Spain

Sources from old books

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

SPAINE is a chiefe Country of Europe, and the first part of the Continent, it was so called, as Iustine noteth from King Hispanus.* 1.1 Some would have it so called from Hispalis a famous Citie, which is now called Sevill. But Abraham Ortelius, a man very painfull in the study of Geographie, when hee had read (in the Author that treateth of Rivers and Mountaines, following the opinion of Sosthenes in his third Booke,) that Iberia now called Georgia, a Country of Asia, was heretofore called Pania from Panus, whom Dionysius (having conquered the Country) made Governour over the Iberians, and that from thence Moderne Writers did call it Spaine: moreover when he had observed that almost all Writers did derive the first Inhabitants of Spaine from Iberia, he was induced to beleeve that the Country was so called rather from that Spaine, than from Hispanus or Hispalis. This opinion is the more probable for that Saint Paul doth call this Country Spania, in his Epistle to the Romans,* 1.2 chap. 15. verse 28. as doth also Saint Ierome, and many others.b 1.3 But that which the Latine Writers call Hispania, and Ptolemie, Stephanus, and others, doe call Ispania, leaving out the aspiration, Strabo, Pliny, and others doe testifie that in ancient times it was called Iberia and Hesperia. It was called Iberia from Iberia a Country of Asia,c 1.4 from whence many doe derive the first inhabitants of Spaine, though some doe fetch the word Iberia from King Iberus, others from the River Iberus, and Avienus from Ibera a Towne in Baetica or Andaluzia. Some report that it was called Hesperia from Hesperus the brother of Atlas, or as Horace thinketh from Hesperia the daughter of Hesperus, or rather from Hesperus the Evening-starre, under which it was supposed to be situated, because it is the farthest Country Westward of the whole Continent of Europe. And seeing Italie might have the same name, Horace calleth this Hesperia ultima. Appian reporteth that it was heretofore called Celtiberia, which yet is rather to be thought a part of Spaine heretofore called Celtica, as Varro witnesseth. Gulielmus Postellus, and Arias Montanus, in his commentaries upon Obadiah, doe note that the Hebrewes did call it Sepharad: and so much concerning the name; the Quantitie and Qualitie followeth. The Quantitie doth consist in the bounds and circuit thereof,d 1.5 and in the forme and figure which ariseth from thence. Concerning the bounds of Spaine, the Ocean doth wash two sides thereof, the North side the Cantabrian Ocean, and the West the Atlanticke. The Iberian or Balearicke Sea doth beat on the South side, where is the Bay of Hercules, and on the East it hath the Pyrenaean Mountains running along with one continued ridge from the Ocean, (where stands Flaviobriga, at this day called Funtarabia) even to the Mediterranean Sea. Hence it is that they make two famous Promontories, the one called e 1.6 Olarso, which shooteth out into the Ocean, the other which taking its name heretofore from the Temple of Venus, but now called Cape de Creus, doth jet out into the Mediterranean Sea. The utmost length of Spaine is 200 Spanish miles: the breadth where it is broadest is 140 miles, and where it is narrowest it is 60. Iohannes Vasaeus in his Chronicle of Spaine doth report, that Spaine is so narrow at the Pyrenaean Hills, that when he travell'd over them, on the Mountaine of Saint Adrian, he saw the Sea on either side: namely, the Ocean which was next unto him, and a farre of as farre as hee could see, he discerned the white waves of the Mediterranean Sea. They suppose that the whole compasse thereof is 2480 miles. Ptolemy, Strabo and others doe compare Spaine to an Oxe-hide stretched out on the ground, the necke whereof is extended toward France, which cleaveth unto it. The necke I say, which reacheth in breadth as farre as the Pyrenaean Mountaines, from the Mediterranean Sea, to the Brittish Ocean: the fore part of it is stretched from New Carthage even to the Cantabrians, and the hinder part from Hercules Bay, to Gallicia and the Brittish Sea▪ that which represents the tayle of the hide, is the f 1.7 Holy Promontorie called at this day Saint Vincents Promontorie, which stretcheth it selfe out into the Atlanticke Ocean, farre beyond any other part of Spaine. Spaine is under the middle of the fourth, all the fift, and part of the sixt Climats, where there is an excellent temper for the producing of all things. For it is neither scortched with the violent heat of the Sun as Africke, nor troubled with daily windes as France; but lying between them both,* 1.8 it hath a temperate Winter and Summer. Hence it is (as Iustine witnesseth) that Spaine hath a very wholesome aire, the equall temper thereof being never infected with Moorish fogges. Beside the coole blasts of winde which come from the Sea, and doe as it were search all parts of the Country, doe drive away all earthly vapours, and so make it very healthfull. Yet all parts of Spaine are not of one qualitie, for toward the North, as it is something cold and obnoxious to the Sea, so it wanteth fresh water, and therefore affordeth no convenient habitation: especially, seeing the most parts of it are full of Rocks, Forrests, & woody places. Towards the South where it extendeth it selfe in a continued ridge of Mountaines,* 1.9 it hath a happy & good soyle, being watered with many great Rivers, and refreshed with seasonable raine, so that it bringeth forth fruits of all kindes. It is not onely a bountifull mother, but also a nourisher and breeder of living Creatures. It is very fruitfull not onely in producing those things which doe grow out of the earth, but also those things which are generated and hidden in the bowells thereof: who can reckon up the excellent living creatures, which are bred on the Land and in the Sea? There is great plenty of fruits through all Spaine, and most of the fields are so fertile, that they returne unto the husbandmen thirtie bushels for one that is sowed, and oftentimes forty. It produceth many hearbs as well unsowed as sowed, which have soveraigne vertues in them, especially in mountanous places; where differing from the other parts, it bringeth forth Hempe, and hath more store of fruit, and fairer. There are two sorts of apples in this Country, which are chiefe note, the wrinckled apple, and the King apple. Also there are foure speciall sorts of Peares, sweet both in tast and smell, the Apian and honey-peares; the peare called Muscatum, being the least of all kind of peares, the wine-peare, and the peare called by some Pintum, and by the Spaniards Sine Regula. What should I mention the Olives that are here? amongst which those are the best which come from Hispalis, and are farre bigger than any Wallnuts. What should I speake of other fruits? The Lemmons and Orenges that grow here are commended by all men: the Quince-peare which they commonly call Membrillos and Pomegranats that are good for medicine, are here in great abundance. What should I speake of the Wines of this Country, having an excellent taste and smell, and being made in all parts, yet in some places better than in other? Spaine was heretofore (as now also) rich in mines of Gold, Brasse, Iron, Leade, and other mettals: and it doth not onely boyle and make salt, but in some parts thereof it is digged out of the Earth. For as it is made in many places in Spaine of pit or Well-water, as at Seguntia and elsewhere, insomuch that the King setteth a great custome thereon, so there are Mountaines (if we may beleeve Marineus Siculus) which have native salt in them. Besides, Spaine is rich and plentifull in all kinde of Cattle, so that the Woods, Mountaines, Meddowes, Fields, and Forrests doe resound with their bleating and lowing. It breedeth the best horses: Baetica breedeth more than other parts: Asturia breedeth the strongest, and Spanish Gennets are called Asturcones. In some parts of Spaine there are bred those that are of such swiftnesse and and agilitie, that antiquity did fabulously beleeve that they were begotten by the winde. It hath no Lyons, Camells, or Elephants, except those that be brought from other places, but there are great store of Does,* 1.10 Harts, Boares, Beares, Hares, and Cunnies, which do afford them much game and sport in hunting of them.

Haec sanè docet versiculus Catulli,Cuniculesae Celtiberiae sili. These things Catullus verseDoth unto thee declareO sonne of Celtiberia whereSo many Cunnies are.

