Italy

Sources from old books

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

ITALIE. IN VVHICH THESE Countries are contained.(Book Italy)

The Kingdome of Naples doth containe a great part of these Countries.

Because I know but a few Counties and Sigeionries in Italie and Greece, and seeing their names and places cannot bee assign'd in Tables, in regard of the imperfection of Tables, therefore I will describe but a few of them. For every Student may set downe those which hee shall finde. It would affoord us a faire prospect into matters of Policy, if the Nobility of severall Kingdomes, and their Offices, Places, and Lordships were knowne. Which if every one would performe in his owne Country, hee should deserve much praise.

GERMANIE was described before both in generall and speciall: and now having viewed the former I doe enter into Italy: which as Pliny saith Lib. Natur. Hist. cap. 20. is a Country sacred to the gods, the most happiest in all Europe, the Mother of Plenty, the Mistris of Policy, the Princesse of Nations, and the Queene of the World. It had heretofore divers names. Dionysius Halicarnassaeus, Lib. 1. of Roman Antiquities, writeth that the native people did call this noble Country Saturnia: and the Graecians did call it Hesperia, Ausonia, and Oenotria: and that at last in Hercules time it began to be called Italy. It was called Saturnia from King Saturne. But it seemeth that this appellation did not appertaine to all Italy, but to a part of it, which was also called Latium. Hyginus would have it called Hesperia, from Hesperus, who fled from his Brother Atlas: and Macrobius from Hesperus the Evening Starre, in Latine call'd Vesperugo, which is seene alwayes in the West. It was call'd Ausonia from Auson. They call'd it Oenotria, from the goodnesse of the Wine, or from Oenotrus King of the Sabines. It was called Italy from Italus, whom Aristotle maketh to be King of Oenotria. But Festus saith, Lib. 9. Italiam dictam, quod magnos Italos, hoc est Boves habeat, vitulos enim Italos esse dictos. That is, Italy was so called, because it hath great Italy, that is, Oxen for Calves are called Itali▪ Timaeus fabulously reporteth, that it was so called from the Oxe Italus, one of Geryons Heard, which being droven away by Hercules did swim over the Sicilian Bay, and in the Tyrrhene language a Bull is called Italus. And the same Dionysius Halic. Lib. Antiq. Rom. saith, that it was heretofore called Vitalia, if we may beleeve Hellanicus. Other ancient appellations of Italy, which belong rather to the parts thereof than to the whole Country, we omit. Strabo and Ptolemy doe make Italy a Peninsula, beeing encompassed on three sides with the higher Sea, the lower Sea, and the Jonian Sea: on the fourth side it hath the Alpes, for towards the West it hath the Italian Alpes, which the ancients did distinguish by peculiar names, as the Sea Alpes, the Cortians, the Grajans, and the Rhetians, which lye Northward even to the River Arsia, and containeth the Poenine and the Julian Alpes: and so it runneth Northward by the Hadriatick Sea, even to the Jonian Bay, which is over against it Eastward: and lastly, Southward and Westward it is beaten with the Mediterranian Sea, as also the Tyrrhene and Ligustian Shores: and the Hadrian Sea washeth the Southerne part, where Forum Iulij and Histria lyeth. The length from Augusta Praetoria, to Brutium, even to the Promontory or Leu•opetra, is 755. miles: the greatest breadth is 475. miles, the middlemost breadth is 130. the least breadth is 72. The whole compasse of Italy according to Castaldus is 2550. miles. Those which have measur'd it more exactly, doe make it to be 2250. and those who have measured it most exactly, doe reckon it to bee not above 2240. Eustathius doe liken Italy to an Ivie leafe: Pliny, Solinus, and others, doe resemble it to an Oke leafe, because it is longer then broad, bending his head on the left hand, and so endeth in the figure of an Amazonian Brestplate. The latter Writers doe more conveniently compare it to a mans thigh, the skin whereof lyeth over against the lower Sea: the Calfe over against the higher Sea: and all the foote is washed with the Jonian Sea: The heele doth looke toward Epirum: the sole of the foote is the Tarrentine Bay, the more fleshy parts doe make the Promontories Zephyrius, Carcinus, and Bruttium, the toes are turned toward Sicily, the knee is in the Populonian Promontory, the hippe and upper part of the thigh doe touch the Alpes. I have spoken of the name and quantity of Italy: the quality followeth, which alwaies ariseth from the Situation of a Country. If any one will take a diligent account of it, he shall finde that according to the Longitude, the most Westerne Meridian doth fall upon the 29. degree; and the most Easterne Meridian the 43. degree. It is 7. degrees in Latitude: for the most Southerne Parallel is 28. degrees distant from the Aequator, and the most Northward 46. and so he shall finde that Italy is in the fifth and sixth Climats, and all the Parallels between eleven and sixteene, in which space of Land the day differeth one houre. For the longest day of Summer in the Southerne Parallel is 14. houres long, with three fifths, but in the Northerne Parallel it is 15. houres long with three fifths.. Italy having such a Situation, and having the Alpes running thorow it, which passe length-wayes thorow the middle of Italy, on both sides, especially on the South side have faire fruitfull Fields & Hills lying by them: and therefore it is no marvell, that all the times and seasons of the yeere are so temperate, and that it is so fruitfull, especially in some places. The Country is very temperate, and very plentifull, and hath good store of Corne, being not chargeable in tilling, but very gainefull to the Husbandman. The Rosselanian fields in Vmbria are reported to have beene so fruitful, that Varro witnesseth, Caesar Vopiscus, when he pleaded his cause before the Censors, said that the Rosean Fields were the Senum Italiae, in which if a Pitchforke bee left the day before, the grasse will cover it over in one nights growth. Varro speaking of the endowments of Italy, saith, that it produceth all things necessary for food. Campania doth yeeld Corne, Falernus wine: Cassinas Oyle: Tusculan Figges, Tarrentine Honey: and Tiber Fish. Moreover Pliny witnesseth that Italy is the Mother of all kindes of Trees. I will not mention the Vulgar common sort. For here are great store of Orange Trees, Lemmon Trees, and Quince Trees. All the Coast, as for example, Liguria, and that which belongeth to Genoa, is adorned and beautified with faire Trees, and great high Palme Trees, which are full of sweet smelling fruit, so that it is pleasant both in sight and scent: and it hath every where pleasant Gardens to recreate sad mindes, and drive away Melancholy. And the same may be said of a thousand other places. The same Pliny sheweth that there are Pepper trees in Italy. The Hydruntine Country hath abundance of Olives, so that he that hath not seene the great Woods of Olive trees which are in these parts, would thinke it incredible. The Barian Fields in Apulia Peucetia, doe bring forth great store of Oyle, Wine, Corne, Almonds, and Cotton, and other fruits. The Valley of On•lia in Liguria, hath such great store of Oyle, that sometimes it yeeldeth 32. and 22. thousand Jarres, which the Inhabitants call Barilas. There is also Manna in Italy. For Manna is gathered neere Altomontium in Brutia, which falleth downe like dew by night, especially when the skie is serene and cleare after raine. It is gathered from the Leaves of certaine Trees. Pliny reporteth that it hath the choisest and best Vines▪ so that it excelleth the most odoriferous Nations of the world, for there is no scent to be compared with the delicious smell of the sweet budding Vines. As the excellent Wines which are so celebrated and praised by ancient Writers doe testifie. Pliny doth devide the Wines of Italy into foure sorts. He preferreth the Setine Wines before all others, which was so called from Setia a Towne of Latium. The next he accounteth to be the Falerne Wine. The third he reckneth to be the Albanian, the Surrentinian, the Massuan, the Stanonian, the Calenian, the Fundanian, the Vilitertian, the Privernatian, and the Signinian Wines. The fourth sort are the Pretutian, the Anconian, and the Palmesian Wines. But of these things others doe report: I passe to the other gifts of Italy: and will describe them briefly. It is very fruitfull in producing all kinde of hearbes. What should I speake of the Mettals, Stones, and other gifts. Pliny saith that it is inferiour unto no Country for Mettals. In Forum Iulium, there is the River Hydra, and not farre from thence a Mine of Quicksilver. Great store of Allom was found heretofore among the Etruscians in the Territory of Masla. In Campania there are Mines of Brimstone. Three miles from Volaterris toward the River Caecina, there are some Hills, in which there are Salt-pits. At Brutia also there are Salt Mines, which are hollowed into the inner parts of the Mountaine with digging forth of Salt. I omit the Stone Quarries, out of which divers Stones are cut. I doe not mention the Marble, the Alablaster, Chrystall, and divers sorts of precious Stones, nor the Saffron, Blue, and Rosen. And that I may not be tedious in reckoning up the variety of living creatures, Aulus Gellius. Lib. 11. Noct. Atticar. Cap. 1. Timaeus in his History, and M. Terentius Varro in Antiquit. doe report that there are great store of Oxen in Italy, and that there are many Buffons bred in this Country. Lucillius witnesseth that the great strong Lucanian hearbs did graxe here:

Quem neque Lucanis oriundi montibus TauriDucere pro telo validis cervicibus possent.

