A New Description of the World, Section 2

A New Description of the World · Section 2

p. 95A Geographical and Historical Description OF ASIA.

In its Kingdoms and Provinces, &c.

Of Asia in General.

ASIA held to be larger than Europe and Africa, is bounded on the West with the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, the Hellespont, Propontis, and the Thracian Bosphorus, the Euxine Sea, Palus Maeotis, the Rivers Tanais and Duina, a Line in that case being drawn from the first to the second River, as its bounda…d to Europe; on the North it is bounded with the main Scythian Ocean, on the East by the Streights of Annian, the Indian Ocean, and Mare del p. 96Zur, on the South, with the Mediterranian, or so much of it, as is called the Carpathian Sea, bathing the Shoars of Anatolia; and the Main Southern Ocean, passing along the Coasts of India, Arabia, and Persia; and on the South-East, with the Arabian Bay, or Red Sea, parting it from Africa, and is indeed washed on all sides with the Sea, but where a narrow Istmus joyns it to Africa, and the space of ground between the Tanais and Diuna, where it is joyned to Europe.

This large Tract of Land, is held by some, to take its Name from Asia, the Daughter of Oceanus, and Thetis the Wife of Japetus, and Mother of Prometheus, and others, from Asius, Son of Atis, a King of Lydia; but Originals of this kind, being generally uncertain, it will be convenient to wave them, and proceed to what is more Material, viz. In Antient times Asia was divided into the Greater and Lesser; but by modern Writers, it is divided into five parts, according to the Divisions it is settled in; as First, that which Borders upon Europe, is alotted the Great Duke of Muscovy; the Second, the Great Cham of Tartary; the Third, the Turk; the Fourth, the King of Persia; and the Fifth, held by the Great Mogul, and others, known by the Name of the East India; not accounting the petty Princes, who have independent Provinces, nor what remains in the Hands or Possession of the Europeans in sundry Parts, &c. To which five we may properly add China, a large Country, very populous, and powerful, accounted one of the Fruitfullest in Asia.

This part of the World may rightly be held or termed, the Noblest of all other, as conjectured, on all hands, once to contain the Earthly Paradise: Here the Law was given, and here our blessed Saviour, wrought the stupendious, and amazing work of our Redemption: Hence sprung the Noble Sciences, that the Greeks learned of the Hebrews, and p. 97flourished under the Monarchie of the Medes, Persians and Assyrians: And is divided into two Parts, or Divisions, as Asia Major, and Asia Minor, the latter called Anatolia; the whole Country scituate East and West, from 52 to 169 Degrees of Longitude; and North and South, from 82 Degrees of Latitude, to the very Aequator or Aequinoctial Line; some few Islands only lying beyond that Circle, which occasions the longest Summers Day in the most Southern part, to exceed little above 12 Hours, though in the most Northern Parts, for near the space of Four Months, they have no Night at all.

As for the Commodities, this great part of the World abounds with in general, they are Gold, Silver, all sorts of Minerals, Jewels, Pearls, Spices, Odours, Ivory, Drugs of sundry kinds, Silks, Dyes, Sweet-woods, Perfumes, &c. But to come nearer to the Description of the Countries, for Orders sake, it is convenient to begin with Asia Minor, or Anatolia.

Asia Minor, or Anatolia, described, in its Kingdoms, and Provinces, &c.

ASIA MINOR, or Anatolia, is bounded on the East, with the River Euphrates; on the West, with the Thracian Bosphorus, Propontis, Hellespont, and the Aegean Sea, parted by them from Europe; on the North with Pontus Euxinus, or the Black Sea; on the South by the Rhodian, Lydian, and Pamphilian Seas, and several parts of the Mediterranean; extending from 51 to 72 degrees, of Longitude; and from 36 to 45 degrees of Latitude, and is accounted in length, from the Hellespont to the Euphrates 630 Miles, and in breadth from Trabezond, a City so called to Sinus Issicus in Cilicia, 210, and is under the middle Parallel of the Fourth, to p. 98the Sixth Clime, by reason of which, the longest Day in the Summer Southward, is but 14 Hours and a half, and differs not above an Hour in the extreamest North, which is longer, insomuch that the Air is very Temperate, and the Soil very fit for any sort of Grain or Fruit; but that Husbandry is neglected by reason of its being under the Turkish Yoak, though the Rich Pasture of its own accord breeds great store of Cattle, and an excellent Race of Horses; and here stood the Famous City of Troy, so much renowned for its sustaining Ten Years Siege, against the whole Power of Greece: nor did this Country formerly boast of less than 4000 Cities and Towns, but at this day most of them are found to be Ruined by War and Earth quakes.

As for the Division of this part of Asia, it is properly divided into Bythinia, Pontus, Paphlagonia, Galatia, Cappadocia, Armenia minor, Phrygia minor, Phrygia major, the greater and the lesser Missias, Aeolis, and Ionia, Lydia, Caria, Lycia, Lycaonia, Pisidia, Pamphilia; and what in the time it appertained to the Roman and Greek Empires, were under the Province of the Rhodes; and of these in their Order.

BITHYNIA, is a very pleasant Province of Asia minor, formerly called Bebrycia, and afterwards Migdonia, taking the present Name from one Bithynius, who was King thereof when a Kingdom, though … will have this Name derived from Thyni a People of Thrace, who Subdued and Possessed it. The Country is naturally Rich on that part bordering upon the Bosphorus, opposite to Constantinople, which is Scituate on the European Shoar, full of little rising Hills, and grassy Plains, and was once the Delight of such as sailed those Seas, or Streights; but the Turks (who affect neither Art nor Sumptuousness in their Retirements or Recreation) have neither p. 99Improved, nor kept up the pleasant Gardens and Pallaces they found in it.

The Principal Towns of Bithynia, are Scutari, facing Constantinople, Chalcedon, memorable for the Fourth General Council there Assembled, for the Suppression of the Nestorian Hereticks, Nicomede, so named from Nicomedes once King of Bithynia, Libussa, memorable for the Death and Sepulchre of the Famous Hannibal, the Carthaginian General, who fell by Poison, Prusa, once a considerable City, and the Residence of the Turkish Kings, till Mahomet the First removed to Adrianople: Nice, or Nicaea, Scituate on the Fenns of the River Ascanius, Famous for nothing more, than the first General Council held there under Constantine the Great, Anno 314. to Settle the Peace of the Church, greatly disturbed and put out of Order by the Arian Heresie, where there Assembled no more than 318 Bishops, yet in such Esteem for Learning and Piety, that to this Day, it is highly approved by all good Men; and here after the taking of Constantinople by the Latin Princes, the Greek Emperor held his Residence; and the Rivers of this Province are Phillis, Ascamius, Sangaris, or Sangri, but for Hills or Mountains none of note appear.

PONTVS, or Metapontus is a Bordering Province on Bithynia, has for its chief Cities Flaviopolis, Claudiopolis, Juliopolis, Diospolis, Heraclea, Amastris, Phillium, and others formerly very famous, but o… later Times not of much note; and in that Part called the Eastern Pontus, is Sinope, pleasantly seated on a long Promontory, shooting into the Main, and memoralble for the Sepulchre of King Mithridates, who held a Forty Years War against the Romans; Themisciyra, now called Fanogoria; Amasia, the Birth Place of Strabo the Geographer; Cabira, afterward called Diopolis, noted for the overthrow Lucullus gave King Mithridates near it, when p. 100to retard the Pursuit of his Enemies, he was obliged to scatter his Treasure in the way, and thereby escaped their Hands, with the greatest part of his Forces: As for the Rivers in these Parts, or any other Division of Pontus, they are not (except Thermodon, on whose Banks the Amazonians formerly Inhabited) of any considerable note.

PAPHLAGONIA, though a Country of little compass, yet once was the chief Seat of a Powerful People, but ruined by Cyrus for their Assisting the Lydians against him, and the Principal Cities were Gangra, now memorable for nothing more than the Council held there in the Year 339. Conica, or Coniata, Pompeiopolis, Germanopolis, Xoana, and Andrapa; and from this Country the Venetians had their Original, as sprung from a People called Heneti, antiently Inhabiting a part of it; and, as the rest, the Soil is very Fruitful in places where it is Manured: The Inhabitants are a mixture of Greeks and Turks, with some Christians and Jews amongst them, but not very many; nor have they any considerable Traffick at Sea, which renders the Province poor.

GALATIA, deriving its Name from the Gauls, when they over-ran these Parts, who called it Gaul-Asia, and corruptly Galatia; it was likewise called Gallo-Graecia, from the mixture of Galls and Grecians; and here to this day the Antient Language of … Galls is much spoken, or at least mixed with that of the Greek.

This Country (above what we have mentioned) is very plentiful in Fruits, and other things necessary for the Support of Man-kind; and in this part only is the Amethist (that great Preservative against Drunkenness) found; and here the People of Old had the Vanity to throw Written Papers into the Funeral Fires of their Friends, as conceiting they would read them in the other World, and thereby p. 101know the Sorrow they made for their Departure; and were so much given to Sacrifices, that it is Noted by Athenaeus, how a Rich Galatian for the space of a Year, Feasted the whole Province with the Flesh of such Beasts, as were ordained for Sacrifices. To perswade them from which, and confirm them in a more Glorious Religion, St Paul Wrote his Epistle to this People: As for Rivers of note, there are none that rise in this Country, however it is supplyed with refreshing Streams, from Halys and Sangarius.

The chief Cities are An…yrana, now called Angauri, Olenus, Agriama, Tavium, or Tanium, Androssi…, Fabarena, Thermae, and Talachbacora; there are likewise sundry lesser Towns and Villages, but of no Note.

CAPPADOCIA, is on the East of Galatia, and is a Country abounding with Wine, and sundry kinds of curious Fruits, many Mines of Brass, Iron, Silver, and other Minerals in the Mountains, and other Parts, as also store of Allom, and Alabaster; moreover the Chrystal, Jasper, and Onyx Stone; it affords a great number of Cattle, but more especially a great many Horses, insomuch that they are sent into most parts of Asia; and as a boundard of this Country is the Famous Ante-Taurus, a ridg or chain of Mountains, bending towards the North, and in it were Born most of the noted Ring-leaders of those Sects of Hereticks, that so much opposed the Church in its Infancy, insomuch that it grew into a custom, to call a wicked Man a Cappadocian; and has for its Principal Cities and Towns Erzirium, upon the Borders of the great Armenia, where the Turkish Army usually Wintered in their return from the Persian Expeditions, and is the Seat of a Bassa. Mazaca once the Residence of St. Basil: Sebastia, so named in Honour of Augustus, whom the Greeks called Sebastas; Trepesus or Trepesond, once p. 102the Seat of an Empire, but now under the power of the Turks, where the Amazons were said to Inhabit, at the time Troy was razed by the Greeks, and till displaced by Alexander the Great.

ARMENIA MINOR, though somewhat mountainous, is however a very fertile Country; and is held by some to be that Ararat, upon whose Hills Noah's Ark rested after the Deluge; and so consequently first to have been peopled after that Universal Calamity, and is only parted from Armenia Major by the famous River Euphrates, and is so inclosed in most parts, with that and the Mountains Taurus and Ante-Taurus, that it is difficult to be entred, though in other places it is delightful, and well watered by pleasant Streams issuing out of the Mountains; the chief being Melas, which falls into Euphrates, and is so called from the blackness of the Waters.

This Country was once a part of Cappadocia, till the Armenians wrested it by force, and planted their Colonies here, from whom it took the present name; and has for its chief Cities Nicopolis, Suur, antiently Melitene, Oromandus, built by Pompey the Great, in token of his Victory over Tigranes the Syrian King, under whom was both the Armenia's, Garnace, Caucusum, and Arbyss…s, whither St. Chrysistom was Banished by the means of the Empress Eudoxia, who took part with the Hereticks: and these Countries had the Blessing to be converted to the Christian Faith, by St. Paul and St. Peter, as appears by the Epistle of the first to the Galatians, and of the last to the Strangers scattered or dispersed in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, &c. And what remains is more properly called Asia, though circumscribed in Anatolia, or Asia Minor, viz.

