it. But Mauritania, extending at that time from the Ocean to the River Ampsagus, he gave to Bocchus and Bogud, two of his Confederares, but descended of the old Regal family. Bogud unluckily taking part with Mark Antony against Augustus, was by Bocchus, who declared for the other side, dispossessed of his part, (that which now makes the Kingdom of Fesse) in which confirmed for his good service, by the conquering Emperor. Juba the son of the former Juba, grown famous for his eminent learning, was of a Prisoner made a Prince; invested affect the death of Bocchus in all the Dominions of his father, except Numidia: and by the bounty of Augustus, a great Patron of Learning, advanced to the marriage of Selene, daughter of Antony and Cleopatra. After whose death, and the death of Ptolomy their son, murdered by Caligula, Mauritania was by Claudius added to the patrimony of the Roman Empire; divided into two Provinces, viz. Caesariensis, betwixt the two Rivers Malva and Ampsaga, now the Kingdom of Tremesen; and Tingitana, from the River Malva to the Western Ocean. This last divided into Tingitana, and Sitifensis, (the River now called Ommirobili being the boundary betwixt them) by the Emperor Constantine: who leaving Sitifensis to the Diocese of Africk, laid Tingitana (why I know not) unto that of Spain. Cained from the Romans by the Goths, after by the Saracens; they became members of those Empires; in the declining of the last, divided into the two Kingdoms of Fesse and Morocco, to the description and history whereof we do now proceed.

3. MOROCCO.

THe Kingdom of MOROCCO hath on the East the River Malva, by which parted from Tremesen; on the West, the Atlantick Ocean; on the South Mount Atlas; and on the North the Kingdom of Fesse. So called from Morocco, the chief City of it; in former times known by the name of Mauritania Sitifensis, from Sitiphis, in those times the principal City, as Procopius telleth us.

The Country said to be fruitful of all things necessary to life, pleasing to the fight, and sweet to smell to: particularly, well stored with Grain and Pulse, plentiful of Oyl, Honey and Sugar, liberally furnished with Dates, Grapes, Figs, Apples, Pears, and all sorts of Fruits; exceedingly well stocked with Cattel, but with Goats especially, whose skins afford a very excellent kind of leather, and of their •leece materials for the finest Chamlets, which are here made in most of their Cities. The whole Country divided commonly into these seven parts, viz. 1. Guzzula, 2. Sus, 3. Morocco specially so called, 4. Hea. 5. Hascora, 6. Duccala, and 7. Tedles.

1. GVZZVLA, the most Southern Province of this Kingdom hath on the East some part of Tremesen, on the West Sus or Susa, from which parted by a ridge of Mountains called Ilda; on the South Mount Atlas; and on the North, part of the territory of Morocco, and the rest of Susa. The Country rich in Mines of Brasse, Iron, and other metals, of which are made many Vtensils for domestick uses, exported hence into other places. The People barbarous and rude, not easily acknowledging subjection to the Kings of Morocco; and at continual wars amongst themselves, except only for two moneths in the year; which being the time of their publike Marts, and then much visited with Strangers from other Countries, they lay aside their private quarrels, and cheerfully entertain such Merchants as repair unto them. Walled Towns here are not any, but some very great Villages; the chief whereof, 1. Guzula, on the Northern bank of the River Sus, whence the name of the Province. 2. Tagressa, not far off, but on the other side of the water, towards the foot of Mount Atlas. 3. Tedza, inclining towards the borders of Morocco. Of these nothing memorable.

