The estates, empires, & principallities of the world Represented by ye description of countries, maners of inhabitants, riches of prouinces, forces, gouernment, religion; and the princes that haue gouerned in euery estate. With the begin[n]ing of all militarie and religious orders. Translated out of French by Edw: Grimstone, sargeant at armes.

¶ Greece.

[ XI] THis name Greece, is taken in diuers sences amongst Authors: for truely and pro∣perly they tearme that prouince Greece, which Ptolome calls Attica, in which the fa∣mous citie of Athens stood: then, in the second place, extending this nomination fur∣ther, they comprehend vnder the same, foure prouinces, which be, Macedonia, Epyrus, [ D] A••haia, and Peloponnesus, with other countries conteyned within these foure; then af∣ter that, the Islands of the Ionick and Aegean seas, and thus in common sence at this day we vnderstand the nomination of Greece. Finally, we may so extend the signification of this word, as it may comprehend Thrace, a great part of the lesser Asia, or Natolia, be∣sides the aboue mentioned prouinces, which the Greekes in former times possessed, and whither they anciently vsed to send their colonies: and then moreouer, that part of Italie which in old times was called great Greece, and now beares the name of high Calabria.

But to take it as ordinarie men vnderstand the same, it is watered by three seas that beat vpon her coasts; on the West, by the Ionick; by the Libick on the South; and by the Aegean on the Leuant; as for the Septentrionall part thereof, it is limited by the [ E] mountaines, which seperat Macedonia from Thrace, high Misia, and Dalmatia.

This Greece, vnderstood in the sence formerly mentioned (comprising therein also th•• I••le of Candie, whereof we spake in our discourse of the Venetian State) is enclosed within the paralell of 34 degrees high, which is the tenth where the longest day consists but of foureteene houres and a quarter, and the paralell of 43 degrees of latitude or ele∣uarion, which is the foureteenth, where the longest day hath but fifteene houres and a quarter: so as in all this tract, the artificiall day hath no greater diuersitie and difference than of an houre.

As for the longitude, it is contained within the Meridian degree, and that of 55, or at least wants but little thereof. The Venetians hold seueral peeces of territorie in the same, [ F] but they are of so little importance, as they scarce deserue to be mentioned: so as we 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ascribe it all to the Turke, euen as we vse to allot all the prouinces which are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in their proper places, to the Emperour of Marrocus, notwithstanding that the Portugals haue in their power the places of most moment, and greatest consequence,

[ A] they remaining more secure in them, than those that maintaine the other for the seig∣neurie of Venice. But that we may enter into all particularities, let vs consider Greece ex∣actly according to the seuerall parts thereof, making of the same an ample and sufficient description.

Macedonia, according to Plinie, was aunciently called Emathia, and Peonia, and then Emonia, as Titus Liuius affirmes: but Gerbell and Niger hold at this day, that it is called Albania; and yet Magins opinion is, that the same part of Macedonia which lies vpon the Ionicke sea, is onely so called. The Orientall part thereof, betweene the Strymonian bay, now called the gulfe of Contesa, and the bay of Thermaca, now the gulfe of Sal••∣nica, [] is called Iamboli: and as for that part in the heart or middest it is also modernely knowne by the name of Macedonia.

This countrie lies betwixt two great seas, that is to say, betweene the Aegean sea, or Archipelagus, where it makes two points or capes on the East part, and the Ionike sea; ••n the West, between the riuers of Drilon, now Drino, or Lodrina, and Cylidnus, which ••ome falsly tearme Salnich; on the North, Macedonia is bounded by Dalmatia, high Misia, and a part of Thrace, seperated by the riuers of Drylon, and Strimon; andon the South part, by Epyrus, properly called Albania, & Achaia Gerbele sets downe six prouin∣ces in Macedonia, on that part, where it ioines vpon Greece, that is Emathia, Pieria, Pe∣lagia, Estiota, Thessalia & Phitiotia among which, Thessalia, now called Comenolitari, in [ C] Castaldus opinion, is the best. There lie in it the mountaines of Olympus, now called La∣••ha, as Castaldus writes, which is exceeding high, seeing according to Plinie, it is more than ten stadia to the top thereof, and so taking eight stadia for a mile, it is more than a mile vpright in heigth, and therefore the countrie inhabitants call the top thereof hea∣••••n, because no winds blow there, nor are of force. There is also Pelon, now Petras as ••••me will haue it. This mountaine is so high, as Dicearcus (as Plinie doth witnesse) hauing ••••••ueied the heigth thereof, found, that it was a thousand two hundred and fiftie paces ••••gh. The mountaine of Ossa, which Sophian calls Colonno, and Pinet, Ollira, is also in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 countrie, as also that of Pinde, now called Mezzono, at the foot of which, the riuer ••••nea hath his source.