Asia Propria, was formerly held to be the most rich and flourishing part of this Peninsula, as Tully p. 103affirms, when he certifies that the Roman Tributes from other parts were but sufficient to defray the charges of keeping them; but Asia says he, is so Fertile and Rich, that for the fruitfulness of the Fields, variety of Fruits, largeness of Pastures, and quantity of Commodities, which were brought from thence, it abundantly excelled all other Countries; and it properly includes Phrygia Minor, Phrygia Major, Mysia, Aeolis, Ionia, Lydia and Cario.

Phrygia Minor, so called, as many hold it, from the River Phryx, descending from the greater Phrygia, is a very fruitful Country, mostly Champaign, and watered with sundry noted Rivers, as Scamander, Xanthus, Simois, and others so much renowned by Homer. In this Country, upon the Banks of Scamander, stood the famous City of Troy, whose goodly Ruins, appear in some sort, to this day; and from the Inhabitants of which City most Nations labour to fetch their Original. Near to it stands Troas or New Troy, begun by Alexander the Great, and finished by Lysimachus, one of his Captains, who yet named it Troas Alexandri, in honour of his Master. Here are found likewise the Ports of Lyrnessus and Sigaeum, with many other things, upon which the Poets especially have been large, who keep them alive even in their Ruins; for indeed little else remains at this day; for as Ovid has it,

Jam seges est ubi Troja fuit, resecanda que falce,

Luxuriat Phrygio sanguine pinguis humus.

Corn ripe for Sciths, grows where Troy once stood,

And the Soils fatted with the Phrygian Blood.

PHRYGIA MAJOR, joyns to the former, and is a very fruitful Country, abounding with some Corn, Wine, and some Olive-Yards well watered, by the River Sangarius and Marsyas; the former p. 104taking its Spring in this Country, discharges it self into the Euxine Sea. And the Towns are Gordian, once the Residence of Gordius, who of a Husbandman being made King, hung up the Furniture of his Waggons and Ploughs in the Temple of Apollo, tied in such a Knot, that an old Prophecy run, That he who could unty it should be Monarch of the World; which Alexander the Great, upon his coming thither, trying to do and failing therein, cut it in sunder with his Sword, shewing thereby, what Policy could not do Force should effect. Colosse, where the Colossians, to whom St. Paul wrote one of his Epistles dwelt: Miedaeum, once the Seat of Midas; Pesinus where the Statue of Cibele was held in great Veneration, and being from thence shipped for Rome, the Ship by no means could be brought to pass up the Tiber, till a Vestal Virgin, who had been accused of Incontinency, to clear her Innocence, by fastning her Girdle to it (if you will believe the Story) drew it up the River; and the reason why the Romans so coveted it was, that the Empire of the World had been promised to those that could get it into their possession.

MYSIA is a Country lying, as it were, between the Phrygia's, supposed antiently to be a Phrygian Nation, being much the same for Fertility: And here is found the Asian Olympus, a vast Mountain, but inferior to that of the same name in Greece, and has, for Rivers of note Cacus and Aesopus; on the Banks of the former stands the once famous City of Pergamus, but now of little note. There is likewise the River Granicus, having its Fountain in Mysia Major, and falling into the Propontis, on the Banks of which Alexander gained the first Victory against Darius the Persian King; who upon his first coming into Asia, had made so little account of him, that he sent Order to his Lieutenant in Anatolia to take him alive, and after having whipped p. 105him with Rods, to send him bound to his Presence. And this Mysia is divided into the lesser and greater; and here stands the Tower of Abydos, over against Sestos in Thrace, memorable for the Story of Hero and Leander; with many other things more remarkable; as the Inhabitants slaying themselves, to prevent falling into the hands of Philip the Father of Persaeus King of Macedon, its being betrayed to the Turks by the Daughter of the Governour, upon her falling in Love with Abderachmen, a Turkish Officer; upon her Dreaming she fell into a miry place, and he coming by took her up and wiped her clean, &c. Cyzicus, famous for its Port, Marble Towns and stately Buildings, &c. And in Mysia Major are found Apollonia, Dainta, Trajanopolis, Alydda, and others.

AEOLIS and IONIA Are generally conjunct, as Countreys much depending on each other, indifferently Fruitful, and contain sundry good Harbours. The principal places in the first are Pitana, Acarnea, Elaea, Myrina, now Sebastopolis, Cene the the chief in this part; Cumaea the Birth-place of one of the Sybils, and Phaecia; and the People are held by Josephus to descend from Elisha the Son of Javan, but by the many Conquests that have been made of this and other Countreys, whereby the People have been either destroyed or carried away, and others planted in their steads, such Originals must needs be uncertain.

IONIA, Has for its principal Cities Mias on an Arm of the Sea, which Artaxerxes assigned to Themistocles the noble Athenian, when the ingrateful City of Athens had banished him after the glorious Conquests he had Atchieved in their behalf. Erythra, memorable for the Habitation of one of the Sybils, Lebedus, Clazomene and others, especially Smyrna, a fair Haven City, on a Bay named from it the Bay of Smyrna, and is not only famous for comprehending p. 106one of the Seven Churches of Asia, written to by St. John, but is at present a place of great Traffick, where the English have a Factory, and most Europeans trade for Chamlets, Grogran, and other Stuffs, Drugs, with many such like Commodities: The Grand Signior having there a Custom-House which brings in a vast Revenue; and in old times there stood a goodly Temple, dedicated to Homer the Greek Poet, as supposed to be the place of his Birth. In this Tract is likewise found the City of Ephesus, so renowned for the Temple of Diana, accounted one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and was in its Splendour 425 feet in length, and in breadth 220, supported with 127 Pillars of polish'd Marble, curiously wrought, and was indeed a very goodly Structure, and so it had need, for after it was modelled by Ctesiphon, a most expert Architect, it was 200 years in Building, though Burnt in one day by Erastrotus, on purpose, as he alledged to get him a Name, though of Infamy.

LYDIA once a famous Kingdom till ruined by the Persians, under the leading of Cyrus; took its name, as many Historians will have it, from Lud the Son of Sem; the People of which Country are said to be the first Coiners of Monies, and Inventers of sundry Games; and here is the Mountain Tomalus covered naturally with Vines and Sipylus; and which are very fruitful Valleys; and yield the best Saffron of Asia: the Rivers of note are Hermus, which taking its source in Phrygia Major, passes by the skirts of Lydia, pleasantly watering the Pastures, &c. and falls into a fair Bay of the Aegean Sea, opening towards the Island of Clazomene; likewise Pactolus Castros, and the Meander; the which though upon a direct line not exceeding 60 miles is nevertheless in measuring the winding, accounted 600 which greatly …etters the Country; in which are found Mines of Gold and Silver, and some p. 107Stone of considerable value; and has for it's chief City Sardis, seated on the River Pactalus. Philadelphia near to the bank of the River Caistras: Thyatyra, Laodicea and others; nothing more renowned than to be of the number of the 7 Churches, to which St. John wrote his Apocalypse; and of this Country Croesus the Rich was King, who was deceived by the Oracle, in these words, viz.

CROESUS Halyn penetrans magnam subvertit opum vim.

Thus Englished:

When Croesus over Halys goes

A mighty Nation he o'erthrows.

Which he Interpreting according to his own hopes, crossed the River, and was vanquished and taken Prisoner by Cyrus; overthrowing indeed his own People, and was the last King of Lydia.

Caria is on the North of Lydia, in which is the Hill Latmus, where Endimion retired for the better privacy in the study of Astrology, and there finding out the course of the Moon and her changes, gave occasion to the Fable of his being beloved by her and her kissing him, &c. and the River Salmacis which enfeebles any Person that enters into it or drinks of the water; and has for its chief Cities, &c. Miletus, Mindus, Heraclea and Latmum, Borgilia or Borgilos, Milusa, Primassus, and others; and in the Southwest of this Province, thrusting it self into the Sea like a Promontory, stands the little Country of Doris; so called from Dores a Greek people that first Inhabited it; and has for its chief Cities Cnidus, Cressa, formerly a noted Haven Town; Halicarnassus, where Queen Arthemisia in Memory of King Mausolus her Husband, raised at vast expence a Monument, accounted one of the 7 Wonders of p. 108the World, from which all great Structures of that kind are called Mausoles.

As for the people of Caria, their name or denomination, is conjectured to be derived from Cares the Son of Pharoneus King of Argos; though Bochartus rather alludes it to the Phaenician word Car, signifying a sheep or Ram, because they were formerly dealers in Flocks, with which their Country abounded, and is indeed full of rich Pastures.

LYCIA lyes on the West of Caria; said to take its name from Lycius, Son to Pandion King of Athens; and is a Country inclosed in a manner with Sea and Mountains; the principal Mountain being Taurus, the biggest in Asia; which begins in this Province, and extends to the Eastern Sea; one of its branches in this Country is the Chimaera, casting out Flames like Mount Aetna; which gave occasion to the Fablers of former times, to render it dreadful, by likening it to a Monstrous Beast, with a Head like a Lyon, a Belly like a Goat, and a Tail like a Serpent; though some to justifie this Fiction, will have it to be infested at the bottom by Serpents, grazed in the middle by Goats, and containing nearer to the top, dens of Lions, altogether framing the Monster, said to be destroyed by Bellerophon; which indeed tended to nothing more than that he first caused the Mountain to be Inhabited, and this Country in former days was so opulent, that 60 Cities of note were found in it, but now most of them Ruined; the chief in it being Are, Phaselis, Myra, Solima, Rhodia, Pataras, Mylios, and Podelia; and so powerful were the Lycians in the time of Cyrus the Persian, that they were not without great difficulty brought under, but from thence forward followed the Fortune of the Conquerors as the Greeks, Romans and Turks, &c.

p. 109LYCAONIA is a Country so named from the Lycaones, a people of Lycia; or from the Lycaonians a people, the Inhabitants of Lyconia a Town in Phrygia Major; and has for its chief Cities Iconium, once the chief Residence of the Caramanian Kings, who so stoutly opposed in its beginning the Growth of the Ottoman Empire; Lystra, the birth place of Timothy the Evangelist; and here it was that the superstitious people would have done divine Sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas; Darbe, Laranda, Paralais, Adopissus, Canna and Caratha; but as for the Inhabitants, they are not found in History to be of any considerable note; nor does their Country much abound in Fruits or Corn, for want of Convenient streams to water it.

PISIDIA is on the South of Lycaonia, and is a small Country, yet furnished with great plenty of all things necessary for Human subsistance; where the Plains extend themselves, though in some parts it is much Incumbered with Barren Mountains; and has in it the Towns or Cities of Antioch, Seleucia, Lysinnia, Selge, Sagalassa, Cremna, Termessus, Olbanassa and Plutanessus; the Antient Inhabitants being said to descend from the Solimi, a people on the Borders of Lycia; and were formerly daring and valiant, as appeared in their opposing Cyrus, and did more wonders than any of their more powerful Neighbours, but now being in subjection to the Turks, who hold them as Vassals or Slaves, they have lost much of their Courage and Industry.

PAMPHYLIA has Pisidia on the North, and is separated from it by the Mountain Taurus; and its held to take its name from its being Inhabited by a mixture of Nations; which word in the Greek expresses no less, and is much over-run with the Spurs or Branches of Taurus; rendering it Barren in many places; yet on those Mountainous parts abundance of Goats are fed, whose Flesh serves for p. 110Food, Hair for making Chamlets, and Skins for Leather; yet that part which is the Sea coast, and runs 150 miles on the Mediterranean, is well Inhabited, and enjoys sundry Towns of Note, as Attalia, Perge, Side, Magidis, Aspendas, Oliba, Caracensium, Colobrassus, Cretopolis, and Menedemium, and is watered with the Rivers Cestrus, Cataractus, and Eurymedon; and since they first planted this Country, they have been frequently brought under subjection by the Pontois, Persians, Romans and lastly by the Turks, who at present remain Lords of all the lesser Asia, and good part of the greater.