2. West of Guzzula, lieth the Province of SVS or SVSA, so called from the River Sus, (with which well watered) or giving name to it. Rich in Gold-Mines, the cause of continual wars amongst the people; well stored with Sugar-Canes, which the Inhabitants know neither how to boyl nor purifie; and on the Sea-shores furnished with great plenty of Amber, bought by the Portugals of the people at an easie rate. Chief Towns hereof, 1. Cape D'Aguer, on a Promontory so called; a place of such importance to the Portugals, that the taking of it by Mahomet then King of Sus (after of Morocco also) made them all the Forts which they had in this Country. 2. Tagavast, a 〈◊〉 and wealthy Town, the greatest in the Province, and situate in a large Plain near the foot of Mount Atlas. 3. Teijent, situate in a spacious Plain also, but on the banks of the River Sus: divided into three parts, each a mile from the other; which joyned together, make the exact figure of a Triangle. 4. Messa, or Massa, seated at the influx of the said River, on the Promontory called Ca•• Gilen: three Towns in one; not much the better for the Sea, and but ill befriended by the Land, as leated in a barren and unpleasing soile; remarkable for a fair Temple, the beams and raster• of which are made of the bones of Whales, which usually are left dead on the sh•re. 5. Taro•••, a large Town, built by the Africans, before the conquest of this Country by the Geths or Sarace•s; the Residence of the Vice-Roy for the Kings of Fesse, when the Lords of this kingdom, but more enriched of late by the Merchants of France and England, who have here a Staple for their Sugars. By this Commerce the people made more civil then in other parts of this Province: the whole number of them thought to amount to 3000 families. 6. Tedza, more within the land, bigger then Taradant, but less wealthy; the chief Ornament of it being a fair Mahometan Temple, liberally furnished with Priests and Readers of that Law, at the common charge. Not far from hence the Hill Anchisa, where it snoweth at all seasons of the year, and yet the people go extreme thin in the sharpest Winter. Nothing else memorable of this Province, but that a little before the Xeriffe made himself King of Morocco, it had the title of a Kingdom, and gave the title of King to Mahomet the second Xeriffe, made King of Tarada•t or Sus, before he dispossessed his brother of the Crown of Morocco. 3. Northward of Sus, lieth the Province of MOROCCO, specially so called, the most fruitful and best peopled part of Barhary; not much unlike to Lombardy in wealth, and pleasures: the very Hills hereof as fruitful as the Vallies in other places. To which fertility of the so•l, the Rivers 1 Tensist, and 2 Asisin•ad, give no small advantage, though much defaced by the frequent incursions of the Portugals, who have extreamly spoiled this Country. Places of most observation in it, 1. Delgumaba, built upon a very high Mountain, and environed with many other Hills; at the foot whereof the Fountain of Asisi•uad. 2. Elgiumuba, a small but ancient Town, on the River Sisseva. 3. Tesrast, a small Town upon Asifinuad. 4. Imizmizi, situate on a Rock, spacious, and seated neer the entrance of a narrow way leading into Guzzala. 5. Tenezze, an old Town, but very well fortified. 6. Agnet, upon the River Tensift, all ruined except the Fort, and some scattered houses: formerly second unto none but Morocco, (from which distant 24 miles) the Hils and Valley about it adorned with pleasant Gardens, fruitful Vineyards, a fair River, and Fields so fertile that they yield a fifty-fold increase. 7. Se•sina, where they have snow at all times of the year. 8. Temnella, an Heretical Town differing in opinion from the rest of the Mahometan Sect; and so well grounded in their •enets, that they challenge all their Opposites to a Disputation. 9. Hantera, very full of Jewes. 10. Morocco, the principal of this province, and of all the Kingdom situate in or near the place where once stood the 〈◊〉 Ilemerum of Ptolomy. Once reckoned amongst the greatest Cities of the World, at what 〈◊〉 was •a•d to contain 100000 families: since so defaced and wasted by the depredations of the Arabians, and the removal of the Seat-Royal to Fesse, when that Kingdom was in the Ascendent, that it is hardly a third part so great as formerly. The founder of it Joseph, sirnamed Telesinus, the second King of the house of the Almoravides; but much enlarged and beautified by Abdul-Mumen, one of his successors. The principal buildings in it are the Church and the Castle: the Church of Mosque, one of the greatest in the World, adorned with many sumptuous pillars, brought out of Spain, when the M••rs had the possession of that Country; and beautified with a stately Steeple, in compass at the bottom an hundred yards, and of so great height, that the Hils of Azati (one of the branches of the Lesser Atlas) being 130 miles distant, may be thence easily discerned: the Castle very large, and strong, on a Tower whereof stand three Globes made of pure Gold, weighing 130000 Barbary Duckets; which divers Kings have gone about to take down and convert into money, but all desisted in regard of some crosse accident or other which befell them in it; insomuch that the common people think them to be guarded with spirits.

