Tartaria

Sources from old books:

1630. Relations of the most famous kingdomes. London. by Giovanni Botero.

The Empire of Tartaria laid prostrate under the Throne of the Great Cham. called Dominus dominantium, and Rex regum, spreadeth if selfe with to large imbracement, that it extendeth from the Northerne Olba, or if you will Tamais, even to the Easterne Sea, sometime surnamed the Atlanticke, whose vast Lap is almost filled with a fry of Ilands, and begirteth all the Countries called Scythia, Ievomongal, Sumongal, Mercat, Metrit, the vast Desart of Lop, Tangut, Kataia, and Mungia: so that shouldering all the Northerne shore of the Caspian, it runneth along without controll by the high looking walls of China, and is over-shadowed by those formidable Mountaines Riphei, Hyperborei, Iman, and Caucasus.

And although the Chrim Tartar would faine challenge affinity with the Turke, expecting that if the Ottoman line should faile, the greatest share of the worlds magnificence would devolve to him: yet dare he not but acknowledge the Emperour Cham for his Lord paramount, and is affrighted when hee heareth of any complaints to his prejudice.

From Scythia to the Province of Tangus, they live in troops or hoords, and remove from place to place according to the temperature of the season, and plenty of feeding: Nor before the yeare of Redemption 1•12. did we in Europe heare of the name of a Tartar, but of Scythians, Sarmatians, Albanians, and such, who were all Idolaters.

They are men of square Stature, broad Faces, hollow Eies, thin Beards, and ugly Countenances, swartish of Complexion, not for that the Sunne kisseth them with extraordinary kindnesse, but for that the aire, and their sluttish customes corrupteth their bloud and bodies: To which inconveniences Nature notwithstanding hath prevailed in the distribution of valour, swift foot-manship, vigilancy, and patience to endure the many incumbrances of travell, hunger, and want of sleepe.

They love horses,and from that love accustome themselves to a savage drinking of their bloud, practicing a cunning theft therem; which being inpunishable, occasioneth many pretty changes, both in keeping their owne, and purloyning from others; as if some civill Artist had instructed them in the Lacedemonian Lawes, which tolerated theft for the better animating one another in the spoyling of their enemies.

In their travels and removement they are governed by their Stars, and observing the North pole, they settle according to its motion. They live free from covetousnesse, and are thus farre happy, that the strange corruption of wealth breedeth no disorders amongst them; yet have they a kinde of trafficke, and by way of exchange continue mutuall commerces, loving presents, and can be contented to bee flattered even in their Barbarisme, as all the Easterne people of the world (I thinke) are affected either by nature or tradition.

If you will heare of their riches, then must you raise your eyes East-ward, and take notice of Tangut, a wealthy Province, affording many things befitting Europe, especially Rhubarb; a simple of that prerogative, as if the whole world of necessity should be beholding unto them for this distribution.

In Kataia (amongst many others) the great City of Cambalu will excite admiration, if you may be induced to measure a quadrant of thirty miles compasse, and over-looke at every corner a square Tower very neere forty furlongs in circuit; in which the Emperours Munition, Armour, and provision for warre are secured.

In Mangia, as Queene of the rest, is the City of Quinzay, having a circumference of an hundred miles, by reason that a great Lake divideth the streets into Chanels; over which are numbred twelve hundred and threescore bridges, some opening the Arches so high and wide, that a good Ship under saile hath a passage of ease. For beleefe, I will neither force the travels of Sir Iohn Mandevil, nor the writings of Munster, nor the constant asseveration of moderne Travellers; but for mine owne part I would modesty perswade you, That the world is a stage of variety, and that within our owne Kingdome we are acquainted with such novelties of wonder, that if they were but delivered by report, wee would soone prove as incredulous of the one, as we are of the other. But to proceed.

As I told you, the ancient Provinces were divided into three particulars; and in those dayes knowne by the names of Sarmatia Asiatica, both Scythiaes, and the Regions of Serica, now Kataia. Most fierce and barbarous Nations did alwaies inhabit this Country, as first the Amazons, a warlike kinde of women, which in their daies casting away the properties of their sex, vexed the whole world, usurped Asia, and built Ephesus. Upon their small extirpation arose the Scythians, no lesse dreadfull than the former. Then succeeded the Gothes or Getes, termed by their neighbours Polouci, that is, ravenous or theevish. These the Tartars tamed, and then erected their Monarchie about the yeare of our Lord, 1187. or as others say, 1162. electing for their King one Cingis, a man of base birth and calling. This mans followers at that time lived without Manners, Law, or Religion in the plaines of Caracoram, tended their Cattell, and paied their duties to K. Vn-cham, otherwise Presbyter Iohn, who without doubt in those daies kept his Court in Tenduch, in the Kingdome of Argon. But this King Cingis first subdued the Kingdome of Vn-cham, and afterwards imposed the yoke of subjection on the bordering Provinces. And certainly that famous Comet seene in the moneth of May, 1211. lasting eighteene daies, and glimmering on the Gothes, Tanais, and Russia, with its taile extended towards the West, did foreshew the succeeding inundation of these Tartars. For in the yeare following, this Nation, whose name (as I said) was not so much as dreamed of before in Europe, wholly subdued Sarmatia Asiatica, or Scythia, invaded Russia, Hungaria, and Polonia. And lastly, erected other famous Monarchies in China, Mein, and Bengala.

So that at this day it is divided into five great Provinces: Tartaria minor, lying in Europe betweene Tanais and Boristhenes: Tartaria deserta, (of old Sarmatia Asiatica) containing most of the Hords, but not all: Zagatai: Kataia: And lastly, that great Promontory which lieth out-stretched in the furthest part thereof towards the North and East, and may be called Tartaria antiqua, as the motherplace of the true Tartar Nation, utterly unknowne to Ptolomie.

Those that live in the open field, about the Euxine Sea, the Lake of Meoris, and the Tauricke Chersonesse, which adjoyneth upon Boristhenes and Tanais in Europe are the Precopenses. In this straight or Peninsula standeth Theodosia, now Caffa, once a Colonie of the Genois, now a Sangiacie of the Turkes. Their whole Territories are very fruitfull for Corne and Cattell, and tho people more civill and courteous than many of the residue, yet retaining a smatch of their ancient Barbarisme. For they are sworne enemies to the Christians, yearely invading Russia, Lituania, Valachia, Polonia, and many times Moscovie, yeelding to the Turke in the name of Tribute yearely three hundred Christian soules. To one of these Princes Selimus gave his daughter in marriage.

This in old time was called Sarmatia Asiatica, and better inhabited before the comming of the Tartars. It lyeth betweene Tanais, the Caspian Sea, and the Lake of Kitay. It is a plaine Country, by nature fertile, if it were manured by these Tartars, nothing given to husbandry, but addicted to lead a roguish and wandring life, after the manner of the Arabians. Their chiefe delight is in hunting and warfare; Mill and Panicke they cast carelesly into the ground, which notwithstanding yeelds sufficient increase. Their store of Horse and Cattell is so plentifull, that they have to spare for their Neighbours. For the most part they dwell upon Cartrages covered with skins and woollen cloth. Some defensible Townes they have, whereunto they flie in times of necessity.

