Russia

Sources from old books

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

RUSSIA, OR MOSCOVIA. (Book Russia) RUSSIA which is called also Roxolonia, is twofold, the Blacke and the White: The former bordereth on Polonia, the latter is a part of Moscovia. Moscovie was without doubt so called from the River Moschus or Morava▪ which giveth its name also to the chiefe Citie Mosco through which it floweth.* 1.2 The Territories thereof are extended farre and wide, and it is bounded on the North with the Icie Sea, on the East it hath the Tartarians, on the south the Turkes and Polonians, and on the West the Livonians and the Kingdome of Swethland. In all which spaces of ground many large countries are contained, and therefore the Duke of Moscovie doth thus enstile himselfe.* 1.3 The Great Lord, and by the grace of God Emperour and Governour of all Russia, also Great Duke of Volodi∣miria. Moscovia, great Novogrodia, Pskovia, Smolonskia, Thweria, Iugaria, Permia,* 1.4 Viathkia, Bulgaria, &c. Governour and Great Prince of Novogrodia the Lesse, of Czernigovia, Rezania, Wolochdia, Resovia, Bielloia, Rostovia, Ia∣roslania, Poloskia, Biellozeria, Vdoria, Obdoria, and Condimia, &c. The tempe∣rature of the Aire in Muscovia is immoderately cold and sharpe,* 1.5 yet it is so wholsome, that beyond the head of Tanais toward the North and East, there is never any plague knowne, although they have a disease not much unlike unto it, which doth so lye in the head and inward parts, that they die in few daies of it. The Countrie in generall neither bringeth forth Vine nor Olive, nor any fruit-bearing tree except it be Mellons and Cherries, in regard that the more tender fruits are blasted with the cold North windes.* 1.6 The corne fields do beare Wheat, Millet, a graine which the Latines call Panicum, and all kinde of Pulse. But their most certaine harvest consists in waxe and honey. Here is the wood Hercynia being full of wild beasts. In that part which lyeth toward Prussia great and fierce Bugles or Buffes are found, which they call Bison. And also the beast called by the Latines Alces like an Hart save that hee hath a fleshie snout like an Elephant, long legges, and no bending of the hough, and this creature the Moscovites call Iozzi,* 1.7 and the Germans Hellene. Besides, there are Beares of an incredible bignesse, and great and terrible Wolves of a blacke colour. No Countrie hath better hunting and hawking than this. For they take all kinde of wild beasts with Dogges and Nets, and with Haukes which the Countrie of Pecerra doth plentifully yeeld, they kill not onely Pheasants, and Ducks with them but also Swannes and Cranes. The Countries of Russia or Moscovia are very large. All the Cities, Townes, Castles, Villages, Woods, fields, Lakes, and Ri∣vers are under the command and government of one Prince,* 1.8 whom the Inhabitants do call the great Czar, that is King or Emperour, and all the revenues that arise from them, are brought into the Princes exche∣quer. There are no Dukes or Counts, which can possesse any thing by a Tenure of Freehold, or can passe the same unto their heires. Hee doth bestow some villages and Townes upon some, but yet hee useth the la∣bour of the husbandman, and when he list taketh them away againe. So that hee hath absolute command over his Subjects, and againe his Sub∣jects honour and reverence him as a God, and do shew obedience to him in all things, without any refusall. The chiefe Metropolis or mother Ci∣tie of the whole Kingdome is Moscovia commonly called Moschwa, be∣ing conveniently situated, as it is thought, in the middle of the Countrie. It is a famous Citie as for the many Rivers which meete there,* 1.9 so for the largenesse, and number of the houses, and for the strength of the Castle. For it lyeth neere the River Moschus with a long row of houses. The houses are all of wood, and divided into Parlers, Kitchings, and Bed-chambers: all of them have private gardens both for profit, and for pleasure. The