Abyssin

Sources from old books:

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

THE KINGDOMES OF THE ABISSINES AND CONGƲS. (Book Abissines) THE Kingdome of the Abissines is called Aethiopia, which Ptolemy placeth beneath Aegypt. The Moores doe call the Prince thereof Asiela Bassi, and in the Aethiopian language he is called Iohn Belul, that is, High and Precious, not Presbyter, as some are of opinion. Hee glorieth that he is descended from the stocke of David, and this is his Title. N. N. The supreme Governour of my Kingdomes, the onely beloved of God, the Pillar of Faith, descended of the stock of Judah, the Sonne of David, the Sonne of Salomon, the Sonne of the Pillar of Sion, the Sonne of the seed of Jacob, the Sonne of Mary, the Sonne of Nahu according to the flesh, the Sonne of the Saints Peter and Paul, according to Grace, the Emperour of the higher and lower Aethiopia, and of my large Kingdomes, Iurisdictions, and Territories; King of Noa, Caffares, Fatiger, Angola, Baru, Balignaca, Adea, Vangua, and Goyama, where there are the Spring-heads of Nilus, &c. Hee is without doubt one of the greatest Monarchs of the world, whose Territories doe lye betweene the two Tropickes, even from the red Sea to the Aethiopian Ocean. And that we may describe the bounds of his Empire more accurately: on the North it hath Aegypt which is subject to the Turkes: on the East the red Sea, and the Bay of Barbery: on the South it is encompassed with the Mountaines of the Moone, on the West it is bounderd with the Kingdome of Congus, the River Niger, the Kingdome of Nubia, and the River Nilus. In which bounds are contained ancient Aethiopia, below Aegypt. Troglodite, and the Cinnamon-bearing Country, and part of the innermost Libya. The Country in general (as appeareth by those who have taken a late view of it) is most fruitfull. There is a double Summer, which almost lasteth all the yeere, so that in some Fields they are sowing, and in others they are mowing at one and the same time. And in some parts Corne, and Pulse is sowed every moneth. This Country hath but little Wheate, but plenty of Barley, Millet, Vetches, Beanes, and other Pulse. It hath abundance of Ebon wood and Indian Pepper, Cinamon, and Ginger. It hath also great store of Sugar Canes, but they know not how to boyle and refine the Sugar. Here are many Vines, but they use no Wine except it be in the Kings or the great Patriarks Court. It hath also great store of Oranges and Lemmons, and also great store of Honey. For Bees doe breed even in their houses. So that they make such store of Waxe, as serveth all the Country to make Candles, without Tallow or Suet. This Country hath also Hempe and Flaxe, but the Inhabitants have not the Art to make Linnen cloth of it, and therefore they make their cloth of Cotton wooll, of which there is great store here. They have Mettals, as Gold, Silver, and Brasse: but they have not the art to refine it. Moreover, this Country hath all kindes of Beasts and Birds, as Elephants, Lions, Tigers, Leopards, Rhinocerites, Apes, and Harts, (which is against the opinion of the ancients, who deny that Affrick hath any Harts) also Oxen, Sheepe Goates, Asses, Cammels, Horses, and they are oftentimes much troubled with Locusts. This Country was heretofore governd onely by Queenes. So that wee read in the Old Testament that the Queene of Sheba of the South, came to King Salomon to heare his admirable wisedome, about the yeere of the world 2954. This Queenes name was Maqueda. The Aethiopian Kings doe beleeve that they are descended of the Stock of David, and the Family of Salomon. And therefore they are wont to stile themselves the Sonnes of David and Salomon, and of the holy Patriarcks, because they are come of their Seed. For they doe faine that the aforesaid Queene Maqueda had a Sonne by Salomon, whom they called Meilech. And afterward he was called David. He according to their fiction, when he had attained to 20. yeeres of age, was sent by his Mother to his Father Salomon, that he might instruct him in all profitable and wholesome learning and wisdome. Which as soone as Meilech or David had attained unto, he chose many Priests and Earles out of every one of the 12. Tribes, and so returning back to the Kingdome of Aethiope, he tooke upon him the government thereof. And hee brought in with him the old Law and Circumcision. These were the first beginnings of the Jewes Religion in Aethiopia, and they say that untill this day there are none admitted to any Office in Court, or Canonicall place, unlesse he be descended from the Jewes. And by them the knowledge of God was propagated in Aethiopia, and tooke roote, and so was derived and spred abroad by succeeding ages. For the Aethiopians had the Bookes of the Prophets, and went to Hierusalem to adore and worship the true God of Israel. Which may bee understood by the story of Queene Iudiths Eunuch, who is properly called Iudith. For hee 10. yeeres after the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, came 240. miles journey to Ierusalem. And when he had there worshipped God, and was returning home sitting in his Chariot, he read the Prophet Esaiah. And so Philip one of Christs Disciples by Gods command was sent unto him. And when they came both to the Citty Bethzur, three Miles from Ierusalem: there the Eunuch spyed a Spring or Well at the foote of the Mountaine, with the water whereof he was baptized by Philip. But as soone as the Eunuch returned into Aethiopia, he baptized the Queene, and a great part of her houshold and people. From which time the Aethiopians began to be Christians, and alwaies afterward profest the Christian Faith. There are few Citties in all this Empire, so that they dwell in Villages. The chiefe Kingdomes belonging to the higher Aethiopia, which are for the most part subject to Prester Iohn, are these following. The Kingdome of Barnagues, which is enclosed with the River Abanthus, and the red Sea: the chiefe Citty is Beroae or Barnae, which Ptolemy calls Colone: here the Viceroy liveth, who payeth yeerely to the King of the Abissines an 150. Horses for a trib•te, with silke and other commodities, and 1000. Ounces of Gold to the Turkes Bashaw. Tigremaon which is next unto the River Marabus, and the red Sea, doth pay yeerely to the King 200. Horses, which are brought out of Arabia. Unto this Kingdome the Kingdome of Tigrai is subject, in which there is the Citty Caxumo or Cassume, which was heretofore the Seate (as appeareth by their Annalls) of the Queene of Sheba; and afterward of Queene Candaces. The Kingdome of Angote hath no money, and therefore they use in stead thereof pieces of Salt and Iron. Amara is so called from the Mountaine in which the Emperours Sonnes are kept with a strong Garrison, that after the Emperours decease the Heire may be brought out. There are two memorable Rivers in this Kingdome which doe glide thorow Aethiopia; Abanhi, which Ptolemy calls Astapus, and Tacassi which Ptolemy calls Astraboras, into which many other Rivers doe runne. The Fountaine of Abanhi is the great Lake of Barcena, lying under the Aequinoctiall, in which there are many Ilands. This Lake Ptolemy calls Coloe Palus, or the Lake Coloe. The Inhabitants doe professe the Christian Religion, and the chiefe Articles of their Faith are these. They beleeve in one God Creator of Heaven and Earth, distinguisht into three Persons. God the Sonne begotten of the Father from all Aeternity: who for our sakes tooke flesh upon him, was dead, and rose againe; and God the Holy Ghost proceeding from the Father and the Sonne. This is the summe of their Religion. They doe joyne the Old Testament with •he New, so that they follow some Judaicall, and some Christian Rites and Ceremonies. On the eight day they circumcise all their Infants both Male and Female. But they thinke that Circumcision availeth nothing to salvation, but onely Faith in Christ Jesus. But they baptize their Male children on the 40. day, and their Females on the 80. day, unlesse the weakenesse of the childe doe require haste. They every yeere baptize them anew, both those that are come to ripenesse of yeeres, and also Infants, saying these words. Ego te baptizo in nomine Patris, Filij, & Spiritus Sancti. That is, I baptize thee in the Name of the Father, the Sonne, and the Holy Ghost. And they doe religiously keepe this custome from their Ancestors, not to extenuate or weaken the first baptisme, but that they may have absolution from their sinnes every yeere. They receive the Lords Supper sub utraque specie, or in both kindes, both the Lay-people and the Clergie. They doe not esteeme or use Confirmation and extreme Unction as a Sacrament. They keepe the Sabbath and the Lords day without doing any worke according to the ancient manner of the Christians. They hold that the chiefe use of the Law is to shew us our sinnes, and they beleeve that wee can bee saved by no other but Jesus Christ, who fulfilled and satisfied the Law for us. They love and reverence Saints, but make no Invocation unto them. They doe much honour Mary the Mother of Christ, but yet they doe not worship her, nor implore her helpe. The Clergie and the Priests are permitted to many as well as the Lay-people. And they punish all kinde of Lust and Fornication. They have a Patriarke who is President of all their Churches, who is a man of approoved honesty, grave, well learned, and ancient in yeeres, whose Office it is to keepe the Clergie in concord and union, to defend the Ecclesiastick Discipline, and to excommunicate rebellious persons. The Election and choosing of Bishops and other Ecclesiasticall persons belongeth onely to the King.