Astrachan is situated upon the Caspian Sea; it is rich, affordeth excellent good Salt, and very well frequented by Moscovish, Turkish, Armenian, and Persian Merchants. In the yeare 1494. it was taken by Iohn Basilides, great Duke of Moscovie, and by him with the Title thereof annexed to the Moscovian Empire.

The Zagatayan Tartars, were so named of their Prince, the Brother of the great Cham, or Can, which once reigned amongst them. They are now called Ieselbas, that is to say, Greene-heads, of the colour of their Turbants. They inhabit the ancient Countries of Bactria, Sogdiana, and Margiana, in times past the habitation of the Massagetes, so famous in Armes. These are the most honourable people of the Tartars, indifferent civill, given to Arts, and Lords of many faire Cities built with stone; as Shamercand, once a Towne of great fame, and renowned for the birth of the great Tamerlan, or Temar-lang, but now decayed.

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

TARTARIE is a very large Kingdome: for besides a great part of Europe, it containeth all Sarmatia in Asia, with Scythie and Serica, which they now call Cathajo. It was so called from the River Tartoro, which watereth that part which wee call Magog, and the Inhabitants Mogull. It is situate in the North, on the East it hath the most potent Kingdome of China; on the South India, the Rivers Ganges and Oxus, on the West the Caspian Sea and Poland, from thence it confineth on Moscovie, and on the North the freezing Sea, which part is thought to be undiscoverd and unhabited.

The Ayre and Climate is very intemperate, & there is such horrid Thunder and Lightning in Summer, that many have beene slaine by it: now it is very hot, and by and by cold, so that thick Snowes doe fall downe. And there are oftentimes such violent stormes of winde, that they will blow men off from their Horses, and stay them as they ride, and overturne Trees by the rootes, and doe much other harme beside. It never raineth there in Winter, but often in Summer, but so sparingly, that it doth scarcely moisten the Earth. But yeeldeth good store of Wheate, Rice, and other Fruits: & it hath abundance of Silke, Ginger, Cinamon, Pepper, Cloves, Rhucbarb, and Sugar: also Muske. Pitch, and in some places Gold and Silver. In some places Wine is made, but all the Province of Cathaja hath no Wine. There is also a black kinde of stone which is digged out of the Mountaines, and serveth for Fuell; and they are wont to lay them on their fire, for want of wood. Moreover here are great store of Oxen, Goates, and Swine, and especially an incredible sort of Horses, and Cattell.

We read in the Tartarian Epistles that the Tartarian Emperour doth keep 10000. white Mares, whose Milke serveth him for drinke. And moreover that he keepeth 20000. Huntsmen, and 10000. Falkoners. And that this Country is full of Fowle, as Pheasants, Craues, and the like. In that part of Tartary which the Zavolhensian Tartarians doe possesse, they report that there is a kinde of seed like to the seed of a Mellon or Pompion, but not so long, which if it bee sow'd, a Plant will spring and grow up, which they call Boranetz, that is, the Lambe. For it groweth almost three foote high in the figure and shape of a Lambe, which it resembleth both for the feete, the hoofes, the eares, and the whole body except the hornes. And in stead of horne it hath strange haire like horne. It is covered with a thin skin, which the Inhabitants doe pluck from it, and cover their heads with it. They report that the inward pith of it is like the meate of a Crabfish: and that if it be wounded or cut, blood will runne from it. It is very sweet, and the root having put forth of the ground, will grow up as high as ones middle. Beside this is more wonderfull: as long as it hath other hearbes growing round about it, so long it doth live like a Lambe in a pleasant Pasture, but when they are gone it doth wither and dye, which hath beene often tryd. And which is most strange, Wolves and other ravenous beasts doe most desire it. In the Citty Quelinfu there are Hens, which in stead of Feathers have black haire like Cats, but yet they lay excellent Egges.

They doe call the first Emperour of Tartary, who got the Kingdome and established Lawes therein Changius Canes, or Cham. Paulus Venetus calleth him Cinchis. Hee lived in the yeere of Christ 1202. Before him this Nation lived barbarously, without manners, lawes, or civill government, being of no notes in Scythia, and living by keeping of Cattell. The other Princes descended from this Changius. Hee quickly enlarged the Empire, from the Country of Syn• and the Ocean even to the Caspian Sea. His Sonne was Iocucham, who begot Zaincha the third Emperour, whence some did call Bathi. Hee wasted Russia, Poland, Silesia, Moravia, and Hungary. Bathi begot the fourth Emperour Temi• Cutlu, who was that Tamberlaine, who is well knowne in Histories for his extreme Tyranny, who wasted all Asia, and entred even into Aegypt. Hee overcame the Turkish Emperour Bajazet, and having tooke him prisoner, put golden fetters on him, and carryed him in a Cage thorow Asia. The fift Emperour begotten by Temir Cutlu was Temir Gzar, who fighting against the Christians in Prussia, was slaine there. The sixt Emperour begotten by Temir Gzar was Macmectzar. His Sonne Amectzar was the seventh Emperour. He begot Sziachmet the eighth Emperour.

Tartary is devided into many parts, the lesser which lyeth toward Europe betweene Boristhenes and Tanais, and containeth the Taurican Chersonesus, of which we have spoke in the description of Europe. Also Tartaris deserta, in which there are many Kine: Zagatar which is Scythia within Imaus: Cathaja, with the Kingdome of Tangut, which is the ancient Scythia beyond Imaus: and lastly ancient Tartaria which was unknown to Ptolemy.

The Metropolis of this Kingdome is Cambalu, by the bank of the River Polisangus, which is 24. miles in compasse. There are 12. Gates, and as many Suburbs. It is a Mart Towne, and very rich in Pearles, Gold, Silver, and Silke. They report that every day a thousand Carts loaden with Silkes, and brought hither out of China, besides other commodities. Moreover there are many famous Citties, as Samarcauda built by Tamberlaine: Caindo, is a Citty famous for Merchandizing, in the farthest part of Tartary, and many others, which for brevity sake I omit.

