The historie of the vvorld: commonly called, The naturall historie of C. Plinius Secundus. Translated into English by Philemon Holland Doctor of Physicke. The first [-second] tome

THE SIXTH BOOKE OF [unspec K] THE HISTORIE OF NATVRE, (Book 6)

WRITTEN BY C. PLINIVS SECVNDVS.

CHAP. 1.

¶ Pontus Euxinus.

THe sea called Pontus Euxinus, and named by the Greeks in old time, Axenos, for the hard vsage that passengers found at the hands of those sauage Nations vpon the coasts thereof, is spred also betwixt Europ and Asia, vpon a very spite and speciall enuy of Nature, as it seems, to the earth, and a wilfull desire to maintaine the sea still in his greatnesse, and to fulfill his greedy and endlesse [unspec M] appetite. For shee was not contented to haue inuironed the whole earth, with the main Ocean, yea and taken from it a great part thereof, with exceeding rage ouerflowing the same, and laying all empty and naked: it sufficed not, I say, to haue broken through the mountaines, and so to rush in, and after the sea had dismembred * Caspe from Affricke, to * 1.1

haue swallowed vp much more by far than is left behind to be seen: no nor to haue let Propon∣tis [unspec A] gush through Hellespont, and so to encroach again vpon the earth and gaine more ground: vnlesse from the streights of Bosphorus also he enlarge himselfe into another huge and vast sea, and yet is neuer content, vntill the lake Moeotis also with his streight, meet with him as he thus spreadeth abroad and floweth at liberty, and so ioine together and part as it were, their stolne good betweene them. And verily that all this is happened maugre the earth, and that it made all resistance that it could, appeareth euidently by so many streights and narrow passages lying between these two elements of so contrary nature (considering that in Hellespont, the space is not aboue 875 paces from land to land; and at the two Bosphori the sea is so passeable, that oxen or kine may swim at ease from the one side to the other: and hereupon they both tooke their name:) the which vicinitie serueth very wel to entertaine and nourish amity among [unspec B] nations, separated by nature one from another; and in this disunion as it were, appeareth yet a brothely fellowship and vnitie. For the cocks may be heard to crow, and the dogs to bark, from the one side to the other; yea and men out of these two worlds may parly one to another with audible voice, and haue commerce of speech together, if the weather be calme, and that the windes doe not carry away the sound thereof.

Well, the measure some haue taken of the sea, from Bosphorus Thracius to the lake of Moe∣otis, and haue accounted it to be 1438 miles and a halfe. But Eratosthenes reckoneth it lesse by one hundred. Agrippa saith, that from Chalcedon to Phacis, is a thousand miles, and so to Bos∣phorus Cimmerius 360 miles. As for vs we will set downe summarily and in generall, the di∣stances of places, according to the moderne knowledge of our nation in these daies, forasmuch as our armies haue warred in the very streight and mouth of this Cimmerian streight. [unspec C]

Being passed then from the streight of Bosphorus Thracius, we meet with the riuer Rhebas, which some haue called Rhoesus; and beyond it Psillis another riuer; then come we to the port of Calpas, and Sangarius one of the principall riuers of Asia; it ariseth in Phrygia, it receiueth other huge riuers into it, and among the rest Tembrogius and Gallus. The same Sangarius was called also Coralius. After this riuer, begin the gulfes Mariandini, vpon which is to be seen the towne Heraclea, scituate vpon the riuer Lycus. It is from the mouth of Pontus 200 miles. Be∣yond it is the port Acone, cursed for the venomous herbe and poisonous Aconitum, which ta∣keth name thereof. Also the hole or caue Acherusia. Riuers also there be, Pedopiles, Callicho∣rum and Sonantes. One towne, Tium, eight and thirty miles from Heraclea: and last of all, the riuer Bilis. [unspec D]

CHAP. II.

¶ The nation of the Paphlagonians and Cappadocians.

BEyond this riuer Bilis, is the countrey Paphlagonia, which some haue named Pylemerina, and it is inclosed with Galatia behinde it. The first towne ye meet in it, is Mastya, built by the Milesians: and next to it, is Cromna. In this quarter the Heneti inhabit, as Cornelius Nepos saith. Moreouer, from thence the Venetians in Italy, who beare their name, are descended as he would haue vs beleeue. Neere to the said towne Cromna, is another called Sesamum in times past, and now Amastris. Also the mountaine Cytorus, 64 miles from Tium. When you [unspec E] are gone past this mountain, you shall come to Cimolus and Stephane, two townes, and like∣wise to the riuer Parthenius; and so forward to the cape and promontory Corambis, which rea∣cheth forth a mighty way into the sea: and it is from the mouth of the sea Pontus 315 miles, or as others rather thinke, 350. As far also it is from the streight Cimmerius, or as some would ra∣ther haue it, 312 miles and a halfe. A towne there was also in times past of that name; and ano∣ther likewise beyond it called Arminum: but now, there is to be seen the colony Sinope, 164 miles from Citorum. Being past it, you fall vpon the riuer Varetum, the people of Cappado∣cia, the townes Gazima and Gazelum, and the riuer Halyto, which issuing out of the foot of the hill Taurus, passeth through Cataonia and Cappadocia. Then meet you with these towns following, Gangre, Carissa, and the free city Amisum, which is from Sinope 130 miles. As you [unspec F] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 farther, you shall see a gulfe carrying the name of the said towne, where the sea runneth so far within the land, that it seems to make Asia well-neare an Island: for from thence vnto the gulf Issicus in Cilicia is not aboue 200 miles through the continent. In al which tract, there be

no more than three nations which iustly and by good right, may be called Greekes, to wit, the [unspec G] Dorians, Ionians, and Aeolians; for all the rest are reputed barbarous. Vnto Amisum, there ioi∣ned the towne Eupatoria, founded by K. Mithridates; and after that he was vanquished, both to∣gether tooke the name of Pompeiopolis.

CHAP. III.

¶ Cappadocia.

IN Cappadocia, there is a city well within the land, called Archelais, scituate vpon the riuer Halys: which Claudius Caesar the Emperor erected as a colony, and peopled it with Romane souldiers. There is besides a towne which the riuer Sarus runneth vnder: also Neo-caesarea, [unspec H] which Lycus passeth by: and Amasia with the riuer Iris running vnder it, within the countrey Gazacena. Moreouer, in the quarter called Colopena, there stand Sebastia & Sebastopolis, lit∣tle towns indeed, howbeit comparable with those abouesaid. In the other part of Cappadocia there is the city Melita, built by queene Semiramis, not far from Euphrates: also, Dio-Caesarea, Tyana, Castabala, Magnopolis, Zela, and vnder the mountaine Argaeus, Mazaca, which now is named Caesarea. That part of Cappadocia which lieth before Armenia the greater, is called Melitene: that which bordereth vpon Comagene, Cataonia: vpon Phrygia, Garsauritis: vpon Sargaurasana, Cammaneum; and finally vpon Galatia, Morimene. And there the riuer Cappa∣dox separateth the one from the other. Of this riuer the Cappadocians took name, whereas be∣foretime they were called Leucosyri: as for the lesse Armenia, the riuer Lycus diuideth it from [unspec I] Neo-Caesarea beforesaid. Within the country there runneth a•…•…o the great riuer Ceraunus. But on the coast side, when you are past the city Amysum, you meet with the town Lycastum; and the riuer Chadisia; and once past them, you enter into the countrey Themiscyra. In this quarter also you may see the riuer Iris, bringing down with it another riuer Lycus that runneth into it. And in the midland parts there is the city Ziela, ennobled for the ouerthrow of Tria∣rius, whom C. Caesar defeated with his whole army. But in the coast againe you shall encounter the riuer Thermodon, which issueth from before a castle named Phanaroea, and passeth beside the foot of the mountaine Amazonius. In which place there stood somtime a towne of that name, and other fiue, namely, Phamizonium, Themiscyra, Sotira, Amasia, Comana, at this pre∣sent called Manteium.

CHAP. IV. [unspec K]

¶ The people of the region Themiscyrene.

MOreouer, in Pontus ye haue the nations of the Genetae & the Chalybes, together with a town of Cotyi. People besides called Tibareni, and Mossyni, who brand and marke their body with hot searing yrons. Also the nation of the Macrocephali, with the towne Cerasus, and the port Cordulae. Beyond which you come to a people named Bechires, and Bu∣zeri, and to the riuer Melas. And so forward to the quarter of the Macrones, Sideni, & so to the riuer Sydenum, vpon which is scituat the town Polemonium, distant from Amisum 220 miles: where ye shall finde the riuers Iasonius and Melanthius; and a towne 80 miles from Amisum, [unspec L] called Pharnacea; the castle and riuer of Tripolis. Item, Philocalia, and Liuiopolis without a riuer: and lastly the imperiall & free city Trapezus, enuironed with a high mountain, 100 miles from Pharnacea. And being past Trapezus, you enter into the country of the Armenochalybes, and Armenia the greater; which are 30 miles asunder. But vpon the coast you shall see the ri∣uer Pyxites that runneth euen before Trapezus; and beyond it the country of the Sanni Heni∣ochi. Moreouer, the riuer Absarus, in the mouth whereof there is a castle likewise so named, from Trapezus 150 miles. Behind the mountains of that quarter, you meet with the region I∣beria; but in the coast therof the Heniochi, Ampreutae and Lazi. The riuers Campseonysis, Nogrus, Bathys. When ye are once past them, you come into the countrey of the Colchians, [unspec M] where stands the town Matium, with the riuer Heracleum passing vnder it, & a Promontorie of that name, & last of all, the most renowned riuer of all Pontus, called Phasis: this riuer riseth from out of the Moschian mountains, & for 38 miles and an halfe, is nauigable, & beareth any great vessels whatsoeuer. And then for a great way it carrieth smaller bottoms, & hath ouer it

120 bridges. Beautified it was sometimes with many faire townes vpon the bankes thereof on [unspec A] both sides, and the principall of them all, were Tyritaum, Cygnus, and the city Phasis scituate in the very mouth thereof, as it falleth into the sea. But the goodliest city planted vpon this ri∣uer, and most famous of all the rest was Aea, fifteene miles distant from the sea: where Hippos and Cyanos, two mighty great riuers, comming from diuers parts, enter both into the riuer Phasis. But now there is no count made of any but of Surium onely, which taketh name of the riuer Surium which runneth to it. And thus far we said that Phasis was capable of great ships. Among other riuers which it receiues, for number and greatnesse admirable, is the riuer Glau∣cus. In the fosse and mouth of this tiuer Phasis, where hee is discharged into the sea, there be some little Islands of no reckoning. And there, from Bsarus it is 75 miles. Being past Phasis you meet with another riuer called Charien: vpon which bordereth the nation of the Salae, na∣med in old time Phthirophagi and Suani, where you shall meet with the riuer Cobus, which [unspec B] issueth out of Caucasus, and runneth through the country of the Suani aboue-said. Then you come to another riuer Rhoas, and so forward to the region Ecrectice: to the riuers Sigania, Ter∣sos, Atelpos, Chrysorrhoas, and the people Absilae: the castle Sebastopolis, an hundred miles from Phasis, the nation of the Sanigores, the towne Cygnus, the riuer and towne both called Pityus. And last of all ye arriue vpon the country of the Heniochae, where be nations entituled with many and sundry names.

CHAP. V.

¶ The region of Colchis, the Achaei, and other nations in that tract. [unspec C]

NExt followeth the region of Colchis, which is likewise in Pontus: wherin the mountain Caucasus windes and turnes toward the Rhiphaean hils, as hath been said before, and that mountaine of the one side bendeth downe toward Euxinus, Pontus, and Maeotis; and of the other, enclineth to the Caspian and Hircane seas. When ye are descended to the maritime coasts, ye shall find many barbarous and sauage nations there inhabiting, to wit, the Melanch∣laeni, and the Choruxi, where sometimes stood Dioscurias a city of the Cholchians, neere vnto the riuer Anthemus, which now lieth wast and dispeopled, notwithstanding it was so renowned in times past, that by the report of Timosthenes, there repaired thither and inhabited therein 300 nations of diuers languages. And euen afterwards our Romanes were forced to prouide themselues of 130 interpreters, when they would negotiate and traffick with the people in and [unspec D] about Dioscurias. Some there be that think how it was first founded by Amphitus and Telchius, who had the charge of the chariots of Castor and Pollux: for certain it is, that the fierce and wild nation of the Heniochi, are from them descended. Being past Dioscurias, you come vp the towne Heraclium, which from Sebastopolis is 80 miles distant: and so forward to the Achaei, Mardi and Cercetae: and after them to the Serri, and Cephalotomi. For within that tract stood the most rich and wealthy town Pitius, which by the Heniochians was ransacked and spoiled. On the backe part thereof inhabit the Epagerites [a nation of the Sarmatians] euen vpon the mountaine Caucasus: and on the other side of that hill, the Sauromatae (the country is at this day called Tartaria the great.) Hither retired and fled king Mithridates in the time of Claudius Caesar the Emperor: who made report, that the Thali dwell thereby, and confine East-ward vpon [unspec E] the very opening of the Caspian sea: which by his report remaineth dry, whensoeuer the sea doth ebbe. But now to turne vnto the coast neer vnto the Cercetae, you meet with the riuer Ica∣rusa, with a towne and riuer called Hierum, 136 miles from Heracleum. Then come yee to the cape Cronea, in the very ridge and high pitch whereof the Toretae inhabit. But beneath it you may see the citie Sindica, 67 miles scituate from Hierum: and last of all, you arriue vpon the ri∣uer Sceaceriges.

CHAP. VI.

¶ Maeotis, and the streights thereof called Bosphorus Cimmerius. [unspec F]

FRom the said riuer to the very entrance of the Cimmerian Bosphorus are counted 88 miles and a halfe. But the length of the very demy Island, which extendeth and stretcheth out between Pontus and Maeotis, is not aboue 87 miles and a halfe, and the breadth in no place

lesse than two acres of land. This the paisants of that country do call Eione. The very coasts of [unspec G] this streight Bosphorus, both of Asia side and Europa, boweth and windeth like a curb to Moe∣otis. As touching the townes here planted, in the very first entry thereof standeth Hermonassa, and then Cepi, founded by the Milesians. Being past Cepi you come soone after to Stratilia, Phanagoria, and Apaturos, in manner vnpeopled and void: and last of all, in the very vtmost point of the mouth where it falleth into the sea, you arriue at the towne Cimmerius, named before-time Cerberian.

CHAP. VII.

¶ Nations about Moeotis.

BEing passed Cimmerium, yon come to the very broad lake Moeotis, whereof we spake be∣fore [unspec H] in the Geography of Europe. Vpon the coast wherof, beyond Cimmerium on the side of Asia, inhabite the Moeotici, Vati, Serbi, Archi, Zingi, and Psesij. After this, you come to the great riuer Tanais, which runneth into Moeotis with two armes or branches: and on the sides of it dwell the Sarmations, an off-spring descended in old time (as men say) from the Medians: but so multiplied now, that they themselues are diuided and dispersed into many na∣tions. And first of all are the Sauromatae, surnamed Gynaecocratumeni; i. (as one would say) subiect to women▪ from whence the Amazones are prouided and furnished of men to serue their turne in stead of husbands, Next to them, are the Euasae, Cottae, Cicimeni, Messeniani, Costobocci, Choatrae, Zigae; Dandari, Thussagerae, and Turcae, euen as far as the wildernesses, forrests chases, and rough vallies. But beyond them are the Arnuphaei, who confine vpon the [unspec I] mountaine Rhiphaei. As for as the riuer Tanais, the Scythians call it Silys: and Moeotis, they name Temerinda, that is to say, the mother of the sea, or rather, the seas end. In ancient time there stood a great towne vpon the very mouth of Tanais, where it falleth into the sea. As for the neighbour borders of this sea, inhabited they were sometime by the Lares: afterwards, by the Clazomenij, and Moeones: and in processe of time, by the Panticapenses. Some Authours write, that about Moeotis toward the higher mountaine Ceraunij, these nations following doe inhabit, to wit, first vpon the very coast and sea side, the Napaeae: and aboue them, the Esse∣dones, ioyning vpon the Colchy, and the high mountain [Corax.] After them, the Carmaces, the Oranes, Anticae, Mazacae, Ascantici, Acapeates, Agagammatae, Phycari, Rhimosoli, and Ascomarci. Moreouer, vpon the hill Caucasus, the Icatales, Imaduches, Ranes, Anelaks, Ty∣dians, [unspec K] Charastasci, and Asuciandes. Moreouer, along the riuer Lagous, issuing out of the moun∣taines Cathei, and into which Opharus runneth, these nations ensuing do dwell, to wit, the Caucadians, and the Opharites: beyond whom runneth the riuers Menotharus, and Imitues, out of the mountaines Cissij, which passeth through the Agedi, Carnapes, Gardei, Accisi, Ga∣bri, and Gregari: and about the source or spring of this riuer Imitues, the people Imitui and Aparrheni. Others say, that the Suites, Auchetes, Saternei, and Asampates, inuaded and con∣qered these parts; and that the Tanaites and Nepheonites, were by them put to the edge of the sword, and not one person of them spared. Some write, that the riuer Opharius runneth through the Canteci, and the Sapaei: and that the riuer Tanais trauersed sometime through the [unspec L] Phatareans, Herticei, Spondolici, Synthietae, Amassi, Issi, Catareti, Tagori, Catoni, Neripi, Agandei, Mandarei, Saturchei, and Spalei.

CHAP. VIII.

¶ Cappadocia.

HItherto haue wee treated and gone through the nations and inhabitants of the coasts vpon the Mediterranian sea. Now are wee to speake of the people inhabiting the very midland parts of the maine within: wherein I protest, and deny not, but that I will deli∣uer many things otherwise than the ancient Geographers haue set downe: forasmuch as I haue [unspec M] made diligent search into the state of those regions, as wel by enquiry of Domitius Corbulo (who lately went with an army through those quarters (as of diuers kings and princes, who made re∣paire to Rome with sutes and supplications, but especially of those kings sons that were left as hostages in Rome. And first to begin with the nation of the Cappadocians. This is a country

that of all others which bound vpon Pontus, reacheth farthest within the firm land; for on the [unspec A] left hand it passeth by both Armenias, the greater and the lesse, & Comagene: and on the right all those nations in Asia before-named, confining many others; and still preuailing with great might, growing on and climing Eastward vp to the mountain Taurus, it passeth beyond Lyca∣onia, Pisidia, and Cilicia: and with that quarter which is called Cataonia, pierceth aboue the tract of Antiochia, and reacheth as far as to the region Cyrrhestica, which lyeth well within that country. And therefore the length of Asia there, may containe 1250 miles, & the breadth 640.

CHAP. IX.

¶ Armenia the greater and the lesse. [unspec B]

THe greater Armenia, beginning at the mountains Pariedri, is diuided from Cappadocia by the riuer Euphrates, as hath bin said before: & where the riuer Euphrates beginneth to turne his course from Mesopotamia, by the riuer Tigris as renowned as the other, both these riuers is it furnished withal, which is the cause that it taketh the name of Mesopotamia, as being scituate between them both. The main land which lyeth between, is possessed by the mountains of Arabia called Orei: howbeit, it extendeth vntil it confine vpon Adiabene. Being past it once, it is hemmed in with mountains that incounter it ouerthwart, which cause it to in∣large it selfe into a bredth on the left hand, as far as to the riuer Cyrus: and then it turneth euer crosse, vntill it meet with the riuer Araxes: but it carrieth his length into the lesse Armenia, confining stil vpon the riuer Absarus, which falleth into the Ponticke sea: and the mountaines [unspec C] Pariedri (from which the said riuer issueth) which diuide it from the lesse Armenia. As for the riuer Cyrus, it springeth in the mountains Heniochij, which some called Coraxici. But Ara∣xes issueth out of the same mountain from whence Euphrates commeth, and there is not aboue six miles space between them both. This riuer Araxes is augmented with the riuer Musis; and then himselfe loseth also his name, and as most haue thought, is carried by the riuer Cyrus in∣to the Caspian sea: as for the townes of name in the lesse Armenia, they be these, Caesarea, A∣sia, and Nicopolis. In the greater yee haue Arsamole, fast vpon the riuer Euphrates: likewise Carcathiocerta, scituate vpon Tigris. In the higher country, is the city Tigranocerta, built in the plain beneath, neere to Araxes, Artaxata. Aufidius saith, that both the Armeniae containe [unspec D] in all 500 miles. Claudius Caesar reporteth, that in length from Dascusa to the confines of the Caspian sea, it taketh 1300 miles, and in bredth halfe so much, to wit, from Tigranocerta to I∣beria. This is wel knowne, that diuided it is into certain regiments, which they call Strategi∣ans; and yet some of them in old time, were as large each of them as realmes and kingdomes: and to the number they were of 120, but such barbarous names they had, that they cannot well be set downe in writing. Enclosed it is Eastward with the mountains, but neither the hils Ce∣raunij, nor yet the region Adiabene, do presently and immediatly confine thereupon: for the country of the Sopheni lyeth between: then you come to the mountaines aforesaid, and being past them, you enter into the countrey of the Adiabenes. But on that coast where the plaines lie and the flat vallies, the next neighbors to Armenia, be the Menobardi and Moscheni. As for Adiabene, enuironed it is partly with the riuer Tigris, and partly compassed with an vnaccessi∣ble [unspec E] steep mountaines. On the left hand, it confineth vpon the Medians, and hath a prospect to the Caspian sea, the which commeth out of the Ocean (as we shall shew in meet and conueni∣ent place) and is inclosed wholly within the mountains of Caucasus. As for the nations there inhabiting along the marches and confines of Armenia, now wil we speake of them.

