Cosmographie in four bookes : containing the chorographie and historie of the whole vvorld, and all the principall kingdomes, provinces, seas and isles thereof / by Peter Heylyn.

OF GREECE.

GREECE in the presentlatitude and extent thereof; is bounded on the East with the Propontick, Hellespont, and Aegean Seas; on the West with the Adriatick; on the North with Mount Haemus, which parteth it from Bul∣garia, Servia, and some part of Illyricum; and on the South with the Sea Ionian: So that it is in a manner a Peninsula or Demy-Island, environed on three sides by the Sea; on the fourth only united to the rest of Europe.

But this is only in relation to the present extent hereof, the name be∣ing anciently restrained within narrower bounds. Confined at first to Attica and the parts adjoining; ab Isthmi angustiis Hellas incipit, as it is in Plinie: and took the name of Hellas from Hellen the son of Deucalion; as that of Greece or Graecia, from Graecus the son of Cecrops the first King of Athens. Communicated after∣wards to Peloponnesus, then to Thessalie also: and finally when the Macedonian Empire had inlarged it selfe over the petit Common-wealths and Estates hereof, it came to be communicated to that Coun∣trie also. The people for this cause known by divers names, by some Achivi, by others Myrmidones; sometimes Pelasgi, Danai, Argivi, &c. But the name whereby they are best known in sacred Writers, is that of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, so called from Hellas the more proper and genuine name of Greece, in the strictest noti∣on and acception. A name used frequently and familiarly in the Book of God, both absolutely to de∣note this Nation, as where it is said, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that the Greeks seek wisdome; 1 Cor. 1. 22. and relatively as in opposition to the Jews, the Barbarians, and the Hellenists, or Graecizing Jews. First with relation to the Jews, and then it signifieth the whole bodie of the Gentiles generally, of which the G••ecians were the most eminent and famous people; as 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile, Rom. 11. 9, 10. Give none offence, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, neither to the Jews nor to the Gentiles, 1 Cor. 10. 32. and elsewhere frequently. In which and all other places of that kinde where the Anti∣••esis lyeth between the Jews and other Nations, we are to understand the Gentiles, the whole body of them; though many times our Translators, I know not why, render it literally the Greeks; as Rom. 1. 16. 10. 12. &c. Secondly with reference to all other Nations not so well versed in the learning and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of that Age as the Grecians were, whom by a common name of scorn they called Barbarians: according unto that of Strabo, Barbarae sunt omnes Nationes praeter Graecos; the Romans themselves though then the great Lords of the World, being included in the reckoning. And so the word is taken, Rom. 1. 14. I am a debtour saith S. Paul, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, both to the Greeks and the Barbarians, to the wise and unwise: in which as well the Romans as those of other Nations, have the name of Barbarians. Last of all for the Graecizing Jews, whom the Vulgar Latine calleth Graecos, and our English Grecians; they were such of the Jews who living dispersed amongst the Gentiles, used the translation of the Septuagint, making that the Canon both for life and doctrine. Which difference betwixt them and the Jews in∣habiting in Judaea, who kept themselves unto the Scriptures in their mother-tongue, and used the He∣brew only in all sacred actions: occasioned many jars amongst them, which sometimes brake out in∣to

to open violence, insomuch as R. Eliezer brake into the Synagogue of the Alexandrians at Hierusalem, and therein committed many outrages. Of this unfriendlinesse between them, mention is made Act 6. 1. where it is said, that there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, &c. In which place, though the English and Vulgar Latine use the name of Grecians, yet ought they more properly to be ren∣dred Hellenists, or Graecizing Jews, as in all other places, viz. Acts 9. 29. 11. 20. &c. where they are called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in the Greek Originals.

But to proceed to our description of the Country, we finde it situate in the Northern temperate Zone, under the fift and sixt Climats; the longest day being 15 hours: inhabited by a people which were once brave men of war, sound Scholars, addicted to the love of vertue and civill behaviour. A Nation once so excellent that their precepts and examples do still remain, as approved rules, and Tutors to instruct and direct the man that endeavoureth to be vertuous; famous for government, affectors o•• freedome, every way noble. For which vertues in themselves, and want of them in other, all their neighbours and remote Nations were by them scornfully called Barbarians: a name now most fit for the Grecians themselves, being an unconstant people, d••stitute of all learning, and the means to obtain it, Vmversities; uncivill, riotous, and so lazie, that for the most part, they endeavour their profit no further then their belly compels them, and so perfidious withall in all their dealings, especially towards the Western Christians, that it is grown into a Proverb amongst the Italians, Chi fida in Grego, sara in trigo, i. e. He that trusts to a Greek is sure to be cousened. When they meet at foasts or ban∣quets, they drink small draughts at the beginning, which by degrees they increase, till they come to the height of intemperancie: at which point when they are arrived, they keep no rule or order; whereas before to drink out of ones turn is accounted a point of incivility. Hence as I beleeve, sprung our by word As merry as a Greek, and the Latine word Graecari.

The women for the most part are brown-complexioned, exceedingly well favoured, and excessive∣ly amorous. Painting they use very much to keep themselves in grace with their husbands; for when they once grow wrinckled, they are put to all the drudgeries of the house. Both sexes gene∣rally in their habit and outward garb, apply themselves to the State under which they live: such as are subject to the Turk, conforming unto the dresse and fashions of the Turks, as those who live un∣der the Venetians, do to that of Venice.

The Christian Faith was first here planted by S. Paul, invited by the Spirit to come over into Ma∣cedonia, Acts 16. 12. passing from thence to Thessalonica, the chief Citie of Mygdonia, ch. 17. 1. from thence to Athens in Achaia, v. 16. then unto Corinth the Metropolis of Peloponnesus, ch. 18. 1. watering the greatest part of Greece with the dew of heaven; and planting Bishops in most Churches where he preached the Gospell, as Dionysius (the Areopagite) at Athens, Aristarchus at Thessalonica, Epaphroditus at Philippi, Silas at Corinth, and Titus in the Isle of Crete. The like he did in many other Countries also, accounted members of the Greek Church, though not of Greece: the name of the Greek Church extending over all the Provinces of the Eastern Empire, governed by the 4 Patriarchs, 1 Of Alexan∣dria, who presided over Egypt and Arabia. 2 Of Hierusalem, whose Patriarchate (erected only in re∣gard of our Saviours passion in that Citie, and the great opinion, which by that means accrewed unto it) confined within the bounds of Palestine. 3 Of Antioch, whose jurisdiction contained all Sy∣ria, Armenia, Cilicia, and the Isle of Cyprus, and whatsoever else was within the Diocese of the Orient. And 4 of Constantinople, to whose charge were committed all the other Provinces of the Greek Church, as Greece, Russia, Dacia, Sclavonia, part of Poland, and all the Islands in the Adriatick, Ionian, and Aegean Seas; together with all Asia Minor, and the Isles thereof, (except only the Provinces of Cilicia and Isauria) and the Countries lying on both sides of Pontus Euxinus, and Palus Maeotis. The reasons of the large increase of whose Jurisdiction, confined at first within the Diocese of Thrace, were 1 The reputation of being seated in the Imperiall Citie, which drew after it (by a Decree of the Councell of Chalcedon) all the Provinces of Asia Minor, (Cilicia and Isauria excepted only.) 2 The voluntary sub∣mission of the Grecians upon their separation of the Church of Rome, by which all Greece, Macedon, Epirus, the Isle of Crete, and all the Islands in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, which formerly had no superior but their own Primate, the Archbishop of Thessalonica; became subject unto them. 3 The diligence of the Patriarchs hereof, in converting by his Suffragan Bishops and other Ministers, the Russians, Bulgarians, and Sclavonians to the faith of Christ, which made those poeple to look upon Constantinople as their Mother-Church. And 4 the pietie and care of the later Patriarchs, in supply∣ing with new Pastors and Ministers, those parts and Provinces of the West, which being conquered by the Turk, had been forsaken by their old Clergie, and left like sheep without a shepheard.

And yet this Church though thus extended and enlarged in the outward members, is very much straitned and impaired at home: the Country being thinly peopled, and many of those people trai∣ned up from their infancie in the Mahometan Law. So that it is a greater wonder that there should be any remainders of Christianitie left amongst them, then that the open Professors of it should be so few: the tyrannie of the Turks on the one side, and the temptations of preferment upon the other, being rightly pondered. For who could look to find 20 Churches of Christians in Constantinople, the seat and ordinarie residence of the Turkish Emperours; or that in Salonichi, or Thessalonica, there should be 30 Christian Churches, and but three Turkish Mosquits; that the Primate of this Salonichi should have under him 10 suf••ragan Bishops, whereof he of Philippi hath no fewer then 150 Churches under his Jurisdiction; or finally that under the Metropolitans of Athens or Corinth, there should be as many So mercifull hath God dealt with this luxurious and perfidious people as not to take away their Candlestick, though he hath darkened and obscured the light hereof.

As for the Fathers of this Church, anciently and at this present held in most esteem, they were no other then such as had been Bishops of the greater Sees: that is to say, 1 S. Chrysostome, first a Reader of Antioch, afterwards Patriarch of Constantinople. 2 Basil, and the two Gregories, 3 Nyssen, and 4 Na∣zianzen, all in Asia Minor, this last of Constantinople also. 5, 6 The two Cyrils, the one Patriarch of Alexandria, the other of Hierusalem. 7 Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis in the Isle of Cyprus. 8 Theodoret Bishop of Cyrus, &c. men of renown and precious memorie amongst them to this very day. From whose writings if they deviate in any materiall point of doctrine, it is in that of the Procession of the Holy Ghost, which they grant to be per Filium, but not a Filio. And though Clichthoraeus, Lombard, and other moderate men of the Church of Rome, doe grant the difference to be rather, in modo explicandi, quam in ipsa re; and that the Clause a Filioque, was added by the Romanists to the ancient Creeds, the Grecians not being privie nor consenting to it: yet so uncharitable is that Church towards these poore men languishing under the tyrannie of Turkish thraldome, as to persecute them with reproach and scorn, brand them for Schismaticks and Apostates, and solemnly to anathematize them, in Bulla Coenae, every Maundie Thursday. And it is a very hard measure to adde and anathematize too, as is right well observed by the late Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, in his notable discourse against the Jesuite. Other particular Tenets in which the Greek Church differeth from the Romish and Reformed (as in some points it doth from both) have been already specified in our Description of Russia, the Chur∣ches of the Greeks and Moscovites differeing in no materiall points, but 1 the manner of distributing the Sacrament; 2 the exacting of marriage by the Moscovite in the partie admitted unto Orders; 3 the frequent admiting of divorces upon light occasions; and 4 finally in being lesse strict in observing the Lent before Easter then in any of the other three. For whereas the Grecians account it a damna∣ble sin to eat flesh or fish which hath bloud in it, in any of their other Lents or times of abstinence, (they have in both Churches four in all) in that before Eas••er, which of all reason ought to be kept most punctually, the Laitie eat all sorts of fish without any exception; the bloud of some of which, as the Cuttle by name, is held to be a delicate food, and in great request.

The Language they spake was of their own, of which there were four Dialects, viz. 1 the Attick, 2 the Dorick, 3 the Aeolick, 4 the Ionick: besides the common phrase of speech most in use among them. A language of great fame for the liberall Arts, but more for so great a part of the holy Scripture, first delivered in it: and for the lofty sound, significant expressions, genuine suavitie, and happie composition of words, so excelling all others, that even in the flourishing of the Roman Empire, it so much overtopped the Latine, that the Histories of Rome it self (as of Polybius, Appian, Dion Cassius) were written in it. It was once also the generall language of Anatolia, some parts of Italie, Provence in France, and almost all the Islands of the Mediterranean. But now partly by the mu∣tilation of some words, and contraction of others; partly by confusion of the true sound of Vowels, Diphthongs, and Consonants, and the translating of the Accents; and finally, by the admixture of forein Nations, it is not only fallen from its naturall elegancie, but from its largenesse of extent. For it is now shut up within the limits of Greece, and the Sea-coasts of the lesser Asia, opposite unto it; and there not only much corrupted but almost quite devoured by the Turkish and Sclavonian tongues: but specially by that which they call Franco, a Mungrel language, composed of Italian, French, and some Spanish words, used as the ordinarie speech for commerce and intercourse betwixt Christians, Jews, Turks, and the Greeks themselves, who doe not understand, and much lesse speak the true ge∣nuine Greek. So that although they still retain for ordinarie dayes S. Chrysostoms Liturgie, and that of S. Basil for the Festivals: yet being both written in the ancient and learned Greek, they are no more understood by the Vulgar Grecian, then the Latine Service by the common and illiterate Papist.

The soil questionlesse is very fruitfull, and would yeeld great profit to the husbandman, if they would take pains in the tilling: but they, knowing nothing certainly to be their own, but all things subject to the Grand Signieur and his souldiers; neglect the tillage of their lands on the same grounds with those who said in the Poets Eclogues:

Impius haec tam culta novalia miles habebit? Barbarus has segetes? en queis consevimus arva!

Shall misbeleeving Turks these acres spoil, Which I manur'd with so much cost and toil? Shall they enjoy my care? See neighbours, see, For whom these goodly corn-fields tilled be!

The more naturall and certain commodities which they transport into other parts, are Wines, which in memory of the water which our Saviour turned into wine; and on the sixt day of January being that day whereon this miracle was wrought, they use to baptize: for which cause the Jews wil drinke none of them. They send also into other parts of the world, Oil, Copper, Vitrioll, some Gold and Silver, Velvet, Damasks, Turque Grograms, &c.

This Country hath formerly been famous for the brave Commanders, Miltiades, Aristides, and Themistocles of Athens, Lisander and Agesilaus of Sparta, Pelopidas and Epaminondas of Thebes, Aratus and Philopoemen of Achaia, Pyrrhus of Epirus, Philip of Macedon the subverter of the Grecian liber∣ty, and Alexander his son (to omit infinite others) the subverter of the Persian Monarchy. For the

divine Philosophers Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, and Theophrastus; for the most eminent Lawgivers, Solon, and Lycurgus; for the most exquisite Poets, Hesiodus, Homer, Sophocles, and Aristophanes; for the fa∣mous Historiographers, Xenophon the condisciple of Plato, Thu••ydides, Plutarch, and Herodotus; the elo∣quent Oratours, Aeschines, Demosthenes, and Isocrates; and lastly, for the authors and establishers of all bumane learning whatsoever, only the Mathematiques excepted.

The chief Rivers are 1 Cephisus, which arising in the Frontires of Epirus, disburtheneth it self in∣to the Aegean Sea. 2 Erigon, and 3 Alaicmon, which beginning their course in the more Northern parts of Macedon, end it in Thirmaicus Sinus. 4 Strymon in Mygdonia. 5 Athicus and Nisus in Thrace. 6 Stymphalus, where Hercules killed the Stymphalian birds. And 7 Ladon in Arcadia. 8 Inachus, whose daughter Io turned into a Heifer, was worshiped by the Egyptians under the name of Isis. 9 Achelous in Epirus, much celebrated by the ancient Poets, especially by Ovid in his Metamorphosis. As is also 10 Pe∣neus, the chief River of Thessalie, and there arising from Mount Pindus, and increased with the waters of many Rivers. Daphne the Nymph, whom Apollo is fabled to have loved, and turned into a Bay tree, lived near or on the banks of this River Peneus, and is therefore said to be his daughter Of lesse note

Populifer¹¹ Sperchius, & irrequietus¹² Enipeus ¹³ Apidanusque senex, lenisque¹⁴ Amphrysus, &¹⁵ Aeas.

That is to say:

Cool Sperchie, Enipeus that troubled ran, Smooth Amphryse, Aeas, and old Apidan.

