The history of the world

§. X. [unspec 20] That the Arke rested vpon part of the hill Taurus (or Caucasus) betweene the East Indies, and Scythia.

†. I. A praeterition of some questions lesse materiall: with a note of the vse of this question, to finde out the Metropolis of Nations.

WHat time Noah tooke to build the Arke, I leaue to others to dispute, but he receiued the Commandement from God 100. yeares before the [unspec 30] waters sell: and had therefore choice of time and leisure sufficient. As for the number of deckes and partitions, which Origen deuides into foure, S. Augustine into three, I will not trouble the Reader with the controuersie: or whether those creatures which sometimes rest on the land, other times in the waters, as the Crocodiles (now called Alegartos) the Sea-cowes or Sea∣horses, were kept in the Arke, or no, I thinke it a needlesse curiositie; and yet to this saith Pererius, and others before him, that a fish-poole might bee made aswell within the Arke, as in Hiero his ship of Scyracuse. Lastly, to consider or labour to disproue the foolerie of the Hebrewes, who suppose that the Arke was lightened by a Car∣buncle, or had windores of Christall to receiue in light, and keepe out water, were [unspec 40] but to reuiue the buried vanities of former times. But that which I seeke most to sa∣tisfie my selfe and others in, is in what part of the world the Arke rested after the floud: because the true vnderstanding of some of these places (as the seate of the ter∣restriall Paradise, and the resting of the Arke) doe onely and truely teach the worlds Plantation, and the beginning of Nations, before and after the floud; and all storie, as well generall as particular, thereby may be the better vnderstood.

†. II. Aproposall of the common opinion, that the Arke rested vpon some of the hils of Armenia. [unspec 50]

ANd first, for the true place where the Arke rested after the floud, and from what part of the world the children of Noah trauailed to their first settlement

and plantation, I am resolued (without any presumption) that therein the most wri∣ters were vtterly mistaken. And I am not led so to thinke out of my humour or new∣nesse of opinion, or singularitie; but doe herein ground my selfe on the originall and first truth, which is the word of God, and after that vpon reason, and the most pro∣bable circumstances thereon depending. For whereas it is written, that the Arke stai∣ed vpon one of the mountaines of Ararat, which the Chaldaean Paraphrast hath conuer∣ted Kardu, meaning the hils Gordaei or Gordiaei in Armenia the greater: (as the wordes Gordaei and Kardu, seeme to bee one and the same) of which opinion also the most of our Interpreters are; I finde neither Scripture nor reason which teacheth any such thing: (to wit) that it rested on that part of Ararat, which is in the greater Armenis. [unspec 10] Nicolaus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cals this mountaine of Ararat, Baris, being the same which the Chaldaean nameth Kardu, to which mountaine the Fryer Annius (citing this place out of Iosephus) makes him finde another adioyning, called Ocila, and to say that the Arke (of which Moses the Lawgiuer of the Hebrewes wrote) did first take ground on this 〈◊〉〈◊〉. But I doe not finde any such mountaine in being, as this Ocila; neither is there any mention of it in the place of Iosephus. Strabo remembreth a Promontorie in A∣rabia foelix, of that name, and Plinie findes a Mart-towne so called in the same, which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cals Ocilis, Pinetus Acyla, and Niger Zidon. But this Ocila of Damascenus, or ra∣ther of Annius, seemeth to bee one and a part of the Armenian mountaines. Berosus calleth those mountaines of Armenia Cordiaei, and Curtius Cordaei: Ptolomie Gordaei [unspec 20] and Gordiaei: of which the Countrie next adioyning is by this Nicolaus Damascenus cal∣led Ninyada, perhaps (as Becanus coniectures) for Milyada or rather Minni: which word is vsed for Armenia Minor. And the very word of Armenia seemes to be com∣pounded of this word Minni, and Aram: as if we should say Minni of Syria; for that Armenia also was a part of Syria, Plinie witnesseth. Epiphanius placeth the Cardyes a∣bout these mountaines, whom others call Gordieni or Gordeni. The mountaines are seated apart from all other to the North of that Ledge of mountaines called Taurus, or Niphates in the plaines of Armenia the great, neere the Lake Thospitis: whence the Riuer of Tigris floweth in 75. degrees of longitude, and 41. and 42. degrees of lati∣tude. One of the mountaines Gordiaei (that which surmounteth the rest) Epiphanius [unspec 30] cals Lubar, which in the Armenian signifieth a place of descent: but this out of Iose∣phus; which name (saith Iunius) was of the euent, because of Noahs comming downe with his children. But this also I take to bee a supposed euent; seeing any hill, from whence on euery side we must descend, may thus bee called: as Iunius corrects the place in Iosephus 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (Kubaris.) That the place is thus to be read, he coniectureth, because Iosep. l. 1. c. 4. sayes, the place is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (as it were the descent or com∣ming downe) and Epiphan. l. 1. cont. Haeres. cals it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: which word in the Armenian and Aegyptian tongue signifieth descent, of Lubar, which is to descend; whence also Lubra is a Synagogue, because it was commonly built on some high place: whereof al∣so the Latine Delubrum may seeme to be deriued; and Act. 6. 9. they that belonged to [unspec 40] the Synagogue of the Aegyptians are called Libertini, for Lubratenu. Yet this opinion hath beene embraced from age to age: receiuing a habit of strength by time, and al∣lowance without any farther examination; although the name of Lubar might other∣wise rightly be giuen, especially to that mountaine, by reason that the passage was more faire, vp and downe vnto it, then to any of the rest adioyning.

†. III. The first argument against the common opinion. They that came to build Babel, would haue come sooner, had they come from so neere a place as Armenia. [unspec 50]

BVt there are many arguments to perswade me, that the Arke of Noah did not rest it selfe in any part of Armenia, and that the mountaines Ararat was not Baris, nor any one of the Gordiaean mountaines.

For first, it is agreed by all which follow 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that it was in the 130. yeare, or in the yeare 131. after the floud, when 〈◊〉〈◊〉 came into the valley of Shinar, which Valley was afterward called Babylonia, Chush, and Chaldaea. If then the Arke had first found land in Armenia, it is very vnprobable, that the children of Noah which came into that valley could haue spent so many yeares in so short a passage: seeing the Re∣gion of Mesopotamia was onely interiacent, which might by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 iourneies haue beene past ouer in twentie dayes; and to hasten and helpe which passage the nauiga∣ble riuer of Tigris offered it selfe, which is euery where transpassable by boates of great burden: so as where the Desart on the one side resisted their expedition, the ri∣uer on the contrarie side serued to aduance it; the riuer rising out of the same ri∣uer [unspec 10] of mountaines, or at the foote of them, where the Arke of Noah was first supposed to settle it selfe; Then, if the Nations which followed Nimrod still doubted the sur∣prise of a second floud (according to the opinions of the ancient Hebrewes) it soun∣deth ill to the eare of reason, that they would haue spent many yeeres in that low and ouerflowne Valley of Mesopotamia, so called of the many Riuers which imbroyder or compasse it: for the effects witnessed their affections, and the workes, which they vndertooke, their vnbeliefe; being no sooner arriued in Shinar, but they began to prouide themselues of a defence (by erecting Babel) against any future or feared in∣vndation. Now at Babel it was that Nimrod began his Kingdome, the first knowne Citie of the world founded after the floud, about 131. yeares, or (as others suppose) [unspec 20] ten yeeres later: though (for my selfe) I rather thinke, that they vndertooke that worke in two respects; first, to make themselues famous, To get vs a name (saith the Text:) Secondly, thereby to vsurpe dominion ouer the rest.

