A Geographical Description of All the Countries in the Known World, Part 1 · Subpart 177 – Subpart 189
Poland described.
This Country is plain, and wooddie, the air so cold, that they have no Wine, or Grapes, but use Ale in stead thereof. It so abounds with Corn, that it sends much abroad into other Countries: they have also great store of cattel. They use the Sclavonian language, yet are much addicted to the Latine tongue: They are generally proud, impatient, delicious in diet, and costly in attire: they are of all Religions. The chief Rivers are, 1. Vistula, which parts it from Hungary. 2. Neister, which parts it from Moldovia. 3. Neiper, &c. But to speak more particularly of the Provinces, which are,
1. Livonia, which is bounded on the East with Muscovy, on the West with the Baltick Sea, on the North with Finland, and on the South with Lituania. Its in length five hundred miles, in breadth one hundred and threescore, very mountainous, and fenny; yet yeelds plenty of Corn. The chief Cities are, 1. Riga. 2. Derpt. a town of much traffick. 3. Rivalia, a strong place. 4. Name, another strong Fortress: Other chief Countries in it are, 1. Curland. 2. Senugal. 3. Estland. 4. Virland. 5. Harland. 6. Geroenland.
2. Lituania, which hath Livonia on the South: Podolia on the North: Poland on the East: and Muscovie on the West: The chief Cities are, 1. Vilna, an University. 2. Vilkomire. 3. Brestia. The air is sharp, and the Country barren, yet are there many beasts, whose skins are good commodities.
3. Volinia, environed with Lituania, Podolia, and Russia; It is a small woody Province: the chief Cities are Kiovia, and Circassia, on the banks of the river Nieper.
4. Samogitia, whose chief town is Camia. It joyneth to Livonia on the North, and the Baltick sea on the West. Its full of wood, and yeilds great store of honey.
5. Podolia, which hath Lituania on the North, Neister on the South, Russia East, and Poland VVest. The ground is so fertile, that of one sowing they have three harvests: the chief Cities are, 1. Camienza; seated on high rocks. 2. Orkzacow. 3. Winieczia.
6. Russia nigra, having on the East Podolia, on the West and North Poland, and on the South Hungary: the chief Towns are, 1. Leopolis, or Lembourg. 2. Grodeck. 3. Luckzo. A fruitfull Countrey, having store of horses and Cattel.
7. Mazovia, which is environed with Russia, Prussia, Lituania, and Poland: the chief City is Marzow.
8. Spruce, Prussia, or Borussia, is upon the Baltick sea: that part of it which belongs to Poland is called Prussia Regal: the chief Cities whereof are, 1. Dantzick, a famous Mart town▪ 2. Koningsberg; an University. 3. Heilsperg. 4. Maneburg, or Marpurg, 5. Angenberg. 6. Clune.
9. Podlossia, which hath Lituania, and Mazovia on the East and West: the chief Towns are, 1. Tycockzin, a strong fort. 2. Byesko. 3. Knissin.
10. The Dukedomes of Opswitz, and Zator, which have the chief towns of the same names; they are in Silesia, but under the King of Poland.
11. Poland properly so called, which hath Lituania on the East, Germany on the West, Mazovia on the North, and Podolia on the South: the chief Cities are, 1. Cracovia, on the bank of Vistula. 2. Lublin. 3. Guisna. 4. Siradia. 5. Sendomire. 6. Minsko. 7. Posna. 8. Dobrinia. 9. Vlatislavia.
Poland takes her name from the great fields, which produce a huge quantity of Corn, there are in it many fens, Lakes, and very great Forrests, where, in the trunks of trees is often found great store of hony, whereof they make a certain drink (chiefly in Lituania) which is most delicate, and yeilds not a whit in goodnesse to Spanish wine: there Winter is very long, and sharp, against the rigour whereof they serve themselves of stoves, and good furred gowns: the Nobility is very studious of warre, and desirous of travel, and of an humor much like that of the French: they express their gallantry in the beauty of their cloaths, weapons, and horses: In the sumptuousness of feasts, weddings, funeralls, Christenings, and in numerous traines of servants, when they go a wooing. The most eminent dignities amongst them, are to be Senators, whom they call Waiwodes, Chattellans, and starosts, or Captains.