There are in Spaine (besides other birdes which invite them to fowling) Eagles, Hernes, Hawkes, and the bird called Atta, first brought out of Sicilie, also Cranes, Geese, Partridges, ring-Doves, wilde and tame Ducks, &c. But of these things enough: I come now to the Government, which is the next point to bee spoken of, according to the order of our method. I doe not purpose heere to weary the Reader by reckoning up out of Iustine, Diodorus, Iosephus, Eusebius, Hierome, Berosus, and his Translatour Annius Viterbiensis, the ancient Kings of Spaine, & their atchievements both at home and abroad. Tubal never was in Spaine, nor in Europe,* 1.11 but liv'd in Asia. Neither are Iberus, Iubalda, Brygus, Tagus, Baetus, and others to be accounted as Kings therof, unlesse we will grant that Kings in ancient time, were borne of Rivers and other inanimate things. Againe, the Catalogue of the Kings succeeding them, is no better than fabulous, as also those things be which the Lydians, the Thracians, Rhodians, Phrygians, Cyprians, Phoenicians, Aegyptians, Milesians, Carians, Lesbians, and Chaldaeans are reported to have performed successively in this countrey. But those things are more certaine, which Writers have recorded were heretofore atchieved by the Carthaginians, Roman•, Gothes, Vandals, Alani, Swethlanders, Huns, and their Kings, for that the Writers of them were either present at those actions, or else came to the knowledge of them by the faithfull relation of others. Of these things therefore I will speake briefly, and thus it was. When the Carthaginians did rule all Spaine, and had all things under their owne command, the Senate and people of Rome did send first of all the two Scipioes against them with an army of Souldiers, in the beginning of the second Punick warre▪ who were slaine in the seventh yeare of that war, Q. Fulvius Flaccus and Ap. Claudius Pulcher being Consuls. The next year P. Cornelius Scipio Africanus being sent next to his Father & Uncle, did performe many things very prosperously, and first of all made a Province of it, Q. Caecilius Metellus, and L. Veturius Philo being Consuls. First, Asdrubal and Mago Carthaginian Captaines, being overthrown and put to flight in the battell, neere to the Citie Baetula (which is supposed to have been in that place where now Baeca and Vbeda are seated) and the Spanish Armies beaten out of Spaine, hee established a league of friendship with Syphax King of the Massilians, who is now called Biledulgerid; a litle after hee compelled the rebellious people of Spaine to yeeld themselves unto him, and having made a league with Massanissa King of the Masaesulians, and the Gaditanes, hee committed the government of the Province to L. Lentulus and L. Manlius Acidinus, and returned to Rome. After Scipio, L. Cornelius Lentulus the Proconsul did governe Spaine, and after many prosperous acts and atchievements, entred the Citie in triumph. Three yeares after, C. Cornelius, Cethegus, and Minucius Rufus being Consuls, the two Spaines were first bounded, and two new Pretors sent into them, C. Sempronius Tuditanus into the hither Spaine, and M. Helvetius Blasio into the farther. Two yeares being scarcely past, so great a warre began in Spaine, that it was necessarie, that a Consul should be sent out with an Army: Marcus Portius Cato Consul being allotted to goe into the hither part, did so appease and quiet rebellion, that the Proconsul in regard thereof triumphed. This is that Cato, who, as Livie writeth and others, by a wonderfull stratagem, did throw downe the wals of many Spanish Cities in one day. After Cato's victorie, Spaine was diversly possessed, and many times lost and regained againe, so that there were above 30 triumphs for victories obtained heere. They did not begin to pay any taxe, before the time of Augustus Caesar, who having by long continuance of warres tamed all Spaine, and overthrowne the Cantabrians and Asturians that had longest of all made resistance, divided the whole Countrie into three Provinces, Baetica, so called from the River Batis, Lusitania, and Tarraconensis, so called from its citie Tarracon; and every one of these have their Diocesses or Circles of jurisdiction. In Baetica there are foure Diocesses Gaditana, Cordubensis, Astigitana, and Hispalensis. Lusitania hath three Diocesses, Emeritensis, Pacensis, and Scalibitana. Lastly, Tarraconensis hath seven, Carthaginensis, Tarraconensis, Caesar Augustana, Cluniensis, Astura, Lucensis, and Bracarensis (See Pliny lib. 3. Strab. lib. 3. and others.) Thus things by degrees being changed, the chiefest Provinces were under the Romans command, even untill the Consulship of Honorius the third, and Theodosius the third. At which time the Vandals, Suevi, and Alani being called into France by Stilico, when once (having passed the Rhene) they had set foote in France, being in a barbarous manner spoyled by the Gothes, and the Kings Adolphus and Vallia, whom the Emperour Honorius had sent to ayde and set France at libertie, they passed at last over the Pyrenaean Hils. Afterward the Gothes inhabiting France, for many yeares possessed Spaine, having taken it from the Romans; for being assailed by the Frankes, they againe made warre upon the Vandals. The Frankes drove the Gothes out of France, and the Gothes drove the Vandals and Alani out of Spaine. At which time the Vandals and Alani being called by Boniface into Africk, which hee governed for the Emperour, left Spaine to the possession of the Gothes. When the Gothes, having driven out the Roman Garrisons, had made Spaine their owne, and had a long time Kings of their owne who ruled in it, at length they were overthrowne in a great battell by the g 1.12 Arabian Saracens, and King h 1.13 Roderick being kill'd, they lost almost all Spaine. Those that survived after the battell, when they had fortified themselves in the Mountaines of the Astures, Cantabrians, and Galicians, by litle and litle they began to recover the Countries, Cities, and Castles which they had lost. At last the Saracens partie growing weake in Baetica Hispania, and the Gothes having recovered all Spaine, they againe were overcome by Ferdinand Catholick King of Aragon, and thrust out of Spaine, so that the whole Countrie returned and came againe into the hands of the ancient Lords thereof. But whereas in the times of the Moores, five Kings, namely of Castile, of Aragon, of Portugall, of Granada, & Navarre did possesse Spaine, at this day Philip the fourth, sonne unto Philip the third, who was Nephew unto the Emperour Charles the fifth is sole King thereof. It was heretofore diversly divided. The Romans first divided it into the Hither and Farther Spaine. They called that the Hither part which was neerest unto the chiefe Citie and the principall Countries of the Empire, being situated betweene the River Iberus and the Pyrenaean Mountaines: they called that the Farther part which lay more remote, being stretched out beyond Iberus even to the Ocean. In following times wee reade that Spaine was divided into sixe parts, Tarraconensis, Carthaginensis, Lusitania, Galicia, Baetica, and Tingitana beyond the narrow Sea in Africk. In the time of the Moores there were many Kingdomes in Spaine, which were afterward divided into five, as the Kingdome of Castile, of Aragon, of Portugall, of Granada, and Navarre. But now by a new distribution the whole Empire is divided into three Kingdomes, namely of Aragon, Castile, and Portugall. Under the Kingdome of Aragon is contained, besides Aragon, Catalonia, Valentia, Majorica. Under the Kingdome of Castile are comprehended Biscay, Leon, Asturia, Galicia, Estremadura, Andalusia, Granada, Murcia, and both the Castiles, with the Canarie-Ilands. Under the Kingdome of Portugall is comprehended, besides Portugall, Algarbia. The Cities which are in the whole Kingdome are almost innumerable.