†. IIII. The second argument, That the Easterne people were most ancient in populositie, and in all humane glorie.

FOr a second Argument: The ciuilitie, magnificence and multitude of people [unspec 30] (wherein the East parts of the world first abounded) hath more waight then any thing which hath beene, or can be said for Armenia, and for Noahs taking land there. And that this is true, the vse of Printing and Artillerie (among many other things which the East had) may easily perswade vs, that those Sunne-rising Nations were the most ancient. The certaintie of this report, that the East Indians (time out of minde) haue had Gunnes and Ordnance of batterie, confirmed by the Portugals and others, makes vs now to vnderstand, That the place of Philostratus in vita Apollonij Tianaei. l. 2. c. 14. is no fable, though exprest in fabulous wordes: when he saith, that the wise men, which dwell betweene Hyphasis and Ganges, vse not themselues to goe forth into battaile: but that they driue away their enemies with thunder and light∣ning [unspec 40] sent from Iupiter. By which meanes there it is said, that Hercules Aegyptius and Bacchus, ioyning their forces were defeated there; and that this Hercules there cast away his golden shield. For the inuention of letters was ignorantly ascribed to Cad∣mus, because he brought them first into Greece: of which the people (then rude and sauage) had reason to giue him the honour, from whom they receiued the benefit. But it is true, that letters are no lesse ancient then Seth or Henoch were: for they are said to haue written on pillars of stone (as before remembred) long before the floud. But from the Easterne world it was that Iohn Cuthenberg a Germane, brought the de∣uice of Printing: by whom Conradus being instructed, brought the practice thereof to Rome: and after that Nicholaus Gerson a Frenchman, bettered both the letters and [unspec 50] inuention. And notwithstanding that this mysterie was then supposed to bee but newly borne, the Chinäos had letters long before either the Aegyptians or Phoenici∣ans; and also the Art of Printing, when as the Greekes had neither any ciuill know∣ledge, or any letters among them.

And that this is true, both the Portugals and Spaniards haue witnessed, who about an hundred yeares since discouered those Kingdomes, and doe now enioy their rich trades therein: for the Chinaos account all other Nations but Saluages, in respect of themselues.

And to adde strength to this argument, the conquest and storie of Alex. Macedon may iustly bee called to witnesse, who found more Cities and sumptuositie in that little Kingdome of Porus, which lay side by side to the East India, then in all his other trauailes and vndertakings. For in Alexanders time learning and greatnesse had not trauailed so farre to the West as Rome: Alexander esteeming of Italie but as a bar∣barous Countrie, and of Rome as of a Village. But it was Babylon that stood in his [unspec 10] eye, and the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the East pierced his 〈◊〉〈◊〉. And if wee looke as farre as the Sun∣rising, and heare Paulus Venetus what he reporteth of the vttermost Angle and Island thereof, we shall finde that those Nations haue sent out, and not receiued, lent know∣ledge, and not borrowed it from the West. For the farther East (to this day) the more ciuill, the farther West the more saluage. And of the Isle of Iapan (now Zipin∣gari) Venetus maketh this report: Incolae religioni, literis, & sapientiae sunt addictissimi, & veritatis indagatores acerrimi; nihil illis frequentius oratione, quam (more nostro) sa∣cris in delubris exercent: vnum cognoscunt Principem, vnum Deum adorant, The Ilan∣ders are exceedingly addicted to religion, letters, and Philosophie, and most diligent searchers out of truth: there is nothing among them more frequent then prayer, which they vse in their [unspec 20] Churches, after the manner of Christians. They acknowledge one King, and worship one God. The antiquitie, magnificence, ciuilitie, riches, sumptuous buildings, and po∣licie in gouernement, is reported to be such by those who haue beene employed in∣to those parts, as it seemeth to exceede (in those formerly named, and diuers other particulars) all other Kingdomes of the world.

†. V. The third argument, From the wonderfull resistance which SEMIRAMIS found in the East Indies. [unspec 30]

BVt for a third argument, and also of a treble strength to the rest, I lay the inuasi∣on of Semiramis before the indifferent and aduised Reader: who may consider in what age shee liued, and how soone after the worlds new birth shee gathered her Armie (as Diodorus Siculus out of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 reporteth) of more then three Millions to inuade India, to which hee adioyned also 500000. Horse, and 100000. Waggons: whereof if we beleeue but a third part, it shall suffice to proue that India was the first planted and peopled Countrie after the floud. Now as touching the time wherein shee liued: All Historians consent, that shee was the wife of Ninus; and the most approued Writers agree, that Ninus was the Sonne of Belus, and Belus of Nimrod, [unspec 40] that Nimrod was the Sonne of Cush, Cush of Cham, and Cham of Noah. And at such time as Nimrod came to Shinar, hee was then a great Nation, as by the building of the Citie and Tower of Babel may appeare; and being then so multiplied and in∣creased, the two descents cast betweene Nimrod and Semiramis, brought foorth in that time those multitudes, whereof her Armie was composed. Let vs then see with whome shee encountred in that warre with this her powerfull Armie: euen with a multitude, rather exceeding, then equalling her owne, conducted by Stauro∣bates King of India beyond Indus; of whose multitudes this is the witnesse of Diod. Siculus. STAVROBATES, auit is maioribus quàm quae erant SEMIRAMIDIS copijs. STAVROBATES gathering together greater troupes then those of SEMIRAMIS. If then [unspec 50] these numbers of Indians had beene encreased but by a Colonie sent out from Shinar, (and that also after Babel was built, which no doubt tooke some time in the perfor∣mance) this encrease in the East, and this Armie of Staurobates must haue been made of stone, or somwhat else by miracle. For as the numbers which Semiramis gathered

might easily grow vp in that time, from so great a Troupe as Nimrod brought with him into Babylonia (as shall be demonstrated hereafter in the Storie of Israel) so could not any such time, by any multiplication naturall, produce so many bodies of men, as were in the Indian Army victorious ouer Semiramis, if the Colonies sent thither had beene so late as Babel ouerturned, and the confusion of Languages. For if we allow 65. yeeres time after the Floud, before Nimrod was borne: of which, 30. yeeres to Cush ere he begat Seba, after whom hee had Hauilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabtecha: and then 30. yeeres to Raamah, ere hee begat Sheba and Dedan, both which were borne before Nimrod: and fiue yeeres to his fiue elder brothers, which make 65. and then twice 30. yeeres for two Generations more, as for Nimrod, Sheba and Dedan [unspec 10] with others, to beget their sonnes; and that a third Generation might grow vp, which makes in all 125. yeeres, there will then remaine sixe yeeres to haue beene spent in trauailing from the East, ere they arriued in Shinar in the yeere after the Floud 131. And so the followers of Nimrod might bee of sufficient multitude. But as for those which make him to haue arriued at Shinaar in the yeere 101.: and the confusion to haue beene at Pelegs birth, these men doe all by miracle: they beget whole Nations without the helpe of time, and build Nimrods Towre in the Ayre; and not on those low and marish grounds (which require sound foundations) in the Plaines of Shinaar. For except that huge Towre were built in a day, there could be no confusion in that yeere 101. or at Pelegs birth. And therefore it is farre more [unspec 20] probable, that Nimrod vsurped Regall authoritie in the 131. yeere after the Floud, (according to Berosus) and that the worke of Babel lasted fortie yeeres (according to GLYCAS) Hominibus in ea perficienda totis 40. ann is incassum laborantibus: Men labou∣ring in vaine 40. yeeres to finish it. By which account it fals out, that it was 170. yeeres after the Floud, ere a Colonie was sent into East India; which granted (the one being the maine bodie, and the other but a Troupe taken thence) it can hardly bee beleeued, that Staurobates could haue exceeded Semiramis in numbers: who being then Empresse of all that part of the world, gathered the most of Nations into one bodie. [unspec 30]

†. VI. The fourth Argument from diuers considerations in the person of NOAH.