1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome

ABYSSIN, or the Empire of the ABYSSINS, is commonly called the Higher and Great AETHIOPIA; because it makes the greatest and better part of the one, and the other Aethiopia; and is the greatest and most considerable Estate of all Africa, under one name. It extends it self on this side, and beyond the Equinoctial Line; from the Mountains of the Moon, and the Springs of the Nile, even near unto Egypt; and from the Kingdoms, and Estates of Congo, and the Negroes, unto the Coasts of Zanguebar, Ajan and Habex. Its greatest length from South to North, is 800 Leagues. Its breadth from West to East, 4, 5 and sometimes 600, and in Circuit about 2500.

Some divide this great Estate into many Kingdoms and Provinces, as are set down in the Geopraphical Table of the Higher Aethiopia; we shall observe the most known.

BARNAGASSO signifies King of the Sea, because formerly all this Kingdom or Government held all the Coast of the Red Sea, from Egypt unto the Kingdom of Dancala; which is 250 Leagues; At present the Turks hold this Coast, where are Suaquen, Mezzua, Arquico which we will describe with Zanguebar, under the name of the Coast of Habex. Barva or Daburova is esteemed the chief of Barnagasso; after which some put Canfila, Daffila, and Emacen: others esteem Canfila and Daffila Provinces or Governments, and Emacen a City of the Government of Daffila, 20 Leagues from Barva; 50 from Suaquen. Chaxumo is the chief of Tigre; a fair City, and according to the common opinion, the Ordinary Residence of the Queen of Sheba or Saba, that came to see Solomon. Both the City and Quarter of Sabain, not far from Chaxumo, seem to retain the name. There are every where, here abouts, found a great many fair Churches: Angotine is a City in the Kingdom of Angota, and here they use Salt, or little pieces of Iron instead of Money.

The Kingdom of AMARA is farnous, by reason of its Mountain, where the Children, and nearest of Kinred to the Grand Negus are guarded: This Mountain is very high, of a great circuit, and whose approaches are very difficult, being craggy on all sides, and easie to defend; which made this use be made of it, to keep those which may cause any commotion in the Estate. The top of the Mountain is formed into a great Plain, where there are fair Buildings, many Cisterns, a rich Monastery, &c. Some speak wonders of this Mountain, and that the Grand Negus being deceased, they take thence him who is the trueinterior, if he be capable to govern the Estate, if not the second or third, &c. in order. Others say that there are no such things as they put here, neither Monastery, Library, Gold, Precious Stones, &c.

BAGAMEDRI is subdivided into Provinces, like to Tigre; hath a greater extent, and should be better, lying along the Nile. The Prince resides often at Dambea, which is beyond the Nile, as well as Damout. Some place the Springs of the Nile in Goyame, others in Cafates. The one and the other Kingdom being about the Lake of Zaire. Goyame where this Lake reduces it self into a River, which is the Nile: Cafates on one of the principal Rivers of those that fall into the Lake; which apparently should be called the Nile. Narea is between the Lake of Zaire and Zafflan; which are two Lakes, from whence descend the principal Rivers which make the Nile.

The Air of Abissin is very temperate considering its situation: Tigrema•on particularly is esteemed so, by reason of the Northerst Winds which re••esh it. All the Country is in Plains, except some Mountains, which are espe••ally towards its bounds. The Soyl is generally good, fruitful in Grains and Pulse, of which, it hath excellent, not known to us; they have few Vines, as also few Herbs, the Grasshoppers much annoying them. The Land feeds many tame and wild Beasts; and much Fowl, among others an infinite number of Turtles. Their Rivers have Cro•odiles and River-Ho•ses, which they call Gomaras; it is a hardy Fish, and will assault men in the Water. It hath much Metals, as Gold, Silver, Lead, Tin; and the Mountains so full of Sulphur, that they may afford wherewith to make Salt-peter more then any Country in the World, Tigremahon hath Mines of Gold, Silver, Iron, Lead, Copper and Sulphur: Damout hath more Gold, then all the rest: Bagamedri and Goyame hath likewise Gold.

The Inhabitants are generally black; some more, some less; they are (for the most part) of a good stature, flat nosed, woolly haired, of a nimble spirit, and very jovial: They have scarce any thing of Literature, neither do they much desire to attain to any. They Coyn neither Gold nor Silver, but receive it by weight. Some Authors make this Prince so rich, that there is scarce any in the World hath so much present Gold in his Coffers. Sanutus saith, that he once offered to the Kings of Portugal a Million of Drams of Gold, and as many men to exterminate the Infidels.* 1.7 And Queen Helena writing to Emanuel of Portugal, and speaking for her Grand-child David, saith, that if the King of Portugal would furnish them with 1000 Vessels of War and People fit for the Sea, that she would on her part,* 1.8 furnish them with all things necessary for the War, and give them 200 Millions of Gold; and that she had Men, Gold and Provisions, in suchgreat number and plenty, as there were Sands in the Sea, or Stars in the Firmament.

Zaara, King of Aethiopia, led against Asa, King of Judah, 90000 Foot, and 10000 Horse; which are 100000 Men. Pliny esteems the Isle of Meroes alone have 250000 Men fit to bear Arms; and 400000 Artisans. At present, the Grand Negus is held able to raise a Million of Men; and Barnagas alone to furnish 200000 Foot, and 20000 Horse. The Prince is always in the Field, and 5 or 6000 Tents attending on him, where are are Churches, Hospitals, Shops, Taverns, &c. which furnished with all things necessary for himself, and his Train.

There are scarce any Fortresses in the Countrey, except where Mountains of themselves make them. The Neighbors to this Estate, are the Turks, who hold all the Coast of Haber on the Red Sea, the King of Adel, and some others, on the Coasts of Ajan and Zanguebar; the Monomotapa, or the Monoemugi, towards the Mountains of the Moon; the Congo, or some Estates neighboring on Congo, and the Negroes towards the West; some Kings of Nubia, towards the North. Except the Turks, the Abissins having no Civil War, can easily reduce the greatest part of them to reason, or at least, hinder them from molesting him.

ZANGƲEBAR.

UNder the name of ZANGƲEBAR, I comprehend all the Coasts of the Higher Aethiopia: And these Coasts are on the Aethiopian Ocean, and the Red Sea or Gulph of Arabia. I subdivide them into three parts, the Coast of Zanguebar, the Coast of Ajan, and the Coast of Abex. The Coast of Zanguebar extends it self from the Cafres to under the Equator, for the space of 5 or 600 Leagues: That of Ajan is between the Equator and the Streight of Bab-el-Mandel, likewise 600 Leagues: The Coast of Abex advances from that Streight to Egypt, and hath not above 4000 Leagues. The first part was called by the Ancients Barbaria Regio, the second Azania Regio, and the last Trogloditica Regio.