CHAP. X.

¶ Albania, and Iberia.

ALl the plaine country between Armenia and the riuer Cyrus, the Albanois of Asia do in∣habit. Being past it, you enter anon into the Iberians region, who are separated from the [unspec F] Albanois aforesaid by the riuer Alazon, which runneth downe from the Caucasian hills into Cyrus. The townes of importance, in Albania, is Cabalaca; in Iberia, Harmastis, neere to the riuer Neoris: beyond which, is the region Thasie, and Triare, as farre as vnto the moun∣tains

Partedori. And when you are past them, you enter into the desarts of Cholchis: and on the side of them which lyeth toward the Ceraunij, the Armenochalybes do inhabit: and so forward [unspec G] you come into the tract and marches of the Moschi, which extend to the riuer Iberus, that run∣neth into Cyrus. Beneath them, inhabit the Sacassani, and beyond them the Macronians, who reach euen to the riuer Absarus. Thus you see how the plaines and the hanging of the hills in these parts are inhabited. Againe, from the marches and frontiers of Albania, all the forefront of the hils is taken vp and possessed by the sauage people of the Sylui; and beneath them, of the Lubienes, and so forward by the Didurians, and Sodij.

CHAP. XI.

¶ The gates and passages of the mountaine Caucasus. [unspec H]

WHen ye are beyond the Sodij, you come to the Streights of the hill Caucasus, which many haue erroniously called Caspiae Portae. And certes, Nature hath performed a mightie piece of worke, in cleauing asunder at one instant those mountaines, where the gates were barred vp as it were with iron portculleises, whiles vnder the mids therof, the ri∣uer Dyriodorus runneth: and on this side of it, standeth a strong fort and castle called Cuma∣nia, scituate vpon a rock, able to impeach an army neuer so puissant & innumerable that would passe thereby; in such sort, as in this place by means of these bar-gates, one part of the world is excluded from the other: and namely most of all they seeme to be set opposite as a rampart a∣gainst Harmastis a towne of Iberia. But being passed these said gates, you come to the moun∣tains Gordyei, where the Valli and Suarni, barbarous and sauage nations, are imployed onely [unspec I] in the mines of gold. Beyond them as far as to the Ponticke sea, you enter into the countrey of the Heniochi, wherof be many sorts, and soon after to the Achei. And thus much as touching this tract of the sea Ponticke, and of the most renowned gulfes of all others. Some haue set downe in writing, that between Pontus and the Caspian sea, it is not aboue 375 miles. Corneli∣us Nepos saith it is but 150. See into what great streights betweene both seas Asia is driuen a∣gain, and as it were thronged. Claudius Caesar hath reported, that from Cimmerius Bosphorus to the Caspian sea, it is 150 miles, and that Seleucus Nicator purposed if he had liued, to cut the land through from the one side to the other: but in this purpose of his, himselfe was cnt short and slain by Ptol•…•…maeus Ceraunus. To conclude, it is in manner held for certain, that from those gates of Caucasus vnto the Pontick sea, it is 200 miles, and no lesse. [unspec K]

CHAP. XII.

¶ The Islands in the Ponticke sea.

IN the Pontick sea lye the Islands Planctae, otherwise Cyaneae or Symplegades. Then Apol∣lonia, named also Thynnias, for distinction sake from that other so named in Europe: it is from the continent one mile, and is in circuit three. Iust ouer-against Pharnacea, is the Isle Chalceritis, which the Greeks called Aria, consecrated as it were to Mars; wherein they say the foules that are, vsed to fight and flutter with their wings against all other birds that come thither. [unspec L]

CHAP. XIII.

The Regions and people confining vpon the Scythian Ocean.

HAuing thus sufficiently discoursed of all the countries within the firme land of Asia, let vs now determine to passe ouer the Rhiphaean hills, and discouer the coasts of the Ocean which lie on the right hand of those hills. Wherein we haue to consider, that Asia is da∣shed and beaten vpon by this maine sea on three parts: to wit, on the North side, and there it is [unspec M] called Scythicus: on the East, where they call it Eous: and last from the South, and there they name it Indicus. And according to the sundry gulfes and creekes that it maketh, and the inha∣bitants by whom it passeth, many names it taketh. Howbeit, a great part of Asia toward the North, lieth desart, and hath in it much wildernesse vnhabitable, by reason of the extreme cold of that frozen climat, so subiect to the Pole Artick. But being once past the vtmost quarter of

the North-point, and came to the North-East where the Sun ariseth at midsommer, then you come to the Scythians. Beyond whom, and the very point of the North-pole and the winde [unspec A] from thence, some haue placed the Hyperborei; of whom we haue spoken at large in the trea∣tise of Europe. On this side the Hyperborei, the first cape or promontory that you meet with∣all in the countrie Celtica, is named Lytarmis: and then you come vnto the riuer Carambucis, whereby the forcible influence of the starres, the high mountains Rhiphaea, as being wearied, begin to settle and abase themselues lower. At the fall and descent of which mountains, I haue heard say, that certain people named Arnupheae inhabited: a nation not much vnlike in their maner of life to the Hyperboreans. They haue their habitations in forrests; their feeding is vp∣on berries oftrees: shorne they be all and shauen, for both men and women count it a shame to haue haire on their heads: otherwise they are ciuill enough in their conuersation and behauior: [unspec B] and therefore, by report, they are held for a sacred people and inuiolable, in so much as those cruell nations and inhumane that border vpon them, will offer them no abuse; neither do they respect them only, but also in regard and honour of them, they forbeare those also that flie vnto them as to a place of franchise and priuiledge. Goe beyond them once, you come among the * 1.2 Scythians indeed, the Cimmerij, Cicianthi, Georgi, and the nation of the Amazons, & these confront the Caspian or Hircan sea: for it breaks forth of the deep Scithian Ocean, toward the back parts of Asia, and takes diuers names of the inhabitants coasting vpon it, but especially aboue all other of the Caspians & Hircaneans. Clitarchus is of this opinion, that this sea is full as great and large as Pontus Euxinus. And Eratosthenes sets downe the very measure and pour∣prise thereof: namely, from East to South along the coast of Cadusia and Albania, 5400 stadia: [unspec C] from thence by the Aratiaticks, Amarbi, and Hircanij, to the mouth of the riuer Zoum, 4800 stadia: from it to the mouth of Iaxartes where it falleth into the sea, 2400 stadia: which being put together amount in all to 1575 miles. Artemidorus counteth lesse by 25 miles. Agrippa in bounding out and limiting the circuit of the Caspian sea, & the regions coasting vpon it, toge∣ther with them Armenia both the greater and the lesse, namely, Eastward with the Ocean of the Seres, Westward with the mountains of Caucasus; on the South side with the hill Taurus, and finally on the North with the Scithian Ocean, hath written, That the whole precinct and com∣passe of these parts may contain in length [so far as is known & discouered of those countries] 590 miles, and 290 in breadth. Yet for all this, there want not others who say, That the whole circuit of that sea, and begin at the very mouth and firth thereof, ariseth to 2500 miles. As for [unspec D] this mouth aforesaid where it breakes into the sea it is very narrow, but exceeding long: howbe∣it when it begins once to enlarge it selfe and grow wide, it turns and fetcheth a compasse with horned points like to a quarter moone, and after the maner of a Scithian bow, as M. Varro saith, it windes along from his mouth toward the lake Moeotis. The first gulfe that it makes is called Scythicus; for the Scithians inhabit on both sides, and by meanes of the narrow streight be∣tween haue commerce and trafficke one with another: for of the one side are the Nomades and Sauromatae, comprising vnder them many other nations of diuers names: and on the other, the Abzoae, who haue no fewer states vnder them. At the very entry of this sea on the right hand, the Vdines, a people of the Scithians, dwell vpon the very point of this mouth: and then along the coast, the Albanois, a nation descended (as men say) from Iason; where the sea lying before them [unspec E] is called Albanum. This nation is spread also vpon the mountaines of Caucasus, and so along downe the hills as far as to the riuer Cyrus, which confines the marches between Armenia and Iberia, as hath bin said. Aboue the Maritime coasts of Albania & the Vdines country, the Sar∣matians, called Vtidorsi, and Aroteres, are planted: and behinde them, the Amazones, whom we haue already shewed; who also are women Sauromatians. The riuers of Albani which fall into the sea, are Cassios and Albanos: and then Cambices, which hath his head in the Caucasian mountains: and soon after Cyrus, which arises out of the hills Corax, as before is said. Moreo∣uer Agrippa writes, that this whole coast of Albanie (fortified with those high and inaccessable mountains of Caucasus) contains 425 miles. Now when you are past the riuer Cyrus, the Cas∣pian sea begins to take that name, for that the Caspians doe inhabit the coasts thereof. And [unspec F] here the errour of many is to be laid open and corrected, euen of those also who were in the last voyage with Corbulo in Armenia with the Romane armie: for they tooke it, that those gates of Caucasus whereof we spake before, were the Caspian gates, and so called them: and the verie mappes and descriptions which are painted and sent from thence, beare that name and title.

Likewise the menacing commandements, and threatning commissions sent out by Nero the [unspec G] Emperour for to gaine and conquer those gates, which through Iberia lead into Sarmatia, made mention of the gates Caspiae there, which had in a manner no passage at all to the Cas∣pian sea, by reason that the mountaine Caucasus empeached it. Howbeit in very truth, there be other gates so called, which joine vpon the Caspian nations, which wee had neuer knowne from the other, but by relation of those that accompanied Alexander the Great in his voyage and expedition to those parts. For the realme and kingdome of the Persians, which at this day wee take that the Parthians hold, lyeth aloft betweene the Persian and Hircane seas vpon the mountaines of Caucasus, in the very hanging and descent thereof, on both sides confining vpon Armenia the greater: and on that part which lieth to Comagene, confronteth and joineth (as we haue said) vpon Sepheniae and vpon it againe bordereth Adiabene, where the realme of the Assyrians doth begin: whereof Arbelitis, which boundeth next vpon Syria, taketh vp a good [unspec H] part: which is the countrie wherein Alexander the Great discomfited and vanquished Darius. All this tract, the Macedonians who entered with Alexander, surnamed Mygdonia, for the re∣semblance of that in Greece from which they came. Townes of name there be in it, Alexan∣dria, and Antiochia, which they call Nisibis: and from Artaxata it is 750 miles. There was al∣so another citie called Ninus, or Niniue, seated vpon the riuer Tygris, which regarded the West, which in times past was highly renowned. But on the other side, where it lieth toward the Caspian sea, lieth the region Atropatene, separated by the riuer Araxes, from Otene in Ar∣menia: wherein is the citie Gazae, 450 miles from Artaxata: and as many from Ecbatana in Media, whereon some part the Atropatenes doehold.

CHAP. XIIII. [unspec I]

¶ Media, and the gates Caspiae.

AS for Ecbatana the head citie of Media, Seleucus the king founded it: and it is from Seleu∣cia the great 750 miles, and from the Caspian gates 20. The other great towns of impor∣tance in Media, be Phausia, Agamzua, and Apamia, named also Rhaphane. And as for the streights there, called the Caspian gates, the same reason is there of that name, as of the other by Caucasus; by reason that the mountaine is clouen and broken through, and hath so narrow a lane, that hardly a waine or cart is able to passe by it; and that for the length of 8 miles: all done by the picke-axe and mans hand. The rockes and cliffes that hang ouer on the one side [unspec K] and the other, be like as if they were scorched and half burnt: so dry and thirsty is all that tract, and without fresh water for 38 miles space: for all the liquor and moisture issuing out of those craggie rockes, runneth through it, which letteth the passage, and causeth folke to auoid that way. Besides, such a number of serpants doe there haunt, that no man dare passe that way but in winter onely.

CHAP. XV.

¶ Nations about the Hircanesea.

VNto Adiabene, joyneth the countrie of the Carduchy, so called in times past, and now Cordueni, by which the riuer Tigris runneth: and vpon them the Pratitae do confine, cal∣led [unspec L] also Paredoni: who keepe the hold of the Caspian gates aforesaid. On the other side of whom, you shall meet with the desarts of Parthia, and the mountaine Cithenus: but being passed that once, you come streight into the most pleasant and beautiful tract of the same Par∣thia, called Choara; and there stand two cities of the Parthians, built sometimes as forts oppo∣site against the Medians: namely, Calliope & Issatis, scituate in times past vpon another rocke. As for the capitall citie of al Partia, Hecatompylos, it is from the Caspian gates aboue-said 133 miles. Thus you see how the kingdome of the Parthians also is limited & separat by these mountaines and streights. When a man is once gotten forth of these gates, presently he enters [unspec M] vpon the Caspians countrie, which reacheth as far as to the sea side, and gaue the name as well to it as to the gates afore-named. Howbeit al the region vpon the left hand is ful of mountains from whence backward to the riuer Cyrus, are by report 220 miles, but from that riuer if you would go higher vp to those gates, you shal find it 700 miles. And in very truth from this place began Alexander to make the account and reckoning of his iournies, in that voyage of his to

India, saying, that from those gates to the entrance of India, it was 15680 stadia: from thence [unspec A] to the city Bacha, which they call Zariaspa 3700, and so to the riuer Iaxartes 5 miles.

CHAP. XVI.

¶ Other Nations also.

FRom the Caspians country Eastward, lieth the region called Zapanortene, & in it the land Daricum, the most fertile tract of all those parts. Then come you to the Tapyrians, Anari∣aci, Stauri and Hircani, at whose coasts the same sea begins to take the name Hircanum, euen from the riuer Syderis. About it are other riuers, to wit, Mazeras and Stratos, all issuing out of Caucasus. Out of the realme of Hircania, you enter into the country Margiana, so com∣mendable [unspec B] for the warme Sun-shine weather there, and the only place in all that quarter which yeeldeth vines. Enuironed it is on euery side with goodly pleasant hils to the eie, for the com∣passe of 1500 stadia. Fortified it is besides, and affordeth hard accesse vnto it by reason of the sandy and barren desarts for the space of 120 miles. And scituat it is euen against the tract of Parthia, wherein Alexander the Great sometime had built Alexandria, which beeing rased and destroied by the Barbarians, Antiochus the son of Seleucus re-edified in the same place vpon the riuer Margus, which runs through it, together with another riuer Zodale, and it was called Sy∣riana [or rather Seleucia.] Howbeit, he desired rather that it should be named Antiochia. This citie containeth in circuit 70 stadia: and into it, Orodes after that he had defeated Crassus & his hoast, brought all the Romans whom he had taken prisoners. Being past the high country Mar∣giana, [unspec C] you come to the region of Mardi, a fierce & sauage people, subiect vnto none, they inha∣bit the mountain Caucasus, and reach as far as to the Bactrians. Beyond that tract are these na∣tions, the Ochanes, Chomares, Berdrigei, Hermatotrophi, Bomarci, Commani, Marucaei, Man∣drueni and Iatij. The riuers also Mandrus and Gridinus. Beyond inhabit the Chorasmij, Gan∣dari, Attasini, Paricani, Sarangae, Parrasini, Maratiani, Nasotiani, Aorsi, Gelae, whom the Greeks called Cadusij, and the Matiani. Moreouer, in it stood the great towne Heraclea, built by A∣lexander the Great, which afterwards was subuerted and ouerthrowne: but when it was repaired again by Antiochus, he named it Achais. Beneath in the country, the Derbines do inhabit, tho∣rough whose marches in the very midst runneth the riuer Oxus, which hath his beginning out of a lake called Oxus. Beyond them are the Syrmatae, Oxij, Tagae, Heniochi▪ Bateni, Saraparae, [unspec D] and Bactrians, with their towne Zariaspe, called afterwards Bactrum, of the riuer Bactra. This nation inhabiteth the back parts of the hill Paropamisus, ouer-against the source & spring of the riuer Indus, & is inuironed with the riuer Ochus. Beyond the Bactrians are the Sogdianes, & Panda the principal city of that country. In the very vtmost marches of their territory stan∣deth the town Alexandria built by Alexander the Great, wherin are to be seen the altars and co∣lumnes, erected by Hercules, prince Bacchus, Cyrus, Semiramis, and Alexander: supposed and taken to be the very end of all their voiages in that part of the world, resting within the riuer Iaxar∣tes, which the Scythians call Silys. For Alexander and his soldiers thought it had bin Tanais. Howbeit, captain Demonax, who serued vnder the kings Seleucus and Antiochus, passed ouer that riuer with an army; and at the end of his voiage set vp altars vnto Apollo Didymaeus. And the De∣monax [unspec E] we follow, especially in this description and Geographie of ours.

CHAP. XVII.

¶ The Scythian Nation.

BEyond the realm Sogdiana, inhabit the Nations of the Scythians. The Persians were wont to call them in general Sacas, of a people adioyning vnto them, so named. In old time they were known by the name of Arameans. And on the other side, the Scythians for their part vsed to term the Persians, Chorsari: and the hil Caucasus, they called Graucasus, that is to say, white with snow. The principal nations of Scythia, be the Sarae, Massagetae, Dahae, Essedones, [unspec F] Ariacae, Rhymnici, Pesici, Amordi, Histi, Edones, Camae, Camacae, Euchatae, Cotieri, Antari∣ani, Pialae, Arim aspi besoretime called Cacidiri, Asaei & Oetei. As for the Napaeans & Apel∣laeans who sometime dwelt there, they be vtterly extinct and gone. The riuers there of name be Mandagraeus and Caspasius. And surely there is not a region wherein Geographers doe varie