There are many Lakes in Tartary, so that it would be tedious to reckon them, but yet we will name some of the chiefest. In the Province Caniclu, there is a Lake in which there is such store of Pearles, that they would be of no esteeme, nor nothing worth, if every one might carry away as many as he listed. Where it is forbidden on paine of death, that no man shall presume to fish in this Lake for Pearles, without leave and licence from the great Cham. This Lake also is full of fish. There is another Lake in the Province Caraim which is very full of Fish, being an hundred miles in compasse and others. It is watered with many Rivers, among which is the great River Pulisachnis. This River runneth into the Ocean, and many Boates loaden with commodities doe come up it. There is also the River Caromora, which is so broad, and deepe, that it hath no Bridge over it: but yet it rowleth into the Sea: There is also Quiantu, which is halfe a mile broad, and very deepe and full of fish: also Quian which as Paulus Venetus writeth, is thought to be one of the greatest Rivers in the world. For the breadth of it in some places is 10. miles, in others 8. miles, and in some 6. miles. The length of it is 100. dayes journey: I omit other matters, and so passe to the publike Workes and Buildings. The first is a faire great Marble Palace, beautified with Gold, which was built by the great Cham in the Citty Ciandu. And there is another in the same Citty, and another in the Citty Cambalu, built very curiously, and it is about 4. miles in compasse, every Quadrangle containing a mile. It hath a very thick wall, which is 10. paces high. The outward superficies of it is white and red. In the foure corners of the wall there is a faire great Palace, which is in stead of a Castle. And so likewise in the middle of the fore walls there is a faire Palace built, so that there are 8. Palaces in all. In these they keepe their Armour, their warlike Furniture, their Ordnance, their Bowes, Arrowes, Quivers, Spurres, Bridles, Launces, Bowstrings, and other things necessary in warre, and every severall kinde of Armour is laid up and kept in severall Palaces. But in the middle of them, or the innermost Court is the Kings Palace, in which the King dwelleth. This Palace hath no Chambers, but the lower Pavement thereof is raised 10. hand breadths from the ground: The roofe is very high, and adorned with Pictures, the walls of the Court yards and dining-roomes, doe glister with Gold and Silver. At the first entrance there are faire Pictures to entertaine the eye, and warlike Histories drawne foorth with gold and lively colours. The great Cham hath twelve Barons in his Court, who are Governours of his 34. Provinces: and it is their Office to appoint two Rectors or Governours in every Province, and they are to provide things necessary for the Kings Army wheresoever it be, and they acquaint the King with their purposes, who by his authority confirmeth their determinations. Malefactors are punisht in Tartary after this manner. If any one hath stolne some small matter, which doth not deserve death, he is beaten 7. times with a Staffe or Cudgell: and hath 17. blowes or strokes given him at a time, or 27. blowes, or 47. according to the quality of his offence: untill at last they come to an hundred and 10. stripes or strokes. And some doe die upon this beating. But if any one have stolne a Horse or any other thing that deserveth death, hee hath a Sword thrust thorow him. But hee that will buy out his life, hee must restore nine times as much as that which he stole was worth. If any man or woman be taken in adultery they are put to death by the Law. The Tartarians are devided into Hordes, which words signifies amongst them a Tribe or Company. And as they live in severall Provinces farre distant one from another, so they are as farre distant and different one from another in their manners and kinde of life. The men are of a strong square set stature, having broad fat faces, darke hollow eyes, having great rough Beards, but the rest of their haire is shaven: they are strong of body, and bold in courage, and can endure want and labour: when they are on Horseback, if they chance to bee hungry or thirsty, they cut their Horses veines, and so drinke his blood. It is a prophane ard barbarous Nation, who make warre their right, and strength and power their law. Many of them have no houses, but doe live in Carts. And because they wander from place to place, they doe usually direct their course by the Starres, and especially by the North Pole. They doe not tarry long in one place, for they thinke it a great unhappinesse to continue long in the same place. They have on use of money, and therefore they exchange one thing for another. They say that they are Ismaelites, and received the law of Mahomet in the yeere 1246. The Tartars doe feed on grosse meat, and especially on flesh, and that raw, or halfe sod, and on Milke, and Cheese, but they abstaine from Hogs-flesh. They drinke Mares Milke, which they doe so temper, that it is like white wine, and is a savory well-tasted drinke. They feed very sluttishly, for they neither use Tableclothes or Napkins, neither doe they wash their hands, bodies, or Garments. They drinke also Water and Milke, and a kinde of Beere made of Millet.

1652. Cosmographie in four bookes by Peter Heylyn.

TARTARIA is bounded on the East, with China, the Orient all Ocean, and the streights of Anian, by which parted from America; on the West, with Russia, and Podotra, a Province of the Realm of Poland; on the North, with the main Scythick or frozen Ocean; and on the South, with part of China, from which separated by a mighty wall; the the River Oxus, parting it from Bactria, and Margiana, two Persian Provinces; the Caspian Sea, which separates it from Media and Hyrcania; the Caucasian Mountains interposing betwixt it and Turcomania; and the Euxine, which divideth it from Anatolia and Thrace. So called from the Tartars, a puisant and mighty people now possessed hereof; the reason of whose name we shall shew hereafter.

It containeth all those great and spacious Provinces which the antients called Seres, Scythia extra Imaum, Scythia intra Imaum, Sacae, Sogdiana, the greatest part of Sarmatia Asiatica, and part of Sarmatia Europaea: extending it self the whole length of Asia from the River Tanais to the Eastern Ocean, taking in Taurica Chersonesus, and some other parts of Europe also. So that if we measure it by miles, it is said to contain 5400 from East to West, and 3600 from North to South: a greater quantity of ground than the Turkish Empire, but of less fertility and accompt.

In measuring by the way of degrees, it reacheth from the 50. degree of Longitude, to the 195. which is 145. degrees from West to East: and from the 40th. degree of Northern Latitude, unto the 80th. which is within ten degrees of the Pole it self. By which accompt it lieth from the beginning of the sixt Clime, where the longest day in summer is 15 hours; till they cease measuring by Climates, the longest day in the most Northern parts hereof being full six moneths; and in the winter-half of the year, the night as long.

The Countrey lying under such different Meridians, and such distant Climes, must needs be such as no generall Character can be given of it, and therefore we shall deferre that, with the names of the Rivers, and chief Mountains, to the description of the several and particular Provinces. But for the people, being much of the same nature in every part, we may take the measure of them here. Affirmed to be of square Stature, broad faces, hollow eyes, thin beards, thick lips, flat noses, ugly Countenances; swart of complexion, not so much by the heat of the Sunne, (which keeps farre enough off) as their naturall sluttishness. Barbarous every where in behaviour, especially in those parts which they call Asiatica, and Antiqua: but withall very strong of body, swift of footmanship, vigilant in time of service, and patient of all extremities both of cold and hunger. The women suitable to the men, scorning or wanting ornaments to set themselves out, or when they do, they seldome go beyond copper, feathers, or such precious gew-gawes.

In behaviour they are rude and barbarous, as before was said; eacing their Enemies when they take them, as in way of revenge, first letting out their blood which they receive into Cupe, and use it as wine unto their feast. Though swift of foot, yet generally they love to ride though it be but on Oxen: about whose necks, as about their horses, when they travell, they use little bells, with which musick they are much delighted. Their spearh, even in their common talk, is a kind of whining; and their singing little better than the howlin• of wolves. They eat commonly with unwashed hands, the durt and grease about their fingers serving as a sawce for their meat, which they devour greedily, and with little chewing; and for their ordinary drink use mares milk. Homely of habit, made of the coursest stuff, and reaching no lower than the knee: and if they go to the charge of furrs, contrary to the custome of other people, they wear the hairy side outwards, and the skinne next their own bodies; onely to shew the richness of their Apparell. And yet so proud in this beggery, that they account the Christians but as dogs, contemn all the rest of the world, and think their Cham the onely considerable Prince, by whose name they swear, as by their Gods.