The rest of lesse note, and the most eminent Mountains in each part hereof, shall be remembred in their places as we see occasion.

Thus much of the whole Countrie in grosse. And as for the division of it with reference to the State of the Roman Empire, it contained in a manner two whole Dioceses, viz. Thrace and Macedon: the first under the ••raefectus Praetorio Orientis, the latter (together with that of Dacia) under the Praefe∣ctus Praetorio for Illyricum. Of these the Diocese of Macedon lying wholly within the bounds of the modern Greece, contained the Provinces of Macedonia Prima. 2 Macedonia Secunda, or Salutaris, (now as in former times, called Albania.) 3 Epirus Nova, taking up the Countries of Phoeis, Locris, and so much of the Old Epirus as was on that side of the River Achelous. 4 Old Epirus, comprehending all the rest of that Countrie. 5 Thessalie, 6 Achaia, containing all Achaia and Peloponnesus, the Coun∣tries of Locris and Phocis excepted only. And 7 Crete or Candie, with the Isles adjoining. And for the Diocese of Thrace, it was divided into the Provinces of 1 Thrace, specially so called. 2 Europa, 3 Rhodope, 4 Haemi-montum, 5 Moesia Inferior, and 6 Scythia: of which the four first make up the bo∣die of Thrace, and shall there be spoken of: the two last being comprehended in the modern Dacia, have been described already in their proper places. But not to binde my self precisely unto this division, (though I shall look on this as occasion serveth) I shall consider Greece in the severall Pro∣vinces of 1 Peloponnesus, 2 Achaia, 3 Epirus, 4 Albania, 5 Macedon, 6 Thrace, 7 The Islands of the Pro∣pontick, 8 Aegean, and 9 the Ionian Seas, and 10 finally the Isle of Crete.

1 PELOPONNESUS.

PELOPONNESVS is bounded on the East with the Cretan, on the West the Adriatick or Ionian Seas; on the North-east with Sinus Saronicus, now Golfo di Engia; on the North-west with Sinus Corinthiacus, now G••lfo di Patras or Lepanto; and on the South with the Mediterranean. So that it is almost an Island, properly called a Peninsula, rounded with the Sea, except where it is tyed to the main land of Greece, by an Isthmus six miles in breadth, which the Grecians and Venetians fortified with a great wall and five Castles. This was called anciently Hexamilium, and was overthrown by Amurath the 2. who harassed and spoiled all the Country. It was afterwards in the year 1453. upon the ru∣mour of a war, built up again by the Venetians (who then had the greatest part of this country) in 15 dayes; there being for that time 30000 men imployed in the work. This wall extended from one Sea unto the other, which had it been as gallantly guarded as it was hastily made up, or as it was well fortified, had it been as well manned, might easily have resisted the Turks, untill more means had been thought on to defend it. Not lesse observable, but more fruitlesse was the design of some in the elder times to cut thorow this Isthmus and make a perfect Island of it. Attempted by Demetrius King of Macedon, Julius Caesar, and Caius Caligula, by none more eagerly pursued then the Emperour Nero, who to hearten on his souldiers, loath to attempt so fruitlesse an enterprise, took a spade in hand, and busily began the work. Yet at last the souldiers, being frighted with the bloud which abundantly broke forth; with the groans and roarings which they continually heard, and with the Hebgoblins and Furies, which were alway in their sight; perswaded the Emperour, now half out of the humour, to leave this and enjoin them some more profitable service: given over by the former Princes on the like discouragements. It is in compasse 600 miles, and was called at the first Aegialia, from Aegialus the first King of Sicyon; next Apia from Apis the fourth King; after that Sicy••nia

from Sicyon the nineteenth King thereof; and finally Peloponnesus from Pelops the son of Tantalus King of Phrygia, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Insula; the word signifying as much as the Isle of Pelops. But it is now of late called Morea; and that, a Maurorum incursionibus, from the incursions of the Moores, as Mercator thinketh.

It is conceived to be the most pleasant Countrie of all Greece, abounding in all things necessarie for the life of man, and in such also as do serve for delicacie and contentment only: adorned with many goodly Plains, swelled with fruitfull Hils, well stored with Ports and Havens on all sides thereof. And though no Country in the world for the bignesse of it, hath suffered in the ruine of so many brave and stately Cities, yet is it still the most populous and best inhabited of all the Con∣tinent of Greece. Near the middle of it in Laconia is the Mount Taygetus, from the top whereof there was no Citie of note in all this Peninsula, but what might easily be seen. A most gallant pro∣spect. The whole divided commonly into these 7 Provinces, 1 Achaia propria, 2 Elis, 3 Messene, 4 Arcadia, Laconia, 6 Argolis, and 7 Corinthia.

1 ACHAIA PROPRIA is bounded on the East with Argolis and Corinthia, on the West with the Ionian Sea; on the North with Sinus Corinthiacus, or the Golfe of L••panto; on the South with Elis. So called from the Achaei, the Inhabitants of it; the adjunct propria, being added to difference it from Achaia in the Continent or main land of Greece.

Places of most consideration in it, are 1 Dyme, situate in the most Western point of it, on or near the Promontorie called Araxum, the town now called Chiarenza, and the Promontorie Cabo di Chiarenza. Not far from which is another Promontorie or head-land, of old called Antirrhium, because opposite to another in Aetolia, that was called Rhium, divided by a very narrow strait or fretum, which openeth into the Bay of Corinth; fortified on each side with a Castle for defence thereof, commonly called Dardanelli, and sometimes Castelli di Lepanto. 2 Aegium, where Jupiter is said to have been nursed by a Goat, whence it had the name: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Greek signifying a she Goat: once a strong town, now ruined and destroyed by the Turks, called at this day Vostiza, or Bostizan. 3 Aegira, once the chief Citie of all this tract, situate on a steep and inaccessible hill; now a small Village, called Xilocastro. 4 Olenus, so named from Olenus the son of Jupiter, and Anaxithea, now called Chaminisa. 5 Patrae, situate at the very mouth of the Golfe opposite to Lepanto, first called Ar••e, but being by one Patreus enlarged and walled, took the name of Patrae, which name it holdeth to this day, being still called Patras: the town of most note on the Bay of Corinth, called from hence Golfo di Patras. A town of good trade, and much frequented not long since by the English Merchants, who had here their Consul, called the Consul of Mera: but formerly more memorable for the death of S. Andrew the Apostle, who here suffered Martyrdom. 6 Pellene, distant from the Sea about 60 furlongs: the people whereof being constant to their old fashions of apparell, occasioned the Proverb of Pellenaea vestis, applyed to old cloaths out of fashion. Here were once also the two Cities of 7 Helice, and 8 Buris, sunk by the vi∣olence of a tempest into the bottome of the Sea, about the time of the battle of Leuctres. Not to say any thing of 9 Tritae and 10 Phera, two other towns hereof, of note, in the former times; so little now remaining of them, as if they had been sunk at the same time also.

But the chief town of all this Province, (if not a Province of it self) is that of Sicyon, situate not far from the Isthmus, in the most Eastern parts hereof, and giving to the territorie or adjoyning Country (as once unto the whole Peninsula) the name of Sicyonia. The territorie rich, especially in Olives and works of Iron; the Citie the most ancient of all Greece, built within little time of the generall flood and restauration of mankind: first called Aegialia, after Sicyonia, by the names of the first and nineteenth Kings hereof: by whom and their successours much adorned and beautified with Temples, Altars, Statues, and Images of their severall Gods: the ancientest Kingdome in the world, the Assyrian, and Aegyptian excepted only, and perhaps not those. It took beginning in the person of Aegialeus, within 150 years after the deluge, and 200 years before the death of Noah, continuing in a race of Princes who swayed the affairs of Peloponnesus, till overtopped by the growth and good for∣tune of the Kings of Argos. The names of whom, by reason of the undoubted antiquitie of this Kingdome, I shall here subjoin, in the ensuing Catalogue of

The KINGS of SICYON.

• A. M.
• 1860 1 Aegialeus
• 1910 2 Europs,
• 1950 3 Telchin,
• 1980 4 Apis,
• 2004 5 Telxion,
• 2055 6 Aegyras,
• 2089 7 Eurymachus,
• 2134 8 Leucidpus,
• 2187 9 Mesapus,
• 2234 10 Peratus.
• 2280 11 Plemnaeus,
• 2328 12 Orthoulis,
• 2391 13 Marathon,
• 2421 14 Marathus,
• 2441 15 Echyreus,
• 2496 16 Corax,
• 2526 17 Epopeus,
• 2561 18 Lamedon,
• 2601 19 Sicyon
• 2646 20 Polybus,
• 2686 21 Ianischus,
• 2728 22 Phestus,
• 2736 23 Adrastus,
• 2740 24 Polyphides,
• 2771 25 Pelasgus,
• 2791 26 Xeuxippus, the last King of Sicyon; after whose death A. M. 2812. the estate hereof was governed by the Priests of Apollo, seven

• of them successively one after another: the first five only years a piece; Amphictyon, who was the sixt, continuing 9 years in the Regencie, and Charidemus the last of them, ruling 18 years. After whose death, or departure, I know not which, A. M. 2844. the Heraclidae, who about that time returned in∣to Pel••ponnesus, made themselves Masters of this Country; there being no Kings of Sicyenia from this time forwards.

Of these Kings the most memorable were Aegialeus, and Apis, the first and fourth, from whom this Peninsula had the names of Apia, and Aegialia. Aegirus the 6. giving name and being to the Citie Aegi∣ra, spoken of before: Marathon the 13. of whom perhaps the famous fields of Marathon (in the other 〈◊〉〈◊〉 took denomination: Epopeus the 17. who founded a Temple to Minerva, and therein placed his own Monument or Tropheys: Sicyon the 19. the Founder of the Citie of Sicyon, or at least there∣pairer and enlarger of it: Pelasgus the 25. from whom perhaps the Grecians might be called Pelasgi, if not known formerly by that name. After this time, I finde no man of note who bare sway in Sicyon till the time of Aratus, the speciall ornament of this town (of which a Native) and one of the principall establishers of the Achaean Common-wealth against the Spartans and Macedonians; of which more hereafter in the generall History of Peloponnesus.

2 The Country of ELIS hath on the East Arcadia; on the West the Ionian Sea; on the North Acha••a prepria; on the South Messenia. The chief Cities are, 1 Elis, which gives name to the whole Pro∣vince. So called from Elisha the son of Javan, and grand-child of Japhet, who fixt himself in these parts of this Countrie, where he built this Citie, calling it by his own name; as his posteritie in ho∣nour of him did the Isles adjoynig; mentioned in the Propher Ezekiel, by the name of the Isles of Elisha Ch. 27. v. 7. Nigh to this Citie runneth the River Alpheus, of which we have spoken in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and in this Citie reigned the King Augeas, the cleansing of whose Stable is accompted one of the won∣ders or twelve labours performed by Hercules. 2 Olympia, famous for the Statue of Jupiter Olympi••as, one of the 7 wonders, being in height 60 cubits; composed by that excellent workman Phidias, of gold and ivory. In honour of this Jupiter were the Olympick games instituted by Hercules, and cele∣brated on the Plains of this Citie, A. M. 2757. The exercises in them were for the most part bodily, as running in Chariots, running on foot, wrastling, fighting with the whorlbats, and the like. But so that there repaired thither also Orators, Poets, and Musicians, and all that thought themselves ex∣cellent in any laudable qualitie, to make triall of their severall abilities: the very Cryers who proclai∣med the Victories, contending which should cry loudest, and best play his part. The rewards given to the V••ctor were only Garlands of Palm, or such slight remembrances; and yet the Greeks no lesse esteem'd that small sign of conquest and honour, then the Romans did their most magnificent triumphs: those which were Conquerors herein being met by all the principall men of the Citie, in which, or un∣der which they lived, and a passage broken in the main wals thereof for their reception; as if the ordinarie Gates were not capable of so high an honour, or able to afford them entrance. Insomuch that when Diagoras had seen his three sons crowned for their severall victories, a friend of his came to him with this gratulation, Morere Diagoras, nunquam enim in Coelum ascensuruses, that is to say, Die now Diago••as, for thou shalt never goe to Heaven: as if no greater happinesse could befall the man either in this life or that to come, then that which he enjoyed already. The Judges and Presidents of these Games, were some of the Citizens of Elis, deputed to it; highly commended for their justice and in∣tegrity in pronouncing who best deserved, without partialitie. Of these thus Hora••e in his Odes:

Sunt quos Curriculo pulverem Olympicum Collegisse juvat; metaque fervidis Evitata rotis, Palmaque nobilis Terrarum Dominos evehit ad Deos. Quos Elea domum reducit Palma coelestes.

That is to say:

Some in Olympick dust take pride Their Chariots and themselves to hide; Whom the shunn'd mark, and Palm so priz'd, Like to the Gods hath eterniz'd. Such as like heavenly wights do come With an Elean Garland home.

But to proceed, after the death of Hercules, these games were discontinued for 430 years: at which time one Iphitus, warned so to doe by the Oracle of Apollo, renewed them; causing them to be solemnly exercised every fourth year: from which custom Olympias is sometimes taken for the space of 4 years; as cuincue annorum Olympiades, for 20 years. Varro reckoneth the times before the floud to be obscure; those before the Olympiads, and after the floud to be falulous; but those that followed these Olympiads to be Historicall. These Olympiads were of long time, even from the res••auration of them by Iphitus untill

the reign of the Emperour Theodosius; the Grecian Epoche, by which they reckoned their accompt: the first of them being placed in the year of the world, 3174. before the building of Rome 24 years; the last in the 440 year after Christs nativity. According to which reckoning this accompt conti∣nued for the space of 1214 years; the memorie of which remains, though the name of Olympia be not found in Peloponnesus: the town at this day called by the name of Sconri. 3 Pisa, whose people followed Nestor to the wars of Troy, and in their return were by tempest driven to the coasts of Italie, where they built the Citie Pisa in Tuscanie. 4 Tornese, a new Town, or the new name of some an∣cient City, from whence the adjoyning Promontorie of old called Chilonites, is now called Cabo di Tornese.

3 MESSENIA hath on the East Arcadia; on the North Elis; on the South and West, the Sea. It takes its name from the Metropolis Messene situate on Sinus Messeniacus, now called Golfo di Conro. 2 Pylos, where Nestor was King, now called Novarino, a desolate and poor village not worth the no∣ting. Of which thus Ovid speaking in the name of Penelope,

Nos Pylon, antiqui Neleia Nestoris arva, Misimus, incerta est reddita fama Pylo.

To Pylon, aged Nesiors seat, we sent; But could not hear from thence how matters went.

3 Medon, or Methone, seated in the most southern part of this Peninsula, from whence unto the Isthmus which joineth it to the rest of Greece, are reckoned 175 Italian miles; the ordinarie residence of the Turkish Zanziack, who hath the government of this whole Province of Morea under the Beglerbeg of Greece. 4 Corone or Coron, the chief town on the Bay of Messene, called from hence Golf di Coron, and the last which held out against the Turks for the State of Venice, once Lords of all the Sea-coasts of Peloponnesus. 5 Cyparissi, now called Arcudia from whence the Bay adjoyning hath the name of Golfo di Arcudia. Here is also the Promontorie called of old Coryphusium, now Calo Zanchio.