[ D] You may here also behold mount Nymphea; but of all others, Athos is the most re∣nowned and famous, which at this day is called the Holie mountain, or according to the ••••eekes which inhabit the same, Agios oros, importing the selfe same signification. It is ••••forme of a Chersonesus, there being a strait of one thousand and fiue hundred paces 〈◊〉〈◊〉; adioining to the plaine or valley: the circuit thereof, is seuentie and fiue miles, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in length, it containes three daies iourney of ground, being not aboue halfe a daies ••••nty broad. They who trauell by sea, ken the top thereof aboue thirtie miles off. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is that mountaine, which a certaine Architect would haue cut into humane shape and figure, in the daies of Alexander the Great, who notwithstanding gaue no great care to this his glorious and famous desseigne. This mountaine was heretofore consecrated [ E] ••o the Caloyers, the which were a kind of Greeke Monkes of the order of S. Basill, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had certaine priuiledges and exemptions graunted, which they also hold at this day, ••••that is, That no Greeke nor Turke may inhabit there, if he be not a Greeke Caloyer. ••••••••••ers parts of this mountaine, there remaine yet about six thousand Caloyers, where ••hey had some foure and twentie great and ancient monasteries enclosed with good and ••trongwalls: but two aboue all the rest are most famous and renowned, that of Vnto∣••edi, and that of Agias laura.

Macedonia hath foure principall gulfes on the coast of the Aegean sea, which are the ••••lfe of Contessa, the Syngitica, otherwise surnamed the gulfe of the holie mount, the ••••roniaca, now called the gulfe of Aiomama, and that of Thessalonica, or Salonica, be∣••••es [] the Pelagian bay, which is now called the gulfe of Armenia.

The most renowed riuers of Macedonia (besides that of Strimon or Stromon, vp∣•••• ••he frontires of Thrace (are that of Axius, which some call Bardara, others Vardari, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it is the fairest streame of all the rest, being a pleasant and sweet water, which flow∣•••••• from mount Scandia, after a long course, falleth into the gulfe of Salonica, and the

auncients were woont to affirme, That the sheepe which drunke of this water became [ A] blacke: there is also Erigonus, now called Vistritze according to Sophian, and Deuo∣dus according to Mercutor. This riuer issuing from the hills of Illiria, or Sclauonia, and run∣ning along by Peonia, and close by the townes of Heraclea, and Edese, vents it selfe into the Vardari.

Alya••mon, now Pelecas, as Sophian writes; and Platamon, by Mercators opinion, springs from the mountains Canaluies in Peonia, and seperates Macedonia from Thrace: The banks therof are much broken and ruinous; some suppose that he that would haue white sheepe, must cause them to drinke of this water.

The riuer of Penea, called now Salenpira, and Lycostoma by Sophians relation, Pezin [ B] according to Theuets opinion, and Azababa as Mercator writes, and some other writers, being enlarged by foure riuers running into the same, voideth it selfe within the gulfe of Thessalonica.

There is also to be seene in Thessalie, that same famous place of pleasure and delight, which auncient writers called Tempe, which is fiue thousand paces long, and almost fiue hundred broad, being seated betweene the two mountaines, Ossa, and Oylmpus, and it is watered in the middest and center thereof, by the beautiful riuer of Penea, or Azababa.