In matter of Religion it is hard to say whether Mahometanism or Paganism be of most extent: some parts hereof being wholly Pagan, some wholly Mathometan, and some mix of both. But of the two the Pagan is the better Gentleman, as being of the elder house, and of more Antiquity: the Sect of Mahomet not being entertained amongst them till the year 1246.

And yet these have not so prevailed, as to extinguish the remainders of Christianity, of which there are amongst them many severall Churches. The Christian faith first planted amongst the Scythians by the preaching of Saint Andrew, and Saint Philip, two of the Apostles. Overgrown in these later Ages by the Sect of Nestorians, either by the diligence of their Preachers, or for want of others to instruct them in more Orthodox Tenets. Before the prevailing of the Tartars, besides the Circassian Christians of whom more anon, there are in the most remote parts of Tartary, whole Kingdomes of that Religion; as namely that of Tenduc, then the chief of all; besides some numbers of them in Tangath, Cauchinteles, Cassar, Samarchan, Karthim, Suchair, Ergimul, and Caraiam, where in the time of Paulus Venetus, who surveyed these parts about the year they lived intermingled with the Pagans. Not so diminished since the conquest of those Countries by the Tartars, but that they are of a considerable number, especially in Cathay it self: where they are said to have a Metropolitan in the City of Cambalu (the principall City of that Empire) and he so honoured by the Great Cham, that they receive their Crowns successively from no hands but his.

As for the Tartars, they are by the Chronologer Genebrard, said to be the off-spring of the Ten Tribes, whom Salmanassar led away captive, and that especially for three reasons. The first is, that the word Tatari, by which name (saith he) they ought rather to be called, than by that of Tartari, signifieth in the Syriack and Hebrew tongues, a Remnant. But unto this it is answered, that the name of this people is derived from the River Tartar, as some; or from the Region called Tartar, where they first dwelt, as most think: and again, that though the Hebrew word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 signifie a remnant, yet can it not properly be applyed to the Tartars; who so infinitely exceed the Jews, that they cannot be thought to be a remainder of them. Secondly, he allegeth for proof thereof, that this people use circumcision, the character of the Jewish Nation. And here unto it is replyed, that circumcision was common to many people, besides the Jews, as to the Aegyptians, Aethiopians, &c. and that rather as a national custome, than a religious ordinance; and again, that the Tartars cannot be proved to have received circumcision, before they received Mahometanism. Thirdly, there is brought to confirm this opinion a place of Esdras, cap 13. lib. 2. where it is said, that the Ten Tribes (that they might the better keep Gods Statutes) passed over the River Euphrates, and after a journey of an year and a half, came into a Countrey called Arf•reth. To refell which, those of the contrary opinion find no better course, than by shewing the impossibilities of it. For the Tartars (when their name was first known) were meer Idolaters, had no remembrance of the Law, observed not the Sabbath, nor any other point of Jewish religion: and so the Ten Tribes retired not hither to keep Gods Statutes. Secondly, Euphrates lyeth quite West from Assyria, and those places to which Salmanassar transplanted the Israelites; and so it could not be passed over in a journey towards the North. And Thirdly, it is very improbable, that the ten Tribes should eitheir be so simple, as to leave Assyria, where they were peaceably setled; or so valiant, as to force a passage thorough those Countries of Scythia; which neither Persians, Greeks, or Romans were able to withstand in the best of their fortunes.

To let pass therefore all imaginations of a forein Pedegree, the truth is, that they were no other than a Ruder and more Northern brood of Scythians, who pressed by want, or otherwise oppressed by the King of Tenduch unto whom they were subject, armed themselves against him, obtained a memorable victory, and setled Cingis their chief Captain in the Royall Throne. Anno 1162. After which growing of more power, and inlarging their dominions further; they united in the name of Tartars all the Scythian Nations: as Mahomet did those of the three Arabias in the name of Saracens; or as in former times, the many severall Tribes of the German Nations, were united in the names of Franks or Alemans. Not known in Europe by this name till their many great and signall victories had made them formidable, which was about the year 1212. within very little of which time they had made themselves Masters of a larger Empire, than that of Macedon or Rome, in their greatest glories. But being of a hasty growth it decaied as suddenly; the greatest part of their Europaean purchases being conquered from them by the Dukes of Moscovy, and the Kings of Poland; as their acquests in Asia, and Asrick, by the Turks and Persians. Yet still they are possessed of so large a territory, that were they not distracted into severall States; or did those severall states depend upon one Supreme; that one Supreme might very easily give law unto all his Neighbours; and make the Turks and Persians tributaries, as in former times. But laying aside these speculations of what they might do if united under one command: let us now look upon them as they are divided into these five parts, that is to say, 1. Tartaria Precopensis, 2. Tartaria Asiatica, 3 Tartaria Antiqua, 4. Zagathay, and 5. Cathay.

The great Chams of Tartars.

• A. C.
• 1162. 1. Cingis, Cinchius, Zingis, or Changius, was made King or Cham of the Tartars; he subdued Tenduch, and Cathaia, changing the name of Scythians, and Scythia, to Tartartans, and Tartari•. 6.
• 1168. 2. Jocuchan Cham, or Hoccata, succeeded. In his time the name of Tartar was first known in Europe, Anno 1212. in which year they drove the Polesockie from the banks of the Euxine Sea. By his Captain Bathu, or Ro•do, he subdued Moscovia; planted his Tartars in Taurica Chersonesus; wasted Hungary, Bosnia, Servia, Bulgaria; and by his other Captains, took P•rsia from the Turks.
• 3. Zaincham, Bathu, or Barcham, ruined the Turks Kingdom of Damascus, and Asia the lesse.
• 4. Gino Cham, whose daughter conveyed the Empire unto her husband Tamerlane or Tamberl•ne.
• 1370. 5. Tamir-Cutlu, Tamir-Cham, or Tamerlane, a great tyrant, but withall an excellent Souldier. It is thought, that he subdued more Provinces in his life-time, than the Romans had done in 800 years. Of whose acts we have spoke at large. Dying, he divided his great Empire amongst his Children, as Persia to Miza Charok his fourth sonne, Zagathay to another, (perhaps unto Sautochus his eldest sonne) and so to others.
• 1405. 6. Lutrochin, the second sonne of Tamerlane, succeeded in Cathay, though the eldest was before proclamed, which his Father had before prognosticated: who when his sons came to him before his death, laid his hand on the head of Sautochus who was the eldest, but lifting up the chin of Lutrochin, who was the second. He lived not long, succeeded to by
• 7. Atlan, who added little to his estate.
• 8. Mango Cham, to whom Haiton an Armenian Prince (and the chief Compiler of the Tartarian History) went for ayd against the Caliph of Bagdt. By whose perswasion the said Mango Cham is said to have been christned, with all his houshold▪ and many nobles of both sexes.
• 9. Cublay Cham, the sonne of Mango.
• 10. Tamor Cham, the Nephew of Cablay by his sonne Cingis.
• 11. Dem•r Cham, the great Cham of Cathay in the year 1540 or thereabouts. What the names of the Chams are, who have since reigned, we cannot learn; nor what memorable acts have been done among them. The great distance of Countries, and difficulty of the journey have hindred further discoveries. For the great Cham, and his next neighbour the King of China, will neither suffer any of their subjects to travell abroad; nor permit any foreiners to view their dominions, or enter into them; unless either Embassadours or Merchants, and those but sparingly, and under very great restraints, to avoid all giving of intelligence touching their affairs.