The chiefe of them are Hispalis, Madrid, Tarraco, Lisbon,* 1.14 Granada, Pampilona, Valentia, Barcino, commonly called Barzelona. The seventh German Legion now called Leon, S. Lucar, Corduba, Nebrissa, Compostella, Toledo, Salamanca, Complutum, Pintia, Caesar-Augusta, now Saragossa, Asturica Augusta, and many others. Heere are admirable Lakes: neere the towne Beiara is a commodious and wonderfull Lake, which breedeth Turtles, being a black kinde of Fish, but excellent in taste; and, as Marineus Siculus witnesseth, prognosticating and foretelling of raine and stormes to come, by the great noyse which they make, so that the sound thereof is heard like the roaring of a Bull, eighteene miles thence.* 1.15 There is a certaine Lake on the very top of the Mountain Stella, as Vasaeus writeth, in which fragments and pieces of Ships are found, when notwithstanding it is more than 12 leagues distant from the Sea: and the same Author noteth, that the Inhabitants doe affirme, that it boyleth, and is tempestuous, as often as the Sea is rough or unquiet. The most diligent Writer Suetonius saith, in his Description of the life of Galba, that thunder fell downe into the Lake of Cantabria, and that afterward twelve axes were found therein: There is also the pleasant Lake which Pliny mentioneth lib. 3. Natur. histor. cap. 3. not farre from Valentia, at this day it is called Albu•era. The Rivers follow. Spaine is watered every where with many Rivers, there are some who reckon an hundred and fiftie, and over them 700 Bridges, the chiefe whereof is the Bridge of Segovia and Alcantara. There is in this Kingdome the River which Ptolemie cals Iberus, and now is called Ebro, it breaketh forth in Cantabria out of the Mountaine Idubeda, with two fountaines or spring-heads, that on the right hand in the Aucensian wood called Monte d'Oca, the other on the left hand neere a Towne which the Inhabitants call Fuentibre: and so increasing with the receit of great Rivers, being first entertained in the fields of Calaguris, it runneth unto and visiteth Iuliobriga and Tudella, two Townes of Navarre, and then it watereth Iulia, Bolsa, and Caesar-Augusta. Departing thence, it glideth Southward, and by and by Northeastward, by the people of Laletania, now called Galetani, and the rich Citie Toriosa. At last being enlarged with many Rivers flowing into it, and having runne almost foure hundred miles forward in length, it entreth so violently with two mouthes into the Mediterranean Sea, that having thrust it selfe 50 paces thereinto, yet the water is sweete and fresh. i 1.16 Durius is the greatest River in Spaine, because so many Rivers do runne into it that it would be too tedious to reckon them up, it floweth out of the Mountaine Idubeda, where it is called Sierra de Cocolo, it divideth the Vectones from the Asturians, and the Portugalls from the ancient Gallicians. And having viewed the Towre Sullana, called Tordesillas, Salabris, Miranda, and other Towns fortie English miles beneath Lamego, neere to a Towne of Portugall which is called Porto, with a violent course, it doth mingle it selfe with the Westerne Ocean. The River which Ptolemie and others call Tagus, ariseth in the high cliffes of the Mountaine Orospeda, some fiftie furlongs from a little towne which is called Tragacet, not farre from the Citie Concia, now called Guensa. And gliding by the k 1.17 Carpetan•, it visiteth Toledo, the royall citie, and having a bridge there over it, it watereth the noted faire Cities of Talavera, Augustobroga, Alcantara, and others, and so cutting almost through the middle of Portugall, it dischargeth it selfe into the West Ocean beyond Lisbone, by a mouth or outlet (as some observe) which is seven miles and an halfe broad. The Inhabitants at this day call this River Tato. The Portugalls Tejo. The River Tagus having sands mingled with gold, as Solinus in his Polyhistor, & Isiodorus Lib. 13. Etymolog. cap. 21. do witnesse, hath beene preferred before all the other Rivers of Spaine▪ Emanuel Henricus, a man worthy of beleefe, doth affirme in Ortelius, that it hath at this day golden sands, as also many other Rivers of Portugall. And Pomponius doth testifie, that it hath great store of Fish, Oysters, and Pearles in it. The river Anas well knowne to the Latine and Greeke Writers taketh its originall out of the great Lakes, in Laminitania, as Pliny writeth Lib. 3. Naturalis Histor. cap. 1. now called Campo de Montiel, and gliding by the l 1.18 Oretam, neare to a Town, which the Spaniards call Cagnamanus, & so to Metallina where Vi¦tellius pitcht his Tent, as the ancient inscriptions of the place do shew, it hideth it selfe at last in the bowels of the Earth, though Georgius of Austria Provost of Harlebeck doth witnesse in Ortelius, that this is rather a common opinion, than true, and by and by after it hath runne some 15 miles, as if it rejoyced to have many new births, as Pliny saith, breaking forth neare Villaria, and having runne and glided by Meri•la (where it hath a long stone-bridge over it) and other Cities toward the South, it •owleth it selfe into the Sea neare the Castle of Marin. The Spaniards call it at this day Rio Guadiana, by borrowing a word from the Arabians, for with them Guad signifies a river. The river which Ptolemie calls B•tis doth arise neare Castaon out of the mountaine Orospeda, as Strabo and Stephanus do write, and out of that part thereof which is called Sierra• Alcaraz. This river running Westward from its fountaine, and gliding by Corduba and other townes, at last declineth Southward toward Sevill and with a large mouth (being one league over but full of slatts and sands) discargeth and emptieth it selfe into the Atlanticke Sea not farre from Caliz. Here is a faire river which the ancients called Auro, and Olivetis, Strabo and Pausamas call it Tartessus. Livy noteth that the Inhabitants did call it Circes, which name it retained for a long time, as Marius Niger witnesseth, notwithstanding the Africans had gotten Spaine; and yet at length it was by them called Guadalquivir, or as others write Guadal•hebir, as it were to say, the great river. Here is also the river Minus in Hispania Tarraconensis, the head whereof beginneth eighteene miles above the Sextian Altars, which are now called Lugo, neare to a towne commonly called Castell Ferde. This river passing by the towne called Porto-ma•in, and sliding by the bridge Belsarius, and the Citie Orense, at last joyneth it selfe with the river Avia at Valentia, and having runne eighteene miles further it doth cast it selfe into the Ocean. There are other rivers as Lethe, Turtus, Limaea, Sicores, Chalibs, Austra and others of lesser note, which I leave to be unfolded or described by others, lest I should be too tedious.* 1.19 The Sea calleth on us nex to be entreated of, together with the Bayes and Havens, which belong unto it. Spaine is enclosed on every side with the Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, except that part which is joyned to the Pyrenaean mountaines and to Aquitania.

In regard whereof it is very fit to traffique and merchandise with all parts of the old and new world. The Sea round about it doth afford abundance of all kindes of fish, as Whales, Congers, Tunies, Soales, Lampreys, and the like: beside Oysters and other Shell-fish. There are three famous Bayes of Spaine, which lye all towards the Mediterranean Sea, the Sucronensian, Illicitane, and the Virgitane. The greatest of them all is the Sucronensian, receiving the Sea, as Mela saith, with a large mouth or inlet, which within groweth narrower and narrower. The Ill••tane is the middlemost in bignesse, now called Puerto d'Alicante. The least is the Virgitane Bay, and is so called, as Mela writeth, from the towne Virgi, now stiled Vera or Bera: Ptolemie corruptly calls this towne Vr•e or Virge, Autoninus as erroniously calleth it Vrei, and Pliny vvith no lesse error Vrgi. The Gaditane Bay vvas so called in Mela (lib. 3.) from Gades: now it is called Baia de Ca liz. The chiefe Havens in Spaine are first that vvhich the ancients called Magnus, betweene the Nerian and Scythian Provinces, which now is called Corunna. Secondly, Amibalus Portus, now called Alber, in the Kingdome of Algarbia. Thirdly, that which Pliny calls Amanum, now Fuentarabie, as Villonovanus, or Barnino as Moralis thinketh. Fourthly, Portus Tarra•onensis of which the Italian Poet Silius writeth thus, Lib. 15.

The stranger in the Haven then doth landOf Tarraconia, while the shippes do standIn the safe harbour, labour is laid by,And feare of the deepe Sea, while here they lye.