4. North of Morocco, on the further side of Tensift and Asifinuad, is the Province of HEA: Rough, mountainous, and woody, yet watered with many pleasant Rils, and would be plentiful enough in all commodities, if the industry of the people were not wanting to it. A sort of people little better then meerly barbarous, without all Artists either Ingenious or Mechanick; except some Chirurgeons, whom they keep to circumcise their Children; and some few Teachers of their Law, which can hardly •ead. Their food a Pap made of Barley-meal, which in stead of Spoons they claw forth with their fingers; the Ground they eat on, serving for table, stools and napkins. At endless •eud with one another; yet so kind to strangers, that in one of their chief Towns, called 1 Tedneft. the Gentlemen used to cast lots who should entertain them. A town of good esteem in former times, situate in a large Plain on the River Tensift: but in the year 1514. almost wholly abandoned, upon a rumor that the Arabians had a purpose to sell it to the Portugals. 2. Teculeth, seated on a good Port, and once very well traded, there being in it at that time 1000 families, some Hospitals, and a beautiful Musque; in the year 1514. destroyed by the Portugals. 3. Tenent, a Sea-town in the hands of the Portugals. 4. Flmuridin, a strong peece, as the name importeth, the word signifying the Disciples Fort; so called, because a certain Heretick in the Law of Mahomet (whereof this Kingdom yields good plenty) retired hither with his Disciples, fortified it and defended it against the King of M•recco. 5. Iguillinguigu•l, seated on the top of an hill, and fortified by the Country-people (or old African Moers• against the Arabians. 6. Tefethne, beautified with a pretty Haven, but not capable of any great sh•pping. 7. Taglesse, a Den of Thieves and Cut-throats. 8. Tesegdelt; as courteous and civil, as the other barbarous: At the Gates whereof a Guard is set fo• entertainment of Strangers; whom if they have no acquaintance there, they are to provide of Accommodation in some Gentlemans house, where it 〈◊〉 them nothing but thanks, and some kind acknowledgment.

5. Northwards of Hea, stands the Province of DVCALA, bounded on the West with the main Atlantick, and on the North with the River Ommirobili, by which parted from the Kingdom of Fesse. Of three dayes journy long, about two in breadth; thrusting into the Ocean with a craggy Promontory, which some of the Ancients called Ulagium, others the Promontory of the Sun; 〈◊〉 by the Christians of Europe called the Cape of Cantin; by the Moors, Gebelelhudi•. Populous enough, the quality of the men considered, ignorant both of letters and of all good manners: Yet not •o populous as it hath been in former times, much of the Country being abandoned for fear of the Portugals who have taken all their best towns on the Sea-coast, and destroyed the rest. Amongst these, 1. Azasi, at the foot of the hils so called; surprised by the Portugals, under colour of making a Storehouse for their Merchandise. 2. Azamez, seated at the mouth of the River Ommirobili, the furthest town of this kingdom towards that of Fesse; the people whereof were extremely addicted unto Sodomy, till subdued by the Portugeze. 3. Elmedina, once the Metropolis of this Province; but now for feat of those Invaders, in a manner desolated. 4. Conte, of the foundation of the Goths. 5. Tic, built by the old African Moors, but possessed by the Portugals. 6. Subeit, 7. Teneracost, 8. Centpuis, 9. Terga, 10. Bulahuan; all sacked and ruined by the same people, when they took Azamor (the Key of this Province) which was in the year 1513. At which time it is said, that Mahomet King of Fesse passing through this Province with an Army to repress these insolencies, at every Altar (whereof here are many in the Roads) kneeled, and said unto this effect: Lord, thou knowest that the cause of my coming into this wild place, is only to free this people of Duccola from the rebellious and wicked Arabians, and their cruel Enemies the Christians: which purpose if thou doest not approve of, let the punishment fall upon my person, but not upon my followers who deserve it not. With greater piety then could be looked for from a blind Mahometan.