The people of this small Province had once a great sway in the whole Peninsula. At first confederate with the Spartans in so strict a league, that they mutually sent young Virgins to one another for their publick sacrifices: but afterwards Corrivals with them for the Supreme power. The Spartans at the last getting the upper hand of them, oppressed them with a miserable servitude. The occasion this. In the confines of this Countrie stood a Temple of Diana, common alike to the Messenians, Spartans, and Dores. It happened that some Spartan Virgins were by the Messenians here ravished; which abuse the Spartans pretended to be the ground of their warre: the true reason indeed being their covetous∣nesse of the sole Empire. This warre broke out three severall times. The first continued 20 years, in which space the Lacedaemonians fearing their absence would hinder the supply of young children in the Citie, sent a company of their ablest young men home to accompany their wives. Their off-spring were called, Parthenii, who coming to full growth, abandoned Sparta, sailed into Italie, and there built Taren••um. The second being of 23 years continuance, was raised and maintained by Aristomenes, one of the chief men of the Messenians; in which they prospered ••il Aristo••rates King of Arcadia, one of their confederates, revolted, to side with Lacedaemon. Then began they to decline, and Aristomenes was thrice taken prisoner, still miraculously escaping. His last imprisonment was in a Dungeon, where by chance espying a Fox devouring a dead body, he caught hold of her tail. The Fox running away, guided Aristomenes after, till the straitnesse of the hole by which he went out, made him leave his hold, and fall to scraping with his nails, which exercise he never left, till he had made the hole pas∣sable, and so escaped; and having a while upheld his falling Country, dyed in Rhodes. The third warre was like drops after a tempest. In which the Messenians being finally subdued, were forced to abandon their Country, or become slaves unto the Spartans who put them to all drudgeries and ser∣vile works, as they did the Helots, whom they accounted as their bondmen: and to this life some of them did apply themselves with such obsequiousnesse, that at last it grew into a Proverb, Messena ser∣vilior, that such a one was more servile, or more slavishly used then these poore Messenians. But the greatest part of them not brooking that heavy yoke, passed into Sicil, and there built the Citie of Messana. Others were planted in Naupactum, by the State of Athens; the rest dispersed up and down in all parts of Greece: few of them left in their own Countrie, till Epaminondas having vanquished the Lacedaemonias at the battell of Leuctres, restored them to their ancient possessions.

4 ARCADIA, hath on the East Laconia; on the West Elis and Messene; on the North Achaia propria; and on the South the Sea. This Country took its name from Arcas, the son of Jupiter and Calisto; but was formerly called Pelasgia: the people whereof thought themselves more ancient then the Moon.

Orta prius Luna, de se si creditur ipsi, Amagno tellus Arcade nomen habet.

The land of which great Areas took its name, Was ere the Moon, if we will credit Fame.

The chief Cities are 1 Mantinea, nigh unto which the Theban Army, consisting of 30000 foot, and 3000 horse, routed the Army of the Spartans, and Athenians; consisting of 25000 foot, and 2000 horse. In this battell Epaminondas that famous Leader, received his deaths wounds, and not long after dyed. At his last gasp one of his friends bemoaning his untimely death; Alas, said he, thou diest Epaminondas, and leavest behinde thee no children: Nay, replyed he, two daughters will I leave be∣hind me, the victory of Leuctra, and this other at Mantinea. It was afterwards called Antigonia in ho∣nour of Antigonus Tutor or Protector of Philip the father of Perseus King of Macedon; but by com∣mand of the Emperour Adrian restored to its old name again, and is now called Mantegna. 2 Megalo∣polis, the birth-place of Polybius that excellent Historian. The one half of it had sometimes the name of Orestia, from the lodging of Oresies in it; the whole now called Leontari, on what cause I know not. 3 Phialia, towards the Sea. 4 Psophis, so called from Psophis one of the sons of Lycaon, once King of this Countrie, slain by Jupiter. 5 Stymphalus, situate near a Lake and River of the same name, where Hercules slew the Stymphalian birds; so great in number and in body that they darkened the sun-beams, and terribly infested this little Province, till driven thence by Hercules. Here was also in this town a Temple dedicated to Minerva, from hence called Stymphalida. 6 Tegea, fa∣mous for the Temple of Pan, here worshipped, and from hence called Tegaeus: more for the war made upon the Tegeates, or people hereof by the Lacedaemonians: who thinking themselves assured of victorie, brought with them store of chains and fetters, wherewith to lead captive their conquered Enemies, but being overcome in battell, were themselves bound with them, and forced as slaves, to till the grounds of these Tegeates. Here is also in this Countrie the River Styx, whose water for the poisonous taste was called the water of Hell: by which Poets fain, that the Gods used to swear, as may be every where observed: and that what God soever swore by Styx falsly, he was banished from heaven; and prohibited Nectar for a 1000 years.

This Country for the fitnesse of it for pasturage and grazing hath made it the subject of many worthy and witty discourses, especially that of Sir Philip Sidney, of whom I cannot but make honou∣rable mention: a book which besides its excellent language, rare contrivances, and delectable stories, hath in it all the strains of Poesie,, comprehendeth the universall art of speaking; and to them which can discern and will observe, affordeth notable rules for demeanour, both private and publick. Which noble Gentleman, as he may worthily be called the English Heliodore, so the Ingenious Author of the History of Melintus and Ariana, may as deservedly be called the French Sidney.

5 LACONIA is bounded on the West with Arcadia, on the East and South with the Sea, on the North with Argolis. Called first Lelegia, from the Leleges, by Strabo said to be the first Inhabitants of it, afterwards Oebalia, from Oebalus a King of Lacedaemon; and finally Laconia, of the Lacones, who succeeded the Leleges in the possession hereof on their removall into the Islands of the lesser Asia. •• is by some Writers also called Hecatompolis, from the number of an hundred Cities which it once had in it.

The soil hereof exceeding rich, and the fields very spatious, yet for the most part not well tilled, in regard of the many hils and Mountainets which overthwart it. Well watered with the River Eu∣rotas, and memorable for many fair Bayes and Promontories: of which the principall are the Promon∣tories of Malea, and Taenaria, now called Cabo Malio, and Cabo Matapan: and of the Bayes, that called Golfo di Colochina, the Sinus Laconicus of the ancients; into which the River Eurotas, (now better known by the name of Vasilo Potamo, or the Kingly River) poures his gentle streams. The nature of the people we shall finde in Sparta.

Places of most observation in it, 1 Leuctres sitna••e on the Sea-side, near the Bay of Messeni; of which name were two others in Greece, the one in Arcadia, the other in Achaia, but this last most memo∣rable. 2 Amyclae, so called from Amyelas the third King of Sparta, by whom first founded; renowned afterwards for the birth of Castor and Pollux, the sons of Tyndarus; and of good note for being the foundresse of the Citie of Amyclae in Calabria Superior, at first a Colonie of this. 3 Thulana, nigh to which is the Lake of Lerna, where Hercules slew the Monster Hydra: and not far off Mount Taenarus neer the Pr〈◊〉〈◊〉 Taenaria, in which the Natives shew a Cave, beleeved in former times to be the descent into Hell, out of which the Poets fain that Cerberus was dragged by Hercules. 4 Salassia, where Antig••nus vanquished Cleomenes, the last King of Sparta. 5 Epidaurus (seated on the Bay named Golfo di Napoh) now called Malvasia; a town well built and very well peopled; remarkable for the sweet Wines called Malvesey, or Malmesey, sent from hence into all other parts in great abundance. 6 Sparta, so called from Sparta, the son or brother of Phoroneus the 2. King of Argos, the Founder of it: but afterwards beautified and inlarged by Lacedaemon the second King of this Countrie, it took that name also; promiscuously known by both in the best Authors. One of the Eyes of Greece, and a most famous Commonwealth, but at first governed by Kings, as most of the Greek Cities in anci∣ent times. Tyndarus, the father of Castor and Pollux, was once King hereof, after whose death and the death of the said famous brethren, Menelaus was admitted King of Sparta or Lacedaemon, in right of

Helena his wife, their sister. And though Nicostratus and Magapenthes, sons of Menelaus by another ven∣ter, succeeded after his decease; yet the Spartans soon rejected them and received Orestes the son of Agamemnon to be their King, marrying him to Hermione the daughter of Menelaus and Helena, and con∣sequently the neece of Tyndarus. Tisamenes the son of Orestes and Hermione, succeeded next, in whose time the Heraclidae or posteritie of Hercules returned into Greece, under the conduct of Temenus, Cte∣siphon, and Aristodemus, sons of Aristomachus: whereof the first possessed himselfe by force of Arms of the Citie of Argos, the second of Messene, and the third conquered the Citie and State of Sparta: which dying very shortly after••, he left unto his two sons, Eurysthenes and Procles; the roots of the two Royall families, which jointly and in common governed the affairs of Sparta: first absolutely as Soveraign Prinees, without any controll, afterwards at the direction of the Senate, and finally under the command and check of those popular Officers whom they called the Ephori. But because these Spartan Kings in each severall period, were for the most part men of action, and often mentioned in the Histories of the elder times: I will first make a Catalogue of them, and then subjoin such ob∣servations and remembrances, as I think most pertinent.

The KINGS of SPARTA Of the first Familie.

• A. M.
• 1 Eurotas the first King of Sparta, who gave name to the River Eurotas.
• 2 Lacedaemon brother of Eurotas, from whom the Citie of Sparta was called Lace∣daemon.
• 3 Amyclas son of Lacedaemon, the founder of Amyclae a Laconian Citie.
• 4 Argalus son of Amyclas.
• 5 Cynorta son of Argalus.
• 6 Oebalus sonne of Cynorta, from whom a part of this Country had the name of Oebalia.
• 7 Hippocoon son of Oebalus.
• 2700 8 Tyndarus brother of Hippocoon, in whose life he was King of Oebalia only.
• 9 Castor and Pollux, sons of Tyndarus, famous among the Argonautes.
• 2740 10 Menelaus and Helena his wife the daughter of Tyndarus, whose Rape occasioned the de∣struction of Troy.
• 2770 11 Nicostratus and Megapenthes sons of Menelaus by a former wife.
• 12 Orestes and Hermione his wife, daughter of Helena and Menelaus.
• 13 Tisamenes son of Orestes and Hermione, who being outed of Sparta by the Hera••lidae, reig∣ned in Achaia, and left his Kingdom there, unto his posteritie.

The KINGS of SPARTA Of the race of HERACLIDAE.

1 Aristodemus, the first King of the Race of Hercules; left the Kingdom jointly to his two sons,

A. M.			A. M.
2848	1	Eurysthenes	2848	1	Procles
2890	2	Agis from whom this line were called Agidae.		2	Euripon, from whom this line were called Eurypontidae.
2891	3	Echestratus		3	Prytanis
2926	4	Labetas.		4	Eunomus
2963	5	Dryssus		5	Polydectes
2992	6	Agesilaus	3076	6	Charilaus
3046	7	Archelaus	3140	7	Nicandrus
3096	8	Teleclus	3176	8	Theopompus
3136	9	Alcumenes		9	Archidamus
3173	10	Polydorus		10	Zeuxidamus
	11	Eurycrates		11	Anaxidamus
	12	Anaxandrus		12	Archidamus II.
	13	Eurycrates II.		13	Agasicles
	14	Leonidas		14	Ariston
	15	Anaxandrides		15	Demaratus
	16	Cleomenes	3447	16	Leotychides
	17	Leonidas II.	3478	17	Archidamus

3470	18	Plistarchus	3520	18	Agis
3471	19	Plisionax	3547	19	Agesilaus
3539	20	Pausanias	3588	20	Archidamus IV.
3553	21	Agesipolis	3611	21	Agis II.
3567	22	Cleombrotus		22	Eudamidas
3576	23	Agesipolis II.		23	Archidamus V.
3577	24	Cleomenes II.		24	Eudamidas II.
3611	25	Arius	3700	25	Agis III.
3655	26	Acrotatus		26	Eurydamidas the last King of the line of the Eurypoutidoe, slain by Cleomenes, the last of the other line also.
	27	Arius II.
	28	Leonidas III.
	29	Celombrotus II.
3714	30	Cleomenes III. the last of the line of the Agidoe; who having slain Eurydamidas the son of Agis the 3. substituted his own brother Epiclides in his place. But being himself shortly alter vanquisted by Antigonus of Macedonia, and forced to flie his Country with his wife and children: the Government of the Heraelidae ended after it had continued here for the space of 900 years or thereabouts.

Under these Kings the Government at first was 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as Plutarch termeth it, sufficiently Monarchicall, if it were not more. Under Eunomus the fourth King of the second house, the people finding the reins of Government let loose, began to mutinie and grow too head-strong. To bridle whom, and to restrain the Kings withall, (should they prove exorbitant) Lycurgus the Protector of Charilaus the sixth King of that house, did ordain the Senate, committing to them the supreme power in matters civill, and leaving to the Kings the ordering of all militarie and sacred businesse. To curb the insolencies of this Senate, who quickly found their own strength, Theopompus the eighth King of that house, with the consent of Polydorus the tenth King of the other, instituted a new Magistracie chosen out of the Common-People, whom they called the Ephori, which grew in fine to such an height of pride and tyrannie, as not only to controll the Senators, but to censure, fine, imprison, depose, and mutually to kill their Kings, as the spirit of sedition moved them. So that the State of Lace∣doemon was at first a Monarchie under Kings; then an Aristocratie under the command of the Senate; next a Democratie under the Ephori; and finally by those popular Officers made so plain a Tyrannie, that Aristotle and Plato, two great Common-wealths-men who died before they had embrued their hands in the blood of their Kings, call it in plain terms 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a most absolute ty∣rannie. What think you would these men have called it, had they lived to see Leonidas the 3. depo∣sed, and Agis the third of that name also most barbarously murdered by these popular Vil∣lains.

But being the foundation of this Common-wealth was first laid, and the good Laws and politique Constitutions by which it did so long subsist in great power and splendour, established by the wit and power of Lycurgus, as before was said: we are to know concerning him, that he was the son of Eunomus the fourth King of the second house, slain in a popular tumult by the common people. Who finding by this Essay that the people were become too head-strong for the Kings to govern, unlesse reduced to extreme bondage by their Kings, which he wished not neither: took the advan∣tage of the minoritie of Charilaus to new mould the Government: and what he could not doe by fair means to effect by Arms; forcing this Charilaus, though his Nephew, when he came to age, to flie for sanctuarie to the Temple of Juno. Having ordained what Laws he pleased, and setled such a form of government as himself best fancied: the better to decline the envie of so great a change, he got leave to travail; binding the people by an oath to observe all his laws untill his return: and being gone, commanded at his death, that his ashes should be cast into the Sea, lest being carryed back to Sparta, the people might conceive themselves released from their oath. By means whereof his Laws con∣tinued in force near 700 years, during which time that Common-wealth did flourish in all pro∣sperity: the particulars of which Institutions he that lists to see may finde them specified at large by Photareh in the life of Lycurgus. Suffice it that the Discipline was so sharp and strict, that many went into the wars for no other reason then on an hope to rid themselves from so hard a life: and that Diogenes returning hence to the Citie of Athens, gave out that he returned from men to women, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. And being asked in what part of Greece he had met with the compleatest men; made answer that he could no where meet with men, but that he had found some boyes amongst the Spartans. A Cynicall and rugged answer, but such as carryed a great deal of judgment in it; the Spartans being more stout and resolute in all their actions, and lesse effe∣minate in their lives then the rest of the Grecians. But besides the strictnesse of the discipline under which they lived, there was another thing which made them wish for wars abroad: namely, the little or no power which either the Kings or People had in civil matters and affairs of State, entirely left to the dis∣posing of the Senate and the power of the Ephori. So that the Kings having by the laws the command of their armies, were willing to engage in war upon all occasion; and the common people as desircus to attend them in such employments, as the Kings could wish. Upon these grounds the war is made a trade amongst them; beginning with the Helots a neighbouring people; then with the rest of the Lacenians; afterwards quarrelling the Messenians their old Confederates: all which they seve∣rally

subdued and made subject to them. In the warre which Xerxes made against the City of Athens, their King Leouid as the first, of the elder house, went forth to aid them: slain at the straights of Thermopyloe, courageously fighting for the liberty of Greece: and when it was thought fit to set upon the Persian Fleet, Eurybiades the Spartan Admirall did command in chief. In pursuit of the this war against the Persians, Pausanias and Agesilaus were of most renown: the first in helping the Athe∣nians to drive them out of Greece; the other in making war upon them in their own Dominions. Freed from the Persians they grow jealous of the State of Athens, whom they looked on as their Rivals in point of Soveraignty and glory. Hence the long warre betwixt these Cities called Bellam Peloponnesiacum, managed for the most part in Peloponnesus, from thence transferred into Sicil, and at last ended in the taking of Athens: the Government whereof they changed into an Aristocratie, under 30 Magistrates of their own appointment, commonly called the thirty tyrants. Proud of this fortunate successe their next quarrell was with the Boeotians, the conquered Athenians covertly, and the Persians openly assisting the enemy. Here their prosperity began to leave them. For be∣sides many small defeats, Epaminondas the Theban so discomsited them, at the overthrowes of Leu∣ctres and Maxtinea; that Sparta it selfe was in danger of utter ruine. Not long after happened the Holy warre chiefly undertooke against the Phocians, wherein also they made a party: but this warre being ended by King Philip, they scarce breathed more freedome, than he gave air to. But when Alexanders Captains fought for the Empire of their Master, all these flourishing Republiques were either totally swallowed into, or much defaced by the Kingdome of Macedon. The Lacedoemonians held the chief strongth of a Town to consist in the valour of the people, and therefore would never suffer Sparta to be walled, till the times immediately following the death of Alexander the Great: yet could not those fortifications then defend them from Antigonus Doson King of Macedon, who having vanquished Cleomenes King of Sparta, entred the Town, and was the first man that ever was re∣ceived into it as Conqueror: So much different were the present Spartans from the valour and courage of their ancestours Cleomenes being forced to forsake his countrey, and the race of the Heraclidoe failing in him, they became a prey to Machanidus and Nabis, two wicked Tyrants: from whom they were no sooner freed, but they were made subject (in a manner) to the power of Rome: and in the end the Town so weak and inconsiderable, that it was not able to resist the poorest enemy; now a small Burrough called Misithra. And so I leave them to the thoughts of their former glories, having now nothing dseto boast of, but the fame and memory of their actions in former times.