Italy, besides other Fowle, hath Eagles and Vultures, which are so often mentioned in the ancient Romane Histories. I come now to the ancient Government. There is no indubitable certainty concerning the ancient Government of Italie. Annius of Viterbium doth speake of Comer, who came first into this Country as a stranger, also of Chamus, Ianus, Sabatius, Sagus, Cranus, Aurunus, Malotte, Tages, Ofrides, Hercules, Tuscus, Alteus, Ritis, Italus, Morgetes, Roma, Romanessus, Iasius, and others: but approoved Historians doe make no mention of them. But if we read Dionysius Halicarnassaeus, Pompeus Trogus, Solinus Polyhistor, and other Greeke and Latine Writers, that many yeeres before the building of Rome, wee shall finde that Italie was governed by divers people, as Sicilians, the Aboriginians, the Ligurians, the Umbrians, and the Etrurians: which at last were all reduced under the government of the Romane Empire. Rome at the first was governed by Kings for 245. yeeres together, as Dionysius and Livie doe witnesse, whom in the Romane History it is best to follow. In whom wee may read the order and progresse of their atchievements, and it is to be considered, that their power did encrease abroad by military Discipline, and at home by moderation and Justice, and by the order of government. Afterward the Kings for their tyranny and lust were expelled, which many times had caused many changes, and mutations in the Empire. The names of the Kings are these: Romulus, who raigned 38. yeeres, Numa, who raigned 43. yeeres, Tullus Hostilius, who raigned 32. yeeres, Aneus Martius, who raigned 24. yeeres, Tarquinius Priscus, who raigned 37. yeeres, Servius Tullius, who raigned 44. yeeres, Tarqu•nius Superbus, who raigned 25. yeeres. He was expelled the Kingdome for his Sons wicked act, who ravished Lucretia. But when the Kings were expelled, the government became Annuall, and two Consuls were created. The first of which was L. Iunius Brutus, unto whom was joyned Sp. Lucretius Tricipitinus. and after him M. Horatius Pulvillus. Thus Italie was governed by Consuls, untill the time of the Emperour Caesar Fl. Momyllus Augustulus, whom Odoacer Herulus King of the Gothes did depose, and subverted the Country to himselfe, and afterward being slaine, he left it to Theoderick his Successors. I need not set downe a Catalogue of the Romane Consuls and Emperours, which are well knowne. And we may read in Histories the forme of the first royall government, the changes of Lawes and Magistrates, the Romanes valour, their warres, and their many civill dissentions, untill Rome had got the Monarchie of the World: and how by luxury, civill warres, and the fatall vicissitude and change of things, it lost againe both vertue, and Empire. I proceed to other matters. Italie hath many faire flourishing rich Citties, many famous populous Townes: and many Villages, adorned with Noblemens houses. It will not therefore be impertinent to set downe what Thomas Edwards an Englishman hath written concerning the most famous Citties of Italie.

Rome's holy by the blood of Saints there shed,Rich Venice with the Sea's encompassed.Parthenope doth Captaines stout beget.Mediolanum pleasant is, and great.Bononia doth for study much excellMany Citizens in shining Florence dwell.Ferraria doth yeeld much Iron Oare,Verona hath of all things wondrous store.For Law and Physick Padua is extoll'dSenas for eloquence may bee enrol'd. Cremona is a miserable place,And Mantua sweet Virgins birth doth grace.Vtinus doth transport of Wine great store.Rich Brixia is liberall to the poore.Papia doth for Italian Verses shineAnd Luca on two Dukedomes doth confine.Pisa bewailes her honour lost in th' end.Milke, Cheese, and Butter, •arma doe commend,And faire Placentia wants not Innes most deare.Vertue and Piety in Taurinum are.Perusia hath for Souldiers got much fame.Vercella delighteth not in unjust gaine.Mutina holds that Frogs most wholesome be.Anconas walls contemne the Enemie.Macerat• doth all suits of Law decide.Emporia is with Havens beautifie'd.The Citty Livium is most prone to Warre.In Bergomum they rude in language are.Aretium doth make the sharpest Sword.Viterbus to the poore doth helpe afford.In Asta courteous Citizens are found.Ariminium doth with fruit and Geese abound.Fanum hath women faire, and most compleate.Novaria hateth all Fare-like deceit.Ravenna hath lost the fame she had before.Anglia hath few Earles, Vincentia store.Pisaurum hath great store of Figges so great.Pistorium of Chesnuts, Oyle, and Wheate.Dertona many rustick Clownes doth feed.And Regium great store of Hogs doth breed.Sweet Vineyards doe Cesena compasse round.Cleare Springs and Streames are in Tarvisium found.Imola doth it selfe in two devide,Vrbinum by her Dukes is dignifide.Faventia is well knowne for Potters ware,Spoletum harbours those which strangers are.Pompeia doth faire Sheepe and Oxen breed.And Narnia on Egges and Grapes doth feed.Assissum doth rejoyce because that hereHoly Saint Francis Corpes interred were.Comum with Fish and Flesh is amply stor'd.Savona leaving studies, wealth doth hoard.