There is furthermore the Chersonesus of Patalena, to the extremitie whereof you may see the Promontorie Canestrea, now knowne by the name of Capo Canistro, and this place was in former times seperated from the rest of Macedonia by a wall. [ C]

The most famous townes of Macedonia were aunciently Thessalonia, Pellis, Stragi∣ra, Appollonia, Dirrachium, and Aulon, all which are inhabited at this present. In Augu∣stus daies, Thessalonica flourished aboue all the rest, and was the head citie of all Mace∣donia, comprehending a great number of inhabitants, and being seated in a very good place, betweene the riuers of Chabris and Euchedorus. At this present it is called Saloni∣ca, this towne is great and famous, and moreouer, so rich and traffickeable, that it may wel be compared to Naples in Italie: but that which is more remarkeable than all the rest, there are many merchants which haue all kind of Indian commodities and merchandise. It was for a while in the Venetians hands, but at last, Amurath the son of Mahomet tooke it from this commonweale. Not far from thence, you may see the village of Syderocapsis, [ D] as Belon saies, which shewes like a great towne. It was heretofore called Christl••es.

Pella, now knowne by the name of Ieniza, as Sophian writes, and Zuchria according to Niger, very famous for the breeding and bringing vp of Philip, and Alexander the Great, his sonne, the which hath heretofore beene very famous. Stagira, a towne where that great Philosoper Aristotle was borne, it is scituated neere to mount Athos, vpon the shore of the gulfe Contesa, where many ruines thereof may yet be descerned. It is now called Stelar, as Niger affirmes, but Libanoua according to Sophian, as also Macra by Nicetas report. Appollonia was sometimes a very famous towne, vpon the riuer Eu∣chedorus. Here it was where Caesar Augustus learned Greeke: Niger calls it Ceres, and some others Piergo. [ E]

Dy••rachium, which is likewise called Epidaumia, and which men commonly tearme at this day Durazzo, is a towne scituated on the coast of the Ionicke sea. It is but weakely inhabited by reason of the euill aire which ariseth out of the marishes that lie round about it. Baiazet tooke this towne also from the venetians, in the yeare 1749. It is distant from Brindezi, in former times called Brundusium, a towne of Puglia, within the king∣dome of Naples: about on hundred miles. The towne of Aulon, which hath also a port, lyes vpon the Ionicke sea, being now called by the name of Valona: there is a strong ca∣stle, but the rest of the towne is vnwalled. This towne is about sixtie miles by sea distant from the firme land of Italie, that is from the townes of Hydronte or Otranto.

Belon also accounts the towne of Cauale to be in Macedonia, the which he vnproper∣ly [ F] supposeth to haue bin sometimes called Bucephale. He saies it is very well peopled at this day (wheras heretofore it was naked of inhabitants) by reason of the commoditie of a fountaine head, whose chanell Abrahin Basha caused to be repaired enuironing the towne at the same time with new walls, and building an hospitall called Charbacara

[ A] to entertaine and relieue all sorts of trauellers. Croy also is reckoned to be within this prouince, lying indeed within the same continent, not farre from the riuer of Lysan, which Sophian takes for the auncient Antigonia; but it is thought he is much deceiued, because Antigonia lay in the countrie of Epytus, vpon the riuer of Celidaa, so as this seemes more probably to be ••pycaria, as we may coniecture by the scituation which Ptolome ascribes to it. This towne was straitly besieged by the Turkes, as well before Scanderbeg, or George Castriot, as after his reuolt, but at last it came vnder their subiection, hauing endured a thousand miseries.

Epyrus is a part of Albania, and the rest is comprehended in that part of Macedonia [ B] which lies towards the Ionick Sea. Castaldus is of opinion, that Epyrus is now the coun∣trie of Ianne; but the meere scituation thereof giues euident testimonie that the pro∣uince of Ianne, so called of the towne of Ianne, lyes beyond Mount Pyndus in Thessalie. Ritcher, and Aeneas Syluius, or rather Pope Pyus the second, call it Epyrus La••tis: but this countrie is but a part of Epyrus. This prouince is bordered on the East by the riuer of Achelois, otherwise tearmed Aspri, according to Sophian, Cathochi, according to Ni∣gers opinion, and Aracheus by Castaldus and Mercators consent; and also conformable to the supposition of many others, Aspropotamo: on the South, the Adriatick Sea: and on the West, the Ionick, euen to the riuer of Celidnus, or Pepylychnus, which Castaldus erroniously names Salnich; for that Salnich is rather that riuer of Lous, mentioned by [ C] Ptolome: for Celidnus is a little riuer, neere to the Port of Raguzi, betwixt Valona, and the Acroceraunian hills, called now Chimare: and vpon the North, this prouince buts vpon Macedonia

It extends towards the Mediterranean Sea some two hundred and twentie thousand paces, betweene the riuers of Celidnus, and Achelois. This prouince was heretofore diuided into Chaonia, which was properly called Epyrus, which bends towards the West, and Acarnania, which now is called the Duchie, or despotate or little Greece, and this part lies out towards the East as farre as the riuer of Achelois.