ARGOLIS, so called from the chief City Argos, is bounded on the South with Laconia, on the West with Corinthia, and Achaia Propria; on the East and North with the Sea. A territorie remarkable for a most excellent breed of Horses, and from thence called Hippium.

Places of most importance in it, 1 Argos, founded by Argus the fourth King of this countrey, and the chief of this Kingdome. Memorable as for other things, so 1 for the death of Pyrrhus King of Epirus, who having forced his entry into it, was here ignobly slaine after all his victories, by the hands of an old woman, throwing a Tyle at him from the top of an house. 2 For the long race of the Kings hereof, from Inachus the cotemporary of our Father Abraham, anno 2003. unto Acrisius their last King. Whose daughter Danae being shut up in a Tower of Brasse, was deflowred by Jupiter, to whom she bare the renowned Perseus, so memorised in antient Poets. But Perseus having by mis∣fortune slain his Grandfather the old King Acrisius, quitted the City of Argos as unlucky to him, and transferred the Kingdome to Mycenae, a City of his own foundation, and so better fancied: by means hereof, the second City of esteem in this little Province. Growing in small time unto so great riches, that it got the name of dites Mycenoe; as appeareth by Horace, in whom the Horses of Argos, and the wealth of Mycene are placed in one verse together;

Aptum dicis equis Argos, ditesque Mycenas.

For horses Argos is of fame, For wealth Mycenoe hath the name.

3 Troezen, situate on the Sinus Argolicus, now called Golfo di Engia, the Royall seat of Pytheus the fa∣ther of Theseus who was born herein: from whence the Town in Ovid hath sometime the name of Pytheia Troezen, and Theseus many times is called Troezenius Heros: as Hercules had the name of Tyrin∣thius Heros, from 4 Tyrinthia, another City of this Province, in which he was nursed. 5 Nemea, where Hercules slew the dreadfull Lyon which annoied this countrey. In honour of which noble Act were instituted in time following the Nemean Games, which continued of great same in Greece for many Ages. The Exercises were running with swift horses, whorlepats, running on foot, quoit∣ing, wrastling, darting, shooting. Some have referred the originall of these Games to one Opheltes a Lacedemonian; and in whose honour they conceive them instituted: and others fetch it higher from the war of Thebes. But this I take to be the more allowable opinion. 6 Epidaurus on the Sea side fa∣mous for the Temple of Aesculapius; and the cure of all sorts of diseases there, so called from Epidau∣rus the sonne of Argus the founder of it. Of the same name, but of a different situation from that be∣fore mentioned in Laconia: this being seated on the Bay called Golfo di Napoli, this on that of Engia. Once called Melissa, and Aenera, at that time an Island; but by an Earthquake laid unto the continent: now called Pigiada. 7 Niuplia, so called of Nauplius King of Euboea, and father of Palamedes, to

whom it antiently belonged. A station then, as now, for shipping, in that regard called Nauplia Navale, now Neapoli, or Neapolis, the richest and best traded in all this tract, giving name unto a large and capacious Bay now called Golso di Napoli, of old Sinus Argolicus; into which the famous River Inachus, having passed through the City of Argos doth disgorge it selfe; so called from Inachus, the Father of 10, and the originall and Progenitor of

The KINGS of ARGOS and MYCENAE.

• A. M.
• 2093 1 Inachus the supposed father of Io, from whom the Grecians are sometimes called by the name of Inachii.
• 2143 2 Phoroneus the son of Inachus and Melissa, from whom the said Io hath the name of Phoronis in the Poet.
• 2223 3 Apis the son of Jupiter and Niobe, the daughter of Phoroneus, who leaving Greece went into Fgypt, where he taught the people tillage, and was there worshipped afterwards in the form of an Oxe.
• 2238 4 Argus the son of Apis, and the founder of Argos, in whose time Agriculture was taken up amongst the Grecians; from him called Argivi.
• 2308 5 Criajus, by some Peirajus the son of Argus.
• 2363 6 Phorbas the sonne of Criajus, in whose time Atlas and Prometheus are said to flourish.
• 2397 7 Triopas the sonne of Phorbas, and the brother of another Pherbas, who planted himselfe in the Isle of Rhodes.
• 2443 8 Crotopus.
• 2464 9 Sthenelus outed of the Kingdom by
• 2475 10 Danaus the brother of Egyptus, by whom driven out of Egypt he was made King of Ar∣gos, by consent of the people: the Father of those many daughters got with child by Hercules. From him the Grecians are called often by the name of Danai.
• 2525 11 Lynceus son of Egyptus the brother of Danaus.
• 2556 12 Abas the son of Lynceus and Hypermnestra the daughter of Danaus.
• 2566 13 Pretus the son of Abas.
• 2606 14 Acrisius the brother of Pretus and the father of Danae, foretold by Oracle that hee should be slaine by a son of that daughter, shut her up in a brazen tower. But Ju∣piter having corrupted the Guards with Go'd, got the Ladies consent, by whom he had Perseus so renowned amongst the Poets and Historians of those elder times.
• 2637 15 Perseus the son of Jupiter and Danae exposed by his Grandfather to the Seas, miracu∣lously preserved, and grown into great fame by his brave exploits; restored Acri∣sius to his throne from which he had been deposed by his brother Pricus. But after having ignorantly and unfortunately slain the said Acrisius, he removed his seat un∣to Mycene; where he reigned together with his son Sthenelus.
• 1645 16 Eurystheus the son of Sthenelus, much spoken of for the difficult taskes which at the insti∣gation of Juno he imposed on Hercules, his foster-child, and the supposed son of Am∣phytryon his Cousen German.
• 2688 17 Atreuus and Thyestes, sons of Pelops, on the failing of the line of Perseus, succeeded in Argos and Mycenae: infamous for their murders and adultery; Thyestes abusing the bed of Atreus, and Atreus seasting him with the body of his own son; whence 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in the Proverb.
• 2753 18 Agamemnon the son of Atreus, Commander of the Greeks at the war of Troy, in which action there ingaged 69 Kings of the Grecians, wasted over with a Navy of 1224 ships, killed at his coming home by Aegisthus, his Cousen German.
• 2768 19 Aegishus the son of Thyestes, having defiled Clitemnestra the wife of Agamemnon in the time of his absence, by her procurement murdered him at his coming home; and usurped the Kingdome.
• 2775 20 Orestes son of Agamemnon revenged his fathers death on Aegisthus and Clitemnestra, his owne Mother. After which falling mad, and restored againe unto his wits, hee married Hermione daughter of Menelaus and Helena, by whom he had the kingdome of Sparta also.
• 2803 21 Penthilus the son of Orestes, and the last King of this line, outed of his estate by the Dores and Heraclide; who made themselves Masters of all Peloponnesus, which they possessed untill the conquest of it by the Macodonians.

7 CORINTHIA is a little Region, lying towards the Isthmus or neck of land, which join∣eth Pelopennesus to the rest of Greece; betwixt Argolis and Achaia Propria. It containeth onely the ter∣ritory of the City of Corinth, not large, nor very fruitfull of those commodities which the rest of this Peninsula doth abound withall: as being mountainous and hilly, and by reason of the necernesse of the Sea, full of craggy rocks. The chief and indeed the onely Cities of note in it, 1 Genchrea, the

navall Road or station of ships for Corinth, mentioned Act. 19. 18. and Rom. 16. 1. in both Texts reckoned a distinct town from Corinth, as indeed it was. 2 Corinth it selfe, is commodiously situate for the command of all Greece, (had not the Inhabitants been more given to Merchandise then unto the warres) as being seated on the bottom of the neck or Isthmus, the Jonian Sea upon the West, and the Aegean on the West, washing the wals thereof, and giving it on each side a capacious Haven, in which regard called by Horace bimaris Corinthus. In compasse about eleven miles, for strength impregnable, for command as powerfull; mastering both Seas on which it stood, and cutting off all passage from one halfe of Greece to the other: to which last end the Castle called Acrocorin-thus, looking into both Seas, served exceeding fitly, and was therefore called one of the Fetters of Greece. The City, rich, well traded, and neatly built, most houses beautified with handsome pil∣lars from thence called Corinthian: more memorable for the wealth of the people, and the conveni∣ency of the situation, then for any notable exploits performed by them, or any great influence which they had on the States of Greece. But in regard of the wealth, greatnesse, and situation, ac∣counted by the Romans one of the three Cities which they held capable of the Empire; Carthage and Capua being the other two. In this City lived the famous or infamous whore, Thais, who exacted 10000 Drachmas for a single nights lodging: which made Demostbenes cry out, Non emam tanti poeni∣tore, and occasioned the old By-word,

Non cuivis homini contingit adire Corinthum,

'Tis not for every mans availe, Unto Corinth for to sayle.

Neer hereunto stood the Acrocorinthian mountaines, at the foot whereof the City, and on the top whereof the Castle called hence Acrocorinthus were seated; out of which flowed the famous foun∣tane named Pyrene, of old consecrated to the Muses; by Persius called Fons Caballinus, because faigned by the antient Poets to have been made by the horse Pegasus, dashing his foot against the rock. And on the other side hereof, in the very Isthmus were celebrated yearly the Isthmian games, ordained by Ineseus in the honour of Neptune, in imitation of the Olympick devised by Hercules in honour of Jupiter. The exercises much the same, and the reward no other then a Garland of Oaken bougbes; yet drawing yearly a great report of people to them: partly to exercise themselves, and behold the spcits, and partly to sacrifice to Neptune, who had hard by a famous Temple.

As for the fortunes of this City, it was at first called Ephyra, at that time a small and obscure place; but beautified and repaired by Corinthus the son of Pelops, tooke the name of Corinth, Governed by him and his posteritie till the coming of the Heraclidae into Peloponnesus: at what time one Aletes of the race of Hercules, possessed himself hereof, with the name of King, A. M. 2849. Twelve Princes of his line enjoyed it for the space of 220 yeares and upwards: when the house say∣ling in the person of Automanes, they were governed by temporary officers, like the Archontes of Athens. Continuing under this Government 124 years, the City was seised on by one Cypselus, A. M. 3294. who left it to his sonne Periander, one of the seven wisemen of Greece; counted a Tyrant in those times for no other reason, then that he had suppressed the popular government; after whose death, an. 3364. the City did recover its former liberty. In the bustles betwixt Athens aud Lacedaemon, and other the estates of Greece, for the superiority, it did little meddle: the aim of this people being wealth, not honour: not interessed in any action of renown in all those times; but in the sending of Timoleon to the aid of the Syracusans, against the Tyrant Diomysius, who did lord it over them. Subdued to∣gether with the rest by the Kings of Macedon; and with the rest restored to liberty by the power of Rome. Under whom growing still more rich, and withall more insolent, they abused certain Ro∣man Ambassadours. But irasci populo Romano nemo sapienter potest, as is said in Livie: which the Co∣rinthians found too true; the City being besieged, sacked, and burnt unto the ground by Lucius Mummius, a Roman Consul, an. V. C. 607. In the burning whereof there were consumed so many goodly Statuas of gold, silver, brasse, and other metals, that being melted into a Lump, they made up by that fatal chance, the so much estimated metal, called Aes Corinthium, more highly prized in Rome then Gold or Silver. Repaired again, it was of great esteem in the time of the Emperours, converted by S. Paul to the Christian Faith; and having flourished a long time in pride and pleasures, decayed by little and little, till it came to nothing, and is now a small Burrough called Crato.

Having thus spoken of the severall Estates of Peloponnesus, it resteth that we speak somewhat of the estate of the whole, varied according to the fortunes of those particulars, which had most influence on the same. The affaires hereof a long while swayed by the Kings of Sicyon, whence it had the name of Sicyonia, restrained afterwards to the territories of that City onely. But when the Kings of Argos came in place and power, it depended much upon their pleasures; from Apis the third king whereof (if not rather from Apis the fourth King of Sicyon) in the opinion of some Writers, it was named Apia. But Pelops the son of Tantalus King of Phrygia coming into Greece, and marrying Hippo∣damia daughter of Oenomaus King of Elis, became the most powerfull Prince of all this Peninsula, taking from him the name of Peloponnesus. The Kingdome of Mycene growing into power and credit, had the next turn in swaying the affaires hereof for a certain season; as after that the Dores, and the He∣raclide, possessed at once of Argos, Sporta, Corinth, and Messene. The Spartans getting the prehemlnence over all the rest, were the next who governed the affaires of it, and they held it long; having first

conquered Laconia, and subverted the estate of Messene; by means whereof, and by their fortunate suc∣cesse against the Persians, they became almost absolute in their commands, without any Competitor. But their power being broken by Pelopidas and Epaminondas in the Thehan war, the petit States hereof began to take heart again; & stand upon their own legs, as they did a while, till the Kings of Macedon succeed∣ing Alexander the Great, brought them once more under, and made them fellow-servants with their Spartan Masters. In the confusions which ensued in Macedon, amongst the Competitors for that King∣dome, Patras and Dime, two Cities of Achaia Propria, first united themselves in a strong league of a∣mity, at such time as Pyrrbus first went into Italy: into which confederacie the Cities of Tritaea and Pherae shortly after came, and not long after that, Aegira and the rest of Achaia Propria: their affaires first governed by two Praetors, with advice of the Senate, as afterwards by one alone with the like advice, of which Marcus Carinensis was the first, and Aratus of Sicyonia the second. The ground thus laid, and the reputation of this new Commonwealth increasing by the vertue of Aratus, the Epidaurians, Troe∣zenians, Argives, and Megarians became members of it: maintaining gallantly the liberties of Peloton∣nesus; till finally mastered by the Romans: the division of whose Empire it fell with all the rest of Greece, to the Constantinopolitans: and in the declining of their fortunes, when the Latines got possession of the Imperiall City, most of the Sea-coasts of it were alotted to the State of Venice: the inland parts formerly parcelled out amongst many Princes whom they called Despots, continuing as before they were; till all together made a prey to the Turkish Tyrants, Mahomet the Great, and Bajazet the second, by whom wholly conquered. For howsoever Thomas and Demetrius, Brethren of that unfortunate Prince Constantinus Palaologus, had fled hither at the taking of Constantinople; and were received and obeyed by those Petit Princes: yet being unable to hold out against the Conquerour, they became his tributaries. But falling out amongst themselves, and neglecting then to send in the tribute agreed upon, gave Mahomet the Great occasion to invade the Countrey, and under colour of aiding one bro∣ther against the other, to destroy them both, as he did accordingly: Demetrius being carryed Prisoner to Constantinople, and Thomas forced to abandon Pelopennesus, and flee to Italie, anno 3457. Such towns hereof as belonged unto the State of Venice followed the same fortune also in the time of Bajazet; by whom all taken at the last, and the whole Countrie brought under his obedience, anno 1500 or thereabouts. Governed ever since that time by a Turkish Zanziack, under the Beglerbeg of Greece, who hath his residence at Macedon, a Regiment of 1000 Horse to secure the Countrie, and 700000 Aspers (that is to say, 14000 Crowns) a year for his entertainment.