and disagree more than in this: and as I take it, this commeth of the infinit number of those [unspec G] nations, wandring to & fro, and abiding neuer in one place. Alexander the Great and M. Varro make report, that the water of the Scythian sea is fresh in taste, & potable. And in truth Pompey the great had such water brought vnto him from thence to drink, when he waged war thereby against Mithridates: by reason no doubt of the great riuers that fall into it, which ouercome the saltnesse of the water. Varro saith moreouer, That during this expedition and iourny of Pom∣peius, it was for certain knowne, that it is but seuen daies iourney from out of India to the Ba∣ctrians countrey, euen as far as to the riuer Icarus which runneth into Oxus: and that the mer∣chandise of India, transported by the Caspian sea, and so to the riuer Cyrus, may be brought in fiue daies by land as far as to Phasis in Pontus. Many Islands there lie all ouer that sea: but one aboue the rest, and most renowned, is Tazata; for thither all the shipping from out of the Cas∣pian [unspec H] sea and the Scythian Ocean, do bend their course & there arriue; for that all the sea coasts do affront the Leuant, and turn into the East. The frontiers of Scythia from the first cape ther∣of is vnhabitable by reason of the snow that lies continually: neither are the next regions ther∣to frequented and tilled, for the barbarous crueltie of those nations that border vpon it: such as the Anthropophagi, who liue of mans flesh, and haunt those parts. Hereupon it commeth, that you shall find nothing there but huge desart forests, with a number of wild beasts, lying in wait for men as sauage as themselues. When you are past this region, you enter againe amongst the Scythians, where you shal find likewise a wildernes ful of wild beasts, euen as far as to the pro∣montory & mountain called Tabis, which regardeth the sea. In such sort as one moitie in man∣ner of that coast, all along which looketh toward the East, lieth wast, and is not inhabited. The [unspec I] first people of any knowledge and acquaintance be the Seres, famous for the fine silk that their woods do yeeld. They kemb from the leaues of their trees the hoary downe thereof, and when it is steeped in water, they card and spin it, yea, and after their manner make therof a sey or web, whereupon the dames here with vs haue a double labour both of vndoing, and also of weauing again this kind of yearn. See what ado there is about it, what labour and toile it costeth, & how far fet it is; and all for this, that our ladies and wiues when they go abroad in the street may cast a lustre from them, and shine again in their silks and veluets. As for the Seres, a mild and gen∣tle kind of people they are by nature: howbeit, in this one point they resemble the bruit and wild beasts, for that they cannot away in the commerce with other nations, with the fellowship and society of men, but shun and auoid their company, notwithstanding they desire to * 1.3 traf∣ficke [unspec K] with them. The first riuer known among them is Psitaras: the next to it Carabi: the third Lanos: and then you come to a cape of that name. Beyond it is the gulfe Chryse, the riuer At∣tanos, and another bay or creeke called Attanos. By it lyeth the region of the Attaci, a kind of people, secluded from all noisome wind & aire, keeping vpon hils, exposed to the pleasant sun∣shine, where they inioy the same temperature of aire that the Hiperboreans liue in. Of this country and people, Amonetus hath written a seuerall booke of purpose: like as Herataeus hath compiled such another treatise of the Hyperboreans. Beyond the Attaci or Attacores, the Thy∣rians and Tocharians do inhabit; yea, and the Casirians, who now by this time belong to the Indians, & are a part of them. But they within-forth that lie toward the Scithians, feed of mans flesh. As for the Nomades of India, they likewise wander to & fro, and keep no resting place. [unspec L] Some write, that they confine vpon the very Ciconians and Brysanians on the North side. But there (as all Geographers do agree) the mountains Emodi arise and shoot vp: and there entereth the country of the East Indians, and extendeth not only to that sea, but also to the Southerne, which we haue named the Indian sea. And this part of the Orientall Indians, which lieth di∣rectly streight forth, as far as to that place where India beginneth to twine and bend toward the Indian sea, containeth 1875 miles. And all that tract which windeth and turneth along the South, taketh 2475 miles (as Eratosthenes hath collected & set downe) euen vnto the riuer In∣dus, which is the vtmost limit of India West-ward. But many other writers haue set downe the whole length of India in this maner, namely, that it requireth 40 daies and nights sailing, with a good gale of a forewind: also, that from the North to the South coast thereof, is 2750 miles. [unspec M] Howbeit, Agrippa hath put down in writing that it is 3003 miles long, and 2003 broad. Posido∣nius took measure of it from the Northeast to the Southeast: & that by this means it is direct∣ly opposit vnto Gaule, which he likewise measured along the West coast▪ euen from the North west point where the Sun goeth down at Mid-summer, to the South-west where it setteth in

in the midst of Winter. He addeth moreouer and saith, That this West wind which from be∣hind [unspec A] Gaule bloweth vpon India, is very healthsome & wholsome for that country, and this he proued by very good reason & demonstration: and verily the Indians haue a far different aspect of the sky from vs. Other stars rise in their Hemisphaere, which we see not. Two Summers they haue in one yere, and as many haruests: and their winter between hath the Etesian winds blow∣ing in our dog-daies, in stead of the Northern blasts with vs. The winds are kind and mild with them: the sea alwaies nauigable: the nations there dwelling, & the cities and towns there built, innumerable, if a man would take in hand to reckon them al, for India hath bin discouered, not only by Alexander the great his mighty and puissant army, and by other kings his successors (& namely Seleucus and Antiochus, and their Admirall Patrocles, who sailed about it euen to the Hircane and Caspian seas:) but also by diuers other Greek Authors, who making abode, & so∣journing with the kings of India (like as Megasthenes and Dionysius sent thither of purpose from [unspec B] Philadelphus) haue made relation of the forces which those nations are able to raise and main∣tain. And yet further diligence is to be imploied stil in this behalfe, considering they wrote of things there so diuers one from another, and incredible withall. They that accompanied Alex∣ander the great in his Indian voiage, haue testified in their writings, that in one quarter of India which he conquered, there were of towns 500 in number, and not one lesse than the city Cos: of seuerall nations nine. Also that India was a third part of the whole earth: & the same so wel inhabited, that the people in it were innumerable. And this they said (beleeue mee) not with∣out good apparance of reason; for the Indians were in manner the onely men of all others that neuer went out of their own country. Moreouer, it is said, That from the time of Bacchus vnto Alexander the Great, there reigned ouer them sucessiuely 154 kings, for the space of 5402 yeres [unspec C] between, and 3 moneths ouer. As for the riuers in that country, they be of a wonderfull bignes. And reported it is, that Alexander sailed euery day at the least 600 stadia vpon the riuer Indus, and yet in lesse than fiue moneths and some few daies ouer, he could not come vnto the end of that riuer; and lesse it is than Ganges by the confession of all men. Furthermore, Seneca a Latine writer, assaied to write certain commentaries of India: wherein he hath made report of 60 Ri∣uers therein, and of nations 120 lacking twaine. As great a labour it were to reckon vp & num∣ber the mountains that be in it. As for the hils Imaus, Emodisus, Paropamisus, as parts all and members of Caucasus, but one vpon another, and conioine together. And being past them yee go downe into a mighty large plain country, like to Aegypt. It remaineth now to shew the con∣tinent [unspec D] and firm land of this great country, and for the more euident demonstration, let vs fol∣low the steps of Alexander the great, and his Historiographers. Diogneus and Beton, who set down all the geasts and iournies of that prince, haue left in writing, That from the Caspian ports vn∣to the city Hecatompylos which is in Parthia, there are as many miles as we haue set down al∣ready. From thence to Alexandria in the Ariane country (which city the same king founded) 562 miles: from whence to Prophthasia in the Dranganes land, 199 miles: & so forward to the capitoll towne of the Arachosians, 515 miles. From thence to Orthospanum, 250 miles: last of all, from it to the city of Alexandria in Opianum, 50 miles. In some copies these numbers are found to vary and differ. But to return to this foresaid city, scituat it is at the very foot of Cau∣casus. From which to the riuer Chepta and Pencolaitis, a town of the Indians, are counted 227 miles. From thence to the riuer Indus & the towne Tapila, 60 miles: and so onward to the no∣ble [unspec E] and famous riuer Hidaspes, 120 miles: from which to Hypasis, a riuer of no lesse account than the other, 4900, or 3900. And there an end of Alexanders voiage: howbeit, he passed ouer the riuer, and on the other side of the bank, he erected certaine altars and pillers, and there de∣dicated them. The letters also of the king himselfe, sent back into Greece, do cary the like cer∣tificate of his iournies, and agree iust herewith. The other parts of the country were discouered & surueied by Seleucus Nicator; namely from thence to Hesudrus 168 miles: to the riuer Ioames as much: & some copies adde 5 miles more therto: from thence to Ganges 112 miles: to Rho∣dapha 119, & some say, that between them two it is no lesse than 325 miles. From it to Calini∣paxa, a great town, 167 miles & an half: others say, 265. And so the confluent of the riuers Io∣manes [unspec F] & Ganges, where both meet together, 225 miles, & many put therto 13 miles more: from thence to the town Palibotta 425 miles: & so to the mouth of Ganges where he falleth into the sea, 638 miles. As for the nations, which it pains me not to name, from the mountains Emodi, & the principal cape of them, Imaus, which signifies in that country, language ful of snow, they

be these: the Isari, Cosyri, Izgi, and vpon the very mountains, the Ghisiotosagi: also the Brach∣manae, [unspec G] a name common to many nations, among whom are the Maccocalingae. Of riuers be∣sides, there are Pinnas & Cainas, the later of which twain runneth into Ganges, & both are na∣uigable. The people called Calingae, coast hard vpon the sea. But the Mandei & Malli, among whom is the mountain Mallus, are aboue them higher in the country. And to conclude, then you come to Ganges, the farthest bound and point of all that tract, India.

CHAP. XVIII.

¶ The riuer Ganges.

MAny haue bin of opinion, & so haue written, that the spring of Ganges is vncertain, like as that also of Nilus: and that he swelleth, ouerfloweth, and watereth all the countries [unspec H] whereby he passeth, in the same sort that Nilus doth. Others again haue said that it issueth out of the mountains of Scythia: & how into it there run 19 other great riuers: of which ouer and aboue those beforenamed, certain are nauigable; namely, Canucha, Vama, Erranoboa, Cosaogus, and Sonus. There be also that report, that Ganges presently ariseth to a great big∣nesse of his owne sources and springs, and so breaketh forth with great noise and violence, as running downe with a fal ouer craggy and stony rocks: and when he is once come into the flat plains and euen country, that he taketh vp his lodging in a certain lake; and then out of it car∣rieth a mild and gentle stream, 8 miles broad where it is narrowest; and 100 stadia ouer for the most part, but 160 where he is largest: but in no place vnder 20 paces deep, [i. a 100 foot.]

CHAP. XIX. [unspec I]

¶ The nation of India, beyond the riuer Nilus.

WHen ye are ouer Ganges, the first region vpon the coast that you set foot into, is that of the Gandaridae and the Calingae, called Parthalis. The king of this countrey hath in ordinance for his wars 80000 foot, 1000 horse, and 700 Elephants, ready vpon an houres warning to march. As for the other nations of the Indians that liue in the champion plaine countries, there be diuers states of them, of more ciuility than the mountainers. Some apply themselues to tillage and husbandry: others set their minds vpon martiall feats: one sort of them practise merchants trade, transporting their owne commodities into other countries, [unspec K] and bringing in forrein merchandise into their own. As for the nobility and gentry, those also that are the richest and mightiest among them, they manage the affaires of State and Com∣monweale, and sit in place of justice, or els follow the court, and sit in counsell with the king. A fit estate there is besides in great request, & namely of Philosophers & Religions, giuen whol∣ly to the study of wisdom & learning; and these make profession of voluntary death: and verily when they are disposed to die at any time, they make a great funerall fire, cast themselues into it, and so end their daies. Besides all these, one thing there is among them halfe brutish, and of exceeding toile and trauell (and yet it is that which partly maintaineth all the other estates a∣bouesaid) namely, the practise of hunting, chasing and taming Elephants. And in very truth, with them they plow their ground, vpon them they ride vp & down: with these beasts are they [unspec L] best acquainted; they serue in the wars for maintenance of their liberty, and defence of their frontiers against all inuasion of enemies. In the choise of them for war-seruice, they regard and consider their strength, their age, and bignesse of body. But to leaue them. An Island there is within the riuer Ganges, between two arms thereof, of great largenesse and capacity, which re∣ceiueth one nation by it selfe, apart from others, & named it is Modogalica. Beyond it are sea∣ted the Modubians and Molindians, where standeth the stately city Molinda, scituat in a plen∣tiful and rich soile-Moreouer, the Galmodroesians, Pretians, Calissae, Sasuri, Fassalae, Colubae, Orxulae, Abali, and Taluctae. The king of these countries hath in ordinary for his wars 50000 [unspec M] foot, 3000 horse, and 400 Elephants, Then you enter into a country of a more puissant & vali∣ant nation, to wit, the Andarians, planted with many villages well peopled: and moreouer with 30 great townes, fortified with strong walls, towers, and bastiles. These find and maintain prest & ready to serue the king in his wars, an Infantery of 100000 foot, a Cauallery of 2000 horse, and 100 Elephants besides, wel appointed. Of all the regions of India, the Dardanian country

is most rich in gold mines, and the Selian in siluer. But aboue all the nations of India thorow∣out [unspec A] and not of this tract and quarter only, the Prasij far exceed in puissance, wealth, and reputa∣tion; where the most famous, rich, and magnificent city Palibotria stands, whereof some haue named the people about it, yea and all the nation generally beyond Ganges, Palibotrians: their king keeps continually in pay 600000 foot men, and 30000 horsemen; and 9000 Elephants e∣uery day in the yere, whereby you may soon guesse the mighty power & wealth of this prince. Beyond Palibotria, more within the firme land, inhabit the Monedes and Suari, where standeth the mountain Maleus: and there for six moneths space the shadowes in winter time fal North∣ward, and in summer season go into the South. The pole Arcticke starres in all that tract are seen but once in the yere, and that no longer than for 15 daies, as Beton reporteth. But Megasthe∣nes writeth, that this is vsuall in other parts of India. The Antarctique or South pole the Indi∣ans [unspec B] call Dromosa. As for the riuer Iomanes, which runs into Ganges, it trauerseth through the Palibotrians country, and passeth between the townes Methora and Cyrisoborca. Beyond the riuer Ganges, in that quarter and clymate which lieth Southward, the people are caught with the Sun, and begin to be blackish, but yet not all out so sun-burnt and blacke indeed as the Ae∣thyopians and Moores. And it seemeth, that the neerer they approch to the riuer Indus, the deeper coloured they are and tanned with the Sun: for you are not so soone past the Prasians country, but presently you are vpon Indus: and among the mountaines of this tract, the Pyg∣maeans, by report, do keepe. Artemidorus writeth, that betweene these two riuers there is a di∣stance of 21 miles.

CHAP. XX. [unspec C]

¶ The riuer Indus.

THe great riuer Indus, which the natiue people call Sandus, issueth out of a part or depen∣dance of the hill Caucasus, which is called Paropamisus: hee takes his course and runs full against the Sun rising, and makes 19 riuers more to lose their names, which he takes in vnto him: among which the principall are these, Hydaspis one, bringing with him 4 more: and Cantabra another, accompanied with 3 besides. Moreouer, of such as are of themselues na∣uigable, without the help of others, Acesines, and Hypasis. And yet for all their additions, the riuer of Indus (such a sober and modest course as it were his waters keepe) is in no place either aboue 50 stadia ouer, or 15 paces, i. 75 foot, or 12 fathom and halfe deep. This riuer incloseth [unspec D] within two branches of it, a right great Island named Prasiane, and another that is lesse, called Patale. As for himselfe, they that haue written the least of him say he beareth vessels for 1240 miles: and turning with the course of the Sun, keepeth him company Westward vntill hee is discharged into the Ocean. The measure of the sea coast from Ganges vnto him I wil expresse generally and in grosse, as I find it written, albeit there is no agreement at all of Authors tou∣ching this point. From the mouth of Ganges where he entreth into the sea, vnto the cape Ca∣liugon and the towne Dandagula, are counted 725 miles: from thence to Tropina 1225 miles. Then to the promontorie Perimula, where stands the chiefe mart or towne of merchandise in all India, they reckon 750 miles: from which to the towne aboue-said Patale within the Isle, 620 miles. The mountainers inhabiting betwixt it and Iomanes, are the Cesti and Celiboni, [unspec E] wilde and sauage people: next to them the Megallae, whose king hath in ordinary prest for ser∣uice 500 Elephants, of foot and horse a great number, but vncertaine it is how many, sometime more, somtime fewer. As for the Chryseans, Parasangians, and Asangians, they are full of the wilde and cruell Tygers: they are able to arme 30000 foot and 800 horse, and to set out with furniture 300 Elephants. This country is on three sides enuironed and inclosed with a raunge of high mountaines, all desart and full of wildernesse for 625 miles, and of one side confined with the riuer Indus. Beneath those wilde hills you enter among the Dari & Surae: then you come againe to waste desarts for 188 miles, compassed about for the most part with great bars and banks of sand, like as the Islands with the sea. Vnder these desart forrests you shall meet with the Maltecores, Cingians, Marobians, Rarungians, Moruntes, Masuae, and Pangungae. [unspec F] Now for those who inhabit the mountains, which in a continuall raunge without interruption stand vpon the coasts of the Ocean, they are free States and subiect to no Prince, and many fair townes and cities they hold among these cliffes and craggy hills. Then come you to the Na∣raeans,

inclosed within the highest mountaine of all the Indian hills, Capitalia. On the other [unspec G] side of this mountaine great store there is all ouer it, of gold and siluer mines, wherein the In∣habitants do dig. Then you enter vpon the kingdom of Oratura, whose king indeed hath but ten Elephants in all, howbeit a great power of footmen. And so forward to the Varetates, who vnder their King keepe no Elephants at all for his seruice, trusting vpon their Cauallery and Fanterie, wherein they are strong. Next to them the Odomboerians & Salabastres, where stan∣deth a goodly faire city called Horata, enuironed and fortified with deepe fosses and ditches full of standing water: wherein there keepe a great number of Crocodiles, which for the gree∣dy appetite to deuoure mens bodies, wil suffer none to passe into the town but ouer the bridge. Another towne there is besides among them, of great name and importance, to wit, Automela, standing vpon the sea side: and otherwise much resort there is vnto it of merchants from all [unspec H] parts, by reason of 5 great riuers which meet all there in one confluence. Their king maintains in ordinary 1600 Elephants, 150000 footmen, and 5000 horse. The king of the Charmians is but poore to speake of: his strength lieth in 60 Elephants, for his power otherwise is but smal. Being past that realme, you come into the country of the Padians, the only nation of all the In∣dians, which is gouerned by women. One of this sex, they say, was begotten somtime by Hercu∣les, in which regard she was the better accepted, and had the prerogatiue of the regencie ouer the greatest kingdome. From her the other Queens fetch their pedegree, and haue the domi∣minion and rule ouer 30 great townes, and the command of 150000 foot, and 500 Elephants. Beyond this realme you come to the nation of the Syrieni, containing •…•…00 Cities: and from them to the Deraugae, Posunge, Bugae, Gogyarei, Vmbrae, Nereae, Brancosi, Nobundae, Cocon∣dae, [unspec I] Nesei, Pedatritae, Solobriasae, and Olostrae, who confine vpon the Island * 1.4 Patale: from the vtmost point of which I hand vnto the gates Caspiae, are reckoned 18025 miles. Now on this side the riuer Indus, iust against them, as appeareth by euident demonstration, there dwell the Amatae, Bolingae, Gallitalutae, Dimuri, Megari, Ordabae, and Mesae. Beyond them the Vri and Sileni, and then you come to the desarts for 250 miles: which hauing passed ouer, you shall meet with the Organages, the Abaorts, Cibarae, and the Suertae: and beyond these, a wilder∣nesse againe as great as the former. Passe on farther, you come among the Sarophages, Sorgae, Baraomatae, and the Gunbretes, of whom there be 13 seuerall nations, and each one hath two great cities apiece. As for the Aseni▪ they people three cities: their capitall city is Bucepha∣la, built in the very place where king Alexanders horse called Bucephalus was interred. Aboue [unspec K] them are the mountainers on the rising of the hill Caucasus, named Soleadae, and Sondrae: and when you are on the other side of the riuer Indus, as you go along the coast and banks thereof, you shall see the Samarabrians, the Sambrucenes, the Brisabrites, Osij, Autixeni, and Taxillae, with a famous city called Amandra, of which all that tract now lying more flat and plaine within the countrey is named Amandria. Foure other nations there be besides of Indians, the Peucolaitae, Arsagalites, Geretes, and Asei: for many of the Geographers set not down Indus the riuer, for to determine the marches of the Indians Westward; but lay thereto foure other prouinces and seuerall seigniories, to wit, of the Gedrosians, Arachotes, Arij, and Paropami∣sades.

CHAP. XXI. [unspec L]

¶ The Arij, and other nations depending vnto them.

OTher writers are of opinion, that the vtmost frontier and limit of India is the riuer Co∣phetes, and both it and all those quarters are included within the territorie of the A∣rij; yea and most of them affirme, that the city Nysa, as also the mountaine Merus con∣secrated to god Bacchus, belong vnto India as parcels thereof. This is that mountaine whereof arose the poeticall fable, That Bacchus therein was borne and issued out of Iupiters thigh. Like∣wise they assigne and lay to India the country of the Aspagores, so full of vines, laurel, and box, and generally of all sorts of apple trees and other fruitfull trees that grow within Greece. Ma∣ny strange, wonderfull, and in manner fabulous things they report of the fertilitie of that land, [unspec M] of the diuers sorts of corne, of trees bearing cotton, of wilde beasts, of birds, and other crea∣tures there breeding and liuing: which because they are not properly belonging to this Trea∣tise now in hand, I will reserue them for another part of this Worke, and write more particu∣larly

of them in their due and seuerall places. And as for those 4 prouinces which I touched [unspec A] before, I will speake of them anon: for now I hasten and thinke it long vntill I haue said some∣what of the Island Taprobane. And yet before I come to it there be other Isles which I cannot passe by, and namely that of Patala, which I noted to ly in the very mouth of the riuer Indus, and it carrieth the forme and shape of a triangle figure, and is 220 miles long. Without the mouth of the riuer Indus two other Isles there be, Chryse and Agyrae, so named (as I think) of the gold and siluer mines which they do yeeld: for I cannot easily beleeue, that the very earth and soile there is all gold and siluer entire, as some haue made report. Twenty miles from them lieth the Isle Crocala: and 12 miles farther into the sea, Bibaga, where of oisters and other shel fishes called Purples are found good store. And last of all, 9 miles beyond it, Toralliba shewes it selfe, and many other petty Islands of no regard.

CHAP. XXII. [unspec B]

¶ The Island Taprobane.