Italy hath many Lakes, the chiefe whereof are in Etruria Tra•sumenus, Aprilis Marinus, Vadimonis, Ciminus, Vulsiniensis, Sabatus, Palus Bientina, and Ciana. In Latium there are Hostiae Lacus, Albanus, Aquae Salviae, Lacus Nemorensis, Iuturnae Lacus, Regillus, Fucinus, Pontina Palus, the Fundale Lake, the Tiburtine, Caecubus, the Simbruine Lake. In Picenum there is the Nu•sine Lake. In Vmbria, the Veline Lake, Floridus, and the Cutiliensian Lake. In Campania the Lucrine and Avernan Lake, Linterna Palus, Staetiva, and Pompeia. In Salentinum and Apulia, the Adurianian Lake, and the Lesinian. In Flaminia there is 7. Seas, and the Moore Padusa. In Langbardia Trans-padana, there are Verbanus, Ortanus, Larius, Luganus, Gaviratius, Monatius, Trinatius, Chivensis, Puscianus, Sebinus, Benacus, Idrinus, & Poeninus. In Venice Visigiolus. In Istria Costiacus. It is watered also with many Rivers, as Padus, Athesis, Rubico, Tiber, Arnus, Mincius, Tucinus, Ollius and Abdua. The chiefest of these is Padus, which as Strabo affirmeth, is the greatest. River in Europe except Ister. The Latine writers as Livy, Virgill, and others doe call it Padus, but the Italians call that which is called Pades, as Metrodorus Scepsins noateth in Pliny, because there are many pitch-trees growing about the Fountaine, which are called in French Pades, and the Grecians and Poets did heretofore call them Heridanos. Servius would have it so called from Phaeton the Sonne of Apollo, for before that Phaeton rhrough his owne temerity and rashnesse was cast downe headlong into this River, it was called Eridanus. It was called Bodincus as Pliny witnesseth, and Liguridus because it hath no bottome, Polybius Lib. 3. calleth it Bodegkos, and the ancients did call it Vesulus as Pliny sheweth, who noteth also that Spring-head thereof is in the borders Liguria, which is called Visendo, because it is wonderfull, and worthy of sight. It floweth from the Fountaine with a cleare streame, and so runneth, through the straight narrow Rocks, and the Valleys of the Rockie Mountaine: and it falleth downe with such violence as is wonderfull. And so runneth with a murmering noise through the stones, and afterward it floweth abroade, and is not confined with any channell, for the space almost of three Miles, even to Paysana, where it runneth almost under ground, so that very little of it can bee seene. But a Mile from thence it riseth up againe neere Paracolum, and so running forward it receiveth many Torrents, and Rivers, from the Alpes, and the Apennine Mountaines, and so being much encreased by those tributary streames, it runneth through the middle of Langbardia, and a part of Romonula, and so with 7. mouths or inletts, it dischargeth it selfe into the Hadriatick Sea. Pliny saith that it maketh 7. Seas, because it runneth with 7. streames a great way into the Sea, in whome Lib. 3. Cap. 16. see more concerning the course of this River, as also in Polybius Lib. 2. in Strabo, Lib. 5. in Pompinius Mela, Lib. 3. in Solinus in his Polyhist. Cap. 7. also in Leander Albertus, and other moderne writers. Virgill in the ninth of his Aeneads calleth it Rex Fluviorum the King of Rivers. And Lucan Lib. 2. singeth thus. Non minor hic Nilo, and a little after, Non minor hic Istro, that is, this River is as great as Nilus, or as great as Ister. The River Athesis so called by Virgill and other doth follow next; Strabo calleth it Athigis, which the Italians doe now call l' Adice or l' Adese: and the Germanes Et•sh. Pliny reporteth that Athesis doth flowe out of the Tridentine Alpes, at first with a small streame, but afterward having got more strength by the acsension of many Rivers, it runneth with a violent course Southward, and afterward from Tridentum it runneth with a more gentle streame through the Plaine: and so having glided through those fields, it runneth through the narrow passages of the Mountaines with so great a violence, that it seemes to threaten these places by which it floweth, and with the same vehemency it doth runne headlong by Verrona, beneath which it is devided into two Rivers, the one whereof goeth toward the Marshes, the other bendeth to the Sea-ward, and maketh a faire Haven, you may see more in Leander. From the Spring-head thereof to Verona, it is not navigable or passeable for boates, by reason that it hath such a violent Current, but they bring downe trees, and pieces of timber out of the Tridentine Mountaines, which they tye together and make them swim downe the River. But from Verona it is navigable even to the Fossions. Torellus in his History of Verona, would have Athesis to be the same which Ptolemie calleth Atrianum. And some doe thinke that Adrias is the same with Athesis, which Stephanus and others doe mention. The third River is Rubicon, which Ptolemie and other Greeke writers doe call Rubikoon: Strabo calleth it Roubikoon: now it is called Pisatellus. It was that River which a Pliny witnesseth did anciently bounder Italie, after the bounds thereof were translated from the River Aesus. The fourth River is Tiber, which is the bounds betweene Etruria and Latium. There is no River more famous in Roman Histories. It hath had divers names, some prophane and some sacred. The prophane heathen names are Ianus, Albula, Rumen, and Tiberis, the Divine is Serra. Athenaeus reporteth that it was anciently called Ianus, from the God Ianus. It appeares in Varro and others that it was called Albula, which Paulus Diaconus & Servius doe derive ab albo colore from the white colour of it, who sheweth also that it was called Rumon. But the chiefest name of this River was and is Tiber, of which there are divers Etymologies. Some doe derive it from Tibris, a King of the Aborigines, Festius and Servius say that hee was King of the Tussians: Livy, Ovid, Festus Pompeius, and Eusebius doe derive it from Tiberinus Silvius, Prince of the Albanians. Varro delivers that this River was called Dehiberim from Dehebris an Earle of the Vejentians: Servius saith that it was called in the Scripture by a sacred name Serra a secando from cutting. So much concerning the names, in which it is to bee noted that there was a difference observed in the pronunciation of these words Tiberis, Tibris, and Tiberini. For in common speech it was called Tiberis in Poesy Tibris; and in holy writers Tiberinus, as Servius noteth, which is not alwayes true. It was called commonly Tevere. The head of Tiber is in the Apennine Mountaines, in the middle of it, neere the confines of the Aretineans, in that parte, where the Fountaine of Arnus, is above Aretium. It is a small streame at first like a little Rivilet, but when it hath runne forward it increaseth but a little, in regard it receaveth no great streames, but such as proceede from small Fountaines, but afterward by the receipt of some Rivers it groweth larger, and is Navigable for boates and little vessels even to Rome, and so running not farre from Tiphernum, Perusia, Otriculus, it divideth Eturia from the Vmbrian and Sabinians: and afterward 13. Miles from Rome, it divideth the Vesentians from the Crustiminians and Fidenations: also it seperateth Latium from Vaticanum: and is so great and broade a River at Rome, so that they cannot passe over it but by Bridges or Boates, as Halicarnassaeus writeth, and from thence it runneth forward, and rowleth into the Tyrrhene Sea. Pliny in his 3. Booke Cap. 4. and Servius Lib. 7. of his Aeneads doe describe the course of this River. See also Florus Lib. 1 Histor. Rom. Cap. 4. and Varao Lib. 4. de L. L. Paulus Iovius writ a Booke concerning the fish in Tiber, Pliny Lib. 3. Cap. 4. affirmeth that 42. Rivers doe runne into Tiber. The River Arnus followeth which Livy, Pliny, and others have mentioned, Strabo and Ptolemy doe call it Arnus: and in Italian it is called Arvo. It riseth, as Strabo reporteth on the right side of the Apennine Mountaine. It is a small streame at the beginning, and runneth westward through the steepe rocks and valleys: and afterward being encreased by the receipt of many Torrents, and Rivers, it entreth into the Florentine fields, and having divided Florentine and Pisa it runneth to the Sea. Virgill, Strabo, Pliny, and others doe call that Mincius, which the Italians doe now call Mencio of Menzio. This River having entred into the cleare Lake Bennacum, and having encompassed Mantua, 13. Miles from thence it runneth into Padus. Livy, Plinie, Silius, Polybius, Strab. Plut. Ptol. Steph. doe call it Ticinus. The Itenarie Tables call it q•icenus: it is now called Tisino. It riseth out of the Mountaine Sumano, which is now called the Mountaine of S. Gothard; from whence Rhene, Rhodanus, Athesis, and other Rivers doe runne divers wayes. Out of this Mountaine it runneth by the Lepontians Southward among the steepe Rocks to Belinzona a strong Towne, and afterward growing greater by the aversion of many Rivers and Torrents, it rowleth it selfe into the Lake Verbanum, through which it runneth, as Pliny affirmeth, and so returning through the Plaine, it runneth with a cleare streame into Padus. The water of this River is so cleare, that you may see any thing in the bottome of it. It hath also some vaines of gold and silver, which may be seene in the sands. The River Ollius which in Italian is called Oglio, hath great stoare of good fish, especially of that sort which they call in Italian Thymallo. In this River neere the Pallace, a great many wicker wares are set, and at certaine seasons of the yeare the water brings downe infinite stoare of Eeles into them, which are taken out and salted. To search out the rising of this River would be troublesome. The common received opinion is that two small Rivers doe runne out of the Lake Frigidulph, which is betweene the Alpes, the one on the right hand is called Fridigulph, and at length is joyned with Ollius: the other on the left hand doth runne with another River, and from thence the River Ollius beginneth. Others make other conjectures. It runneth into the Lake Iseum neere the Towne Pisonium: it watereth the fields of Brixianum and Cremona, and make their barren soyle very fruitefull: and it seperateth the Brixian Country from Cremonia and Bergoma: It receaveth above 37. other Rivers. Pliny and Tacitus doe call that River Abdua, or Addua, which Polib. and Strab. doe call Adovas, it is commonly cal'd Adda. It divideth the Cenomanians from the Insubrians. It riseth in the Mountaine Baulius: and Strab. noteth that it taketh his force from the Mountaine Adula. And so returning from the Lake Larius, through which it runneth, it windeth through the Plaine toward Padus, and bringeth with it many other Rivers, as Pilclavo, Meyra, Lira, Tarlene, Lacieumortum, Brembrum, and Serimortum, and also Serius, which rising in the Mountaines above Bergomum, and flowing by Seriana, in the winter time it hides himselfe in his channell, and runns under ground, and afterward rising up againe neere Crema, it runneth into Addua: but in Summer by reason that the heate of the Sun melteth the snow upon the Mountaines, it doth so increase and swell, that it doth not onely fill those subterranean channels, and windings under the earth, but also it continually overfloweth the upper face of the earth. I passe over the other Rivers, which are many for brevitie sake. The Seas, Baies, and Havens doe follow. The higher Sea, the lower Sea, and the Ionian Sea doe encompasse three sides of Italie. Whence Pliny thus concerning Italie. Tot Maria, portus, gremiumque Terrarum comercio patens undique, & tanqam ad invandos mortales ipsa •vide in mare procurrens: that is: there are so many Seas and Havens as if the Country did spread and lay open her bosome for traffique and Commerce, and for the good of men; shee shooteth herselfe farre into the Sea. It hath many Bayes, as Rappalinus Froycis, Amuclanum Mare, the Bayan Baye, the Paestanian Bay, Hypponiates, Scyllericus, the Tarentine Bay, Vrtas, the Tergestine, the Largian, and Flanitian. After the Bayes I will name the Havens. Strabo Lib. 6. write that Italie for the most part hath no Havens, and those which it hath are very great and strong both to prevent the invasion of enemies, and for the more convenient trading and Commerce. These are the Ports or Havens, the Haven of Olivunlua, of Avaon, of Avison, of Hercules Menaecus, of Mauricus, of Albirgiunus, of the Sabatrian Vadians, of Savona, of Genua, of Delphin, of Erycis, of Luna, of Pisanus, of the Vadians, of the Populonium, of the Scabrians, of Telamon, of Hercules, of Gravisia, of Augustus, of Antias, of Caieta, the Iulian Haven, the Bajon, the Vilinian, the Metaurian, Orestes Haven, Hanniballs Castra. The Tarentine, and Brundusian Havens, Garne, Agasus, the Anconitanian Haven, the Arminian, Ravenas, Peretolas, Livenza, P•la, and many others. After the description or Catalogue of the Havens, the Mountaines doe follow. The chiefe whereof are the Alpes, which whether we make them belong to France, Germany, or Italie it matters not: for these Mountaines running along doe with a wall as it were seperate Italie from France, and Germanie. Festus thinketh that the Alpes were so called ab Alberdine from their witnesse, for the Sabines saith hee called that Alpum, which the Latines afterward called Album or white. Isidorus would have the Alpes to bee a French name, and that high Mountaines are called in French Alpes. The Germaine speech doth acknowledge the name of Alpes, for Alp or Alpen signifies in their language pasturing Mountaines, on which no Hay is cut or got against Winter, but onely Oxen and other heards of Cattell are put there to graze. Strabo writeth that these Mountaines were heretofore called Albia and Alpioni: Stephanus also calleth them Alpia and Alpij. Phavorinus calleth them Olbia, and Lycophran, Salpij. Ovid. Lib. 3. de Arte amandi, Lucan and others doe call them Alpis in the singular number, and Dionysius Afrus calleth them Alpius. The Alpes in ancient writings and records have many names, which shew that there were many parts of the Alpes over which they traveled. And these are the Sea Alpes, which ar also calld the Ligustina Alpes: The Cottian, Graecian, Penine, the Sammian Alpes, the Lepontian, the Rhetian, Iulian and Carnician. And so much concerning the Alpes, which breadthwayes doe seperat and parte Italie from France and Germanie, the Apinine followeth, which running with a continuing ridge betweene the higher and the lower Sea, it divideth it length wayes into two parts or sides. It is thought to have beene so called, because the foote of this Hill is by Hannibals Penine passage. Some thinke it was called the Apenine, because the Paenians or Carthaginians breaking into Italie under the conduct of Hanniball did make and open a passage this way, some derive it from Apis and ancient Captaine who overcame and conquerd all Italie. Ptolamie and others call it Appennina, Stephanus Apennium, the Apennine Mountaine, saith Pliny, is the greatest in Italie, running with a continued ridge from the Alpes to the Sicillian straite. Italie hath many other Mountaines, which are either parts or pieces of the Apennine, or such as it thrusteth forth here and there, or such as lye at the foote thereof, so that it overlookes them. But I passe over them, least I should be tedious. Moreover the Mountaines & aforesaid, the Valleys and fields are crowned with woods, groves, and thicketts, many of which are named and celebrated by the ancients. In Etruria there is the wood Viterbium, which in Italian is called Boscodi Monte Fiacone, which is commonly calld Bolsena, the ancients as Leander reporteth did call it the Valsinan Wood. On Ciminus a Mountaine of Etruria, here was a wood, so thick that few travelld through it, of which Livy thus. Silva erat Cimina, magis tum invia atque horrenda, quam nuper suere Germanicj Saltus, nulli ad eam diem, ne Mercatorj quidem adita, Eam intrare haud fere quisquam praeter Ducem ipsum audebat. That is, the Ciminian Wood was more thick and impassable, than the Germane Forrests were of late, so that no man nor Merchant hath passed thorow it, into which none but the Captaine durst enter. In Latium among the Capenatians there was the Wood Feronia, of which Silius singeth thus.

