Historia mundi: or Mercator's atlas Containing his cosmographicall description of the fabricke and figure of the world. Lately rectified in divers places, as also beautified and enlarged with new mappes and tables; by the studious industry of Iudocus Hondy. Englished by W. S. generosus, & Coll. Regin. Oxoniæ.

THE DESCRIPTION OF SPAINE. (Book Spain)

SPAINE is a chiefe Country of Europe, and the first part of the Continent, it was so called, as Iustine noteth from King Hispanus.* 1.1 Some would have it so called from His∣palis a famous Citie, which is now called Sevill. But A∣braham Ortelius, a man very painfull in the study of Geo∣graphie, when hee had read (in the Author that treateth of Rivers and Mountaines, following the opinion of Sosthenes in his third Booke,) that Iberia now called Georgia, a Country of Asia, was heretofore called Pa∣nia from Panus, whom Dionysius (having conquered the Country) made Governour over the Iberians, and that from thence Moderne Writers did call it Spaine: moreover when he had observed that almost all Writers did derive the first Inhabitants of Spaine from Iberia, he was induced to beleeve that the Country was so called rather from that Spaine, than from Hispanus or Hispalis. This opinion is the more probable for that Saint Paul doth call this Country Spania, in his Epistle to the Romans,* 1.2 chap. 15. verse 28. as doth also Saint Ierome, and many others.b 1.3 But that which the Latine Writers call Hispania, and Ptolemie, Stephanus, and o∣thers, doe call Ispania, leaving out the aspiration, Strabo, Pliny, and o∣thers doe testifie that in ancient times it was called Iberia and Hesperia. It was called Iberia from Iberia a Country of Asia,c 1.4 from whence many doe derive the first inhabitants of Spaine, though some doe fetch the word Iberia from King Iberus, others from the River Iberus, and Avienus from Ibera a Towne in Baetica or Andaluzia. Some report that it was cal∣led Hesperia from Hesperus the brother of Atlas, or as Horace thinketh from Hesperia the daughter of Hesperus, or rather from Hesperus the Eve∣ning-starre, under which it was supposed to be situated, because it is the farthest Country Westward of the whole Continent of Europe. And seeing Italie might have the same name, Horace calleth this Hesperia ulti∣ma. Appian reporteth that it was heretofore called Celtiberia, which yet is rather to be thought a part of Spaine heretofore called Celtica, as Var∣ro witnesseth. Gulielmus Postellus, and Arias Montanus, in his commen∣taries upon Obadiah, doe note that the Hebrewes did call it Sepharad: and so much concerning the name; the Quantitie and Qualitie followeth. The Quantitie doth consist in the bounds and circuit thereof,d 1.5 and in the forme and figure which ariseth from thence. Concerning the bounds of Spaine, the Ocean doth wash two sides thereof, the North side the Cantabrian Ocean, and the West the Atlanticke. The Iberian or Balea∣ricke Sea doth beat on the South side, where is the Bay of Hercules, and on the East it hath the Pyrenaean Mountains running along with one con∣tinued ridge from the Ocean, (where stands Flaviobriga, at this day cal∣led

Funtarabia) even to the Mediterranean Sea. Hence it is that they make two famous Promontories, the one called e 1.6 Olarso, which shooteth out into the Ocean, the other which taking its name heretofore from the Temple of Venus, but now called Cape de Creus, doth jet out into the Me∣diterranean Sea. The utmost length of Spaine is 200 Spanish miles: the breadth where it is broadest is 140 miles, and where it is narrowest it is 60. Iohannes Vasaeus in his Chronicle of Spaine doth report, that Spaine is so narrow at the Pyrenaean Hills, that when he travell'd over them, on the Mountaine of Saint Adrian, he saw the Sea on either side: namely, the Ocean which was next unto him, and a farre of as farre as hee could see, he discerned the white waves of the Mediterranean Sea. They sup∣pose that the whole compasse thereof is 2480 miles. Ptolemy, Strabo and others doe compare Spaine to an Oxe-hide stretched out on the ground, the necke whereof is extended toward France, which cleaveth unto it. The necke I say, which reacheth in breadth as farre as the Py∣renaean Mountaines, from the Mediterranean Sea, to the Brittish Ocean: the fore part of it is stretched from New Carthage even to the Cantabri∣ans, and the hinder part from Hercules Bay, to Gallicia and the Brittish Sea▪ that which represents the tayle of the hide, is the f 1.7 Holy Promon∣torie called at this day Saint Vincents Promontorie, which stretcheth it selfe out into the Atlanticke Ocean, farre beyond any other part of Spaine. Spaine is under the middle of the fourth, all the fift, and part of the sixt Climats, where there is an excellent temper for the producing of all things. For it is neither scortched with the violent heat of the Sun as Africke, nor troubled with daily windes as France; but lying between them both,* 1.8 it hath a temperate Winter and Summer. Hence it is (as Iu∣stine witnesseth) that Spaine hath a very wholesome aire, the equall tem∣per thereof being never infected with Moorish fogges. Beside the coole blasts of winde which come from the Sea, and doe as it were search all parts of the Country, doe drive away all earthly vapours, and so make it very healthfull. Yet all parts of Spaine are not of one qualitie, for toward the North, as it is something cold and obnoxious to the Sea, so it want∣eth fresh water, and therefore affordeth no convenient habitation: espe∣cially, seeing the most parts of it are full of Rocks, Forrests, & woody places. Towards the South where it extendeth it selfe in a continued ridge of Mountaines,* 1.9 it hath a happy & good soyle, being watered with many great Rivers, and refreshed with seasonable raine, so that it bring∣eth forth fruits of all kindes. It is not onely a bountifull mother, but also a nourisher and breeder of living Creatures. It is very fruitfull not onely in producing those things which doe grow out of the earth, but also those things which are generated and hidden in the bowells there∣of: who can reckon up the excellent living creatures, which are bred on the Land and in the Sea? There is great plenty of fruits through all Spaine, and most of the fields are so fertile, that they returne unto the husbandmen thirtie bushels for one that is sowed, and oftentimes forty. It produceth many hearbs as well unsowed as sowed, which have sove∣raigne vertues in them, especially in mountanous places; where diffe∣ring from the other parts, it bringeth forth Hempe, and hath more store of fruit, and fairer. There are two sorts of apples in this Country, which

