The history of the world

§. XI. The passage of the Armie to Trabizonde, through the Countries bordering vpon the Riuer of Phasis, and other ob∣scure Nations.

SO without impediment they came to the Riuer Phasis, neere where∣vnto the people called 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Taochi, and Chalybes were scated. These Nations ioyned together, and occupying the tops of a ledge of Moun∣taines, which the Greekes were to passe, made countenance of warre: [unspec 50] but some companies being sent by night to seize vpon a place of e∣quall height to that whereon the enemies lay, making good the piece of ground which they had taken, secured the ascent of the rest; which caused these people to flie, euery one retyring to the defence of his owne. The first vpon whose Countrie

the Greekes did enter were the Taochi, who conuaying all their prouision of victuals into strong holds, brought the Armie into much want, vntill with hard labour one place was forced, wherein great store of cattaile were taken; the people, to auoide captiuitie, threw themselues head-long downe the rocks, the very women throw∣ing downe first their owne children, and then casting themselues vpon them. Here was taken a great bootie of Cattaile, which serued to feed them, trauailing through the land of the Chalybes, of whom they got nothing but strokes. The Chalybes were a very 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Nation, well armed at all points, and exceeding fierce. They encoun∣tred the Greekes hand to hand, killing as many as they tooke prisoners, and cutting off their heads, which they carried away, singing and dancing, to the great griefe of [unspec 10] their companions liuing; who were glad, when after seuen daies iourney they e∣scaped from those continuall skirmishes, wherewith they had been vexed by these Barbarians. Hence trauailing through a good corne-Countrie, inhabited by an ob∣scure Nation called the Scythini, they came to a rich Towne, the Lord wherof, and of the Region adioyning, vsed them friendly, and promised to guide them to a Mountaine, whence they might discouer the Euxine- Sea. From Gymnias (which was the name of his Towne) he led them through the Territorie of his enemies, desiring them to waste it with sword and fire. After fiue daies march, they came to a Mountaine called Teches, being (as I thinke) a part of the Mountaines called 〈◊〉〈◊〉, whence their guide shewed them the Sea; towards which they bent their [unspec 20] course, and passing friendly through the Region of the Macrones, (with whom by meanes of an interpreter, found among themselues, who borne in that place had beene sold into Greece, they made a good peace) they arriued in the Land of Colchos, wherein stands the Citie of * 1.1 Trabisond, called then Trapezus, a Colonie of the Greekes. The Colchi entertaining them with hostilitie, were requited with the like; for the Armie hauing now good leisure to repose themselues among their friends the Trapezuntians, did spoile the Countrie thirtie daies together, forbearing onely the Borderers vpon Trabizonde, at the Citizens request. [unspec 30]

Notes

• * 1.1

  Trabisond a Colonie of the Greekes, situate in the bottome of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sea.