The government is tyrannicall; the great Cham being Lord of all; and in his tongue, (besides which they have almost no laws) consisteth the power of life or death. He is called by the simple vulgar, the shadow of spirits, and sonne of the immortall God: and by himself is reputed to be the Monarch of the whole world. For this cause every day assoon as he hath dined, he causeth his trumpets to be sounded; by that sign giving leave to the other Kings and Princes of the earth, to go to dinner. A fine dream of universal Monarchy. At the death of the Cham, the seven chief Princes assemble to crown his sonne; whom they place on a black coarse cloth; telling him, if he reign well, heaven shall be his reward; if ill, he shall not have so much as a corner of that black cloth to rest his body on: then they put the crown on his head, and kissing his feet, swear unto him fealty and homage. And at the funerall of these great Monarchs, they use to kill some of his guard-Soudiers, whereof he hath 12000 in continuall pay; saying unto them, It• & domino nostro se•v••e in ••ia vita. Paulus Venetus reporteth, that at the obsequies of Man•o Cham, no fewer than 10000 were slain on this occasion.

There Chams are for the most part severe justicers, and punish almost every small fact with sudden death; but theft especially: Insomuch that a man in Cambalu taking a pa•l of milk from a womans head, and beginning to drink thereof, upon the womans out-cry was apprehended; and cut a sunder with a sword, so that the blood and the milk came out together. Nor are Adultery or lying punished with less than death, and so ordained to be by the lawes of Cingis, their first Emperour, a wiser man, than possibly could be expected from so rude a Countrey, and of so little breeding in the knowledge of books or business: the Tartars being utterly without the use of letters, till the conquest of the Huyri, a Cathaian nation, but of Christian faith.

What forces the Great Chams, in the height of their power, were able to draw into the field, may be conjectured at by the Army of Tamerla•e, consisting of 1200000 horse and foot, as was said before. And looking on them as confined within Cathar, we shall find them not inferiour to the greatest Princes. For Cubla• Cham, long after the division of this great estate, which was made by Tamerlane, had in the field against Naian his Unkle, and one Caidu, who had then rebelled, an Army of 100000 foot, and 360000 horse; there being 500000 horse on the other side. Which made almost a million of men in both Armies. And this is probable enough, if report be true touching the Chams of Zagathay and those of •urchestan, (before reduced under the obedience of the other) of which the first is said to have been able to raise 300000 horse, and the last an hundred thousand more. For standing forces, he maintai•s 12000 horse, distributed amongst four Captains, for the guard of his person: besides which he hath great forces in every Province, and within four miles of every City, ready to come upon a call, if occasion be: so that he need not fear any outward invasion, and much less any homebred rebellions.

Of the Revenues of the Cham, I can make no estimate, but may conclude them to be what he list himself: he being the absolute Lord of all, the Subject without any thing he can call his own. But that which ordinarily doth accrew unto him, is the tenth of wooll, Silk, hemp, co•, and Cattel. Then doth he draw into his own hands all the gold and silver which is brought into the Countrey, which he causeth to be melted, and preserved in his treasurie imposing on his people instead of money, in some places Cockle-shels, in others a black coin made of the bark of trees, with his stamp upon it. And besides this, hath to himself the whole trade of Pearl-fishing, which no body upon pain of death dare fish for, but by leave from him. So that his Treasury is conceived to be very rich, though his Annual in-come be uncertain, or not certainly known.

And so much for Tartary.

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

TARTARY, or TARTARIA, is seated in the most Northern part of all Asia, and extends it self from East to West, from the River Volga and Oby, which separates it from Europe, unto the Streight of Jesso; which separates it from America; and from South to North, from the Caspian Sea, the River Gehon, and the Mountains of Courasus; and Ʋssonte, &c. which divides it from the more Southernly part of Asia, unto the Northern Frozen or Scythian Ocean.

It reaches in length from the 19th unto the 180th degree of Longitude, which is the half of our Hemisphere; and in breadth, from the 35th or 40th unto the 70th or 72th degree of Latitude, which is half the breadth of all Asia; So that it may contain 1500 Leagues from West to East, and 7 or 800 from North to South.

Its position is almost entirely in the Temperate Zone;

nevertheless its more Southern parts being in the midst of this Temperate Zone, and the rest advancing to the Cold or Frozen; and its Southern parts being almost all bounded with very high Mountains, which keeps off the heat of the mid-day Sun, and renders it more cold towards the North; We may say, that Tartary in general hath its temperature much more cold than temperate.

Its Neighbours are the Moscovites, on the West; the Persians, the Indians or the Mogolls and the Chinois, on the South; the rest is washed by that Sea of which we have little knowledge; some place towards the East, the Streight of Anian, which should separate it from America; others, the Streight of Jesso, which divides it from the Land or Isle of Jesso, which is between Asia and America, as we shall declare after Japan. Some esteeming the Northern Ocean in one manner, and some in another.

The name of Tartaria is apparently taken from the River, Quarter, or Hord of Tartar; from whence these People being issued, have over-run and made themselves known in all parts of Asia. Others take it from the word Tatar or Totar, which in the Syriack signifies Remnant or Forsaken, because they esteem them the Remnant of the Jews, of which Ten Tribes were transported into Media by Salmanzer. They must then add, that these Ten Tribes passed from Media into Scythia, which is not observed by the Ancients. However it be, the Persians yet call this Country Tartar, and its People Tatarons; the Chinois, Tagun.

The People which possess this Country differ something from one another, as well in Personage as in Religion and Manners; but of the most part they are of an indifferent Stature, ugly countenances, thick Lips, hollow Eyed, flat Noses, broad Fated very strong, stout, valiant and good Warriers; very active, vigilant, and exceeding quick of Foot; patient in all Afflictions; they are very rude, barbarous and revengeful, not sparing their Enemies, whom in revenge they eat, first letting out their Blood, which they keep, using it as Win• at their Feasts.

Their Habit is very mean, which is for the most part made of course stuff, which reaches but to their Knees; yet are they very proud, despising all other Nations, and thinking their Cham to be the greatest Prince in the World; whom they greatly fear and reverence, being no better, than his Slaves. They are very nasty and sluttish, much given to drink of a treacherous and thievish nature.

In matters of Religion, they are generally Pagans and Mahumetans, which about the year 1246. crept in amongst them, which since hath spread it self over their Country, and intermixing with Paganism; yet hath it not so much prevailed as to extinguish Christianity, which was first planted amongst the Scythians (which were the Ancient people of Tartary) by the preaching of two of the Apostles, St. Philip and St. Andrew, which of latter years hath much lost it self, and not only by the prevailing of the Nestorian Sect, but chiefly for want of instructing the People in the true Orthodoxal points of Christian Religion.