The particular Coast of Zanguebar towards the East regards some Isles, among which that of Zanguebar, which hath communicated its name to the Coast, and then those of Penda and Monfia are the best known. Maffy makes mention here of the Isle and City of Querimba, and Texera of Anisa; the one and the other possibly, answer to some of those which Sanutas calls St. Rocq and Monfia, which (he saith) are four Islands, two great and two small.

Penda and Zanguebar are the greatest,and according to the form Sanutus gives them, are each of 100 Leagues circuit, Monfia 50, and the others much less. All, and particularly Zanguebar, produceth quantity of Grains, as Rice, Millet, &c. quantity of Fruits, as Citrons, Oranges, &c. and many Sugar Canes, which they know not how to resine; nor want they Fountains of fresh Water. Aniza and Querimba hath Manna, but not so much esteemed as that of other places.

On the Coast are the Estates or Kingdoms of Mongale, on one of the branches of Cuama, Angos or Angouche, on another Branch, or on another River of the same name, Mozambique Isle and City on the Coast, as likewise Quiloa and Mombaze. Melinda is no Isle, but on the Coast: so are Lamon, Pate, &c. Mongalo and Angos are little considerable; their Inhabitants black, Mahometans and Pagans; they traffick in Gold, Ivory, Calicoes, and Silk. The Isle and City of Mozambique is on that Coast of Africa which regards the Isle of Madagascar towards the East, and just between the Capes of Good Hope and Guardafuy, near 1000 Leagues from the one and the other, some account is made of this City and its Fort, for the goodness and depth of its Port, though small; but of a very important retreat for the Vessels of Portugal, after they have passed the Cape of Good Hope, where oft-times the Heat, or the working or motion of the Ship distempers many Men, who refresh themselves here, there being a very good Hospital, and a Magazin always furnished with what ever is needful, to finish their Voyage to the East Indies; this Port serving them going to the Indies, as the Isle o• Sancta Helena doth in their return. The whole Isle is not above a League and half in circuit. Its City is not so beautiful as many have believed it, but of a good Trade, wealthy and well frequented by the Portugals. Its Castle is good, since it hath sustained divers Assaults of the Hollanders. The Soil is dry, hath none, or very little Fresh-water; but the great number of Fruits, as Cocos, Oranges, Citrons, as others common to the Indies; and the quantity of Cattle, as Oxen, Sheep, Goats, Hogs, &c. which are found here, recompence these Inconveniences. Their Figs are long and large, being excellent and h•althful. The Tree sprouts, and dies every year; it shoots forth but one Branch, where many Figs ripen one after another, so that they are found to continue almost all the year: the Leaves are so great, that two will cover a person of a moderate Stature: dying, it leaves a Root, which shoots forth another Fig-Tree the year after Their Swines-flesh is so healthful, that Physicians order it for Sick people. Their Pullain are good and delicate, though their Feathers, Flesh, Blood, and Bones, are very black, and if boiled in Water as black as Ink. Here they are said to have Sheep, whose Tails weigh about 25 pound weight.

QƲILOA is 150 Leagues, or little more from Mozambique, in a strait line: and near 250 by Sea: It hath two Cites, the Old and the new; the Old on the main Land, the New in an Island, divided from it by a small Channel: This last is much the fairest; its Houses high, magnificent, and well furnished; accompunied with Gardens, where they gather excellent Fruits throughout the whole year. The Kings of Quiloa once commanded all the Coast into Mozambique and Sofala; but this Estate hath received a great change since the coming of the Portugals into these quarters.* 1.14 Its Inhabitants are yet rich, and have a great traffick for Gold, which they bring from the Main Land, where there is near as much as on the Coast of Sofala; as also Silver, Ambergreece, Pearls and Musk: They are part black, part white; these coming from Arabia, and are Mahometans; the others of the Natives are partly Idolaters both the one and the other go clad after the Arab or Turkish manner; the richest wearing Cloaths of Gold and Silver, Silks, fine Calico•s, and Scarlet, inriching the Guards of their Swords and Daggers with fair Pearls and Precious Stones, as the Women do their Ear-Pendants and Bracelets. They are very comly, of a civil behaviour, neat in their Houses, and love to go in rich Apparel. Here the People are observed to use a strange custom to those of the Female Sex, which is not used by any other Nation or People, save themselves; which is that they sow up the Privy-parts of the Female Children, only leaving a small vent for the issuing forth of their Urine. And thus sowed, they keep them carefully at home until they be married; and those that are by their Husbands found not to have this sign of their perpetual Virginity, are sent to their Parents with all kind of ignominy, and by their Parents are as disgracefully received. The Country, though unhealthful to the Europeans, ought to be esteemed good, since the Inhabitants are rich, the Soil fruitful in Grains and Fruits, feeding many Beasts and Fowl. Its Forests full of Game, and its Neighbouring Sea full of excellent Fish.

MOMZAMBE is 150 Leagues from Quiloa, seated on a little Hill, and an in Island, at the bottom of a Gulph, where great Ships may ride safe at Anchor. This City was formerly great, being about a League in circuit, encompassed with a strong Wall, and fortifled with a good Castle; well Peopled, of a good Trade; its Streets in good order, and its Houses high, and well built with Stone and Chalk, appearing almost all towards the Sea. It was found out when Vasco de Gama was in the Indies, and afterwards taken and retaken divers times by the Portugals, who keep a Fort by reason of the goodness of the Haven, and to maintain their trade. The Isle of Mombaze is but small.

MELINDA is another Kingdom, but of a small extent; yet made considerable by the good intelligence it hath always preserved with the Portugals. Since Vasco de Gama passed there the first time in 1489, until this present, which hath stood it in good stead; the Neighbouring States having been taken, pillaged, and burned divers times. This kept entire, maintaiming its Trade with the Portugals, and with the East: Its chief City bears the name of the Kingdom, seated in a fruitful and delightful Soil, yielding great plenty of Rice, Millet, Flesh; good store of Fruits, as Lemmons, Citrons, Oranges, &c. But not well furnished with Corn, the greatest part whereof is broughtout of Cambaya, a Province in India. This City is fair, well Walled, and the Houses built after the Moorish manner, with many Windows and Terrasses. The Inhabitants on the Sea Coasts are of the Arabian breed, and of the same Religion. Those of the Inlands, which are the Original Natives, are for the most part Heathens, and of an Olive colour, but inclining to white; and their Women of a very white Complexion, as in other places. They are said to be more civil in their Habit, Course of life, and entertainment in their Houses, than the rest of this Country; and great Friends to the Portugals, who return the like kind usage to them. This Kingdom of Melinda is not distant from Mombaza above 30 Leagues by Land, and 60 by Sea; whose People are of the same nature and disposition with those of Melinda.

The Estates of LAMON, PATE, and CHELICIA, and likewise some others, are under the Government of Melinda. Panebaxira, King of Lamon, and Brother to the King of Chelicia, surprized in 1589, Rock Brito, Governour of Melinda, and some other Portugals, whom they sold to the Turks. The Admiral Thomas Sousa Cotinho assaulted them, took, and cut off the Head of the King of Lamon, quartered the others, and hung them up in divers places to serve for example. These Kings are almost all Mahometans; yet here are found some few Christians which inhabit among them.

We have observed on the Coast of Zanguebar but five or six different Estates or Kingdoms; there are some others, but of lesser note, and all Tributary, or in good Intelligence, and trading with the Portugals.

Thee Coast of AJAN contains the Republick of BRAVA, which Sanutus calls Barraboa; then the Kingdoms of MAGADOXA, ADEA, and ADELL: some of their People on the Coast are White. BRAVA is well built, an indifferent Mart; rich, and pays Tribute to the Portugals. It is the only Republick at present in Africa, being governed by 12 Councellors or Statesmen. MAGADOXA is its chief City, and hath sometimes been so powerful, that it ruled over all this Coast; it is scituate in a delightful and fruitful Soil, and neighboured by a safe and large Haven, which is much frequented by the Portugals, and is very rich, affording Gold, Hony, Wax, and above all Abyssin Slaves, which by the Portugals are held in great value; for which they bring them in exchange the Silks, Spices, Drugs, &c. of India.