[illustration] map of Iberian peninsula (Spain, Portugal)

THE DESCRIPTION OF SPAINE.

HISPANIA

are chiefe note, the wrinckled apple, and the King apple. Also there are foure speciall sorts of Peares, sweet both in tast and smell, the Apian and honey-peares; the peare called Muscatum, being the least of all kind of peares, the wine-peare, and the peare called by some Pintum, and by the Spaniards Sine Regula. What should I mention the Olives that are here? amongst which those are the best which come from Hispalis, and are farre bigger than any Wallnuts. What should I speake of other fruits? The Lemmons and Orenges that grow here are commended by all men: the Quince-peare which they commonly call Membrillos and Pomegranats that are good for medicine, are here in great abun∣dance. What should I speake of the Wines of this Country, having an excellent taste and smell, and being made in all parts, yet in some places better than in other? Spaine was heretofore (as now also) rich in mines of Gold, Brasse, Iron, Leade, and other mettals: and it doth not onely boyle and make salt, but in some parts thereof it is digged out of the Earth. For as it is made in many places in Spaine of pit or Well-water, as at Seguntia and elsewhere, insomuch that the King setteth a great cu∣stome thereon, so there are Mountaines (if we may beleeve Marineus Si∣culus) which have native salt in them. Besides, Spaine is rich and plenti∣full in all kinde of Cattle, so that the Woods, Mountaines, Meddowes, Fields, and Forrests doe resound with their bleating and lowing. It breedeth the best horses: Baetica breedeth more than other parts: Astu∣ria breedeth the strongest, and Spanish Gennets are called Asturcones. In some parts of Spaine there are bred those that are of such swiftnesse and and agilitie, that antiquity did fabulously beleeve that they were be∣gotten by the winde. It hath no Lyons, Camells, or Elephants, except those that be brought from other places, but there are great store of Does,* 1.10 Harts, Boares, Beares, Hares, and Cunnies, which do afford them much game and sport in hunting of them.

Haec sanè docet versiculus Catulli, Cuniculesae Celtiberiae sili.

These things Catullus verse Doth unto thee declare O sonne of Celtiberia where So many Cunnies are.

There are in Spaine (besides other birdes which invite them to fowling) Eagles, Hernes, Hawkes, and the bird called Atta, first brought out of Sicilie, also Cranes, Geese, Partridges, ring-Doves, wilde and tame Ducks, &c. But of these things enough: I come now to the Govern∣ment, which is the next point to bee spoken of, according to the order of our method. I doe not purpose heere to weary the Reader by recko∣ning up out of Iustine, Diodorus, Iosephus, Eusebius, Hierome, Berosus, and his Translatour Annius Viterbiensis, the ancient Kings of Spaine, & their atchievements both at home and abroad. Tubal never was in Spaine, nor in Europe,* 1.11 but liv'd in Asia. Neither are Iberus, Iubalda, Brygus, Tagus, Baetus, and others to be accounted as Kings therof, unlesse we will grant that Kings in ancient time, were borne of Rivers and other inanimate things. Againe, the Catalogue of the Kings succeeding them, is no bet∣ter