Their Food is mean and very sluttishly drest; yet use they entertainments, and refuse nothing but Swines flesh, and eat all without Salt. They are much given to Hawking, and other Sports; but not much to Arts or Literature: The Women are much of the nature with the Men.

The Government (as Heylin observeth) is Tyrannical, their great Cham or King being Lord of all, in whose breast lieth their Laws, taking the Estates and Lives away of whom he pleaseth; whom they so much reverence, that they call him the shadow of Spirits, and Son of the Immortal God, and esteem him the Monarch of the whole World. In their execution of Justice they are very severe, punishing every small offence with sudden death. His Revenue without doubt must be very great; for besides the sole trade of Pearl-fishing, which upon pain of death none dares to fish for, besides those employed by him; also all the Gold and Silver that is either found in, or brought into the Kingdom, he doth assume to himself, as also the Tenth of all things that the Country doth produce; and also what else he thinketh fit; as being (as I said before) Lord over them all.

Here the Men have the liberty of 2 or 3 Wives, which they never choose but out of their own Tribe: and every Tribe hath a Chief, who is one of the Nobility of the Country, and carries for his Banner a Horses-Tail fastned to a Half-Pike, and died of the colour belonging to his Tribe.

As concerning the Forces that the Great Cham is able to raise, they may be supposed to be very great, by that which may appear by Tamerlanes Army, which consisted of a 1200000 Horse and Foot; besides, if we consider what a disturber he hath been, and how he hath enlarged his Territories of his Neighbours, as the Chinois, the Moscovites, &c. we may judge him powerful; but as his power is great on Land, it is as weak by Sea, scarce being Master of any Ships, and as little doth he regard them, though other Princes esteem them as a great security to their Kingdom.

I shall divide Tartary into five principal Parts; which are, Tartaria the Desart, Ʋsbeck or Zagathay, Turquestan, Cathay, and the True Tartaria; the first and last are the most Northern, barbarous, and unknown. The others more Southerly, are better civilized and known, having abundance of fair Cities, and driving a good Trade.

TARTARIA the Desart answers to the ancient Scythia intra Imaum; Ʋsbeck or Zagathay to the ancient Bactriana and Sogdiana; both the one and the other new Name retaining, in my opinion, something of the ancient; Sogdiana of Zagathay, and Bactriana of Ʋsbeck: Turquestan to the ancient Scythia extra Imdum. Cathay is the Serico Regia. As for the True Tartary it is unknown unto the Ancients, or at least it holds the most Northern part of the one and the other Scythia.

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

THis is the vastest Region of our Continent; Equals in bigness all Europe, and possesses all the Northern part of Asia. The Name of Tartary, which has succeeded that of Scythia, is come from the River Tatar, which the Chineses name Tata, because they do not make use of the Letter R. The Tartars are a warlike People, the best Archers of the World, but cruel and barbarous: they make War almost ever to the disadvantage of those they visit, and to the confusion of those who attack them. Cyrus at the passage of the Araxes; Darius Histaspes in his march against the Scythians of Europe; Alexander the great, when he was beyond the Oxus, have been constrain'd to yield to the Tartars: In our time, the great Kingdom of China has been forc'd to own them its Masters. Their Cavalry does most execution in their Battels, on the contrary to what is practiced in Europe, it is it which first attacks places. The most peaceable of the Tartars inhabit Tents of Pelts, and do nothing else than look to their Cattel. Their Countrey has in all times been a Nursery of Men, who under divers Names have made Conquests, and established Colonies in several places: That great Wall which the Chineses had rais'd for the putting a stop to their incursions, has not been capable of effecting that purpose. They acknowledge several Princes, whom they call Cans. They have sundry Hurdes, that may be called Cantons, Camps, Tribes, or Assemblies of Families. The little knowledge we have of them, is the reason we call them all under the general Name of Tartars. They have the Owl in great veneration, since that Cingis, one of their Sovereigns, was saved by the means of that Bird. They will not suffer they should be buried; some amongst 'em make choice of a Tree, and give order for their being hang'd up upon it after their death. There be still among 'em Idolaters, but they are for the most part Mahometans: It has been observ'd, that those who have conquered China, have hardly any particular Religion, tho' they practice several Moral Vertues. Five great parts are commonly reckon'd in Asian Tartary; Tartaria Deserta, Giagathi, Turquestan, Northern Tartary, and the Tartary of Kin.

Desert Tartary is so called, because that most of the Lands there are uncultivated: It is for the most part subject to the Czars of Muscovy; who draw fine and rich Furrs from thence, and who, with ease, subdued the Inhabitants of it, they being only Shepherds. Its Gities of Casan and Astracan, are near the Wolga, which empties it self into the Caspian-Sea by seventy Mouths; the Obi, which in the same Countrey empties it self into the Ocean, has six. Astracan drives a great trade in Salt, which the Inhabitants find in a neighbouring Mountain. The Calmack People are Idolaters, much like to the ancient Scythians, by reason of their incursions, their cruelty, and their other ways of living.

Giagathai, and Mawaralnahr, have peculiar Chams. The City of Samarchand, is that where Tamerlane the great, a Native of la Casta, a day's journey from thence, establish'd a famous University: There is also one at Bockora, which passes for the Countrey of Avicenna, a famous Philosopher and Physician; another at Orcange, near the Caspian-Sea. Alexandria, of Sogdiana, was formerly famous for the death of the Philosopher Calisthenes. The Tribe of the Mogul, is known by the rise of the Prince of the same Name, whose Successours command a good part of India. The Inhabitants of these Parts hunt wild Horses with Faulcons; in some of these Countries, they have such a disposition for Musick, that their little Children sing, instead of crying. Those of Giagathai and Yousbeg do not call themselves Tartars, being of the Mahometan Religion.

Turquestan is the Country, from whence some make the Turks to come. Thibet which is part of it, has Musk, Cinnamon, Coral which serve for Money to it's Inhabitants.

The Tartars of Kin, which some call Cathai, is the most Potent State of all Tartary, very Populous, Rich, and full of Great Cities, Cambalu, or rather Muoncheu is the Capital thereof: Several Authors have told Wonders of this City, making it known under the Names of Quinzai, Xantum, Suntien, and Peguim. Amongst other things, they say that in the Palace Royal there are twenty four Pillars of fine Gold, and another much greater of the same Metal, with a Pine Apple beset with Jewels, that are worth four Great Cities. The Voyage of Cathai has been undertaken by several ways, in hopes of finding Gold, Musk, Rhubarb, and other Rich Commodities there; several have gone thither by the Terra-firma, others by the Northern Sea, some by going up the Ganges. The Tartars of this Country invaded China in our Time; the King of Niuche called Xunchi, is the same, who made the Conquest of it, at the Age of twelve years, assisted with the good and faithful Councels of two of his Uncles. Besides a continual success and happyness, a great Moderation has been observ'd in this young Conquerour, who has treated a Nation newly subdued with all the Lenity imaginable.