IT hath beene of long time thought by men in antient daies, That Taprobane was a second world, in such sort as many haue taken it to be the place of the Antipodes, calling it the An∣tichthones world. But after the time of Alexander the Great, and the voiage of his army in∣to those parts, it was discouered and knowne for a truth, both that it was an Island, and what cmpasse it bare. Onesicratus the Admiral of his fleet hath written, that the Elephants bred in this Island be bigger, more fierce and furious for war seruice than those of India. Megasthenes saith there is a great riuer which parteth it in twaine, and that the people thereof dwelling a∣long [unspec C] the riuer be called Palaeogoni: adding moreouer, that it affordeth more gold and bigger pearles by farre than India doth. Eratosthenes also tooke the measure thereof, and saith, that in length it beareth 7000 stadia, and in bredth 5000: that in it there be no cities or great towns, but villages to the number of 700. It begins at the Levant sea of Oriental Indians, from which it stretcheth and extendeth between the East and West of India; and was taken in times past to ly out into the sea from the Prasians countrey 20 daies sailing. But afterwards, for that the boats and vessels vsed vpon this sea in the passage thither, were made & wound of paper reeds like those of the riuer Nilus, and furnished with the same kinde of tackling, the voiage thither from the foresaid country was gaged within a lesse time: and well knowne it was, that accor∣ding to the saile of our ships and gallies, a man might arriue there in 7 daies. All the sea lying [unspec D] between is very ebbe, full of shallowes and shelues, no more than 5 fathom deepe: howbeit in certain chanels that it hath, it is so deep that it canot be sounded, neither wil any anchors reach the bottom, and there rest; and withall, so streight & narrow these chanels are, that a ship can∣not turne within them: and therefore to auoid the necessitie of turning about in these seas, the ships haue prows at both ends, and are pointed each way: in sailing they obserue no star at all. As for the North pole, they neuer see it: but they carry euer with them certaine birds in their ships, which they send out oft times when they seeke for land, euer obseruing their flight: for knowing well that they wil fly to land, they accompany them, bending their course according∣ly: neither vse they to saile more than one quarter of a yeare: and for 100 daies after the Sun is entred into Cancer, they take most heed, and neuer make saile: for during that time it is win∣ter [unspec E] with them. And thus much we come to knowledge of, by relation of antient Writers. But we came to far better intelligence, and more notable information, by certain Embassadors that came out of that Island, in the time of Claudius Gaesar the Emperor: which happened vpon this occasion, and after this manner; It fortuned that a free slaue of Annius Plocamus, (who had far∣med of the Exchequer the customs for impost of the red sea) as he made saile about the coasts of Arabia, was in such wise driuen by the North windes besides the realme of Carmania, and that for the space of 15 daies, that in the end he fell with an harbour thereof called Hippuros, and there arriued. When he was set on land, he found the King of that Countrey so curteous that hee gaue him entertainment for six moneths, and entreated him with all kindenesse that could be deuised. And as he vsed to discourse and question with him about the Romanes and [unspec F] their Emperour, he recounted vnto him at large of all things. But amongst many other re∣ports that he heard he wondred most of all at their iustice in all their dealings, & was much in loue therewith, and namely, that their Deniers of the money which was taken, were alwaies of

like weight, notwithstanding that the sundry stamps and images vpon the pieces shewed plain∣ly [unspec G] that they were made by diuers persons. And hereupon especially was he mooued & sollici∣ted to seeke for the alliance and amitie of the people of Rome: and so dispatched 4 Embassa∣dours of purpose, of whom one Rachias was the chiefe and principall personage. By these Em∣bassadours we are informed of the state of that Island, namely, that it contained fiue hundred great townes in it: & that there was a hauen therin regarding the South coast, lying hard vnder Palesimundum the principall citie of all that realme, and the kings seat and pallace: that there were by iust account 200000 of commoners & citizens: moreouer, that within this island there was a lake 270 miles in circuit, containing in it certain Islands good for nothing else but pa∣sturage, wherein they were fruitfull; out of which lake there issued 2 riuers, the one, Palesimun∣das, passing neere to the citie abouesaid of that name, and running into the hauen with three [unspec H] streames, whereof the narrowest is fiue stadia broad, and the largest 15; the other Northward on India side, named Cydara: also that the next cape of this country to India is called Colaicum, from which to the neerest port of India is counted foure daies sailing: in the midst of which passage, there lieth in the way, the Island of the Sunne. They said moreouer, that the water of this sea was all of a deepe greene colour; and more than that, full of trees growing within it: in∣somuch as the pilots with their helmes many times brake off the heads and tops of those trees. The stars about the North-pole, called Septentriones, the Waines or Beares, they wondred to see here among vs in our Hemisphere: as also the Brood-hen, called Vergiliae in Latine, as if it had been another heauen. They confessed also they neuer saw with them, the Moone aboue the ground before it was 8 daies old, nor after the 16 day. That the Canopus, a goodly great and [unspec I] bright star about the pole Antarcticke, vsed to shine all night with them. But the thing that they maruelled and were most astonied at was this, that they obserued the shadow of their own bodies fell to our Hemisphere, and not to theirs; and that the Sun arose on their left hand, and set on their right, rather than contrariwise. Furthermore they related, that the front of that I∣sland of theirs which looked toward India, contained 10000 stadia, & reached from the South-East beyond the mountains Enodi. Also, that the Seres were within their kenning, whom they might easily discouer from out of this their Island; with whom they had acquaintance by the meanes of trafficke and merchandise: and that Rachias his father vsed many times to trauell thi∣ther. Affirming moreouer, that if any strangers came thither, they were encountred and assailed by wild & sauage beasts: and that the inhabitants themselues were gyants of stature, exceeding [unspec K] the ordinary stature of men, hauing red haire, eies of colour blewish, their voice for sound hor∣rible, for speech not distinct nor intelligible for any vse of traffick and commerce. In all things else their practise is the same that our merchants and occupiers do vse: for on the farther side of the riuer, when wares and commodities are laid downe, if they list to make exchange they haue them away, and leaue other merchandise in lieu thereof to content the forrein merchant. And verily no greater cause haue we otherwise to hate & abhor this excessiue superfluitie, than to cast our eie so far and consider with our selues, what it is that we seeke for, from what remote parts we fetch it, and to what end we so much desire al this vanitie. But euen this Island Tapro∣bane, as farre off as it is, seeming as it were cast out of the way by Nature, and diuided from all this world wherein we liue, is not without those vices and imperfections wherwith we are tain∣ted and infected. For euen gold & siluer also is there in great requestand highly esteemed: and [unspec L] marble, especially if it be fashioned like a tortois shell. Iemmes and pretious stones; pearles also, such as be orient and of the better sort, are highly prised with them: and herein consisteth the very height of our superfluous delights. Moreouer, these Embassadors would say, that they had more riches in their Island, than we at Rome, but we more vse thereof than they. They affir∣med also, that no man with them had any slaues to command: neither slept they in the mor∣ning after day-light, ne yet at all in the day time. That the maner of building their houses was low, somewhat raised aboue the ground, and no more adoe: that their markets were neuer deare, nor price of victuals raised. As for courts, pleading of causes, and going to law, they knew not what it meant. Hercules was the onely god whom they worshipped. Their king was [unspec M] alwaies chosen by the voices of the people: wherein they had these regards; that hee were aged, milde, and childlesse: but in case he should beget children afterward, then hee was depo∣sed from his regall dignitie, to the end that the kingdome should not in processe of time bee hereditary and held by succession, but by election onely. This king being thus chosen and

inuested, hath thirtie other gouernours assigned vnto him by the people: neither can any per∣son [unspec A] be condemned to death, vnlesse he be cast by the more part of them, and pluralitie of voi∣ces: and thus condemned as he is, yet may he appeale vnto the people. Then are there 70 judges deputed to sit vpon his cause: and if it happen that they assoile and quit this party condem∣ned: then those 30 who condemned him, are displaced from their state and dignity, with a most bitter and sharpe rebuke, and for euer after, as disgraced persons liue in shame and infamie. As for the king, arraied he is in aparrell as prince Bacchus went in old time: but the subiects and common people are clad in the habit of Arabians. If it fortune that the king offend, death is his punishment: howbeit, no man taketh in hand to doe execution. All men turne away their faces from him, and deigne him not a looke nor a word. But to do him to death in the end, they appoint a solemne day of hunting, right pleasant and agreeable vnto Tygres and Elephants, be∣fore [unspec B] which beasts they expose their king, and so he is presently by them deuoured. Moreouer, in that Island good husbands they are for their ground, and till the same most diligently. Vines haue they no vse of at all: for all sorts of fruits otherwise they haue abundance. They take also a great pleasure and delight in fishing, and especially in taking of tortoisses: and so great they are found there, that one of their shels will serue to couer an house: and so the inhabitants doe im∣ploy them in stead of roufes. They count an hundred yeeres no long life there: that is the ordi∣nary time of their age. Thus much we haue learned and knowne as touching Taprobane. It re∣maineth now to say somewhat of those foure Satrapies or prouinces, which we did put off vnto this place. Of them therefore as followeth.

CHAP. XXIII. [unspec C]

¶ Capissene, Carmania.

BEyond those nations that confine hard vpon the riuer Indus, as yee turn toward the moun∣taines, yee enter vpon the realme of Capissaene, wherein sometime stood the citie Capissa, which Cyrus the king caused to be rased. At this day there standeth the citie Arachosia, with a riuer also of that name in the country Arachosia: which citie some haue called Cophe, founded by queene Semiramis. There likewise is to be seen the riuer Hermandus, which runneth by Abeste, a city of the Aracosians. The next that confront Aracosia Southward, toward part of the Arachotes, are the Gedrosi: and on the Northside, the Paropamisades. As for the towne Cartana, named afterwards Tetragonius, scituate it is at the foot of the mountaine Caucasus. [unspec D] This country lies ouer-against the Bactrians: then you come to the principall towne therof A∣lexandria, named so of king Alexander the founder thereof: vpon the marches whereof are the Syndrari, Dangulae, Porapiani, Cantaces, and Maci. Moreouer, vpon the hill Caucasus standeth the towne Cadrusi, built likewise by the said Alexander. On this side all these regions lieth the coast of the riuer Indus. Then followes the region of the Arianes, all scorched and senged with the parching heate of the Sunne, and inuironed about with desarts: howbeit, many shadowie vallies lie between to allay the exceeding heat. Well peopled it is about the two riuers especi∣ally, Tonderos and Arosapes. Therein stands the citie Artaccana. Being past it, the riuer Arius runneth vnder the city Alexandria, built by Alexander the Great. The towne containes in com∣passe 30 stadia. Then come you to Artacabane, a citie as it is much more ancient, so it is also [unspec E] fairer by sar, which by Antiochus the king was walled the second time, and enlarged to 50 sta∣dia. The next in order is the nation of the Dorisci. The riuers Pharnacotis and Ophradus. Prophtasia, a towne in Zarasparia. The Drangae, Argetae, Zarangae, and Gedrusij. Townes more∣ouer, Peucolais and Lymphorta. After you are past their territory, you enter into the desarts of the Mithoricanes, and so to the riuer Mauain, and the nation of the Augutturi. The riuer Borru, the people called Vrbi, the nauigable riuer Ponamus, which passeth through the marches of the Pandanes. Ouer and besides, the riuer Ceberon within the country of the Sorates, which in the mouth thereof where it falleth into the sea, makes many baies and harbours. As you go far∣ther, you come vpon the towne Candigramma, with the riuer Cophes: into which there runne other riuers that carry vessels, to wit, Sadarus, Paraspus, and Sodinus. As for the country Dari∣tus [unspec F] some would haue it to be a part of Ariana, and they set down the measure of them both to∣gether to be in length 1950 miles, & in breadth lesse by half than India Others haue set down that the country of the Gedrusians and Scyrians may contain 183 miles. Being passed which

quarters, you enter into the region of the Ichthyophagi, surnamed Oritae or mountainers (who [unspec G] haue a proper language by themselues, and speake not in the Indian tongue) which reaches on full for 200 miles. And beyond it you meet with the people of the Arbians, who likewise con∣tinue for other 200 miles. As for those Ichthyophagi before-named, Alexander by an expresse edict for bad them all to feed on fish. Being past them, you are in the desarts: and beyond them you come into Carmania, Persis, and Arabia. But before that we treat distinctly of these coun∣tries, I thinke it meet to set downe what Onesicritus (who hauing the conduct of a fleet vnder A∣lexander the great, sailed from off India, about the Southerly coasts of Persis) reports according to those intelligences which came lately from king Iuba. In like maner those voiages of ours for these yeeres past, performed, by which euen at this day we are guided. Howbeit, in the reports made by Onesicritus and Nearchus, of their nauigations, we finde neither the distance, ne yet the names of the seueral resting places, after euery daies iournie. And to begin with the citie Xyle∣nepolis [unspec H] built by Alexander, from which they entred first into their voiage, it is not put down by them, either in what place it is scituate, nor vpon what riuer. Yet these particulars following are by them reported worth remembrance: to wit, that in this voyage Nearchus founded a towne in those parts: that the riuer Nabrus runs thereby, and is able to beare great vessels: ouer-against which there is an Island 70 stadia within the sea. Moreouer, that Leonatus caused Alexandria to be built in the frontiers of that region, by direction and commandement from king Alexander, where the riuer Argenus enters into the sea, and yeelds a safe & commodious hauen. Also that the riuer Tuberum is nauigable, along the bankes whereof the Parites inhabit. And after them the Ichthyophagi, who tooke vp so long a tract, that they were 20 daies sailing by their coasts. [unspec I] They make relation likewise of the Isle of the Sun, named also the couch or bed of the nimphs: This Island is red all ouer, and no liuing creature will liue therin, but is consumed, & perishes no man knoweth how, or vpon what cause. They speake besides of the nation of the Orians: as also of Hytanis a riuer in Carmania, which affordeth many baies and harbours, yea, and plentie of gold in the grauell and sand therof. And here was the first place wherin they obserued, that they had a sight of the North-pole star. As for the starre Arcturus, they affirmed, that they saw it not euery night, nor at any time all night long. Furthermore, that the country of the Achae∣menides in Persea, reached thus farre. Ouer and besides, that as they trauelled, ordinarily they found good store of mines, wherein was digged for brasse, yron, Arsenicke or Sardaracha and Vermilion. And then they came to the cape of Carmania: from which to the coast ouer-against [unspec K] them of the Marae, a people in Arabia, the cut ouer sea is 50 miles. Vpon these coasts they dis∣couered 3 Islands, whereof Organa onely is inhabited, by reason of fresh water within it, and from the continent it lieth about 25 miles. And foure Islands more they fell vpon, euen in the Persian gulf ouer-against Persia. And about these Islands they might se sea-adders & Serpents so monstruous great that as they came swimming toward them, they put the very fleet in great fright, for there were among them some, 20 cubits long. Beyond it they met with the Island A∣crotadus: likewise the Gaurates Isles, wherein the nation the Chiani doe inhabit. About the middle of this gulfe or arme of the sea, the riuer Hiperus hath his course, able to beare great hulkes and ships of burden. Also the riuer Sitiogagus, vpon which a man may passe in 7 daies to Pasargadia. Also a riuer that is nauigable called Phirstimus, and an Island within it, but it is namelesse. As for the riuer Granius which runs through Susiane, it carries but small vessels. A∣long [unspec L] the coast on the right hand of this riuer dwell the Deximontanes, who dresse and prepare Bitumen. Then the come to the riuer Oroatus, with a dangerous hauen or mouth where it falls into the sea, vnlesse a man be guided by skilfull pilots: & full against this riuer there are disco∣uered 2 little Islands. Past which, the sea is very low and shallow, full of shelues and sands, more like a meere and marish water, than a sea. Howbeit there be certaine trenches or channels in it that draw deepe water, wherein they may without danger saile. Then met they with the mouth of the riuer Euphrates. Also the lake which the two riuers Eulaeus and Tigris doe make, neere vnto Characum. And so from thence they arriued vpon the riuer Tigris, at Susa. And there an end of the nauigation performed by Onesicritus and Nearchus. For after they had beene three [unspec M] months embarked and in their voiage vpon the sea, they found Alexander at Susa (wherehe fea∣sted and made solemne bankets) and that was 7 monthes after he parted from them at Patalae. And thus much concerning the voiage of Alexander his fleet. Now afterwards from Syagrus, a Promontory in Arabia, it was counted vnto Patale 1332 miles, & held it was for certain then

that the West wind with the people of that country call Hypalus, was thought most proper [unspec A] for to make saile to the same place. Howbeit the age ensuing discouered a shorter and safer cut, namely, if from the said promontorie or cape Syagrus, they set their course directly to the mouth of the riuer Zizerus, which maketh an harborough in India. And in truth this passage held a long time, vntill such time that in the end the merchants found out a more compendi∣ous and shorter course, and gained by their voiage to India: for euery yeere now they saile thi∣ther, and for feare of pirats and rouers that were wont very much to infest and annoy them, they vsed to embarke in their ships certaine companies of Archers. And seeing that all these seas are now discouered, and neuer before so certainly, I will not thinke much of my pains, to declare and shew, the whole course of our Indian voiages from out of Aegypt. And first and formost this is a thing worthy to be noted and obserued of euery man, that there is not a yeere goeth [unspec B] ouer our heads, but it costs our State to furnish a voiage into India, 500 hundred thousand Sesterces, i. fifty millions of Sesterces. For which the Indians sendeth backe againe commodi∣ties and merchandise of their owne, which being at Rome, are sold for an hundred times as much as they cost, or yeeld in the price an hundred fold gain. But to returne againe to our voi∣age, from Alexandria in Aegypt, it is two miles to Iuliopolis: from whence vpon the riuer of Nilus, they saile 303 miles to Coptus, which may be done in 12 daies space, hauing the Ete∣sian winds at the poupe. From Coptus they trauell forwards vpon Cammels backs: and for great default of water in those parts, there be certain set places for bait, lodging, and watering. The first is called Hydreuma 32 miles from Coptus. The second one days journey from thence [unspec C] in a certaine mountaine. The third watering place at another Hydreuma, 95 miles from Cop∣tus. The fourth againe in a second mountaine. The fifth is at a third Hydreuma of Apollo, from Coptus 184 miles. Beyond which, the resting place is vpon another hill. And then to Hydreu∣ma * 1.5 the new, from Coptus 234 miles. Another water towne there is, called Hydreuma the old, named also Trogloditicum, where two miles out of the port way lieth a garrison, keeping watch and ward both day & night: and foure miles distant it is from new Hydreuma. From whence they trauell to the towne Berenice, an hauen towne standing vpon the red sea, 258 miles from Coptus. But for as much as the journey all this way is for the most part performed in the night season, by reason of the excessiue heat, & the trauellers are forced to rest all the day long, there∣fore twelue daies are set down for the whole voiage between Coptus and Berenice. The time [unspec D] then that they vsually begin to set saile, is about Midsummer before the dog daies, or presently vpon the rising of the dog starre. And about the 30 daies end they arriue to Ocelis in Arabia, or els at Cama, within Saba, the countrey of incense. A third port there is besides called Muza, vnto which there is no resort of merchants out of India: neither is it in request but with mer∣chants that aduenture only for incense, drugs, & spices of Arabia. Howbeit peopled this coun∣try is within-forth, and hath diuers great townes. Of which, Saphar is the principall, and the kings seat: & another besides of good importance called Sabe. But for them that would make a voiage to the Indians, the most commodious place to set forward is Ocelis: for from thence, and with the West wind called Hypalus, they haue a passage of forty daies sailing to the first towne of merchandise in India, called Muziris. Howbeit a port this is, not greatly in request, for the daunger of pirates and rouers, which keep ordinarily about a place called Hydrae: and [unspec E] besides that, it is not richly stored and furnished with merchandise. And more than so, the har∣borough is farre from the town, so as they must charge and dischrge their wares to and fro in little boats. At the time when I wrot this story, the king that reigned there, was named Celebo∣thras. But another hauen there is more commodious, belonging to the Necanidians, which they cal Becare: the kings name at this present is Pandion: not far off is another town of merchandise within the firme land, called Madusa. As for that region, from whence they transport pepper, in small punts or troughes made of one peece of wood, it is named Corona. And yet of all these nations, hauens, and towns, there is not a name found in any of the former writers. By which it appeareth, that there hath been great change and alteration in these places. But to come again to India, our merchants returne from thence back in the beginning of our month December, [unspec F] which the Aegiptians cal Tybis, or at farthest before the sixt day of the Aegyptians month Ma∣chiris, and that is before the Ides of Ianuary: and by this reckoning they may passe to and fro, and make return within the compasse of one yere. Now when they saile from India, they haue the Northeast wind Vulturnus with them: and when they be entered once into the red sea, the

South or Southwest. Now wil we return to our purposed discourse as touching Carmania. The [unspec G] coast wherof after the reckoning of Niccarchus may take in circuit 12050 miles. From the first marches thereof to the riuer Sabis is counted 100 miles. From whence all the way as far as to the riuer Andaius, the country is rich and plenteous, for in it are vineyards and corne fields wel husbanded. This whole tract is called Amuzia. The chiefe townes of Carmania be Zetis and Alexandria. Vpon the marches of this realme the sea breaks into the land in two armes, which our countrymen call the red sea, and the Greekes Erythraeum, of a king named Erythras: or as some thinke, because the sea by reason of the reflection and beating of the Sun beams, seemes of a reddish colour. There be that suppose this rednesse is occasioned of the sand and ground which is red: and others againe, that the very water is of the own nature so coloured.