Dives ubi ante omnes colitur Feronia Lucos;Et Sacer humectat Fluvialia Rura Capenas. Where Feronia is reverenc'd above the other Woods;And Capenas doth moisten the Country full of Floods.

Neere the River Numicum there was a Wood sacred to Iupiter Indigites, as Pliny witnesseth. Livie placeth Dianas Wood by Agninum Compitum. Festus noteth that the Wood Naeviam was foure miles from the Citty. Livie writeth that the Wood Camenarus, was without the gate Capena. That which he calleth Algidum Nemus, is now called Selvadel Aglio. Servius placeth the Albunean Wood on the high Tiburtine Mountaines, and another of the name in the Laurintinianfields. Virgil intimateth that the wood Angitia, was neere to Alba of the Marsians. Cicero maketh the wood Lurina to be in the Territory of Romania. D. Victor placeth the wood Furina, in the 13. Region beyond Tiber. Plutarch calleth it the Furies wood. Pliny placeth the wood Vacuna neere the Mountaine Fiscellus in Vmbria. Campania also hath faire woods, as Luco Sacro, and Gallinaria Silva. Livie calleth Sacer Lu•us, or the holy wood, it is now called Hamij. Cicero writing to Poelus, and Strabo. Lib. 5. doe call it Gallinaria Silva. The Lucanian woods are Eboli, Perigrivalis, Velia. In Brutium there is the Rhegian Forrest. In Apulia there are Batini Saltus, and Lucus Gargani. In Gallia Cis-Padano there is the wood Lucina, and the Bedanian woods. In Trans-Padana there is that which Strabo calls Castrorum Lucus: Lastly, there are two woods in Venice, the one is called Iunoes wood, the other Diana'es. I come now to the publike workes both sacred and prophane, which are innumerable, but we will onely reckon some few of them. And that we may begin with the sacred workes, they are almost infinite, for Rome alone hath at this day above 300. Churches, of which seven are chiefly resorted unto for Religion sake; the first is Saint Peters Church in the Vatican: which exceedeth all the Churches in the World for costly Marble worke, and magnificent building. There are many singular things in it: as some Pillars which were brought out of Salomons Temple: two Brasse Peacocks which were brought from P. Cornelius Scipio Africanus his Pyramisse, which was heretofore in the Vatican Valley. There are also the Tombes and Sepulchers of many Popes, and a Marble Tombe of the Emperour Otho the second: and in the Popes Chappell there is Doomesday, or the day of Judgement lively drawne by Michael Angelo. And that I may not omit the Monasteries, the Hospitals for Strangers, the Hospitals for the Sicke, and for Orphanes. What should I speake of the Popes and Cardinals Palaces? The Popes Palace is in the highest part of the Valitan, being fairely seated: who leaving his Lateran Palace, did remoove thither in regard of the pleasantnesse and wholesomenesse of the Seate. It was begun by Pope Nicholas the third, and enlarged by others, but perfected by Iulian the second, and Leo the tenth, and at last it was adorned with Buildings and Pictures by Xistus the fifth, so that now the proud Pile seemeth to touch the Heavens. The Staires are broad and easie to ascend, so that one may ride on Horseback to the top of the House. For it is so great that it seemeth rather a Town than a House, there is Xistus Chapell which is as big as a great Church, whether when the See is vacant, the Cardinals doe meete together to create a Pope, which is commonly called the Conclave. It would be tedious to mention the other Palaces, and therefore we will passe to other matters. The government of Italie followeth, which is twofold, Politicall and Ecclesiasticall. Concerning the Politick and Civill government, this noble Country is devided into many Signiories. Among which, beside the Pope, the King of Naples, and the free Commonwealths, as Venice, Genoa, Lucensis, and others, the chiefe in the Northerne part are, the Princes of Etruria, Ferrara, Mantua, M•diolanum, Montis-Feratensis, of Parma, of Salluzzia, and Verona. In the Southerne part there are many Nobles, which when occasion shall be offerd, I will reckon up in their proper places. In Ecclesiastick government the Pope is the Hierarch and the head of the Church, and hath a great Traine. Quoties procedit Gemmis conspicitur ornatus, & Sericis vestibus, tectus Auro, vectus Equo albo, stipatus Milite, circumstrepentibus septus Ministris. That is, as often as the Pope goes forth, hee weareth silke Robes, embroidered with Gold and Pearle, he rideth on a white Horse, and is garded with Souldiers, and hath Officers which play on Musick before him. The other Priests are here much honoured, and have great authority. And are more honoured than Noblemen. The Cardinals as Peter Messias noteth, did succeed in place of the Consuls, who heretofore governed the Romane Empire: the Archbishops are equall to Dukes: the Bishops to Earles, their Vicars or Substitutes are as it were Presidents of the Empire, & the Provosts are as it were Praefects: the Arch-priests are in the place of Tribunes of Souldiers, and the Chancellors doe represent the Tribunes of the People. Moreover, Italie hath a threefold Law, the Pontificall, the Caesarian, and the Municipall, the first and second are to be knowne other wheres; the third consists of Statutes and Lawes, which the Citties themselves doe enact and make: but let so much suffice. I will onely here set downe that which is read in a certaine Manuscript concerning the Counsels of these severall Citties. It is written the Mediolanians are excellent in Counsel: the Venetians wise: the Lucanians rash: the Pisanians inconstant: the Placentians provident: the Florentines slow: the Veronians faithfull: the Ferrarians wary: the Genoans ignorant: the Lucensians profitable: the Volscians envious: the Brutians blockish: the Mutinensians acute and ingenious: the Perusinians quick and ready: the Senenians slow: and the Patavians irresolute. The Italians doe maintaine, cherish, and honour Schollers, and are good Maecenasses unto them. And hence there are so many Universities in Italy, as Romana, Mediolanum, Bononia, Patavina, Papiensis, Naples, Perusina, Salerne, Pisona, Ferrara, Senensis, Florence, Veneta, Bergomensis, Mutinensis, and Taurinensis; for the Universities of Parma, Placentia, Anconita, and Macerata, are for the most part decayed. And hence proceedeth that great plenty of Doctors, and famous men learned in divers Arts and Disciplines. It would be troublesome unto me to reckon up a Catalogue of them, and tedious to the Reader. Moreover, the Italians doe exceed other people for courteous conversation, for gentlenesse, and for witty conference, and discourse. They are very ingenious and witty, quick of invention, and very docible, in matters of study, and also in learning divers Arts. They have in all ages thirsted after honour and glory, and have beene more desirous of praise than any others. They are soft and effeminate, and given to Venery, quenching pleasure with Milke, as fire is with Oyle. They are very desirous of revenge: and they thinke it sweeter than life, and doe sometime leave it by Will to their Posterity. Moreoover the aforesaid Manuscript doth paint forth the women of divers Citties in this manner: the Senensians are faire: the Florentines delicate: the Perusenians neat: the Cajetanians faire: the Consentineans obstinate: the Beneventanians clownish: the Bononians arrogant and proud: the Mutinensians bountifull: the Cesenatians covetously scraping: the Genoans wanton: the Cremonians deceitfull: the Placentians hard: the Lucensians chaste: the Pistoriensians loving and tractable. The Romans grave: the Capuanians proud: the Neapolitans carefull: the Brundisinians slothfull: the Ferratians greedy: the Ravennatians courteous: the Urbinatians affable: the Vincentinians constant: the Parmensians coverous: the Papiensians desirous of gaine: the Mediolanensians witty conceited: the Pedemontanians prating and talkative: the Venetians wanton: the Verronians comely: the Brixians diligent: the Formianians faire and beautifull: the Laudensians superstitious: the Cremonensians costly: the Tarvisians jealous: the Bergomatians crafty: the Aretinians saving: and the Puteolanians faire. The Italians were heretofore sottishly adicted to many superstitions. But now they doe all religiously observe the Ceremonies and Rites of the Romane Church: but that some few in the Southerne part of Italy do follow the Graecian Rites, who are also descended of the Graecians. But what a warlike people the Italians have beene, the conquest of the world doth declare. And the aforesaid Manuscript doth shew which Citties doe exceed others in matter of Warre. In warlike affaires the Perusinians are stout: the Calabrians rash: the Spoletanians crafty: the Senensians fortunate: the Bononians fierce: the Neapolitans couragious: the Turentines are mitigators of their enemy: the Prarensians sacrilegious: the Collensians lustfull: the Picenians ravenous: the Aemilians inconsiderate: the Placentinians cruell: the Romanes valiant: the Mediolanians undaunted: the Vincentinians desirous of revenge: the Pistorians bloody: the Papiensians firme and constant. Their Diet is sober and frugall, and they are not curious in furnishing their Tables, but when necessity requires. They doe not all weare one kinde of habit, but they vary according to the time or the quality of the Person, and also in the forme and shape of it. The Mattoas heretofore did goe with naked armes, brests, and shoulders, and now they cover all with thin Vailes according to the Spanish fashion. The Venetians goe civilly and neatly, the Florentians, the Tuscians, the Mediolanians, the Aemilians, and Ligurians, doe goe somewhat bravet. But the Romane Courtier doth excell all the rest for long various colour'd Garments, but the Romane Citizen goeth more frugally, yet hansomely, but especially the women who of late did affect the Tuscane dressing. Naples hath a habit that is more shining and splendide than costly. The Mediolanians in their apparell are gorgious, the Genoas neat, the Mantuans childish, the Neapolitans costly, the Venetians magnificent, the Florentines ridiculous. In revenging of injuries the Lucensians are gentle, the Mediolanians are soone reconcil'd▪ the Perusinians are dissemblers, the Fulginatians are hot, the Mutinensians are placable, the Sonensians couragious. The Neapolitans are bountifull, the Ferrarians stiffe conceited, the Venetians crafty, the Cremonians plaine and open, the Picenians backbiters, the Romanes unjust. Toward Strangers the Calabrians are inhospitable, the Lucensians faithfull, the Senensians loving, the Venetians faire-spoken, the Patavinians hard, the Mediolanians unwary▪ the Ferrarians sharpe, the Mantuans flatterers, the Placentians severe, the Picenians troublesome, the Neapolitans bountifull, the Florentines profuse and prodigall, the Astensians benevolent, the Spoletanes rude and rustick, the Verronians studious, the Papiensians wife, the Genoaes in hospitable, the Parmensians inconstant, the Mutinensians tedious in speech, the Novocomians inhumane. Lastly, the Italians are much given to merchandizing. And the same Manuscript sheweth their dispositions in trading and commerce: namely, the Florentines are crafty, the Genoaes tolerable, the Mediotanians plaine and open, the Lucensians faithfull, the Venetians stately and wary.