The old or true Tartary, which the Arabians call after a different manner, is towards the North, and but very little known: Salmanasar, King of Assyria, is said to have transported thither the Tribes, which he carryed away Captive from the Holy Land, and there are also said to be still at this day Hords of them, who keep up their Names, and follow their Manners. It has Imaus, one of greatest Mountains in the World.

1732. Atlas Historique by Zacharie Chatelain.

Cette vaste Region que l’on nomme la Grande Tartarie, pour la distinguer de la Tartarie d’Europe, est trop inconnue pour en pouvoir donner une relation fidèle. Elle est éloignée de nous tant par mer que par terre, à la réserve de ce qui se rencontre vers la Moscovie, vers la Perse, vers l’Empire du Mogol, & du côté de la Chine Septentrionale; elle est inaccessible par rapport au grand nombre des hautes montagnes & des déserts affreux qui l’environnent: des écueils & des bancs que l’on trouve le long de ces côtes Orientales, & des glaces presque continues qui les bordent du côté du Nord; que toutes les Relations que nous en avons font pour le moins fort douteuses, pour ne pas dire tout-à-fait incertaines. Cependant, dans l’obligation où je suis d’en parler, pour ne pas laisser cet ouvrage imparfait; je me contenterai de rapporter ce qui s’en trouve de plus assuré dans les Auteurs qui en ont écrit.

Ce grand Pays est situé entre la Mer glaciaire, celle de la Chine avec le détroit d’Anian, la Mer Caspienne, les Etats du Roi de Perse & de la Chine, & les Fleuves Obi & Tanais. Mais à la vérité, cette division est bien incertaine, & il serait difficile d’y faire quelque fondement, quoiqu’elle ait été la plus reçue par les Européens. Plusieurs Modernes aiment mieux s’attacher à la division que font les Arabes, qui comptent dans la Tartarie le Royaume de Thibet ou Tobbat, qui était autrefois le Pays Septentrional de la Scythie: le Maulremher ou le Mawalranhara: l’Olgarie ou le Kalmuki: les Chazaiques: les Cauchalites ou Ka-Cathai: Mongal, Moal ou Magog: les Kaimahites ou Naimahas: le Royaume de Tangut ou Tanjin & Baggarbar: le Royaume de Niuche ou Teuduc: & Jupi. Le Roi de Niuche est celui qui depuis quelques années s’est rendu Maître de la Chine.

La Tartarie propre ou ancienne est vers le Septentrion, la plûpart inconnuë. On y met une Place appelée Tartar ou Tatar, qui, selon quelques-uns, donne ce nom au Pays; mais il y a plus d’apparence qu’il s’applique à celui d’une Rivière, ainsi nommée, que les Cartes ordinaires font couler dans le Pays de Mongol, placé le long de l’Océan Septentrional et qu’elles font décharger le Tartar. Elles mettent aussi une Ville de Tartar sur cette Rivière. Mr. Witen, qui met les Mongols aux Confins de la Chine, y met aussi la Rivière de Tartar; & il en fait une des sources de la Rivière qui appelle Schilgat & Quantung, qui coule au Midi de celle d’Amour, & va se décharger dans l’Océan Oriental. Au reste, ce savant Homme n’y met point de ville de Tartar; il y a seulement une cité de l’imaginaire, comme plusieurs autres.

Quoiqu’il en soit, on peut du moins ajouter à cette remarque, que le nom de Tartarie n’est pas un nom de Religion, comme quelques-uns le font imaginer. La Tartarie dernière s’étend depuis les Rivières de l’Azarte & de Tanaïs, jusqu’au Mont Imaus. On estime que c’est une partie de la Sarmatie Asiatique des Anciens. Elle est peuplée par diverses assemblées de Peuple que les Tartares nomment Hordes, qui en leur signification ont beaucoup de rapport aux Tributs des Juifs. La Tartarie de Zagatai est peuplée beaucoup plus civilement que les premiers; ainsi on dit qu’elle est Catholique. C’est l’Empire du Grand-Cam à qui on donne jusqu’ici le nom de Roi Tributaire; & on assure que les sujets sont pour lui en état de respect & de vénération, qu’ils le nomment ordinairement Fils de Dieu, Ombre de Dieu, & Image de Dieu. Quand il meurt, les Tartares tiennent tous ceux qu’ils rencontrent, pour adorer, tandis…jeffuer leur principe en l'autre monde: ce qui souvent coûte la vie à plus de dix mille personnes. Le fejour ordinaire du Grand Cam en hiver et Cambalu, ville Capitale de son Etat, située aux extrémités du Caïai. Les Relations modernes nous en parlent comme d'une des plus grandes et des plus riches villes du monde. Car pour celle de Quenfai, qui veut dire Ville du Ciel, et que Marco Polo met dans ce pays, on ne sait où elle est, et on ne saurait trouver les douze mille soixante Ponts de pierre qu'il lui donne. Outre ce Royaume de Catai, le Grand Cam en a plusieurs autres considérables; comme celui de Tangut, où l'on dit que l'Imprimerie fut trouvée il y a plus de mille ans. C'est de Tangut d'où vient la bonne Rhubarbe. Les autres Etats de ce Roi sont le Royaume de Tenduc, où l'on trouve des Chrétiens Nestoriens; celui de Thibet, qui abonde en Corail, dont on se sert pour monnaie courante.

Les Tartares en général aiment la guerre, & on les considère comme les meilleurs Archers du monde. Leurs guerres se terminent toujours par le pillage & la dévastation du pays, où ils entrent en armes. Pour l'ordinaire ils n'ont point de demeure fixe, & ils courent sur les terres de leurs voisins. Les plus paisibles habitent sous des tentes de feutre, & n'ont point d'autre emploi que celui de garder leurs troupeaux. La principale force du Grand Cam consiste en cavalerie, qui est d'autant plus considérable, que souvent les Rois qui lui font tributaires lui amènent jusqu'à cent mille chevaux. Nous ne pouvons rien dire de sûr sur les diverses hordes, ou bandes des peuples de la Tartarie déserte, leur nom étant souvent aussi douteux que leur demeure est peu arrêtée; les peuples de ces assemblées prennent quelquefois le nom du lieu où ils s'arrêtent, & souvent celui de la couleur de leurs habits. Presque tous les Tartares sont Mahométans: quoique dans ces vastes Provinces on trouve aussi des Juifs, & quelques Chrétiens du côté de Moscovie. Ils ont la taille haute, & leur manière d'agir est assez ouverte & sincère. Ils ont fort peu de lois, mais d'eux-mêmes ils déférent aux personnes les plus considérables qui ont droit d'exercer la justice. Leurs habits ordinaires ne sont que des peaux de mouton ou de renard; mais les hommes qui tiennent quelque rang, portent de longues vestes de soie ou de coton, qui viennent la plupart de la Chine. Ils ont de larges ceintures, où ils laissent pendre un mouchoir de chaque côté. Ceux qui se plaisent à la guerre ont quelquefois des bottes qui sont faites de soie; mais ordinairement elles sont de peau de cheval. L'usage des éperons leur est inconnu. La viande à demi bouillie ou à demi rôtie est leur mets ordinaire; celle de cheval & de chameau est pour eux la plus délicieuse; les bœufs & les vaches y sont très rares. Les Tartares des parties septentrionales ne s'attachent ni à l'agriculture ni au trafic, ce qui en bannit les richesses, à moins qu'elles ne viennent du pillage qu'ils font continuellement sur leurs voisins. Ils ont quelques mines d'or. Mais leur grande application est à la conduite de leurs troupeaux de chèvres & de brebis, dont le lait est leur breuvage ordinaire. Ils portent un casque à la guerre, ou du moins une coiffe de peau qui est ronde, & qui leur descend sur le front & sur les oreilles. Les armes à feu leur sont inconnues; mais ils se servent de l'arc. La housse de leurs chevaux étendue parterre est le lit ordinaire de leurs Cavaliers. Ils portent leurs sabres la pointe tournée devant leurs jambes. Ils vont à la charge avec impétuosité; mais pour attirer l'ennemi, ils font semblant de plier, et lorsqu'ils l'ont engagé à les poursuivre en désordre, ils se rallient tout-à-coup et ne manquent guère de le mettre en déroute.