6. Eastward of Duccala, along the banks of Ommirobili, lieth the Province of HASCORA, a fruitful Country, intermixt of rich fields and pleasant gardens: furnished with most sorts of choisest fruits, and amongst others, Grapes of such extraordinary greatness, that they are said to be as big as a Pullets egg; Good store of Honey it hath also, and some Mines of Iron. Inhabited by a more civil people then any of the rest, and consequently more deserving so rich a soil. Places of most importance in it. 1. Ezo, an old town, situate on a lofty mountain. 2. Eluinina, of a later erection. 3. Alemdine, conquered for the King of Fesse by a Merchant, whose Paramour the Prince or Governour hereof had taken from him: Situate in a pleasant, but little Valley, but begirt with hils, and well inhabited by Gentlemen, Merchants, and Artificers. 4. Tagodast, on the top of an hill, environed with four others of equal height.

7. More East, betwixt Hascora and the River Malva, is the Province of TEDLES, bounded on the East with the Kingdom of Tremesen, and on the North with that of Fesse, from which last parted by the River Servi, which on the North east border of it meets with Ommirob•li. The whole Province in form triangular; of no great either length or breadth, but sufficiently fruitful, and well inhabited for the bigness. Some Towns it hath, and those not meanly populous for so small a Province; the chief whereof, 1. Tesza, built by the old African-Moors, and beautified with many Mahometan Mosques; the wals of which made of a kind of Marble, which they here call Tesza, whence the name of the town. 2. Esza, seated on the River Ommirobili, where it receiveth that of Deyme, which rising out of Atlas-Minor, and passing by Tesza last mentioned, doth here lose its name. 3. Chythite, renowned for the stout resistance which it hath made from time to time against those of Fesse. 4. Ethiad, abounding in all sorts of victuals.

These Provinces make up the Kingdom of Morocco: infested miserably while it remained subject to the Kings of Fesse, by the Portugals on the one side, and the wild Arabians on the other. Concerning which last people we are to know, that when the Saracens conquered Africk, they contented themselves with the command, and left unto the Natives the possession of it; forbidding the Arabians (with whose course of life they were well acquainted) to passe over Nilus. Elcain, the last of the successors of Hucba in the Kingdom of Cairoan, having subdued the rest of Africk, and added it unto his Estate, passed forwards into Egypt, which he conquered also, assuming to himself the title of Caliph: But in his absence, the Lieutenant whom he left in Africk rebelled against him, and acknowledging the Caliph of Bagdet for his lawful Lord, received of him for this good service the Kingdom of Africa. Despairing to recover his lost Estate, and yet not willing that it should be useful unto his Enemies, he licenced the Arabians, for a Ducat a man, to passe over the Nile with their tents and families: On which agreement, almost half the Tribes of Arabia Deserta, and many of Arabia Felix, went into Africa; where they sacked Tripolis, Cairoan, and the rest of the principal Cities; tyrannizing over all Barbary, till restrained at last by Joseph the founder of Morocco, (of whom more hereafter.) Since which time, though they lost their unlimited Empire, yet they still swarm like Locusts over all the Country; and neither apply themselves to tillage, or building houses, or any civil course of life; nor suffer those to live in quiet, who would otherwise manure and improve the Country. The rest of the Storie of these Kingdoms we shall have anon, when we have taken a Survey of the Kingdom of Fesse.

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

THE Kingdom of MOROCCO is the most Western part of Barbary, bounded by the Ocean, the River Sus, Mount Atlas, and the River Ommiraby: The Ocean washes it on the West; the River Sus separates it from Tesset on the South; Mount Atlas divides it from Darrha, and Segelmesse, on the East; and the Ommiraby from the Kingdom of Fez, on the North.

It is divided into 7 Provinces: those of Sus, Hea, Guzula, and Morocco, are between the Rivers of Sus and Tensift; the two first on the Sea, and the other within Land. The Provinces of Teldes, Hascora, and Ducala, are between Tensift, and Ommiraby: the two first up in the Land, the other on the Ocean: and these three last stretch towards the North and East; the four first towards the South and West.