than fabulous, as also those things be which the Lydians, the Thra∣cians, Rhodians, Phrygians, Cyprians, Phoenicians, Aegyptians, Milesians, Carians, Lesbians, and Chaldaeans are reported to have performed succes∣sively in this countrey. But those things are more certaine, which Wri∣ters have recorded were heretofore atchieved by the Carthaginians, Ro∣man••, Gothes, Vandals, Alani, Swethlanders, Huns, and their Kings, for that the Writers of them were either present at those actions, or else came to the knowledge of them by the faithfull relation of others. Of these things therefore I will speake briefly, and thus it was. When the Carthaginians did rule all Spaine, and had all things under their owne command, the Senate and people of Rome did send first of all the two Scipioes against them with an army of Souldiers, in the beginning of the second Punick warre▪ who were slaine in the seventh yeare of that war, Q. Fulvius Flaccus and Ap. Claudius Pulcher being Consuls. The next year P. Cornelius Scipio Africanus being sent next to his Father & Uncle, did performe many things very prosperously, and first of all made a Province of it, Q. Caecilius Metellus, and L. Veturius Philo being Con∣suls. First, Asdrubal and Mago Carthaginian Captaines, being overthrown and put to flight in the battell, neere to the Citie Baetula (which is sup∣posed to have been in that place where now Baeca and Vbeda are seated) and the Spanish Armies beaten out of Spaine, hee established a league of friendship with Syphax King of the Massilians, who is now called Bile∣dulgerid; a litle after hee compelled the rebellious people of Spaine to yeeld themselves unto him, and having made a league with Massanissa King of the Masaesulians, and the Gaditanes, hee committed the govern∣ment of the Province to L. Lentulus and L. Manlius Acidinus, and retur∣ned to Rome. After Scipio, L. Cornelius Lentulus the Proconsul did go∣verne Spaine, and after many prosperous acts and atchievements, entred the Citie in triumph. Three yeares after, C. Cornelius, Cethegus, and Minu∣cius Rufus being Consuls, the two Spaines were first bounded, and two new Pretors sent into them, C. Sempronius Tuditanus into the hither Spaine, and M. Helvetius Blasio into the farther. Two yeares being scarce∣ly past, so great a warre began in Spaine, that it was necessarie, that a Consul should be sent out with an Army: Marcus Portius Cato Consul being allotted to goe into the hither part, did so appease and quiet rebellion, that the Proconsul in regard thereof triumphed. This is that Cato, who, as Livie writeth and others, by a wonderfull stratagem, did throw downe the wals of many Spanish Cities in one day. After Cato's victorie, Spaine was diversly possessed, and many times lost and regained againe, so that there were above 30 triumphs for victories obtained heere. They did not begin to pay any taxe, before the time of Augustus Caesar, who having by long continuance of warres tamed all Spaine, and overthrowne the Cantabrians and Asturians that had longest of all made resistance, divided the whole Countrie into three Provinces, Baetica, so called from the River Batis, Lusitania, and Tarraconensis, so called from its citie Tarracon; and every one of these have their Diocesses or Circles of jurisdiction. In Baetica there are foure Diocesses Gaditana, Corduben∣sis, Astigitana, and Hispalensis. Lusitania hath three Diocesses, Emeriten∣sis, Pacensis, and Scalibitana. Lastly, Tarraconensis hath seven, Carthagi∣nensis,

Tarraconensis, Caesar Augustana, Cluniensis, Astura, Lucensis, and Bracarensis (See Pliny lib. 3. Strab. lib. 3. and others.) Thus things by degrees being changed, the chiefest Provinces were under the Romans command, even untill the Consulship of Honorius the third, and Theo∣dosius the third. At which time the Vandals, Suevi, and Alani being cal∣led into France by Stilico, when once (having passed the Rhene) they had set foote in France, being in a barbarous manner spoyled by the Gothes, and the Kings Adolphus and Vallia, whom the Emperour Hono∣rius had sent to ayde and set France at libertie, they passed at last over the Pyrenaean Hils. Afterward the Gothes inhabiting France, for many yeares possessed Spaine, having taken it from the Romans; for being as∣sailed by the Frankes, they againe made warre upon the Vandals. The Frankes drove the Gothes out of France, and the Gothes drove the Vandals and Alani out of Spaine. At which time the Vandals and Alani being called by Boniface into Africk, which hee governed for the Emperour, left Spaine to the possession of the Gothes. When the Gothes, having dri∣ven out the Roman Garrisons, had made Spaine their owne, and had a long time Kings of their owne who ruled in it, at length they were o∣verthrowne in a great battell by the g 1.12 Arabian Saracens, and King h 1.13 Roderick being kill'd, they lost almost all Spaine. Those that survived after the battell, when they had fortified themselves in the Mountaines of the Astures, Cantabrians, and Galicians, by litle and litle they began to recover the Countries, Cities, and Castles which they had lost. At last the Saracens partie growing weake in Baetica Hispania, and the Gothes having recovered all Spaine, they againe were overcome by Ferdinand Catholick King of Aragon, and thrust out of Spaine, so that the whole Countrie returned and came againe into the hands of the ancient Lords thereof. But whereas in the times of the Moores, five Kings, namely of Castile, of Aragon, of Portugall, of Granada, & Navarre did possesse Spaine, at this day Philip the fourth, sonne unto Philip the third, who was Ne∣phew unto the Emperour Charles the fifth is sole King thereof. It was heretofore diversly divided. The Romans first divided it into the Hither and Farther Spaine. They called that the Hither part which was neerest unto the chiefe Citie and the principall Countries of the Empire, being situated betweene the River Iberus and the Pyrenaean Mountaines: they called that the Farther part which lay more remote, being stretched out beyond Iberus even to the Ocean. In following times wee reade that Spaine was divided into sixe parts, Tarraconensis, Carthaginensis, Lu∣sitania, Galicia, Baetica, and Tingitana beyond the narrow Sea in Africk. In the time of the Moores there were many Kingdomes in Spaine, which were afterward divided into five, as the Kingdome of Castile, of Aragon, of Portugall, of Granada, and Navarre. But now by a new distribution the whole Empire is divided into three Kingdomes, namely of Aragon, Castile, and Portugall. Under the Kingdome of Aragon is contained, be∣sides Aragon, Catalonia, Valentia, Majorica. Under the Kingdome of Ca∣stile are comprehended Biscay, Leon, Asturia, Galicia, Estremadura, An∣dalusia, Granada, Murcia, and both the Castiles, with the Canarie-Ilands. Under the Kingdome of Portugall is comprehended, besides Portugall, Algarbia. The Cities which are in the whole Kingdome are almost in∣numerable.