And lastly, the Haven of Venus, so called by Mela,* 1.20 which lyoth at the foote of the Pyrenaean hills. Now followe the mountaines, the chiefe whereof are the Pyrenaean mountaines dividing Spaine from France. Ptolemie and others call them Pyrenea, and Stephanus calleth them Pyrena, Tibullus Pyrene, Livy and others call them Saltus Pyrenaeus, the Spaniards generally call thē Los Pirencos, for they have divers names in divers parts thereof. Some would have them so called from fire, or because they are often struck with thunder, or because all the woods thereof (as Diodorus writeth in his sixt Booke) were heretofore set on fire by sheep-heards, and so burnt downe. Silius the Italian Poet doth give them this denomination from a maide called Pyrena, the daughter of Bebryx, whom Hercules lay withall upon this mountaine, and being afterward torne to pieces by wild beasts, she was buried here. The Pyrenaean mountaines (as they do) stretching and extending themselves from the East unto the West even to the Celtick Promontorie, divide Spain into that part which lyeth on the hither side of the mountaines, and that which is on the further side thrusteth forth a mountaine neare the fountaine of Iberus towards the South through the breadth of Spaine. Strabo and Ptolemie do name it Idubeda. But it is commonly called Saltus Aucencis, and Monte d' Oca, from the ancient Citie Auca, some ruines whereof may be discerned at Villa Franca beyond Burgos. Also there is the mountaine which ariseth out of Idubeda, called by Strabo Orospeda, & by Ptolemie Otrospeda. Yet hath it not one certaine name for all the whole mountaine: for whereas Alvarius Gomecius calleth it Sierra Vermigia, Florianus Sierra Mollina, and Clusius Sierra Morena: these names are but names to part of it. Calpe is reckoned with Orospeda. For so this mountaine is called by Ptolemie and others. It is neare to the Bay of Hercules, which is commonly called the Bay of Gibraltar. Part of Orospeda is high and •ockie, and reaching from the Citie of Hispalis to Granada, it doth lift up it selfe neare Archidona. It hath its name, and deserveth still to be famous, by reason of a memorable example of love, which was shewed thereon, for the Spaniards call it, La Penna de les Enamorades, or the Lovers Mountaine. Paulinus calleth it Bimaris because it looketh on two Seas, the Inward and the Outward. Strabo saith that the mountaine Calpe is not very large in compasse, but that it is so high, that to those who are farre off, it may seeme an Island, some do fabulously suspose it to be one of Hercules Pillars, and Abela over against it in Africke to be the other, both being the bounds of Hercules labours: they say that it was heretofore one mountaine, and that Hercules digged it through, and so altered the shape of it. Out of Alcarassum do arise the mountaines called by Pliny Montes Mariani, by Ptolemie in the singular number Marianus, and by Antoninus mons Mariorum. They are now called Sierra Morena. The noble river Baetis doth water the bottomes of their mountains on the left side. Neare to Barcinon or Barcilona there is a mountaine which the Inhabitants call Mon-Iui: some do translate it Iupiters mountaine, and some do better render it the Iewes mountaine, for that they were heretofore buried in this place, where many of their Graves and Sepulchers do yet remaine. On the top thereof there is a Towne, from whence a watchman, by setting up a linnen flagge in the day time, and a fire in the night doth give notice to the Citie Barcinon of the approaching of any ships. Spaine is every where full of woods, and trees bearing singular and excellent kindes of fruit, which it would be too long to recite in particular. There is a wood neare unto the Towne called Monte Majore, in which Nature alone hath planted Oakes, Chestnut-trees, Nuts, Filberds, Cherries, Prunes, Peares, Figges, wild Vines, and all kinde of fruit-trees, very high and fairely spred. Not farre from the Towne Beiar or Bigerra, is a most pleasant wood, where Lucius Marinaeus Siculus writeth,* 1.21 that hee hath measured Chesnut-trees, which have beene fortie foot about. It hath many woods also to fell and cut, which do afford the Spaniard wood enough for the building of ships. What shall I speake of the publike or private workes in this kingdome? here are many magnificent Temples, many Abbeys, Friaries, Monasteries, Hospitals for strangers, and for the sicke. Here are many famous Kings Pallaces, many magnificent and faire houses belonging to Noble-men and Knights, and innumerable other publike and private edifices. The King of Spaine is borne not chosen or elected to the Crowne, yet is hee inaugurated, and sworne to defend this people and their priviledges when hee taketh the oath of alleagiance of them. The Kings children are called Infantaes. Among whom the eldest sonne, who in his fathers life is declared King by the consent and oath of the Nobles the Cittizens, and people, is called Prince of Spaine. Although the King have supreme power over all persons and over all causes, yet hee seldome decreeth any thing, but with the consent,* 1.22 and by the counsell of twelve men, who being the chiefe of the whole Kingdome do make a royall Senate. By them matters of moment are discussed and determined, but matters of more secresie are consulted of by a Privie Counsell, which consisteth of the King,* 1.23 the Dictator of Leon, the President, and the third part of the Kings Counsell. Those things which concerne the Indies and their government, are handled in the Senate, which they call the Indian Senate, by one President, and twelve Counsellers. Matters of warre are handled in the militarie and warlike Senate, which the 12 Royall Senators, the Dictators of Leon and Castile, with others doe make up. Besides these l 1.24 there are also in Spaine three Prefectureships of Right and Justice, which they call Places of hearing, or Chanceries, one being in Castile, the other in Granada, and the third in Gallicia: Every one hath a President and 12 Senators, and if that Suiters receive no satisfaction or redresse of their greevances from them, their causes are brought before the Royall Senate. Lastly there is the Treasurer of Castile, having foure Questors under him, whose office is to receive the Kings Treasure, and to take and give accompt thereof. There is a great company of Dukes, Marquesses, and Earles in Spaine. Besides the Prince of Asturia and others, I finde that there are about 23 Dukes, as the Friensian Duke, the Duke of Medina-Rivi-Sicci, of Alua, of Alcala, of Albuquerqua, of Scalona, of Osuna, of Averi, of Bejar, of Gandia, of Sessa, of Infantasg, of Medina Caeli, of Medina Sidonia, of Maqueda, of Najar, of Feria, of Segorbia, of Sonna, of Villa-Formosa, of Verragua, Pastrana, and Franca-Villa. And these have for their yearely revenues some fortie, some an hundred thousand Duckets.m 1.25 The Dukes of Infantasg, and Medina-Sidonia have a farre greater revenue: for the latter hath 130000, and the former 120000 Duckets per annum. These are the Marquesses, the Marquesse of Villa Nova, of Astorga, of Aquilar, of Denia, of Mondejar, of Navares, of Savia, of Velleza, of Comares, of Aiomonte, of Altamir, of Veladra, of Vearina, of Carpio, of Camarassa, of Cortes, of Monte-Majore, of Guardia, of Monte-Clare, of Las Navas, of Poza, of Steppa, of Tanara, of Villa-Franca, of Drada, of Cavietis, of Falcis, of Fomesta, of Molina, of Ciralva, of Valesis, of Vallis, of Zaara, of Ardalis, of Tarifa, of Alcanisa, and n 1.26 others, the greater part having annuall revenues from ten thousand to 40000 Duckets. There are also about an hundred Earles, whose yearely revenues are from ten thousand to 25 thousand Duckets, the chiefe of them are the Earles of Benaventum, of Albua, Miranda, and Oropoza. It would be too tedious to the Reader to reckon up, the Vicounts, which are ten in number, the Barons, the long roll and Catalogue of Vice Roys, Governours, Prefects of Provinces, and of the Sea: and lastly the long Catalogue of Gentlemen, and divers orders of Knights; as in Castle, Knights of the order of Saint o 1.27 Iames, of p 1.28 Alcantara, of q 1.29 Calatrava, and of the order of Saint Iohn: in Aragon and Catalonia, Knights of the order of Montesa: in Portugall Knights of the order of r 1.30 Iesus Christ, (whereof the King is the Master) being very great, and having all the Provinces which are found out in Africke, Asia, or America, annexed unto it. But it will not be amisse if we observe by the way that of all the Families in Spaine, the ancientest is the Paciecian Familie, for Hirtius in his Commentaries maketh mention of L. Iunius Paciecus, in that place where he entreateth of Corduba: as also Cicero in the 6^th Booke of his familiar Epistles, to wit, in his Epistle to Lepta.