FOurthly, it is no way probable, that Noah, who knew the world before the floud, and had liued therein the long time of 600. yeeres, was all that space 130. yeeres after the floud, without any certaine habitation: No, it will fall out, and better agree with reason, that Nimrod was but the conducter of those people, by Noah destined and appointed to fill and inhabite that middle part of the earth and the Westerne [unspec 40] world; (which trauailes Noah put ouer to yong and able bodies) and that Noah him∣selfe then couered with many yeeres, planted himselfe in the same place which God had assigned him: which was where he first came downe out of the Arke from the waters: For it is written, that after Noah came downe out of the Arke he planted a Vineyard, and became a Husbandman: whose businesse was to dresse and manure the earth; and not to range ouer so many parts of the world, as from Armenia into Arabia foelix, where he should (if the tradition be sound) haue left certaine Colonies: thence into Africa towards Triton; then into Spaine, where they say he settled other companies, & built Cities after the names of Noela and Noegla his sons wiues: from thence into Italie, where they say hee found his sonne Cham the Saturne of Aegypt, [unspec 50] who had corrupted the people and subiects of Gomer in his absence: with whom Noah (as they make the storie) had patience for three yeeres; but then finding no a∣mendment, they say he banisht him out of Italie. These be but the fancies of Bero∣sus Annianus, a plaine imitation of the Graecian fables. For let euery reasonable man

conceiue, what it was to trauaile farre in such a forrest as the World was, when after so great a rotting of the earth by the floud, the same lay waste and ouer-growne for 130. or 140. yeeres, and wherein there could hardly be found either path or passage through which men were able to creepe for woods, bushes and bryars that in those yeeres were growne vp.

And there are so many reasons, prouing that Noah neuer came into the valley of Shinaar, as we need not suspect his passage into Italie or Spaine: For Noah, who was Father of al those Nations, a man reuerenced both for his authoritie, knowledge, ex∣perience and pietie, would neuer haue permitted his children and issues to haue vn∣dertaken that vnbeleeuing presumptuous worke of Babel. Rather by his presence [unspec 10] and preualent perswasions he would haue bound their hands from so vaine labours, and by the authoritie which he receiued euen from God himselfe, hee would haue held them in that awfull subiection, as whatsoeuer they had vainely conceiued or feared, yet they durst not haue disobeyed the personall commandement of him, who in the beginning had a kinde of Regall authoritie ouer his children and people. Certainely, Noah knew right well, that the former destruction of mankinde was by themselues purchased through crueltie and disobedience; and that to distrust God, and to raise vp building against his Almightie power, was as much as in them lay, a prouocation of God to lay on them the same, if not a more sharpe affliction. Where∣fore, there is no probabilitie, that euer he came so farre West as Babylonia; but rather, [unspec 20] that hee sent those numbers which came into Shinaar (being the greatest troupe, be∣cause they had the greatest part of the world to plant) vnder Nimrod, or those vpon whom he vsurped. Nauclerus and Coelestinus take the testimonie of Methodius Bishop of Tyre for currant, that there were three Leaders of the people after their encrease (to wit) Nimrod, Suphene, and Ioctan: of which Nimrod commaunded the issues of Cham, Ioctan of Sem, and Suphene of Iaphet. This opinion I cannot iudge of, although I will not doubt, but that so great a worke as the worlds plantation, could not bee effected without order and conduction.

Of the Sonnes of Sem: Ioctan, Hauilah, and Ophir, are especially noted to haue dwelt in the East India. The rest of Sems issues had also the Regions of Persia and the [unspec 30] other adioyning to Indus, and held also a part of Chaldaea for a time: for Abraham inha∣bited Vr, till he was thence called by God; and whether they were of the Sonnes of Ioctan, or of all the rest a certaine number (Cham and his issue onely excepted) that Noah kept with himselfe, it cannot be knowne. Of which plantation I shal speake at large in the Chapter following.

Now another reason which moues me to beleeue, that Noah stayed in the East far away from all those that came into Shinar, is, that Moses doth not in any word make mention of Noah in all the storie of the Hebrewes, or among any of those Nations which contended with them. And Noah, being the Father of all mankinde, and the chosen seruant of God, was too principall a person, to bee either forgotten or negle∣cted, [unspec 40] had he not (in respect of his age and wearisome experience of the world) with∣drawne himselfe, and rested apart with his best beloued, giuing himselfe to the ser∣uice and contemplation of God and heauenly things, after hee had directed his chil∣dren to their destined portions. For hee landed in a warme and fertile soile, where hee planted his Vineyard, and drest the earth; after which, and his thankes giuing to God by sacrifice, he is not remembred in the Scriptures, because hee was so farre a∣way from those Nations of which Moses wrote: which were the Hebrewes chiefly, and their enemies and borderers. [unspec 50]

†. VII. Of the senselesse opinion of ANNIVS the Commentor vpon BEROSVS: who finds diuers places where the Arke rested; as the Caspian and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hils which are three hundred miles asunder; and also some place of Scythia.