CHAP. XXIV. [unspec H]

¶ The Persian and Arabian gulfes.

THis red sea is diuided into two armes: that from the East is named the Persian gulfe, being in compasse 2500 miles, by the computation of Eratosthenes. Ouer against this gulfe, in Arabia (which lieth in length 1200 miles) on the other side another arme there is of it called the Arabian gulfe, which runs into the Ocean Azanius. The mouth of the Persi∣an gulfe where it maketh entrance is 5 miles ouer, and some haue made it but 4: from which to the farthest point thereof, take a direct and straight measure by a line, and for certaine it is, that it containeth 1225 miles: and is fashioned directly like a mans head. One sichritus and Ne∣archus write, That from the riuer Indus to the Persian gulfe, and so from thence to Babylon by [unspec I] the meeres and fens of the riuer Euphrates, it is 2500 miles. In an angle of Carmania inhabit the Chelonophagi, i. such as feed vpon the flesh of Tortoises, and the shells of them serue for roofes to couer their cottages. They inhabit all that coast along the riuer Arbis, euen to the very cape: rough they are, hairy all their body ouer but their heads, and weare no garment but fish skins.

CHAP. XXV.

¶ The Island Cassandrus: and the kingdomes vnder the Parthians.

WHen you are past this tract of the Chelonophagi, directly toward India, there lieth [unspec K] fifty miles within the sea the Island Cassandrus, by report all desart and not inhabi∣ted: and neere to it, with a little arme of the sea between, another Island called Stois; wherein pearles are good chaffer, and yeeld gainfull trafficke. But to returne againe to Carma∣nia, when you are beyond the vtmost cape thereof, you enter presently vpon the Armozei, who ioyn vpon the Carmanians. But some say that the Arbij are between both: and that their coast may containe in the whole 402 miles. There are to be seen the port or hauen of the Macedoni∣ans, and the altars or columnes which Alexander erected vpon the very promontorie and vtmost cape. Where also be the riuers Saganos, Daras, and Salsos. Beyond which is the cape Themis∣ceas, and the Isle Aphrodisias well peopled. Then beginneth the realme of Persis, which exten∣deth [unspec L] to the riuer Oroatus, that diuides it from Elymais. Ouer-against the coasts of Persis, these Islands be discouered, Philos, Cassandra, and Aratia, with an exceeding high mountaine in it: and this Isle is held consecrated to Neptune. The very kingdome of Persis Westward hath the coasts lying out in length 450 miles. The people are rich, and giuen to royall and superfluous expence in all things: and long since are become subiect to the Parthians, carying their name. And seeing we are come to speake of them, we will briefly now mention their dominion and empire: the Parthians haue in all 18 realmes vnder them; for so they termed all their prouin∣ces as they lie diuided about the two seas, as wee haue before said: namely the red sea South∣ward, and the Hircane sea, toward the North. Of which, eleuen that lie aboue in the countrey, [unspec M] and are called the higher Prouinces, they take their beginning at the confines and marches of Armenia, and the coasts of the Caspians on the one side: and reach to the Scythians, whom they confront of the other side, with whom they conuerse and keepe company together as E∣qualls. The other seuen are called the base or lower Realmes. As for the Parthians, their land was alwaies counted to ly at the foot and descent of those mountains wherof we haue so often

spoken, which do enuirone and enclose all those nations. It confineth Eastward vpon the Arij, [unspec A] and Southward, vpon Carmania and the Arians: on the West side it butteth vpon the Pratites •…•…nd Modes: and on the North, boundeth vpon the realm of Hircania: compassed round about with deserts and mountaines. The vtmost nations of the Parthians before yee come to those desarts be called Nomades: and their cheife townes seated toward the West, are Islaris and Calliope, whereof we haue written before: but toward the Northeast, Europum; and Southeast Mania. In the heart and midland standeth the citie Hecatompylos, as also Arsacia. And there likewise the noble region of Nysaea in Parthyerum: together with the famous city Alexandro∣polis, bearing the name of Alexander the first founder.

CHAP. XXVI.

Media, Mesopotamia, Babylon, and Seleucia. [unspec B]

REquisit now it is and needfull in this place to describe the positure and situation of the Medians kingdom, and to discouer all those countries round about, as farre as to the Per∣sian sea, to the end that the description of other regions hereafter to be mentioned, may the better be vnderstood. Wherein this first and formost is to be obserued, that the kingdome of Media on the one side or other confronteth both Persis and Parthia, and casting forth a croo∣ked and winding horne as it were toward the West, seemeth to enclose within that compasse both the said realmes. Neuerthelesse, on the East side it confineth vpon the Parthians and Cas∣pians: on the South, Sittacene, Susiane, and Persis: Westward, Adiabene: and Northward, Ar∣menia: as for the Persians, they alwaies confronted the red sea, whereupon it was called the [unspec C] Persian gulfe. Howbeit, the maritime coast thereof is called Cyropolis, and that part which confineth vpon Media, Elymais. In this realme there is a strong fort called Megala, in the as∣cent of a steep high hill, so direct vpright, that a man must mount vp to it by steps and degrees, and otherwise the passage is very streight and narrow. And this way leadeth to Persepolis the head city of the whole kingdome, which Alexander the great caused to be rased. Moreouer in the frontiers of this Realme, standeth the city Laodicea, built by king Antiochus. From whence as you turn into the East, the strong fort or castle Passagarda is seated, which the sages or wise men of Persia called Magi, do hold, and therein is the tomb of Cyrus. Also the citie Ecbatana belonging to these sages, which Darius the king caused to be translated to the mountaines. Be∣tween the Parthians and the Arians lie out in length the Parotacenes. These nations and the [unspec D] riuer Euphrates serue to limit and bound the seuen lower realmes abouenamed. Now are we to discourse of the parts remainitg behind of Mesopotamia; setting a side one point and corner thereof, as also the nations of Arabia, wherof we spake in the former booke. This Mesopotamia was in times past, belonging wholly to the Assyrians, dispersed into pettie villages and bur∣gades, all saue Babylon & Ninus. The Macedonians were the first, that after it came vnder their hands reduced it into great cities, for the goodnesse and plenty of their soile and territorie. For now besides the abouenamed townes, it hath in it, Seleucia, Laodicea, and Artemita: like∣wise within the quarters of the Arabians named Aroei & Mardani, Antiochea: and that which being founded by Nicanor, gouernor of Mesopotamia, is called Arabis. Vpon these ioine the A∣rabians, but well within the countrey are the Eldamarij. And aboue them is the citie Bura, si∣tuat [unspec E] vpon the riuer Pelloconta: beyond which are the Salmanes and Maseans Arabians. Then there joine to the Gordiaeans those who are called Aloni, by whom the riuer Zerbis passeth, and so discharged into Tigris. Neere vnto them are the Azones and Silices mountainers, toge∣ther with the Orentians: vpon whom confronteth the city Gaugamela on the West side. More∣ouer, there is Sue among the rocks: aboue which are the Sylici and Classitae, through whom Lycus the riuer runneth out of Armenia. Also, toward the Southeast, Absitris, and the town A∣zochis. Anon you come down into the plains & champion country, where you meet with these towns, Diospage, Positelia, Stratonicea, & Anthemus. As for the city Nicephorium, as we haue already said, it is seated neer to the riuer Euphrates, where Alexander the great caused it to be [unspec F] founded, for the pleasant seat of the place, and the commodity of the country there adioining. Of the city Apamia we haue before spoken in the description of Zeugma: from which they that goe Eastward meet with a strong fortified town, in old time carrying a pourprise & com∣passe of 65 stadia, called the royall pallace of their great dukes & potentates, named Satrapae,

vnto which from all quarters men resorted to pay their imposts, customs, and tributes; but now [unspec G] it is come to be but a fort and castle of defence. But there continue still in their entire and as flourishing state as euer, the city Hebata and Oruros, to which by the fortunat conduct of Pom∣pey the Great, the limits and bounds of the Roman empire were extended; and is from Zeug∣ma 250 miles. Some writers report, that the riuer Euphrates was diuided by a gouernor of Me∣sopotamia, and one arme thereof brought to Gobaris, euen in that place where we said it par∣ted in twain: which was done for feare lest one day or other the riuer with his violent streame should indanger the city of Babylon. They affirme also, that the Assyrians generally called it * 1.6 Armalchar, which signifieth a royall riuer. Vpon this new arme of the riuer aforesaid, stood sometime Agrani, one of the greatest towns of that region, which the Persians caused to be vt∣terly rased and destroyed. [unspec H]

As for the city of Babylon, the chiefe city of all the Chaldaean nations, for a long time car∣ried a great name ouer all the world: in regard whereof all the other parts of Mesopotamia and Assyria was named Babylonia: it contained within the walls 60 miles: the walls were 200 foot high, and 50 thick, reckoning to euery foot 3 fingers bredth more than our ordinary mea∣sure. Through the middest of this goodly great city passeth the riuer Euphrates: a wonderfull piece of worke, if a man consider both the one and the other. As yet to this day the temple of Iupiter Belus there stands entire. This prince was the first inuenter of Astronomie. It is now de∣cayed, and lieth waste and vnpeopled, for that the city Seleucia stands so neere it, which hath drawne from it all resort and traffique; and was to that end built by Nicator within 40 miles of it, in the very confluent where the new arm of Euphrates is brought by a ditch to meet with [unspec I] Tigris: notwithstanding it is named Babylonia, a free state at this day, and subiect to no man; howbeit they liue after the lawes and manners of the Macedonians. And by report, in this city there are 600000 citisens. As for the walls thereof, it is said they resemble an Eagle spreading her wings: and for the soile, there is not a territorie in all the East parts comparable to it in fertilitie. The Parthians in despight again of this city, and to do the like by it, as somtime was done to old Babylon, built the city Ctesiphon within three miles of it, in the tract called Cha∣lonitis, euen to dispeople and impouerish it; which is now the head city of that kingdom. But when they could do little or no good thereby to discredit the said new Babylon, of late dayes Vologesus their king founded another city hard by called Vologeso Certa. Moreouer, other ci∣ties there are besides in Mesopotamia, namely Hipparenum, a city likewise of the Chaldaeans, and innobled for their learning as well as Babylon; scituate vpon the riuer Narragon, which [unspec K] gaue the name vnto that city. Howbeit the Persians caused this Hypparenum to be dismant∣led, and the walls thereof to be demolished. There be also in this tract the Orchenes towards the South, from whence is come a third sort of the Chaldaeans, called Orcheni. Being past this region, you meet with the Notites, Orthophants, and Graeciophants. Nearchus and Onesicratus, who registred the voiage of Alexander the Great into India, report, That from the Persian sea to the city Babylon by the riuer Euphrates, is 412 miles. But the later and moderne Writers do count from Seleucia to the Persian gulfe 490 miles. K. Iuba writeth, That from Babylon to Charax is 175 miles. Some affirme moreouer, That beyond Babylon the riuer Euphrates doth maintaine one entire course, and keepeth one channel 87 miles, before he is diuided into seue∣rall branches here and there, for to water the country: and that he holdeth on his course from [unspec L] his head to the sea for the space of 1200 miles. This varietie of Authors as touching the mea∣sure is the cause why a man may not so wel resolue and conclude thereof, considering that euen the very Persians agree not about the dimensions of their Scoenes and Para•…•…anges, but haue di∣uers measures of them. Whereas the riuer Euphrates giueth ouer his owne chanel, (which for the bredth thereof is a sufficient munition to it selfe) and beginneth to part into diuers bran∣ches, which it doth about the marches & confines of Charax, in all the tract neere adioyning, great danger there is of the Attalae, a theeuish nation amongst the Arabians, who presently set vpon all passengers comming and going to and fro. When you are past this infamous and suspected Region, you shall enter into the Countrey of the Schenites. As for the Arabians [unspec M] which are called Nomades, they occupie all the coasts of the riuer Euphrates, as farre as to the Desarts of Syria. From the which place we haue said that hee turned, and tooke his way into the South, abandoning the desarts of Palmyrene. To conclude, from the beginning and head of Mesopotamia, it is counted to Seleucia, if you passe vpon the riuer Euphrates, 1125

miles: and from the red sea, if you go by the riuer Tigris, 320 miles: from Zeugma 527 miles: [unspec A] and to Zeugma from Seleucia in Syria vpon the coast of our sea, is reckoned 175 miles. This is the very true and iust latitude there, of the firm land between the two seas, to wit, the Persian gulfe and the Syrian sea. As for the kingdome of Parthia, it may containe 944 miles. Finally, there is yet another towne of Mesopotamia vpon the banke of Tigris, neere the place where the riuers meet in one, called Digba.

CHAP. XXVII.

¶ The riuer Tigris.

MEet also and conuenient it is to say somewhat of the riuer Tigris. It begins in the land [unspec B] of Armenia the greater, issuing out of a great source; and euident to be seen in the very plaine. The place beareth the name of Elongosine. The riuer it selfe so long as it runs slow and softly is named Diglito; but when it begins once to carry a more forcible streame it is called Tigris, for the swiftnesse thereof; which in the Medians language betokens a shaft. It runs vp into the lake Arethusa, which beareth vp aflote all that is cast into it, suffering nothing to sinke; and the vapors that arise out of it carry the sent of Nitre. In this lake there is but one kind of fish, and that entreth not into the chanell of Tigris as it passeth through, nor more than any fishes swim out of Tigris into the water of the lake. In his course and colour both he is vnlike, and as he goes may be discerned from the other: and being once past the lake, and in∣countreth [unspec C] the great mountain Taurus, he loseth himself in a certain caue or hole in the ground, and so runs vnder the hill, vntill on the other side thereof he breaketh forth again, and appeares in his likenesse, in a place called Zoroanda. That it is the same riuer it is euident by this, that he carrieth through with him, and sheweth in Zoroanda, whatsoeuer was cast into him before he hid himselfe in the caue aforesaid. After this second spring and rising of his he enters into another lake, and runneth through it likewise, named Thospites; and once again takes his way vnder the earth through certain blinde gutters, and 25 miles beyond he putteth forth his head about Nymphaeum. Claudius Caesar reporteth, that in the countrey Arrhene, the riuer Tigris runs so neere the riuer Arsania, that when they both swell, and their waters are out, they ioyne both their streams together, yet so, as the water is not mingled: for Arsanias being the lighter of the twain, swimmeth and floteth ouer the other for the space wel-neere of 4 miles: but soon [unspec D] after they part asunder, and Arsania turneth his course toward the riuer Euphrates, into which he entreth. But Tigris receiuing into him certain goodly great riuers out of Armenia, to wit, Parthenis, Agnice, and Pharion, & so diuiding the Arabians & Troeanes from the Adiabenes, and by this means making as it were an Island of Mesopotamia aforesaid, after he hath passed by and viewed the mountaines of the Gordiaeans, neere vnto Apamia a town of Mesene on this side Seleucia syrnamed Babylonia, 125 miles: diuiding himselfe into two armes or channels, with the one he runneth Southward to Seleucia, watering as he goeth the country of Messene; and with the other windeth Northward: he goeth on the backside of the said Mesene, and cut∣teth through the plains of the Cauchians. Now when these two branches are re-vnited again, the whole is called Pasitigris. After this, he taketh into him out of Media, the great riuer Co∣aspes: [unspec E] and so passing between Seleucia and Ctesiphon, as we haue said, he fals into the meeres and lakes of Chaldaea, which he furnisheth and replenisheth with water for the compasse of se∣uentie miles: which done, he issueth forth againe, gushing out with a mighty great and large streame, and running along the towne Charax, on the right hand thereof, he dischargeth him∣selfe into the Persian sea, carrying there a mouth ten miles ouer. Between the mouthes of these two riuers, Tigris & Euphrates, where they fall into the sea, were counted in old time 25 miles, or as some would haue it but seuen: and yet both of them were nauigable, and bare right great ships. But the Orcheniens and other neighbor inhabitants, long since turned the course of Eu∣phrates aside to serue their owne turnes in watering their fields, and stopped the ordinarie pas∣sages thereof, insomuch as they forced him to run into Tigris, & not otherwise than in his cha∣nell [unspec F] to fall into the sea. The next country bordering vpon Tigris is called Parapotamia, in the marches whereof is the city Mesene, whereof we haue spoken. The chiefe towne thereof is Di∣bitach: from thence you enter presently into the region Chalonitis, ioyning hard vpon Ctesi∣phon, a rich country, beautified not only with rowes of date trees, but also with Oliue, Apple,

and peare trees, and generally with all sorts of fruit. Vnto this country extends the mountaine [unspec G] Zagrus, comming along from out of Armenia, between the Medes and Adiabenes, aboue Pa∣raetacene and the realme of Persis. Chalonitis is from Persis 480 miles distant: & some write, that going the streight, direct, and neerest way, it is so much and no more from the Caspian sea to Assyria. Between these countries and Mesene lieth Sittacene, the same that Arbelitis and Palestine. The townes of importance therein are Sittace, held by the Grecians, scituat toward the East, and Sabata: but on the West side Antiochia, seated betweene the two riuers Tigris and Tornadotus. In like manner Apamia, which Antiochus the king so called after his mothers name. This City is inuironed as it were with the riuer Tigris, and diuided with the riuer Ar∣chous which passeth through it. Somwhat lower than these countries lieth the region Susian, wherein stood the antient royall pallace and seat towne of the Persian kings, Susa, founded by Darius son of Hystaspes; and from Seleucia Babylonia it is 450 miles distant: & as much from [unspec H] Ecbatana in Media, taking the way along the mountaine Charbanus. Vpon that branch of the riuer Tigris that taketh his course Northward, stands the towne Babytace; and from Susa it is 135 miles. The people of this country are the only men in the world that hate gold: and in ve∣ry truth get it they do, and when they haue it, they bury it sure enough within the ground, that it may serue for no vse. Vpon the Susianes Eastward ioyn the Cossaeans, Brigands, and theeues generally all. Likewise the Mizaeans, a free state, and subiect to no gouernment, hauing vnder them 40 nations, all wilde, and liuing as they list. Aboue these quarters you enter into the countries of the Parthusians, Mardians, Saites, and Hyans, who confine vpon high Persia called Elemais, which ioineth to the maritime coasts of Persis, as is aboue said. The city of Susa is from the Persian sea 250 miles. On that side whereas the Armada of Alexander the Great came [unspec I] vp the great riuer Pasitigris to Susa, there stands a Village on the lake Chaldais, name Aphle, from which to Susa is 65 miles and an halfe by water. The next that border vpon the Susians Eastward are the Cossaeans: and aboue the Cossaei Northward lieth Mesobatene vnder the hil Cambalidus, which is a branch and dependant of the mountain Caucasus; and from thence is the most easie and ready passage into the country Bactriana. The riuer Eulaeus makes a parti∣tion betwixt the high country of Persis called Elimais, and Susiane. This riuer issueth out of the Medians country, & in the midst of his course loseth himself vnder the ground: but being once vp againe he runneth through Mesobatene, and inuironeth the fort & castle of Susa, with the Temple of Diana, which is had in great reuerence and honour aboue all other Temples in those parts: yea, and the very riuer it selfe is in much request, and the water thereof ceremoni∣ously [unspec K] regarded; in such wise, as the kings drinke of no other, and therefore they fetch it a great way into the country. And it receiueth into it the riuer Hedypnus, which commeth along the Priuiledged place whereinto the Persians vse to retyre for sanctuarie, and one more out of the Susianes countrey. A towne there is planted neere vnto it, called Magoa, 15 miles from Cha∣rax: yet some there be that would haue this towne to stand in the vtmost marches of Susiana, euen close to the mountaines and desarts. Beneath the riuer Eubaeus lieth Elimais, ioyning to Persis in the very maritime coast; 240 miles it is from the riuer Oroates to Charax: the towns in it be Seleucia and Sosirate, both scituate vpon the hanging of the hill Casyrus. The flat coast and leuell thereof, which lieth before it, is, as we haue said before, no lesse dangerous and vnaccessible than the Syrts, for quavemires, by reason of the great store of mud and sand toge∣ther, [unspec L] which the riuers Brixia and Ortacea bring downe with them. Ouer and besides, the coun∣trey Elemais is so fenny, and standeth with water so wet, that there is no way through it to Per∣sis, but a man must fetch a great circuit and compasse about it to come thereto. Moreouer, it is much haunted and annoied with serpents, which breed and come downe in those riuers: And as troublesome as the passage is all the countrey ouer, yet that part yeeldeth the worst adue∣nues, and is least frequented, which is called Characene, of the towne Charax, which limits the kingdomes of Arabia, whereof we will speake anon more at large, after wee haue set downe the opinion of M. Agrippa, which he hath deliuered as touching these quarters: for he hath writ∣ten, [unspec M] that Media, Parthia, and Persis are bounded on the East side with the riuer Indus; on the West with Tigris; on the North part with the two mountaines, Taurus and Caucasus; and on the South coast with the red sea: also that they extend in length 1320 miles, and in bredth eight hundred forty. Moreouer, that Mesopotamia by it selfe alone is inclosed Eastward with the Riuer Tigris, and Westward with Euphrates; hauing on the North side the mountaine