2 ACHAIA.

ACHAIA is bounded on the East with the Aegean Sea, on the West with Epirus; on the North with Thessalie, and on the South with Peloponnesus, and the Seas thereof. Called antiently Hellas from Helles the sonne of Deucalion: but whence it had the name of Achaia is not yet agreed on, though sure I am, that from hence the Inhabitants of it were called Achivi, (a name communicated after∣wards to all the Grecians) to difference them from the Achoei of Achaia Propria.

The countrey famous in the Authours of elder times more for the gallantry of the men, then any great goodnesse of their countrey: yet that sufficiently memorable for the hill Hymettus, swarm∣ing with Bees, plentifull of the sweetest honey; and rich in mines of excellent marble; as also for the River Cephisus, which runneth almost through the whole length hereof; divided into two main streams, of which the one is called Asopus, the other retaineth its first name. Upon the banks hereof stood the Temple of Themis, to which Deucalion did repair to be directed in the restauration of mankinde, as the Poets fable.

It was divided antiently into these seven parts, viz. 1 Attica, 2 Megaris, 3 Boeotia, 4 Phocis, 5 Lo∣cris, 6 Doris, and 7 Aetolia. A division now as much disused as the name of Achaia, changed by the Turkes into that of Levadia; of which more anon.

1 ATTICA hath on the West Megaris, and some part of Boeotia; on all other parts compassed with the Sea: so called from Athens the chief City. The soile for the most part very barren and craggy, yet by the armes and industry of the people made both rich, and famous; insomuch as the yearly revenues of the State of Athens were 1200 Talents. The money currant in this countrey was com∣monly stamped with an Oxe, whence came the By-word Bos in lingua, applyed to such Lawyers as were bribed to say nothing in their Clients cause: Not much unlike to which was the Proverb rising from the coin of Aegina (an Isle adjoining) stamped with the figure of a Snail, viz. Virtutem & sapientiam vincunt Testudines.

Places of most observation in it, 1 Philae, a strong Fortresse on the Borders of Boeotia, surprized by Thrasibulus and others of the banished Athenians, during the Government of the 30 Tyrants: the taking whereof was the first step towards their own and their countries libertie; which soone after followed. 2 Eleusis, on the borders of Megaris; almost impregnably fortified by the 30 Tyrants when they had the command of Athens, by whom designed for their retreat in all times of danger. But having withdrawn hither on the taking of Philae and Piraeus, by the Thrasybulians, they found strong wals a weak defence for so much wickednesse; being trained out as to a parlie, and so de∣prived of the place and their power together. It was first built by one Eleusius, who entertained Ceres as she was in quest of her daughter Proserpine: who to reward him taught him the use of Agri∣culture;

and he in honour of her built here a Temple. Hence Ceres in the Poets is called Eleusina, and her sacrifices sacra Eleusinia; and sometimes the City also, Cerealis Eleusis, so called by Ovid, in the 7 book of the Metamerphesis. 3 Rhamnus, upon the River Asous, famous for the Temple of Amphiaraus, and the Statua of the Goddesse Nemesis, hence called Rhamnusia in the Poets: this Nemesis or Rhamnu∣sia, being the Goddesse of indignation, punishing those who made themselves unworthy of their present fortunes. 4 Trichoritum, of more Antiquity, then fame. 5 Marathon, on the southside of the River Asopus, opposite to Rhamnus; of great note for the discomfiture given by Miltiades the Athenian to the numerous Army of Darius, consisting of 200000 Foot, and 10000 Horse: the Emulation of which noble victory startled such brave resolves in the brest of Themistocles. As memorable in the Poets of those elder times for the Marathonian Bull there slain by Theseus. 6 Pyroeus, the Port-Town to Athens, and the ordinary Station for their shipping; the Haven hereof being capable of 400 saile: distant from the City about two miles, but joined unto it by two long wals reaching from the one to the other, for securing the conveyance of their Merchandise to and from the Sea. The Port it self im∣pregnably fortified by the advice of Themistocles. But as these long walls were broken down by the command of the Spartans, when the City of Athens was taken by them: so were the fortifications of Pyraeus it self demolished by the command of Sylla, in his war against Mithridates King of Pontus, the better to keep under the Athenians. 7 Panormus, a Seat-Town also, and of very good trade, but not of such importance as the other was. 8 ATHENS, one of the eyes of Greece, and the chiefe of Attica, situate from the Sea two miles, as before was said: the Haven of Pyroeus serving it with all commodities, which came from other parts by shipping. First built by Cecreps the first King of it, by whom called Cecropia, A. M. 2409. repaired afterwards by Theseus, and furnished with good Lawes by Solon; and finally thus named from Minerva (whom the Greekes call Athene) to whom then dedicated, and in whose honour there were yearly kept some solemn Games called Panathencia. A City heretofore adorned with all those excellencies of strength and beauty, which Art or cost could adde unto it. Renowned, as for many things, so for three especially. 1 For the inviolable faith of the Citizens in all their Leagues, and most firm affection to their friends: so that Fides Attica grew in the end unto an Adage. 2 For the famous scholars which here taught and flourished: this being so happy a Nursery of the choicest wits, and so fitly seated for the Muses, that the very Natives be∣ing in other countries could sensibly perceive some want of that naturall vigour, which at home was resiant in their spirits. It a ut corpora istius gent is separata sent in alias Regiones, ingenia vero solis A the∣niensium muris clausa esse existimes, as Velleius hath it. Yea and to say the truth, it was a most famous University, from whose great Cistern, the Conduit-pipes of learning were dispersed over all the World. Yet did not learning so effeminate or soften the hearts of the People, but that 3 this one City yeelded more famous Captaines, then any in the World besides, not excepting Rome, Miltiades, Ari∣stides, Themistocles, Cimon, Pericles, Alcibiades, Phocion, and divers others of great name. Who though they were the men that both defended and enlarged this Common-wealth: yet were the people so ungratefull to them, or they so unfortunate in the end, that they either dyed abroad in banishment, or by some violent death at home. Themistocles the Champion of Greece, died an exile in Persia, Pho∣cion was slaine by the people; Demosthenes made himself away by poison; Pericles many times indan∣gered; Theseus their Founder first deposed, and then despitefully imprisoned: Aristides, Alcihiades, Ni∣cius, &c. banished for ten years by Ostracism: A form of punishment so called, because the name of the partie banished was writ on an Oyster-shell, and onely used toward such, who either began to grow too popular, or potent among the men of service. Which device, allowable in a Democratie, where the overmuch powerablenesse of one might hazard the liberty of all, was exercised in spight oftner, then desert. A Countrey-fellow meeting by chance with Aristides, desired him to write Aristides in his shell; and being asked, whether the man whose banishment he desired, had ever wronged him, replyed, No, he was onely sorry to heare folke call him a good man. We finde the like unfortunate end to most of the Romans, so redoubted in warre. Coriolanus was exiled, Camillus confined to Ardea, Scipio mur∣dered, with divers others: onely because their virtue had lifted them above the pitch of ordinary men. Ventidius was disgraced by Antony, Agricola poysoned, with the privity of Domitian; Corbulo, murdered by the command of Nero: all able men, yet living in an age, wherein it was not lawfull to be valiant. In later times it so hapned to Gonsalvo the Great Captain, who having conquered the king∣dome of Naples, driven the French beyond the mountains, and brought all the Italian Potentates to stand at the Spaniards devotion; was by his Master called home, where hee lived obscurely, though honoured after his decease with a solemne Funerall. Worse fared the Guise, and Biron in France; worse Essex and Dudley of Northumberland with us in England. Neither will I omit William Duke of Suffolk, who having served 34 yeares in our warres with France, and for 17 yeares together never coming home, at his return was quarrelled and basely murdered. It were almost an impiety to be silent of Joab, the bravest souldier and most fortunate Leader that ever fought the Lords battells: and yet he died at the hornes of the Altar. Whether it be that such men be born under an unhappy Planet; or that Courtiers, and such as have best opportunity to indeere men of warre unto their Soveraignes, know not the way of commending their great deserts; or that Envy the common Foe to vertue, be an hinderance to it; I am not able to determine. And yet it may be that Princes naturally are distrustfull of men of Action; and are not willing to make them greater, whose name is great enough already. And it may be the fault is in the souldiers themselves by an unsea∣sonable overvaluing of their own performances, as if the Prince or State were not able to reward or prize them: which was the cause of the death of Silius, in the time of Tiberiue, concerning which

Tacitus giveth us this good note, that over-merit in great Subjects is exceeding dangerous, and be∣gets hate in stead of favours. Eeneficia eo usque loet a sunt dum videntur exolvi posse; Vbi multum antever∣terunt, pro gratia edium redditur, saith that wise Historian.

But to look back againe on Athens, it was first built by Cecrops, the first King thereof; governed by him and his posterity with no lower title, for 400 yeares, as is apparent by this following Cata∣logue of

The KINGS of ATHENS.

• A. M.
• 2394 1 Cecrops, who first made Jupiter a God, and ordained sacrifices to be offered to him, as Pausanias writeth.
• 2444 2 Cranaus, outed of his Kingdome by
• 2453 3 Amphictyon the son of Deucalion, and Uncle to that Amphictyon, who first instituted the su∣preme Court of the Amphictyones, or Common-Councell of all Greece.
• 2463 4 Fricthonius the son of Vulcan.
• 2513 5 Pandion the Father of Progne and Philomela, so famous in the old Poets, of whom more hereafter.
• 2553 6 Eri••hthous whose daughter Orithya was ravished by Boreas King of Thrace.
• 2603 7 Cecrops Il. brother of Erichtheus.
• 2643 8 Pandion Il. son of Erichtheus.
• 2668 9 Aegeus son of Pandion the second, of whom the Aegean sea took name.
• 2706 10 Theseus the son of Aegeus and Companion of Hercules, vanquished the Minotaure in Crete, collected the people of Attica into a body, and incorporated them into the City of Athens, which he had beautified and enlarged.
• 2746 11 Mnestheus the son of Peteus Grandchild of Erichtheus, served with the other Greeke Princes at the war of Troy.
• 2769 12 Demophoon the son of Theseus, restored unto his Fathers throne on the death of Mae∣stheus.
• 2802 13 Oxyntes son or brother of Demophoon.
• 2814 14 Aphydas son of Oxyntes slaine by his brother.
• 2815 15 Thymades the last of the line of Erichtheus.
• 2823 16 Melanthius of Messene driven out of his own Kingdome by the Heraclide, obtained that of Athens.
• 2860 17 Codrus the son of Melanthius, the last King of Athens; who in the warres against the Pe∣lopennesians having Intelligence by an Oracle, that his Enemies should have the vi∣ctory, if they did not kill the Athenian King; attired himselfe like a common Begger, entred the Pelopenn••sian Camp, and there played such prancks, that at the last they were fain to kill him. Which when the Enemy understood, they thought themselves by this meanes deprived of all hopes of successe, and so broke up their Army, and departed homewards. For this the people of Athens did so honour his memory, that they thought no man worthy to succeed, as King; and therefore com∣mitted the managing of the Estate to Governours for term of life, whom they called Archontes: the first Archon being Medon the son of Codrus; not differing from the former Kings in point of power, but only in the manner of their admission: the former kings claiming the government by succession in right of bloud; and these Archontes holding by election onely: whose names here follow in this list of

The perpetuall ARCHONTES in the STATE of ATHENS.

• A. M.
• 2882 1 Medon the son of Codrus.
• 2902 2 Acastus the son of Medon.
• 2938 3 Archippus the son of Acasius.
• 2957 4 Thersippus the son of Archippus.
• 2998 5 Pherbas the son of Thersippus.
• 3029 6 Megacles the son of Phorbas.
• 3059 7 Diogenetus the son of Megacles.
• 3087 8 Phereclus the son of Diogenetus.
• 3106 9 Aritthon the son of Phereclus.
• 3126 10 Thespieus, in whose time began the Kingdom of Macedon.
• 3153 11 Agamestor.
• 3173 12 Aeschilus the son of Agamestor.

After whose death, an. mun. 3195. the Athenians weary of these Governous for term of life, as being lesse ob∣noxious to the check and censure of the people, chose themselves Officers or Archontes for ten years onely; at the end of which time they were to yeeld up their places, and make roome for others. But being a people greedy of Novelties, and desirous of change, they had onely seven of those De∣cenniall Archontes: their Officers from that time forwards being chosen annually: which Officers be∣ing nine in number, we may call most properly the Provost, the Chief Bishop, the Marshall, and the six Chief Justices, all chosen out of the Nobility: And so it held for the space of 170 yeares, till the time of Solon: who was the first which put the Supreme authority into the hands of the People; and gave the first hint unto that Democratie: which afterwards prevailed in Athens, by the helpe

of Pericles, who being one of the great Councell of the Areopagites, took from them a great part of their power in deciding Controversies and suites in Law, putting them over to the judgement of the common people. A Government so dearly loved by the Athenians, that in all the Cities which they conquered or restored to liberty, or wonne to their partie from the Spartans, they caused it to be admitted: as on the other side the Spartans introduced and confirmed the Aristocratie (their own loved Government) in all the places where they prospered. As for the Court of the Areepagites of much fame in Athens, it ••consisted from the first beginning 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of such as had born some of the nine chief Offices; who being once admitted, held for term of life. First instituted in the time of Demophoon, the son of Theseus, and called by the name of Areopegites, either for that they held their Court in the street of Mars, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 mentioned, Act. 17. 22. or because Mars being accused for a Murder, did first plead before them. A Court which held in estimation under all these changes, and so continued till the time of the Roman Empire.