severall parts of the Citie have severall Churches. It hath two Castles one called Kataigorod, the other Bolsigorod, both which are washed with the Rivers Moschus, and Neglinna. Moreover in Russia there are many Countries, as first, the Dukedome of Volodimiria, which title the Great Duke doth assume to himselfe, it is named fom the chiefe citie Volodomire being seated on the bankes of the River Desma, which runneth into Volga. This Province is of so fruitfull a soile, that the in∣crease of one bushell of wheat being sowne is oftentimes twentie bu∣shells. Secondly, Novogrodia which though it be inferiour unto the a∣forenamed Countrie in pasturage, yet not in the fruitfulnes of the soile. It hath a woodden citie, called by the same name with the whole Duke∣dome Novogrod, being seated where the Rivers Volga and Occa do flow one into another. This citie had alwaies the chiefe preheminence in re∣gard of the incredible number of houses, for the commoditie of a broad and fishie Lake, and in regard of an ancient Temple much reverenced by that Nation, which about five hundred yeares agoe was dedicated to S.* 1.10 Sophia. Here is a memorable Castle built of stone upon a rocke at the great Charge of the Duke Basilius. This Citie is distant from the Citie Moscovia an hundred Polish miles, and from Riga, the next haven towne, it is little lesse than five hundred. Thirdly Rhezan which is a Province be∣tweene the River Occa and Tanais, having store of Corne, Honey, Fish, and Fowle: it hath these Cities built of wood, Rhezan seated on the banke of Occa, Corsira, Colluga, and Tulla, neare to which are the Spring-heads of the River Tanais. Fourthly the Dukedome of Worotinia, which hath a Citie and a Castle of the same name. Fifthly, Severia which is a great Dukedome abounding with all things, it hath great desart fields, and many Towns among which the chiefe are these, Starodub, Stewiark∣ser, and Czernigow. The bees in the woods do yeeld them great store of honey. The Nation in regard of their continuall warres with the Tarta∣rians is accustowed to armes, and ready of hands. Sixthly, the Duke∣dome of Smolen••o, which being seated neare the River Borysthenes hath a Citie of the same name, watered on the one side with Borysthenes, and on the other side environed with deepe ditches, and rampiers armed with sharpe stakes. There are also these Dukedomes and Provinces, Mo∣sat•kia, B•elskia, Rescovia, Tweria, Pleskovia, Vodzka, Correllia, Biele•zioro, Wo∣lochda, Vstiuga, Iaros•avia, Rostow, Dwina, Susdali, Wrathka, Permia, Sibior, Iugra, Petzora, and Novogrodia the Greater, which they call Novogrod Wi•lki in which is a very great Citie of the same name, bigger than Rome it selfe. Petzora taketh its name from the River which the moun∣taines and rockes do hemme in on both sides. There are spacious countries which pay Tribute to the great Duke lying northward in a great space of Land; as Obdora, in which is the Idoll called Zolota Baba, that 〈…〉 Golden old woman, also Condora, Lucomoria, and Lappia. There are many great Lakes in Moscovia,* 1.11 as Ilmen or Ilmer, also Ladoga, and the White Lake which the Inhabitants call Biele•ezioro. There are also many lane Rivers,* 1.12 as first Bor•sthenes or Pripetus, commonly called Nioper and Nest•r, o• by the addition of a letter Dnieper & q 1.13 Dnester. Secondly, Tu∣•••t•• which is that same with Ptolemie, which Herbersterntus calleth Ru∣bo, but the Inhabitants Duina and Oby. Thirdly, the River Rha, which Ptolemie mentions, and is now called Volga and Edel. There is in this coun∣trie the River * 1.14 Ianais, which the Italians call Tana, the Inhabitants Don. Beside, the river Occa and the lesser Duina, called likewise Onega, &c. Here are the Moates Hyperboret or Riphaean mountaines, mentioned by Pliny in his 4 Booke Chap. 12. and by Mela in his 3 Booke, which are impassable,* 1.15 because they are cover'd over with continuall snow and ice. The wood Hercyma which Isidorus calleth the Riphaean wood, taketh up a great part of Moscovia, it is inhabited, having some few scattering hou∣ses in it, & now by long labour is made so thinne that it cannot, as most suppose, shew such thick woods, & impenetrable forrests as heretofore. Moscovia hath innumerable costly Temples or Churches, and very many Monasteries. The Duke lookes to matters of government, and administration of Justice by the helpe and assistance of twelve Counsel¦lors who are daily present in the Court.