CILICIA has Pamphylia on the West, and is a very fruitful Country, especially on the Eastern part; and is said to take its name from Cilice the Brother of Cadmus; and though it is but meanly Inhabited, yet it is much traded to; and has in it many Towns of Note, as Tarsus the Birth place of St. Paul, Anchiala, Epiphania, Adena, Mopsuestia, Nicopolis, Amavara, Scandelora, and others watered with the River Pyramus, now called Malmistra, Orismagdus, Calicadnus, and the famous Cydnus, whose waters are so Cool, and withal so Rapid that they had like to have proved fatal to Alexander the Great, and did so to Fredrick the first German Emperor; for whilst he was bathing in the stream, he was carried away by the violence of the Current, and smothered in the waves. As for the chief Mountains they are Amanus and Taurus accounted the largest in the world.

ISAVRICA is a distinct Province from the former seated on both sides of Taurus, which renders it altogether Mountainous, being East to Pamphylia; parted in the midst by the River Calecadnus on whose banks are many Vines and pleasant Pastures and has for its principal City and Towns Seleucia, I…auria, and Claudiopolis; and as for this and the p. 111Province of Cilicia, they were Anciently famous for Piracies; but Pompey breaking their power at Sea placed them in a more Inland Country, and especially on these Mountains in a strait compass, but they have since inlarged their borders.

And thus for Anatolia or Asia Minor, except such Islands as are reputed to appertain to it, which shall be treated of in another place; it being our design that nothing shall be omitted, though we are obliged to be brief, constrained to it by the narrowness of our compass; only note that it is wholly subject to the Turks.

The Kingdoms and Provinces of the greater Asia Described.

AS to the Boundards and Scituation of this Part of the World, it has been already laid down in general, wherefore now nothing remains, but to describe it in particular, &c. and to do this in order, we will begin with▪

The Kingdom of Syria.

THE Kingdom of Syria, as it Antiently was, is bounded on the North with Cilicia; on the South with other parts of Asia minor; on the East with the River Euphrates; and on the West with the Mediterranean Sea: And is Inhabited by divers sorts of People, Professing sundry Religions, as Christianity, Judaism, Mahometism, and in some places not altogether freed from Paganism; for upon the Borders next to Armenia minor, there dwell the Cardi, or Coerdes, a People who pay Veneration p. 112to the Devil, and the slender excuse they alledg for it is, to prevent his doing them Mischief, they being on the contrary assured, that God being in his Nature good, he will not injure them. And the whole Country is divided into 3 Provinces, viz. Phoenicia, Caelo-Syria, and Syro-Phaenicia.

PHAENICIA, is bounded on the East and South with Palestine; on the North with Syria, so properly called; on the West with the Mediterranean Sea; and has this Name given it by the Greeks, from the abundance of Palm Trees that are found growing therein, the Word signifying in that Language a Palm: As for the Country it self it is not great, for though in Length it reaches to the further side of Mount Carmel, and again to the River Volanus, on the North, the Breadth however is so inconsiderable, that it rather seemeth a Sea-Coast, than a Country; nor did the Phaenicians less improve the opportunity in former times, but were accounted the chief Navigators of the World. As for the Cities of note they are, Acon, seated in a Pleasant Plain of great Length, Besieged by the Western Christians in their Expedition for the regaining the Holy Land. Sarepta, the place where the Woman sustained Elias, or rather he her, by Miracle in the time of Famine: Tyre once a Famous Sea Town, but now little of it remains: Sidon a Pleasant Place, but wants of its former Largeness and Grandeur, being reduced to a narrow compass. As for the chief Mountains they are Libanus and Carmel; and as for Rivers there are few of note, the principal being Adonis, however the Country is Fruitful in Olives and Vines.

COELO-SYRIA is more compacted than the former, and is watered with the Rivers Abana and Pharaphar, called in Scripture the Rivers of Damascus, and has in it the Mountains of Asmadamus, p. 113a ridg of Hills beginning at the East Point of Ante-Libanus, and bending directly Southward, shuts up that part from the Land of Israel, and has for its chief Towns Heliopolis, so called from an Image of the Sun formerly Worshipped there; Chalcis, Abila, Adida, Hippus, or Hypone, Capitolias, Gadara, Gerasa, Scythopolis, Philadelphia and Damascus, the Head of this Province, once a Famous City, but now reduced to a small compass, however it is Scituate in a large Plain, Invironed with Hills, and watered by the River Chrysorhe…, having about it many pleasant Gardens, Orchards and Fountains; and indeed the whole Country, where the Mountains interpose not, is a Terrestrial Paradice, which made the Impostor Mahomet refuse it for his Regal Seat, lest swallowed up in the Delights and Pleasures of that Country, he should forget his Business.

SYRO-PHAENICIA is a third Provinc… of this Kingdom, and has for its chief Cities and Towns Aleppo, a considerable Mart Town, though not bordering on the Sea, but standing within the Land, for hither the Merchants of Egypt, Arabi… and Persia, come over Land with their Camels Laden with Silks, Cloth of Gold and Silver, Drugs, Spices, &c. Biblis, Tripolis a place taken and possessed by the Western Christians, in their Expedition to the Holy Land, and is a very considerable Sea-Port Town, Fortified with a strong Wall, and many Towns, and has many Store-houses for the Accommodation of Merchants; and that part of the Mountain Libanus, that stretches upon it like a Curtain, abounds with Fruit Trees, Vines, and Trees harbouring abundance of Silk Worms; but of this Country Antiochia is accounted the Metropolis, and not far from it is the River Orontes, which beginning in Coelo-Syria, ingulfs it self and riseth near Apamea, watering Antiochia, and passing thence 16 p. 114Miles; falls into the Mediterranean Sea, and from hence come the greatest part of our Tapistry Hangings.

The Building in this Country, and indeed in all Syria, is one high Roof, with a plain Top, Plaistered or Terrassed to walk on the Plat-form, and Arched Cloisters before the Doors, so that People may walk dry in the Streets, in all Weathers. As for Religion they are as the first, a mixture, &c.

A Description of the Land of PALESTINE.

PALESTINE is bounded with the Hills of Hermon; on the East parted by them from Coelo-Syria, and Arabia Deserta; on the West with the Mediterranean Sea, and some part of Phaenicia; on the North with Ante-Libanus, and the remaining part of Phaenicia; on the South with Arabia the Stony, called Palestine, from the Philistines, a People that Inhabit it; but it is not conjectured they held any more than a part of it, but being very Powerful gave a general Name to this Country; as the Asiaticks usually call the Europeans Franks, from France, which is only a small part of it; however we will take it as formerly it stood, viz. its Division into Galilea, Judea, Idumea, and Samaria, accounted 200 Miles in Length, though not above 50 in Breadth, possessed by the Tribes of Israel, as the Land Promised to Abraham, &c.

GALILEA is accounted the most Northern Part of Palestine, being divided into the higher and lower, the first allotted to the Tribes of Napthali, Asher, and part of the Tribe of Dan, is a pleasant Country abounding with all manner of Fruits, and Exuberant, that for its Plenty this Conjunct with the rest, was called a Land flowing with Milk and Honey; the chief Cities being Apheck, whose Wall falling slew 27000 of Benhadad's Soldiers. Giscala, the p. 115Birth-place of Jehu, who Slew Joram his Master, and took upon him the Kingdom; here is likewise found Capernaum, where our Blessed Saviour healed the Centurions Servant, and Fed 3000 with 5 Loaves and 2 Fishes; not far from it Ribla, where Unfortunate King Zedekiah, after he had seen the slaughter of his Children, had his Eyes put out, and to these we may add Genesareth, Hamath, and Ramath.

As for the lower Galilea, it contained the Tribes of Zebulon and Issachar, and the first of these had for their chief Cities Cana, where our Blessed Saviour wrought his first Miracle; Bethsaida, the Birth place of St. Peter, St. Andrew, and St. Philip. Hippopolis, Tiberias on the Sea Coast, and some other Towns of lesser note, as Nazareth, and Bethulia; here is likewise found the Mount Tabor, on which our Lord was Transfigured, as a manifestation of his Glory; as also the Brook Kishon, out of which flows the Famous River bearing that Name.

The principal places appertaining to the Tribe of Issachar, were Tarichea, on the side of the Lake, about Eight miles from Tiberias, and was so stoutly defended against Vespatian, that it cost him the Lives of 1200 men, before he made himself Master of it; Chishon a City of the Levites, Rameth, called also Jarmouth, another City of the Levites, where the Hills of Gilboa take their beginning, and pass Westward to the Mediterranean, and East to Jezreel; En-haddad, near which Saul being discomfited by the Philistins, slew himself in dispair. Nai… on the Banks of the River Kison, where our blessed Saviour raised the Widows Son to Life; and on the Banks of the same River standeth Haphraim or Aphraim, Endor, the place where Saul consulted the Witch, about the raising Samuel; Deborath, one of the Cities of Refuge, Arbela, &c. And although these Tribes are held to be carried away by p. 116Salmanasser, and the Galileans placed in their stead, yet they were strict Complyers with the Jewish Ceremonies and Customs, and so zealously affected that neither Threats nor Force could oblige them to offer Sacrifice to the Health of the Roman Emperors.

SAMARIA, The Country taking its name from the chief City, is bounded on the East with the River Jordan; on the West with the Miditerranean Sea; on the North with Galilee; and on the South with Judea: And gives in all parts a curious Prospect of pleasant Fields and Valleys, with little rising Hills, from whence issue refreshing Streams; and is every scattered over with Fountains, affording abundance of Grass, and consequently a great number of Cattle; and the People were for the most part Assyrians, sent thither by that Conquering King to supply the places of the Captive Israelites, and were Gentiles at first, till better instructed by the Lyons God sent amongst them, and afterward by the Priest, who returned with the Five Books of Moses, and taught them the manner of the God of the Land, 2 Kings 17. However they frequently relapsed and forsook their living Strength, as may be seen in Holy Writ: and this Province upon its being first possessed by the Children of Israel, was allotted to the Tribe of Ephraim, and the two half Tribes of Manasses; the one seated on the Mediterranean, and the other beyond Jordan. In the half Tribe of Manasses, on the Mediterranean, the chief Cities were found to be Bethsan, Terza, Acrabata, Thebes, Ephra or Hophra, Asophon, Bezek, Jezreel, Megiddo, Dora or Dor, Caesarea; and others, many of them memorable in Scripture upon sundry occasions.

The Tribe of Ephraim had for their chief Cities, or most considerable places, Saron, on the Mediterranean, Lydda, Ajalon or Helon, a City of the p. 117Levites; Thenath-Chares, given to Josuah, Adasa or Adarsa, where Judas Macchabeus overthrew with 3000 men, the vast Army of Nicanor: Jefleti or Pelethi, giving name to the Pelethites, that were of David's Guard: Silo scituate on the top of a lofty Mountain, and the receptacle of the Ark, till taken by the Philistines; Michmas, Najoth, Bethoron, the City of the Levites, Pirhathon, Simor, and Samaria, the Metropolis of the Kingdom of Israel, founded by Omri, one of their Kings, on the top of the Mountain Samron, taking thence its name, overlooking the Sea-coast, and was very stately and magnificent, vying with Jerusalem, but much impaired by the Wars that have frequently happened, and at this day scarce to be found, or at least extreamly wanting of its former Glory; and in this compass mixed together in a manner the other Tribes mentioned were contained.

JVDEA, The Country of the more peculiar remnant of the Jews, containing the Tribe of Juda, but may be said to be divided between the Philistines, the Tribes of Dan, Simeon, and Benjamin: At first the Philistines commanded the Sea Coast from the South of Phaenicia, to the North of Idumea, or from the City of Gaza, to the Castle of Pilgrims, taking both, except Joppa, into the Accompt, and but that and all the Northern Towns were the Israelites; and though the Philistines held no more then six of note, yet they were of such importance and so strongly fortified, that having the Edomites to back them, and some other Neighbours, who relished not the Jewish Nation, they perplexed and wearied them continually with Wars and Inroads, and became more troublesom, than the whole body of the Canaanites; which Towns were Gath or Geth, where the Giant Goliah slain by David was Born; Accaron on the South of Gath, a Town of great Wealth and Power; Ashdod, by the Grecians called p. 118Azotos, Memorable for the Temple of Dagon, whither the Ark of the Lord was carryed when taken by the Philistines; Ascalon, Scituate on the Coast of the Mediterranean, aad first Founded by a Noble Lydian; Gaza more Inland, signifying in the Persian Language the Place of Treasure, where indeed Cambyses layed up the Tribute of those Countries; and Majoma the Port Town of Gaza: And in these they had their strong Holds, from which they so often vexed the Israelites.

