Samarchand

1693. A geographical dictionary representing the present and ancient names by Edmund Bohun.

Samarchand, Samarchanda, Marchanda, a vast City in the Asiatick Tartary; one hundred Miles beyond the River Oxus; the Capital of that Kingdom, and the Royal City of that great Prince Tamberlaine, who stiled himself Flagellum Dei, the Scourge of God: who about the year 1402, took Bajazet the Emperor of the Turks his Prisoner, and died in the year 1406. This Prince bestowed his utmost care in adorning, beautifying, and enlarging this City: built in it a very strong Castle, and instituted an University. But in what state it now is, is not easily known.

Badascian, Maracanda, a City often mentioned in the Writers of the Life of Alexander the Great. Tamerlane the Great was born here, and had his Palace in it, who much beautified it, and erected here an University. It belongs now to the Province Zagataja in Tartary, and lies about 100 Miles North of the River Oxu. A famous place for Merchandile, very large, and the Capital of the Eastern Tartars. Chalcocondylas calls it Samarachantan and the Tartars Samarcand.