* 1.16 Among them, the Pre•ec•u•e ships of all the Castles and Cities are distributed: and they receive the letters and Petitions which are directed to the Prince, and do answer them in his name. For the Prince himselfe receiveth no letters, neither doth hee set his hand to any that are written to his Subjects, or any for∣raine Prince. The Bishops are chosen out of the Friars as men of a san∣ctimonious and holy life: There are many Monasteries of these Friars in the Kingdome of Moscovia, and yet all of the same habit and Order, of which they say that S. Basil was the first founder. There are in the whole Kingdome of Moscovia eleven Bishops which they call Wladdicks, that is, in their language Stewards or Dispensers. They call their Priests Poppes or A••hipoppes.* 1.17 The Metropolitan Bishop liveth in Moscovia, who was here∣tofore confirmed by the Patriarch of Constantinople, but now being cho∣sen by the great Duke onely, he is consecrated by two or three Bishops, and is displaced at the Kings pleasure. Under this Metropolitan are two Archbishops, the one at N•vogarais the Greater neare the River Low•a, the other at Rodovia. There are no Universities or Colledges in all the Empire of M•••otia. The Moscovi•es are of the Greek religion, which they received in the yeare of our Lord 987. They suppose that the Holy Spi∣rit, being the third person in the Trinitie, doth proceed from the Father alone. They tooke the Sacrament of the Eucharist with leavened bread, and permit the people to use the Cuppe. They beleeve not that Priests Dirges, or the pietie or godlinesse of kindred or friends can be avaleable to the dead, and they beleeve that there is no Purgatorie. They read the Scripture in their owne language, and do not deny the people the use thereof. They have Saint Ambrose, Augustine, Hierome, and Gregorie translated into the Illyrian tongue, and out of these, as also out of Chryso∣stome, Basil and Nazianzenus, the Priests do publikely read Homilies in∣stead of Sermons; for they hold it not convenient (as Iovius saith) to ad∣mit of those hooded Orators, who are wont to Preach too curiously & subtlely to the people concerning divine matters, because they thinke that the rude mindes of the ignorant may sooner attaine to holinesse and sanctitie of life by plaine Doctrine, than by deepe interpretations and disputations of things secret. They make matrimoniall contracts, and do permit Bigamie, but they scarcely suppose it to be lawfull mar∣riage. They do not call it adulterie, unlesse one take and keepe another mans wife. They are a craftie and deceitfull Nation,* 1.18 and delighting more in servitude than libertie. For all do professe themselves to be the Dukes servants. The Moscovite line rather prodigally than bountifully, for their tables are furnished with all kinde of luxurious meats that can be desired, and yet not costly. For they sell a Cocke and a Duck often∣times for one little single piece of silver. Their more delicate provision is gotten by hunting and hawking as with us.* 1.19 They have no wine made in the Countrie, and therefore they drinke that which is brought thi∣ther, and that onely at Feasts and Bankets. They have also a kinde of Beere, which they coole in Summer by casting in pieces of ice. And some delight in the juice prest out of sowre cherries, which hath as cleare and pure a colour, and as pleasant a tast as any wine. The Mosco∣vites do send into all parts of Europe excellent Hempe and Flaxe for rope-making, many Oxe-hides, and great store of Waxe.