The chief places possessed by the Tribe of Dan were Joppa, since called Jaffa, once a Famous Mart Town, and the Principal Haven of those parts, taken by the Christians in the Holy War; Rama or as the Moors call'd it Romula, built with Freestone, and scituate upon rising Hills, in a Sandy Plain, where yet remain the Ruines of a Monastery and several Christian Churches. Imnia, the place where Judas Macchabeus Burnt the Syrian Fleet. Ceder, or Cedron; Modini, where the Macchabees were Buried; Gibbethon, Cariathjarim, Beth-shemesh, to which the Ark was brought by the Oxen, when dismiss'd by the Philistines; Tisrah, Caspin, Lachis, Ajalon, a City of the Levites, mentioned before in the Tribe of Ephraim, in the Borders whereof it is Scituate; which occasions Authors to disagree in which Tribe to place it, and therefore leave it indifferently to either.

To the Tribe of Simeon is ascribed the Cities and Towns of Gerar; Siceleg, or Ziglag; Haijn, a City of Levites; Cariath-Sepher, Interpreted the City of Books, within the Borders of Simeon, but appertaining to Judah; and Chorma, with others of smaller note, rather Villages than Towns.

The Tribe of Judah, so called from Judah the Fourth Son of Leah, had for its Lot Arda, Scituate in the Entrance of Judea; Hebron, one of the Antientest Cities of the Canaanites, formerly Inhabited p. 119by the Giant-like Sons of Anakim, or Anak, the Word signifying a Chain, and here it was that Abraham bought a Buryal Place for his Dead, and Buried his Wife Sarah; Tecoa, the City of Amos; Jether, or Jutter; Maresa, where the Prophet Micah was born; Emmaus, since called Nicopolis; Hasor, or Chatsor, one of the Frontier Towns of Idumea; Odalla, or Hadullun; Ceila, or Keila, where David hid himself when he fled from Saul; Eleutheropolis, or the free City, not far from Hebron; Azeca; Beth-sur, or Bethsora, signifying the House of Rocks, alluded from its standing on a Rocky Hill; Adoram bordering on the Dead Sea; Zore, in former times called Bela, but took its Name from the words of Lot, the word Tsohor, Importing Refuge, Safety, or Deliverance; Massada a strong Hold; Libna a strong Fortified City, seated in the Corner of Juda between the Tribes of Dan and Benjamin; Ziph in the Wilderness, where Saul came to pursue David.

BETHLEHEM call'd Bethlehem-Judah, to distinguish it from one of the same name in Zebulon, the Birth place of our Blessed Saviour, and the Grave of those Innocents that suffer'd on his account by the Cruelty of Herod. As for the Territories of these Cities and Towns, they are exceeding fruitful, and in many of the Valleys are Gardens of Balsam or Opobalsamum Trees.

The Tribe of Benjamin had for its Portion the Cities of Mizpeh, Gebah, Gibeah, Ai, Gibeon, Jericho, Anathoth, Nob, Gilgal, Bethel, Ramath, differrent from what has been mentioned; Chadi, or Haidi, Lod and Ono; but the chief Magnificence of this Tribe, was the Famous City of Jerusalem, scituate upon a Rocky Mountain, yet in most parts easie of ascent; Invironed with Neighbouring Hills▪ and consisted in its most flourishing time of four parts, separated by several Walls, resembling distinct p. 120Cities, divided into the upper, lower and new Cities; together with the City of Herod, which made the Fourth division; all the Walls fortified with Towers and Castles, and the Cities stor'd with stately Buildings, Fountains, and pleasant Gardens; but all these exceeded by the magnificence of the Temple, held to be the chief wonder of the World; the Description of which is lively set down in the Old Testament; wherefore it will be superfluous here to delineate it, though at this day its Glory is laid in the dust.

The Tribe of Levi, though properly a Tribe of the Israelites, had no Possessions assigned it, but had the Priesthood for its Inheritance; and therefore scattered or planted in divers Cities, assigned for the Levitical Residence; being as Jacob their Father had before Prophesied: divided in Jacob, and scattered in Israel, their Portions being to live on the Altar, and the Tenths of the Offerings, &c. and as it is in Joshua 18. 17. The Priesthood of the Lord was their Inheritance. And of these there were four Kinds or Distinctions. 1. Punies or Tirones, which from their Childhood, till the 25 year of their Age, were obliged to Learn the duty of their Office, 2. Graduats which were obliged for 4 years to study the Law, or till they were well grounded in it. 3. Licentiates who actually exercised the Priestly Office: And 4 the Doctors or Rabbins, who where of the highest Order, and expounded the Law to the People.

IDVMEA is a part of Palestine, separate from the Tribes commonly called the Land of Edom; bounded on the East and South with Arabia the Stony; on the North with Judea; on the West with the Mediterranean Sea; Inhabited by the Children of Esau Brother to Jacob; and is a very fruitful Country towards the Sea coast; but that bordering on Arabia is somewhat Barren and Mountainous p. 121though they heretofore afforded Balm, and now a great many Palm-trees grow there; as for the People, they are, and antiently were, rude, boisterous and untractable, given much to Violence, and were no small contributers, by raising a Sedition in Jerusalem, to the Destruction of that famous City by the Romans, under Titus; and had for their chief Cities and Towns, Dinhahath, the City of Bela, the first King of Edom, Aniath the City of Hadad, and Pan the City of Hadar; two other Kings of this Country, mentioned in Genesis, Berzamna, Caparosa, Gamararis, Elasa, Rossa, Rhinocurura, Raphia, and others, with many scattered Castles and Villages; and of this Country the Horites are thought to be the first Inhabitants; amongst whom Esau, upon the discontent he received by his Brothers circumventing him of the Blessing, went to dwell, and took to him Wives of the Daughters of the People of the Land; and as though the two Brothers Difference had been inherent to Posterity, the Edomites alwaies proved mortal Enemies to the Israelites, not only siding with their Enemies, but making continual War and Inroads upon them their selves.

The other Parts of Palestine, which may properly be so called, are the Divisions of Peraea and Ituraea, and the first of these lies between the Mountains of Arnon, and the River Jordan, abounding with Olives, Vines, and Palm-Trees, the Soil every where being exceeding Rich, and was formerly the Habitation of the Midianites, Moabites, and Ammonites, as also of the two Tribes of Gad and Reuben.

The Quarter of the Midianites was at the South Side of the Dead Sea, at the very entrance of the Country, and were held to Descend from one or more of the 5 Sons of Madian the Son of Abraham, by Keturah, mentioned in Gen. 25. 4. and had p. 122for their chief Cities Recome, Built by one of the 5 Midianitish Kings, slain by Joshua; and Midian on the bank of the Dead Sea; and these were they, that by the advice of Balaam, sent out their Beautiful Women to Insnare the Israelites, upon their entrance into the Land of Canaan.

The Moabites Possessed all that part of the Country, from the boundards of the Midianites on the South, as far as Esebon on the North, on both sides the River Arnon, having the River Jordan on the West, and the Hills of Abarim on the East, first possessed by the Emmims, a Race of Giants, whose Principal City was Sheneth Kirjathaim, but they being Vanquished by Chedorlaomer; and driven thence, their forsaken Seats were possessed by the Moabites, Descended from Moab one of the Sons of Lot, and had for their Cities in chief Rabbat, the Regal Seat of Balak King of Moab; Diblathum, Gallim, Muthana, Nathaliel, Bamath, Mispha, Hor, Kirhajareth, and some few others of little note; and this Country God commanded Moses to spare, because he had given it for an Inheritance to the Sons of Lot.

The Ammonites had their Habitations on the North-East of the River Arnon, and possessed all that Tract from Arnon on the …ead of the River, to the City Rabbah, and on both sides the River Ja…oc, as well within as without the Mountains of Galaad, Antiently the Seat of the Raphaim and Zamzummins, a Race of Giant-like People; and had for their chief Cities Rabbah, before which Vriah was Slain on the account of his Wife; Dothema, Mitspa, and others of lesser note, and had continual War with Israel, God appointing them as a Thorn in their side, because they had not at first rooted them out of the Land.

The Reubenites or Tribe of Reuben, had their Dwellings appointed on the East side of Jordan, p. 123having the Gadites on the North, and the Arabian Desarts on the East, and on the South the Land of Moab, parted by the River Arnon; whose chief Cities were Abel, Sittim, Bethabara, or Beth-bara, Machaerus, Lasa or Lesha, Medeba, Bosor or Bozra, a City of Refuge to the Levites; Livias, a Town Built by Herod, in Honour of Livia the Mother of Tiberius Caesar; Kedmoth, Adom, Heshbon, Bamothbal; and within their Territories is the Mount Nebo, from whose Top Moses took a view of the Land of Canaan; and joyning to it is the Hill Pisga, or to say more truly, one of the Tops or Spires of the same Mountain.

The Gadites, so called from Gad the Seventh Son of Jacob, begot on Zilpha the Hand-maid of Leah, had their Lot of the Promised Land, between the Reubenites on the South, and half the Tribe of Menasses on the North, the River Jordan on the West, and the Mountains of Arnon on the East; and inhabited the Cities of Aroer, upon the Banks of the River Arnon, Dihon, towards Jordan; Beth…mrah, Natoroth, Beth-haram, Beth-ezob, Mahanaim, so called from the Apparition of Angels; Succot…, Jahzor, Ramoth, Penuel, &c. All the Plains of this Country being exceeding Fruitful, as on purpose prepared for the Favourites of Heaven; yet the People who had been brought out of Slavery with a mighty hand, growing fat in these fruitful Fields, soon forgot their Maker, and went a Whoring after the Gods of the Strangers, for which the Canaanites had been cast out of the Land.

There were moreover in this Tract, called the Land of Palestine, the Trachonites inhabiting the Hilly Country, bordering on the Ammonites, called the Mountains of Gilead, extending Northward as far as Libanus, living, as Josephus tells us, for the most part, in Woods and Caves, upon Prey and Spoil, &c.

p. 124The Batanea▪ a People living in a part of the Kingdom of Basan, but their Kingdom, upon the Arrival of the Children of Israel, was given to the other half Tribe of Manasses, and contained many fenced large Cities: The chief was Pella, formerly called But is, but the Name changed by Seleucius, the great Assyrian King, of the Greek Race; destroyed by Alexander Janaeus, a King of the Jews, for refusing to admit the Law of Moses, but afterward by Pompey the Great restored to its former Luster: And more memorable in Church History, for the Voice heard from Heaven, admonishing the Christians then in Jerusalem to retire thither, that they might escape the Destruction that the Roman Army, under the leading of Titus, was about to bring upon that great and sinful City.

Gessur, since called Aurantis, the last Division of Ituraea, is North of Basan, and was once accounted a Kingdom; and had for its chief Cities Hauran, Gessur, Mahacath, Chatsar, Hevanus, and others of lesser note.

As for the Country of Palestine in general, or the promised Land, it is taken by some to be the place where the Terrestrial Paradise stood, and is indeed Fruitful, even to a miracle; for in most places there is an Eternal Spring, and in Summer the Flowers alwaies smiling, and the Vernant Trees seldom casting their ripe and mellowed Fruit before Blossoms and green Fruit take place, and are naturally of extraordinary growth; insomuch, that we read, when Caleb, Josuah, and others, went up to spie the Land, they brought a cluster of Grapes, as an earnest of the rest, so large, that they were obliged to carry it upon a Staff, between two of them. And thus much for the Land of Palestine, as it flourished in its most glorious daies, but now its antient Inhabitants are scattered over the face of the Earth, and Turks possess their pleasant places.

p. 125The three ARABIA'S Described, in their Countreys and Provinces.