These following Families are also very noble and Illustrious, to wit, the Meridonian, Toletane, Cerdean, Cardonean, Larensian, Velascean, Gusmanean, Pimentellane, Stunican, Henritican, Oriosian, Cordubentian, Limensian, and the Mondragonian Families, to which wee desire others to adde others, and crave pardon if we mistake their places in ranking of them. We have spoken of the Politick State and government: the Ecclesiasticall followes. The Church of Hispalis was in ancient time the Primate and chiefe of Spaine, and afterward the Church of Toledo, untill that great overthrow and devastation of the Kingdome. For Toledo comming into the Barbarians hands, the Bishopricke of Bacara had that dignitie: but when being recovered by the Christians, the Toletan Bishopricke sought its former dignitie, and the Baracensian to retaine what it had gotten, there arose a contention, as we may reade Lib. 1. Decretal. so that the matter is yet undetermin'd. Moreover Vasaeus in Chronico 1^o cap. 20^o. sheweth who were Presidents in Spaine from the time of the Romans and Gothes. But after Spaine was recovered againe out of the hands of the Barbarians, the Bishoprickes with their ancient Cities were restored, and some newly instituted. We reade that Spaine hath at this day seaven Archbishops, and 41 Suffragane Bishops subordinate to them. The first is the Archbishop of Toledo, Chancellour of Castile, who next unto the King and his Progenie is the greatest man in dignitie and wealth. The Bishops that doe obey him, are the Bishop of Burgos, whose Sea•e was heretofore at Aura, (whence it was called Auritanus Episcopatus▪ and corruptly in some Councells and other publicke Acts, Auxitanus, but was after translated from thence to Burgos, the Metropolis of Old Castile, by Alphonsus the sixt, who restored Toledo to the Christians by the authoritie of Pope Vrban the second, in the yeare 1097. Also the Bishop of Cuena, the Bishop of Osma, called commonly Episcopus Oxmensis, and corruptly in Councells Oxomensis▪ the Bishop of Corduba, (whose Bishopricke is most ancient and famous by meanes of Osius once Bishop thereof) the Bishop of Iaenensia, Palentia, and Segovia. The second is the Archbishopricke of Hispalis, under which there were heretofore eleven Bishopricks, though there are now but three; namely of Malaga, Gades, and the Canarie Isles. The third is the Archbishoprick of Compostella. The Seate of this Bishop was heretofore Iria Flavia, a Sea-Towne of Gallicia, and commonly called Padron: but being afterward translated to Compostella, it began to bee called the Bishopricke of Compostella, or of Saint Iames, under which are the Bishops of Coria, Placentia, Asturia, Gamora, Salmantica, Orense or Auria, Tude or Tyde, a Towne of Gallicia, seated by the River Minius, and commonly called Tuy. The Bishop of Badaios, (which is now called Episcopus Pacensis) and the Bishop of Mindonia, whose Seate was heretofore Ribadeum, commmonly called Mandonnedo. The fourth Archbishop is the Archbishop of Granada; under whom is the Bishop of Almeria, and the Bishop of Guadix, heretofore called Episcopus Accitanus, for that which heretofore was called Acce, is now called Guadix. The fift is the Archbishop of Valentia, under which are the Bishops of Carthage, Orignella, Segobrica, (whih is now called Segorbia) and Majorca. The sixt is the Archbishop of Tarraconia, under whom are the Bishops of Ilerda, (commonly called Lerida) Tortosa, Herlua, Barcinon, Genida, Vrgella, and Vich. Lastly, the seventh is the Archbishop of Caesar. Augusta, who hath under him the Bishops of Pampilona, Calagurris, Osca, and Balbastro: the Bishops of Leo and Oviedo are subject to none. Portugall hath three Archbishops, namely of Bracara, Olisipona or Lisbon and Funchala; under whom are the Bishops of Ebora, Visca, Guarda, Conimbrica, Porta, Lamego, Silva, Cepta, and Leria. Concerning the other Bishops, you may consult with Vasaeus, L. Marinaeus Siculu•, Damianus a Goes, and others, who doe curiously observe and note what are the revenues which belong to every Bishopricke, as also to Abbies and Monasteries. Those who belong to the Inquisition are of the Ecclesiasticall State: they were first instituted and ordained to examine the Moores, Saracens, & Iewes; but afterward in processe of time they began to extend their power and authoritie over all that were not of the Roman Church and Religion. In the next place we will note the Academies or Universities in Spaine, which are about two & twenty; the chiefe whereof are Salamanca, Compludo, Conimbrica, or Conimbra, Pincia, Saganta, Osca, and Lerida. The Spaniards have happie wits, yet doe they learne or studie little, because they thinke themselves learned when they are not: they love the craft and subtlenes of Sophisters. In the Universities they speake Spanish more than Latine, mingling their speech with many words belonging to the Moores. They seldome leave any offspring or monument of their wit to their owne posteritie, much lesse to strangers, in regard their language is defective. Yet there have beene, and are some learned men, who by their excellent learned workes and writings, have graced their Country, and made it famous unto other Nations.

If we seeke for Divines, there will come forth Vigilantius Priest of Barcinon, Aquilius Severus, Prudentius Bishop of Armentia, Osius of Corduba, Avitus a Priest, Marcianus Bishop of Barcelona, Paulus, Orosius, Pacianus, and his sonne Dexter, Audentius, Isidorus, the interpreter of the Apocalyps, Iustinianius, the President of the Church of Valentia, Leander Bishop of Hispalis, Martinius the President of Mandova, Fulgentius the Bishop of Carthage Eladius the Archbishop of Toledo, Isidorus Bishop of Hispalis, Iohn Bishop of Gerunda; Eutropius, Valentinus, and Franciscus Ximenes Cardinall and Archbishop of Toledo, and father of the Universitie of Compludo, who caused the Holy Bible to be printed in divers languages, which is cōmonly called the Complutensian Bible. If we seeke for those which have beene skilfull in the Canon Law, wee shall finde Bernardus of Compostella, Raymundus de Pennya Forti, and Hugo Barcinonensis. If for other Lawyers, we shall finde Pope Calixtus the third, Gomezius, Didacus Covarruvias, and Antonius Augustinus Archbishop of Tarraconia, a man very learned and skilfull in the Roman antiquities. If wee enquire for Physicians, wee shall meete with Avicen, Averroes, Rasis, Almanca, and Messahallah. If for Historians, we shall finde Trogus Pompeius, Iustine, and others. If for Philosophers, we shall meete with L. Anneius Seneca and his sonnes Seneca, Nonatus and Mela, Lucius Iunius, Moderatus Columella, C. Iulius Hyginus, Sotion, and Iohannes Vives Valentinus. If wee search for Mathematicians, behold Pomponius Mela, Abrahamus Cacutius, Alphonsus King of Castile, Henricus the Infanta of Portugall, Henricus Marquesse of Villena, Arnoldus Villanovanus, and his Scholler Raimundus Lullius. If we enquire for Orators, we shall finde beside Seneca, Portius Latro, and M. Fabius Quintilianus.

Lastly if we would reckon up some Poets borne here, we may make account of Sextilius Hena: L. Annaeus Seneca, and Lucan who were Cosins: M. Valerius Martialis, Rufus Festus Avienus, Aurelius Prudentius, Pope Damasus, Caelius Sedulius, and many others: I omit for brevities sake the later moderne Poets. The Spaniards are by nature hot and drie, swarthe-coloured, to helpe which the women use a kinde of painting: they are well limb'd and strong set. They are the most superstitious of all people, so that other people doe learne from them both ceremonies, complements, and large titles. They have a great dexteritie in concealing their thoughts both by silence and dissimulation. They have a kinde of an affected gravitie, which maketh them incurre the hatred of all other Nations, which, as Marianus sheweth, is an individuall concomitant or companion to great Kingdomes. The women are not very fruitfull in bearing children: they abstaine much from wine, and are seldome seene abroade, as imitating therein the Roman Matrons. They use strangers discurteously, and in forraine Countries they will reverence, prayse, and extoll one another. They are great observers of Justice, so that Justice is administred to all, even from the highest to the lowest: and so great is the painfull industrie of Magistrates, that there are few or no robberies committed. Beside, they keepe their hands free from bloud, and other wicked acts, and whosoever offendeth the Lawes, or doth trespasse against any one, though never so meane, is punished for it. They are still attempting some greate matter, for having supprest their enemies at home, and overthrowne the Saracens, they seeke for to discover and get for their King the most potent parts of the world. When two or three meete together, of what place or condition soever, they alwayes discourse of the Common-wealth and serious affaires, they seeke wayes how to weaken their enemies force, they devise stratagems, and invent a thousand engines, which they open and make knowne to the Captaines. In the field they can endure both hunger thirst and labour. In battle and matters of warre they are more politick than stout: they are of a light body, and being lightly armed, they not onely easily pursue their enemies, but when they are put to it, they can easily save themselves by flight, (alwayes meditating on some militarie or warlike designe). In their feastes and banquets at home they are frugall, sober, and content with a little, but abroade they have more delicate fare. They use handsome convenient garments, well made & fashioned. Spaine doth affoord to the neighbour Countries, and also to remote Nations, Silke-wooll, Cloath of all kindes, Salt, Sugar, Honey, Orenges, Pome-Granats, Lemmons, pickled Olives, Capers, Grapes, Figges, Pruines, Almonds, Chesnuts, Anny-seed, Cumming-seed, Coriander-seed, Rice, Saffron, Oyle, Waxe, Alume, Vermilion, Purple, Saltfish, Bay-berries, preserv'd Fruits of all sorts, Alablaster, Corall, Gold, Silver, Iron, Steele, Tinne, Copper, Leade, Dying Oade, Quick-silver, Gotten, pretious stones, Aromatickes and sweet Spices, which are brought from the Indies and other places. And in exchange for these, the Europaeans, the Africans, the Asiatians, and the Americans, doe give the Spaniards such commodities, as their owne Country doth not affoord.