The chiefe of them are Hispalis, Madrid, Tarraco, Lisbon,* 1.14 Granada, Pampilona, Valentia, Barcino, commonly called Barzelona. The seventh German Legion now called Leon, S. Lucar, Corduba, Nebrissa, Compostella, Toledo, Salamanca, Complutum, Pintia, Caesar-Augusta, now Saragossa, Asturica Augusta, and many others. Heere are admirable Lakes: neere the towne Beiara is a commodious and wonderfull Lake, which breedeth Turtles, being a black kinde of Fish, but excellent in taste; and, as Marineus Siculus witnesseth, prognosticating and foretel∣ling of raine and stormes to come, by the great noyse which they make, so that the sound thereof is heard like the roaring of a Bull, eighteene miles thence.* 1.15 There is a certaine Lake on the very top of the Mountain Stella, as Vasaeus writeth, in which fragments and pieces of Ships are found, when notwithstanding it is more than 12 leagues distant from the Sea: and the same Author noteth, that the Inhabitants doe affirme, that it boyleth, and is tempestuous, as often as the Sea is rough or un∣quiet. The most diligent Writer Suetonius saith, in his Description of the life of Galba, that thunder fell downe into the Lake of Cantabria, and that afterward twelve axes were found therein: There is also the pleasant Lake which Pliny mentioneth lib. 3. Natur. histor. cap. 3. not farre from Valentia, at this day it is called Albu••era. The Rivers follow. Spaine is watered every where with many Rivers, there are some who reckon an hundred and fiftie, and over them 700 Bridges, the chiefe whereof is the Bridge of Segovia and Alcantara. There is in this Kingdome the Ri∣ver which Ptolemie cals Iberus, and now is called Ebro, it breaketh forth in Cantabria out of the Mountaine Idubeda, with two fountaines or spring-heads, that on the right hand in the Aucensian wood called Monte d'Oca, the other on the left hand neere a Towne which the Inhabitants call Fuentibre: and so increasing with the receit of great Rivers, being first entertained in the fields of Calaguris, it runneth unto and visiteth Iuliobriga and Tudella, two Townes of Navarre, and then it watereth Iulia, Bolsa, and Caesar-Augusta. Departing thence, it glideth South∣ward, and by and by Northeastward, by the people of Laletania, now called Galetani, and the rich Citie Toriosa. At last being enlarged with many Rivers flowing into it, and having runne almost foure hundred miles forward in length, it entreth so violently with two mouthes into the Mediterranean Sea, that having thrust it selfe 50 pa∣ces thereinto, yet the water is sweete and fresh. i 1.16 Durius is the greatest River in Spaine, because so many Rivers do runne into it that it would be too tedious to reckon them up, it floweth out of the Mountaine Idubeda, where it is called Sierra de Cocolo, it divideth the Vectones from the Astu∣rians, and the Portugalls from the ancient Gallicians. And having viewed the Towre Sullana, called Tordesillas, Salabris, Miranda, and other Towns fortie English miles beneath Lamego, neere to a Towne of Portugall which is called Porto, with a violent course, it doth mingle it selfe with the Westerne Ocean. The River which Ptolemie and others call Tagus, ariseth in the high cliffes of the Mountaine Orospeda, some fiftie furlongs from a little towne which is called Tragacet, not farre from the Citie Concia, now called Guensa. And gliding by the k 1.17 Carpetan••, it visiteth Toledo, the royall citie, and having a bridge there over it, it