1700. The merchants map of commerce by Roberts, Lewes. CHAP. CCXIX. Of Moscovia, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.1 Moscovia is bounded on the East with Tartary, on the West with Livonia, Lituania, and part of Sweden; on the North with the Frozen Ocean, and on the South with the Caspian Sea, the Turks, and Palus Moeotis.

• 1.2 This Country afforded for Merchandise, Furs of many sorts, Flax, Hemp, Whales-grease, Honey, Wax, Canvas, Ropes, Cables, Caveare, Astrican Hides, Tallow, Raw-hides and Bulgars.

• 1.3 The many Rivers that are found to be in this Country do much further Trading in general: First Tanais, which disburthened it self into Palus Moeotis. Secondly, Dunia, which entreth into the Scythian Seas, at the Abby of St. Nicholas, where our English, since the Discovery of the Northern Passage, use to land and disperse themselves into all parts of this vast Empire. Thirdly, Boristhenes, that entreth into Pontus Euxinus. Fourthly, Onega, which openeth it self into the Bal•…k Sea. And lastly Volga, which with no less than 70 mouths disgorgeth it self into the Caspian.

This Empire is divided into nine principal Provinces, which together with the chief Towns thereof I shall only touch.

• 1.4 Novogradia is first, the chief Town being Novograde, seated on the Dunia, and once one of the four ancient Mart-Towns of Europe, now of late decayed, since the Discovery of the new Passage unto the Town of St. Nicholas, by the River Obye.

• 1.5 Plescovia is the second, wherein is the City Plescove, the only walled City in Moscovia, and yet of no great Eminence.

• 1.6 Valadomira is the next, having also a Town of that Name.

• 1.7 Rhesen is the fourth, wonderful plenty in Corn, that neither can Birds fly, nor Horses run through it for thickness; the chief Town Rhesen was the Metropolis of Russia, it is the first part of Moscovia, abounding in Grain, Honey, Fish, and Fowl without number.

• 1.8 Servia is the fifth, the chief Towns are Staradab and Pativola.

• 1.9 Permia is the sixth, the chief City •s Sickwiardley, abounding in Stags.

• 1.10 Candora is the seventh.

• 1.11 Petrosa is the eighth: in both these Countries the Inhabitants do live under ground, and have for half the year together perpetual Day, and the other half perpetual Night, as situ∣ated beyond the Arctick.

• 1.12 Moscovia is the ninth,

• 1.13 and so named of the principal City Mosco, being about five miles round, having therein 16 Churches, of which the one half are made of Wood and Dirt, as most of the Houses are: the Emperours Palace standeth in the midst, and is fortified with 3 Bulwarks, and 17 Turrets, continually guarded with 25000 Souldiers. This is the most populous Province of all this great Empire: for it extendeth 2000 miles in Length.

• 1.14 Besides these, there are yet some petty Provinces wherein are found the Towns of Sma∣lensko, then Toropiers, next Colopigrod, Landiskron, and some others of lesser note, which I willingly omit, till my Observation be better.

The Trade of the English was begun here in the time of Queen Elizabeth of England, and Basiliades King of this Country, about the year 1575, and within 10 years after it was per∣fectly setled: and because the Trade of Moscovia is confined to a small Circuit in these vast Dominions, it will not be improper that I comprehend the same under the Title of the Metropolis of this Kingdom, Mosco.

1700. The merchants map of commerce by Roberts, Lewes. CHAP. CCXX. Of Mosco, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.1MOsco is the Metropolis of all this large Kingdom, to which the Emperour some years past repair'd, most fit for the Government of so large an Empire, as accounted the midst of all his Dominions. It is pleasantly seated on the River Mosca, running into Tanais, where it loseth its name; and passing Assaw, disgorgeth into the Palus Meotis, and so into the Euxinus. About fifty years past it was esteemed ten miles in circuit, and in its height of Greatness then burnt by the Tartars wherein 80000 Persons were consumed, and since reduced to five miles compass, beautified with 16 Churches, some of Stone, some of Timber and Earth, and with the Palace of the Great Duke situate in the very Heart thereof, enriched with the Branches of two Rivers for Use and Ornament, which water two strong Forts that defend the place. * 1.2At the Abby of St. Nicholas the Patron of this Country upon the River of Dunia, or Obby, the English Merchants use to land, and thence disperse themselves to Smalensko, Novograde, hi∣ther and into all other parts of this vast Empire, amongst whom they find kind entertainment, and by the Favour of the Prince have larger Immunities granted unto them than to any o∣ther Nation, their trafficking attributed to the never dying Fame of Queen Elizabeth, in whose days the Trade was here first settled, and to the plausible Behaviour of the English Merchants in general.

• 1.3The Merchants here are observed to keep their accounts in several manners; some as the English, by Rubbles and Pence, or as the Inhabitants term them, Muskofkins, 200 whereof making a Rubble, which is accounted two Rix Dollars. Some again, as the Dutch and other Nations, by Rubbles, Grevens, and Muskofkins or Pence, accounting 20 pence to a Greven, and 10 Grevens to a Rubble, which is most in use here, this Rubble being found an imaginary Coin, and not real.