Les Tartares et les Mogols, dont nous parlerons dans la suite, ont la même origine; et quoique l'Empire des Mogols d'aujourd'hui soit nouveau, par rapport à celui des Tartares, puisqu'il y a plus de cinq cents ans que Genghizcan fut proclamé Empereur de cette Nation, nous appellerons quelquefois les Tartares, Mogols de Tartarie, ou anciens Mogols, pour les distinguer des Mogols des Indes qui sont plus connus.

Cette grande Tartarie d'Asie, de même que la petite Tartarie d'Europe, ne sont rien autre chose, comme je l'ai déjà dit, que ce qu'on appelait autrefois la Scythie. Elle contient divers Royaumes; mais ils sont partagés en tant de Souverainetés, qu'il est presque impossible d'en faire le dénombrement.

Les Auteurs Orientaux se font contenter de la diviser en quatre parties. La première est le Capchac, composé de plusieurs grandes Provinces, parmi lesquelles est celle des Getes, située à l'Occident du Pays des Mogols, et au Septentrion de la Transoxiane et des Pays que le Sihon arrose. La seconde partie est le Zagatai, qui est appelé par les Anciens Transoxiane ; et par les Arabes Maouarannahar. La troisième est le Caracatai, qui contient le Turkestan, le Pays des Naïmans, le Pays des Gelayrs, dont celui des Keraïtes ne fait qu'une partie ; le Pays des Yuguros, le Tangut, le Khothan, ou Khyta, ou Koutan ; le Pays des Calmacs, et le Royaume de Courgé qui confine à la Chine et à la Mer. Enfin la quatrième partie est composée de l'ancien Mogolistan, qui est le Gog et Magog, dont la situation est marquée diversement par les Historiens, quoique ce soit le véritable pays de Genghizcan.

Les uns l'ont mis dans l'Asie Mineure ; d'autres seulement en Lydie ; d'autres dans la Colchide et dans l'Hyberie ; et enfin quelques Voyageurs l'ont placée aux Pays des premiers Scythes au-dessus de la Chine, vers le Nord-Est de l'Asie, disant, pour appuyer leur conjecture, que les Enfants de Magog, second fils de Japhet, passèrent du Nord d'Europe, à celui d'Asie, où ils donnèrent leur nom aux Pays qu'ils habitèrent. En un mot, ce Pays est situé dans le dernier Orient de l'Asie au Septentrion de la Chine, et a toujours été fort peuplé. Les Auteurs Orientaux ont appelé ses Habitants Mogols, et les Européens leur ont donné d'autres noms. Dans le temps du Bifayeul de Genghizcan, ils firent des progrès; ils s'avancèrent jusqu'au Caracatai, où ils obligèrent quelques Cams à leur payer Tribut ; mais dans le onzième siècle, auquel Genghizcan prit naissance, ils étaient tributaires du Roi des Keraïtes. Dès le septième siècle, il y avait deux sortes de Mogols : les uns, appelés Mogols Dirlighin ; et les autres, Mogols Niron. Les Mogols Dirlighin étaient les Nations de Congorat, Berlas, Mercout, Courlas, et plusieurs autres ; et les Peuples de Merkit, Tanjout, Mercat, Soumogol, Nironcajat, Yeca Mogol, et quelques autres encore, étaient les Mogols Niron. Sur quoi il faut remarquer, qu'Yeca-Mogol et Nironcajat appartenaient en propre à la Maison de Genghizcan.

Comme presque tous les Empires et les Maisons illustres ont leurs fables et leurs faux miracles, les Mogols n'en ont pas manqué; ils ont mieux aimé corrompre la pureté de leur Histoire, que de n'y pas mêler du merveilleux. Ils ont attribué des révélations à Genghizcan : et pour porter la vénération des Peuples aussi loin qu'elle pouvait aller, ils lui ont donné de la Divinité. Ceux qui s'intéressaient à son élévation, eurent même l'insolence de le faire passer pour Fils de Dieu. Sa Mère, plus modeste, dit seulement qu'il était Fils du Soleil ; mais n'étant pas assez vaine pour se flatter de l'amour de ce bel Astre, elle appliqua la fable à son neuvième Prédécesseur ; et on publia que Buzengir était Fils du Soleil. Nous parlerons dans la suite de ce Buzengir, dont les Turcs et les Tartares croient que la Mère est la tige de tous les Empereurs Mogols.

Pour parler maintenant de quelques coutumes de ces Peuples, et du premier établissement de leurs Lois : je rapporterai en peu de mots ce qui se passa dans une Diète générale que leur Grand-Cam convoqua pour en faire la publication. Lorsque les Princes du sang, les Nevians, les Cans, les Emirs et autres Seigneurs qui devaient composer la Diète générale furent arrivés au lieu que l'Empereur Mogol avait marqué, et que le premier jour du Printemps fut venu, ils s'habillèrent tous de blanc. Le Grand-Cam, vêtu comme les autres, se rendit à l'assemblée. Il s'assit sur son Trône au milieu des Princes de son sang, la Couronne sur la tête. Tous les Cans et les autres Seigneurs firent des vœux pour la continuation de sa santé et de sa postérité. Ce qui fut suivi des cris et des applaudissements du Peuple, qui était à l'assemblée. Après cela on ne se contenta pas de confirmer pour lui et pour ses Successeurs l'Empire des Mogols ; on y ajouta celui de toutes les Nations qu'il avait subjuguées. On déclara même les Descendants des Princes vaincus, déchus de tous leurs droits. Quand il eut remercié tout le monde des marques de zèle et de respect qu'il en recevait, n'ignorant pas que l'établissement des Lois est le principal devoir d'un Souverain ; il ne manqua pas de déclarer, qu'aux anciennes Lois du Pays il jugeait à propos d'en ajouter de nouvelles, qu'il voulait qu'on observât.