watereth the noted faire Cities of Talavera, Augustobroga, Alcantara, and others, and so cutting almost through the middle of Portugall, it dischargeth it selfe into the West Ocean beyond Lisbone, by a mouth or outlet (as some observe) which is seven miles and an halfe broad. The Inhabitants at this day call this River Tato. The Portugalls Tejo. The Ri∣ver Tagus having sands mingled with gold, as Solinus in his Polyhistor, & Isiodorus Lib. 13. Etymolog. cap. 21. do witnesse, hath beene preferred before all the other Rivers of Spaine▪ Emanuel Henricus, a man worthy of beleefe, doth affirme in Ortelius, that it hath at this day golden sands, as also many other Rivers of Portugall. And Pomponius doth testifie, that it hath great store of Fish, Oysters, and Pearles in it. The river Anas well knowne to the Latine and Greeke Writers taketh its originall out of the great Lakes, in Laminitania, as Pliny writeth Lib. 3. Naturalis Histor. cap. 1. now called Campo de Montiel, and gliding by the l 1.18 Oretam, neare to a Town, which the Spaniards call Cagnamanus, & so to Metallina where Vi¦tellius pitcht his Tent, as the ancient inscriptions of the place do shew, it hideth it selfe at last in the bowels of the Earth, though Georgius of Au∣stria Provost of Harlebeck doth witnesse in Ortelius, that this is rather a common opinion, than true, and by and by after it hath runne some 15 miles, as if it rejoyced to have many new births, as Pliny saith, breaking forth neare Villaria, and having runne and glided by Meri••la (where it hath a long stone-bridge over it) and other Cities toward the South, it ••owleth it selfe into the Sea neare the Castle of Marin. The Spaniards call it at this day Rio Guadiana, by borrowing a word from the Arabians, for with them Guad signifies a river. The river which Ptolemie calls B••tis doth arise neare Castaon out of the mountaine Orospeda, as Strabo and Stephanus do write, and out of that part thereof which is called Sierra•• Alcaraz. This river running Westward from its fountaine, and gliding by Cor∣duba and other townes, at last declineth Southward toward Sevill and with a large mouth (being one league over but full of slatts and sands) discargeth and emptieth it selfe into the Atlanticke Sea not farre from Caliz. Here is a faire river which the ancients called Auro, and Oli∣vetis, Strabo and Pausamas call it Tartessus. Livy noteth that the Inhabi∣tants did call it Circes, which name it retained for a long time, as Ma∣rius Niger witnesseth, notwithstanding the Africans had gotten Spaine; and yet at length it was by them called Guadalquivir, or as others write Guadal••hebir, as it were to say, the great river. Here is also the river Minus in Hispania Tarraconensis, the head whereof beginneth eighteene miles above the Sextian Altars, which are now called Lugo, neare to a towne commonly called Castell Ferde. This river passing by the towne called Porto-ma••in, and sliding by the bridge Belsarius, and the Citie Orense, at last joyneth it selfe with the river Avia at Valentia, and having runne eighteene miles further it doth cast it selfe into the Ocean. There are o∣ther rivers as Lethe, Turtus, Limaea, Sicores, Chalibs, Austra and others of lesser note, which I leave to be unfolded or described by others, lest I should be too tedious.* 1.19 The Sea calleth on us nex to be entreated of, to∣gether with the Bayes and Havens, which belong unto it. Spaine is enclo∣sed on every side with the Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, except that part which is joyned to the Pyrenaean mountaines and to Aquitania.

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

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

And lastly, the Haven of Venus, so called by Mela,* 1.20 which lyoth at the foote of the Pyrenaean hills. Now followe the mountaines, the chiefe whereof are the Pyrenaean mountaines dividing Spaine from France. Pto∣lemie and others call them Pyrenea, and Stephanus calleth them Pyrena, Tibullus Pyrene, Livy and others call them Saltus Pyrenaeus, the Spaniards generally call thē Los Pirencos, for they have divers names in divers parts thereof. Some would have them so called from fire, or because they are often struck with thunder, or because all the woods thereof (as Diodorus writeth in his sixt Booke) were heretofore set on fire by sheep-heards, and so burnt downe. Silius the Italian Poet doth give them this deno∣mination from a maide called Pyrena, the daughter of Bebryx, whom Hercules lay withall upon this mountaine, and being afterward torne to pieces by wild beasts, she was buried here. The Pyrenaean mountaines (as they do) stretching and extending themselves from the East unto the West even to the Celtick Promontorie, divide Spain into that part which lyeth on the hither side of the mountaines, and that which is on the further side thrusteth forth a mountaine neare the fountaine of Iberus towards the South through the breadth of Spaine. Strabo and Ptolemie do name it Idubeda. But it is commonly called Saltus Aucencis, and Monte d' Oca, from the ancient Citie Auca, some ruines whereof may be discer∣ned at Villa Franca beyond Burgos. Also there is the mountaine which ariseth out of Idubeda, called by Strabo Orospeda, & by Ptolemie Otrospeda. Yet hath it not one certaine name for all the whole mountaine: for whereas Alvarius Gomecius calleth it Sierra Vermigia, Florianus Sierra Mollina, and Clusius Sierra Morena: these names are but names to part of