1. ARABIA DESERTA, called by the Turks Beriara, is bounded on the East with the Babylonian Territories; on the West with some part of Palestine and Arabia the stony; on the North with Mesopotami… and Palmyrene; the first of these parting it from Euphrates; and on the South with Arabia Petraea part, and Arabia Felix; and takes the name of Deserta from the great Desarts that are found in it, all of loose Sands, taking eight daies in passing over them, which at certain times are carried so violently by the Wind, that Travellers are overwhelmed under heaps and mountains of Dust, and buryed Alive: as also are the Shepherds, who build little Cots on the borders of these Desarts, though very poor and despicable: as Lucan has it in his Pharsalia; and thus Englished.

The greatest part of Land, the Winds do bear

Unto the Skies, which hangs not fixed there.

His House and Land, the Nasamonian Seas,

Fly in the Wind their little Cottages.

Blown o'r their Heads into the Air as high,

As from a Fire the Smoak and Sparkles fly,

Till mounted, Dust like Smoak obscure the Sky.

Mountains of Dust, the South Winds furious hand,

Rolls o'r them till their drown'd in heaps of Sand.

And indeed this whole Division of Arabia yields nothing pleasant, being mostly inhabited by Thieves and Rovers, who having committed Robberies and Outrages, in more populous and wealthy Countries make this their retreat, as knowing few will give themselves the trouble of looking for them in so waste and desolate a Country; yet there are p. 126some few Cities and Towns found in it, but those mostly on the Borders, viz. Sabe or Saba, the Habitation of the Sabaeans, that was so called from the Grandson of Abraham by Keturah, mentioned Gen. 25. 3. And these were they that plundered Job of his Cattle; Thema, supposed to be the City of Eliphaz the Them anite, one of Job's Visitants; Shua, Tharsacas, Zagmais, Phunton, Oboth, and Reganna; though they had no formal Government, as being a disjoynted People, the poverty of the Country obliging every one to shift as he could; although now counted part of the Turkish Empire, it is so only in name rather than in effect, as paying little or no Tribute to the Grand Signior.

2. Arabia Petraea, or the Stony, is bounded on the East with Deserta, and a part of Sinus Persicus, on the West with the Isthmus, that joyns Africa to Asia, and part of the Red Sea, or Arabian Gulph, on the North with Palestine, and on the South with a long ridge of Mountains, dividing it from Arabia Felix, and is called Petraea, from its rockyness, and the abundance of large Stones that are found every where in it; and is indeed barren in a manner, as the former, but more firm and solid, which gives it the preheminence in Fruitfulness; and is full of woody Mountains, wherein the wild Arabs lurk and fortifie themselves, being reduced under Captains of Tribes, as also untravell'd Desarts, unless by such as carry their Provision with them for fear of starving, and for that they are many times set upon and murthered by the Thieves and Rovers; so that the general passage to Egypt and Babylon is by Caravans, to defend which there seldom go less than 4 or 500 armed men, where they carry their Merchandize upon Camels, one of these Beasts carrying ordinarily 6 or 800 weight, and sometimes a 1000, and are the fittest of all Creatures p. 127for this Journey, because they will endure three or four daies together without drink, in a Country where Water is not to be found, but rather by chance than any certainty; and of these Desarts the most memorable are those of Sinan, Pharan; the Inhabitants said to descend from Chus and Ishmael, intermixed with the Medianites, who are held to be of the posterity of Madian, the Son of Abraham by Keturah, and have for their chief places, Petra, memorable for the many Sieges it has held out against the Syrians, Jews, and Romans, &c. And was much aimed at in the time of the Holy War, even coveted by the Turks and Christians, as a Gate or Inlet to Palestine; Bosra, said to be built, or rather repaired by Augustus Caesar, to curb that wild and untractable Nation; Ph…ra, Bernice, Sur, Havilah, Madian, Rephaim, Kadesh-Barnea, and Thara; and in this Country stands the famous Mount Sinai, on which the Law was given; and here for the most part it was that the Children of Israel suffered so much in the Wildernesses and Desarts, during their progress to the Land of Canaan. And the Character Marcellinus gives more particularly of these Arabians, is viz.

That they are a martial People, half naked, clad only as far as the Groin, with painted Cloaths, ranging up and down upon Camels, swift Horses, and Dromedaries, as well in Peace as times of Trouble, not used to Plough, plan… Trees, or get their Living by Tillage, but wander for the most part, from one place to another, without any setled Habitation; nor have they the use of Laws, neither can they long endure the Air or Soil in one place: Their Food is chiefly upon Venison, and store of Milk, Herbs, Fruits, and Wild Foul; but as for Corn and Wine they have none: their Wives are hired only for a time, p. 128though for a shew of Marriage they present their Husbands with a Spear and a Tent, as their Dowry, though they part when they please; and both Sexes are extreamly given to Lust, the Women as rambling as the Men, leaving their Children to the help of Providence, where they fall without any further care of them.

As for the Rivers in this thirsty Land, there are but few, and the chief are Trajanus Amnis, Trajans River passing through the Country, and ending its course in the Red Sea, Rinocorura, called in Scripture the Torrent of Egypt, rising in this Countrey, and passing by the Borders of Idumea, falls into the Lake of Sirbon.

3. ARABIA FELIX, or the Happy Arabia, so call'd from its Fruitfulness, supplying in a manner the defect of the foregoing, is bounded on the East with the Persian; and on the West with the Arabian Gulphs; on the North with a continued ridg of Mountains; and on the South with the main Ocean, whose bounds is not known.

In this Arabia, the Fields, Valleys and Hills are exceeding Fruitful, abounding with Myrrh, Frankincense, Balsamum, Spices, Fruits of sundry kinds, very delicious; as also Gold, precious Stones, &c. and lying so commodiously on the Seas, is acquainted with what ever Blessing, either Element can afford, well furnished with quiet Harbours, and Roads for Shipping, the Towns of Trade and Merchandise standing near together, and the retiring Houses of the Kings neat and very sumptuous, the Countrey being generally accommodated with wholsom Fountains, and Medicinal Waters, with sundry Brooks and Rivers cool and clear, and the temperature of the Air exceeding healthful.

p. 129And this Countrey by the Arabians themselves is called Jeman and Al-jeman; and although the people are more Civil here than in the other parts, yet they had and have many Barbarous Customs amongst them, as Carnally knowing their nearest Relations, holding Community of Wives; and of dead Bodies no care is taken, but they cast them into some Ditch or a Dung hill, and are frequently a bragging of their descent from Jupiter, foolishly neglecting all Arts and Sciences, as disparagements to so great a Nobility; however there are some amongst them that apply themselves to Grazing, the Countrey abounding with Cattle and rich Pastures, and others to Merchandize, tho the chief Product of the Countrey is managed by Strangers.

The chief Cities or Towns that are at this Day found in this Tract are Elgra, on the Shoar of the Red Sea, called Sinus Elgranaticus; Jathrib, or Jatrib, in the way between Algiar and Medina, the Birth-place of Mahomet the Impostor; and in the City of Medina (to which is added the Name of Talmabi, signifying the City of the Prophet) is the Sepulchre of Mahomet, not drawn up with a Load-stone as the Vulgar rumour goes, but inclosed in the manner of our Sepulchres with an Iron Grate, and covered with a green Velvet Carpet, which the Grand Seigniour sends every Year as his Offering; so that when the New arrives, the Old is cut into innumerable Shreds, and Sold to Pilgrims by the Priests at large rates as Holy Reliques; and in this Temple, which is large and Magnificent, are 3000 Lamps continually burning: Meccha a Town Scituate in a barren Soil, not far from Medina, but of greater Resort and Traffick, the Commodities not only of Arabia, but of Persia and India flowing thither, from whence it is dispersed into all parts of the Turkish Empire; and here it is made Death for any Christian to come, so made to pr… Clouds. p. 130Discovery of the Fopperies in their Religion, and is utterly destitute of Waters, except such as is taken in Cisterns when it Rains, or brought on Camels Backs from distant Places, though three Carravans with Troops of Merchants and Pilgrims Visit it every Year: Zidon accounted the Haven Town of Meccha, though distant 40 Miles, Scituate on the Red Sea; Zebit, held now the Metropolis of the Country, much Traded to for Spices, Sugar, and Fruits; Eltor a Port Town, where the Christians are suffered to Inhabit. Aden on the entrance of the Red Sea, and is the most Famous Empory of this Country, well Fortified, and has a very capacious Haven for the reception of Shipping, once the Head of a distinct Kingdom, but now in Subjection to the Turks, being Treacherously surprized by them in the Year 1538, and soon after all the rest of the Country, Hor, Zarnal, and Muskahat, over-against Surat in the East-India's: As for the Woods that are found here, they naturally abound with Spices, and Odours, which in their Bloom send forth a grateful Smell, which accosts the Mariners before they can see the Land, and the Rivers are many, the chief Harman, Lar, Prion, Messinatis, Betius, &c. and in the Arabian Fields, or no where, the Phoenix is said to Inhabit.

A Description of Chaldaea, Assyria, and Mesopotamia, in their Countries and Provinces, &c. As also the Mountains Kingdoms, &c.

THESE three Countries or Provinces, are held to have been the Principal Body of the …mpire, wherefore it is thought fit to place p. 131them together, though in our Proceeding to Describe them, we shall do it severally; and First

1. CHALD AEA, is bounded on the East with a Persian Province, called Susina; on the West with the Desert of Arabia; on the South with the rest of Deserta, and the Persian Gulf; and on the North with Mesopotamia. As for the Original from which this Country has its Name, is uncertain; however it is exceeding Fruitful, yielding Corn in many places 2 and 300 Fold; and Pliny affirms the Babylonians Mow their Corn twice a Year, and Seed it a third time, or else it would Produce nothing but Blades; and here many hold the Terrestrial Paradice, a Select Garden, more Inriched by the Bounty of Heaven, than any other part of the World; and the Reason they give for it is, because the Rivers mentioned in Scripture to flow from it are found in this Tract, according to all circumstances the same, though length of Time has caused corruption or alteration, but rather in name than place, &c. and in this Country, on the large Plains of Shinar was founded Babel, signifying in the Hebrew Confusion, where happened the first Confusion of Languages, a work so Stupendious, being the Business of almost all the Inhabitants of the Earth, that before it was left off, it began to rea… a Head of Majesty, 5146 Cubits from the Ground, having proportionable Basis and Circumference, the Passages going up winding, and so easie of Ascent. that Horses and Carts might not only pass up it, but meet and turn, having Lodgings and Stations in them for Men and Beast, and Earth spread upon the mighty Work for Corn Fields; and all this foolishly undertaken to secure themselves in case of a second Deluge; and would however (had it not been prevented by the Divine Power) according to the Model devised, have Transcended the Clouds. In this Tract was the City of Babylon in its Antient p. 132Glory, the Walls of which was 46 Miles in Circuit, 50 Cubits in heighth, and of such a thickness, that Carts and Carriages might meet on the top of it, Finished in one Year by the daily Labour of 200000 Work-men, Built on both sides the River Euphrates, having its Communication by stately Bridges, and is said when taken by Cyrus the Persian, that he had possessed one part of it three days, before the more remote Inhabitants knew the Enemy was entered; but it has been since that time destroyed and removed; so that at this day Bagdat is taken for Babylon, Scituate on the River Tigris, and now in the Possession of the Turk; the other Places of note are, Ctesiphon, Sipparum, Apamia, Vologesia, Borsipha, and Balsora, the Port of Bagdat or new Babylon, Scituate at the Fall of Euphrates, into Sinus Persicus, a Place of great Trade and Wealth, now in the hands of the Persians.

As for Mountains this Country affords not any; and for Rivers, the chief are Euphrates and Tigris: The People anciently were much addicted to South-saying and Divination, and held to be first Idolaters, but now they are divided into several Sects, and become a mixture of Christians, Jews, and Mahometans, though once the Christian Faith Flourished here altogether, as Planted by St. Peter, who assures us that he was at Babylon in the latter end of his first Epistle.