• 1.4The Current Money here is a Capeck, in value a Stiver Flemish, and somewhat more than as English Penny; for 10 Capecks is a Greven, which the English call 12 pence sterling, because that 10 Grevens is a Rubble, which is 10 shillings sterling. Three Capecks they call an Altine, by which name all Receipts and Payments are made in bargaining and Contracts, 33 Altius and 1 Capeck making a Rubble.

• 1.5At Archangel is sound practised amongst the Merchants an Exchange for Moneys, rising and falling, according as the Russ Moneys are observed to be plentiful or scarce; the English some∣times among themselves giving 11 shillings, and 11 shillings 6 pence sterling in England for the Rubble here; and the Moneys commonly taken there in August to be paid in London the last of December following.

• 1.6The Weight of Moscovia common in use is the Pood for fine Goods, and the Bercovet for gross Goods, the one being derived from the other.

By the Pood is weighed Silk, Bever-wooll, Yefts, &c. and is accounted for 40 l. Russ weight: and 3 Pood hath been observed to make 112 l. English, which by this computation should make 37⅓ l. Averdupois, and all Goods there bought by the Pood is 10 per cent. Loss in Eng∣land.

By the Bercovet is weighed Tallow, Hemp, Cable, Yarn, Coil or Lard-ropes, and all gross Commodities, and is a Russ Ship pound: 10 Poods makes a Bercovet, which makes 300 l. suttle Averdupois, so that all Goods being bought there by the Bercovet or Ship pound is hell 10 per cent. Profit: for commonly the English Merchants reckon the over-weight to pay the Freight of some Goods so bought.

• 1.7The Measure in Length here generally used is called an Archin, being a Brabant Ell and ½ a Nail, or something more than ¼ of an English Yard, reckoned by the English Merchants there resident two per cent. more, and may be incirca 28 inches, so that the 100 Archins may produce in London 77 in 78 Yards, and the 100 Yards be here 128½ Archins, or there∣about.

• 1.8The Native Commodities of this Country in general I have already nominated, it will not be amiss I should particularly view them, and the ordinary Rates they carry in price, together with the Marks whereby their Goodness and Quality is discerned.

• 1.9Their most precious Commodities and Merchandize hence exported by forein Nations are their rich Furs; the principal is the Sables, bought commonly by the Timber, which contains 40 Skins, which must be large and well-colour'd, and are found of all Prices as in Goodness, from 15 to 200 Rubbles the Timber.

• 1.10Black Fox-Skins are known amongst all Northern Merchants for the richest Fur in the World, and is here found in great store, bearing a Price as in Largeness and Growth, from 5 to 200 Rubbles apiece.

• 1.11Oter-Skins are here found plenty, by reason of the many Rivers of this Country, accounted the Region of Springs and Streams, sold by the Timber of 40 Skins, from 5 to 40 Rubbles the Timber.

• 1.12Minikins are sold by the Timber of 40 Skins, and commonly sold about 6 Rubbles the Timber.

• 1.13Martins are also sold by the Timber of 40 Skins, about 15 Rubbles per Timber, rising as found in richness of Hair.

• 1.14Ermins sold also by the Timber of 40 Skins, about 2 Rubbles per Timber.

• 1.15Grawert or Squirrels sold by the thousand, as in Goodness, from 14 to 30 Rubbles the thou∣sand.

• 1.16Red Foxes by the 10 Skins, at 10 or 15 Nobles the 10 Skins.

White Foxes by the Piece, about 5 Altins the piece.

Dun Foxes by the Piece, about 40 Altins the Piece.

Sable Rands sold by the Pair, from 2 to 6 Rubbles the Pair.

• 1.17Bever-wooll is a Staple Commodity also of this Kingdom, and sold by the Pound about 2½ Rubbles per Pound.

Bever Wombs also by the Pound, being a thin Skin and well grown, is commonly worth 1½ Rubble per Pound.

These are the ordinary Furs which their Northern Climate affords for Merchandize, the next found are these.

• 1.18Yellow Wax is here found made by the Industry of the Bee and hands of Man, in great a∣bundance, sold by the Pood, which is 40 l. here; the hardest and best colourd bear Price here commonly about 4 in 5 Rubbles the Pood.

• 1.19Tallow is sold by the Berquet, which is 10 Pood, being clean, white and hard, about 7 in 8 Rubbles the Berquet.