IT remaineth now that we examine the Arguments and authorities of Frier An∣nius, who in his Commentaries vpon Berosus and others, laboureth maruailously to proue, that the Arke of Noah rested vpon the Armenian mountaines called Caspij; [unspec 10] which mountaines separate Armenia from the vpper Media, and doe equally belong to both. And because all his Authours speake of the mountaines 〈◊〉〈◊〉, hee hath no other shift to vnite these opinions, but by vniting those farre-distant mountaines together. To effect which, he hath found no other inuention, then to charge those men with errour, which haue carefully ouerseene, printed, and published Ptolomies Geographie, in which they are altogether disseuered. For that last edition of Merca∣tors, sets these hils fiue degrees (which makes three hundred English miles) asunder. And certainly, if we looke into those more ancient copies of Villanouanus and others, we shall finde nothing in them to helpe Annius withall: for in those the mountaines Caspij stand seuen degrees to the East of the Gordiaei, which make 420. miles. And [unspec 20] for those Authours by whose authoritie Annius strengtheneth himselfe, Diodorus whom hee so much followeth, giueth this iudgement vpon them in the like dispute. Aberrârunt 〈◊〉〈◊〉 omnes, non negligentiâ, sed regnorum situs ignorantia, They haue all erred (saith he) not through negligence, but through ignorance of the situation of Kingdomes. But for an induction, to proue that the Arke of Noah stood on the mountaines of Arme∣nia, he beginneth with the antiquitie of the Scythians: and to proue the same hee ci∣teth Marcus Portius Cato, who auoweth that 250. yeares before Ninus, the earth was ouerflowne with waters, & in Scythia Sagarenatum mortale genus, and that in Scy∣thia Saga the stocke of mortall men was renewed. The same Authour also teacheth that the Vmbri before remembred (who were so called, because saued from Deucalions [unspec 30] floud) were the Sonnes of the Galli, a Nation of the Scythians. Ex hijs venisse IANVM cum DYRIM & Gallis progenitoribus Vmbrorum, From these Scythians, he saith, that IANVS came with DYRIM and with the Galli the progenitours of the Vmbri; And a∣gaine, Equidem principatus originis semper Scythis tribuitur, Certainely, the Prime anti∣quitie of off-spring is alway giuen to the Scythians. And herein truly I agree with Annius, that those Regions called Scythiae, and now Tartaria, and by some Writers Sarmatia Asiatica, were among the first peopled: and they held the greatest part of Asia vn∣der tribute till Ninus time. Also Plinie calleth the Vmbri which long since inhabited Italie, Gens antiquissima, a most ancient Nation, who descended of these Scythians. Now that which Annius laboureth, is to proue that these ancient Scythians (meaning the [unspec 40] Nephewes of Noah) did first inhabite that Region of the mountaines, on which the Arke rested; and confessing that this great ship was grounded in Armenia, he faineth a nation of Scythians called Araxea, taking name of the mountaine Ararat, neere the Riuer of Araxes. And because his Authour Cato helpeth him in part (to wit, That in Scythia mankinde was restored after the great floud, 250. yeares before Ninus) and in part vtterly destroyeth his conceit of Armenia, by adding the word Saga, as in Scythia Saga renatum mortale genus, in Scythia Saga mankinde was restored hee therefore in the Prooeme of his Commentarie vpon Berosus, leaueth out the addition of Saga al∣together in the repetition of Cato his wordes, and writes homines in Scythia saluatos. For Scythia Saga or Sacae, is vndoubtedly vnder the mountaines of Paropanisus, on [unspec 50] which, or neere which it is most probable that the Arke first tooke ground; and from those East parts (according to Moses) came all those companies which erected the Tower of Babel in Shinaar or Babylonia.

But now the best authoritie which Annius hath, is out of Diodorus: where he hath

read, that the Scythians were originally Armenians, taking name 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Scytha Rege eorum, from Scytha their King. But (in a word) we may see his vanitie, or rather (indeede) his falshood in citing this place. For Diodorus a most approued and diligent Au∣thour beginneth in that place with these words: Fabulantur Scythae, The Scythians fa∣ble: and his Interpreter in the table of that worke giueth this title to that very Chapter. Scytharum origo & successus, fabula, The originall and successe of the Scythians, a fable. And (indeede) there needes no great disproofe hereof, since Ptolomie doeth directly delineate Scythia Saga, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and sets them in 130. degrees of longitude: and the Persians (saith Herodotus) call all the Scythians, Sacae, which Plinie confirmeth: for in respect that these Sacae (saith Plinie) are the next Scythians to the Persians, there∣fore [unspec 10] they giue all the rest that name. Now that any Nation in Armenia can neigh∣bour the Persians, there is no man beleeueth. But this supposed Scythia Araxea in Armenia lyeth in 78. degrees of longitude (that is) 42. degrees distant from the Sa∣cae; and the Countrie about Araxes, Ptolomie calleth Colthene and Soducene and Saca∣pene, without any mention of Scythia at all: and yet all those which are or were repu∣ted Scythians, either within Imatus or without, to the number of 100. seuerall Nati∣ons are by Ptolomie precisely set downe.

But to come to those later Authours, whereof some haue written, others haue seene a great part of those North-east Regions, and searched their antiquities with great diligence: First, Marius Niger boundeth Scythia within Imaus, in this manner: [unspec 20] (for Scythia without these mountaines is also beyond our purpose.) Scythia intra Ima∣um montem ca est, quae 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vocabulo Gassaria hoc tempore dicitur: ab Occasu Sarmatia Asiatica: ab Oriente Imao monte: à Septentrione terra incognita: à Meridiae Saccis, Sogdia∣nis, Margianis, vs{que} ostia 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Hyrcanum mare exeuntis; & parte ipsius maris hinc vs{que} ad Rhafluminis ostia terminatur: Scythia within the mountaine Imaus is that part of the world, which in their ownc speech is at this time called Gassaria; and the same is bounded on the West side by Sarmatia Asiatica, (or of Asia) on the East by the Imaan mountaines: on the North by vnknowne lands: on the South by the Saccae (which are the Sacae) the Sog∣diani, and the Margiani, to the mouth of Oxus, falling into the Hyrcan Sea, and by a part of the same Sea as farre as the mouth of Rha. [unspec 30]

Now if Niger sets all Sarmatia Asiatica, to the West of Scythia, then Sarmatia (que magna sanè regio est, & quae innumer as nationes complectitur, Which is a great Region, comprehending innumerable Nations, (saith Niger) much of it being betweene Scythis and Armenia, doth sufficiently warrant vs, that Armenia can bee no part of Scythia; and to make it more plaine, he disseuereth Sarmatia it selfe from any part of Armenia, by the Regions of Colchis, Iberia, Albania, which he leaueth on the right hand of Sar∣matia, and yet makes Sarmatia but the West bound of Scythia.

And for Paulus Venetus, he hath not a word of Armenia among the Tartarian, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Nations; neither doth his fellow Frier Iohn Plancarpio (cited by Vincentius in his description of Scythia) make any mention of Armenia; neither doth Haytonus an [unspec 40] Armenian borne, of the bloud of those Kings, (though afterward a Monke) euer acknowledge himselfe for a Tartarian, or of the Scythian races descended: though he write that storie at large, gathered by Nicholaus Salcuni, and (by the commandement of Pope Clement the fifth) in the yeare 1307 published.

Neither doth Mathias a Michou (a Canon of Craconia in Polonia) a Sarmatian borne, and that trauailed a great part of Sarmatia Asiatica, finde Armenia any way within the compasse of Tartaria, Scythia, or Sarmatia; and yet no man (whose trauailes are extant) hath obserued so much of those Regions as he hath done: prouing and dis∣prouing many things, heretofore subiect to dispute. And among others hee bu∣rieth that ancient and receiued opinion, That out of the mountaines Riphaei, and [unspec 50] Hyperborei in Scythia, spring the Riuers of Tanais or Don, Volga or Edel; prouing by vnanswerable experience, that there are no such mountaines in rerum natura; and (indeede) the heads and fountaines of those famous Riuers, are now by the trade of Muscouia knowne to euery Merchant, and that they arise out of Lakes, low, wooddie,