2. ASSYRIA is bounded on the East with Media; on the West with Mesopotamia; on the South with Susiana; and on the North with some part of Turcomania, and part of Chaldaea, taking its name from Assur the Son of Sem, who first Inhabited it, though of late it has been called by other Names, but this being warrantable by Scripture, we shall the rather continue it.

p. 133As for the Countrey, it is free from Hills, unless such as render it very Commodious, so that being watered with pleasant Springs and Rivers, it is every where very Fruitful, and the People were anciently very Warlike, making themselves by their Arms Lords of the greatest part of the East, extending their Dominion from the Mediterranean Sea to the River Indus; the Men especially very formal in their Habit, wearing Robes trailing on the ground, their Hair exceeding long, and their Caps so steeple Crowned, that they seem like Pyramids, Perfuming themselves, and Adorning with Jewels, Rings, &c. and a Staff of Ivory, Rich Wood, or some precious Mettal in the form of a Scepter in their Hands; and as for the ancient Custom, it was to expose the fairest Women to Sale in open Market, not as Slaves, but to be purchased as Wives, and with the Money they put off those of the courser sort that were more deformed; happy for our English Doudies, were the Custom in use amongst us: And as for the Celebration of Marriage, it is a little strange; viz. The Bride-groom sees not his Bride before the Wedding-day, but takes her upon the good report of his Friends and others, when having made the Bargain with her Parents, they meet in the Chancel of the Church, and there the Cassisse or Priest obliges the Bridegroom to put his hand through the hole of a Partition, and take the Bride by the Hand, which done, her Mother with a sharp Bodkin pricks his hand all over with much eagerness; and if so, for all that he holds her fast, and wrings her hand till she squeak, they term it a presage of lasting Love, but if he let go, the contrary; and if the first Year a Male child is born, the Father loses his Name, and is called Abba or Father, the Sons Name being added to it.

p. 134ASSYRIA is principally watered with the Tygris; so named from its swiftness and rapidity: Into which, as Ptolomy affirms, discharge themselves, the Rivers Cuprus, Lycus and Gorges, with some other Streams, or Rivulets, and the whole Assyria was divided into six parts, viz. Araphachits, Adiabene, Calacine, Sitacene, Arbelites, and Apoloniates, and has for its chief Cities Calach, one of the four Cities built in the Land of Assur by Nimrod; Sittaca, about Two Miles from the Banks of Tygris; Athela, Apollonia, Geguamela; Memorable for the first great overthrow given by Alexander to Darius the Persian, wherein 90000 Persians are accounted to be slain, with the loss of 300 Macedonians only; Reboboth another City, said to be built by Nimrod, but now supposed to be that called Birrha. On the Tygris; Rhesen another, said to be built by the same party; Ninive, first built by Nimrod, and so named from Ninus his Son or Nephew; the City to which Jonah was sent, and in those days accounted Sixty Miles in Circuit, which may properly enough in those hot Countreys be accounted three days Journey: Mosul, seated on the Tygris, Arzeri and Scheheruzal, the chief Residence of the Turkish Bassa, Governour of this Countrey. As for the Profession of the Natives, and some Strangers mingled amongst them, 'tis that of the Nestorians, but the standing Religion is Mahometism imposed by the Turks.

3. MESOFOTAMIA has on the East for its boundard the River Tygris, parted by it from Assyria; on the West the Euphrates; on the North Mount Tauryus; on the South Chaldaed and Arabia Deserta, and is frequently in Scripture called Padan-Aram which in the Latine signifies Syria Culta, and was, anciently Inhabited by the Aramites, and is full of Rich Pastures, the Soil very fruitful in Corn, abounds with Vine-yards and store of Cattel, and is p. 135indeed so well furnished with all things necessary for Humane Support and Pleasure, that Strabo calls it Mesopotamia Felix, tho in the extream South, there are a few barren Desarts and some rough Mountains or Hills; and though it is a kind of a Compounded Countrey, yet the people are very Active and Industrious, improving Natures Bounty more than any in this Tract, though being but a small Countrey, it has always been in Subjection, and is watered with the Rivers Tygris, Euphrates, and Caboras or Abaras.

The chief Cities found in this Countrey, are Edessa, Cologenbar, Nisibius, and Vr; as for their Religion, as far as relates to Christianity, it is in a manner Orthodox, agreeing in most Points with the Reformed Churches of Europe.

I might now proceed to say something of the Two Kingdoms in the great Mountain Taurus, named from their two last Kings, the Kingdoms of Aledeules and Bahaman; the first subdued by Selimus the First Emperour of the Turks, and the last by Abas the Persian Sophy; but having nothing but Rocks and barren Mountains to deal with, and indeed the difficulties the Inhabitants struggle with, being more to be wondered at than any thing else, I shall thus briefly pass them over, and proceed to Turcomania.

Turcomania described in its Provinces, &c.

TVRCOMANIA, or the Land of Turky, so called from the Turks Inhabiting it before they got by Stratagem the Persian Empire, is on the East bounded with Media and the Caspian Sea; on the West with Cappadocia, Armenia Minor, and the Euxine Sea; on the North with Tartary, and on the p. 136South with Assyria and Mesopotamia; and is properly divided into four parts, viz. Armenia Major, held to be the true Turcomania; Colchis, now called Mengrelia; Iberia now called Georgia; and Albania called by some Zuirca, and of these in their order.

ARMENIA MAJOR, now called Turcomania, is a very Hilly Countrey, as much overspread with the Spurs of Mount Taurus and Anti-Taurus, though between them are many fruitful Valleys, that produce store of Cattle: The greatest business of these people when exempted from War, being to feed Sheep upon the Mountains, and other Cattle on the lower ground, driving them from place to place where the Pastures are best, and where they find the most commodious Springs, carrying with them their Families, Tents, and Provision, and usually go Armed, not so much for fear of Rovers, as Wild Beasts that possess the Caves of those Mountains: The People being large of Body, comely of Personage, much used to the Bow and Spear; patient of all kind of Labour: The Women are very homely, but of a manly aspect, and when occasion requires, addict themselves in Disguises to the Wars, and mingled with the Men, perform equal Exploits; and in Towns, where they are setled, their Families are very great, by reason they co-habit under one Roof to the third or fourth Generation, the eldest commonly bearing Rule, and being in all things absolute as King of the Family, yet those live not idle, but employ themselves in making Tapestries, Gograms, Watered Chamlets, and other Manufactures, dispersed into all parts, and some, tho not many of them are considerable Merchants, dispersing themselves over the Eastern Countrey, and from a Mountain of this Armenia called Abas has the great River Araxis its Fountain, p. 137and the people generally are Christians.

The chief Cities and Towns of this Country are, Artaxata the Royal seat of the Antient Kings of Armenia; Sebastia, now called Suassia; seated on the Euphrates, Tigranes, Certa, Arsamosata, Clamassum, Cholna, Baraza, Chars, Colonia, Thespia, and others of lesser note: as for Forrests or Woods, this Country has very few, and none considerable.

COLCHIS the second Division of Turcomania on the North of Armenia is Inhabited by a rude uncivillized people; however the soil is fertile producing naturally, much plenty, and the Vines of their own accord, twist themselves about Trees; creeping up into the spreading Branches, and affording much Wine; but that which in Antient times rendred it most memorable, was the abundance of Gold found in the Sands of the Rivers issuing from the Mount Caucasus; for which Jason made his Expedition; and thereby gave the occasion of the Fable of the Golden Fleece: there were likewise found divers Veins of Silver in the Mountains, though at present for want of working, or being exhausted, the People deficient in Coin, are obliged to Barter Goods for such things as their necessities require; however they are much given to Riot and Excess, nor do they refuse to prostitute their Wives and Sisters, to the pleasure of their guests upon any slight Entertainment, as not thinking they can be otherways sufficiently welcom; nor do the Women refuse a complyance. And here the chief Cities are, or were Dioscurias, Sibaris once the Royal Seat of the Colchine Kings; Siganeam, Aeopolis, Neapolis, Phasis; from whence the Phesants were first brought into Europe by the Greeks; Alvati, Mechlessus, Zadris and Sirace; though at present none of them considerable; however the Christian Religion continues here, p. 138though the Turks have possessed themselves of the Country.

IBERIA takes its name from the River Iberius, running through it, though lately the name is changed to Georgia; as some will have it from St. George the Capadocian Martyr; who first planted, or at least greatly improved the Christian Religion amongst them.

The Country is Mountainous, Woody, and a great part of it covered with Snow three quarters of the year; so that the Soil not being very fruitful, the people addict themselves much to War; so that for a long time they lived in freedom under their own Princes, till the Persian▪ War; at what time they partly by force, and partly by submission, became Tributary to the Ottoman Emperors; so that it contains not any Cities of note; however amongst them are reckoned Artaxissa, Vasada, Lubium, and Armastica, so named by P…olomy; though at present Cremen and Cachet are in most esteem; and to keep the people in aw, the Turks have fortified many places; and amongst others the strong Castle of Teflis, the Key of Media, now called Servan, Garrisoned with 6000 men; and has in it besides other Ammunition 100 pieces of Ordnance.

ALBANIA in Asia, distinct from that in Europe, East of Iberia is accounted to be first peopled by Gether Son of Aram, and Nephew of Japhet, and rested out of the way of War till the Romans time; when siding with Tigranes King of Armenia Major, and Mithridates King of Pontus, they were brought under subjection by Pompey.

The Soil of this Country is very rich in many parts, as being watered with the Rivers Saonia, Cyrus, Gerrus and Albania; and on the latter is seated a City of that name, the chief of the Province; here are likewise found Chabala, Thelbis, Getara, p. 139Namechiae and Telebae: The chief commodities are Corn, Cattle, Wine, and some Manufactures, and has over it a Turkish Bassa; and from these Countries the Turks are held on all hands to descend, as in the History of that people, appears more at large.

Media and Persia described, in their respective Provinces, &c.

MEDIA (the first that occurs in order) is bounded on the West with Armenia Major, and some part of Assyria; on the East with Parthia, and some part of Hyrcania, and the Provinces of Persia; on the North with the Caspian Sea, and Georgia; and on the South with other parts of Persia; held to take its name from Madai, the Son of Japhet, who first planted it; though at this day it is called by the Turks (in whose possession the greatest part of it is) Sheirvan, or Servan; the word in their Language signifying a Milky plain; alluding thereby to the great plenty of the Country, and is of large extent; once famous for a warlike people, that over-run the greatest part of the East; yet this Country like all others, differs in degree of fertility, for although the South part is exceeding fruitful; yet the North part lying between Mount Taurus and the Hyrcanian Sea, is very barren; insomuch that the people make their Bread of dryed Almonds, and their drink of the Juice of certain Herbs; no Fruit trees flourishing there, nor any considerable quantity of Corn.

As for the Kingdom of Media, we may properly divide it into two Provinces; viz. Atropatia and Media Major; the first of these contains the northern parts of the country; and is held to be that, where Salmanasser, the Assyrian King placed the Israelites, p. 140whom he carryed into Captivity, and is watered by the River Gonza; and had for its chief Cities or Towns Hamadum, Gonzavia, Mandagarsis, Gelin, Bochu, Eres, Sumachia, or Shamaki; the last built by Cyrus the Persian, and much Illustrated by others; and in it as a Monument, stands a Pillar Interwoven with the Heads of Noble men all of Flint, curiously wrought, &c. This Province is very Mountainous, as having the Spurs of the Taurus branching out, and the body of the Mountain it self, &c.

MEDIA-MAJOR, on the South of Mount Taurus, is a very pleasant Country; yielding Corn and Wine in abundance, with many pleasant Fruits, and good Pastures, watered every where with fresh streams; so that Cattle, especially Horses encrease in great numbers; the men being generally expert Riders, and much redoubted in War.