But to return againe to the story of Athens, in or about the later end of the li••e of Solon, Pisistra∣as altered the Free State and made himselfe the absolute Master of the City: but he once dead, the People regained their libertie, driving thence Hippias the sonne of Pisistratus; who hereupon fled for accour to Darius the Persian Monarch, occasioning by that meanes the first coming of the Persians into Greece. What successe the Persians had in Greece, these Histories of the times aboundantly inform us: Da••tus being vanquished by Miltiades, at Marathen; and Xerxes by Themistocles, at Salamis; yet did not Athens scape ••o cleare, but that it was taken by Xerxes, though indeed first abandoned, and voluntarily dismantled by the Athenians. When the Persians were retired homewards, the people of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 reedified their towne, and strongly fortified it with high and defensible wals: which done, they put their Fleet to Sea, and spoiled the coasts of Persia in all quarters; inriching their City with the spoiles, and enlarging their power and Dominion by the addition of many Islands and Sea townes. Hereby they grew unto that wealth and potency, that they were suspected by their weaker neighbours, and envied by their stronger, the Lacedoemonians especially: who fearing to lose their antient priority over Greece, but pretending the surprisall of Potidea a City of Thrace from the Corinthians, and some hard measure, by them shewed upon the Megarenses; made warre upon them. In the beginning of this warre, the Athenians not onely resisted the whole power of all Greece, confederate against them; but so exceedingly prospered, that the Spartans, sued for peace, and could not get it. But the scales of fortune turned. For after they had held out 28 yeares they were compelled to pluck down the Walls of their City, and submit themselves to the will and pleasure of the Spartans, now by the puissance and good fortune of Lysander, become their Masters: by whom the Government was changed, and an Aristocratie, (or rather Oligarchie) established un∣der 30 Magistrates, known commonly by the name of the 30 Tyrants; expelled not long after by the valour of Thrasibulus, and his Associates, as hath been touched upon before. Not long after the end of this warre, which the Historians call Bellum Peloponnesiacum, the Persians seeing how the Spartans, not having now the State of Athens to oppose them, began to work upon their Empire: furnished Conona Noble Athenian Gentleman with a Navy so well provided, that they overcame the Lacedemonians in a sight at Sea; and thereby put his Countrey-men into so good heart, that they once more reedified and repaired their Walls. Which work they had no sooner ended, but they made a partie in the warre called Bellum Sacrum; composed at the last by Ihilip of Macedon: who brought not onely the Thebans whom he came to aid, but the Athenians, Spartans, and the rest of the adverse partie under his command. A servitude from which they were never freed, till as well Macedon, as the rest became fellow-servants unto Rome. But though this brave City had then lost her power in point of Armes, yet she still kept her credit, as an University in point of Arts, Ori∣gen, Chrysostom, Basil, and Gregory Nyssen, men of renown and eminence in the Primitive times, are said to have studied at Athens: the like affirmed of Pope Joane, if the Tale be true, for the middle ages. And so it held as I conjecture, though not so eminently as before, till the year 1440. when taken by Mahomet the Great, who wondred much (as my Authour telleth) at the extreme beauty of the Castle, and the strength of the walls, not having lost in so long time, their former excellen∣cies. Since that it sensibly decayed, and is now an ordinary Burrough (by the Turkes called Selines) but still preserved the Reputation of an Episcopall See, the Bishop of it holding up the title of Athe∣••••sis.

2 MEGARIS is bounded on the East with Attica; on the West with the Bay of Corinth, on the North with Boeotia, and on the South with the Isthmus, and the Golf of Engia. So called from Me∣garis, the chief City.

This the least Province of all Greece, and not very fruitfull; the Countrey for the most part being hard and rocky. Not beautified with many Cities; the principall of those which were 1 Pega, or Pagoei, situate on the Bay of Corinth, and spoken of both by Pliny and Ptolemie; but not other∣wise memorable. 2 Megaris (now Megra) first built by Megareus the sonne of Apollo; and from him thus named. Remarkable in former times for a Sect of Philosophers, called from hence Secta Megarica, founded by one Euclide a Disciple of Socrates; of whom see Laertius. More memorable in the Poets for Nisus, once the King of this little Territorie: on whose head there is said to have grown a Purple Haire, on which the preservation of his life and Kingdome did depend. Which Jewell his daughter Scylla is said to have delivered unto King Minos her Fathers Enemy; on whom then besieging this City, upon the sight of him from an high Turret, shee became inamoured. But he rejecting her, and her Present both, after the taking of the City returned into Crete: which

the unhappy woman seeing, threw her self after him into the Sea, and was turned into the Bird cal∣led ••iris. I leave the moralizing of the Fable unto the Mythologists: observing only by the way, the antiquity of that politick practise, to love the treason and hate the Traitour. But the glories of this Citie did not ••nd with Nisus. For shaking off the Cretan yoke it became sui juris once again; and being conveniently seated on the very Isthmus, amounted to that height of prosperity that they con∣tended with the Athenians for the Island of Salamis▪ And in this war they so crushed the power and spi∣rit of Athens▪ by one fatall overthrow, that the Athenians to prevent all the like dysasters, did or∣dain by Law, that whosoever mentioned the recovery of Salamis, was to lose his life: so that Solon was compelled to faign himself frantick, the better to propound the enterprise. In which, although the State of Athens got the Isle of Salamis: yet did the Megarenses continue a Free-people, till brought under (with the rest) by the Macedonians, and with them made subject unto Rome.

3 BOEOTIA is bounded on the South with Megaris, and the Bay of Corinth; on the North with the River Cephisus; on the East with Attica, and a branch of the Aegean Sea; and on the West with Ph••••is. Thus named from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which in Greek signifieth an Oxe: because when Cadmus weary of seeking his sister Europa (whom Jupiter had stollen out of Phoenicia) came to the Oracle at Delphos; he was commanded to follow the first Oxe he saw, and where the Oxe did rest it self, there to build a Citie.

In the Countrie nothing singular but an ancient custome of burning before the door of an house in which a new-married wife was designed to dwel, the Ax••e-tree of the Coach which brought her thi∣ther: giving her by that Ceremonie to understand (as Plutarch telleth us in his Morals) that she must restrain her self from gadding abroad; and that being now joined unto an husband, she must frame herself to live and abide with him, without hope of departure. In this Country also are the Straits of the Mountain Oeta, from the neighbouring Bathes, called Thermopylae, not above 25 foot in breadth: which ••n the war that Xerxes made against the Greeks, were valiantly defended by Leonidas King of Sparta, with no more then 300 of his men: who having valiantly resisted that Armie which in its passage out of Persia had drank Rivers drie, and slain at least 30000 of them, dyed every man upon the place. To hide the greatnesse of which losse, lest it should terrifie the rest of his Armie which were coming on, Xerxes commandedd all the slain men to be buried in severall pits, except a thou∣sand, as it no more then they had been lost in that passage.

Places of most observation in it: 1 Thespias, on a River of the same name, at the fall whereof in∣to the Bay it is pleasantly seated: shadowed on the North with a Branch of the Mountain Helicon; and consecrated as that was, unto the Muses, hence called Thespiades in the Poets. 2 Platea, nigh to which Mardonius, Generall to the Persians, was overcome by the Greeks, with the losse of Mardonius himself and 160000 men on the Persian side; and on the other no more then 31 Spartans, 16 Arcadians, 52 Athenians, and about 600 of the Megarenses. In memorie of which brave exploit, and to preserve the names and honour of those Worthies who there laid down their lives for the liberty of Greece, there was a festivall kept annually by the Plateans in the month of September, with solemn Sacrifices, and a kinde of divine acknowledgment unto the deceased, continued from the time of Aristides the Athenian who first ordained them, to the dayes of Plutarch, who records it: but how long after I am not able to say. In this great fight the Commander in chief was a noble Spartan, called Pausanias, who afterwards having a design to make himself Soveraign of all Greece, and being discovered in the practise, fled for sanctuarie to the Temple of Pallas. From whence because it was counted sacriledge to constrain him by violence, it was unanimously resolved to wall up the entrances, his own Mother laying the first stone. It is recorded that before the fighting of this battell, the Athenians had been told by the Oracle that they should be Conquerors if they fought upon their own ground: where∣upon the Plateans within whose territories the Persians had prepared to fight, bestowed that field on the State of Athens. In requitall of which noble act, Alexander the Great re-edified and enlarged their Citie, having been first burnt and sacked by the Persians, and after levelled with the ground by the Lacedemonians, because confederate with Athens in the war against them. 3 Leuctra, remarkable for the great overthrow which the Thebans under the conduct of Epaminondas, gave unto the Spartans, and their King Cleombrotus, there slain: by which victory they did not only preserve their own liberty, but brought their enemies to that fall of courage and reputation, that they could never rise again: the divine vengeance overtaking them in that very place, where some of their Nation had deflowred the daughters of Schedasus who had given them courteous entertainment. For which, when no reparation could be had from the State of Sparta, the unfortunate Damosels flew themselves to avoid the infamie of consenting to their own dishonour, and were buried in those very fields where this battell was fought. 4 Asera, the birth-place of Hesiod, a man (according to Paterculus) elegantis ingenii, & carminum dulcedine memorabilis: though it hath pleased that proud Critick Julius Scaliger, intending to deifie Virgil, to prefer the worst verse in the Georgicks of the one, before the whole works of the other. 5 Lebadia, near the River Cephisus, the Inhabitants whereof were counted the most superstitious of all the Grecians: memorable for the Den or Cave of Trophonia, and the Oracle there given by Jupiter, hence called Trophonius. Into which Cave none were permitted to enter and receive the Oracle but after many ointings, washings, and the like superstitious prepara∣tions: too long and many to be specified in this place and time. A town which still preserves so much of its ancient estimation, that from hence (as I conjecture) the whole Country of Achaia hath the name of Levadia, by which the Turks call it at this present. 6 Cherona, or Coronea, the birth∣place

of Plutarch. Near unto which was fought that memorable battell betwixt L. Sylla and the Ro∣mans, against Archelaus one of the Lieutenants of Mithridates King of Pontus, leading an armie of 120000 souldiers, of which 10000 only escaped with life, the Romans losing but 14. 7 Orchome∣n••n, no lesse memorable for another victorie obtained by the same L. Sylla, against Dorilaus another of that Kings Commanders, having an armie of 80000 men, of which 20000 lost their lives that day. After which victories, when Sylla might easily have destroyed that King, he suddenly patched a peace up with him, that he might hasten unto Rome, where Marius and Cinna had trodden his faction under foot; preferring by that act the pursuit of his own private quarrels before that of his Coun∣trie; endangered more by Mithridates after his return, then it had been formerly. 8 Aulis, a Port town on the shores of the Aegean Sea, where the Grecians took shipping when they went to the war of Troy; here making Oath never to give over the enterprize untill they had destroyed that Citie. Concerning which, thus she in Virgil:

Non ego cum Danais Trojanam excindere Gentem Aulide juravi.

That is to say:

I took no oath at Aulis to destroy, As did the Greeks, the Town and State of Troy.

But the chief Citie of this Country, and such as had a speciall influence over all the rest, was the Citie of Thebes, situate on the banks of the River Cephisus, where built by Cadmus the Phoenician after all his wandrings. Famous in old times for the wars between Eteocles and Polynices, the sons of the unfortunate Prince Oedipus, and of his Mother and wife Jocasta. The historie of which war is the most ancient piece of storie, that we finde of all Greece; the former times and writings containing nothing but fables, little favouring of humanity, and lesse of truth; as of men changed into Monsters, the adulteries of the Gods, and the like. In this town lived Pelopidas and Epaminondus, who so cru∣shed the Lacedemonians at the battell of Leuctra and Mantinea: that they could never after re-obtain their former puissance. This Common-wealth long flourished, and at last being overburthened in the Phocian war, was glad to submit it self to the protection of the Macedonians, under the leading of King Philip: who by this means first got footing in Greece, into which afterwards he thrust his whole bo∣dy. Upon the death of Philip, Thebes revolted from the Macedons; but Alexander his successour quick∣ly recovered it: and to dishearten the Greeks in the like attempts, he razed the Citie, selling all the inhabitants of age and strength; only Pindarus house he commanded to be left standing, in honour of that learned Poet. At this sack of the town, one of the Macedon souldiers entred the house of a principall woman, named Timoclea, ravished her, and rifled her coffers; but still demanding more treasure she shewed him a deep Well, saying, that there all her money was hidden. The credulous villain stooping down to behold his prey, she tumbled into the Well and over-whelmed with stones; for which noble act, the generous Prince not only dismissed her unhurt, but most highly commended her. It was after re-edified by Cassander, and followed for the most part, as the rest of the Boetians did, the fortunes of Macedon. Reduced at this time to the State of an ordinarie Burrough, and called Scibes by the Turks.

4 PHOCIS is bounded on the East with Baeotia, on the West with Doris and Looris, on the North with the River Cephisus, and on the South with the Bay of Corinth. A Country somewhat swelled with Mountains, but those of eminent note in the elder times. The chief whereof 1 Helicon, 2 Citheron; both consecrated to the Muses, and both contending with Parnassus for height and bignesse. 3 Parnassus, of so great an height, that in that great deluge, in which most of these parts of Greece were over-whel∣med with the waters, Deucalion and Pyrrha saved themselves, and many others, on the top hereof: for which and for its two summits reaching to the clouds, of great renown amongst the Poets; as in Ovid thus:

Mons ibi verticibus petit arduus astra duobus, Nomine Parnassus; superatque cacumine nubes.

Parnassus there with his two tops extends To the toucht stars, and all the clouds transcends.

Places of most observation in it, 1 Anticyra situate near the Sea, and famous for the Helleborum there growing, an herb very medicinall for the Phrenzie; whence the Proverb, Naviget Anticyras, applyed to mad men. 2 Pytho, or Pythia, said to be seated not only in the midle of Greece, but of all the world: Strabo relating how Jupiter desirous to know the exact middle of the earth, let loose two Eagles, one from the East and the other from the West, which flying with an equall wing (so we must conceive) and meeting at this very place, shewed it apparently to be the Navell of the World. By reason of which convenient situation in the heart of Greece, it was made a Sessions town for all the Grecians, and honoured with the Court and generall Assemblie of the Amphictiones, men chosen out of the prime Cities of Greece, who had power to decide all Controversies, and to make Lawes for the

common good. A Court first instituted by Acrisius, as Strabo telleth us; or as Halicarnasseus more pro∣bably, by Amphictyon the son of Helles, from whom they seeme to have their name. The Commissi∣oners from the severall Cities, with reference to the places for which they served, had the name of Pylagorae; when assembled, they were called the Amphictyones: their meetings, at the beginning of the Spring and Antumn. Some instances concerning their authoritie will not be amisse. In the time of Cimon, the Cyrrhenians having by Piracie wronged the Thessalians, were fined by this Coun∣cell. And after that the Lacedemonians for surprizing Cadmea; and the Phocians for ploughing up the Land of Cyrra, which belonged to the Temple of Delphos, were by them amerced: and because they continued obstinate, and paid not their amercements, their Dominions were adjudged to be confiscate unto that Temple. But they disobeying this Decree also, spoiled the Temple it self: for which war being proclaimed against them by the rest of the Grecians, who by the assistance of Philip King of Macedon▪ brought them to obedience; the Councell was again assembled. In which it was decreed that the Phocians should raze the wall of their Cities; that they should pay the yearly tri∣bute of 60 Talents; that they should no more keep Horse and Arms, till they had satisfied the Trea∣surie of the Temple; nor any longer have a voice in those Conventions. It was also then enact∣ed, that the lost suffrages of the Phocians should be vested in King Philip and his successours Kings of Macedon; on whom they also did confer the perpetuall Presidentship, and made them Princes of that Senate. A Court to which the Sanhedrin of the 70 Elders among the Jewes; and in our times, the Diets of the Empire, and the Assemblies of the Switzers, carry most resemblance. 3 Cyrrha, on the Sea side, the Port town to Delphos. 4 Crissa, so called from Crissaeus the son of Phoeus, and grand∣child of Aeacus, situate on the edge of the Bay of Corinth, called sometimes from hence Crissaeus Sinus. 5 Scarphia, memorable for the defeat of Critolaus Captain of the Achaean Armie, by Metellus one of the Roman Praetors: the losse of which bat••ell drew after it the destruction of Corinth. It was observed in the successe of this great fight, that a band of Areadians escaping out of the battell came unto 6 Ela∣tea, another Citie of this Province, and were there kind••y entertained on memorie of some former alliances, till news came of the overthrow of Critolaus: when ordered by the State of Phocis to re∣linquish the town, (for adversitie seldome meeteth with returns of friendship) they were set upon, and all slain by the Romans, in the selt-same place in which their Ancestors had unworthily forsaken the rest of the Grecians in their war against Philip King of Macedon, for the publick Libertie. 7 Daulis, a Citie appertaining to Tereus King of Thrace, who having marryed Progne the daughter of Pandien King of Athens, ravished her sister Philomela, and cut out her tongue the better to keep his villanie undiscovered. But Progne being made acquainted with the double injury, first made him ignorantly eat his own son I••ys, whom she had baked in a Pye; and after killed him, with the help of her ravish∣ed sister. 8 Delphos, renowned in old times for the famous Temple of Apollo, in which with that of Jupiter Hammen in Marmari••a, (now reckoned as a part of Egypt) were the most famous Oracles of the ancient Gentiles: dark Riddles of the Devill, couched and contrived with so much cunning, that the meaning of them was most hidden when it was thought most easie to be discerned. Instance of which that given to Croesus, in the war by him projected against the Persian, which was thus delivered:

Croesus Halyn penetrans magnam subvertet opum vim.