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

ITALY ought to be considered in three or four principal Parts, which shall be those of

• LOMBARDY, which may be divided into the
  • Higher; where are the Estates of
    • PIEDMONT, which belongs to the Dutchy of SAVOY, and comprehends the
      • Dutchy of Aost, Aoste.
      • Signieury of Verceil, Verceili.
      • Principality of Piedmont, Turine.
      • County of Ast, Astr.
      • Marquisate of Saluce, Saluzzo.
      • County of Nice, Nizza, or Nice.
    • MILLAIN, which comprehendeth the
      • Dutchy of Millan, Millan.
      • Lake of Como, Como.
      • Lodesan, Lodi.
      • Cremonese, Cremona.
      • Pavese, Pavia.
      • Tortonese, Tortona.
      • Alexandrin, Alexandria.
      • Laumelline, Valenca.
      • Novarese, Novara.
    • GENES, or GENOA, which is divided in
      • The Eastern River,
        • Getroa,
        • Sarzana.
      • The Western River,
        • Savona,
        • Arbengue,
        • Vintimiglia.
    • MONTFERRAT,
      • To the Duke of Mantoua, Alba.
      • To the Duke of Savoy, Trin.
  • Lower; where are the Estates of
    • The REPUBLICK of VENICE, which possesseth the Provinces or Parts of
      • Bergamase, Bergarne.
      • Cremase, Crema.
      • Bressan, Brescello.
      • Veronois, Verona.
      • Vicentin or Vicentinois, Vizenzo.
      • Padouan, Padoua.
      • Pol•s•ne de Rovigo, Rovigo.
      • Coast of. Trevisane, Trevigi.
      • Feltr•n, Feltri,
      • Bell•nois, Belluno.
      • Cadorin, Cadore.
      • Friouli,
        • Cuidad de Austria,
        • Aquileja,
        • Palma la Nova.
      • Istri•, Cabo d'Itria.
      • Dog•do, or Dutchy of Venice,
    • MANTOA, — Dukedom of Mantoua. Mantoua.
    • PARMA, and PLACENZA,
      • Dukedom of Parma, Parma.
      • Dukedom of Placenza, Placenza.
    • MODENA, and REGGE,
      • Dukedom of Modena, Modena.
      • Dukedom of Regge, Reglo, or Regge.
    • TRENT, — Bishoprick and County of Trent.
  • In the one and the other Lombardy, are divers small Estates, among the which is Mirandola.
• ITALY, particularly so called; where are
  • The Estates of the CHURCH,
    • Towards the Gulph of Venice; as
      • Dukedom of Ferrarese, Ferrara.
      • Bolognois, Bologna.
      • Romandiola, Ravenna.
      • Dutchy of Urbin, Urbin.
      • Coast of Ancone, Ancona.
    • Towards the Tyrrhenian Sea; as
      • County of Citti di Castello.
      • Perusin, Perugia.
      • Ombria, or the Dutchy of Spoleto.
      • Orvietin, Orvieto.
      • Terre Sabine, Narvi.
      • St. Peters Patrimony, Veij.
      • Campagna di Roma, Rome, or Roma:
  • Among the Estates of the Church, are
    • Dutchy of Castro, Castro.
    • Republick of St. Marino.
  • The Estates of TOSCANY,
    • To the Great DUKE of TOSCANY,
      • Florence, Florence.
      • Sanase, or Siennois, Sien•.
      • Pisan,
        • Pisa,
        • Livourne, or Ligorne.
    • To divers Princes; as the
      • Republick of Lucque.
      • Principality of Alassa.
      • Signieury of Piombine.
      • Isle of Elbe, Cosmopoli.
• The Kingdom of NAPLES, sometime divided in
  • TERRA di LAVARO.
  • CALABRIA. But at present into twelve Provinces; whereof are
    • Six towards the Tyrrhenean Sea, to wit,
      • Terra di Lavora,
        • Naples,
        • Cajeta.
      • Principato citra, or Interiour,
        • Amalfi,
        • Salerno.
      • Principato ultra, or Exteriour,
        • Benevento,
        • Conza.
      • Calabria citra, Cosenza.
      • Calabria ultra, Regium.
      • Basilicate, Cirenza.
    • Six towards the Gulph of Venice, to wit,
      • Terra di Otranto,
        • Otranto,
        • Brundufium.
        • Gallipoli,
        • Brindici.
      • Tetra di Bari, Bari.
      • Capitanate, or Pugi,
        • Manfredonia,
        • Mont St. Angelo.
      • County of Molise.
      • Abruzzo citra, or Interiour
        • Lanciano,
        • Sulmona,
        • Civita di Chietti.
      • Abruzzo ultra, or Exteriour,
        • Civita di Penna,
        • Aquila.
  • PUGIA.
  • ABRUZZO.
• And to which, for the fourth part, may be added, The Isles and Kingdoms of
  • SICILE, or SICILY,
    • Messina,
    • Palermo,
    • Siracusa,
    • Montreale, and Catali•.
  • SARDAGNE, or SARDINIA,
    • Cagliari,
    • Bosa, and Sassari.
  • CORCE, or CORSICA,
    • Bastia,
    • Mariana, and Calvi.