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

SPAIN.

• SPAIN, with its fourteen Kingdoms or Principalities, whereof
  • Two are in the midst of the Country, to wit,
    • LEON,
      • Beyond the River Douro, or Dovere,
        • Leon,
        • Avilez,
        • Astorga,
        • Placentia.
      • On this side the Douro,
        • Salamanca,
        • Cuidad Rodrigo.
    • CASTILE,
      • The Old,
        • Burgos,
        • Valadolid,
        • Numantia,
        • Segovia,
        • Calahorra,
        • Soria,
        • Osma,
        • Siguenca,
        • Avila,
        • Placentia,
        • Coria.
      • The New,
        • Toledo,
        • Madrid,
        • Alcantara,
        • Alcala de Henores,
        • Cuenca,
        • Guadalasara,
        • Cuidad Real,
        • Merida,
        • Badajox.
  • Three are towards the North; as
    • NAVARRE, which hath the Merindades of
      • Pamplona,
      • Viana,
      • Estella,
      • Tudela,
      • Olite,
      • Sanguesa.
    • BISCAY, where are
      • Biscay,
        • Bilboa,
        • St. Andero.
      • Guipuscoa,
        • St. Sebastiano,
        • Andero,
        • Victoria,
        • Tolosetra.
    • ASTURIE, or Oviedo,
      • Oviedo,
      • Santillano:
  • Three are towards the West, viz.
    • GALLICIA,
      • St. Jago de Compostella,
      • Bajona,
      • Coronn•,
      • Mondo•nedo,
      • Lugo,
      • Tuy.
    • The Kingdom of PORTUGAL,
      • Between the River Minho, and the Douro,
        • Braga,
        • Miranda,
        • Porto,
        • Bragansa.
      • Between the Douro, and the Tajo, or Tagus,
        • Lisbona,
        • Santara,
        • Sintra,
        • Lamego,
        • Guarda,
        • Coimbra.
      • Alen Tajo, or between the Tajo, and the Guadiana,
        • Evora,
        • Portalegre,
        • Leirla,
        • Beja.
    • ALGARVE,
      • Pharo,
      • Tavila,
      • Silves,
      • Lagos.
  • Three are towards the South, to wit,
    • ANDALOUSIA, and ESTREMADURA,
      • Sevill,
      • Cordova,
      • Marchena,
      • Medina Sidonia,
      • Xeres de la Frontera,
      • Cadiz.
    • GRANADA,
      • Granada,
      • Malaga,
      • Almeria.
    • MURCIA,
      • Alicant,
      • Carthagena,
      • Murcia.
  • Three are towards the East, viz.
    • ARRAGON,
      • Caragosa, or Saragoz,
      • Lerida,
      • Huesca,
      • Mosons,
      • Jacca,
      • Borio,
      • Calatajud,
      • Daroca.
    • CATALOGNE, or CATALONIA,
      • Rousillon,
        • Perpignan,
        • Elna.
      • Catalogue,
        • Barcelona,
        • Girona,
        • Taragona,
        • Tortosa,
        • Lerida, and Solsona.
    • VALENCE, or VALENCIA,
      • Valencia,
      • Morvedre,
      • Segobre, or Segorbia,
      • Xativa.
  • Together with the Isles of Baleares, or
    • MAJORCA,
      • Majorca,
      • Palomera.
    • MINORCA, — Citadelli, and Mahon.
    • YVISA, — Yvisa, and Magno.

• All the Estates of the CATHOLICK KING, may be comprised under
  • The Estates of the Crown of CASTILE, which are
    • In SPAIN, the Kingdoms of
      • Leon,— Leon,
      • Castile,
        • the Old,
          • Burgos,
          • Valadolid.
        • the New,
          • Toledo,
          • Madrid.
      • Biscay, — Bilboa.
      • Asturie, Oviedo.
      • Gallicia, St Jago de Compostella.
      • Andalousia, Sivil.
      • Granada, Granada.
      • Murcia, Alicant.
      • Navarte, — Pamplona.
    • Towards FRANCE,
      • The Catholick Low Countrey,
        • Anvers, or Antwerp,
        • Brussels,
        • Arras.
      • The French County, — Dol•.
    • In ITALY,
      • The Estate of Milan,
        • Milan,
        • Pavia.
      • On the River of Genes, — Finale.
      • On the Coast of Toscany, — Orbetello.
    • In AFRICA,
      • On the Coast of Barbary,
        • Oran,
        • Marsalquibir,
        • le Penon de Velez.
      • The Canary Isles, — Canary.
    • In ASIA, The Philippine Isles, — Ma•ille.
    • In AMERICA
      • Septentrionale, or Mexicane,
        • The Isles Antilles,
          • St. Domingo, in Hispaniola,
          • Havana, in Cuba.
        • Florida, — St. Augustino.
        • Mexico, or New Spain,
          • Mexico,
          • los Angelos.
        • Canada, or New France,
          • Guadalajara,
          • Compostella.
        • Guatemala,
          • St. Jago de Guatemala,
          • Leon de Nicaragua.
      • Meridionale, or Peruviane,
        • Terra Firma,
          • Porto Bello,
          • Panama.
        • New Kingdom of Granada,
          • Cartagena,
          • St. Marta,
          • St. Fee de Bogata.
        • Peru,
          • Popayan,
          • St. Francisco de Quito,
          • Lima, or Los Reyes,
          • Cusco.
        • Ios Charcas,
          • la Plata,
          • Potessi.
        • Chili,
          • St. Jago de Chili,
          • Valdivia.
        • Rio de la Plata,
          • Assumption,
          • Cordovade Tucuman.
    • And towards Austriales, The Isles of Solomon, — Isabella.
  • The Estates of the Crown of ARRAGON, which are
    • In SPAIN, the Kingdoms or Principalities of
      • Arragon,
        • Saragoz, or Caragoss
        • Lerida,
        • Huesca,
        • Jorca.
      • Catalogne, or Catalonia,
        • Barcelona,
        • Perpignan;
        • Taragona,
        • Lerida.
      • Valencia,
        • Valencia,
        • Morvedre,
      • The Isles of
        • Majorca,
        • Minorca,
        • Yvisa,
        • Majorca,
        • Citadelli,
        • Yvisa.
    • In ITALY, the Kingdoms, &c. of
      • Naples,
        • Naples,
        • Cosence, or Cozenza,
        • Lecce,
        • Aquila.
      • Isle of Sicily,
        • Messina.
        • Palermo,
        • Siracusa.
      • Isle of Sardiny,
        • Cailari,
        • Oristagni.
      • And divers small Isles,
        • Ischia,
        • Capri,
        • Lipari.
  • The Estates of the Crown of PORTUGAL, which are
    • In SPAIN, the Kingdoms of
      • Portugal,
        • Lisbona,
        • Braga,
        • Evora,
        • Coimbra.
      • Algarve, — Pharo.
    • In AFRICA, and thereabouts,
      • On the Streight of Gibraltar, — Ceute.
      • On the Coast
        • of the Negroes, — Arguin.
        • of Guinee, St. George de la Mine.
        • of the Caffres, — Cuama, or Sophala.
        • of Zanguebar,
          • Mosambique,
          • Melinde.
      • And the Isles of
        • Madera, — Funghal.
        • the Azores, Angra.
        • Cape Verd, St. Jago.
        • St. Thomas, — Cuidad, or Pavo•san•,
    • In ASIA, and thereabouts,
      • On the Coast of
        • Persia, — Ormus.
        • India,
          • Diu,
          • Goa,
          • Malacca.
      • And part of the Isles
        • of Ceylan, Colombo.
        • of the Moluccoes, Nostro Senioro del Rosario.
    • In AMERICA, Brazil,
      • St. Salvador,
      • Olinda,
      • Parayba.