Gerbele (besides the aboue mentioned prouinces) makes mention of Thesprotia, Amphilochia, and Ambracia; and Ptolome, Cassiopea, Dolopia, and Almenia, all which [ D] lie betweene Chaonia, and Acarnania: Mercator diuides Epyrus into old and new, cal∣ling that old Epyrus which was so stiled by the Latines, and taking that part of Macedo∣nia for the new which now is high Albania.

The ports within this land, are Panormo, Onchesmus, Cassiope, commonly called Cassiopo, and Buthiro, where the towne of Butrinte stands: but the gulfe of Larte in former times called the bay of Ambracia is better than all the rest.

The towne of Ambracia was in former ages the capitall towne of the countrie, and where the kings of Epyrus held their royall residence: it is now called Larte, assuming this name from a riuer so called that runs neere hand. Nicopolis was likewise hereto∣fore a verie good towne, and well peopled: it hath now the name of Preuese. Augustus [] the Emperour built the same in remembrance of the nauall victorie which he obtayned against Marcus Antonius. Gerbele also accounts Actium one of Augustus colonies a∣mongst the townes of Acarnania: but the later maps decipher it by the name of Capo Figalo.

Achaia, which Ptolome calls Hellade, is now in the newer maps called Liuadia. It is [ XIII] bounded on the North by Thessalie, neere to the riuer of Sperchia, by the bay of Ma∣luc, and Mount Octa: on the West, by the riuer Achelois: and on the East, ••inding a little towards the North, by the Aegean sea, and Myrtos, euen to the promontorie Su∣ria, now called Cape de Colonni, because there remaine some ruines of the columnes or pillars of Neptunes Temple: then, on the South, it frontiers vpon Peloponnesus, or Morea, the which is annexed vnto it by an Isthmus or strait fiue miles broad about the middest thereof. In Authors, I find mention to be made of these nine regions, Doridis, Helladis, Etolia, the countries of the Locrentians, and Opuntians, Phocides, Beotia, At∣tica, and Megaris.

Dorides lies neere to Mount Parnassus, where the Do••ick tongue was spoken, which

was esteemed verie elegant and fluent aboue all the rest: Gerbele sayes that Helladis is [ A] enuironed with the other prouinces, that is, by Phiotidis on the North: on the S••uth by Phocidis: on the East by Attica, and Beotia: and on the West by Dorides.

Aetolia hath his proper scite betweene Mount Callidromus, and the Ionick sea. There were sometimes many faire townes within this countrie, the principall of which was Ca∣lydon, which at this day lyes ruined like all the rest.

The Locrians, and Opuntians countrie, had Amphissa for their chiefe citie, which is also specified in the newer maps by the same name, though Niger sayes that it is called Lam••ino. Naupactum is also held to be in this prouince, which others place in Aetolia, there where the Port of Lepanto is. The Turke tooke this towne violently from the Ve∣netians, [ B] at the same time when Durazzo in Macedonia, and Modona, heretofore Motho∣na, and Coron, were reduced vnder his subiection.

The countrie of Phocidis is neere to Mount Parnassus: the principall towne thereof was Delphos, by reason of Appollos Oracle, which inuited multitudes of people to go thither for to vnderstand what should befall them in their attempts and enterprises: and this was also the reason why so many persons sent continually thither such inestimable presents.

Thebes was the principall towne of Beotia, which lay betweene the riuers of Ismena and Asope, and now the ruines thereof is called Stibes or Thiua.

Attica runs along the Sea side, towards which it beareth out with two capes or pro∣montories, [ C] the one of which is named Sunia or Cape de Colonni, & the other Cynosu∣ra. The towne of Athens was sometimes the head and chiefe of this prouince, at this day they tearme it Setines, it being but a borrough, where stands a castle that was in for∣mer times the Temple of Minerua.