ADEA extends it self but little towards the Sea: The Country is fertil in Grains, as Wheat, Barley, Rice, &c. It is well shaded with Woods and large Forrests, which are plentifully furnished both with Fruits and Cattle, besides a greatincrease of Horses. The Inhabitants are of the Mahometan Religion,* 1.20 and follow the Arabians in many of their Customs, from whom they were descended, keeping much of their Language, and in their Habit naked, save only from the middle downwards. Of Complexion, for the most part of an Olive colour, and well proportioned; not very expert in Arms, except in poysoned Arrows. Its other chief places are Barraboa and Quilmanca, seated on the Sea, which is called the Coast of Ajan, as is Magadoxa.

ADELL within these few years is become the most powerful of all these Kingdoms: Its Estates extending both on the Arabian Gulph or Red Sea; and on the Great Ocean, stretching 200 Leagues on each side; Cape Guardafuy ending both the one and the other towards the East, regards in the Sea the Isle of Zocotora, famous for the quantity and goodness of the Aloes here gathered, which they call Zocotorin; about which are several other Isles, but not so considerable, being small, and many not inhabited. The Arab of Nubia would make us believe, that Alexander the Great was in this Island, drove thence the Inhabitants, and planted Greeks the better to manage the Aloes, which Aristotle had so much prized to him. Its chief City takes its name from the Kingdom; its others places of most note are, 1. Zeila, of old, Avalis, and its Gulph Avalatis Sinus, is one of the best places of the Kingdom of Adell, though about the City there wants Water; yet the Country farther off furnishes Wheat, Barley, Millet, Oil of Sesamum, Honey, Wax, Fruits, Gold, Ivory, and Incense. They fell to the Turks and Arabs abundance of Abyssin Slaves, which they take in War; and in exchange receive Arms, Horses, &c. This Zeila is a noted Port Town, well frequented with Merchants, by reason of the variety of good Commodities that it yields. Once of great beauty and esteem, till in the year 1516 it was sacked and burned by the Portugals; before which it was esteemed the most remarkable Empire of all AEthiopia for the Indian Trade. 2. Barbora, and 3. Meta, are two of the most noted Sea-Port Towns in all Adell, both under the Turks Jurisdiction. The first is seated on the same Sea Coast, as Zeila is, well frequented by Merchants, nigh to a lofty Promontory, which they call Mount Fellez: And the last is seated near the Cape of Guardafuy. The People inhabiting on the Sea Coasts are descended from the Arabs, and of the Mahometan Religion; but those towards the Inland Countries, of the old Aethiopick Race, and wholly Gentiles.

The Coast of ABEX hath for its principal places, Aquico, of old Magnum Littus, Maczuma Isle, Macaria Insula, and Suaquem Ptolomais Ferarum. The Turk hath a Bassa at Suaquem, and some say another at Maczuma or Aquico. Suaquem is in the midst of the Coast of Africa, which lies on the Red Sea or Arabian Gulph, distant from Sues in Egypt, which ends this Gulph, 250 and odd Leagues; and from Babel-Mandel, which begins it, 260, or little more: So the Authority of this Bassa exten•• almost quite over this Sea. The Isle of Maczuma hath good Pastures, feeds much Cattle: Aquico is almost opposite to Maczuma, and both have commodious Havens. Its other chief places are, Canfila, Daffila, Emacen, Barba, Zama, Corberia, and Carna. About this Coast of Abex are several other Isles, as Bahia de Cabras, Suaquem, Mire, Meger, Ballaccia, Maczua, St. Peitre, with several others not worth the naming.

All this Coast of Abex hath been under the Government of Bernagasso in Abyssin, and belonged not to the Turk till within this hundred years. A Country dry, untilled, but of some Trade: the People fierce, retaining much of their ancient Barbarism. They Fish Coral near the Isle of Suaquem and Aquico; they frequently pass from Suaquem to Ziden, in Arabia, which serves for a Port to Mecca, and is about 100 Leagues over. This is the Traject which the Arab of Nubia describes between Adhab and Giodda, which answer to Suaqnem and Ziden.

• The Empire of the ABYSSINS; or the LOWER AETHIOPIA; with its Empires, Kingdoms, Land, &c. which may be divided into (or comprehended under) three Parts, or Heads; and then:
  • The First shall contain The Kingdom of CONGO, with its Kingdoms or Provinces of
    • LOANGA,
      • Loango,
      • Sette,
      • Majumba,
      • Quanvi,
      • Quiloogo,
      • Sellaga,
      • Kaye,
      • Katte.
    • PANGO,
      • Pango,
      • Cundi Funquenes,
      • Angote,
      • Chicaco de Lula.
    • SUNDA,
      • Sunda,
      • Betequa,
      • Quincasso.
    • SONGO,
      • Sonho,
      • Bommo,
      • Matinga,
      • Cascais,
      • Melemba,
      • Calinde,
      • Palmarinho,
      • Mombalas,
      • Quivala.
    • BAMBA,
      • Bamba,
      • Mussula,
      • Lengo,
      • Loanda St. Pavo,
      • Fort Mols,
      • Motole,
      • Bengo,
      • Azele.
    • PEMBA,
      • St. Salvador,
      • Pemba,
      • Tinda,
      • Simba,
      • Lemba.
    • BATTA,
      • Batta,
      • Agisimba,
      • Gongou.
    • ANGOLA,
      • Engaze,
      • Maisirgan,
      • Benguela,
      • Quicongo,
      • Manikimsombo,
      • Manikilondo,
      • Gunze,
      • Mapongo,
      • Embacca.
    • GIAQUES,
      • Zaire,
      • Dagar,
      • Elifie.
    • MALEMBA,
      • Meri.
      • Debsan.
  • The Second shall contain
    • The Empire of MONOMOTAPA, with its Kingdoms or Parts of
      • SUTUA,
        • Batua,
        • Carma,
        • Zet,
        • Dobdel,
        • Augesa.
        • Calburas,
        • Bafat,
        • Quiticui,
        • Degme,
        • Hagala,
        • Giera,
        • Amara,
        • Matagasi,
        • Bera,
        • Armeta,
        • Gallica.
      • MONOMOTAPA, particularly so called,
        • Monomotapa,
        • Zuggi,
        • Tialso,
        • Zimbro,
        • Jouros,
        • Garma,
        • Mosata,
        • Vigiri Magna.
    • The Empire of MONOEMUGI, wherein are some Kingdoms, whose chief places are
      • Agag,
      • Astagoa,
      • Leuma,
      • Camur,
      • Beif,
      • Bagametro,
      • Zembre,
  • The Third shall contain The Land and Coast of CAFRES, which encompasseth the Empire of MONOMOTAPA, with its Parts of
    • MATAMAN,
      • Angra dos Negros,
      • Cabo Negro,
      • Doileus portus.
    • Coast of CAFRES, particularly so called,
      • Cape St. Anthony,
      • Cape St. Lucia,
      • St. Martins-Bay,
      • Cape of Good Hope,
      • Carascalis Portus.
      • Biscarius Portus,
      • St. Nicholai.
    • CHICANGA, — Zimbaos.
    • QUITEVA,
      • Deje,
      • Cuama.
    • ZEFALAN, — Zefalan.

THE EMPIRE OF THE ABYSSINS, Or, THE Lower Aethiopia.

THE Empire of the ABYSSINS, Heylin makes to be the Dominions or Empire of Prester John, and saith, That he is of such great force, that he is able to bring into the Field upon a sudden occasion, a Million of Fighting Men; and of his Wealth and Riches many speak wonders, some saying he is able to purchase half of all the World, if it were to be sold: Others make it not so great, but say, that besides his necessary expences in the management of State Affairs; the payment of his Army, the pomp in his Court, &c. he lays up yearly in his Treasury Three Millions of Crowns. But without doubt his Revenue and Force is great; for it is said, That he himself proffered the Portugals a Million of Money, and another of Men, if they would employ them in a War against the Infidels.