it. Calpe is reckoned with Orospeda. For so this mountaine is called by Ptolemie and others. It is neare to the Bay of Hercules, which is common∣ly called the Bay of Gibraltar. Part of Orospeda is high and ••ockie, and reaching from the Citie of Hispalis to Granada, it doth lift up it selfe neare Archidona. It hath its name, and deserveth still to be famous, by reason of a memorable example of love, which was shewed thereon, for the Spaniards call it, La Penna de les Enamorades, or the Lovers Moun∣taine. Paulinus calleth it Bimaris because it looketh on two Seas, the In∣ward and the Outward. Strabo saith that the mountaine Calpe is not very large in compasse, but that it is so high, that to those who are farre off, it may seeme an Island, some do fabulously suspose it to be one of Hercules Pillars, and Abela over against it in Africke to be the other, both being the bounds of Hercules labours: they say that it was heretofore one mountaine, and that Hercules digged it through, and so altered the shape of it. Out of Alcarassum do arise the mountaines called by Pliny Montes Mariani, by Ptolemie in the singular number Marianus, and by Anto∣ninus mons Mariorum. They are now called Sierra Morena. The noble river Baetis doth water the bottomes of their mountains on the left side. Neare to Barcinon or Barcilona there is a mountaine which the Inhabi∣tants call Mon-Iui: some do translate it Iupiters mountaine, and some do better render it the Iewes mountaine, for that they were heretofore bu∣ried in this place, where many of their Graves and Sepulchers do yet remaine. On the top thereof there is a Towne, from whence a watchman, by setting up a linnen flagge in the day time, and a fire in the night doth give notice to the Citie Barcinon of the approaching of any ships. Spaine is every where full of woods, and trees bearing singu∣lar and excellent kindes of fruit, which it would be too long to recite in particular. There is a wood neare unto the Towne called Monte Majore, in which Nature alone hath planted Oakes, Chestnut-trees, Nuts, Fil∣berds, Cherries, Prunes, Peares, Figges, wild Vines, and all kinde of fruit-trees, very high and fairely spred. Not farre from the Towne Beiar or Bigerra, is a most pleasant wood, where Lucius Marinaeus Siculus wri∣teth,* 1.21 that hee hath measured Chesnut-trees, which have beene fortie foot about. It hath many woods also to fell and cut, which do afford the Spaniard wood enough for the building of ships. What shall I speake of the publike or private workes in this kingdome? here are many magnifi∣cent Temples, many Abbeys, Friaries, Monasteries, Hospitals for stran∣gers, and for the sicke. Here are many famous Kings Pallaces, many mag∣nificent and faire houses belonging to Noble-men and Knights, and in∣numerable other publike and private edifices. The King of Spaine is borne not chosen or elected to the Crowne, yet is hee inaugurated, and sworne to defend this people and their priviledges when hee taketh the oath of alleagiance of them. The Kings children are called Infantaes. A∣mong whom the eldest sonne, who in his fathers life is declared King by the consent and oath of the Nobles the Cittizens, and people, is called Prince of Spaine. Although the King have supreme power over all per∣sons and over all causes, yet hee seldome decreeth any thing, but with the consent,* 1.22 and by the counsell of twelve men, who being the chiefe of the whole Kingdome do make a royall Senate. By them matters of

moment are discussed and determined, but matters of more secresie are consulted of by a Privie Counsell, which consisteth of the King,* 1.23 the Dictator of Leon, the President, and the third part of the Kings Coun∣sell. Those things which concerne the Indies and their government, are handled in the Senate, which they call the Indian Senate, by one Presi∣dent, and twelve Counsellers. Matters of warre are handled in the mi∣litarie and warlike Senate, which the 12 Royall Senators, the Dictators of Leon and Castile, with others doe make up. Besides these l 1.24 there are al∣so in Spaine three Prefectureships of Right and Justice, which they call Places of hearing, or Chanceries, one being in Castile, the other in Grana∣da, and the third in Gallicia: Every one hath a President and 12 Sena∣tors, and if that Suiters receive no satisfaction or redresse of their gree∣vances from them, their causes are brought before the Royall Senate. Lastly there is the Treasurer of Castile, having foure Questors under him, whose office is to receive the Kings Treasure, and to take and give accompt thereof. There is a great company of Dukes, Marquesses, and Earles in Spaine. Besides the Prince of Asturia and others, I finde that there are about 23 Dukes, as the Friensian Duke, the Duke of Medina-Ri∣vi-Sicci, of Alua, of Alcala, of Albuquerqua, of Scalona, of Osuna, of Averi, of Bejar, of Gandia, of Sessa, of Infantasg, of Medina Caeli, of Medina Si∣donia, of Maqueda, of Najar, of Feria, of Segorbia, of Sonna, of Villa-For∣mosa, of Verragua, Pastrana, and Franca-Villa. And these have for their yearely revenues some fortie, some an hundred thousand Duckets.m 1.25 The Dukes of Infantasg, and Medina-Sidonia have a farre greater revenue: for the latter hath 130000, and the former 120000 Duckets per annum. These are the Marquesses, the Marquesse of Villa Nova, of Astorga, of Aquilar, of Denia, of Mondejar, of Navares, of Savia, of Velleza, of Coma∣res, of Aiomonte, of Altamir, of Veladra, of Vearina, of Carpio, of Camaras∣sa, of Cortes, of Monte-Majore, of Guardia, of Monte-Clare, of Las Na∣vas, of Poza, of Steppa, of Tanara, of Villa-Franca, of Drada, of Cavietis, of Falcis, of Fomesta, of Molina, of Ciralva, of Valesis, of Vallis, of Zaara, of Ardalis, of Tarifa, of Alcanisa, and n 1.26 others, the greater part having annu∣all revenues from ten thousand to 40000 Duckets. There are also about an hundred Earles, whose yearely revenues are from ten thousand to 25 thousand Duckets, the chiefe of them are the Earles of Benaventum, of Albua, Miranda, and Oropoza. It would be too tedious to the Reader to reckon up, the Vicounts, which are ten in number, the Barons, the long roll and Catalogue of Vice Roys, Governours, Prefects of Provinces, and of the Sea: and lastly the long Catalogue of Gentlemen, and divers orders of Knights; as in Castle, Knights of the order of Saint o 1.27 Iames, of p 1.28 Alcantara, of q 1.29 Calatrava, and of the order of Saint Iohn: in Aragon and Catalonia, Knights of the order of Montesa: in Portugall Knights of the order of r 1.30 Iesus Christ, (whereof the King is the Master) being very great, and having all the Provinces which are found out in Africke, A∣sia, or America, annexed unto it. But it will not be amisse if we observe by the way that of all the Families in Spaine, the ancientest is the Pacie∣cian Familie, for Hirtius in his Commentaries maketh mention of L. Iu∣nius Paciecus, in that place where he entreateth of Corduba: as also Cicero in the 6^th Booke of his familiar Epistles, to wit, in his Epistle to Lepta.