The country of Megaris, which takes the name from he towne Megara, lyes close vp∣on the strait. The most famous mountaines of Achaia, were Parnassus, Citheron, Heli∣con, and Hymetta. Parnassus is all enuironed with forrests, and hath two tops. Cithe∣ron is an high mountaine, rough, and inaccessible neere to the mountaines of Megara, and Attica.

The riuers of greatest fame in this countrie are Ismena, which Strabo cals Cnope, and [ D] then Asopia, and Euena.

There are likewise many bayes and gulfes, of which the most worthie of note lie on the South part towards Morea, I meane the bay Naupactum, or gulfe of Lepanto, and the Corinthian bay. Then, towards the Aegean sea, there is the Pelasgick bay, now the gulfe of Armira, and Maliac bay, now called the gulfe of Ziton.

[ XIIII] The Peloponnesus was heretofore called Egialis, Apia, Argios, and Pelasgir, but com∣monly at this day men call it Morea: it is seated betweene the Aegean and Ionick seas, being joyned to Achaia but onely by the Isthmus, which notwithstanding is so firme and solid, that it could neuer yet be diuided, nor cut away: for many curious princes, as king Demetrius, Iulius Caesar, Caligula, Nero, and some other, had a great desire to seperat it [ E] from all the rest of Greece, that so it might haue beene a shorter nauigation out of the Adriatick to the Aegean Sea, & lesse daungerous, and so Peloponnesus would haue bin stronger and more secure: and therefore there hath beene in other times a wall erected vpon the Isthmus, from one end to the other of this neck of land, that thus Morea might be the more strong.

This wall was called Hexamites, being about fiue miles in length. Amurath the Tur∣kish Emperour ouerthrew it, and sacked in a manner all this Island: but in the yeare of our Redemption 1453 it was reedified by the Venetian Seigneurie, who sent expresly 30000 men thither, to labour in this worke, notwithstanding it was once more vtterly rui∣ned by the Turkes. This Isthmus is called Corinthiaca, by reason the towne of Corin∣thus [ F] was there built: It is questionlesse the worthiest necke of land in all Europe.

Finally, Morea hath on the East, the Candian sea; on the West, the Io••ian or Adri∣atick; on the North, the Corinthian bay, which Strabo tearmes the Chrissian and Alcy∣onian seas; and Solphiem the gulfe of Patras, and also the Saronick bay, called the gulfe

[ A] of Engia by Castaldus, and it is betweene these gulfes that this strait or Isthmus naturally runs out: and vpon the South part, Peloponnesus, lyes vpon the Mediterranea sea.

The length thereof from the Isthmus to Modon, is a hundred seuentie and fiue miles, and the circuit thereof, about six hundred. It is very capable by reason of the forme and proportion thereof, being almost round, for informe it resembles much a palme lease.

The Arcadians, Cynurians, Dryopes, Lemnians, and Corinthians, haue inhabited this countrie.

This Peninsula is in a maner the rampire and bulwarke of all Greece, being also at this day the best peopled part thereof. It was in auncient times very famous through the [ B] towne of Myc••nas, and the commonweales and principalities of the Argiues, Lacede∣monians, Sicyonians, Elians, Arcadians, Pelians, and Mestenians: but now the whole countrie is subiect to the Turke, as likewise the rest of Greece, although it hath many times beene valiantly maintained and defended by some despotes or princes of Greece, and al∣so by the Venetian seigneurie.

The principall riuers in this countrie, are Asope, now A••bon, according to Theuet, Eneia, now Igliac, Alphea, now Rophea, or Orpheau, as Sophian, Niger, and Carbon af∣firme: if we may relie on the iudgement of Italian nauigators, aboue an hundred and fortie small streames make their fall into this riuer.

Panisa, which Niger calls Stromio, and Castaldus and Mercator Pirnaza; Eurotus, now [ C] Balisopotame, according to Sophian, Mercator, and some other mens opinions; and Iris as Niger affirmes and Inachus, that men now call Planizze.

The countrie of Corinth lies all along the Isthmus, and Corinthus was the head citie thereof, which was eleuen miles in circuit: this towne was then very strong, by reason of a castle which was built vpon the Ionian, and Aegean seas.