• The Estates of the Crown of CASTILE, are
  • About EUROPE; as
    • In SPAIN; to wit,
      • In the midst of the Countrey, the
        • Kingdom of Leon,
          • Leon,
          • Astorga.
        • Kingdom of Castile,
          • Burgos,
          • Valadolid,
          • Toledo,
          • Madrid.
      • Towards the North, the
        • Signiory of Biscay, Bilboa,
        • Kingdom of Asturie, Oviedo,
        • Kingdom of Gallicia, St. Jago de Compostella,
      • Towards the South, the
        • Kingdom of Andalousia,
          • Sivilla,
          • Cordova,
          • Cadiz.
        • Kingdom of Granada,
          • Granada,
          • Malaga.
      • Towards France, the—
        • Kingdom of Murcia, Alicant.
        • Kingdom of Navarre, Pamplona.
    • FRANCE; to wit,
      • The LOW COUNTREYS; where are the
        • Dutchy of Brabant,
          • Louvain,
          • Brusselles.
        • Dutchy of Limbourg, Limbourg.
        • Dutchy of Luxembourg,
          • Luxembourg,
          • Thionville,
        • Dutchy of Gueldres,
          • Ruremonde,
          • Gueldres.
        • County of Flanders,
          • Gand, or Gaunt,
          • Lisle.
        • County of Artois,
          • Arras,
          • St. Omer.
        • County of Haynaut, Mons.
        • County of Namur, Namur.
        • Marquisate of the Empire, Anvers, or Antwerp:
        • Seigniory of — Malines,
      • The FRENCH County; where are the Balliages of
        • Dole,
        • Gray,
        • Salins.
    • In ITALY; to wit,
      • The Estate of the Dutchy of MILAN; viz.
        • Milanese, Milan.
        • Pavese, Pavia.
        • Cremonese, Cremona.
        • Alpesre, Come.
        • Alexandrin, Alexandria de la Paille.
      • On the River of GENES, the Estates of
        • Finale, and
        • Pontremoli.
      • On the Coast of TOSCANY, are the
        • Estate of the Presidii,
          • Orbetello,
          • Porto Hercole.
        • Protection of the Seignory of Piombino.
  • In AFRICA; as
    • Terra Firma, on the Coast of Barbary, Marquisate of Oran, and the
      • Oran,
      • Masulquivir,
      • Penon de Valez.
    • In the Western Ocean, The CANARY Isles, The Great Canary, Canary.
  • In ASIA; as In the E. Ocean, The PHILIPPINE Isles, Luson, or Manilla, Manilla,
  • Towards the Land of AUSTRALES, The Isle of SALOMON, or of New Guinee, Isabella.
  • In AMERICA; as
    • SEPTENTRIONALE, or MEXICANE, where are the Audiences of
      • St. DOMINGO,
        • Isles of Antilles,
          • S. Domingo in Hispaniola
          • Havana, in Cuba,
          • St. Jean de Puerto Rico.
        • Florida, St. Augustino.
      • MEXICO, or NEW SPAIN,
        • Mexico, Mexico.
        • Mechoacan, Valadolid.
        • Panuco, St. Estevan del Puerto.
        • Tlascala, los Angeles.
        • Guaxaca, Antequerra.
        • Jucatan, Merida.
        • Tavasco, Neustra Seniore de la Victoria.
      • GUADALAJARA, or New GALLICIA,
        • Guadalajara, Guadalajara.
        • Xalifco, Compostella.
        • Chiametlan, St. Sebastian.
        • Culiacan, St. Michael.
        • Cinaloa, St. John Ro.
        • los Zacatecas, los Zacatecas.
        • New Biscay, Indies.
      • GUATEMALA,
        • Guatemala, St. Jago de Guatemala.
        • Soconufco, Guevetlan.
        • Chiapa, Guidad Real.
        • Verapax, Verapax.
        • Honduras, Valadolid.
        • Nicaragua, Leon de Nicaragua.
        • Costarica, Cartago.
    • MERIDIONALE, or PERUVIANE; where are the Audiences or Regions of
      • PANAMA,
        • Veragua, La Conception.
        • Panama,
          • Porto Bello,
          • Panama.
      • New Kingdom of GRANADA,
        • Cartagena, Cartagena.
        • St. Martha, St. Martha.
        • New Kingdom of Granada, St. Fe de Bogota.
        • Rio de la Hacha, Nost. Sen. de los Remedios.
        • Venezuela, Venezuela, or Cori.
        • New Castile; Cordova la Nueva.
      • PERU,
        • Popayan,
          • Popayan,
          • Cali.
        • Quito, St. Francisco de Quito.
        • los Quixos, Bacsa.
        • Pacamores, St. John de las Salinas.
        • Lima,
          • Lima, or los Reyes,
          • Cusco,
        • los Charcas,
          • la Plata,
          • Potessi.
        • la Sierra, St. Cruz de la Sierra.
      • CHILI, Chili,
        • St. Jago de Chili,
        • la Imperiale,
      • PARAGUAY,
        • Rio de la Plata,
        • Tucoman,
          • l'Assumption,
          • St. Jago del l'Estero,
          • Cordova de Tuconan.

• The Estates of the Crown of ARRAGON, are
  • In SPAIN to wit,
    • In the Firm Land; as
      • The Kingdom of ARRAGON; where are
        • Ten Cities, to wit,
          • Caragosa,
          • Lerida,
          • Huesca,
          • Jacca,
          • Callatajud,
          • Borio,
          • Daroca,
          • Teruel,
          • Albazarin,
        • And more than a hundred Walled Towns; the chief of which, are
          • Anza de Sobrarbe,
          • Benavarri de Ribagorsa,
          • Monsons,
          • Fraga,
          • Camfrane,
          • Viescas.
      • The Principality of CATALOGNE, or CATALONIA, with the County of ROUSILLON; where are
        • In Catalogne, eight Cities,
          • Barcelona,
          • Tartagona,
          • Lerida,
          • Girona,
          • Tortosa,
          • Solsona,
          • Urgel,
          • Vich,
        • In Rousillon, two Cities,
          • Perpignan,
          • Elna.
        • And about an hundred and fifty Walled Towns; the chief of which in Catalogne, are
          • Puycerda,
          • Balaguer,
          • Cardona,
          • Cervera,
          • Manresa,
          • Castillo d'Empurias,
          • Roses,
        • And in Rousillon, —Collioure.
      • The Kingdom of VALENCIA; where are
        • Four Cities,
          • Valencia,
          • Segorbia,
          • Xativa,
          • Orihuelha.
        • And about 60 Walled Towns; the chief of which are
          • Elche,
          • Biar,
          • Denia,
          • Gandia,
          • Alzira,
          • Morvedre,
          • Villa Real,
          • St. Mattheo.
    • In the Sea, as The Kingdom, and the Isles of
      • Majorca, — Majorca,
      • Minorca, — Citadelli,
      • Yuisa, — Yuisva.
  • In ITALY; to wit,
    • In the Firm Land, as The Kingdom of NAPLES; where are
      • Terra di Lavoro,
        • Naples, or Napoli,
        • Capona.
      • Principato citra,
        • Amalfi,
        • Salerno.
      • Principato ultra,
        • Benevento,
        • Conza.
      • Calabria citra, — Conzenza.
      • Calabria ultra,
        • Reggio,
        • Cotrone.
      • Basilicata, — Cirenza:
      • Terra di Otrante,
        • Tarante,
        • Lecce,
        • Otrante,
        • Brindici, or B•indes.
      • Terra di Bari, Bari.
      • Capitanate,
        • Monte St Angelo,
        • Manfredonia.
      • Comtado di, — Molife.
      • Abruzzo citra, or Abruzze citerieure,
        • Lanciau, or Lancrano,
        • Sulmone,
        • Civita di Chietti.
      • Abruzzo ultra, or Abruzze ulterieure,
        • Civita di Penna,
        • Aquila.
    • In the Sea, as
      • The Isle and Kingdom of SICILY; where are in
        • Val di Demona.
          • Messina,
          • Taormina,
          • Catane,
          • Patta,
          • Troina,
          • Cefaledi,
        • Val di Noto,
          • Siracuso,
          • Noto,
          • Motya,
          • Termini.
        • Val di Mazara,
          • Palermo,
          • Monreal,
          • Trapani,
          • Marzalla,
          • Mazara,
          • Xacca,
          • Girgenti,
      • The Isle and Kingdom of SARDAIGNE; where are in
        • Capo Cagliari,
          • Cagliary, or Calari,
          • Oriftagni,
          • Villa di Glesia.
        • Capo Lugodori,
          • Sassari,
          • Algeri,
          • Bosa.
      • And divers Isles
        • towards Naples,
          • Ischia,
          • Capri,
        • towards Sicily, — Lipara, &c.