and marish grounds. The Riuer of Tanois or Don, ariseth to the South of the Citie Tulla, some twentie English miles, out of a Lake called Iwanowesero in the great wood Okenitzkilies or Iepiphanolies. Volga, which Ptolomie cals Rha, and the Tartars call Edel, riseth out of a Lake called Fronow, in the great Wood Vodkonzki: from which Lake the two other famous Riuers flow of Borysthenes (now Neyper) and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or Di∣uidna. And this learned Polonian doth in this sort bound the Europaean Sarmatia. In Sarmatia of Europe are the Regions of Russians, Lithuanians, Muscouians, and those adioy∣ning, bounded on the West by the Riuer of Vissa, the name perchance misprinted Vissa for 〈◊〉〈◊〉, a Riuer which parts Germanie and Sarmatia: and for the East border hee nameth Tanais or Don. Sarmatia Asiatica hee cutteth from Europe by the same [unspec 10] Riuer of Tanais, and the Caspian Sea, to with-hold it from stretching farther East: this Asian Sarmatia being part of that Scythia which Ptolomie calleth Scythia intra Imaum montem: Scythia within the mountaine Imaus. And the same Mathias Michon farther affirmeth, that the Scythians (which Frier Annius would make Armenians) came not into Sarmatia Asiatica it selfe aboue three hundred and a few odde yeeres before his owne time: these be his wordes: Constat cam esse gentem nouam, & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 à par∣tibus Orientis, (mutatis sedibus) paulò plus abhinc trecentis annis Asiae Sarmatiam ingres∣sam: It is manifest (sayth hee, speaking of the Scythian Nation) that this is a late planted Nation, come from the Coasts of the East: from whence they entred into Asia, and gat new seates a little more then three hundred yeeres since: For (indeed) before that time the [unspec 20] Gothes or Pouloci inhabited Sarmatia Asiaticae. And this Mathias liued in the yeere 1511. and this his Discourse of Sarmatia was printed at Augusta in the yeere 1506. as Bucholzerus in his Chronologie witnesseth. Now these Scythians (sayth hee) came from the East, for in the East it was that the Arke of Noah rested; and the Scythae Sacae were those people which liued at the North foot of those Mountaines of Taurus or Ararat, where they encounter or beginne to mixe themselues with the great Imaus. And were there no other testimonie then the generall description of the Earth now extant, and the witnesse of Ptolomie, it is plaine, that betweene al parts of Armenia and Scythia, there are not only those three Regions of Colchis, Iberia, and Albania, but the Caspian Sea: on the East shore of which Sea, but not on the West, or on that [unspec 30] part which any way toucheth Armenia, there are (indeed) a Nation of Scythians (called Ariacae) betweene Iaxartus and Iactus; but what are these Scythians to any Ariacae, or Scythia Araxea which ANNIVS placeth in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, more then the Scythians of Europe?

†. VIII. The fift argument, The Vine must grow naturally neere the place where the Arke rested. [unspec 40]

TO this if we adde the consideration of this part of the Text, That NOAH plan∣ted a Vineyard, wee shall finde that the fruit of the Vine or Raysin did not grow naturally in that part of Armenia, where this resting of the Arke was supposed: for if the Vine was a stranger in Italie and France, and brought from other Countries thither, it is not probable that it grew naturally in Armenia, being a farre colder Countrie. For Tyrrhenus first brought Vines into France, and Saturnus into Latium: yea at such time as Brennus and the Gaules inuaded Italie, there were few or no Vines in France. For (sayth Plutarch in the life of Camillus) the Gaules remained betweene the Pyrenae: and the Alpes, neere vnto the Senones, where they continued a long time, [unspec 50] vntill they drunke Wine, which was first brought them out of Italie; and after they tasted thereof they hasted to inhabite that Countrie, which brought forth such plea∣sant fruit: so as it appeared, that the Plant of the Vine was not naturall in France, but from Italie brought thither; as by Saturne from elsewhere into Italie.

Now it is manifest that Noah trauailed not farre to seeke out the Vine. For the Plantation thereof is remembred, before there was any counsaile how to dispose of the World among his children: and the first thing he did was to till the ground, and to plant a Vineyard, after his Sacrifice and Thankesgiuing to God; and wheresoe∣uer the Arke rested, there did the Vine grow naturally. From whence it doth no where appeare that hee trauailed farre: for the Scriptures teach vs, that hee was a Husbandman, and not a Wanderer.

†. IX. [unspec 10] Answere to an obiection out of the words of the Text: The Lord scattered them from thence vpon the face of the whole earth.

AND that all the children of Noah came together into Shinar, it doth not ap∣peare, sauing that it may be inferred out of these wordes (from thence) because it is written: So the Lord scattered them from thence vpon all the earth; which hath no other sense, but that the Lord scattered them (to wit) those that built this Towre: for those were from thence dispersed into all the Regions of the North and South, and to the Westward. And by these words of Sybilla (as they are conuerted) it see∣meth [unspec 20] that all came not together into Shinaar, for they haue this limitation: Quidam 〈◊〉〈◊〉 turrem adificarunt altissimam, quasi per eam coelum essent ascensuri: Certaine of them built a most high Towre, as if they meant thereby to haue scaled the Heauens.

†. X. An answere to the obiection from the name of Ararat, taken for Armenia: and the heighth of the Hils there.

BVT before I conclude this part, it is necessarie to see and consider, what part of Scripture, and what reason may be found out to make it true or probable, that [unspec 30] the Arke of Noah was forsaken by the waters on the Mountaines of Armenia. For the Text hath only these wordes: The Arke rested on (or vpon) the Mountaines of Ararat or Armenia, saith the marginall note of the Geneua, the Chaldaean Paraphrast cals 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Kardu; of which the highest hath the name of Lubar, saith Epiphanius. Now this Ararat (which the Septuagint doe not conuert at all, but keepe the same word) is ta∣ken to be a Mountaine of Armenia, because Armenia it selfe had anciently that name: so as first out of the name, and secondly out of the heighth (which they suppose ex∣ceeded all other) is the opinion taken, That the Arke first sate 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

But these suppositions haue no foundation: for neyther is Ararat of Armenia a∣lone, neyther is any part, or any of those Mountaines of equall stature to many o∣ther [unspec 40] Mountaines of the World; and yet it doth not follow, that the Arke found the highest Mountaine of all other to rest on: for the Plaines were also vncouered, be∣fore Noah came out of the Arke. Now if there were any agreement among Wri∣ters of this Ararat, and that they did not differ altogether therein, wee might giue more credit to the conceit. For in the Bookes of the Sybils it is written, that the Mountaines of Ararat are in Phrygia, vpon which it was supposed that the Arke stayed after the Floud. And the better to particularize the place and seate of these Mountaines, and to prooue them in Phrygia, and not Armenia, they are placed where the Citie of Coelenes was afterward built. Likewise in the same description she maketh mention of Marsyas, a Riuer which runneth through part of Phrygia, [unspec 50] and afterward ioyneth it selfe with the Riuer Moeander, which is farre from the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Mountaines in Armenia. We may also find a great mistaking in IOSEPHVS, (though out of BEROSVS, who is in effect the Father of this opinion) that IO∣SEPHVS sets Ararat betweene ARMENIA and PARTHIA toward ADIABENE, and