Of Poland it is said, that if a man hath lost his religion, let him go seek it in Poland, and he shall find it there, or else let him make account that its vanished out of the world. Europae spec.
Hungary Described.
The soil is wonderfull fruitful, yeilding Corn thrice a year, the Grass in some places exceeds the height of a man, which feeds a wonderfull number of Cattel: Besides which, they have Deer, Partridg, and Pheasant in such abundance, that any man may kill them: They have also Mines of Gold, Silver, and Copper, Fish, Wine, &c. The chief Rivers are, 1. Danubius, called also Ister. 2. Savus. 3. Dravus. 4. Tibiscus, which exceedingly abounds with Fish. The Turk hath these chief Cities in Hungary, 1. Buda, on the Danow. 2. Gyula, on the confines of Transylvania. 3. Pest. 4. Alba Regalis. 5. Quinque Eccl…siae. 6. Rab. The Emperor hath in his part. 1. Presburg upon the edg of Austria. 2. Strigonium, or Gran. 3. Agraria. 4. Comara. 5. Toctax. 6. Canista. 7. Alkeinburg. 8. Neheusel. 9. Zigeth on the Dravus.
Dacia Described.
This Countrey is sufficiently fruitful, and abounds with horses, whose manes reach to the ground: but to speak of the Provinces more particularly, which are,
1. Transylvania, which hath on its North the Carpathean Mountains, on the South Walachia, on the West Hungary, and on the East Moldovia. The chief towns are, 1. Alba Julia, or Weisenburg. 2. Claudiopolis, or Clausenburg. 3. Bristitia. 4. Centum Colles. 5. Fogaros. 6. Stephanopolis, &c. Their present Prince is Rogotzi, a Protestant.
2. Moldovia, is on the North end of Transylvania, and extending to the Euxine Sea: the chief Cities are, 1. Zucchania. 2. Fucchiana, 3. Falezing.
3. Walachia, divided from Bulgary by the Danow: the chief Cities are, 1. Sabinium. 2.Prailaba. 3. Tergovista, the Vayvodes seat. It abounds with gold, Silver, Iron, Saltpits, wine, Cattel, horses, brimstone, &c.
4. Servia, which lyeth between Bosnia, and Rascia: the chief Cities are, 1. Stoinburg, the seat of the Despot. 2. Samandria. 3. Belgrade, on the Danow.
5. Rascia between Servia, and Bulgary: the chief City is Boden.
6. Bulgary, joyning on the East to the …uxine sea: on the West to Rascia: the chief Cities are, 1. Sophia, the seat of the Beglerbeg of Greece. 2. Nicopolis.
7. Bosnia, having Servia on the East, Croatia on the VVest, Savus on the South, and Illiricum on the North: the chief Cities are, 1. Cazachium, 2. Jaziga.
Sclavonia Described.
Sclavonia, is more fit for Pasturage than for Corn: their sheep, and other Cattle bring forth young twice in a year, and are shorn four times: the Provinces are,
Illiricum, or Windismarch, which is bounded on the East with the Danow, on the West with Carniola, on the North with Dravus, and on the South with Savus: the chief Cities are, 1. Zatha on Danubius. 2. Zakaocz 3. VVindishgretz on Dravus. 4. Sagouna. Its now a member of Hungary.
Dalmatia which hath on the East Drinus, on the West Croatia, on the North Savus, and on the South the Adriatique sea: the chief Cities are, 1. Ragusi, a sea town, and of great traffick. 2. Sicum, on the sea also. 3. Jadara, another sea Town. 4. Spalato, a sea town. 5. Scodra, or Scutary. 6. Lyssa, where Scanderbeg was buried: these two last are under the Turks, the other under the Venetians.