The Government of this Emperour is absolutely Tyrannical, the People being used more like Slaves than Subjects, treating them as he pleases, as well to their lives as Estates; giving Honours to whom he pleases, which upon any slight occasion he taketh away again. He is held in such great reverence among all his Subjects, as well Rich as Poor, that at his name they bow their Bodies, and touch the ground with one of their fingers; and reverence his Pavilion as they pass by it, though he is not in it. And to keep up this Reverence, which he holds due to him, he seldom shews himself to his Subjects, and then not without his Crown on his head, a Silver Crucifix in his hand, and his Face covered with a Veil of Taffety, which according as he is pleased to grace the person he talketh with, he lifteth up and putteth down, to shew him his Face.

The Title of this Great and Mighty Emperour, I shall borrow from Heylin, who thus hath it: N. N. Supream of his Kingdoms, and the beloved of God; the Pillar of Faith; sprung from the Stock of Judah; the Son of David, the Son of Solomon, the Son of the Colomn of Sion, the Son of the Seed of Jacob, the Son of the Hand of Mary, the Son of Nahu, after the Flesh; the Son of St. Peter and Paul, after the Spirit: Emperour of the Higher and Lower Aethiopia, and of the most Mighty Kingdoms, Dominions, and Countries of Xoa, Goa, Caffares, Fatigar, Angotae, Balignazo, Adea, Vangne, Goyame, where the Fountains of Nile, Amara, Banguamedron, Ambea, Vagucum, Tigremean, Sabaim, the Birth-place of the Queen of Sheba; Bernagassum; and Lord of all the Regions unto the confines of Egypt.

They prosess the Christian Religion, which was first made known unto them by the Eunuch of Queen Candace, who was baptized by Philip the Evangelist, and more generally received by the Preaching of St. Matthew the Apostle. Since which they have much swerved from the purity of the true Religion, by their many corrupt Opinions which are crept in amongst them; as they use Circumcision both to their Males and Females, when they are Children; and they Baptize their Males 40 days, and their Females 80 days after Circumcision: That Infants dying unbaptized, are sanctified by the Womb, by vertue of the Eucharist which the Mother receives after her Conception: They administer the Eucharist to Infants, presently after they are Baptized. They Baptize themselves in Pouds and Lakes every Epiphany-day, as supposing that to be the day that John Baptized Christ in Jordan. They hold, that the reasonable Soul of Man is derived from their First Parents by Seminal Propagation. They acknowledge but one Nature, and one Will in Christ. After the receiving of the Sacrament, they hold it unfitting to Spit until Sun-fet. Those Beasts which in the Old Law are held unclean, are so esteemed with them. They keep their Sabbath-day on Saturdays: they allow their Priests no yearly means or slipends, neither do they suffer them to beg; but they are forced to get their livelyhoods by the sweat of their brows, and labour of their hands. They accept only of the three first General Councils. They have moreover a Book, which is writ in eight Volumes (and as they say) by the Apostles assembled at Jerusalem for that purpose, the Contents thereof they most strictly keep.

We have divided AETHIOPIA into the Higher and Lower; esteemed the Higher, that which is towards the North and the East; the Lower, that which is towards the South and West. We have succinctly discoursed of the Parts of the Higher, proceed we now to the Lower.

This Lower AETHIOPIA extends it self from the River of the Camaronts, where the bottom of the Gulph of St. Thomas is, and so turning about the Capes of Negro, Bona Esperanza, and Des Carientes, into the River of Cuama; which bounds it from Zanguebar, part of the Higher Aethiopia, as the other doth from the Kingdom of Benim, part of Guiny, which is in Libya Interior. We have like wise subdivided this Lower Aethiopia into three parts,* 1.5viz. into Congo, Monomotapa, and the Country of the Cafres. We may yet subdivide these three Parts, each into two others, which will make six. The first shall be what is between Guiny and Congo; the second, Monomotapa and Mona-Emugi; and the last, the Land of Cafres on this side, and Westward; and the Land of Cafres beyond, and Eastward of the Cape of Good Hope. Between Guiny and the Kingdom of Congo there are divers Kingdoms, and divers People: The Ambosins and Camarones are on the Sea; then the Kingdoms of the Capones, the Country of Angra, the three Kingdoms of Cacombo, Gabom, and Pongo; of which this last is most powerful. Among these Estates are the Capes of Lopo Gonsalves; up in the Land are the Kingdoms of Biafra, Medra, Dauma, &c.

The Land of AMBOSINS and CAMARONES, are near the River of Camarones; a Country very fertil. The Lands of Capones and Angra are pleasant, because of the many fresh Streams which water them. The first are poor, the Capones are malicious, those of Angra addicted to Arms. The Estates or Kingdoms which are about the Cape of Gonsalves,* 1.6 have their People of the same Tongue, the same Religion (who are Idolaters,) and the same Manners; and their Kings and Lords are in peace, and in good intelligence with one another: Those nearest the Sea are the most courteous and civil, by reason of the confluence of Strangers; and when they trade with those of Europe, they white their Faces with Chalk? their beautiful Garments are made of Mats, tissued with the Rind of certain Trees, and properly accommodated. Those of Biafra more advanced in Land, are very barbarous,

addicting themselves to Witcherafts, and sometimes sacrificing their Children to Devils. Those of Medra, Dauma, and some others further off, are almost quite unknown, and possibly not worth regard. The Portugals traded here alone a long time, and possessed several Parts on this Coast: within few years the Hollanders have taken divers places from them, some of which they have since retaken.

The Kingdom of CONGO.

BEyond the Equinoctial Line and unto Cape Negro, lies the Kingdom of CONGO, under the name of which we comprehend many others, which have been Subjects, Tributaries, or Allies to the King of Congo; as are the Kingdoms of Loanga and the Anziquaines, to the North; of Cacongo, and the People Gallas or Giaquas, to the East, of Angola, Malemba, Mataman, and others, to the South.

The Kingdom of LOANGA hath its principal City of the same name; others say, Banza Loango, or simply Banza; it is seated on the Sea, as is Quilongo, Quanvi, and Majumba. It comprehends six Provinces, and is throughout indifferent fertil in Grains; affords excellent Fruits, Wine of Palms; breeds many Cattle, and all things necessary for life is found here; it is well stored with Elephants, having more than any other Country in these parts; they have quantity of Ivory, but have neither Gold nor Silver. The Country is very hot, by reason of its lying under the Line; but indifferent healthful and well peopled. Their King once subject, writes himself now but Ally to the King of Congo, and is called Mani-Loango, and the Governours of the six Provinces, likewise Mani, that is, Lord of such or such a Province. Their Subjects are all Bramas, who by Religion are Heathens.

The Kingdom of CONGO may be said to be the fairest of the Lower Aethiopia, though those of the Monomotapa, and Mono-Emugi, have more extent, yet hath he alwaies been esteemed the most Polite; hath had all his neighbours Subjects, and the most part yet his Allies. It may have in length 200 Leagues, and about 120 on the Coast. It is subdivided into six great Provinces, to wit, Bamba, Songo, Sunda, Pango, Batta, and Pemba: which together hath 30 or 40000 little Towns.

Songo, Sunda and Pango lies upon, and mounting from the Sea up the River Zaire. Bamba, Pemba and Batta are towards the River of Coanza, and the Lake of Aquilonda; these three last making the most Southern parts, the three other the most Northern of the Kingdom: and all take their names from the principal places where the Governours of the Provinces reside.

The Country of BAMBA is well stored with Beasts and Birds, both, tame and wild; well watered with Rivers, hath Mines of Silver, and its People exceeding strong. Its chief places are, Bamba, on the River Loze; Motole, on the River Dorati; Bengo, also Pavo, Lengo, and Mussulo, on the Sea.