THE Kingdom of SPAIN is almost quite encompassed with the Ocean and Mediterranean Sea; and the Pyrenean Mountains seperate it from France. These Mountains are that Isthmus or neck of Land, that uniteth Spain to the Continent, and serveth as a desence and bound for this Kingdom and France; and the Inhabitants that here reside, are a sort of rude and Barbarous people.

Spain taken conjoyntly with Portugal (which though a particular Kingdom, hath been always taken as a Member thereof) extends it self from the 35th degree of Latitude unto almost the 44th; and from the 9th degree of Longitude to the 24th.

It is seated in the most Southernly part of the North Temperate Zone,* 1.6 the longest Summers-day making 15 hours. It is a Country not over fertil in Corn or Cattel, which doth occasion the People to order their Diet accordingly, their chief food being Sallets and Fruits, the product of the Earth, so that with a small piece of flesh, they will make two or three Dishes; and above all their Oleums are esteemed as an excellent dish. But in recompence of the defect of Corn and Cattel, the Country produceth divers rich Commodities; as Wines, Oils, several Mettals, Rice, Cork, Soda Barrellia, Shumack, Soap,* 1.7Anchoves, Hony, Wax, Woad, Coriander, Saffron, Anniseeds, Raisins, Almonds, Oranges, Lemmons, Liquorice, Wool, Lamb-skins, raw Silk, &c.

Spain received its first People from Celtes, whence came the name of Celti•eri; then the Phoenicians and Carthaginians possessed the most Southern parts nearest to Africa,* 1.8 and endeavoured to make themselves Masters of all the Country. The Romans drove them out, and possest it wholly, and in the declension of their Empire, the Goths, Vandals, Sueves, Alains and Silinges fetled here, and parted it amongst them. The Goths in the end remained sole Masters, till such times as the Moors vanquished them, and forced them to retire to the Mountains of Leon, the Asturias, and Gallicia. The People now inhabiting in Spain are of a swarthy complexion, black hair'd, and of a good proportion; they are very stately in all their Actions, of a Majestick gate, in their carriages are very grave and serious; to their King are very obedient, true and loving; in Adversity, patient; they are much addicted to Women; are great braggers, and exceeding proud, though scarce Masters of a single Ryal. In matters of Religion, they are Roman Catholicks, in which they are very devout, not admitting the publick exercise of any other Religion throughout the Kingdom.

Spain is divided into fourteen Kingdoms or Principalities, which are set down in the Geographical Table of the said Kingdom; and to these fourteen Principalities, we may add the Isles of Baleares, seated in the Mediterranean Sea, which comprehendeth Majorca, Minorca, and Yvisa: and all these Kingdoms have formerly been reduced into three Estates, which they call, Castile, Arragon, and Portugal. But to proceed to its several parts.

LEON, called by some the Kingdom of Leon and Oviedo, hath for its chief places, 1. Leon, by some called Legio, as supposed that the eleventh Legion quartered here, which was called Legio Germanica: 2. Avilez, seated on the Sea-shoar: 3. Salamanca, of note for having the most famous Academy or all Spain: 4. Astorga; and 5. Placentia.

CASTILE, severed into the Old and the New, or first and last gained or conquered from the Moors. The Old Castile is seated Northwards of the New, and hath for its chief places, 1. Burgos, famous, as contending with Toledo for the primacy of all Spain: 2. Validolid, a neat and fair City and a University, honoured with the Birth-place of King Philip the Second, who erected a Colledge for the English Papistical Fugitives. 3. Numatia, famous for defending it self against the Romans for fourteen years, and at last left Scipio nothing else, but a pile of Ashes for his Triumph, and 4. Segovia, a place of note for Clothing, here made. The New Castile boasts of Madrid for its chief place, though but a Village, but is the greatest in all the World, and may compare with many Cities in Europe; and its Territory, although neither pleasant nor abundant, yet is made both, by the residence of the Kings of Spain. 2. Yoledo, seated on the Tagus, and almost in the heart of all Spain; a fair City, beautified with stately Edifices; its Walls are strong, whereon are placed about fifty Towrs of Stone: It is honoured with a University, famous for the study of the Civil and Canon Laws. 3. Alcantara, of note for its Order of Knights, so called. 4. Alcala de Henares, dignified with an University: And 5. Cuenca, seated at the Spring-head of the Xucar, nigh to which is the stately Palace of the Escurial or St. Lawrence, built by King Philip the Second; a place of such magnificence, that neither times past came near it, nor present, doth equal it. In this large and stately structure are Eleven several Quadrangles, every one incloistred, all expressing a Peruvian Treasure to have been spent in the building them, and is of such beauty and magnificence, that a voyage to Spain were not lost to see it.

NAVAR, for Antiquity may claim the second place of all the fourteen Kingdom: It hath for its Eastern bounds the Pyrenean Mountains. Its chief places are, 1. Pamplona, a place more famous for her Fortification, than her Negotiation: 2. Viana, once the Title of the Prince of Navar, near which Caesar Borgio was slain by an Ambush; 3. Estella; 4. Tudela; 5. Olite; and 6. Sanguessa; all good Cities. This Country was one of the first, that with success opposed the Moors.

BISCAY, by reason of its Mountainous and Woody scituation, is the only Countrey of all Spain, that remained unconquered by the Moors; and for its many Iron-Mines, is called the Armory of Spain. The chief places are, 1. Bilboa, a Town of grat Trade, Riches, and much frequented by Merchants, seated two miles distant from the Ocean, and aboundeth in Wines, Cattle, and the best Blades, known by the name of Bilboa-Blades. 2. St. Sebastian, another noted Town for Traffick: 3. Andero; all Sea-port Towns; 4. Victoria; and is. Tolosetta; Cities of some account.

ASTƲRIE, or Oviedo, hath for its chief place, Oviedo; which gave name to the Territory, which conjoyns with that of Leon.

GALLICIA, a Mountainous Countrey, like Asturie; hath for its chief places, 1. St. Jago de Compostella, or St. Jago, in honour of St. James, who here lieth interr'd; it is honoured with the See of an Archbishoprick, and an Ʋniversity; and in one of the Churches are kept the Relicks of St. James, which are much reverenced: 2. Bajona, seated at the Mouth of the River Minius: 3. Coronna, not far from the Promontory of Nerius: 4. Mondonnedo; 5. Luge; and 6. Tuy, seated on the River Minho.

The Air of the whole Country of Spain is generally good and healthful, and the Soil fertil enough, were it well cultivated; but the thinness of its Inhabitants since their setling in America, is the chief cause thereof.

The whole Country is Catholick; It hath 11 Archbishops, 56 Bishops, 20 or 25000 Parishes, and abundance of very rich Abbeys and Monasteries.

• 1.29In Spain are five great Rivers, viz. the Douro; the Tagus, or Tago; the Guadiana; the Guadalquiver; and the Ebro, or Iborus. The Douro is esteemed for force, the Tagus for its renown, the Guadalquiver for its riches, the Ebro for its name, and the Guadiana, not having wherewith to answer the others (for shame) hides it self under ground.

• 1.30The chief Hills in Spain, are Seir Morena, being a chain of Hills, declining from the midst of Spain towards the Streights of Gibraltar; and upon these Hills it was, that Cervantes, the Wit of Spain, made the Scene of the many Warlike exploits, atchieved by the flower of Knight Errantry, Don Quixot de la Manche.

• 2. Inbalda, or Idubalda, which extends it self from the Pyreniae towards Portugal: And
• 3. Seira Nevada, which from East to West crosses Granada, and are very high Hills.