These following Families are also very noble and Illustrious, to wit, the Meridonian, Toletane, Cerdean, Cardonean, Larensian, Velascean, Gusmane∣an, Pimentellane, Stunican, Henritican, Oriosian, Cordubentian, Limensian, and the Mondragonian Families, to which wee desire others to adde others, and crave pardon if we mistake their places in ranking of them. We have spoken of the Politick State and government: the Ecclesiasti∣call followes. The Church of Hispalis was in ancient time the Primate and chiefe of Spaine, and afterward the Church of Toledo, untill that great overthrow and devastation of the Kingdome. For Toledo com∣ming into the Barbarians hands, the Bishopricke of Bacara had that dig∣nitie: but when being recovered by the Christians, the Toletan Bishop∣ricke sought its former dignitie, and the Baracensian to retaine what it had gotten, there arose a contention, as we may reade Lib. 1. Decretal. so that the matter is yet undetermin'd. Moreover Vasaeus in Chronico 1^o cap. 20^o. sheweth who were Presidents in Spaine from the time of the Romans and Gothes. But after Spaine was recovered againe out of the hands of the Barbarians, the Bishoprickes with their ancient Cities were restored, and some newly instituted. We reade that Spaine hath at this day seaven Archbishops, and 41 Suffragane Bishops subordinate to them. The first is the Archbishop of Toledo, Chancellour of Castile, who next unto the King and his Progenie is the greatest man in dignitie and wealth. The Bishops that doe obey him, are the Bishop of Burgos, whose Sea••e was heretofore at Aura, (whence it was called Auritanus Episcopatus▪ and corruptly in some Councells and other publicke Acts, Auxitanus, but was after translated from thence to Burgos, the Metro∣polis of Old Castile, by Alphonsus the sixt, who restored Toledo to the Christians by the authoritie of Pope Vrban the second, in the yeare 1097. Also the Bishop of Cuena, the Bishop of Osma, called commonly Episcopus Oxmensis, and corruptly in Councells Oxomensis▪ the Bishop of Corduba, (whose Bishopricke is most ancient and famous by meanes of Osius once Bishop thereof) the Bishop of Iaenensia, Palentia, and Segovia. The second is the Archbishopricke of Hispalis, under which there were heretofore eleven Bishopricks, though there are now but three; namely of Malaga, Gades, and the Canarie Isles. The third is the Archbishoprick of Compostella. The Seate of this Bishop was heretofore Iria Flavia, a Sea-Towne of Gallicia, and commonly called Padron: but being after∣ward translated to Compostella, it began to bee called the Bishopricke of Compostella, or of Saint Iames, under which are the Bishops of Coria, Pla∣centia, Asturia, Gamora, Salmantica, Orense or Auria, Tude or Tyde, a Towne of Gallicia, seated by the River Minius, and commonly called Tuy. The Bishop of Badaios, (which is now called Episcopus Pacensis) and the Bishop of Mindonia, whose Seate was heretofore Ribadeum, commmonly called Mandonnedo. The fourth Archbishop is the Arch∣bishop of Granada; under whom is the Bishop of Almeria, and the Bi∣shop of Guadix, heretofore called Episcopus Accitanus, for that which heretofore was called Acce, is now called Guadix. The fift is the Arch∣bishop of Valentia, under which are the Bishops of Carthage, Orignella, Segobrica, (whih is now called Segorbia) and Majorca. The sixt is the Archbishop of Tarraconia, under whom are the Bishops of Ilerda, (com∣monly