The countrie of Argia is next to that of Corinthia, on the East part where the Cre∣tan seas water the skirts of that prouince. Ortelius saies, that at this present men call it Ro∣mania.

The riuer of Inaca, or of Planizze runs along thereby, and so disgorgeth into the Ar∣golicke bay, or gulfe of Naples, so called by reason of a coast towne called Napoli, or [ D] Naples of Romania, and heretofore Nauplianaualis.

The towne of Argos was in ages past the most renowned seat within this prouince; it is so called also at this present time, being ••eated in a healthfull and pleasant scituation, which is watered with the riuer of Planizze.

The towne of Epidauris stood likewise here, and it was the same which was so famous throughout the world for Aesculapius temple, where so many sicke persons receiued pre¦sent helpe and cure.

The countrie of Laconia which regards the South, is the goodliest prouince of all the rest, and extends towards the Promontories of Malia, & Tenazie, now called Capo Ma∣lio, and Capo Matapan, and it containes many spacious baies or gulfes, the longest of [ E] which is that called the Laconicke, but at this day the gulfe of Colchina.

The riuer of Eurotas, now called Vasilopotamo, passeth through the middest of this prouince, and so falls into the Laconicke bay.

Lacedemon was sometimes the chiefe and capitall citie of this prouince: it was also called Sparta, and at this present Misithra. There is moreouer another towne of Epidau∣ris in the Argolicke bay, besides that which lies in the Varonicke. It is also at this time very well inhabited and peopled, and is called Maluasia.

The Messenians countrie is enclosed betweene the M••ssenian bay, now the gulfe of Coron, and the Ionicke sea. It stretcheth out in length towards the South, and the Lybi∣an sea. The principall towne thereof was Messenes, which Castaldus calls Martagia, and [ F] some others Mocenigo, and Nisin.

In this countrie stand the famous townes o•• Methon, now Modon, the residence of a Turkish Saniack, and Coron, both which town••s were taken by the Turkes, from the Ve∣netians: then you may see Pyla, now Nauarino; Cyparissi, now Arcadie, which giues the same name to the gulfe also that runs hard by, being called the gulfe of Arcadie. Out of

this prouince there beares a very difficult and daungerous cape called heretofore Cory∣phasis, [ A] and now cape Zunhio.

Elides lookes towards the West, and lies in the middest betweene Messenia, Achaia, and Arcadia.

The best townes in it, are Elis, which some vnfitly affirme to haue the name at this day of Beluedere: Olimpia, now Lareganico, and Pisa, which many would haue to be one and the same thing with Olimpia.

The Promontorie Chelonites belongs also to this prouince. It is called at this day Ca∣po Tornese, by reason of a towne of that name, which is hard by.

There is another countrie of Peloponnesus, which properly is called Achaia, to distin∣guish [ B] it from that which is within the Grecian continent, being otherwise called Hellas. On the borders of the North, it is seated betweene the mountaine of Stimphalia, and the bay of Corinthus. The principall towne herein, was once Egyra, which stood on the hanging of a stonie and craggie hill: but now it is ruined, and called Xilocastro.

You may here likewise discerne the towne of Egia, called Vostizie or Bostisan by the modernes, but wholly razed by the Turkes.

You may likewise in this prouince see the towne of Patras; and as for Dyma, it is now defaced, and called Chiarenza, communicating her name to the next cape, which hereto∣fore was called the Promontorie of Araxis.

Here likewise is to be seene the Promontorie of Rhia, and right ouer against it, that of [ C] Antirrhia, which are two forelands of Greece that hemme in the bay of Corinth. This place is now called the strait of the castles of Lepanto, and the two capes are called the castles of Lepanto, vulgarly the Dardanells.

The little countrie of Sycionia lies betweene that which is properly called Achaia, and the riuer of Asope. The chiefe towne thereof was Sycion, now Basilika, as Sophian writes; but Mercator in his tables sets downe Vasilicon, with a distinction from Sycion, in that he seuerally names and points them out.

Arcadia, heretofore called Pelasgia, stands in the middest of Peloponnesus. The moun∣taines of greatest name, were Cyllenus, Pholoa, Lycea, Menalis, and Par••henia. The principall citie of this countrie was Megalopolis, now called Leontari, if we may beleeue [ D] Sophian; and Londario, if we shall giue credit to some others.