affirmeth withall, that in the Pronince of Caron by others Kairos and Arnos, so cal∣led by reason that the waters haue from thence no descent, nor issue out, the people vaunt that they had in those dayes reserued some pieces of Noahs Arke. But Parthia toucheth no where vpon Armenia, for Armenia bordereth Adiabene, a Prouince of Assyria: so that all Media and a part of Assyria is betweene Parthia and Armenia. Now whereas the discouerie of the Mountaines Cordiaei was first borrowed out of Berosus by Iosephus; yet the Text which Iosephus citeth out of Berosus, differs farre from the wordes of that Berosus, which wandreth vp and downe in these dayes, set out by An∣nius. For 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cited by Iosephus, hath these words: Fertur & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 huius pars in Armenia, apud montem Cordiaeorum superesse, & quosdam bitumen inde abrasum 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [unspec 10] reportare, quo vice amuleti loci huius homines vti solent: (which is) It is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 also that a part of this ship is yet remaining in Armenia vpon the Cordiaean Mountaines; and that di∣uers doe scrape from it the Bitumen or Pitch, and carrying it with them, they vse it in stead of an amulet. But Annius his Edition of the Fragment of Berosus vseth these wordes: Nam eleuata ab aquis in Gordiaei montis vertice quieuit, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 dicitur aliqua pars esse, & homines ex illa Bitumen tollere quo maximè vtuntur ad expiationem: For the whole Arke being lifted vp by the waters, rested on the top of the Gordiaean Mountaines, of which it is re∣ported that some parts remaine, and that men doe carry thence of the Bitumen to purge by Sacrifice therewith: so as in these two Texts (besides the difference of words) the name is diuersly written. The ancient Berosus writes Cordiaei with a (C.) and the Fragment [unspec 20] Gordiaei with a (G.) the one that the Bitumen is vsed for a preseruatiue against Poyson or Inchantment; the other in Sacrifice; And if it bee said that they agree in the ge∣nerall, yet it is reported by neither from any certaine knowledge, nor from any ap∣proued Authour: for one of them vseth the word (〈◊〉〈◊〉) the other (dicitur) the one, that so it is reported, the other, that so it is sayd; and both but by heare-say, and there∣fore of no anothoritie nor credit. For common bruit is so infamous an Historian, as wise men neyther report after it, nor giue credit to any thing they receiue from it.

Furthermore, these Mountaines which Ptolomie cals 〈◊〉〈◊〉, are not those Moun∣taines which himselfe giueth to Armenia, but hee calleth the Mountaines of Armenia Moschici. These be his owne wordes: Montes Armeniae nominantur ij, qui Moschici ap∣pellantur, [unspec 30] qui protenduntur vs{que} ad superiacentem partem Ponti Cappadocum; & mons qui Paryardes dicitur: The Mountaines of Armenia are they which are called Moschici, which stretch along to the higher part of Pontus of the Cappadocians: also the Hill which is called Paryardes; which Mountaines Plinie calleth Pariedri, and both which lye to the North of Gordiaei or Baris, in 43. and 44. and a halfe; and the Gordiaean Mountaines in 39. and a halfe: from the Northermost of which did the Georgians take their names, who were first Gordians and then Georgians, who amidst all the strength of the greatest Infidels of Persia and Turkie, doe still remaine Christians. Concerning the other suppositions, that the Mountaines of Gordiaei, otherwise Baris Kardu or Lu∣bar, (which Ptolomie calleth Togordiaion) are the highest of the World, the same is [unspec 40] absolutely false.

†. XI. Of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and diuers farre higher Hils then the Armenian.

FOR the best Cosmographers with other, that haue seene the Mountanes of Arme∣nia, find them farre inferiour, and vnder-set to diuers other Mountaines euen in that part of the World, and elsewhere: as the Mountaine Athos betweene Macedon [unspec 50] and Thrace, which Ptolomie cals Olympus, now called Lacas, (saith Castaldus) is farre surmounting any Mountaine that euer hath beene seene in Armenia: for it casteth shade three hundred furlongs, which is seuen and thirtie miles and vpwardes: of which Plutarch: Athos adumbrat latera Lemniae 〈◊〉〈◊〉: Athos shaddoweth the Cow of Lem∣nos.

Also the Mount of Olympus in Thessalie, is sayd to be of that heighth, as neither the Winds, Cloudes, or Raine ouertop it. Againe, the Mountaine of Antandrus in Mysia, not farre from Ida, whence the Riuer Scamandrus floweth, which runneth through Troy, is also of a farre more admiration then any in Armenia, and may bee seene from Constantinople. There are also in Mauritania neere the Sea, the famous Mountaines of Atlas, of which HERODOTVS: Extat in hoc mari Mons, cui nomen Atlas, ita sublimis esse dicitur, vt adillius verticem oculi mortalium peruenire non possint: Vpon this Coast there is a Mountaine called Atlas, whose heighth is sayd to be such, as the eye of no mortallman can discerne the top thereof. And if we may beleeue Aristotle, then are all these inferiour to Caucasus, which hee maketh the most notorious both for breadth [unspec 10] and heighth: Caucasus Mons omnium maximus, qui aestiuum ad ortum sunt, acumine at{que} latitudine, cuius iuga à Sole radiantur vs{que} ad conticinium ab ortu: & iterum ab occasu; Cau∣casus (saith ARISTOTLE) is the greatest Mountain both for breadth and heighth of all those in the North-east, whose tops are lightned by the Sun-beames, vs{que} ad conticinium (which is saith Macrobius) betweene the first crowing after mid-night and the breake of day: Others affirme, that the top of this Mountaine holds the Sunne-beames when it is darke in the Valley; but I cannot beleeue eyther: for the highest Mountaine of the World knowne is that of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the Canaria: which although it hath nothing to the Westward of it for 1000. Leagues together but the Ocean Sea, yet doth it not enioy the Sunnes companie at any such late houres. Besides, these Mountaines which Ari∣stotle [unspec 20] calleth Caucasi, are those which separate 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from Iberia; though (indeed) Caucasus doth diuide both Colchis, Iberia, and Albania from Sarmatia: for he acknow∣ledgeth that the Riuer of Phasis riseth in the same Mountaine, which himselfe calleth Caucasus, and that Phasis springeth from those Hils which sunder Colchis from Iberia, falling afterward into Euxinus: which Riuer (it is manifest) yeeldeth it selfe to the Sea, two degrees to the North of Trapezus (now Trabesunda) howsoeuer Mercator bring it from Peryardes.

†. XII. [unspec 30] Of diuers incongruities, if in this Storie we should take Ararat for Armenia.

SO as it doth first appeare, that there is no certaintie what Mountaine Ararat was: for the Bookes of the Sybils set it in Phrygia: and Berosus in Armenia: and as for Be∣rosus authoritie, those men haue great want of proofes that borrow from thence.

Secondly, that Baris was the highest Hill, and therefore most likely that the Arke grounded thereon, the assertion and supposition haue equall credit: for there are many Hils which exceed all those of Armenia; and if they did not, yet it doth not follow (as is before written) that the Arke should 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on the highest. [unspec 40]

Thirdly, it cannot be proued that there is any such Hill in Armenia, or in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 natura, as Baris: for Baris (sayth Hierome) signifieth high Towres: and so may all high Hils bee called indifferently; and therefore wee may better giue the name of Baris to the Hils of Caucasus (out of which Indus 〈◊〉〈◊〉) then to any Hils of Armenia. For those of Caucasus in the East, are vndoubtedly the highest of Asia.

Fourthly, the Authours themselues doe not agree in what Region the Moun∣taines Gordiaei stand: for Ptolomie distinguisheth the Mountaines of Armenia from the Gordiaean, and calleth those of Armenia Moschici and Paryardes, as aforesaid. Now Paryardes is seated neere the middle of Armenia, out of which on the West-side riseth [unspec 50] Euphrates, and out of the East-side Araxis: and the Mountaines Moschici are those Hils which disioyne Colchis, Iberia, and Albania (now the Countrie of the Georgians) from Armenia.

†. XIII. Of the contrary situation of Armenia to the place noted in the Text: and that it is no 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that the same ledge of Hils running from Armenia to India, should keepe the same name all along: and euen in India bee called Ararat.

LAstly, we must blow vp this Mountaine Ararat it selfe, or else wee must digge it downe, and carry it out of Armenia; or find it elsewhere, and in a warmer Coun∣trie, and (withall) set it East from 〈◊〉〈◊〉: or else wee shall wound the Truth it selfe [unspec 10] with the weapons of our owne vaine imaginations.