Croatia, which hath on the East and South Dalmatia, on the North Savus, and on the West Istria, and Carniola: the chief Cities are, 1. Gradiska, situate on Savus. 2. Bruman. 3. Novigrade, on the Savus neer Germany. 4. Sisseg, or Sissaken. 5. Petrowya. These people are usually called Crabbats, and serve as mercenaries in the Emperors Armies.
Greece described.
Greece is bounded on the East with the Aegean sea, the Hellespont, Propontis, and the Thracian Bosphorus. On the West it hath Italy, with the Adriatick sea, on the North with the Mountain Hemus, and on the South with the Jonian sea. Its situate in the Northern temperate zone under the fifth and sixth Climates, the longest day being about fifteen hours. The people once were famous for Armes, and Arts, which made them account all others Barbarians: now they are degenerated from the Prinstine vertue of their ancesters, and are become unconstant, ignorant, riotous, and idle: At their feasts they drink till they come to the height of intemperancy; hence grew our Proverb; As merrie as Greeks.
The women are generally brown, yet well-favoured, and excessively amorous: they use much painting to keep themselves in favour with their husbands, who when they are wrinkled, and old, put them to all drudgery.
Their Church government was by four Patriarks. 1. Of Alexandria. 2. Of Hierusalem. 3. Of Antioch. 4. Of Constantinople. Their language was Greek, of which they had five Dialects. 1. the Attick. 2. the Dorick. 3. the Aeolick. 4. the Jonick. 5. the common Dialect; but now it is almost devoured by the Sclavonian or Turkish Tongue.
The soil is fruitfull, and would yeild good profit if it were well husbanded: but the natives having nothing that they can call their own, in regard of their slavery to the Great Turk, neglect husbandry. The Commodities that they send abroad into other Countries are Wine, Oil, Copper, Vitreal, Velvets, Damasks, Grogreams, &c. and some Gold, and Silver.
The chief rivers are Cephisus, which rising in the frontiers of Epirus, emptieth it self into the Aegean sea, Erigon, Alaicmon, Strimon, Athicus, Stymphalus, Ladon, Inacus, Pineus, Populifer, &c.
Greece is ordinarily divided into these seven parts, 1. Peloponesus. 2. Achaia. 3. Epirus. 4. Albania. 5. Macedonia. 6. Migdonia. 7▪ and Thracia.
Peloponesus Described.
Peloponesus, is a Peninsula almost surrounded with the sea, only it is joyned to the firm land by an Istmus five miles broad, which was fortified by a strong wall, and five Castles called Hexamilium, which reached from sea to sea: It is in compasse six hundred miles, and it is now called Morea, and is divided into six Provinces, 1, Elis. 2. Messina. 3. Arcadia. 4. Laconia. 5. Argolis. and 6. Achaia propria.
1. Elis which hath on the East Arcadia, on the West the Jonian sea, on the North Achaia propria, and on the South Messina: the chief Cities are, Argis, nigh unto the river Alpheus. It was formerly called Olimpia, famous for the statue of Jupiter Olimpicus, which was one of the Worlds wonders. And Pisa.
2. Messina, which hath on the East Arcadia, on the North Elis, on the West and South the sea: the chief Cities are, 1. Messina, now Golpho di Coron. 2. Pilon, now Navarino. 3. And Methone, or Medon.
3. Arcadia, which hath on the East Laconia, on the VVest Elis, and Messina, on the North Achaia propria, and on the South the sea. The chief Cities are, 1. Psophis. 2. Mantinia. 3. Megalopolis. And 4. Phialia: here was the Lake Stymphalus, and the River Styx, whose water for the ill tast was called the Water of hell; this Countrey was fit for pasturage and grazing.
4. Laconia, which is bounded on the East and South with the sea, on the North with Argolis, and on the West with Arcadia: the chief Cities are, 1. Lacedaemon, once a most flourishing Commonwealth. 2. Leuctra, on the sea side. 3. Thalana, nigh unto the Lake Lerna, and Mount Tenarus, and 4. Selassia.