Taurus, and on the South the Persian sea: lying out in length 800 miles, and in bredth 360: now [unspec A] to returne vnto Charax, the inmost towne within the Persian gulfe, from which Arabia called Eudaemon, i. happie, begins and runneth forth in length; scituate it is vpon a mount artificially reared by mans hands between the confluents of Tygris on the right hand, and Eulaeus on the left; and yet notwithstanding it carrieth a pourprise or precinct of three miles compasse. Foun∣ded first it was by Alexander the great, who hauing drawne Coloners to inhabite it out of the kings city Durine (which then was ruinat) and leauing there behind him those soldiers which were not fit for seruice, nor able to follow in the march, ordained, that this town should be cal∣led Alexandria: and the territory about it Pellaeum, of the town where himselfe was born: and withall appointed, that it should be peopled only with Macedonians. But this towne of his by him founded, was ouerthrowne and destroied by the two riuers aforesaid. Afterwards K. Anti∣ochus [unspec B] the fift rebuilt it again, and named it of himself Antiochia. But when it was decaied a se∣cond time by these riuers, Spasines, son of Sogdonacus, who held Arabia, bordering neere by as an absolute king, and not (as Iuba reporteth) as a duke or gouernor vnder Alexander, raised great wharfes, and opposed mightie dams and causies against those riuers, and so re-edified the town a third time. Which done, he called it after his own name Charax of Spasines: and verily hee fortified thus the site and foundation thereof, three miles in length, and little lesse in breadth. At the beginning it stood vpon the sea-coast, and from the water side not aboue ten stadia, and euen from thence it hath certain false bastard galleries: but by the report of Iuba in his time, 50 miles. Howbeit, at this day both the Arabian Embassadors, and also our merchants that come from thence, say it is from the sea shore 125 miles. In such •…•…ort, that it cannot be sound in any place of the world again, where the earth hath gained more, nor in so short a time, of the water, [unspec C] by reason of the store of mud brought down with riuers. And the more maruell it is, that consi∣dering the sea floweth, and the tide riseth far beyond this towne, yet those made grounds are not beaten back, and carried away againe. In this very towne I am not ignorant that Dionysius the latest of our moderne Geographers was born, whom Augustus the Emperor sent of purpose beforehand into the East countries to discouer those parts, and record faithfully in writing whatsoeuer he there found, for the better aduertisement of his elder son, who was vpon his voi∣age and expedition of Armenia, to war against the Parthians and Arabians. Neither haue I for∣gotten, that in my first entrance into this worke in hand, I made some protestation to follow those who had written of their owne countries, as men lightly most diligent and of best intel∣ligences in that behalfe. Howbeit, in this place I chuse rather to follow our martiall captaines [unspec D] that haue warred there, and report me also to K. Iuba, who hath written certain books to C. Caesar Caligula, as touching the occurrences in the Arabian voiage.

CHAP. XXVIII.

¶ Arabia, Nomades, Nabataei, and Omani: Tylos and Ogyris two Islands.

ARabia commeth behind no country in the world, for largenesse and greatnesse, especially reaching out in length a mighty way. For it beginneth at the fall and descent of the mountaine Amanus ouer-against Cilicia and Comagene, as we haue before said: where it is peopled with many nations brought from thence thither by Tigranes the great, to inhabite [unspec E] that quarter, and in old time descended naturally, and reached as far as to our sea & the Aegyp∣tian coast, as we haue shewed; yea, and extendeth into the midland parts of Syria to the moun∣tain Libanus, where the hils reach vp to the very clouds: vpon which bound the Ramisians, then the Taraneans, and after them the Patami. As for Arabia it self, being like a demie Island, run∣neth out between two seas, the red and the Persian, by a certain artificiall workmanship of na∣ture, framed according to Italy in likenesse of forme and bignesse: yea, and lieth along the sea coasts in manner of Italy. And more than that, it regardeth the same quarter and line of hea∣uen, without any difference at all. This tract thereof, for the rich seat it hath, is named Foelix, i. Happy. The nations therein dwelling, from our sea-coasts to the desarts of Palmyreum, wee haue treated of already. Therfore ouerpassing them, we will discourse of the rest forward. Now [unspec F] then, the Nomades & those robbers that so lie vpon the Chaldaeans & trouble them, the peo∣ple called Scenitae, as we haue beforesaid, do confine vpon. And euen they also make no certain place of abode and habitation, but are called Scenitae, of their tabernacles and booths which

they make of haire clothes, and encamp vnder them when & where they list. Being past them, [unspec G] you meet with the Nabataeans in the vale, who inhabite a towne there named Petra, little lesse than 2 miles large; inuironed with steep mountains round about, which cut off al the aduenues to it: and besides, hauing a riuer running through the midst thereof. Distant it is from Gaza (a town scituat vpon our coast in Syria) 600 miles: and from the Persian gulfe 122. And here at this town meet both the port high waies, to wit, the one which passengers trauell to Palmyra in Syria, and the other, wherein they go from Gaza. Beyond Petra and the vale thereof, you enter into the Omanes country: which reached somtime as far as to Carax, and inhabited 2 famous towns built by queen Semiramis, namely, Abesanius, and Soractia. But now all is but a wilder∣nesse. Then come you to a town named Forath, scituat vpon the riuer Pasitigris, and subiect to the king of the Caracins or Zarazins: to which towne there is much resort from Petra, as to a [unspec H] shire towne: and from thence to Charax, they may passe with the tide when the water ebbeth for the space of 12 miles. But they that come by water out of the Parthian kingdom, meet with a village called Teredon, lower than the place where Euphrates and Tigris meet together in one. Where the Chaldaeans inhabit the left hand coast of the riuer, and the Nomades called Scenitae, the right Some writers affirm, that as ye saile and row vpon the riuer Tigris, yee passe by two other townes distant far asunder: the one called Barbatia in times past, and afterwards Thumata, which our merchants that trafficke in those parts, auouch to be ten daies saile from Petra, and is vnder the king of the Characenes: and the other Apamia, scituat in the very place where Euphrates the riuer so swelleth ouer his bankes, that he ioineth with Tigris in one con∣fluent. And therefore the Apamians, at what time as the Parthians are about to make inrodes [unspec I] and inuade their territorie, set open the sluces, and breake vp the wharfes and banks that keepe these two riuers asunder, and so impeach their enterprise by the ouerflow and inundation of the waters. Now being past Charax, we will discourse of the other coasts of Arabia, & namely that which first was discouered and declared by Epiphanes. And to begin with the place where sometime the mouth of Euphrates was. When you are once past it, you meet with a riuer of salt brackish water, and the promontory or cape Chaldonum: where the sea is more like a deep pit or whirlepoole than a sea, for 50 miles. Vpon this coast you find the riuer Achana, and beyond it, desarts for 100 miles, vntil you come to the Island Ichara. Then sheweth it selfe the gulfe or arme of the sea named Capeus, vpon which inhabit the Gaulopes and Chateni. Beyond them another creeke called Gerraicus, and the towne Gerrae vpon it, fiue miles large; & fortified with [unspec K] turrets made of great huge stones squared, of salt minerall. Fifty miles from the sea side is the region Attene: and ouer-against it the Island Tylos, as many miles from the shore, with a town in it, bearing the name of the Island, much frequented by merchants for the plentie of pearles that there be sold: and not far from it there is another somewhat lesse, not past 12 miles from the cape of the foresaid Tylos. Beyond these there are discouered by report certaine great I∣slands, but as yet they haue not bin landed vpon by our merchants. As for this last Island, it con∣taineth as they say 112 miles and an halfe in circuit, & is far from Persis; but no accesse there is vnto it, but only by one narrow gutter or channell. Then sheweth it selfe the Island Asgilia. And in these parts likewise are other nations, namely, the Nocheti, Zurachi, Borgodi, Cataraei, and Nomades: and withall the riuer Cynos. Beyond that, as K. Iuba saith, there is no more dis∣couered vpon this sea of that side, by reason of the dangerous rockes therein. And I maruell [unspec L] much that he hath made no mention at all of the towne Batrasabe in the Omanians countrey, ne yet of Omana, which the antient Geographers haue held to be an hauen of great impor∣tance in the kingdome of Carmania. Item, he saith not a word of Omne and Athanae, which our merchants report to be at this day 2 famous mart towns, much frequented by those that traf∣ficke from the Persian gulfe. Beyond the riuer Caius, as K. Iuba writeth, there is an hill, which seemeth all scortched and burnt. Past which, you enter into the countrie of the Epimaranites: and anon after into the region af the Ichthyophagi: and past them there is discouered a desart Island, and the Bathymians country: and so forward, the mountaines Eblitaei are discouered, and the Island Omoenus, the hauen Machorbae, the Islands Etaxalos, Onchobrice, and the peo∣ple [unspec M] called Chadaei. Many other Islands also of no account, and namelesse: but of importance, Isura, Rhinnea; and one other verie neere thereto, wherein are standing certaine Columnes or pillers of stone engrauen with vnknowne Characters and Letters. A little beyond the port towne Goboea, and the desart vnpeopled Islands Bragae. The Nation of the Thaludaeans:

the region Dabanegoris, the mountaine Orsa with an hauen vnder it: the gulfe or arme of the [unspec A] sea called Duatus, with many Islands therein. Also the mountaine Tricoryphus: the countrey Cardalena, the Islands Solanidae and Capina. Soone after you fall vpon other Islands of the Ichthyophagi: and after them the people called Glarians. The strond called Hammaeum, wherein are golden mines. The region Canauna. The people Apitami and Gasani. The Island Deuadae, with the fountaine Goralus. Then come you to the Garphets country: the Islands A∣leu & Amnamethu. Beyond which are the people called Darrae, the Island Chelonitis, & ma∣ny other of the Ichthyophagi. The Isle Eodanda which lieth desart, & Basage, besides many o∣ther that belong to the Sabaeans. For riuers you haue Thamar & Amnon, & in the the Islands Dolicae, wherein be the fountaines Daulotes and Dora. Ilands besides, to wit, Pteros, Labaris, Covoris and Sambracate, with a towne so named also in the firme land. On the South side ma∣ny Islands there be, but the greatest of them all is Camari. Then haue you the riuer Mysecros, [unspec B] the hauen Leupas, & the Sabaeans called Scenitae, for that they liue vnder tabernacles & rents. Moreouer, many other Islands. The chiefest mart or town of merchandise in those parts is Aci∣la, where the merchants vse to imbarke for their voiage into India. Then followeth the region Amithoscutia, and Damnia. The Mizians, both the greater and the lesse: the Drimutians and Macae. A promontory of theirs is ouer-against Carmania, and distant from it 50 miles. A won∣drous thing is reported to haue bin there done, & that is this: that Numenus lord deputy vnder K. Antiochus, ouer Mesena, & general of his army, defeated the nauy of the Persians in sea-fight, and the same day with the opportunity of the tide returned to land againe, & gaue their horse∣men an ouerthrow to it: whereupon, in memoriall of a twofold victory in one day atchieued, he erected 2 triumphant trophies, the one in honor of Iupiter, & the other of Neptune Farre within [unspec C] the deep sea there lieth another Island called Ogyris, distant from the continent 125 miles, and containing in circuit 112, much renowned for the sepulchre of K. Erythra, who there was enter∣red. Another likewise there is of no lesse account, called Dioscoridu, lying in the sea Azanium and is from Syagrum, the vtmost point or cape of the main, 280 miles. But to returne to the Continent: there remaine yet not spoken of, the Antarides toward the South, as you turn to the mountains, which continue for 7 daies iourny ouer: then these nations, Larendanes, Catabanes, and Gebanites: who haue many townes, but the greatest are Nagia and Tamna, with 65 chur∣ches or temples within it, whereby a man may know how great it is. From thence you come to a promontory; from which to the continent of the Troglodites it is 50 miles. And in those quar∣ters remaine the Toanes, Acchitae, Chatramotitae, Tomabei, Antidalei, Lexianae, Agrei, Cerba∣ni, [unspec D] and Sabaei, of all the Arabians for their store of frankincense most famous, as also for the largenesse of their country, reaching from sea to sea. Their townes scituate vpon the coast of the red sea, are Marane, Marma, Cocolia and Sabatra. Within the firme land are these townes, Nascus, Cardaua, Carnus, and Tomala, where the Sabaeans keep their faires and markets for to vent and sel their commodities of incense, myrrhe, and such drugs and spices. One part of them are the Atramites, whose capitall city Sobotale, hath within the wals thereof 60 temples. But the roiall city and chiefe seat of the whole kingdome is Nariaba: scituat vpon a gulfe or arm of the sea that reacheth into the land 94 miles, ful of Islands, beautified with sweet odoriferous trees. Vpon the Atramites within the main land joine the Minaei: but the Elamites inhabit the maritine coast, where there standeth a city also called Elamitum. To them the Cagulates lye [unspec E] close: and their head towne is Siby, which the Greekes name Apate. Then come you to the Arsicodani and Vadei, with a great towne: and the Barasei: beyond whom is Lichemia, and the Island Sygaros, into which no dogs will come willingly: and if any be put there, they will neuer lin wandring about the shore vntill they die. In the farthest part of the aboue-said gulfe are the Leanites, whereof the gulfe tooke the name Leanites. Their head seat and roiall seat is Agra: but the city Leana, or as others would haue it, Aelana, is scituate vpon the verie gulfe. And he reupon our writers haue called that arme of the sea Aelaniticum, others Aelenaticum; Artemidorus, Aleniticum; and king Iuba, Laeniticum. Arabia is reported to take in circuit from Charax to Leana, 4870 miles. But Iuba thinketh it somewhat lesse than 4000. Widest it is in the North parts betweene the townes Herous and Chrace. Now it remaineth that [unspec F] wee speake of other parts within the Mid-land thereof. Vpon the Nabataei, the Thimaneans doe border, after the description of the old Geographers: but at this day, the Tauenes, Su∣•…•…llenes, and Saracenes: their principall Towne is Arra, wherein is the greatest trafficke and

resort of merchants. Moreouer, the Hemnates and Analites, whose townes are Domada and E∣rage: [unspec G] also the Thamusians, with their towne Badanatha: the Carreans, and their towne Charia∣ti: the Achoali, and a city of theirs Phoda. Furthermore, the Minaei, descended as some thinke from Minos king of Crete: whose citie Charmaei hath 14 miles in compasse. Other towns like∣wise be there standing a far off, and namely, Mariaba, Baramalacum, a town ywis of no mean ac∣count▪ likewise Carnon, and Ramei, who are thought to come from Rhadamanthus the brother of Minos. Ouer and besides, the Homerites, with their towne Massala: the Hamirei, Gedrani∣tae, Anaprae, Ilisanitae, Bochilitae, Sammei, and Amathei; with these townes Nessa and Cennes∣seri. The Zamanenes, with these townes, Saiace, Scantate, and Bacasmani: the towne Rhiphear∣ma, which in the Arabian tongue signifieth Barley: also the Antei, Rapi, Gyrei, and Marhataei. The Helmadenes, with the towne Ebode. The Agarturi in the mountaines, hauing a towne 20 [unspec H] miles about, wherein is a fountaine called Emischabales, that is as much to say, as The Ca∣mels town. Ampelone, a colony of the Milesians: the towne Actrida: and the people Calingij, whose towne is named Mariaba, as much to say as, Lords of all. Towns moreouer, Pallon & Mu∣rannimal, neere vnto a riuer, by which men thinke that Euphrates springeth and breaketh forth aboue ground. Other nations besides, namely, Agrei and Ammonij: with a towne, Athenae: and the Caurarani, which signifieth, Most rich in droues of cattell. Then the Caranites, Caesanes, and Choanes. There were sometime also certaine townes in Arabia, held by Greeks, and name∣ly, Arethusa, Larissa, and Chalcis, which all in the end came to ruine and were destroyed in di∣uers and sundry wars. The onely man among the Romans vntill this day that warred in those parts, was Aelius Gallus a knight of Rome. As for Caius Caesar the son of Augustus the Emperor, [unspec I] he did but looke only into Arabia, and no more: but Gallus wasted townes that were not once named by Authors that wrote before, namely Egra, Annestum, Essa, Magusum, Tamuracum, Laberia, and the aboue-named Marieba, which was in circuit six miles about: likewise Cari∣peta, the farthest that he went vnto As for all other matters, he made report vnto the Senate of Rome, according as he had found and discouered in those parts; to wit, that the Nomades liue of milke and venison: the rest of the Arabians presse wine, like as the Indians do, out of dates: and oile of Sesama, a kinde of graine or pulse in those countries. That the Homerites country of all others is most populous and replenished with people: the Minaeans haue plenteous and fruitfull fields, full of date trees and goodly hortyards stored with all sorts of fruit: but their principall riches lieth in cattell. The Cembanes and Arians are good warriours and martiall [unspec K] men, but the Chatramotites that way excell all the rest. The Caraeans haue the largest territo∣ries and most fertile fields for corne. As for the Sabaeans, their wealth standeth most vpon their woods and trees, that bring forth the sweet gums of Frankincense and myrrhe: also in mines of gold: hauing water at commandement to refresh their lands, and plenty besides of hony & wax. As concerning the sweet odours and spices that come from thence, we will speake thereof in a seuerall booke by it selfe. The Arabians weare miters or turbants ordinarily vpon their heads, or else go with their haire long and neuer cut it: as for their beards, them they shaue, saue only on their vpper lippe, which they let grow still: and yet some of them there be that suffer their beards to grow long and neuer cut them. But this one thing I maruell much at, that being such an infinit number of nations as they be, the one halfe of them liue by robberie and theeuing, [unspec L] howsoeuer the other liue by traffick and merchandise. Take them generally, they be exceeding rich; for with them the Romans and Parthians leaue exceeding sums of gold and siluer, for the commodities out of their woods and seas which they sell vnto them: but they themselues buy nothing of them againe. Now will we speake of the other coast opposite vnto Arabia. Timost∣henes hath set downe, that the whole gulfe or arm of the sea called Red, was from one end to the other foure daies sailing: and from side to side, two daies: that the streights of the firth were seuen miles ouer. But Eratosthenes saith, that taking the measure at the very mouth, it is euerie way 1300 miles.

CHAP. XXIX.