When Croesus over Halys goes A mighty Nation he o'rethrows.

Which he interpreting according to his own hopes, crossed the River; was vanquished by Cyrus King of Persia, and his Kingdome conquered. The like we finde of Pyrrbus King of Epirus, who be∣fore he made war against the Romans, consulted with the Oracle, and received this answer.

Aio te Aeacide Romanos vincere posse.

Which doubtfull prediction he thus construed; Te posse vincere Romanos, that he should overcome the Romans; but found it unto his cost that the meaning was, Romanos posse vincere te, that the Romans should overcome him; as indeed it happened. By another kinde of the same fallacie which the Logi∣cians call Amphibolia, did this great enemy of mankind overthrow another: who demanding of the Oracle what successe he should have in an expedition which he was in hand with, received his an∣swer in these words:

Ibis redibis nunquam per bella peribis.

Which he thus pointing, Ibis, redibis, nunquam per &c. engaged himself in the war, and was therein slain. Whereupon his followers canvassing the Oracle found the meaning of it to be this, Ibis, redibis nunquam, per &c. The like jugling he also used in those supernaturall Dreams which Philosophers call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. For Caesar dreaming that he carnally knew his own mother the night before he passed over the Rubicon, became Lord of Rome, the common mother of the Romans: and Hippias the son of Pisistratus the Tyrant of Athens, having upon the same projects the same dream, was killed and buried in the bowels of his mother the earth: so that had Caesar miscarried in his action, and

Hippias thrived: yet still had the Devill been reputed his crafts-master, and the father of truths. But as the Ecclesiasticall history telleth us, that Julian the Apostata consulting with the Devill, was told that he could receive no answer, because that the body of Babylas the Martyr, was entombed nigh his Altar: so neither could the Devils deceive the world as formerly they had done, after Christ the truth it self was manifested in the flesh, and tormented these unclean spirits, though as they alledged, before their time. Augustus, as Suidas telleth us, in whose time our Saviour was born, consulting with the Oracle about his successour, received this not satisfying answer:

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

An Hebrew child, whom the blest Gods adore, Hath bid me leave these shrines and pack to hell; So that of Oracle I can no more: In silence leave our Altar, and farewell.

Whereupon Augustus coming home, in the Capitol erected an Altar, and thereon in capitall Letters cau∣sed this inscription to be ingraven, HAEC EST ARA PRIMOGENITI DEI. Now as the Devils had by Christs birth lost much of their wonted vertue, so after his passion they lost it al∣most altogether. Concerning which Plutarch in a tract of his Morals, called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Why Oracles cease to give answers, telleth us a notable story, which was this. Some company going out of Greece into Italie, were about the Echinades becalmed; when on the suddain there was heard a voice, loudly calling on one Thamus an Egyptian, then in the ship. At the two first calls he made no answer, but to the third he replyed, saying, Here I am: and the voice again spake unto him, bidding him when he came to Palodes, to make it known, that the great God Pan was dead. When they came unto the Palodes, which are certain shelves and rocks in the Ionian Sea, Thamus standing on the poope of the ship, did as the voice directed him: whereupon was heard a mighty noise of many together, who all seemed to groan and lament with terrible and hideous shreekings. News hereof coming to Tiberius he caused the learned men in his Empire, to enquire out of their Books who that Pan should be; by whom it was answered, that he was the son of Mercury and Penelope; with ignorance enough, and lit∣tle satisfaction to the businesse propounded to them. Such therefore as more narrowly observed the circumstances of this accident, found it to happen at the time when our Saviour suffered on the Crosse; who was indeed the true God Pan, the chief Shepherd and Bishop of our souls, as the Scripture cal∣leth him: and that upon this divulging of his death and passion, the Devils who used to speak in Oracles, did with great grief and lamentation forsake that Office, which had been so gainfull to them in seducing mankind. That all Oracles at that instant ceased, I dare not say; though it be certain that about that time they began to fail: it being said by Juvenal who lived in the reign of Domitian, Delphis Oracula cessant, that the Oracle of Delphos was then silent; the rest decaying sensibly in a short time after.

But to proceed, the Temple of Apollo being spoiled by the Phocians, as before was noted, caused the war betwixt them and the Thebans called the Holy War: in which the Thebans being likely to have the worst, sent for Philip of Macedon, who made an end of the quarrell by subduing both. The treasure which the Phocians found in the Temple, was reckoned at 60 talents of Gold: but it pro∣ved Aurum Tolosanum, and brought a sudden ruine on their State and Nation: Sacriledge being so impardonable a crime, even amongst the Heathen, that the fault of some few countenanced by the rest of a people, hath brought destruction on them all. It was afterwards with the like ill fortune ransacked by Brennus and his Gaules, in the main of the Macedonian Empire; all of them miserably perishing who had any hand in it.

5 LOCRIS is bounded on the East with Phoeis and a branch of the Aegean Sea; on the West with Aetolia; on the North with a long ridge of hils which part it from Thessalie; and on the South with parts of Achaia, Boeotia, Phocis, the Bay of Corinth, the Straits of Amirrhium, and a part of the Ionian Sea. So that for largenesse of extent, and the commodiousnesse of the Seas, it yeeldeth to no Province in Attica, though not so fruitfull as some others. Divided into the three Nations of the Locri, 1. Azolae, lying towards the South, on both sides of the Straits; so called from some ill smels of the Country or people; 2 the Epi••nemidii, inhabiting the middle parts, so named from Mount Cnemis, not far from Parnassus; and 3. the Opuntii, so called from Opus their chief Citie, lying on the North side of the River Cephisus on the Coasts of the Aegean or Euboean Seas.

Chief Cities of the whole, 1 Opus, the head Citie of the Opuntians, situate on the River Asopus, being one of the main branches of Cephisus. 2 Cynus, the Port town to Opus. 3 Thronium, the prime town of the Epi••nemidii, mentioned by Polybius, Livie, Ptolemie. 4 Cnemides, at the foot of Mount Cnemis, whence they had their name. 5 Amphissa, the chief Citie of the Ozolae, situate in the In∣land parts of it: the people whereof refusing to yeeld to the sentence of the Amphictyones, against their confederates the Phocians, were the cause that Philip of Macedon returned into Greece. Against whom grievously infesting the Boeotians, and manifestly aspiring to the command of Greece, the Athe∣nians desperately opposed, not so much with possibility of prevailing, as by the sharp and biting orations of Demosithenes, made against his proceedings: which being by him called Philippicks, occa∣sioned

Tully to call his bitter invectives against M. Antonius by the same name also. But the successe hereof was such as commonly attendeth a broken fortune, the Athenians being vanquished at Chaeronea, and Philip declared Captain of Greece against the Persians, obtaining under that title the command he sought. 6. Evantia, as Ptolemie; Oeantia, as Plinie and Pausanias call it; opposite to Aegira in Achaia prepria. 7 Moly••hria, by Ptolemie placed here; but by others reckoned in Aetolia. 8 Naupactus, so called from the building of ships there by the Heraclidae, situate on the Corinthian Bay near the mouth thereof. Given by the Citizens of Athens to the poor Messenians, when after the end of the third war, the Lacedaemonians unwilling to have them troublesome neighbours (and they scorning to be quiet slaves) compelled them to seek new habitations. It hath of late been called Lepanto, giving the name of the Colfe of Lepanto to the Bay of Corinth; by that name subject for a while to the Venetians, and from them taken by the Tucks, anno 1499. Of these Locrians, those of Italie were a branch or Colo∣nie, whose Lawgiver was Zaleucus spoken of elsewhere.

6 DORIS is bounded on the East with Phocis, on the West with Aetolia, on the North with the hill Octa, and other Mountains which divide it from Thessalie; and on the South with Aetolia, and part of Loeris. The air hereof is very healthy, and the soil sufficiently fruitfull if well manured, but now the greatest part lyeth waste, for want of tillage. First peopled by the Dores or Dorienses, descended from Dorus the son of Hellen and grandchild of Deuealion; by whom placed in Thessalie, after wards spreading into this Country which they left their name to, as their proper dwelling: though many of them following the Heraclidoe into Peloponnesus, possessed themselves of the greatest part of Laconia also, imprinting on the same their Dialect or form of speech, from them called the Dorick

Chief Cities hereof are 1 Doris, so called in memorie of Dorus, the first Progenitour of this peo∣ple. 2 Erineus, seated at the foot of Parnassus, mentioned by Thucydides, Strabo, Mela, Ptolemie, and the rest of the ancients. 3 Bium, as Ptolemie; or Boion, as Strabo and Plinie call it. 4 Cytinum, near Parnassusalso, in the common impressions of Diodorus Siculus the Historian, falsly called Cynthinium. 5 Liloea, situate not farre from the spring or fountain of the River Cephisus; which rising hereabouts passeth thorow the whole length of Achaia and falls into the Aegean or Euboean Sea.

7 AETOLIA hath on the East Loeris, on the West Epirus, on the North Doris, on the South the Ionian Sea. Said to be so called from Aetolus the son of Mars, who being by Salomoneus cast out of Elis, fix'd himself in this Country.

Here is the Forrest Calydon, where Meleager and the flower of the Greek Nobility slew the wild Bore. Here is the River Evenus, over which the Centaure Nessus having carryed Deianira, wife of Hercu∣les; and intending to have ravished her, was slain by an arrow which Hereules on the other side of the River shot at him. Here also is the river of Achelous, of whom the Poets fable many things, as that being rivall with Hercules in the love of Deianira, he encountred him in the shape of a Bull; and that when Hercules had pluckt off one of his horns, the Nymphs made of it their so much celebrated cornu∣copia.

The people of this Country were the most turbulent and unruly people of all Greece, never at peace with their neighbours, and seldome with themselves. The Macedonians could never tame them, by reason of the cragginesse of the country: yet they brought them to such terms that they were compelled to let the Romans into Greece, who quickly made an end of all.

Principall towns hereof, were 1 Chalcis, situate near the spring-head of Achelous before mention∣ed. 2 Arachthus, near the river so called, which arising hereabouts passeth into Epirus, and falleth into the Bay of Ambracia, not far from Nicopolis. 3 Olenus, not far from the Forrest of Calydon. 4 Pleurona, giving name to the adjoyning Country, called hence Pleuronia: the people whereof had the name of Curetes: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 from their shaving; it being their custome to shave the fore-parts of their heads, and let the hair grow on the hinder parts only: nehos••es eos coesarie apprehenderent, be∣cause their enemies should not lay hold on them by the foretops, and so pull them down. 5 Ther∣mus, the Parliament-Citie or place of generall Assembly for all the Estates of Aetolia, which meeting was called Panetolium, chosen for those meetings, in regard of the situation and strength thereof; as situate welnear in the middest of the Country, environed with rockie Mountains, of steep and diffi∣cult ascent. For that cause made also the receptacle of their wealth and treasure in all times of danger; but taken by the last Philip of Macedon, with all the spoile in it, in his war against them. 6 Calydon, near the forrest so called, giving name unto it; the royall seat of Oeneus father of Melea∣ger; divided into two parts by the River Evenus, which runneth through it, according unto that of Ovid:

Et Meleagream maculatus sanguine Nessi, Evenus, Calydona secat.

That is to say:

Calydon, Meleagers town, the flood Even divides, defil'd with Nessus bloud.

Adjoining hereunto were the the Athamanes, whom Plime makes a people of it, who gave name un∣to a little Province called Athemania; but such, (as little as it was) as gave it the title of a Kingdom to Animander: a Prince whom the Aetolians made especiall use of in their wars against Philip King of Macedon the father of Perseus, suggesting to him and his children, that they were descended of the house of Alexander the great, and so ingaging them in a hope of that Kingdom to hazard the quiet of their own. The places of most note is 1 Dium, 2 Atheneum, both took by Philip in that warre.

These as they were the last Actors on the stage of Achaia, so had they the most desperate part in all the tragoedie of that Countrie. The astaires whereof, governed successively by that State which was most, powerfull were for a long time managed by the Athenians: whose counsels and con∣clusions went for law amongst them. But that Estate being broken, it not subverted by the power of Sparta, the Thebans and Boeotians who came next in play had the chief command, uniting almost all the rest in design with them against the Spartans; who now grow terrible to all. Becoming in∣solent by the course of too much prosperitie, and the many great victories which they had against the Spartans; and thereupon quarrelling with the Phocians, they were the cause of Philips coming into Greece; who as he had learned amongst them the use of arms, so made he use thereof at last, and of their dissensions, to unite all the States of Greece under his command. Thebes it self being took and sacked by Alexander the son of Philip, as before is said. The Macedonians thus prevailing, partly by force, but specially by art and practise, there was no people in Achaia that durst oppose them till these Aetolians, a restlesse and impatient people took the cause in hand: Who thrived so well un∣der Antigonus and Philip: two of the last Kings of Macedon, that they took from them many towns, in∣vaded Thessalie, attempted Macedon it self: and when they could not otherwise obtain their purpose in the destruction of that Kingdome, opened a passage for the Romans to effect it for them. But fin∣ding no such favour at the Romans hands as they did expect, they began to murmur, and afterwards to excite Antiochus and the Greeks against them, drawing thereby those forces against themselves which they had invited into Greece: and were the first people of all the Grecians that were conquered by them: though by the mediation of the Rhodians and some other friends, their Countrie was resto∣red unto them, with the losse only of Cephalenia, Zant, and some other Islands which the Romans were resolved to keep as the fruits of the war. This was about the 564 year of the building of Rome, Ful∣vius Nobilior being then Consul, and chief Commander in this war. After which time the severall Estates hereof enjoyed so much liberty, as the Romans their new Masters thought fit to give them: till finally made absolutely subject in the time of Vespasian, by whom Achaia was reduced into the form of a Province, Peloponnesus being reckoned as a part thereof. In the division of the Empire by Constan∣tine the Great, the West parts hereof being divided from the rest, was called New Epinus: but both of them made Provinces of the Diocese of Macedon, under the Proefecsus Froetorio for Illyricum: the principall office of this part being called the Proconsul of Achaia: continuing under him and his suc∣cessours, Emperours of Constantinople, till the destruction of that Empire by the power of the Turks. But so that it remained not alwayes under the command of one sole Officer, the politie of that State being altered, and this Country parcelled out into many Governments: especially after the taking of Constantinople by the Latines or Western Christians. At what time Theodorus Angelus a noble Grecian, and one of the (then) imperiall familie, seised on Aetolia and Epirus, part of which last, and all the first he left to Michael his son: who held them though with some dispute betwixt him and Michael Paleologus, the first Emperour of Constantinople after the expulsion of the Latines. Charls the last Prince of that familie dying without issue about the year 1430. bequeathed Aetolia to another Charls, the son of his brother: and Acarnania (being that part of Epirus, which the Princes of Aetolia held) to his base sons, Memnon, Turnus, and Hercules. But many quarrels hapning upon this divi∣sion, Amurath the 2. having then newly conquered Thessalonica, composed the differences by taking all unto himself, anno 1432. There were at that time other Princes of like authoritie, as of Athens, Phocis, and Boeotia, but the first the chiefest: as honoured not only with the title of Dukes of Athens, but the Princes of Achaia also: such being the fortune of that Citie, as to have the first and last great sway in the affairs of Achaia. For at the translation of the Empire upon the Latines, Godfrey of Troyes, a French man, was made Duke of Athens, and Prince of Achaia, of whom Paulus Aemilius speaketh, anno 1220. which honour afterwards was conferred on a kinsman of John di Brenne, the last King of Jerusalem, Protectour of Baldwin the 2. the last Emperour of the Latines, mentioned by the said Aemilius, anno 1288. By the heir generall of this house it was conveighed in marriage to Izaulus di Accio, a Noble man of the Realm of Naples: whose son Walter for a time obtained the so∣veraigntie of the State of Florence, anno 1342. but lost it suddenly again by his too much cruelty. Francis di Acciavol, the last Prince of this house, having been brought into the Court of Mahomet the Great, as one of his Favourites, surrendred his estate herein, at the perswasion of that Tyrant, in ex∣change for the Countrie of Boeotia, and the Dukedom of Thebes: which he no sooner had received but he was sent by Mahomet to Zoganus, his Lieutenant in Morea, by whom at first courteously recei∣ved, at last cruelly murdered. And so the whole Country of Achaia fell into the hands of the Turks, anno 1454. or thereabouts.