5. Argolis, which is bounded on the East and North with the sea, on the VVest with Achaia propria, and on the South with Laconia: the chief Cities are, 1. Argos. 2. Micene. 3. Nemaea. 4. Epidaurus, and 5. Nauplia.
6. Achaia propria, which hath on the South Elis, Arcadia, and Argolis, on all other parts the sea. The chief Cities are, 1. Corinth, at the foot of the Acro-Corinthian hills, neer to the fountain Pyrene: this City was formerly strengthened with a Castle, which standing on the said Hills, was called Acro-Corinthus, and was impregnable. Here lived Lais, that famous strumpet that exacted ten thousand Drachmas for a nights lodging. Its now called Crato, and is a place of small note. 2. Patras. 3. Scycion, now Vasilico; and 4. Dimea.
The Country of Achaia described.
Achaia is bounded on the East with the Aegean Sea: On the West with Epirus: On the North with Thessaly: and on the South with Peloponesus, and the Sea thereof. Its divided into seven Provinces. 1. Attica. 2. Megaris. 3. Boeotia. 4. Phocis. 5. Aetolia. 6. Doris; and 7. Locris.
1. Attica, which hath on the West Megaris; and on all other parts the Sea: the soil is barren, yet by the industry of the Inhabitants was made fruitful: their current mony was stamped with an Oxe, whence grew that saying of corrupt Lawyers, Bos in lingua. The chief Cities are, 1. Athens, once famous all the world over. 2. Marathron, where M…ltiades overthrew the huge Army of Darius. 3. Piraea, the Haven Town to Athens; and 4. Panormus.
2. Maegaris, which hath on the East Attica: on the West Sinus Corinthiacus: on the North Boeotia; and on the South the Istmus. The chief Cities are, 1. Megara, now Megra: and 2. Eleusis.
3. Boeotia, which is bounded on the East with Attica: on the West with Phocis: on the North with the River Cephisus: and on the South with Megaris, and the Sea. The chief Cities are, 1. Thebes on the River Cephisus. 2. Daulis. 3. Platea. 4. Leuctra, where Epaminondas gave that great overthrow to the Lacedemonians. 5. Ascra, the birth-place of Hesiod. 6. Cheronea; the birth-place of Plutarch. 7. Orchomenon. In this Country are the streights of Thermopylae, where Leonidas with three hundred Spartans slew twenty thousand of Xerxes his Army, and were themselves all slain.
4. Phocis, which hath on the East Boeotia: on the West Locris, and Doris: on the North the Rivers Cephisus; and on the South Sinus Corinthiacus: Here is Mount Helicon, consecrated to the Muses: Mount Citheron, and Pernassus, whose two-fold top kissed the clouds. The cheif Cities are, 1. Cyrra. 2. Crissa. 3. Anticyra on the Sea side, where grew Eloborum, that cured the Phrensie. 4. Elladia. 5. Pytho; or Pythia seated in the heart of Greece. Here the Amphictyons kept their Court. They were men selected out of the twelve principal Cities in Greece, and had power to decide all controversies, and to enact Lawes for the common good. 6. Delphos, where was the Temple of Apollo, the most famous Oracle of the Heathens.
5. Locris, which hath on the East Aetolia: on the North Doris: and on the other parts the Sea. The chief Cities are, 1. Naupactum, now called Lepanto, where was that famous battel between the Turks, and Christians. 2. Ematia.
6. Aetolia, which is bounded on the East with Locris: on the West with Epirus: on the North with Doris: and on the South with the Gulph of Lepanto: Here is the Forrest of Caledon, where Meleager slew the wild Boar; and the Rivers Evenus, and Achilous. The chief Cities are, 1. Chalcis. 2. Olenus. 3. Plurona; and 4. Thirmum.
7. Doris, which hath on the East Boeota: on the West Epirus: on the South the Sea; and on the North the Hill Oeta: The chief Cities are, 1. Amphissa. 2. Libra. and 3. Citinum.
Epirus described.