• 1.20Tar is sold by the Hogshead, being thick, as the best is commonly worth (…) per Hogshead of (…) Gallons English.

• 1.21Train Oyl is sold by the Barrel, which is half a Hogshead, and discerned by its Clearness without Grounds, and of a whitish Colour, about 4 Rubbles per Barrel, of (…) Gallons English.

• 1.22Hemp is sold by the Berquet of 10 Poods, being clean and green, bears price commonly from 3 to 5 Rubbles the 10 Pood.

• 1.23Flax is sold by the Bercovet; the bright Silver-colour is held the best, commonly about 7 Rubbles the Bercovet.

• 1.24Cable Yarn is sold by the Bercovet, and being well spun round and not too much twisted, from 67½ Rubbles the Bercovet.

• 1.25Coyls or Tard Ropes by the Bercovet, about 7 Rubbles the Bercovet: where note, That the English and other Nations hither trading, buy here great quantity of Hemp, and spin it out here into Yarn, to save the charges of Fraight: every 1000 Poods do cost about 100 or 110 Rubbles Charges; and, if the Hemp prove good, there is found near ¼ Loss; if bad, so much more, and worth, being in Cable Yarn, as I said above, from 6 to 7½ Rubbles the Bercovet.

• 1.26Dried Cow-hides, being large and weighty, are sold by the 100 Hide, worth from 40 to 44 Rubbles the 100.

• 1.27Red Evits by the Pair, at 2½ Rubbles per Pair, and sometimes sold by the Pood, at 40 Rubbles per Pood: And note, That the White are commonly worst esteemed by ⅕ in price.

• 1.28Losh-hides are sold by the Piece, the largest and not worm-eaten is the best, from 6 Grevens to 5 Rubbles the Piece, as in Goodness.

• 1.29Duck-Feathers sold by the Pood, as in Goodness, from 3 to 5 Rubbles the Pood.

• 1.30Caviare is also a principal Commodity here sold by the Pood, and commonly worth 40 Altines the Pood.

• 1.31Coarse Linen is made here in great quantity, sold by the 1000 Archins of ½ Yard, and ¾ the broad from 15 to 20 Rubbles the 1000 Archins, as found in Fineness.

Some other Commodities this Country affordeth, which I omit, as of no great conse∣quence.

1700. The merchants map of commerce by Roberts, Lewes. CHAP. CCXXI. Of the Trade in general of Moscovia.

THE excellent Commodity of the great Rivers that in all places of this large Empire are found to water and enrich this Country, should much incite this Nation to the Trade of Merchandize; but it is often found, that where Nature is most liberal in her Furtherances, the Inhabitants prove most backward in their Endeavours; the natural Coldness of the Climate inclosing the People into their warm Stoves, and the Neighbourhood of the Tartars (who in some respect resembling Dogs, neither suffering the Moscovites to traffick, nor yet traffick themselves) by their continual harrying of the Country, and the often Incursions and Wars of the Swedes, may in some sort serve them for a reasonable Excuse; yet it is sound, that these Wars prove main Helps sometimes to their Traffick, especially in Furs, for their Bodies there∣by inured to Cold and Hardness, make the Pastime of Hunting a profitable Exercise in the worst Season of the year, the rest of their Merchandize come to them very near in the same kind: for it wholly depends upon Manufactures and Labour for Cordage; Linens and Yarn they have from the Earth, as their Hides, Tallow and Wax upon the same; the Caveare and Train Oyl, and some other such by Fishing: so that it may be supposed they are more addicted to Husbandry and Fishing than to Merchandising. The English about the year 1575 first discovered the Trade, and found here good Entertainment and great Privileges from the then reigning Prince, and the first Discoverers were in London incorporated into a Society of Merchants, by the name of the Moscovia Company, by Grant of Queen Elizabeth; which Company hath been sub∣ject to some Alterations and Contingencies of their Trade, by reason of some cross Accidents happening; * 1.2but being in England ordered by the Advice of a Governour, Deputy, and certain select Committee, and in Moscovia by an Agent, who regulate the same, by whose Wisdom they have of late so prudently setled their Trade in general, and reformed their past Errors, that it is now seen to flourish, and in likelihood to increase daily, to the particular Benefit of that Company, and the Good both of this and that Kingdom in general.