The Province of Sus is about the River Sus, and is sometimes extended as far as Cape de Non. Taradante, not far from Atlas, is esteemed the chief City of this Province, its Governours and Kings having here made their residence; much enriched of late by the English and French Merchants, who have here a Staple for their Sugars. The Town is large and well built, seated in a spacious Plain, which affordeth great plenty of Sugar. 2. Messa, at the flux or mouth of the River Sus, it is composed of three little Cities walled apart; and betwixt which the River passes. 3. Tejent, seated higher; and on the same River, on a spacious Plain, is likewise composed of three Towns, each distant a Mile from each other, having their Temple common in the midst of the three. 4. Tedsa, beyond the River Tagavost, containing about 8000 Houses; its chief Ornament being a fair Mehometan Temple. 5. Capo d' Aguer, seated on a Promontory so called, and is a place of great importance.

The Fortress, and City of Guarguessen in the midst of the Coast, and on a branch, which this Mountain under the name of Idevacall, stretches into the Sea, belongs to the Crown of Portugal.

The Province of Guzula is to the East of Sus; to the South of Hea, and Morocco; to the West of the Province or Kingdom of Darrha; and to the North of Tesset. Here are observed to be no walled Cities, or Fortresses of note: but it hath many Burroughs and Towns of 1000 or 1200 Houses: where there are Markets kept thrice a week, and a great Fair yearly, which lasts two Months, to which many People from most parts of Africa do resort. The chief place bears the name of the Province; the People are rude and barbarous, and with much ado are subject to the King of Morocco. In the Country are many rich Mines of Gold, Brass, Iron, and other Metals.

The Province of Morocco, particularly so called, lies all between the Rivers of Asifnuall, and Tensift; from their Springs at the Mount Atlas; until they meet about 15 or 20 Leagues from the Sea, Asifnual divides it from Guzula, and Hea; Tensift from Hascora, and Ducala. The City of Morocco is the chief of the whole Kingdom, and hath been a long time in great esteem, and once accounted the Metropolis of all Barbary, and reckoned amongst the greatest Cities in the World. At which time it had twenty four, or twenty five Gates, being in circuit 12 Miles, and contained about one hundred thousand Families. It is strongly girt about with Walls, and adorned within with many publick and private Buildings; as, its Palace, which they name the Alcasar. Its Churches or Mosques are very fair, especially one,* 1.6 which is held the greatest in the World, seated in the midst of the City, adorned with many sumptuous Pillars, which were brought out of Spain when the Moors had the possession of the Country. It hath a very large and strong Castle, esteemed as big as a reasonable Town. Here is also a Burse for Merchants, who trade hither. But of late, by reason of the defacement and Spoils which it hath suffered by the Arabians, together with the removal of the Seat Royal to Fez, now the Metropolis of all Barbary, it hath lost much of its splendor, a great part of the City being deserted, so that they make use of but 4 or 5 Gates; neither is that part so populous, rich, nor hath so good a Trade as formerly. 2. Agmett, seated on a River of the same name; and at the meeting of divers passages which descend from Mount Atlas in the Plains of Morocco, hath been very fair and populous, and its Hills and Valley about it so fertil, and beautified with pleasant Gardens, that it was called the Little Morocco; at present it is almost Desart. 3. Elgiumuha, near the Mountain, and on the River Secsiva. 4. Imegiagen, seated on a Mountain very steep on all sides: And, 5. Tenezze, a Town of some note. All which are strong places, and very advantagiously scituated.