Epirus, is bounded on the East with Achaia; on the North with Macedonia; and on the other parts with the Sea: Here is the Mount Pindus, sacred to Apollo, and the Muses; and the Acroceraunian Hills: Here are also the Rivers Acheron, and Cocytus ▪ for their colour, and taste, called the Rivers of Hell.
The Eastern part of this Country is called Acarnania; the Western Chaonia: The chief Cities are, 1. Antigonia. 2. Cassiope. 3. Toronia. These in the Western part, and in the other, 1. Nicopolis. 2. Ambracia: now Larta. 3. Leucas. 4. Anactorium; and 5. Actium, nigh to the Sea of Lepanto, where Augustus, and Anthony fought for the Empire of the world. This Country was once called Molossia. Here that famous Scanderbeg was King; as also of Albania.
Albania described.
Albania, hath on the East Macedonia; on the West the Adriatick Sea: On the North Sclavonia; and on the South Epirus. The chief Cities are, 1. Albanopolis. 2. Sfetigrade. 3. Durazzo, formerly called Dyrachium. 4. Croya, under whose walls Amurath lost his life.
Macedonia described.
Macedonia, hath on the East Migdonia: on the West Albania: on the North Misia superior; and on the South Epirus, and Achaia: The chief Cities are, 1. Scydra, or Scodra. 2. Andaristus. 3. Aedessa. 4. Eribaea. 5. Pidna upon the mouth of the River Alaicmon. 6. Pella on the same shore, and 7. Syderocaspae, famous for her gold and silver Mines.
Thessaly described.
On the Southern part of Macedonia, is Thessalia planted. Its a fruitful and pleasant Country: Here is the Hill Olympus, upon which were the Olympick games, as running with Chariots, and on foot, wrestling, fighting with Whirlebats, &c. The reward of the Conquerors was only a Garland of Palm; and yet highly esteemed by them: Here also are the Hills, Pelion, and Ossa, and betwixt Olympus, and Ossa was that delectable Valley called Tempe, five miles long, and six broad; so beautified with natures riches, that it was accounted the Garden of the Muses. The chief Cities are, 1. Tricca. 2. Lamia. 3. Demetrias. 4. Larissa, both upon the Pelasgick Bay. 5. Pharsalis, nigh unto which was that great battel fought between Caesar, and Pompey for the Monarchie of the world. And 6. Pherae.
Migdonia described.
Migdonia, is bounded on the East, and South, with the Aegean Sea; on the West with Macedonia; and on the North with Thracia: Here is the Hill Athos, which is threescore and fifteen miles in compass; three dayes journey in height, and casts a shadow as far as Lemnos, which is forty miles off. The chief Cities are, 1. Stagira. Aristotles birth-place. 2. Apollonia. 3. Pallene. 4. Neapolis, on the borders of Thrace. 5. Antigonia; and 6. Thessalonica, now Salonichi, seated on the Sea, to the Church whereof St. Paul wrote two of his Epistles.
Thrace described.
Thrace hath on the East Pontus Euxinus, Propontis, and Hellespont: on the VVest Macedonia: on the North the Hill Haemus, and on the South the Aegean Sea: The Inhabitants are bold, and valiant: The earth ripens Corn slowly, because of the cold: The Vines yeeld more shade than juice, and the Trees more leaves than fruit. The chief Towns are, 1. Sestos on the Hellespont, over against Abidos in Asia, famous for the love of Hero, and Leander. 2. Abdera, the birth-place of Democritus, who spent his life in laughing at others. 3. Potidaea. 4. Cardia, seated on the Thracian Chersonese over against Troas on Asia side. Its now called St. Georges Arme. 5. Lysimachia, on the Sea shore. 6. Callipolis, on the Northern Promontory of the Chersonese, which was the first Town that ever the Turks took in Europe, which was Anno Christi 1358. 7. Trianopolis. 8. Adrianople. The first seat of the Grand Signiors in Europe. 9. Pera, formerly Galata; and 10. Constantinople, formerly Bizantium.