Together with several small Isles, as those of Naples, Liguria, &c. some of which are taken notice of in the Descriptional part.

• The Estates of the DUKE of SAVOY, are
  • On this side the ALPES, to wit,
    • The DUTCHY of SAVOY; where there are the Provinces of
      • Genevois,
        • Annecy,
        • la Roche,
        • Alby,
        • Thonnon,
        • Vieux.
      • Faussigni,
        • Cluse,
        • Bonneville,
        • Bonne,
        • Sallanche,
        • Taninge,
      • Chablais,
        • Thonon,
        • Evian,
        • St. Gingot.
      • Savoy,
        • Chambery.
        • les Eschelles,
        • Montmelian,
        • Ayguebelle,
        • Conflans,
        • Beaufort,
        • Ugine,
        • Miolans,
        • Aix, and Rumilly,
      • Tarentaise,
        • Monftiers,
        • St. Jaqu' Esme,
        • le bourg St. Morice.
      • Morienne,
        • St. Jaan de Morienne;
        • la Cha•obre,
        • Modane,
        • La••ebourg.
      • And Beugey, in part,
        • Yenne,
        • St. Genis d'Hoste.
  • The COUNTY of NICE; where are the Vicarats of
    • Nice, or Nizza,
      • Nice, or Nizza,
      • Ville Franche.
    • Poget, Poget.
    • Barcellonnette,
      • Barcellonnette,
      • le Lauset.
    • Sospelle,
      • Sospelle,
      • Saorgiz.
  • And the
    • Val St. Esteve,
      • St. Esteve,
      • St. Salvador.
    • Counte of Boglio, or of Beuil.
• Beyond the ALPES; to wit,
  • PIEDMONT; under the name of which is understood, the
    • Dutchy of Aoste,
      • Aoste,
      • Castillion,
      • Bard.
    • Marquisate of Yvree,
      • Yvree,
      • Pont,
      • St. Martin.
    • Signiory of Verceil,
      • Verceilli,
      • Crescer•tin,
      • Borzane,
      • Biele,
      • Andorne,
      • Gartintra.
    • Marquisate of Suze,
      • Suze,
      • Avillar•e.
    • Principality of Piedmont,
      • Turin, or Turino,
      • Mondouj,
      • Fossan,
      • Chivas,
      • Rivoli,
      • Javen,
      • Carignan,
      • Pancalier,
      • Vigon,
      • Cavours,
      • Ville franque,
      • Raconis,
      • Savillan,
      • Coni,
      • Tende,
      • Ceve,
      • Cortemille,
      • Bene,
      • Quierase,
      • Quiers.
      • Moncalier,
      • Cocconas.
      • Verue.
    • Counte of Ast,
      • Asti,
      • Ville neuved' Ast.
      • Saluce, or Saluzzo.
    • Marquisate of Saluce.
      • Carmagnole,
      • Barges,
      • Revel,
      • Droners,
      • Cental,
      • Rocqu' Esparviere.
      • Demont.
    • Quarter of Piedmont, or at present belonging to Fracne,
      • Pignerol,
      • Perouse,
      • Lucerne,
      • Brigueras,
  • The DUTCHY of MONFERAT, On the Coast of GENES,
    • In part, where are
      • Albe,
      • Trin, and Aqui.
    • The Marquisate of
      • Oneglia,
      • Marro.
  • In PIEDMONT, restored from the Church, the Printipality of Masseran.
  • The DUTCHY of SAVOY preteneth to Geneve, Chypre, &c.

• LOMBARDY, which may be divided into the
  • Higher, and comprehendeth the Estates of
    • PIEDMONT, as it belongs to the Duke of Savoy; where are the
      • Dutchy of Aost,
        • Aoste,
        • Ivree.
      • Seignieury of Verceili,— Verceili.
      • Principality of Piedmont,
        • Turin,
        • Fossan,
        • Mondevi, or Mondoui,
        • Suze,
        • Savillan,
        • Coni,
        • Quierase,
        • Quiers.
      • County of Ast, — Asti.
      • Marquisate of Saluce,
        • Saluce, or Saluzzo,
        • Carmagnole.
      • County of Nice,
        • Nizza, or Nice,
        • Barcelonnette.
    • MILLAN, as it belongs to the Catholick King; where are the
      • Dutchy of Millan, — Millain.
      • Val de Ugogne, Domo d'Osula.
      • Lake of Como, Como.
      • Novarese, Novare.
      • Vigevanase, Vigevan.
      • Lodesan, Lodi.
      • Pavese, Pavia.
      • Laumelline, Valenca.
      • Alexandrin, Alexandria de la Paille.
      • Tortonese, Tortona.
      • Cremonese, — Cremona.
    • GENES, or GENOA, a Signieury and Republick; which is divided into
      • Eastern River,
        • Genoa, or Genes.
        • Sarzana.
      • Western River,
        • Vintimiglia,
        • Arbengue,
        • Savona.
    • The Dutchy of MONFERRAT; as it belongs
      • To the Duke of Mantoua,
        • Alba,
        • Aqui.
      • To the Duke of Savoy,
        • Trin,
        • Casan.
    • In Piedmont appertaineth
      • To the French, — Pignerol.
      • To its peculiar Prince, — Masseran.
    • In the Estate of Millain, appertaineth
      • To the Swisses,
        • Lugan,
        • Locarne,
        • Bellinzone.
      • To the Grisons,
        • Churcoire,
        • Chiavenna,
        • Sondrio,
        • Bormio.
      • In the Estate of Genes, or Genoa, appertaineth
        • To his peculiar Prince, — Monaco, or Mourgues.
        • To the Duke of Savoy, — Oneglia.
        • To the Catholick King,
          • Finale,
          • Pontremoli.
      • Between Piedmont, Monferrat, &c. To the Pope, or Church, — Montaldo, &c.
    • Lower, and comprehendeth the Estates of
      • The Signleury and Republick of VENICE; where are
        • Bergamese, — Bergame.
        • Cremase, Crema.
        • Bressan, Bressia.
        • Veronois, or Veronese, Verona.
        • Vicentin, or Vicentinois, Vicenza.
        • Padouan, Padoua.
        • Polesine de Rovigo, — Rovigo.
        • Dogado, or Duchy,
          • Venice, or Venetia,
          • Chiogia,
          • Caorla,
          • Torcello,
          • Muran.
        • Coast of Trevisane, — Trevigi.
        • Feltrin, Feltri.
        • Bellun•is Cuidad de Bellune.
        • Cadorin, — Pie di Cadore.
        • Friouli,
          • Cuidad de Austria,
          • Aquileja,
          • Cuidad de Friouli,
          • Concordia,
          • Palma la Nova.
        • Istria,
          • Cabo d'Istria,
          • Ci•ta Nuova,
          • Parenzo, and Pola.
      • MANTOUA, to his Dukedom that of Mantoua,
        • Mantoua,
        • Viadana,
        • Goito.
      • MODENE, and REGGE, &c. to their Dukedoms,
        • Dukedom of Modene, — Modene.
        • Dukedom of Regge, Regio, or Regge.
        • Principality of Carpi, Carpi.
        • Signieury of Carfagnan, Castelnove de Carfagnan.
      • PARMA and PLACENZA, to their Dukedoms
        • Dukedom of Parma, Parma.
        • Dukedom of Placenza, — Placenza,
      • TRENTE, to his Bishoprick; where are
        • Trent,
        • Bolzan.
      • In the Signieury of Venice, appertaineth
        • To the Pope, or Church, — Ceneda.
        • To the House of Austria,
          • Gorice,
          • Trieste,
          • Pedena:
      • In the Estate of Mantoua, are to their Lords
        • The Dukedoms of
          • Guastalle,
          • Sabionete.
        • The Counties of
          • Bozolo, or St. Martin,
          • Castillon della Stivere.
      • Between the Estates of Mantoua and Modene, are
        • The Dutchy of — Mirandola.
        • The County of — Novelcare.
      • In the Estate of Modene, and to the Duke of Modene, are The Signieuries of
        • Correge,
        • Sassuol.
      • In the Estates of Parma, to their particular Princes, are
        • The Estates of Palavicin, — Bourg St. Domino.
        • The Estate of Land•, — Bourg val di Taro.