HEA, West of Morocco; a Province Mountainous and Woody, yet watered with many good Rivers; the Soil indifferently fertil, and would produce several good Commodities, were it inhabited by industrious People; these being a sort of idle and in a manner barbarous, altogether ignorant of Arts, except some Teachers of their Law, which can hardly read; as also some Chirurgions, who are chiefly employed in the circumcision of their Children; they are generally very courteous to Strangers, but very contentious among themselves. Its chief Cities are, 1. Tednest, once a place of good esteem, seated on the River Savens. 2. Hadequis. 3. Teguleth: and, 4. Tejeut, places of good note and Trade, the first containing about 1000 Houses, having the benefit of a good Port, and beautified with a fair Mosque, with some Hospitals. But about the year 1500 they were much ruined by the Portugals, in whose possession they are, who have since somewhat added to its former Estate. Tednest hath about 1600 Houses, the most part Jews, which are esteemed the chiefest. In the Mountains, Tesegdelt is most considerable, containing above 1000 Families, and well scituated; its Walls being no other than thick Rocks. So are Ileusugagen, Tegtesse, Eitdeset, Culejat, &c. scituated upon Mountains, and of good strength. Tefethna, on the Coast, and at the Mouth of a River of the same name,* 1.8 hath a Port, where there is some Trade. The Isle of Mogadour, near the Cape of Ocem, is distant from the Coast two little Leagues. The Kings of Morocco have built here a Fortress to keep some Mines of Gold and Silver which are in the neighbouring Mountains.

The Mountains of Aidvacall or Idevacall, near Cape de Guer; of Demensera, near the Province of Guzula, and Gebel el Haden, near the Tensit, take up a part of the Province; and are so well inhabited, that the last can set forth 12000 fighting Men, the first 20000, and the other 25000.

North of the Province of Morocco are those of Hascora, and Teldes separated the one from the other by the River Quadel Habid. Tefza is the chief City of Teldes, and near the River Derna, which falls into the Ommiraby; a rich City, built by the old African Moors, and beautified with many Mahometan Mosques; and its Walls were made of a kind of Marble. 2. Elmadine is the chief City of Hascora,* 1.11 peopled with about 10000 Families, scituate in a pleasant Valley, and begirt with Hills; it is well built; its Inhabitants are civil, ingenious, and addict themselves to Arts, Traffick, and Manufactures: the Women are fair, as in 3. Tagodaft, which is on a Mountain, whose Foot is washed with many little Streams, which water their Gardens. 4. Elgiumuha, towards the South, built by the People, and in a like scituation with Tagodaft. And, 5. Bzo, likewise a City of some Trade. Between the Mountains Teldes hath more than 50 walled Towns, built near the streams of the River Darha. These Provinces are fertil, having rich Fields, feed a great quantity of Goats. of whose Skins are made the Cordovants, and of their Hair, plain and watered Chamlets; also store of Cattle, Grains; excellent Fruit amongst others their Grapes as big as Pullets-eggs; they have plenty of Fowl,* 1.12 and their Rivers breed store of Fish.

Ducala the most Northern part of Morocco, and possesses that which is between the River Tensift, and Ommiraby: a Land fruitful for Grains. Its best Cities are, 1. Azamor where the Ommiraby enlarges and forms a Gulph to disburthen it self into the Sea, which before the Portugals became masters of it, had above 5000 Houses. It sell again into the hands of the Moors, and entirely restored, having a strong Garrison. 2. Elmadine towards the Sea, and in a fair Plain, hath been esteemed the Capital of the Country. 3. Magrizena-Sanut, which they have fortified; and on the same Coast have dismantled Tite, the easier to fetch in Tribute thence, and from the Neighboring places. 4. Asafi or Satfy not far from Tensift, is strong, and hath a good Trade, where the French hath a Consul.

The Kingdom of Morocco hath suffered great changes, within these few Centuries of years; having been often united, and as often separated from that of Fez. And sometimes likewise its South parts, Sus and Gurula have made a Kingdom apart. Its principal Ports are those of Messa Azafi,* 1.15Mazagan and Azamor. Its Promontories those of Guer, Ocem, Cantin and Carvos,. Its Rivers; the Sus, which waters its Southern parts; Tensift which divides the Estate in 2 equal parts; and Ommiraby which separates it from the Kingdom of Fez.

The Air of the Plains, and Fields of Morocco is much hotter then in Europe, that of the Mountains according to their height is more or less cold. In general this Kingdom is provided with all things necessary for mans life; they have Grains and Pulse in abundance; as also Fruits which are excellent, especially their Grapes. They have likewise Flax, Hemp, Honey, Wax, Sugar, Gold, Silver, Iron, Copper, Marble, Cordovants, Amber, Chamlets and many good Manufactures.