The chief Cities that were here found are the great E…batana, to which Semir amis took such a liking, that she caused for its better Accommodation, water courses to be cut through the Mountain Orontes, reckoned to be in compass 24 Italian miles and fortified with a Wall of 70 Cubits high, 50 broad, with 100 Gates, and Towers built over them of smooth stone, and had formerly six lesser Walls, though now little of it remains. Taurus a City pleasantly scituate, under the shadow of Orontes; opening to a curious fertile Plain on the South; once a place of great Trading, but having been often ruined by the Turks, in their Wars with the Persians; it has lost much of its former splendor. Arsacia built by some of the Parthian Kings, in their Conquest of this Country: Casbin scituate in an open Plain, on the Banks of a small River, but of no considerable Trade, though the Persian Sophies have a Pallace in it: Rages, Nassivan, Ardovile, Sultania, Turcoman, and Marant. The Christian p. 141Religion is held to be first planted here by St. Thomas; and though it was not Universally Embraced, yet it flourished till Mahometism was introduced, more by the power of the Sword than the Peoples Inclination.

Persia Described.

PERSIA has for its Eastern boundard India; for the Western Media, Assyria, and Chaldaea; the Northern Tartary; and the Southern the main Ocean; so named, (if you will credit the Story) from Perseus, Son to Jupiter and Danae; though rather from Persis a small Province; or part of the Country which took its name from one of their Kings: and the whole Region of Persia, is found to extend from 82 degrees of Longitude, to 120. 36 degrees in all, and in bredth from 32 degrees North Latitude to 42, scituate under the fourth, fifth, and sixth Climates; so that the longest day in the Southern parts, is 13 hours and almost three quarters but in the most Northern 15 and a quarter; the Air for the most part pure and wholsom, though the Earth by reason of the great heat of the Sun, is dry, and sandy in many parts, and destitute of water; having few Rivers, and not many Lakes; however taking the Country in general, it abounds with all things necessary, and may properly be divided into 12 Provinces, viz. Susiana, Persis, Carmania, Ormus, Gedrosia, Drangiana, Aria, Parthia, Arachosia, Paropamisus, Hyrcania, and Margiana; and held to be one of the Antientest Kingdoms of the East; the people as the Chaldaeans, giving themselves up to the Study of Astrology; and as to their Religion, its the Sect of Haly, differing in many things, from the Tenets of the Impostor Mahomet; tho amongst them are many Christians and more p. 142Jews; and the chief Rivers that visit Persia, are Araxis, some windings of Euphrates and Tigris; and here are found Mount Taurus, the Seriphian Hills, and some others of less note: And has for the most material Cities, Persopolis, Aracca, Tarsiana, and others; the Country affording Dates, Myrrh, Drugs, Spices, Mines of Silver, Brass, Quarries of of Marble, Cedar-wood, and rich Manufactures of Silks, and Embroideries of Silver and Gold, and has been much traded to, by the European Merchants, especially the Island of Ormus; accounted the most fruitful in the World; so that those who have compared the World to a Ring, have allowed this to be the Jewel, that ought to be set in it; for the Portugals upon their first coming hither, so much inriched themselves, that they easily commanded the whole Trade of Europe.

As for the Persians, they are generally good natured, courteous to Strangers, exceeding obedient to their Prince, whom they in a manner Idolize; they are tall of Stature, well Limbed, and for the most part handsome (especially the Women) Patient of Labour, yet through the Plenty of the Country much given to Luxury, Valiant in Fighting, as well the Women as the Men, who accompany their Husbands to the War in disguise, and frequently die Fighting by their sides, as appeared by the great number of them found upon the stripping of the Slain in many Battles fought between them and the Turks. And within this Jurisdiction we may include Bactria, lying West of Margiana, watered by the River Oxus, so that it is partly Fruitful, and partly Barren and Desert, possessed by a rough and untractable People, and has many Woods and Forrests full of wild Beasts, which renders the Passage dangerous to Travellers, and has its Name from Bactria the Metropolitan City, Seated at the Foot p. 143of the Mountain Sogdij, and is now in Subjection to the Persians.

Tartaria Described, in its Kingdoms and Provinces, &c.

TARTARIA, or Tartary, is a large Tract on the Northern part of Asia, and shooting out considerably to Europe, bounded on the East with China, and the Eastern Ocean; on the West with Russia and Podolia, a Province of the Kingdom of Poland; on the North with the Frozen Scythian Ocean; and on the South with another part of China, from which it is separated by a mighty Wall, the River Oxus parting it from Bactria and Margiana, the Caspian Sea from Media and Hyrcania; the Caucasian Mountains from Turcomania, and the Euxine Sea from Anatolia and Thrace, and is possessed under the general Name of Tartars, by many powerful Nations, accounted to be 5400 Miles from East to West, and 3600 from North to South.

The People are generally Rude, giving themselves more to War and Rapine, than to Arts or Husbandry, big Bodied, broad Faced, little and hollow Eyed, thick Lipped, and flat Nosed, Swarthy of Complexion, tho distant enough from the Sun, hardy and capable of induring extream Hardships, loving to ride… tho on Cows, Oxen, and other Beasts, not used in other parts in such Services; their Speech carries a kind of a whining Tone with it, and when a Company are got together a Singing, one would imagine them a consort of Wolves a Howling, and have indeed in their many Excursions and Wars proved the Terror of the World, yet are seldom Covetous, of more than is sufficient to support them, as being altogether regardless of Silver, Gold, or costly Apparel, going for the most part clad with the Skins p. 144and Furrs of Beasts they take by Hunting, and are by some held to be the Off-spring of the Ten Tribes removed out of Palestine by Salmanasser; for many of the great Lords of the Tartars st…e themselves Naphthalites, Danites, &c. and Canton themselves into Families and Tribes.

This Countrey is usually divided into these following Provinces, viz, Precopensis, Asciatica, Antigua, Zagatha and Cathaia: The first contains Taurica Chersonesus, and the Asciatican Banks of Tanais, taking its name from Precops the chief City, and has in it, beside the Towns of Ozaclow, Capha, Crim, and others of lesser note. The second contains Asciatica Deserta, or Deserta Muscovita, held to be the ancient Sarmatia Asciatica, remaining unciviliz'd at this day; as feeding upon Raw Horse-flesh, sucking Blood from living Creatures, and oftentimes preying upon each other, and neglecting all manner of Tillage. The Third contains the Cities of Noyhan, Cashan, Charackzieke, Astracan, and some others of lesser note, as Coras, Caracora, and the whole Kingdom of Tendock, and affords the Drug called Rhubarb, not any other where to be found. The fourth Division contains Scythia, Inter Imaum, inhabited by a more civiliz'd People of the Tartars, and have for their chief Cities Istigias, scituate in a very fruitful Plain, to which flow the principal Commodities of the whole Kingdom, and Samarchand, usually the Residence of the Tartarian Chams, where Tamerlain the Great was born and died; but the most pleasant of all, and indeed the Glory of the whole Countrey, is the Kingdom of Cathia.

The Soil of this part of Tartary yields a superabundance of Fruits, Corn, Hemp, Flax, &c. and the other Merchandise are Woolls, Rhubarb, Musk, Silks, and Manufactures of its own, and also those of China, that are brought hither, and has for its p. 145Chief Cities Cambalu, Tebeth, Carraran, and Xeamdu, all of them very stately; containing in their large Circumferences, Pallaces, fixed and moving, Parks, Pastures, with many other Rarities; but in all these Countreys, the Government is Arbitrary, the Lives and Estates of the People depending upon the pleasure of the Prince.

There are yet another sort of this people called Crimesian Tartars, inhabiting the Crim, on the Fenns of Maeotis and borders of Moscovy and Poland, but much of the nature of those already mentioned. As for Religion, they are in many places divided in Opinion, as being a mixture of Armenians, Christians, Jews, Mahometa…s, and some Idolaters.

The chief Rivers that Water this Countrey, are the Tanais and Volga, and the principal Mount Imaus, which runs in a long Chain or Ridge, branching however into divers Spurs, &c.

A description of the Kingdom of China in its Provinces, &c.

CHINA is a large Kingdom, though not well known, till the latter times to the Europeans, bounded on the North with the Eastern Tartars, and Altay; separated from them by a continued Chain of Hills, and a Wall of 400 Leagues in length, furnished with Towers, and so broad, that a Cart may be driven on the top of it, built (as they give it out) by Tzaintzon the 117th King of China. The Southern boundards are partly Cochin-China, a Province of the East India, and partly the Ocean; on the East with the Oriental Ocean, and on the West with part of India and Cathaia; and is indeed on all parts so hemmed in with Mountains, Seas, and Artificial Fortifications, that it is no wonder Travellers missed it in their way to other Countreys.

p. 146This Kingdom, according to the account of the Natives, contains 15 Provinces, viz. Canton, Foqueit, Olam, Sisuam, Tolenchia, Cansay, Miuchian, Ochian, Hionam▪ Paguia, Tuitan, Quinchen, Chagnian, Susnam, and Quinsay, in which are Computed 591 Cities, 1593 Walled Towns, 4200 Unwalled Towns, and 1154 Castles; the whole Countrey being accounted 3000 Leagues in Circumference, reaching from 130 to 160 Degrees of Longitude, and from the Tropick of Cancer to the 53 Degree of Latitude, lying under all the Climes from the Third to the Ninth, so that the Air is very Temperate and Healthful, by which the Natives are for the most part exempted from Sickness, and live to an extream Age: As for the Riches and Fertility, it is very much, even to admiration, the people being very Industrious, and the Soil as suitable; so that in many places they have two, and in most parts three Harvests in a Year, nor do they spare to Plant and Sow, the best of all kinds they can compass.

The chief Commodities coming from hence are Pearls, Bezora Stones, Wooll, Cotton, Olives, Wine, Flax, Metals, Fruit, China Ware of sundry kinds, Stuffs, Carpets, Embroideries, Musk, Amber, &c. The People are of a Swarthy Complexion, especially those living towards the Southern parts, short Nosed, black Eyed, with thin Beards, wearing long Garments, with loose Sleeves, and Hair at its full growth; they are much given to often eating, but then they do it very sparingly, not touching their Victuals with their hands, but take it with a Fork made of Ebbony or Ivory, from whom the Europeans learned the Fashion. The Men are very Jealous of their Wives, insomuch that they will not suffer them to go abroad, nor sit at the Table with them if any Stranger be there, unless some very near Kinsman; however they permit p. 147them to go as Gay as they please about the House, and one Trick has been brought into a Custom, to prevent their desiring to ramble, the which is by the hard binding up their Feet when Children, to render them small, that being accounted the greatest Ornament or Beauty, so that being Cripled by that means, they cannot go without pain. As for their dead, they bury them in Fields fifteen days after their decease: They that are buried within the Walls of Cities, &c. being by them accounted most miserable. Knowledge they have of the Deity, and some marks and foot-steps of Christianity is remaining amongst them, but so obscured, that they live for the most part after the manner of the ancient Gentiles, offering Sacrifices to the Devil, thereby to appease him, that he should do'em no Mischief; and will needs have the date of their Actions, or the beginning of their Kingdom, long before the Wor…d was made, telling many strange and incredible Stories about the Creation, &c. In their Building, and indeed in all their Actions, they are very neat, and the Countrey so populous, though the Wars with the Tartars have somwhat lessened the number; that some of their Kings have brought a Million of People into the Field, and has seldom less, than 1000 Ships of War, though of no great Service, in a readiness, and 10000 lesser Vessels on several Rivers, for carrying of Goods and Merchandise from place to place; yet so jealous are they of Strangers prying into their Affairs, that in some Cities 'tis Death for any but a Native to lodge a Night within the Walls, nor is he permitted in the day time to enter, without giving his name to a Publique Notary, which when he returns, he must see crossed out, or where ever he is found, he suffers for it.

p. 148The Towns and Cities are too Numerous to be particularly recited, but the principal are Quinsay, 100 Miles in Circuit, with a Lake of 30 Miles compass within the Walls, in the middle of which is an Island, where the Emperor (as he stiles himself) has a Magnificent Pallace, and is thought to contain Two millions of People. Pequin or Pekin, not much inferiour to the former in bigness, but nothing in Trade, and all the Countrey is so free from Hills or Mountains, that the Chinese ride in Charriots made of Reeds, or Canes, which by the help of Sails is driven by the Wind, as if drawn by Horses, or floating upon the Water. As for the Rivers, they are but few, and those proceed from great Lakes, as wanting hills to give them Springs; the principal are Aspthara, Senus, Ambactu, and Cotiaris, all Navigable; and have over them a great Number of Bridges, the Arches of some of them rising so high, that a Ship under Sail may pass with as much ease as a Boat: And as for the Customs arising by Trade, they are so great, that no Prince whatsoever receives so much upon the like occasion.