• The Signieury or Republick of VENICE; called the
  • ESTATE of FIRM LAND, which is possessed in ITALY; to wit,
    • Bergamose,
      • Bergamo,
      • Martinengo,
      • Chuson.
    • Cremase, — Crema.
    • Bressan,
      • Bressia,
      • Salo,
      • Azola,
      • Orsi Nuovi.
    • Veronoise,
      • Verona,
      • Peschiera,
      • Legnago.
    • Vicentin, or Vicentenoi•,
      • Vicenza,
      • Lonigo.
    • Padouan,
      • Padoua,
      • Este,
      • Moutagnana,
      • Castel Baldo,
      • Monselice,
      • Campo St. Petro,
      • Citadella,
      • Pieve di Sacco.
    • Polesine de Rovigo,
      • Rovigo,
      • Adria.
    • Dogado,
      • Venice, or Venetia.
      • Chioggit,
      • Caorla,
      • Torcello,
      • Grado,
      • Murano,
      • Marano,
      • Maestre.
    • Coast of Trevisane,
      • Trevigi,
      • Serravalle.
    • Feltrin,— Feltri.
    • Bellunoise,— Cuidad de Bellune.
    • Cadorin, — Pieve di Cadore.
    • Friouli,
      • Cuidad de Austria,
      • Aquileja,
      • •alma la Nova,
      • Cuidad de Friouli,
      • Concordia, and Chiusa.
• ESTATE of or in the SEA; which is possessed
  • On the Coas•• of
    • Istria,
      • Capo d'Istria,
      • Citta Nuova,
      • Parenzo,
      • Pola,
      • St. Juan de Duino.
    • Dalmatia, or Esclavonia,
      • Nona,
      • Zara,
      • Novigrad,
      • Tina,
      • Sebenico,
      • St. Nicolo,
      • Traw,
      • Spalato,
      • Salona,
      • Almissa,
      • Starigrad,
      • Vesicchio,
      • Cataro,
      • Budua,
      • Dolcigno.
    • Epire,
      • Torre de Butrinto,
      • Perga.
  • And the Isles
    • In the Gulph of Venice,
      • Chergo, — Cherso.
      • Ossero, Ossero.
      • Veggia, Veggia.
      • Arba, Arba.
      • Pago, Pago.
      • Solta, Solta.
      • Brazza, Neresi.
      • Lesina, Lesina.
      • Torta, Torta.
      • Issa. Meo.
      • Curzo, — Curzo.
    • Of the Levant,
      • Corfu,
        • Corfu,
        • Cape St. Angusto.
      • Zephalonia, — Zephalonia.
      • Zante, Zante.
      • Cerigo, Caps•li.
      • Crete, or Candia; now the Grand Seigniors;
        • Candia,
        • Retimo,
        • Canea,
        • Sittia,
        • Suda,
        • Spinalonga,
        • Belvidere,
        • Verapolo,
        • Castel Theodoro,
        • Grabuso,
        • Turluru.
      • Teno, — Teno.
      • Micone, Micone.
• And between the Estates of the VENETIANS, are
  • To the Pope, or Church, on the Coast of Trevisane, — Ceneda.
  • To the House of Austria, in Friouli and Istria,
    • Gradisca,
    • Trieste,
    • Pedena.
  • To the Signieury of Ragusa, on the Coast of Dalmatia, — Ragusa.
  • To the Turk, on the Coast of Albania, &c.
    • Castal Nuova,
    • la Valona.

• The Estates of the CHURCH, or POPE, comprehendeth
  • Twelve Provinces in ITALY, of which
    • Seven are between the TIRRHENE and the APENNIN; to wit, the
      • Campagne de Rome; where are
        • Roma, or Rome,
        • Ostia,
        • Erascati,
        • Tivoli,
        • Palestrina,
        • Veletri,
        • Segni,
        • Anagni,
        • Ferentino,
        • Alatri,
        • Velori,
        • Terracina.
      • Patrimony of St. Peter,
        • Veij,
        • Citta Castellana,
        • Sutri,
        • Porto,
        • Civita vechia,
        • Cor•eto,
        • Monte Flascone.
      • Orvietin,
        • Orviero,
        • Aquapendente.
      • Terre Sabine,
        • Narni,
        • Terni.
      • Ombrie, or the Dutchy of Spoleto,
        • Spoleto,
        • Fuligue,
        • Nocera,
        • Norcia,
        • Rieti,
        • Amelia,
        • Todi,
        • Assisio.
      • Perusin,
        • Perugia,
        • Fratti.
      • County of— Citta di Castello.
    • Five are between the APENNIN and the GULPH of VENICE; to wit, the
      • Region, or Quarter of Ancone,
        • Ancona,
        • Jesi,
        • Osmo,
        • Recanati,
        • St. Maria Lauretane,
        • Fermo,
        • Ripa Tr•nsone,
        • Ascoli,
        • Macerat•,
        • Tolentino,
        • St. Sever•no,
        • Camerino, and Fabriano.
      • Dutchy of Urbin,
        • Urbin,
        • Eugubbio,
        • Cagli,
        • Sinigagl•a,
        • Fossomb•one,
        • Fano,
        • Pesaro,
        • St. Leo,
        • Durance.
      • Romague, or Romandioa,
        • Ravenna,
        • Rimini,
        • Sarsina,
        • Cesena,
        • Cervia,
        • Bertinoro,
        • Forli,
        • •aenza,
        • Imo•a.
      • Ferrarese,
        • Perrara,
        • Comach•o,
        • Mesola,
      • Bologno•s,
        • Bologna,
        • Bolognese.
• Also,
  • In the Kingdom of Naples, The Dutchy, and City of — Beneven•o.
  • In the Estate of Venice, The City of — Ceneda.
  • Between Piedmont, Divers places, among which are
    • Montaldo,
    • St. Step•ano, &c.
  • Monserrat, and Genes, are Divers places, among which are
    • Montaldo,
    • St. Step•ano, &c.
• In FRANCE, and Between Dauphin, Languedoc, and Provence, the County of Avignon, and of Venaiscin▪ where are,
  • Avignon,
  • Carpent•as,
  • Cavaillon,
  • Vaison.
  • Venasque,
  • Lisle,
  • Vaureas,
  • Pont de Sorgues,
  • Chaun neuf du Pape,
  • Malausa•e,
  • Brantes.
• Rostored, freed, or quitted from the Jorisdiction, or Sup•emacy of the Church, or Pope, divers Estatea 〈◊〉 among. which are the
  • Kingdoms of
    • Naples, — Naples.
    • Sicily, Messina.
    • Sardaigne, Cagliari▪
    • Arragon, Syracuse.
    • Jerusalem, Jerusalem.
    • Hungary, Bude.
    • England, London.
    • Ireland, — Dublin,
  • Dukedoms of
    • Par•a,
    • C•s•ro,
    • Bra•ciano.
  • County of— Ronciglione.
  • Principalities, or Selgnories of
    • Radicosani,
    • Masseran.
  • Republick of — St. Marino.

ITALY lies in the midst of the three most Southern parts of Europe; It is formed like a Boot, and washed on all sides by the Sea, viz. by the Adriatick, or Gulph of Venice, behind; by the Iyrrhenian before, and by the Ionian at the foot: only the top of the Boot is contiguous to France and Germany, from which it is parted by the Alpes.

• 1.31The extent of the Roman Empire, before Constantine Ruled, and the division thereof, was accounted to be about 3000 Miles in length, to wit, from the River Euphrates Eastward, to the Irish Ocean Westward; and in breadth, from Mount Atlas. Southward, to the Danube Northward, about 2000; which large extent was the cause of its ruine and declension.

• 1.32The Ancient Romans were a gallant People, of a sound Judgment, and a ready Wit, well skilled in Arts and Sciences; very covetous of glory; of great Valour, as by their subduing the chief part of the World, who, contrary to the custom of Invaders, to sack and ruine Countries, they taught the People Manners, Literature, &c. The Romans were the first that wore the Purple Robe, and the beginners of Triumphs: they had excellent and stately Theaters, and it was hold no disreputation to be an Actor.

• 1.33This Country is so exceedingly furnished with whatsoever may be found useful for Man, and the Soil so rich and fer tile in Grains, Fruits, Rice, &c. in some places having threo Harvests in one year, that it is esteemed the Garden of the World. The chief Commodities for Merchandize that this Country yieldeth, are Silks, both raw and wrought into several fabricks, as Sattins, Taffities, Plushes, Velvets, Cloth of Gold and Silver, Damasks, Grograms, Rashes, Fustians, Glasses, Alom, Armour, excellent Wines, Oils, Saffron, Anni seeds, Argal, Brinistone, several Metals, Olives, Almonds, Galls, Kidsskins, Lute strings, Quicksilver, Aloes, Gold, Thread, Anchoves, several Drugs, &c.