Therefore to make the mistaking open to euery eye, wee must vnderstand, that Ararat (named by Moses) is not any one Hill, so called, no more then any one Hill among those Mountaines which diuide Italie from France is called the Alpes: or any 〈◊〉〈◊〉 among those which part France from Spaine is the Pyrenian; but as these being continuations of many Hils keepe one name in diuers Countries: so all that long ledge of Mountaines, which Plinie calleth by one name Taurus, and Ptolomie both Taurus, Niphates, Coatras, Coronus, Sariphi, vntill they encounter and crosse the Mountaines of the great Imaus, are of one generall name, and are called the Moun∣taines of Ararat or Armenia, because from thence or thereabout they seeeme to arise. [unspec 20] So all these Mountaines of Hyrcania, Armenia, Coraxis, Caspij Moschici, Amazonici, Heniochi, Scythici, (thus diuersly called by Plinie and others) Ptolomie cals by one name Caucasus, lying betweene the Seas Caspium and Euxinus: as all those Mountaines which cut asunder America, euen from the new Kingdome of Granado, to the streight of Magellan, are by one name called Andes. And as these Mountaines of Ararat runne East and West: so doe those maruailous Mountaines of Imaus stretch themselues North and South; and being of like extent well-neere, are called by the name of I∣maus, euen as Plinie calleth these former hils Taurus, and Moses the hils of Ararat. The reason of seuerall names giuen by Ptolomie was, thereby the better to distinguish the great Regions and Kingdomes, which these great mountaines bound and disseuer; [unspec 30] as Armenia, Mesopotamia, Assyria, Media, Susiana, Persia, Parthia, Caramania, Aria, Margiana, Bactria, Sogdiana, and Paropanisus: hauing all these Kingdomes either on the North or South side of them. For all the mountaines of Asia (both the lesse and the greater) haue three generall names, (to wit) Taurus, Imaus, and Caucasus: and they receiue other titles, as they seuer and diuide particular places and regions. For these mountaines which sunder Cilicia from the rest of Asia the lesse on the North side, are called Taurus; and those mountaines which part it from Comagena (a Pro∣uince of Syria) are called Amanus: the mountaines called Taurus running East and West, as Imaus doth North and South. Through Taurus the Riuer of Euphrates for∣ceth her passage, leauing the name of Amanus to the mountaines on her West banke; [unspec 40] and on her East side the mountaines are sometimes knowne by the name of Taurus, (as in Ptolomies three tables of Asia) and sometimes Niphates: (as in the fourth) re∣taining that vncertaine appellation so long as they bound Armenia from Mesopota∣mia: and after the Riuer of Tygris cutteth them asunder, they then take the name of Niphates altogether, vntill they separate Assyria and Media; but then they call themselues Coatras, though betweene the vpper and nether Media, they doe not ap∣peare, but altogether discontinue. For at Mazada in Media they are not found, but runne through the Easterne Media by pieces: in the middle of which Region they call themselues Orontes, and towards the East part Coronus; out of the Southerne part whereof the Riuer of Bagradus riseth, which diuideth the ancient Persia from [unspec 50] Caramania: and then continuing their course Eastward by the name of Coronus, they giue to the Parthians and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their proper Countries. This done, they change themselues into the mountaines of Sariphi, out of which riseth the Riuer Margus, af∣terward yeelding her selfe to Oxus: (now Abia) and drawing now neere their wayes

end, they first make themselues the South border of Bactria, and are then honoured with the Title of Paropanisus; and lastly of Caucasi, euen where the famous Riuer of Indus with his principal companions Hydaspis and Zaraedrus spring forth, and take be∣ginning. And here doe these Mountaines build themselues exceeding high, to equall the strong Hils called Imaus of Scythia, which encounter each other in 35. 36. and 37. degrees of Latitude, and in 140. of Longitude: of the which the West parts are now called Delanguer, and the rest Nagracot; and these Mountaines in this place onely, are properly called Caucasi (sayth Ptolomie) that is, betweene Paroponisus and Imaus: and improperly, betweene the two Seas of Caspium and Pontus. [unspec 10]

†. XIIII. Of the best Vine naturally growing on the South side of the Mountaines Caucasi and toward the East Indies: and of other excellencies of the Soile.

NOw in this part of the World it is, where the Mountaine and Riuer 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and the Mountaine Nyseus (so called of Bacchus Niseus or Noa) are found: and on these highest Mountaines of that part of the World did Goropius Becanus conceiue [unspec 20] that the Arke of Noah grounded after the Floud: of all his coniectures the most probable, and by best reason approued. In his Indoscythia hee hath many good Ar∣guments, though mixt with other fantasticall opinions of this subiect. And as the same Becanus also noteth; that as in this part of the World are found the best Vines: so it is as true, that in the same Line, and in 34. 35. and 36. degrees of Septentrionall Latitude are the most delicate Wines of the World, namely, in Iudaea, Candia, and o∣ther parts of Greece: and likewise in this Region of Margiana, and vnder these Moun∣taines, Strabo affirmeth, that the most excellent Vines of the World are found; the clusters of Grapes containing two Cubits of length: and it is the more probable, because this place agreeth in Climate with that part of Palestina, where the Searchers [unspec 30] of the Land by Moses direction found bunches of equall bignesse at Escol.

The fruitfulnesse of this place (to wit) on the South bottome of these Hils, Cur∣tius witnesseth. For in Margiana neere the Mountaine of Meros did Alexander feast himselfe and his Armie ten dayes together, finding therein the most delicate Wine of all other.

†. XV. The conclusion, with a briefe repeating of diuers chiefe points. [unspec 40]

AND therefore to conclude this opinion of Ararat, it is true, that those Moun∣taines doe also trauerse Armenia: yea, and Armenia it selfe sometime is knowne by the name of Ararat. But as Plinie giueth to this ledge of high Hils, euen from Cilicia to Paroponisus and Caucasus, the name of Taurus: and as the Hils of France and Germanie are called the Alpes: and all betweene France and Spaine the Pyrenes: and in America the continuation of Hils for 3000. miles together, the Andes: so was Ara∣rat the generall name which Moses gaue them; the diuersitie of appellations no o∣ther wise growing, then by their diuiding and bordering diuers Regions and diuers Countries. For in the like case doe we call the Sea, which entreth by Gibraltar, the [unspec 50] Mediterran and inland Sea; and yet where it washeth the Coasts of Carthage, and ouer against it, it is called Tyrrhenum: betweene Italie and Greece, Ionium: from Venice to Durazzo, Adriaticum: betweene Athens and Asia, Aegeum: betweene Sestus and Abydus, Hellespont: and afterward Pontus, Propontis, and Bosphorus. And as in

these, so is the Ocean to the North-east part of Scotland called 〈◊〉〈◊〉: and on this side, the Brittaine Sea: to the East, the Germane and Baltick, and then the Frozen.