¶ The gulfe of the Red Sea: likewise of the Trogloditick and Aethiopian Seas. [unspec M]

ARtemidorus auoucheth, that the Red Sea toward Arabia side, is 1450 miles: but on the coast of the Troglodites 1182, vntill you come to the citie Ptolemais. Most Geogra∣phers haue set downe the breadth thereof to bee 462 miles: and that the mouth of it,

where it openeth wide, ful against sun-rising in winter [i. South-west] some say, is 7 miles broad; [unspec A] and others 12. As for the positure scituation thereof, thus it lyeth: beyond the branch or arme thereof called Aelaniticus, there is another creeke which the Arabians call Aeant, vpon which standeth the towne Heroon. In old time there was a city called Cambisu, betweene the Nelians and Marchandians, into which the sicke and feeble souldiers of our armie were conueied, as to a place of retreat and repose. Beyond which, you enter into the land of Tyra: and there is the port Daneon to be seene, from which Sesostris a king of Aegypt, was the first that imagined and deuised to draw one arme of it with a channell nauigable, into Nilus, in that part where it run∣neth to the place called Delta, and that for 62 miles space, which is between the said riuer and the red sea. This enterprise of his was followed by Darius king of the Persians: yea and by Pto∣lomaeus king of Egypt, second of that name, who made a channell 100 foot ouer, and 30 deep, for [unspec B] 37 miles in length and an halfe, euen to the bitter fountaines. But this designe was interrup∣ted and the ditch went no farther, for feare of a generall deluge and inundation: for found it was, that the red sea lay aboue the land of Egypt three cubits. Some alledge not that to be the cause, but this, namely, That if the sea were let into Nilus, the sweet water thereof (wherof they drinke only and of none else) should be corrupted thereby and marred. Yet neuerthelesse, al∣though this worke went not forward, the way is well beaten all the country ouer betweene the Red sea, and the Aegyptian, for trafficke: and three seuerall ordinarie waies there are between: the one from Pelusium ouer the sands; where, vnles there be reeds set vp pitched in the ground to giue guidance and direction, there would no path be found, for euer & anon the wind blow∣eth the sand ouer the tracts of mens feet and couereth all. A second beginneth 2 miles beyond the mountaine Casius, which after 60 miles commeth into the former Pelusiacke way. (Vpon [unspec C] this great rode way, the Arabians called Autei, do inhabit.) The third taketh his head and be∣ginning at Gereum, which they call Adipson, and holdeth on through the said Arabians, & is 60 miles neerer way, but full of craggie hils and altogether without waters. All these foresaid waies lead to the city Arsinoe, built vpon the gulfe Charandra by Ptolomaeus Philadelphus, and bare his sisters name: and verily hee was the first that discouered those parts, and searched nar∣rowly into the region Trogloditicum: and the riuer that passeth by Arsinoe, he called Ptolo∣maeus. Within a little of this place, there is a little town named Aennum; for which, some there be that write, Philotera. Beyond them, are the Azarei: Arabians of the wilder sort & halfe Tro∣glodites, by reason they marry their wiues from out of the Troglodites countrey. Beeing past these coasts, you shall finde the Islands Sapyrene and Scytala: and within a little thereof, de∣sarts [unspec D] vntil you come to Myos-hormos, where there is a fountaine called Taduos, the mount Eos, the Island Lambe, many hauens besides, and Berenice a town, bearing the name of the mo∣ther to K. Ptolomaeus Philadelphus, to which there is a way lying from Coptos, as we haue said: & last of all the Arabians called Autei, and Gnebadei. Now it remaineth to speake of the region Trogloditicum, which the antient men of old time called Michoe, & others Midoe: & therein standeth the mountaine Pentedactylos. Vpon the coast of this country, there lie to be seen cer∣taine Islands called Stenae-deirae: and others no fewer in number named Halonnesi: also Car∣damine, and Topazos, which Island gaue the name to the precious stone called the Topaze. Then come you to an arme of the sea betweene two lands, full of pettie Islands, whereof that which is called Mareu, is well serued with water sufficient: another, Eratonos, is altogether dry [unspec E] and vnprouided of fresh water. These Islands tooke name of two captains and gouernors there vnder the king. Within-forth farther into the firm land, inhabit the Candei, whom they call Ophiophagi, because they are wont to feed on serpents: and in truth there is not another coun∣try that breeds them more than it. K. Iuba who seemeth to haue taken great paines in the dili∣gent perusing and discouery of these parts, omitted in all this tract (vnlesse there be some fault and defect in them that copied out his first originall) to speake of a second city named Bere∣nice, with the addition of Panchrysos; as also of a third called Epidires, and yet renowned it is in regard of the place wherupon it is seated: for scituat it is vpon a knap of land bearing far into the red sea, euen where the mouth of it is not aboue 4 miles & an halfe, from Arabia. Within the prospect of this tract there is the Island Cytis, which also bringeth forth good store of the [unspec F] Topaze stones. Beyond this quarter, nothing but woods and forrests, where K. Ptolomaeus surna∣med Philadelphus built the city Ptolemais, onely for to chase and hunt the Elephant, neere to the lake Monoleus; and in regard of his game there, he named it Epi-theras. This is the verie

country mentioned by me in the second book: wherein for 45 daies before Mid-summer, or the entrance of the Sun into Cancer, and as many after, by the sixt houre of the day, that is to say, [unspec G] about noone, no shadowes are to be seen: which being once past, all the day after they fall in∣to the South. As for other daies of the yere besides, they shew into the North: whereas in that citie Berenice which we mentioned first, vpon the very day only of the Sun-stead, at the sixth houre or noon-tide, the shadowes are cleane gone and none to be seene (for otherwise there is no alteration at all to be obserued throughout the yeare) for the space of 600 miles all about Ptolemais. A strange & notable thing worth obseruation, that it should be so but in one houre all the yere long, and a matter that gaue great light and direction to the world, yea and mini∣stred occasion to a singular inuention and subtil conclusion: for Eratosthenes vpon this vndoub∣ted argument and demonstration of the diuersitie of shadowes, set in hand hereupon to take [unspec H] the measure of the whole globe of the earth, and put it downe in writing to all posteritie. Be∣yond this city Ptolemais, the sea changeth his name and is called Azanium; ouer which the cape sheweth it selfe, which some haue written by the name of Hispalus: also, anon appeareth the lake Mandalum, and in it the Island Colocasitis; but in the deep sea many more, wherin are taken many tortoises. Farther vpon this coast is the towne Suchae, and then you may discouer in the sea the Island Daphnis, and the city Aduliton, built by certaine Aegyptian slaues who ran away from their masters and took no leaue: and verily this is the greatest and most frequen∣ted mart towne of all the Troglodites country, and put the Aegyptians to them: and it is from Ptolemais 5 daies sailing. Thither is brought great store of yuorie, or the Elephants tooth, and of the horn of the Rhinoceros: there many a man haue plenty of the sea-horse hides, of tortoise [unspec I] shels, of little Monkies or Marmosets: there also a man may be sped with bondslaues. A little beyond are the Aethiopians, called Aroteres: also the Islands named Aliaea: and besides them other Islands, namely, Bacchias, Antibacchias, and Stratonis: being past them, there is a gulf in the coast of Aethiopia, as yet not discouered or knowne by any name: a thing that may make vs maruel much, considering that our merchants search into farther corners than so. Also a pro∣montory, wherein there is a fountaine of fresh water named Curios, much desired of the sailers that passe that way, and in great respect for the refreshing that it yeeldeth vnto them: beyond it, is the harbor or port of Isis, distant from the towne of the Adulites aboue said, ten days row∣ing with ores; and thither is the Troglodites myrrhe brought, and there laid vp. Before this ha∣uen, there lie in the sea two Islands, named Pseudopylae: and as many farther within, called Py∣•…•…ae: [unspec K] in the one of them be certaine pillers of stones, ingrauen with strange and vnknowne Let∣ters. When you are past this hauen, you come to an arme of the sea called Abalites: within it is the Island Diodori, and other lying desart and vnpeopled. Also along the continent, there is much wildernesse: but being past them, you come to the towne Gaza: the promontorie also & port Mossylites, vnto which store of cynamon and canell is brought. Thus far marched K. Seso∣stris with his army. Some writers make mention of one town more in Aethiopia beyond all this, vpon the sea side, called Baradaza. K. Iuba would haue the Atlantick sea to begin at the promon∣torie or cape aboue-named, Mossylites: on which sea (as he saith) a man may saile very well with a West-north-west winde, by the coasts of his kingdomes of Mauritania or Maroccho, as farre as to the coasts of Gibralter called Gades: and sure he speaketh so confidently thereof, as I will not altogether discred it his resolution in this behalfe. From a promontorie of the Indians cal∣led [unspec L] Lepteacra, and by others Drepanum, vnto the Isle of Malchu, hee saith plainely, that by a straight and direct course it is 15 hundred miles, and neuer reckon those parts that are burnt with the Sun. From thence to a place called Sceneos, he affirmeth it is 225 miles: and from it to the Island Sadanum, 150 miles; and thus by this means he concludeth, that in all, to the open and knowne sea, it is 1885 miles. But all other writers besides him were of opinion, that there could not possibly be any sailing vpon it, for the exceeding heat of the Sun. Ouer and besides, the Arabians named Ascitae, doe much harme and annoyance from out of the Islands which they hold, vnto merchants that trafficke that way: for these Arabians, according as their name doth import, couple bottles made of good oxe leather, two by two together, and going vpon them with ease as it were a bridge vnder them, scoure the seas, and shooting their empoysoned [unspec M] arrowes, practise pyracie, to the great losse and mischiefe of merchants & sailers. The same Iu∣ba writeth moreouer, that there be certaine people of the Troglodites, named Therothoes, for their hunting of wilde beasts, of their exceeding and wonderful swiftnesse in chasing of Deere

vpon land: as the Ichthyophagi for coursing of fish in the sea, swimming as naturally as if they [unspec A] were water creatures. Moreouer, he nameth other nations in those parts, as the Bargeni, Zage∣res, Chalybes, Saxinae, Syreces, Daremes and Domazanes. Furthermore, he affirmeth, that the people inhabiting along the sides of Nilus from Syene vnto Meroe, are not Aethiopians, but Arabians, who for to seeke fresh water, approached Nilus; and there dwelt: as also that the citie of the Sunne, which we said before in the description of Aegypt, standeth not farre from Mem∣phis, was first founded and built by the Arabians. Contrariwise, other Geographers there be, who affirme that the farther side or banke of Nilus is no part of Aethiopia, and they lay it as a dependant annexed to Affrick. But be it as will be, I wil not greatly busie my head thereabout, but suffer euery man to abound in his own sence, and haue his owne way: only I will content my selfe with this, to set downe the townes on both sides thereof, in that order as they are declared [unspec B] vnto me. And first to begin with that side toward Arabia: after you are past Syene, enter you shall vpon the countrie of the Catadupi, and so forward into the land of the Syenites. Wherin these towns stand in order as followes: Tacompson, which some haue called Thatire, Aranium, Sesanium, Sandura, Nasandum, Anadoma, Cumara, Beda and Bochiana, Leuphithorga, Tanta∣rene, Machindira, Noa, Gophoa, Gystatae, Megeda, Lea, Rhemnia, Nupsia, Direa, Patara, Baga∣da, Dumana, Rhadata, wherein a golden cat is worshipded as a god. Boron in the midland part of the continent, and Mallos, the next towne to Meroe. Thus hath Bion digested and set them downe. But king Iuba hath raunged them otherwise in this manner. First, Megatichos a towne scituate vpon a hill betweene Aegypt and Aethiopia, which the Arabians vse to call Myrson: next to it Tacompson: then Aranium, Sesanium, Pide, Mamuda, and Corambis; neere vnto it a fountaine of liquid Bitumen: Hammodara, Prosda, Parenta, Mama, Thessara, Gallae, Zoton, [unspec C] Graucome, Emeum, Pidibotae, Hebdomecontacometae, and the Nomades, who ordinarily are encamped vnder tents and pauilions. Cyste, Pemma, Gadagale, Palois, Primmis, Nupsis, Da∣selis, Patis, Gambrenes, Magases, Segasmala, Cranda, Denna, Cadeu•…•…a, Thena, Batha, Alana, Macum, Scammos, and Gora with in an Island. Beyond which, Abala, Androcanis, Seres, Mal∣los & Agoce. And thus much on the side of Arabia. Now for Affrick side, they are in this wise reckoned. First, Tacompsos, according to the others name, or a parcell rather of the former: then, Magora, Sea, Edosa, Pelenaria, Pyndis, Magusa, Bauma, Linitima, Spyntuma, Sydopta, Gensoa, Pindicitora, Eugo, Orsima, Suasa, Maunia, Rhuma, Vrbubuma, Mulona, which town the Greeks were wont to call, Hypaton, Pagoargas, Zanones, & there begin the Elephants to come in, Mamblia, Berresa, Cetuma. There was moreouer a towne sometime named Epis, scituate a∣gainst [unspec D] Meroe: but rased it was and vtterly destroyed before that Bion wrote his Geography. See what cities and towns of name were recorded in times past to haue bin in those parts, vntil you come to the Isle Meroe. And yet at this day there is neither stick nor stone to be found of any of them in a manner on neither side. Only desarts and a vast wildernesse in stead of them, by re∣port made vnto Nero the Emperor by the Praetorian souldiers, sent thither from him vnder the leading of a Tribune or Colonel, to discouer those quarters of Aethiopia, & to relate according∣ly: at what time as among other his designes, that Prince intended an expedition with his army against the Aethiopians. And yet before his time, euen in the daies of Augustus Caesar of happie memory, the Romanes pierced thither with a power of armed men vnder the conduct of Pub▪ Petronius, a knight of Rome, and gouernour of Aegypt, deputed by the said Emperour. Where [unspec E] he forced by assault and conquered all those townes in Aethiopia which he then found standing in this order following: namely, Pselcis, Primis, Abaccis, Phthuris, Cambusis, Attena, Stadi∣sis, where the riuer Nilus runs down with such a mighty fall, that with the noise thereof the in∣habitants there by lose their hearing and become deafe. Besides these he won also and sac∣ked Napata. And albeit he marched forward still a great way into the countrie, euen 870 miles beyond Syene, yet this Romane armie of his laid not all wast in those parts, & left the country so desart as now it is. No, no: It was the Aegyptians warres and not the Romanes that gaue the wast to Aethiopia: and albeit somtimes it woon and otherwhiles lost; one time bare the scepter and ruled, another time vnderwent the yoke, and were subdued: yet was it of great name in the world and puissant, vntill the reigne of king Memnon, who ruled at the time of the Trojane war: [unspec F] yea, and Syria was subject vnto it, as also the coast of our sea in king Cephas daies, as appeareth by the fabulous tales that go as touching Andromeda. Semblably the Geographers varie and disagree much about the measure and dimension of Aethiopia. And first of al others, Dalion, al∣beit

he passed far beyond Meroe: after him, Aristocreon, Bion, and Basilis. As for Simonides (the [unspec G] yonger and the later writer) had soiourned the Meroe fiue yeares, when he wrote of Aethiopia. For Timosthenes the Admirall of Ptolomaeus Philadelphus his nauie, hath left in record, that from Syene to Meroe is 60 days iourny, without any further particularizing of the measure by miles. But Eratosthenes precisely noteth, that it is 625 miles. Artemidorus but 600. Sebostus affirmeth, That from the frontiers of Egypt it is 1675 miles. From whence, the last rehearsed Writers count forward but 1270. But all this difference and dispute about this point, is lately determi∣ned & ended by the report of those trauellers whom Nero sent of purpose to discouer those countries; & they made relation of the truth vpon their certain knowledge, that it is 874 miles from Syene in this maner particularly by iournies. Namely, from the said Syene to Hiera-Sy∣caminon 54 miles: from thence to Tama 75 miles: from Tama to the Euonymites country, the [unspec H] first of all the Aethiopians, 120. Forward to Acina 54. To Pitara 25. To Tergedum 106 miles. Where by the way it is to be noted, that in the midst of this tract lieth the Island Gagandus: where they began first to haue a sight of the birds called Parats; & beyond another Isle in the same way which is called Artigula, they might see monkies & marmosets: but being once be∣yond Tergedum, they met with the beasts Cynocephali. From thence to Napata 80 miles: this is the only little town among all the rest before named. From which to the Island Meroe is 360 miles. They reported moreouer, that about Meroe (& not before) the grasse and herbs appeared fresh and green, yea, and the woods shewed somwhat in comparison of all the way besides, and that they espied the tracts of Elephants & Rhinocerotes where they had gone. As for the town it selfe Meroe, they said it was within the Isle from the very entrie therof 70 miles: & that iust [unspec I] by, there was another Island called Tatu, which yeelded a bay or hauen to land at for them that took the arme & channell of Nilus on the tight hand. As for the building within Meroe, there were but few houses in it: that the isle was subject to a lady or queen named Candace, a name that for many yeres already went from one queen to another successiuely. Within this town there is the temple of great holinesse and deuotion in the honor of Iupiter Hammon: and in all that tract many other chappels. Finally, so long as the Ethyopians swaied the scepter and raigned, this I∣sland was much renowned & very famous. For by report, they were wont to furnish the Ethyo∣pian king with armed men 250000, & to maintain of Artisans 400000. Last of all there haue bin counted 45 kings of the Ethyopians, and so it is reported at this day.

CHAP. XXX. [unspec K]

¶ The manifold, strange, and wonder full formes and shapes of men.

ALl Ethyopia in generall was in old time called Aetheria: afterwards Atlantia▪ and finally of Vulcans son Aethiops, it took the name Ethyopia. No wonder it is, that about the coasts thereof there be found both men and beasts of strange and monstrous shapes, considering the agilitie of the suns fierie heat, so strong and powerfull in those countries, which is able to frame bodies artificially of sundry proportions, and to imprint and graue in them diuers forms. Certes, reported it is, that far within the country Eastward there are a kinde of people without any nose at all on their face, hauing their visage all plain and flat. Others again without any vp∣per lip, and some tonguelesse. Moreouer, there is a kind of them that want a mouth, framed a∣part [unspec L] from their nose-thrils: and at one and the same hole, and no more, taketh in breath, recei∣ueth drinke by drawing it in with an oaten straw; yea, and after the same maner feed themselues with the grains of oats, growing on the own accord without mans labour and tillage, for their only food. And others there be, who in stead of speech and words, make signes, as well with nod∣ding their heads, as mouing their other members. There are also among them, that before the time of Ptolomaeus Lathyrus king of Egypt, knew no vse at all of fire. Furthermore, writers there be, who haue reported, that in the countrey neere vnto the meeres and marishes from whence Nilus issueth, there inhabit those little dwarfes called Pygmei. But to return againe to the vt∣most coasts of Ethyopia, where we left: there is a continuall raunge and course of mountains all [unspec M] red like fire, as if they were euer burning. Moreouer, beyond Meroe there is a countrey lying a∣boue the Troglodites and the red sea: where, after you be three daies journy from Napata tow∣ard the coast of the said red sea, you shall find that in most places they saue raine water for their ordinarie vse to drinke, and otherwise: all the countrey betweene is very plenteous and full

of gold mines. All beyond this region is inhabited by the Atabuli, a people also of Ethiopia. [unspec A] As for the Megabares, whom some haue named Adiabares, they lie against Meroe, and haue a towne bearing the name of Apollo. Among them are certain Nomades encamping vnder tents and tabernacles, who liue of Elephants flesh. Iust against them in a part of Africke are the long liuing Macrobians. Again, being past the Megabarenes, you come vnto the Memnones & Da∣veli: & 20 daies iourny from them, to the Critenses. Beyond whom you meet with the Dochi, and the Gymnetes who are euer naked. Soon after you shall find the Anderae, Mathitae, Mesa∣gebes, Hipporeae, who be all ouer blacke, and therfore they colour and paint their bodies with a kind of red chalk or rudle called Rubrica. But vpon the coast of Africk are the Medimni. Be∣yond whom you shal come to another sort of Nomades liuing vnder tents, who feed of no other thing but the milk of certain creatures headed like dogs, called Cynocephali: also to the Olabi [unspec B] and Syrbotae, who are reported to be 8 cubits high. Moreouer, Aristocreon saith, that on Libya side, fiue daies iourny from Meroe, there is a town called Tole: & 12 daies iourny from thence, there standeth Esar, a town built by the Egyptians, who fled thither to auoid the cruelty and tyrannie of K. Psammeticus. And reported it is, that the Egyptians held it for 300 yeres. Also, that the same fugitiues founded the towne Daron on the contrary side in the coast of Arabia. But that which Aristocreon nameth Esar, Bion called Sapa, and saith withall, that the very word Sapa signifieth in the Ethyopian language, strangers or aliens come from other parts. Hee af∣firmeth besides, that their capitall city is within an Island, Sembobitis, and that Sai within A∣rabia, is the third city of that nation. Now between the mountains and the riuer Nilus, are the Symbarians and the Phalanges: but vpon the very hils liue the Asachae, who haue many other nations vnder them: and they are by report seuen daies iourney from the sea. They liue vpon [unspec C] the venison of Elephants flesh, which they vse commonly to hunt and chase. As for the Island within Nilus, of the Semberrites, it is subiect to a queen. And eight daies iourney from thence lieth the country of the Ethiopians, named Nubaei. Their chiefe town Tenupsis is seated vpon the riuer Nilus. Beyond the Nubians, you enter vpon the countrie of the Sambri: where all the foure-footed beasts, yea, euen the very Elephants, are without ears. Vpon the coast of Africk in∣habit the Ptoeambati and Ptoemphanae: who haue a dog for their king, and him they obey, ac∣cording to the signes which he maketh by mouing the parts of his bodie, which they take to be his commandements, and religiously they do obserue them. Their head citie is Aurispi, far distant from Nilus. Beyond them are the Achisarmi, Phaliges, Marigeri, and Casamarri. Bion affirmeth, That beyond Psembobitis, there be other townes in the Islands of that coast, toward [unspec D] Meroe, all the way as you passe for 20 daies iourny. The towne of the next Island is Semberri∣tarum, vnder the queen: likewise another called Asar. Also there is a second Island hauing in it the towne Daron: a third which they cal Medoe, wherein standeth the town Asel: and a fourth named Garode, like as the towne also. Then along the banks of Nilus are many townes, to wit, Navos, Modunda, Andabis, Setundum, Colligat, Secande, Navectabe, Cumi, Agrospi, Aegipa, Candrogari, Araba, and Summara. The region aboue Sirbithim, where the mountains do end, is reported to haue vpon the sea coast certaine Aethyopians called Nisicastes and Nisites, that is to say, men with three or foure eies apiece: not for that they are so eied indeed, but because they are excellent archers, & haue a speciall good eie in aiming at their marke, which lightly they wil not misse. Bion affirmeth moreouer, That from that clime of the heauen which beares [unspec E] aboue the greater Syrtes, & bendeth toward the South Ocean sea, they be called Dalion, to wit, the Cisorians and Longopores, who drinke and vse rain water only. And beyond Oecalices for fiue daies iournie, the Vsibalks, Isuelians, Pharuseans, Valians and Cispians. All the rest are nothing but desarts not inhabited. But then he telleth fabulous and incredible tales of those countries. Namely, that Westward there are people called Nigroe, whose king hath but one eie, and that in the mids of his forehead. Also he talketh of the Agriophagi, who liue most of panthers and lions flesh. Likewise of the Pomphagi, who eat all things whatsoeuer. Moreouer, of the Anthropophagi, that feed on mans flesh. Furthermore, of the Cynamolgi, who haue heads like dogs. Ouer and besides, the Artabatites who wander and go vp and downe in the fo∣rests like fourefooted sauage beasts. Beyond whom, as he saith, be the Hesperij, & Peroesi, who, [unspec F] as we said before, were planted in the confines of Mauritania. In certain parts also of Ethyopia the people liue of Locusts only, which they pouder with salt, and hang vp in smoke to harden, for their yerely prouision, and these liue not aboue 40 yeares at the most. Finally, Agrippa saith