SONGO lies on both sides the River Zaire, which sends forth many turbulent Streams, and hath so many Islands that one part of it hath very little to do with the other; its chief places are Sonho, nigh to Cape de Pedro, and on a branch of the Zaire; also Bommo, Matinga, Cabinde, Malemba, and Cascais, which three last are on the Sea.

SƲNDA is indifferent fertil, hath several rich Mines of Metals; among the rest the Inhabitants set the greatest esteem upon Iron, by reason that of it they make their Materials for War; it is parted by the Zaire. This Country furnishes forreign Merchants with several rich Furs, as Sables, Martrons, &c. Its several chief places are, Sunda, Betequa▪ Iri, and Quincasso.

PANGO is but barren, its Inhabitants barbarous, but strong in Arms: Its chief places are Pango, Cundi-Funquenes, and Angote; and this Country is watered with the River Zaire.

BATTA is also of a barren Soil, and its People also barbarous, but indifferent well skill'd in Arms; and that being forced to it rather to defend themselves, than to offend others. Its chief places are Batta, Agisymba, and Gongou.

PEMBA is held to be the richest and pleasantest Province of all Congo, being very fertil in Grains, Fruits, &c. hath good Water; the Air is healthful; the Inhabitants, since the Portugals sat footing there, are become very civil, imitating them both in Behaviour and Apparel. Its chief City called Banza, that is, the Court, and which the Portagals call St. Salvador,* 1.16 is the residence of the King, seated on an eminence, which discovers the Country on all sides. This scituation together with its being in the middle of the Estate, gives it a great advantage; some esteem it to have 10000 Inhabitants, others 100000: possibly those understand 10000 Families, and those 100000 Souls; for the King being powerful, and his Court always great, there cannot but be multitudes. The Isle and City of Loanda, on the Coast of Bamba, were not long since in the hands of the Portugals; now the East India Company of the Ʋnited Provinces have seized it. Its other chief places are Simba, Pemba, on the River Danda, Lemba and Tinda.

The most famous Rivers of this Kingdom are the Zaire, the Lelunda, the Danda, and the Coanza; the three last descend from the Lake of Aquilonda; the Zaire from the Lake of Zaire, from whence descends likewise the Nile; the Zaire hath 400 Leagues course, is very rapid, by reason of the many Cataracts or great falls which it hath from the Mountains; at its entrance into the Estates of Congo it enlarges it self much, embraces quantity of Islands, and at its Mouth hath no less than 8 or 10 Leagues breadth, yet presses its Waters 15 or 20 Leagues farther into the Sea, and that with so great a violence, that its Waters retain their natural sweetness, without being corrupted or intermingled with the Salt-waters of the Sea. The Rivers Danda and Coanza are Navigable, and receive great Ships. The Isle of Loandu is near the Mouth of the last: It is observed, that when the Sea is high the Springs of Running-water are fresh, and when the Sea falls they become salt.

The Congolans are naturally very sweet and easie, able and strong,* 1.18 but dull and idle: they will not take the pains to tame Beasts for service, nor to employ their fine Stones in Buildings, nor make their Birds of Prey for Hawking; yet make they curious Cloths, Velvets, Damasks, Brocats, &c. They have no harmony in their Instruments of Musick, but a confused mixture of many cords or strings and many Voices content them; their Money is of grey shells, taken on the Coast of the Province of Bamba, and these Shells (especially the Females) are much esteemed, even in other Kingdoms, and almost through all Aethiopia. Their Grains, Fruits, Waters, Fowl,* 1.19 Sea and River Fish are excellent. They have store of Elephants, Mines of Silver, Iron, Chrystal, Marble, Jaspar, Porphyre, &c. They know not their Histories but by the Reigns of their Kings, and without specifying the time, for they have no Letters, much less Learning; and hereupon some would make us believe, that Emanuel of Portugal having sent a famous Ambassador into Congo with many Presents, among others three fair Books excellently bound, and which contained the Cannons, the Laws Imperial, the Ordinances, Civil Right, the Infortiate, the Rubricks, &c. and with these Books, many Doctors of Law to teach the knowledge of them; and when the King of Congo did understand the subject that these fair Books contained, and knew the profession of the Doctors, he was so surprized that he remained sometime silent; but in the end he caused these▪ Books to be burned, saying, That he feared they would overihrow the very foundation of his Estate; and that he contented himself to judge according to reason, and need no other Interpreter than Common sense; but withal protesting, that he would remain a good and intire Friend to Emanuel King of Portugal; and so sent back his Doctors. The Author of the Essay of the Wonders of Nature applies this story to the King of the Abyssins: It is much at one; let us return to Congo.

They say, that the Province of Bamba can furnish at a need 400000 strong and Warlike men; the other Provinces are no less, nor possibly worse peopled than this, but less addicted to Arms. This being esteemed the Bulwark of the Kingdom, affected to the service of their Prince, and so strong, that at one, blow of a Sword they can strike off an Oxes head, or cut a Slave in two. Their Elephants are so great, that some of their Teeth are found to weigh 200 l. and they make such esteem of their Tails when they are old, that sometimes they exchange three Slaves for one Tail. They make of them divers Ornaments and Cords for their Instruments of Musick. The Kingdom falls only to the Males, and in default of Legitimates to Bastards: to shun all process, all Riches belong to the King, who disposes of them to whom he pleases, keeping to himself a certain Revenue. Christianity hath been introduced about 150 years ago, but not without much difficulty in its beginning.

East of Congo, and South of Anziquaines, is the Estate of CACONGO; and South of Cacongo are the Giaques or Jaggas, which the Abyssins call Gallas, and others Imbagolas. These People are Vagabonds, Cruel, Men-eaters, like to the Anziquaines and Moceveies, living only on what they steal from their Neighbours. The great Jagge disposes absolutely, both of their Idolatry and their War.

The Kingdom of ANGOLA, once Abonda, is between Congo on the North, Mataman on the South, Malemba on the East, and the Sea on the West. This Kingdom hath 100 Leagues of Coast, to wit, from the 10th unto the 4th degree of Meridional Latitude; and that which continues unto Cape Negro, and belongs to divers Lords, tributary to it. The principal City of the Country is Engaze, and likewise Dongo, which Modern Authors place at the meeting of many Rivers: It is 75 or 80 Leagues from the Sea. The Mountains of Cambamba, rich in Mines of Silver, are in this Country, which the Portugals cause to be laboured. Its other chief places are Massirgan, on the River Coanza; Benguela, seated on the Sea, on the Bay of Thora; and Quicongo, a Sea-Port Town.

Through the whole Country there is a great traffick for Slaves, 20 or 25000 yearly being transported from the Port of Loanda. There are such multitudes in this Kingdom, that the Grand Soba (as they say) can in a moment raise 100000 Men; and that in Anno 1584, he raised 1200000. In Anno 1585, 600000. Yet these last were put to flight by 200 Portugals at the head of 10000 Aethiopians. The first by 150 Portugals at the head of 8 or 10000 Congolans, which may make us judge of the goodness of their Militia.

The Kingdom is divided into Provinces or Mirindes, which have each their Sobas, which a 100 years ago, or little more, were only Governours for the Kings of Congo, now subject all to the Great Soba of Angola, who makes only some Present to the King of Congo. Its People use the same Tongue, Mony, and Arms, with those of Congo.

The Empire of the MONO-MOTAPA.