• 1.34The Italians are very ingenious, respective, and grave; exceeding malicious, if affronted; much addicted to Women, which are here allowed the liberty to make use of their own. They are generally very jealous of their Wives, so that they are denied the liberty of the Streets, or the common view or society of men. The Women are generally handsom, witty, and of a seeming modest behaviour; it is observed of them, that they are Saints in the Church, Angels in the Streets, Magpies at the Door, Syrens in the Windows, and Goats in the Gardens. Their Language is very eloquent.

• 1.35Italy may be considered in three principal Parts, viz. Lombardy; Italy, particularly so called; and Naples: to which, for a fourth may be added the neighbouring Isles, in which said parts are divers Estates and Dukedoms; all which are at large set down in the Geographical Tables: and of these parts in order.

1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome. ITALY, particularly so called.

ITALY, particularly so called.

The second part of Italy, according to our method, will contain the Estates of the CHƲRCH and TOSCANE, which may again be subdivided into others, which are taken notice of in the Geographical Tables, of which in order.

• 1.49The Territory of FERRARESSE, about 160 miles in length, and 50 in breadth, had once Dukes of its own, but now belongs to the Pope; its chief place is Ferrara, so called from the Iron-Mines about it; it is seated on the Po, which serves as a Rampire to defend it on the one side, as doth a strong Wall, well fortified with a spacious Mote, on the other side; it is about five miles in compass, beautifully built, and adorned with superb Edifices, and is accounted one of the pleasantest Cities in Italy, having in the midst thereof a spacious Green, into which doth open about 20 Streets, most of which are about half a mile in length, and so even and uniform, that from thence the utmost ends of each may be easily discovered: It is well inhabited, rich, and dignified with an Ʋniversity.

• 1.50The Province of BOLOGNOIS, Eastwards of Modena, hath for its chief place Bologna, once the head of 12 Cities; it is seated on the River A∣posa, and in a large and fertil Territory for Corn, Wine, Fruits, and Olives; it is about five miles in circuit, and begirt with a Wall. This City is adorned with many fair and proud Buildings, in which they observe a uniformity, a∣mongst which is the Pope's Palace for his retirement, which for grandure and statelyness is fit to give entertainment to any Prince in Christendom. It is dig∣nified with the chief Ʋniversity of Italy, famous for the study of the Civil Law; it is proudly built, having spacious Courts.

• 1.51ROMANDIOLA, or ROMAGNE, Eastwards of Bolognese, hath for its chief places, 1. Ravenna, seated on the Adriatick, and once a place of good account, having one of the fairest Havens in the World, which is now choaked up. This City was the seat of the Emperour Honorius, and his Successors, then of the Gothish Kings, and lastly of its Patriarch; but now, as its Haven is choaked up, so is the Land covered with water, which makes it become useless. 2. Rimini, seated on the mouth of the River Rubicon. 3. Cer∣via, seated on the Adriatick Sea, a place where so great quantity of Salt is made, that the Popes part is valued yearly at 60000 Crowns, and 4. Faenza.

• 1.52The Dutchy or Dukedom of ƲRBIN, not long since fallen to the Holy Seat, it lying in the midst of his Territories. Its chief places are, 1. Ʋrbin, seated at the bottom of the Appennine, formed like a Miter: 2. Belfort, seated in the Midland: 3. Fano, a Sea-port Town to Ʋrbin, where the Eng∣lish do enjoy many Immunities; and 4. Pisaro, a Maritim Town, enjoying a good Haven.

• 1.53The Province of MARCA ANCONA, bounded with the Adriatick, Naples, the Appennine and Romagne; it takes its name from Ancona, its chief City seated on the Hill Cimmerius, which likes a Promontory shoots it self into the Sea, having the best Haven in Italy, towards the Adriatick Sea, the entrance into which is shut up by two Chains, the better to secure the Port. It is a City of good strength, being encompassed with Walls and Bulwarks; its Houses are fair, and its Inhabitants rich. 2. Loretto, famous for the Church of the Virgin Mary, which, as 'tis said was brought from Palestine in the Air by Angels for the Sins of the People, and is now a stately Structure, and richly adorned with the Presents dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and is much resorted unto by Pilgrims. 3. Marcerata, the Seat of the Governours of this Province; and here is a Colledge of Lawyers for the hearing and determining of causes. 4. Adria, which gave name to the adjoyning Sea: 5. Ascoli the Fair: and 6. Fermo the Strong.

• 1.54The Province or part of PERƲSIN is Westwards of Ombriae, its chief place is Perugia, where Augustus besieged L. Antonius the Brother, and Ful∣via the wife of Anthony the Triumvir, which said place at the Siege became also obedient unto him; and nigh to this City is Lago de Perugia, of about thirty miles in circuit, near whose Banks, Hannibal slew Flaminius 15000 of his Romans: here is also Lacus Vademonius, where Dolabella vanquished such of the Gauls as had escaped the Sword of Camillus.

• 1.55The Dutchy of SPOLETO, anciently called Ombria, as scituate under the Appennine Hills; hath for its chief places, 1. Spoleto, of great antiquity, where are yet remaining stately Aqueducts, the Temple of Concord, &c. 2. Assisto, famous for little, but being the Birth-place of St. Francis. 3. Fuligne; 4. Todi; 5. Amelia; and 6. Rieti.

• 1.56The Land of SABINE, Southwards of Spoleto, hath for its chief place Narvy, which is of some Account.

• 1.57The Province of ORIETIN, Westwards of Spoleto, hath for its chief places, 1. Orvieto, seated on so high a Rock, that it amazes those that look into the adjacent Valleys; and 2. Aquapendente.

• 1.58The part or Province called St. PETERS Patrimony, contains also all Latium, or Campagna di Roma, and part of Ituria; it is washed with the Tyrrhenian Sea; and in this part are the Mountains called Gallicanum, in which Hannibal frighted that noble Captain Fab. Maximus with a Stratagem, which was by having 2000 Oxen, which carried fire on their Ho•ns, by which means he passed over the Mountains. Its chief places are, 1. Ostria, seated at the Mouth of the Tiber, but its Haven is stopped up; it is honoured with the See of a Bishop, whose place is to consecrate the Popes. 2. Adrea, to which the Romans fled, after the Gauls had taken Rome. 3. Veij, a City of good anti∣quity, wealth, and largeness. 4. Alba, once the Seat of the Silvian Kings, and of good fame and beauty, but suffered much in the Wars by the hand of Tullus Hostilius. 5. Antium, a place of great delight, to which the Roman Emperours used to retire for recreation. 6. Civita Vechia, a Maritim Town, abounding in great plenty of Alom. 7. Viterbo; 8. Porto; 9. Corneto; 10. Veroli; 11. Pa∣lestrina; and 12. Trivoli, all places of some account; but above all Rome,* 1.59 seated in the Territory of Campagna di Roma, once the Mistress of the World, famous for her noble Warriers, who were so exact in their Martial Discipline, for their Triumphs and Antiquities, and for being the place where the Spoyls and Trophies of all Europe, and a great part of Asia, were laid up; in brief, it was a place sufficiently memorized by the ancient and renowned Historians. This City, when in its pristine splendor, was said to be 50 miles in compass, whose Walls were beautified with about 750 Towrs, and said to contain about 463000 fighting men, that is, free Citizens, such as were inrolled, besides Ser∣vants, Women, and Children; but this City hath several times felt the jostlings of ill fortune, so that as to its present state it hath not the moiety of its pristine beauty and splendour, scarce containing 11 miles in circuit, being almost Orbi∣cular, in which space there is about one third part wast ground; yet it is a place of great splendor, beautified with many Princely Palaces, and sufficiently fa∣mous for being the Seat of the Pope, which makes it to be exceeding populous, being thought to contain about 200000 Inhabitants, besides an exceeding great confluence of Strangers which hither come, some for devotion, and others to please their fancies with its Antiquities and Curiosities; and of the Inhabi∣tants, two thirds may be reckoned for Clergy-men and Curtesans, the later of which is esteemed to amount to about 40000, who pay 30000 Duccats yearly Tribute to the Pope, for which two Gallies are maintained and furnished for the service in Civita Vechia. This City is seated on the Banks of the Tiber, upon Campus Mar••us; it is Built upon ten Hills, on which are fair Structures, as on the top of the Vatican Hill, is seated the proud Palace of the Popes, large enough to give entertainment to three Princes at one time. It is beautified and enriched with excellent payntings and curiosities; and here are the Gardens called Belvidere, famous for its rare Plants, delightful Walks, curious Statues, &c. and on this Hill is the Church of St. Peter, being the most splendid and famous in all Rome, being adorned with rich Payntings, Tombs, &c. with di∣vers choice Curiosities, as the Spear that pierced our Saviours side, and the head of St. Andrew. In this City are about 300 Churches, Monasteries for Nuns, Religious Houses, and Convents; here are many Hospitals for the relief of the Distressed, likewise several gallant Libraries, as the Vatican, the Je∣suits Colledge, &c. And here the Pope liveth in more grandure than any Prince in Christendom, and the Cardinals have their Palaces richly adorned, and dwell in good state.