that all Ethiopia, and take the land with it of Prester Iehan bordering vpon the red sea, contai∣neth [unspec G] in length 2170 miles: & in bredth, together with the higher Egypt, 1291. Some Geogra∣phers haue taken the bredth in this manner. From Miroe to Sirbitum, 12 daies iournie vpon Nilus: from thence to the country of the Dauillians another 12, and from them to the Ethyo∣pian Ocean 6 daies. But in general all writers in a manner do resolue vpon this, that betweene Ocean and Meroe, it is 725 miles: and from thence to Syene, as much as we haue set downe be∣fore. As for the positure and scituation of Ethyopia, it lies Southeast & Southwest. In the me∣ridian South parts thereof, there be great woods of Ebene especially, alwaies greene. Toward the mids of this region, there is a mighty high mountain looking ouer the sea, that burns con∣tinually, which the Greeks cal Theon ochema, i. The chariot of the gods: from the which it is counted foure daies iourny by sea to the promontory or cape called Hesperion-Ceras, which confines vpon Africk, neere to the Hesperian Ethyopians. Some writers hold, that this tract is [unspec H] * 1.7 beautified with pretty little hils, and those pleasantly clad & garnished with shadowie groues, wherein the Aegipanes and Satyres do conuerse.

CHAP. XXXI.

The Islands in the Aethyopian Sea.

EPhorus, Eudoxus, and Timosthenes, do all agree in this, that there be very many Islands in all that sea. Clitarchus witnesseth, that report was made to Alexander the Great, of one aboue the rest, which was so rich and well monied, that for an ordinary horse the inhabitants would not stick to giue a talent of gold: also of another, wherein was found a sacred hill ador∣ned with a goodly wood vpon it, where the trees distilled and dropped sweet water of a won∣derfull [unspec I] odoriferous smell. Moreouer, full against the Persian gulf, lieth the Isle named Cerne, opposite vnto Aethiopia, but how large it is, or how far off it beareth into the sea from the con∣tinent, is not certainly knowne: this only is reported, that the Ethyopians and none but they, are the inhabitants therof. Ephorus writeth, that they who would saile thither from the red sea, are not able for extreme heate to passe beyond certain columnes or pillars, for so they call the little Isles there. Howbeit Polybius auoucheth, that this Island Cerne where it lieth in the vt∣most coast of the Mauritanian sea ouer-against the mountaine Atlas, is but 8 stadia from the land. And Cornelius Nepos affirmeth, that likewise it is not aboue a mile from the land, ouer a∣gainst Carthage: & besides, that it is not aboue two miles in circuit. There is mention made also by authors, of another Isle before the said mountain Atlas, named also therupon Atlantis. [unspec K] And fiue daies sailing from it, appeare the desarts of the Ethyopian Hesperians, together with the foresaid cape, which we named Hesperion-Ceras, where the coasts of the land begin first to turn about their forefront to wind Westward, and regard the Atlanticke sea. Iust ouer-against this cape, as Xenophon Lampsacenus reporteth, lye the Islands called Gorgates, where sometimes the Gorgones kept their habitation, and 2 daies sailing they are thought to be from the firme land. Hanno, a great commander and generall of the Carthaginians, landed there with an army: who made this report from thence, That the women were all ouer their bodies hairy: as for the men, he could not catch one of them, so swift they were of foot that they escaped out of all sight: but he flead two of these Gorgone women and brought away their skins, which for a te∣stimoniall of his being there, and for a wonder to posteritie, he hung vp in Iunoes temple, where [unspec L] they were seen vntill Carthage was won and sacked. Beyond these Isles, there are by report, two more discouered, by the name of Hesperides. But so vncertaine are all the intelligences deli∣uered concerning these parts, that Statius Sebosus affirmeth, that it is 40 good daies sailing from the Islands of these Gorgones along the coast of Atlas, vnto the Isles of the Hesperides; and from thence to Hesperion-Ceras, but one. As little resolution and certaintie there is, as tou∣ching the Islands of Mauritania. In this only they all jumpe and accord, that K. Iuba discoue∣red some few of them ouer-against the Autolotes, in which he meant and purposed to die Gae∣tulian purple.

CHAP. XXXII.

¶ Of the Islands Fortunatae, or Canarie. [unspec M]

SOme Authors there be who thinke, that the Islands Fortunatae, and certaine others besides them, are beyond the Antolotes: among whom, the same Sebosus aboue rehearsed was so bold, as to speake of their distances: and namely, that the Island Iunonia is from Gades

750 miles: and that from it Westward, the Isles Pluvialia and Capraria, are as much. Also that [unspec A] in the Island Pluvialia there is no fresh water, but only that which they haue by showrs of rain. He saith moreouer, that from them to the Fortunate Islands are 250 miles; which lie 8 miles from the coast of Mauritania to the left hand, called the coast of the Sun, or Valley of the sun, for that it is like a valley or hollow leuell flore of earth, whereupon also it is called Planaria, re∣sembling an euen plain. And in very truth, this vally containeth in circuit 300 miles: wherein are trees to be seen that grow vp in height to 144 foot. As for the Islands named Fortunatae, Iuba learned thus much by diligent inquisition, that they lie from the South neere to the West 625 miles from the Islands Purpurariae, where they die purple; so as to come thither, a man must saile 250 miles aboue the West, and then for 75 miles more bend his cours Eastward: he saith also, that the first of these Islands is called Ombrion, wherein ate to be seen no token or shew at all of houses. Also that among the mountains, it hath a lake or meere: and trees resem∣bling [unspec B] the plant Ferula, out of which they presse water: that which issueth out of the black trees of that kinde, is bitter; but out of the whiter sort, sweet and potable. As for a second, he writeth that it is named Iunonia, wherein there is one little house or chappell made of stone: beyond it, but neere by, there is a third of the same name, but lesse than the other: and then you come to a fourth called Capraria, full of great Lizards. Within a kenning from these, lyeth the Island Niuaria, which tooke this name of the snow that lieth there continually, and besides, it is full of mists and fogs. The next to it and the last of all, is Canaria, so called, by reason of a number of dogs of mighty bignesse; of which K. Iuba brought away two; & in this Island there are some marks remaining of buildings which giue testimonie that somtime it was inhabited and peo∣pled. And as all these Islands generally do abound plentifully in fruitfull trees, & flying fouls [unspec C] of all sorts: so this aboue the rest named Canaria, is replenished with rowes of date trees that beare abundance of dates, and likewise with pine trees that yeeld store of Pine nuts. Further∣more he affirmeth, that there is great plenty of hony in it: that the riuers therein are well stored with fish, and the Sturgeon especially: in which there groweth the red Papyrus as ordinarily as in Nilus. Howbeit in conclusion he saith, that these Isles are much annoied with great whales and such monsters of the sea, that daily are cast vpon the shore, which lie aboue ground & pu∣trifie like carrion. Thus hauing at large gone through the description of the globe of the earth as well without as within, it remaineth now to knit vp briefely with the measure and compasse of the seas.

CHAP. XXXIII. [unspec D]

¶ A summarie of the earth, digested according to the dimensions thereof.

POlybius saith, that from the streights of Gibralter, vnto the very mouth and firth of Moeo∣tis, it is found by a direct and straight course to be 3437 miles and an halfe. Begin there a∣gain, and hold on a right course Eastward to Sicily, it is 1260 miles and an halfe. From thence forward to the Island Creta, 375 miles: forward to Rhodes, 146 miles and an halfe: to the Chelidoni•…•…e Isles as much, and so to Cyprus 325 miles: from whence to Seleucia Pieria in Syria 115 miles. Which particulars being laid together, make by computation the grosse sum of 2340 miles. Howbeit, Agrippa counteth 3440 miles for all this distance aboue-said, begin∣ning [unspec E] at the straits of Gibraltar aboue-said, and carrying the length straight forward to the gulf of Issa. In which reckoning of his, I wot not whether ther be an error in the number, forasmuch as the same writer hath set down from the streit of Messine in Sicilie to Alexandria in Egypt, 1250 miles. As for the whole circuit that may be comprehending therein, all the gulfes and creekes before-named, from the same point where we first began, as far as to the lake Moeotis, is 15600 miles. Artemidorus addeth thereto 756 miles. And the same Geographer writeth, that take the lake Moeotis to the rest, all commeth to 17390 miles. Loe, what the measure is of the seas taken by Philosophers and learned men, without armor and weapon in hand; of men I say, who haue not feared to hazard themselues boldly and prouoke Fortune, in trauersing the seas [unspec F] so farre off. Now are we to compare respectiuely the greatnesse of each part of the world in se∣uerall: notwithstanding that I shall finde much ado and difficulty enough therein, considering the disagreement of authors in that behalf. But most plainly shal this appeare which we seek for, by ioining longitude & latitude together: acording to which prescript rule to begin with

Europe, it may wel contain in largenes 8148 miles. Africk (taking the middle and mean com∣putation [unspec G] between them all that haue set it down) containeth in length 3748 miles. As for the bredth of so much as is known and inhabited, in no place where it is widest exceedeth it 250 miles. True it is, that Agrippa would haue it to contain 910 miles in breadth, beginning at the bounds of Cyrene, and so comprehending in this measure the desarts thereof as far as to the Garamants, so far as is knowne and discouered, and then the whole measure collected into one generall sum, amounteth to 4608 miles. As for Asia, confessed it is and resolued vpon by all Geographers, that in length it carrieth 63750 miles: and verily in bredth (if you account from the Aethiopian sea to Alexandria scituate vpon Nilus, so as your measure run through Meroe and Syrene) it taketh 1875 miles: wherby it appeareth euidently, that Europe is little wanting of halfe as big again as Asia: and the same Europa, is twise as much again as all Africa & a sixt [unspec H] part ouer. Reduce now all these sums together, it wil be found cleare, that Europ is a third part of the whole earth, & an eight portion ouer and somwhat more: Asia, a fourth part, with an ouer∣deale of 14: and Africk a fifth part, with an ouer-plus of a sixtieth portion. To this calculation, we wil set to, as it were to boot, one subtill deuise & inuention more of the Greeks, which shew∣eth their singular wit (to the end we should omit nothing that may serue our turn in this Geo∣graphie of ours) and that is this: after that the positure and site of euery region is knowne and set downe, how a man may likewise come to the knowledge what societie and agreement there is between the one & the other, either by length of daies and nights, by the shadow at noon day, or by equality of climats of the world. To bring this about effectually, I must part and digest the whole earth into certain sections or euen portions, answerable to those in heauen; whereof [unspec I] there be very many) which our Astronomers and Mathematicians cal Circles; but the Greeks, Parallels.

CHAP. XXXIV.

¶ The diuision of the earth into Climates or lines Parallele, and equall shadowes.

FOr to make an equall partition of the world, begin we wil at the Meridionall Indians, & go directly as far as Arabia, and the inhabitants of the red sea Vnder this climat are compre∣prised the Gedrosians, Persians, Carmanes, and Elimaeans: Parthyene, Aria, Susiane, Meso∣potomia, Seleucia syrnamed Babylonia, Arabia, so far as Petrae inclusiuely, Coele-Syria, & Pe∣lusium [unspec K] in Egypt: the low Low-countries, which are called the tract of Alexandria: the maritine coasts of Africk: all the towns of Cyrenaica, Thapsus, Adrumetum, Clupea, Carthage, Vtica, both Hippoes, Numidia, both realmes of Mauritania, the Atlanticke sea, and Hercules pillars. In all the circumference of this climat and parellele, at noon tide vpon an Equinoctiall day, the stile in the diall which they call Gnomon 7 foot long, casteth a shadow not aboue 4 foot. The longest night or day in this climate, is 14 houres: and contrariwise the shortest, ten. The second circle or parallele line, beginneth at the Indians Occidentall, and passeth through the mids of Parthia, Persepolis, the hithermost parts of Persis (in respect of Rome) the hither coast of Arabia, Iudaea, and the borders neere vnto the mountaine Libanus. Vnder the same are con∣tained also Babylon, Idumaea, Samaria, Hierusalem, Ascalon, Ioppe, Caesarea, Phoenice, Ptole∣mais, [unspec L] Sydon, Tyrus, Berytrus, Botrys, Tripolis, Byblus, Antiochia, Laodicea, Seleucia, the Sea coasts of Cilicia, Cyprus the South part of Candy, Lilyboeum in Sicilia, the North parts of Africke and Numidia. The Gnomon in a diall vpon the Equinoctiall day 35 foot of length, maketh a shadow 24 foot long. The longest day or night is 14 houres Equinoctial, and the fift part of an houre. The third circle beginneth at the Indians next vnto the mountaine Imaus, and goeth by the Caspian gates or streights hard by Media, Cataonia. Cappadocia, Taurus, Ama∣nus, Issus, the Cilician straits, Soli, Tarsus, Cyprus, Pisidia, Syde in Pamphilia, Lycaonia, Pata∣ra in Lycia, Xanthus, Caunus, Rhodus, Cous, Halicarnassus, Gnidus, Doris, Chius, Delus, the mids of the Cyclades, Gytthium, Malea, Argos, Laconia, Elis, Olympia, Messene, Peloponne∣sus, Syracusa, Catine, the mids of Sicily, the South part of Sardinia, Cardei, and Gades. In [unspec M] this clime the Gnomon of 100 inches, yeeldeth a shadow of 77 inches. The longest day hath E∣quinoctiall houres 14 & an halfe, with a 30 part ouer. Vnder the fourth circle or parallele lye they that are on the other side of Imaus, the South parts of Cappadocia, Galatia, Mysia,

Sardis, Smyrna, Sipylus, the mountaine Tmolus in Lydia, Caria, Ionia, Trallis, Colophon, E∣phesus, [unspec A] Miletus, Samos, Chios, the Icarian sea, the Isles Cyclades lying Northward, Athens, Megara, Corinth, Sicyon, Achaea, Patrae, Isthmos, Epirus, the North parts of Sicily, * 1.8 Narbo∣nensis Gallia toward the East, the maritime parts of Spaine beyond new Carthage, and so into the West. To a Gnomon of 21 foot, the shadowes answer of 17 foot. The longest day is four∣teen Aequinoctiall houres, and two third parts of an houre. The 5 diuision containeth vnder it, from the entrance of the Caspian sea, Bactra, Iberia, Armenia, Mysia, Phrygia, Hellespontus, Troas, Tenedus, Abydus, Scepsis, Ilium, the hill Ida, Cyzicum, Lampsacum, Sinope, Anisum, Heraclea in Pontus, Paphlagonia, Lemnus, Imbrus, Thasus, Cassandria, Thessalia, Macedonia, Larissa, Amphipolis, Thessalonice, Pella, Edessa, Beraea, Pharsaliae, Carystum, Euboea, Boeotia, Chalcis, Delphi, Acarnania, Aetolia, Apollonia, Brundisium, Tarentum, Thurij, Locri, Rhegi∣um [unspec B] Lucani, Naples, Puteoli, the Tuscan sea, Corsica, the Baleare Isles, the middle of Spain. A Gnomon of 7 foot giueth shadow six foot. The longest day is 15 Aequinoctiall houres. The sixt paralell compriseth the city of Rome, and containeth withall the Caspian nations, Cauca∣sus, the North parts of Armenia, Apollonia vpon Rhindacus, Nicomedia, Nicaea, Chalcedon, Bizantium, Lysimachia, Cherrhonesus, the gulfe Melane, Abdera, Samothracia, Maronea, Ae∣nus, Bessica, the midland parts of Thracia, Poeonia, the Illyrians, Dyrrhachium, Canusium, the vtmost coasts of Apulia, Campania, Hetruria, Pisae, Luna, Luca, Genua, Liguria, Antipolis, Massilia, Narbon, Tarracon, the middle of Spain called Tarraconensis, & so through Lusitania. To a Gnomon of 9 foot, the shadow is answerable 8 foot. The longest day hath 15 Aequino∣ctiall [unspec C] houres, and the 9 part of an houre, or the fift, as Nigidius is of opinion. The 7 diuision be∣gins at the other coast of the Caspian sea, and falls vpon Callatis, Bosphorus, Borysthenes, To∣mos, the backe parts of Thracia, the Tribals country, the rest of Illyricum, the Adriaticke sea, Aquileia, Altinum, Venice, Viceria, Patavium, Verona, Cremona, Ravenna, Ancona, Picenum, Marsi, Peligni, Sabini, Vmbria, Ariminium, Bononia, Placentia, Mediolanum, and all beyond Apenninum: also ouer the Alps, Aquitane in Gaule, Vienna, Pyraeneum, and Celtiberia. The Gnomon of 35 foot, casteth a shadow 36 foot in length; yet so, as in some part of the Venetian territorie, the shadow is equall to the Gnomon. The longest day is 15 Aequinoctiall houres, and three fift parts of an houre. Hitherto haue we reported the labors in this point of antient Geographers, and what they haue reported. But the most diligent and exactest modern Wri∣ters [unspec D] that followed, haue assigned the rest of the earth not yet specified, to three other sections or climats. The first, from Tanais through the lake Moetis and the Sarmatians, vnto Borysthe∣nes, and so by the Dakes and a part of Germany, containing therein France and the coasts of the Ocean, where the day is 16 houres long. A second, through the Hyperboreans and Britain, where the day is 17 houres long. Last of all is the Scythian paralell, from the Rhiphaean hills into Thule: wherein (as we said) it is day and night continually by turnes, for sixe moneths. The same writers haue set downe two paralell circles, before those points where the other be∣gan, and which we set downe. The one through the Islands Meroe and Ptolemais vpon the red sea, built for the hunting of Elephants, where the longest daies are but 12 houres and an halfe: the second passing through Syrene in Aegypt, where the day hath 13 houres. And the same au∣thors haue put to euery one of the other circles, euen to the very last, half an houre more to the [unspec E] daies length than the old Geographers.

Thus much of the Earth.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Mouth of libral•…•…ar.
• * 1.2

  At this day, the Moscho∣uites, white & black Rusians, Georgians, A∣mazonians, & the lesse Ta•…•…∣tatie,
• * 1.3

  Euen at this day they set a∣broad their wares with the prices vpō the shore, and goe their waies: thē the for•…•…in merchants come and lay down the mo∣ney, and haue away the mer∣chandise: and so depart with∣out any com∣munication at all.
• * 1.4

  Bab•…•…l.
• * 1.5

  So as it appea∣reth that eue∣ry dais journy was aboue 32 miles.
• * 1.6

  Or rather Nahal Nalca, i. the kings ri∣uer.
• * 1.7

  Cap. de bonne Esperance
• * 1.8

  Languedoci