THE MONO-MOTAPA, that is, the Emperour, King, or Sovereign of Motapa, is (according to Vincent Blanc) called by his People Tabaqui, and possesses an Empire so great, that it is made of 1000 Leagues circuit: It is said by him, that this Prince deports himself with gravity, and that there is no access to his person but with very great submissions: That he is always adorned with Chains and Precious Stones, like to a Woman, or rather like a Spouse: Is pleased to receive Presents, but gives little; keeps a great Seraglio of Women, which it is forbid to approach; and one part of his Guard (according to some) is likewise composed of Women, who are active at their Arms, and couragious. He calls his principal City Madrogan (which is the Mono-Motapa of others) where his Royal Palace is, which is magnificent and great, flanked with Towers without, with four principal Gates; within hung with Tapestries of Cotton mixed with Gold, and adorned with many rich and stately Moveables.* 1.24 This Prince is always clothed after the manner of his Predecessors, nor may he change any thing, except the Ornaments of his Neck and Buskins. He wears no Forrein Stuffs for fear of Poyson and Witchcraft; his Drink 〈◊〉 Wine of Palm distilled with Manna, Amber, and Musk. He spends much in Odours and Perfumes, making them be mixed in those Lights which are carried before him, and which serves where he is. His Court hath a great many Officers, which serve with order and silence; besides which, they are thronged with People. His Officers are easily known, because they carry the Talmassara on their Shoulder, more or less enriched, according to their condition or degree of place; but all in the same fashion with the Kings. The Inhabitants are all black, of a mean stature, active, and such good Foot-men,* 1.25 that they are said to out-run Horses: They are couragious, addicted to Arms, as also to Trade. The Commonalty cover themselves but below the Waist, for which their Apparel is made of Skins of Beasts, Cotton, Cloth, or the like; but the better sort have Cloths and Stuffs, which are brought them from the Indies: The Maids cover nothing of their Body till they are married. Their Houses are of Wood, or Earth whited, fashioned like a Clock, or rather like a Bell. Those of the greatest Lords are the highest. They have as many Wives as they please; but she who is the first espoused is always the chief, and her Children alone inherit the Fathers Goods and Estate. The Women are here used very respectfully, none offering so much as to take the Wall of them. The Maids are here not thought fit to be married, till their Menstrua or Natural Purgations shews their ability for Conception, which makes them solemnize with a great Feast their first Flux. They have no Prison in all the Country, but all Affairs are determined and ended on the place, so soon as they are convicted of the fact or crime; but above all Offenders, those for Theft, Adultery, and Witchcraft, are the most severely treated. And this sudden execution of Criminals, makes the King to be reverenced by his Subjects. Christianity found here some difficulties at the beginning; at present it is established by the consent of the King, who hath likewise permitted the Portugals to work the Mines of Gold and Silver, which in this Country are in great quantity, and so rich, that there are some who call this Prince, The Emperour of Gold. Not only the Mines, but likewise the Rivers have Gold in their Sand: among which, those of Dos Infantos, of the Holy Ghost, and of Cuama, towards their Springs, which are towards the Lake Zachaf; but those of the Country care for no more of it, than is necessary to truck for what they have need of.

The Woods have great store of Elephants, which yields them Ivory; as also other Beasts. Hath rich Pastures, which are well furnished with Cattle, hath Grains, Fruits, Fowl, is well watered with many Rivers, in which are abundance of Fish. The Air is temperate, except that their Winter is colder than may be expected in that Climate, by reason of the Mountains which enclose it on all sides, and cross the Country: And their Winter is in the same time when we have our Summer, to wit, when the Sun is about the Tropick of Cancer.

The Mono-Motapa is said to be one of the most powerful Princes of Africa, if we consider the greatness of his Estate, his Riches, and the great number of Princes which hold of him, or are under his Dominion. They yearly receive the Fire which the Mono-Motapa sends them, or upon refusal are accounted Rebels. But all these People, though hardy and addicted to Arms, are unexpert in them: so that their Number would do them little good, if assaulted by the Europeans. They believe only in one God, and punish with death Idolaters and Sorcerers.

But a word or two of the chief places of this Empire, and first of the Kingdom or Province of BƲTƲA, whose chief places are, Butua, Carma, Gallita, Zet, seated an the Lake Zachaf; Dobdel, Calburas; Tialso and Zimbra, both under the Tropick of Capricorn; Bafat, Quiticu, Armeta, Maitagasi, Boro, Amara, Giera, and Hagala; most of which are Cities of some account, and seated on Rivers.

The chief places in MONO-MOTAPA, particularly so called, are Mono-Motapa, the chief of the Empire; Zuggi, Jouros, and Mosata. The chief in ZEFALA bears the same name, seated in an Isthmus so called. The chief in QƲITEVA is Cuama, seated on the River so named. Ab••• the Shoar of Zefala are several Isles, among which three bear the name of ƲCIQƲE PARVAE; three of ƲCIQƲE MAJORES; and two of SPICHELLAE; and farther; a Sea; and towards the Isle of Madagascar is the Isle of BAIXOS DE INDIA. The chief place of SEDANDA is so called: And the chief places of CHICANGA are, Zimbdos and Buro. And these are the Parts comprehended under the Empire of the Mono-Motapa.

The Mono-Emugi, that is, Lord of Emugi, hath his Empire or Estates between the Abyssins, the Cafres, the Mono-Motapa, and the Zanguebar; so that it is about the Mountains of the Moon. The Giaques or Zaggaes, which joyn to Congo, are likewise esteemed subject to this Empire: He hath often War with the Mono-Motapa, of which he seems once to have been a part, is in peace with the King of Zanguebar, that he may have commerce to the Sea, for he hath much Gold, Silver, Ivory, and the same Commodities as Mono-Motapa; but its People are more barbarous and brutish. The chief places in the Mono-Emugi are, Agag, Astagoa, Leuma, Camur, Beif, Bagametro, and Zembre, seated on the bottom of the Lake Zaire.

CAFRERIA, or the Land of CAFRES.

CAFRERIA, or the Land of CAFRES, makes the most Southern Coast of all Aethiopia, winding like a Semicircle about the Cape of Good Hope; some begin it from Cape Negro, and continue it unto the River of Cuama; this separating it from Zanguebar, and the other from Congo, or what we have esteemed with Congo. Others begin it and end it with the Tropick of Capricorn, as well on this side as beyond the Cape of Good Hope. I esteem under the name of Cafres all the Coasts which environ the Mono-Motapa, both towards the West, South, and East: so that we may call these Cafres, Occidental, Meridional, and Oriental. This distinction being taken in regard of the natural scituation in which these People are from the Mono-Motapa; or we may chuse rather to consider them in Occidental or Oriental, as we have already done; the Cape of Good Hope then keeping the one from the other. It hath formerly been believed, that these People had neither Kings, Law, nor Faith, and therefore were called Cafres, that is, without Law. But it hath since been known, that they have divers Kings and Lords; as those of Mataman, where there are divers Metals, Chrystal, &c. And of Melemba, among the Occidentals; those of Chicanga, Sedanda, Quiteva, and Zefala, among the Orientals; and others we know not, towards the South and Cape of Good Hope.

On the Coast of Cafres are these places and Isles, viz. St. Nicolai, Piscarius, the Port of Carascalis, the Cape of Good Hope, St. Martins Bay, and the Cape of St. Lucia. Also these Isles, 4 bearing the name of St. Lucia, 2 of St. Christophers, 5 of Crucis, and 3 of Aride. Many of which, as likewise the Capes, are well known by Sea-men, especially the Cape of Good Hope. All these Coasts of Cafreria are bounded within Land by a Chain of Mountains, formed by the Mountains of the Moon, and which inclose Mono-Motapa. That part of these Mountains which advance towards the Cape of Good Hope, are called by the Portugals,* 1.31Picos Fragos, that is, Watry Points or Rocks. This Cape is the most remarkable piece in Cafreria; the most Southern point of Africa, and of our Continent; and the most famous Promontory of the whole World. Vasco de Gama knew it in 1498, and after having doubled it, found the way by the East-Indies to the Great Sea; and from hence the Portugals boast to have been the first that had the knowledge of this Cape. But we have made appear in the general discourse of Africa, that the Ancients have both known and spoke of it. Near the Cape of Good Hope, and farther towards the South, is the Cape of Needles, which should be more famous, since it is more Southernly than the other by 12 or 15 Leagues: But the name, Cape of Good Hope, is given to all that Head of Land which is the most Southern of Africa.