East India described, in its Kingdoms and Provinces, &c.

INDIA the largest Tract in the World, going under one entire name or denomination, except Tartary and China, is bounded on the East with the Oriental Sea, and a part of China; on the West with the Dominions of the Persian Sophy; and on the North with Branches of Mount Taurus, that divide it from Tartary; and on the South with the Indian Ocean: The whole Countrey (as most considerate persons affirm) taking its name from the River Indus, the most famous and noted in that part of p. 149Asia; tho some will have it to be so called from the end or furthest extent of Asia, and is extended from 106 to 159 degrees of Longitude, and from the Equinoctial or Equator, to 44 degrees of North Latitude, as to the main Continent, tho some Islands reckoned within the compass of India, extend to 9 degrees South Latitude.

This Countrey, to give it its due, is in most parts exceeding pleasant and flourishing, enjoying healthful and Temperate Air, unless at some Seasons, when the heat is excessive in the Southern parts, the Summer continuing there much longer than with us, so that they have in a manner Two Summers giving a double increase; so that they want nothing fit for the sustaining the Life of Man, or whatever may tend to Recreation or Delight: The Kingdoms and Provinces generally abounding with Precious Stones, Spices, Perfumes, Medicinals, Mines of Gold and Silver, and Minerals of all other kinds, Copper and Lead excepted; and that they may not so abound as to reject the Traffick of other Countries, they are deficient in Wheat and Vines, and have but few Horses; the Creatures they use for Service, being Camels, Elephants, and Dromedaries, with other Creatures of lesser note: Though the Woods, Plains, and Rivers abound with Tygers; some Lyons, Rhinocerots, Apes, Serpents, and Crocodiles; and in the Seas are found Whales of a monstrous size, as 66 Cubits in length and 20 in thickness, with lesser Fish of sundry forms, not found in the European Seas, nor perhaps in any other. The Natives of India are different, according to the Climates they inhabit; but in general of a-Swarthy Complexion, Tall of Stature, Strong of Body, and in most places very much Civiliz'd, and Exact Dealers; and altho the common sort are but meanly clad, and many only with Garments capable of hiding their Privities, and others meerly for p. 150Decency, yet those of the better rank observe a Majesty in both Sex, as to their Raiment and Attendants, Perfuming themselves, and wearing besides Rich Attire, Jewels, and other Ornaments of great value; and tho the Women are barred of that Perfection of Beauty the Europeans posses, yet have they many lovely and attractive Features, wearing their Hair long and loose, yet covered with a Veil of Calicut Lawn; their Ears hung with Rings and Jewels, so heavy, that the weight distorts and disproportions them; they have also Jewels in their Noses, according to their degree, and are very submissive and loving to their Husbands, insomuch that they frequently leap into the Funeral Fires, and perish with the dead Body, in hopes to enjoy him in another World; those that refuse it, being looked upon worse than common Prostitutes, and not only hated, but severely persecuted, to the hazard of a worse Death by their own Relations.

The Religion of the India's is mostly that of Gentilism, tho Mahometism has made a considerable progress; and since the Europeans have Traded here, Christianity has considerably prevailed or rather revived; it being held on all hands that St. Thomas the Apostle planted the Christian Religion in these parts, of which upon the first Arrival of the Portugals, many marks remained; and in this Countrey it is held he suffered Matyrdom, being run through the Body with a Spear as he was at his Devotion, by the Command of an Indian King; and if we take India in general, it consists of a mixture of five sorts of people more especially, viz. Indians, Moors or Arabians, Jews, Tartars, and European Christians, who have planted divers Colonies on the Sea Coast, and in the Islands, strongly fortifying themselves against the Power of the Natives and other Strangers.

p. 151This large Countrey, especially on the Continent, is principally divided into India intra Gangem, and India extra Gangem, and then subdivided into Kingdoms and Provinces, and the chief contained in the former, are Narsinga, Mallabar, Balassia, Cambaia, Mandoa, Bengala, Ostrian, Conora, and Dellie; and of these in their order.

NARSINGA lies on the East of the Golf of Bengal, properly accounted a Kingdom, and is 3000 miles in Compass, the King whereof is not subject to the Great Mogul, but for his support, and the defence of his Countrey, keeps 40000 Men in pay, and can raise upon occasion a far greater Number; the Countrey is very fruitful, as being watered with many pleasant Streams, besides what the Ganges contributes towards it, and has for its Chief City Melleaper, otherwise called St. Thomas, in Memory of the Apostle said to be Martyred in it; Bisnagar a Town of considerable Beauty and Trade; as also Narsinga, from whence the Kingdom seems to take its Name; and here the Women burn themselves with their Husbands.

MALLABAR, formerly called Aurea Chersonesus, is a Countrey extreamly well peopled, yielding Corn, Spices, Cocoes, Jaceroes, and although it has not above 25 Leagues of Sea Coast, yet it has in its Tract the Provinces of Kanonor, Calecut, Cranganor, Cochin and Cariolam, and is of large Inland extent; the people upon many parts of the Coast addicting themselves to Piracy, and prove very inhospitable to Strangers, eating Humane Flesh, and giving their Virgins to the Priests or Strangers to be deflowred, before they suffer them to be Bedded by themselves when Married; with many other Barbarous Customs, as their changing their Wives, and their having sometimes but one between seven or eight of them.

p. 152BALASSIA, called the Kingdom of Bocan, tho but very small, is nevertheless famed for the Mines of Gold and Silver found therein, by which the Neighbouring Countreys are enriched, having for its Chief Towns Senergian, Balassia, and Bocan, very Fruitful in many parts, and much Traded to.

CAMBAIA, called by some Guzant, is accommodated with 500 Miles of Sea Coast, very Fertile, and is full of Cities and Towns, many of them considerably Traded to, and altho Cattle of sundry kinds abound here, the people are so Superstitious, that they will eat no Flesh, but live upon what else the Countrey affords, fancying, like the Pythagoreans, that the Souls of Men pass into Beasts, &c. though they spare not to kill the Elephants for their vory, and have for their Chief Sea Towns, Daman, Curate, Bandora, Ravellum, and for those more inland Campanel, Tanaa, Mollar, and Cambaia; the last giving Name to the whole Kingdom.

MANDOA, a Province very Fruitful, and stored with considerable Towns, and above the rest Mandoa, from which it takes its name, being 30 Miles in compass, and said to be so well Furnished for Defence, that it held out a Twelve years Siege against the Armies of very Powerful Kings; Molta, where the Women imitating the Men, ride a stride with Boots and Spurs on, &c.

BENGALA, is a very large, and no less Fruitful Kingdom, lying upon the great Golf of the Sea, to which it gives Name, making 120 Leagues of Sea Coast, watered by the River Chaberis, on which are seated many considerable Inland Towns, full of people, but such as are exceeding Crafty and Deceitful, thinking it no crime to cozen or over-reach Strangers, nor the Women to prostitute their Bodies to any that will give them Money; the Fathers letting the Daughters to hire for so long as is desired to do the Work at Bed and Board, it being the p. 153Custom of the Countrey, being a place much resorted, by reason of the rich Commodities found there, as Ginger, Long Pepper, Silks, Cottons, and others, &c. As for the Chief Cities, they are Bengala, scituate on the Bay or Golf Chatigan, or Satigar, and Gouro, and in this Tract the beast called the Rhinoceros, is chiefly found.

ORISTAN or Orixa is a Province not very large, yet furnished with Rice, Cloath of Cotton, a fine Stuff like Silk made of Grass, and there called Yeva; Long Pepper, Ginger, Mirabolans, and other Commodities; So that from the Haven of Orissa 25 or 30 Ships have been laden with the Commodities of this Province in a Season; and here the people differ from the foregoing, as being very honest and just in their Dealings, and has for its Chief City Raman, where the Governour for the Mogul resides.

CANORA is a Kingdom of considerable strength and largeness, but famed for nothing more than the Quarries of Adamant, where likewise Diamonds of Considerable Value are found, and that none may purloyn them, a Wall is drawn about the Hill, and a Guard set upon the Gates: As for the chief Cities or Towns, they are Lispeo, Dangar, and Vltabat, with some other of lesser note.

DELLIE is accounted as the former, a Kingdom, the Prince, or rather Governour of it living in great State, and is so highly Reverenced by his Subjects, that they not only kneel when he passes in a Rich Chair of State carried on Mens Shoulders, but upon Notice given that he shaves his Beard, or has his Hair Cut, a Jubile is kept throughout his Countrey: As for the Soil, it is not very Fruitful, as lying considerably Northward, and more subject to Frosts than the rest: Its Chief City is Dellie, from whence the Kingdom takes its Name; besides which, there are of note, Fremel, Fultaber and Besmer; and these People above other Indians addict p. 154themselves much to the study of Magick.

In this Tract of Intra Gangem, are found the Provinces of Cochin, where the Portugals hold a considerable Trade, and have some Collonies; Cranganor a small Kingdom, mostly inhabited by such as stile themselves the Christians of St. Thomas, and is very plentiful as well in Product as Manufacture: Conlam is a small Dominion of about 80 Miles extent, Governed by a Petty King; but for want of good Havens or Sea-coast, not much Traded to, though it comprehends Three and twenty Walled Towns.

India Extra Gangem.

IN this part of India are found divers Rich Countreys, viz.

ARACHAN, an Inland Region invironed with Mountains and Woods, yet exceeding Fruitful, and in it are gathered from the Rough Rocks, &c. great quantities of Precious Stones; as for the Chief City it is Arachan.

MACHIN a little Kingdom, wherein grows the Wood Aloes, much esteemed and valued, and has Machin for its Chief City.

CAMBOIA a large Countrey full of People, abounding with Elephants and Rhinocerots; also with Gold Silver and Aloes, and other Commodities of considerable value, put to Sale in Camboia its Chief City.

COCHIN, China a Countrey (once belonging to the Chinese, but now under the Mogul, Governed by his Deputed King▪) abounding with Porcelain, Aloes, Silks, Gold, Silver, &c. having its Chief City of the same Name.

BRAMA once a Kingdom of no account, but now by the Conquests the Kings have made, it has under its power Cal…, P…o…a, Melinta, M…a…da, p. 155Decan, Tangu, Ava, Machin, Aracan, Odia, Pegu, Siam, and others; so that it is the most powerful in this Tract; and the City of Pegu is the Royal Residence of that King.

SIAM, once a powerful Kingdom, the King thereof styling himself Mighty, but now, as before intimated, it is Tributary to the King of Brama, and is however a very Fertil Countrey, having Malucca for its Chief City, possessed by the Portugals, and much Traded to by other Nations for Spices.

PEGV was formerly so powerful, that the Kings thereof have brought Armies of 11 and 900000 men into the Field, extending their Conquests very wide, but now the good Fortune of the Bramanian holds it in subjection. These are the places of chief Note upon the Continent; however there are found in this large Tract the Provinces or Kingdoms of Dulsinda, Pengab, Agra, Sanga, Camboia, Decan, Botanter, Patanaw, and Jangoma; many of them very spacious, abounding with Fruits, Cattle, Minerals, Precious Stones, and the like: This Countrey rarely failing any where to produce something worthy of Note.

The Principal Rivers are Ganges, Indus, and Hydaspes; the first in such esteem with the Natives, that they come many miles on Pilgrimage to it, Superstitiously imagining, that if they drink the Water of this River before they die, they shall undoubtedly possess their Imagined Felicity in another World; and in the last are found a great number of Precious Stones, washed from the Rocks and Mountains, by the sudden Showers; and to these Streams above 40 considerable Rivers contribute, fatning and enriching the Soil in every part where they flow. As for Mountains of note, except some Branches of Ta…rus, there are but few.