For a finall end of this question we must appeale to that Iudge which cannot erre, euen to the word of Truth, which in this place is to be taken and followed accor∣ding to the plaine sense: seeing it can admit neither distinction, nor other constructi∣on then the words beare literally, because they are vsed to the very same plaine pur∣pose of a description, and the making of a true and precise difference of places. Surely, where the sense is plaine (and being so vnderstood, it bringeth with it no sub∣sequent inconuenience or contrarietie) we ought to be warie, how we fancie to our [unspec 10] selues any new or strange exposition; and (withall) to resolue our selues, that eue∣ry word (as aforesaid) hath his waight in Gods Booke. And therefore we must respect and reuerence the testimonies of the Scriptures throughout, in such sort as S. Augustine hath taught vs touching the Gospell of CHRIST IESVS (which is) Nequis aliter accipiat quod narrantibus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Christi) in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 legerit, quam si ipsam manum Des, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in proprio corpore 〈◊〉〈◊〉, conspexerit; That no man otherwise take or vnderstand that which he readeth in the Gospell (the Disciples of Christ hauing writ∣ten it) then if he had seene the very hand of the Lord, which he bare in his owne body, set∣ting it downe.

The wordes then of Moses which end this dispute, are these: And as they went [unspec 20] from the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, they found a Playne in the land of Shinaar, and there they abode: which pro∣ueth without controuersie, that Nimrod and all with him came from the East into 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and therefore the Arke of Noah rested and tooke land to the East-ward thereof. For wee must remember, that in all places wheresoeuer Moses maketh a difference of Countries, hee alwayes precisely nameth toward what quarters of the world the same were seated: as where he teacheth the plantation of Ioctan, he nameth Sephar, a Mount in the East: where he remembreth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 departure from the presence of God, he addeth: And CAIN dwelt in the land of Nod towards the East∣side of Eden: And when he describeth the Tents and Habitations of Abraham after he departed from Sechem, he vsed these wordes: Afterwards remoouing thence vnto [unspec 30] a Mountayne Eastward from Bethel, he pitched his Tents: hauing Bethel on the West∣side, and Hai on the East: and afterward in the ninth Verse of the same Chapter it is written: And ABRAHAM went forth iournying towards the South: also when Ezechiel prophecied of Gog and Magog, he sheweth that these Nations of Togorma were of the North quarters: and of the Queene of Saba it is written, that shee came from the South to visit SALOMON: And the Magi (or wisemen) came out of the East to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pre∣sents vnto Christ. And that all Regions, and these trauailes were precisely set downe vpon the points of the Compasse and quarters of the World, it is most manifest: for Eden was due East from Iudaea, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 South from Hierusalem: the way from Bethel to Aegypt directly South; and the Coelesyrians, the Tubalines and Magogians in∣habited [unspec 40] the Regions directly North from Palestina, and so of the rest. But Armenia answereth not to this description of Shinaar by Moses. For to come out of Armenia, and to arriue in that Vally of Babylonia, is not a iournying from the East, nor so neere vnto the East as the North: for Armenia is to the West of the North it selfe; and we must not say of Moses (whose hands the holy Ghost directed) that he erred toto coelo, and that he knew not East from West. For the body of Armenia standeth in fortie three degrees Septentrionall, and the North part thereof in fortie fiue; and those Gordiaean Mountaynes, whereon it was supposed that the Arke rested, stand in fortie one. But Babylonia, and the Valley of Shinaar are situated in thirtie fiue, and for the Longitude (which maketh the difference betweene East and West) the [unspec 50] Gordiaean Mountaynes stand in 75. degrees, and the Valley of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in 79. and 80. And therefore Armenia lyeth from Shinaar Northwest, ninetie fiue degrees from the East; and if Armenia had beene but North, yet it had differed from the East one whole quarter of the Compasse. But Gregorie and Hierome warne vs, In scripturis ne

minima differentia omitti debet: nam singuli sermones, syllabae, apices, & puncta in diuina Scriptura a plena sunt sensibus; In the Scriptures the least difference may not be omitted: for euery speech, syllable, note, or accent, and point in diuine Scriptures are replenished with their meanings. And therefore seeing Moses teacheth vs that the children of Noah came from the East, we may not beleeue Writers (of little authoritie) who also speake by heare-say and by report, vt fertur, & vt dicitur, as Berosus and Nicolaus Damascenus, determining herein without any examination of the Text, at all-aduenture. But this is infallibly true, that Shinaar lyeth West from the place where the Arke of Noah rested after the floud; and therefore it first found ground in the East, from whence came the first knowledge of all things. The East parts were first ciuill, [unspec 10] which had Noah himselfe for an Instructer: and directly East from Shinaar in the same degree of 35. are the greatest grapes and the best Wine. The great Armies al∣so, which ouertopped in number those Millions of Semiramis, proue that those parts were first planted: And whereas the other opinion hath neither Scripture nor Rea∣son sufficient: for my selfe I build on his wordes who in plaine termes hath told vs, that the Sonnes of Noah came out of the East into Shinaar, and there they abode. And therefore did the Arke rest on those Easterne Mountaynes, called by one gene∣rall name Taurus, and by Moses the Mountaynes of Ararat, and not on those Moun∣taynes of the Northwest, as Berosus first fained, whom most part of the Writers haue followed therein. It was, I say, in the plentifull warme East where Noah rested, [unspec 20] where he planted the Vine, where he tilled the ground and liued thereon. Placuit vero NOACHO agriculturae studium, in qua tractanda ipse omnium peritissimus esse dici∣tar: ob eam{que} rem sua ipsius lingua ISH-ADAMATH (hoc est) telluris vir appellatur 〈◊〉〈◊〉 est; The studie of Husbandrie pleased NOAH (saith the excellent learned man ARIAS MONTANVS) in the knowledge and order of which it is said, that NOAH excelled all men: and therefore was he called in his owne language a man exercised in the earth. Which also sheweth that he was no Wanderer: and that he troubled not himselfe with the contentions, beginning againe in the world, and among men, but stayed in his destined places, and in that part of the world, where he was first deliuered out of the prison of the Arke, [unspec 30] whereinto God had committed him, to preserue him and man∣kinde. [unspec 40] [unspec 50]

[illustration]

[illustration]

Notes

• Gene. 8. 4.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 7. §. 1.
• Hierem. 51. 27.
• Naet. hist. l. 5. c. 12
• Ioseph. de Antiq. l. 1. c. 4.
• Beros. l. 1.
• Gene. 10. 10. Beros. l. 1.
• Gen. 10. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉. in Gen. & de Turris 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ctione. sol. 173.
• Ptol. tab. Asiae. 3.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 3.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 de orig. pars 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• Plin. l. 3. c. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• Beros. l. 1.
• Pto. Asiae. tab. 7.
• Gene. 11. 2.
• L. 6, c. 17.
• Tab. Asia. 7. & 8
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 now Wolga.
• Com. 2. Asiae. sol. 472.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 meridiem 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 pars septentrio∣nalis ponte 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Coracis fluuij: 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 à parte dextra 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Iberis, Albanisq, in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Hyrcani 〈◊〉〈◊〉 prouenit. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. bist. l. 30.
• Sig. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• 〈◊◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊◊〉
• Gen. 9. 20.
• Seruius Aeneid. Eutropius.
• Gen. 8. 14.
• Epiph. l. 1. centra 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• Pto. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• Plin. l. 6. c. 9.
• Plut. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Met. cor. l. 1. c. 13.
• Plinie in his description of Lycia. l. 5. c. 27.
• Ptol. tab. Asia.
• Num. 13. 24.
• L. 5. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 27.
• Gen. c. 11. v. 2.
• Gen. 10. 30.
• Gen. 4. 16.
• Gen. 12. 8.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 38. 6.
• Matth. 12. 42.
• Matth. 2. v. 1,