The Air of this Country is sometimes temperate, and sometimes cold, by reason of the Mountains which are covered with Snow and Ice, from whence descends quantity of cold Waters. The Vallies and Lower Countries pleasant and fertil; hath store of Woods and Forests, in which are abundance of Beasts and Fowls, as Deer, Antilopes, Baboons, Foxes, Hares, &c. Also Ostriches, Herons, Pelicans, Pheasants, Partridges, Geese, Ducks, &c. They are well supplied with good Water, feed much Cattle, which they truck with Strangers for Knives, Scizzars, Spoons, and divers Toys; they have likewise much Fish in their Rivers.

The Inhabitants are Black, have thick Lips, flat Noses, long Ears; and in a word, very ill-shapen. They are more barbarous and brutish than the rest of Africa, they are Man-eaters; their chief ornaments in their Apparel are, Chains of Iron, Brass, Beads, Bells, or the like; and cutting and slashing their Skins in several shapes. Clothing they have none, only in the Cold season they wrap themselves about with Skins of Beasts. Towns they have none, or very few, for the most part living in the Woods and Forests, like brute Beasts. But the Cafres on the East are much more civil than the others; most of them have made a part, and are yet subject to the Mono-Motapa, who about 50 years ago divided his Estate into four parts, giving to his eldest Son what is within Land, and by much the greatest part; and to his three younger Sons, Zuiteva, Sedanda, and Chicanga, towards the Sea-Coast, for their Portions. Cefala or Zefala seems to make its piece apart, whose King pays Tribute both to the Mono-Motapa and the Portugals; and these have divers Fortresses on the Coast, Sena, Tete, Cuama, &c.

Zefala is so abundant in Gold and Elephants, that some take it for the Ophir whither Solomon sent his Fleet every three years: And they give for a reason, that the Gold, Ivory, Apes, &c. which that Fleet brought, are here found in abundance; That this Fleet parting from the Red Sea, there is no likelyhood it should go to Peru, which some take for this Ophir; besides, that there is there neither Ivory nor Apes; but that it was rather to some part of Asia or Africa. They add, that there remains not far from Zefala some footsteps of ancient Buildings and Inscriptions, left there by Strangers long time ago: Nay likewise, that there is some notes and Books how Solomon sent thither his Fleet. Moreover, the Septuagint translate Sophira instead of Ophir, and the name of Sophira is not overmuch different from Sopholo. However it be, there is here store of Gold both in the Mountains and Rivers, and often very clean and pure, as well in Powder as Sand; and this Gold is esteemed the best and finest in Africa, ours seeming but Brass in comparison of it.

The Country is healthful and pleasant, seated only on the Coast, the Mono-Motapa confining it within Land: A part of its now Inhabitants are not the Natives, but descended from that Coast which belonged to the Mono-Motapa. The Natives (as I said before) are Black, and Idolaters or Cafres, the others very swarthy, and for the most part Mahometans. They have a great Trade on this Coast for their Gold, two or three Millions being yearly brought hence, and that for Toys and things of a very small value, which are carried them from divers parts of Asia and Europe, and some parts of Africa.

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

Abissinia, or, Aethiopia.

THis Countrey is otherwise call'd Abech, Abassia, Abassinia; the Empire of the Negus, the Kingdom of Prester John, the Middle-Indies, the Southern-Indies, the High, or Great Aethiopia. Those of the Countrey, give their King the Name of Belulgian, by reason of the Ring, which the Queen of Sheba received from Salomon, and which, since that time, has been Hereditary in that Royal Family. Those who call him Prester-John, do it upon this foundation, that he sometimes carries a Cross in his hand. The Popish Missionaries boast that some of the late Kings have been Catholicks: But since the Jesuits, who had been powerfully establisht in that Countrey, have been Banish'd thence; the Papists complain of the Persecution, their followers have suffered in those parts. The Abissins have a great number of Churches, where Divine Service is performed much after the same manner it is here. This Land is temperate, unless in the Valleys, where it is very hot, and upon some Mountains, where it is cold. The Aethiopians, are the most ancient People in the World, and boast of having never been driven from their Countrey. They are dexterous, active, blith, and perform better than other people in great Employments: The Mahometans are used to Spirit away the Abissin Children, and go sell them to Indian Princes. They are so-so Souldiers for Africans; but they have not the Art of Building, nor of Grinding their Corn; and they often eat Cows flesh all raw, with Salt and Pepper, which they look upon as a peculiar Delicacy. They have Civet-Cats, and make use of Cloth, Stones, Salt; and little pieces of Iron, instead of money; for which purpose, they also use Gold, which they give by weight. They do not work in their Mines of Gold, and Silver of Narea, which has given occasion to say of their Prince, That he might, with his Treasures, purchase whole Worlds. The King of Abissinia, to whom is also given the title of Emperour, is Absolute in all the Territories of his Dominions; And this it is that makes his principal Revenue; He commonly keeps his Court in the open Field, sometimes in one place, sometimes an other: He has few Cities, but a great number of Villages. Several places upon the Frontier of the Galles, have been fortified, for the security of the Inhabitants, against the incursions of those people, the capital Enemies of the Abissins. The Turks hold the City of Suaquem, upon the Red Sea, whither the Vice-Roy of Barnagasse has commonly sent a Tribute of a thousand Ounces of Gold. There are several Relations of Aethiopia, and for the most part fabulous: But the Jesuits pretend, that the late ones, they have published, to be the most certain.

According to the Account of an Abissin Ambassadour, sent to the Grand Seignior in the Year 1657, Gonthar was the abode of the Emperour. Four Kings were tributary to him: The King of Sennar, which is a hot Country, paid him his Tribute in Horses; the King of Narea, paid it him in Gold; The Kings of Bugia, and Doncala, payed it him in Linnen and Cloth. These Dominions are not of so great an extent, nor of the same scituation, they have hitherto been shown us. The Galles on one side, have subdued several great Provinces in the Southern part, and the Moores have rendred themselves Masters of several places all along upon the Red Sea, upon the Coast of Abex. According to the late Relations, the Sources of the Nile, are placed in the Province of the Agaux, at twelve Degrees of Northern Latitude, which shows in the Cart, the difference of above thirty of those Degrees. That famous River goes first of all towards the North, and then towards the East, across the Lake of Bardambea: from thence towards the South, and towards the West, so to return to take its Course pretty near its Sources towards the North, and to continue it thro' Aegypt.

Twenty four small Kingdoms have been commonly accounted in Abissinia; that of Amara, has a Fortress upon a Mountain, called Amba Guexem, where formerly were kept the Princes of the Royal Blood. Goyama, is almost environed with the Nile: Which has given some occasion to say, that it is the Island Meroe. There is in that of Tigermahon, the City of Caxumo, or Aceum, which is said to have been the Residence of the Queen of Sheba; several of the Abissin Kings, have held their Coronation in that Town. Dambea has the famous Lake, Bar-Dambea, and's not very far off the City of Gorgora, one of the last Residences of the Kings. The Coast of Abex upon the Red Sea, is full of Woods. The tongue of the ancient Troglodites, who inhabited it, had this peculiarity, that it resembled whistling. Some have endeavoured to persuade the World, that the King of the Abissins might very much incommode the Grand Seignior, if he diverted the Waters of the Nile into the Red Sea, and so render Aegypt dry: This proposition has rendred them ridiculous, because there are Mountains, that must of necessity be cut through, for the bringing this about, and that these Mountains, which have the Sources of several great Rivers, make Aethiopia one of the highest Countreys of all Africa. Albuquerque Vice-Roy of the East-Indies, for the King of Portugal, seems to have had the same design, but he did not pursue the putting it into execution. He it was, who would have caused the Body of Mahomet to be stollen away, and have pillaged Mocha with three hundred Horse, which he had sent from Ormus, upon Ships made on purpose for this Design.