called Lerida) Tortosa, Herlua, Barcinon, Genida, Vrgella, and Vich. Lastly, the seventh is the Archbishop of Caesar. Augusta, who hath under him the Bishops of Pampilona, Calagurris, Osca, and Balbastro: the Bishops of Leo and Oviedo are subject to none. Portugall hath three Archbishops, namely of Bracara, Olisipona or Lisbon and Funchala; under whom are the Bishops of Ebora, Visca, Guarda, Conimbrica, Porta, Lamego, Silva, Cepta, and Leria. Concerning the other Bishops, you may consult with Vasaeus, L. Marinaeus Siculu••, Damianus a Goes, and others, who doe curiously observe and note what are the revenues which belong to every Bishopricke, as al∣so to Abbies and Monasteries. Those who belong to the Inquisition are of the Ecclesiasticall State: they were first instituted and ordained to ex∣amine the Moores, Saracens, & Iewes; but afterward in processe of time they began to extend their power and authoritie over all that were not of the Roman Church and Religion. In the next place we will note the Acade∣mies or Universities in Spaine, which are about two & twenty; the chiefe whereof are Salamanca, Compludo, Conimbrica, or Conimbra, Pincia, Sagan∣ta, Osca, and Lerida. The Spaniards have happie wits, yet doe they learne or studie little, because they thinke themselves learned when they are not: they love the craft and subtlenes of Sophisters. In the Universities they speake Spanish more than Latine, mingling their speech with many words belonging to the Moores. They seldome leave any offspring or mo∣nument of their wit to their owne posteritie, much lesse to strangers, in regard their language is defective. Yet there have beene, and are some learned men, who by their excellent learned workes and writings, have graced their Country, and made it famous unto other Nations.

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

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

Notes

• * 1.1

  The names & whence so cal∣led.
• * 1.2

  The Situation.
• b 1.3

  So called frō the Cantabri, a people of Spain who inhabited upon the coasts thereof.
• c 1.4

  The Atlan∣ticke Ocean, though it bee sometimes ta∣ken for the whole Ocean, yet it is taken properly for that Sea which washeth Eu∣rope and Africa upon the West. It is called by Ptolemie Mare occiduum & exterius, by Florus Mare externum▪ and the Arabians call it Magrib.
• d 1.5

  So called frō two Islands in the Mediterra∣nian Sea, na∣med Majorca and Minorca, but anciently both of them Bal••ares.
• e 1.6

  Called by P∣tolemy, Ocaso; by Mela, ••a¦sen, by Marti∣anus. Iarse; by ••••••a••o, Idanu••.
• f 1.7

  This Pro∣montorie some have called Sa∣crum ••ugam▪ and others Ca∣put Europ••▪ •• the head of Europe.
• * 1.8

  The temper of the Aire.
• * 1.9

  The fertilitie of the Soyle.
• * 1.10

  The variety of living creatures
• * 1.11

  The Govern∣ment.
• g 1.12

  A rose chiefe Captaine was o•••• ••a••is, who overthrow Ro∣••••ri•••• and his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, consist∣ing of ••••000 foot, & 35000 horse.
• h 1.13

  Who having sent Iulian on an embassage ••o the Moores in Africa, in the meane time deflo••••ed his Daughter Ca∣na; to revenge which m••a••••e 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.14

  The names of the Cities.
• * 1.15

  The Lakes.
• i 1.16

  This River is called also Do∣ria, Duria••, Dorius, and commonly Dueto.
• k 1.17

  Which is a people which inhabite the Countrie of Toledo.
• l 1.18

  A people of Tar••ace••ensi Hispania.
• * 1.19

  The commo∣dities of the Sea
• * 1.20

  Mountain ••
• * 1.21

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 publick in priva••e workes
• * 1.22

  The manner of Government
• * 1.23

  The Senators and their num∣bers.
• l 1.24

  There are be∣side these Coūsells the Coun∣sell of the Low Countries, the Counsell of the order of S. Iohn, and the Counsell of the Inquisition.
• m 1.25

  A Ducket is according to our English va∣luation 6s▪ 8d
• n 1.26

  For there are in all 45 Mar¦que••••••••s.
• o 1.27

  Fo••nded by King R••y•••• of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Anno. 984.
• p 1.28

  A T•• New-C••••••••l where the or∣der was insti¦tuted by Ferdi∣nand of Leon, and confirmed by Pope Lucius Anno 1183.
• q 1.29

  A Towne which Ray∣muna Abbot of Pisu••a, de∣fended against the Saracem, and therefore instituted this order.
• r 1.30

  This order was instituted by Denis King of Portugall, and confirmed by Pope Iohn the 22th Aunt. 1321.