EPIRUS.

EPIRUS is bounded on the East with Aetolia, on the West with the Adriatick; on the North with Thrssay, Maceaen, and some part of Albania; and on the South with the Ionian Seas. So called from the soliditie and Ermnesse of it; the word Epeiros in the Greek tongue, signifying as much as terra firma, or the firm land. But by the Turkes at this day it is called Albania, which name they give to all the lands and Countries in their possession, lying upon the Adriatick and Ionian Seas.

In this Countrey was born Olympias, mother of Alexander the Great; and Pyrrhus, who con∣quered the Realm of Macedon, and was the first foreiner, who made tryall (though to his owne losse) of the power and puissance of Rome; accounted by Hannibal, next to Alexander, the second great souldier of the world. Here is also Mount Pindus sacred to Apollo and the Mujes, dividing this countrey from Thessaly, and therefore common unto both: as also the Acrocerautan hils, so called, because they are much subject unto thunder and lightning; eminent for their height and much feared by Mariners: who when they see a little cloud rising on the top hereof, are sure of a tempest. Finally here are the famous Rivers Acheron, and Cocytus, which for their black waters and unsa∣voury tast are said to be the Rivers of Hell: from which last the sacrifices and solemnities made in honour of Proserpine whom Plato ravished and brought hither, had the name of Cocytia. Whence by a Metonyuie, these Rivers are taken sometimes, for hell it selfe, as in that of the Poet;

Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo.

Since those in Heaven I cannot move, The powers of Hell I meane to prove.

The soyle hereof is very barren, and in many places full of Forrests, and thin of people; but to∣wards the Sea side reasonably fruitfull: plentifull of Oxen, Dogs, and Sheep, of more then ordi∣nary bignesse, and yeelding the best breed of Horses. The people use a distinct language from the Grecians, though of the Greek tongue not utterly ignorant: and by reason of the barrennesse of their own countrey, become great wanderers, especially in summer time, when they travell into Thrace, Macedon, and Asia minor, hiring themselves to work in harvest under the Turkes, as also to thresh, winnow, and make clean their Corn; and in the Winter time return to their wives and children. Able of body, swift of foot, apt to undergoe any toyle and labour; having withall good courages and high projections, which makes such of them as delight not in works of drudgerie, to look for action in the warres, and otherwise to rob and spoile in the neighbouring mountaines of Albania. Till their subjection to the Turkes, much used both by the Kings of Hungary, and the State of Venice, in their severall warres; serving on Horse, or Foot, as occasion was: as Mercenary as the Switzers in the Western parts, but not so faithlesse to the party by whom entertained.

Antiently it was divided into Chaonia, (which was the proper Epirus) lying on the West, and Acarnania, bordering on Aetelia, from which parted by the river Aehelous; the middle parts hereof be∣ing Amphilochia, Thesprotia, and Almene: all very populous in old times, and so continued, till Paulus Aemilius, on the conquest of Macedon, overthrew 70 of their Cities. Few of which being since reedisied, and the Countrey for a long time languishing under the Turks, here are not any faire Townes or well-peopled Cities at the present to be spoken of; and therefore we must look on such as flourished in the times foregoing. The principall whereof, 1 Dodona, one of the Cities of Chaonia, memorable for the Temple and Oracle of Jupiter, hence called Dodonaeus, situate in a fair grove, the trees whereof were said to be Vocall, and to give the Oracle; though others say, it was delivered first by a paire of Pigeons; whereof the one afterwards fled to Delphos, the other to the Temple of Jupiter Hammon in Aegypt. It was the antientest Oracle of all Greece; and so perhaps was the Town also. Said to be first built by Dodone the sonne of Jupiter and Europa: more pro∣bably so called from Dodonim the sonne of Javan and Grandchild of Japhet, who first inhabited this Region; the whole Countrey (Greece I mean) being called Javan from the Father (by which name commonly it occurreth in the Hebrew text,) this Town Dodona from the Sonne. 2. Cassiope, a Port Town, with a faire Promontery of the same name adjoining to it. 3 Onchesinus, by Strabo called Orchimus, and by Pliny Echinus, a Port town also now called Santi Quaranta. 4 Panormus, on the Sea side also, retaining still the old name, and but little else. 5 Antigonia, more within the land, sounded or repaired by Antigonus a King of Macedon, now called Argiro-Castro, as Niger think∣eth. 6 〈◊〉〈◊〉, once the chief Town hereof, which being sacked by the Illyrians under Teuta their Queen gave the Terms an occasion of quarrell with them; upon complaint made to them by the Epirots. 7 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Port town, the principall in that part which was called Thesprotia; as 8 Torona, on the River Thyainus, and 9 Sybora, an antient Haven Town (now called Syoita) was in that part hereof which was called Almence. 10 Argos, the chief Town of the Amphilochians. This part hereof was first named 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from Molossus the son of Pyrious and Axdremache, remarkable for the best breed of Mastives, hence called 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and afterward Chaonia, by Helenus the son of Priamus, by Pyr∣〈◊〉〈◊〉 the son of Achilles setled in this Countrey, who having unfortunately slain his brother Chaon,

caused it in memory of him to be called Chaonia; Chaoniam{que} omnem Trojano à Chaone dixit, as it is in Virgil. Of these Molossians, Pluto the third son of Saturn was sometimes King, called from the flat and hollow situation of this countrey, consisting much of deep valleys, the King of Hell.

Townes of especiall note in Acarnania, 1 Anactorium, on the bay of Ambracia, now called Va∣nizza. 2 Ambracia, the Regall Seat or Court of Pyrrhus, giving name unto a fair and capacious Bay, now called Golfo di Larta, from Larta an adjoining Town, situate in or neer the place where Am∣bracia stood. Once subject unto Periander, King or Tyrant of Corinth, who being slain by a woman named Lionna, whom he kept as his Concubine, occasioned the Inhabitants from that time forwards, in memory of their deliverance to worship a Lion. Afterwards being taken from the children of Pyrrhus by the Macedonians, and from them wone by the Aetolians in the time of their greatnesse, it was besieged by Fulvius a Roman Consul spoken of before. Who seeing that he could not force it, was willing at the mediation of the Athenians, Rhodians, and other friends of both parties, to conclude a peace: but so that he dispoiled this City at his going hence of much excellent Imagery, carrying away with him unto Rome the Pictures of the nine Muses most admirably well done by the hand of Zeuxis, the rarest Painter of his times. 3 Euthrotum, a Roman Colony, by Pliny called Colonia, simply; now a small Village called Butrinte. 4 Leucas, situate on the point of a Promontorie of the same name also, antiently memorable for the Temple of Apollo; from the top of which Promontorie by leaping into the Sea, such as unfortunately loved were cured of that malady: the first triall of that kinde being made by Sappho, that famous Poetesse. At that time joined unto the sand, but since by the violence of the Sea, or the hand of man made into an Island; according unto that of Ovid,

Leucada continuam veteres habuere Coloni, Nunc Freta circumcunt;—

That is to say:

Leucas in former times join'd to the land, Environ'd round with waters now doth stand.

It was called Leucas, from the whitenesse of the Rock or Promontorie, having before the separation or disjunction of it been called Neritos; the chief Town of it varying with the name of the Isle and Pro∣montory: both town and Island at this time called S. Maure, taken by Bajazet the second, from the State of Venice, and by him given unto the Jews, (who doe still inhabit it) at their expulsion out of Spaine. 5 Nicopolis, a Colonie of the Romans, of great both wealth and beautie in the time of S.Paul, who from hence dated his Epistle to Titus: called in that Postscript, Nicopolis of Macedonia, be∣cause Epirus at that time was part of the Province of Macedon, though afterwards a distinct Province of it selfe. It was first built by Augustus Casar, on a Promontory opposite unte Actium, on the other side of the Bay: that being the place, where his Land souldiers were incamped before the Navall battell betwixt him and Mark Anthony: and was thus called either in memory of his victory; or from a poor man and his Asse, whom he met there the day before. For asking the mans name, he told him that his name was Eutyches, i. e. Fortunate; and that the name of his Asse was Nicon, i. e. Con∣querour; which happy Omen made his souldiers courageous, and hopefull of victory: and he in me∣mory thereof erected here two brazen Images, the one of the Asse, the other of his Master. It is now a small village called Prevesa.

6. Actium, on the Sea-shore, nigh unto which Augustus and Antony fought for the Empire of the world. The Navy of the later consisted of 500 Gallies; the former had 250 onely, but those crowned with victory: Antonius shamefully deserting his souldiers to follow after Cleopatra; who on the very first charge fled away for Egypt. The town now ruined, the Promontory upon which it stood called Cab∣bo di Figulo.

The Countrey was first peopled by Dodonim the son of Javan, or at least by some of his posterity, coming hither from the Isle of Rhodes, whose memory was preserved a long time in the Towne of Dodona, him, or from him so denominated. Afterwards being parted into severall Nations, and those Nations united in the common name of Epirots: it became a great and powerfull Kingdome, go∣verned by a race of Kings descending from Pyrrhus the sonne of Achilles, and continuing till the time of Pyrrhus the sonne of Aeacides. A man of such courage and magnanimity, that he did not onely recover his owne Kingdome, of which Cassander had deprived his Father; but got the Kingdome of Macedon from Cassanders children: outed of which he tried his fortunes with the Romans, Anno Mundi 3683. V. C. 471. After his death this Kingdome was shrewdly shaken by the Macedonians, and shortly after subdued by Paulus Aemilius, who as we now said, destroyed 70 Cities hereof in one day. For, desirous to satisfie his souldiers after his victory in Macedon, he sent unto the Epirots for ten of the principall men of every City. These he commanded to deliver up all the gold and sil∣ver which they had; and to that end as he gave out, he sent certaine companies of souldiers along with them; unto whom he gave secret instructions, that on a day by him appointed, they should fall to fack every one the town, whereunto they were sent. A barbarous and bloudy decree, 70 Cities con∣federate with the Romans ruined in one day, and no fewer then 150000 Epirots made and sold for slaves. But the chief motive which induced him to so great a cruelty, was by dispeopling this coun∣trey, lying with a long and faire Sea-coast over against Italy, to give the Romans opportunity to

land their Armies, without any resistance, for the further progresse of their Forces into Macedon, Thrace, Moesia, or where else they pleased. Which ungodly policie was afterwards imitated by Wil∣liam the Conquerour, who laid wast all that part of Hampshire, since called New Forrest, and therein 36 Parish Churches: that he might have a safe landing place for his Norman Forces, if the English should at any time endeavour to make head against him. Being made subject to the Romans, it was a while part of the Province of Macedonia; but afterwards when Macedonia, was made a Diocese, it became a distinct Province of it selfe, called by the name of Old Epirus, to difference it from the Province of New Fpirus, which lay Eastward of it. At the division of the Empire it belonged to the Constanti∣nopolitans; and so continued till the taking of Constantinople by the Western Christians: at what time Throdorus Angelus, a Prince of the Imperiall family, seised on Aetolia and Epirus, as before is said; and sped so well in his designs that he took the strong City of Durazzo from the State of Venice (to whom it fell in the division of that spoil) and cunningly (if not treacherously) intercepted Peter the third Emperor of the Latines, whom, as some say, he caused to be murdered at a banquet. After his death, his whole Estate being divided into two parts; Aetolia with that part hereof which is called Chaonia, continued in his house till the time of Charles Prince of Aetolia and Epirus spoken of before, after whose death it was subdued by Amurath the second, as before was said. The residue hereof, to∣gether with that part of Macedon which is called Albania, fell to the family of the Ca••triots: the last of which named John (the Father of Scanderbeg) seeing himself unable to resist that Tyrant, who had already swallowed up all his neighbour Princes; submitted his estate unto him, and gave unto him all his sonnes for hostages. No sooner was the old Prince dead, but Amurath seised on his estate, murdered his three eldest sonnes; and caused George the youngest, to be trained up in the Law of Mah••met: who afterwards escaping out of his power, and recovering all his Fathers coun∣tries assumed also the style or title of Prince of Epirus. After whose death his children not being a∣ble to make good their game, lost it to Mahomet the Great, as shall be shewn more fully in the storie and description of Albania, which is next to follow.

4 ALBANIA.

ALBANIA is bounded on the East with Macedonia; on the West with the Adriatick: on the North, with S••lavonia; on the South with Epirus. The countrey mountainous and barren; watred with few Rivers, and those of no great note amongst the Antients, as 1 Laus, 2 Apsus, 3 Paniasus, 4 Celidnus; all of them falling into the Adriatick.

It took this name from the Albani, once the Inhabitants of this tract; from whom the chiefe City hereof was called Albanopolis. Other townes of most consideration, are 1 Stetigrade, or Vesti∣gard (called by some the Holy City) situate in the borders of Epirus on the top of an hill, where it is s••nced about like an Eagles nest: one of the last townes in all this Countrey which was taken by Scanderbeg, at his recovery of his birthright and estate herein; but being once taken by him held good courageously against the Turke, the souldiers neither fainting in their oppositions, nor cor∣rupted by mony. There was in the town one only Well, into which a treacherous Christian cast a dead dog; at the sight of which, being the next day drawn up, the souldiers gave up the town: being so unseasonably superstitious; that no perswasion, nor the example of the Captaine, or the Burgo-ma∣sters, could make them drink those (as they thought) defiled waters. 3 Durazzo, a town of great strength, first called Epidamnum, and afterwards Dyrrhachium. Under the wals of which town, was the first bickering between the souldiers of Coeser, and Pompey, not onely to the present losse, but also the utter discomfiture of Coesar, as he himselfe confessed; if the enemies Captain had knowne how to have overcome. I must not omit the valour of Scoeva at this siege, who alone so long re∣sisted Pompeys Army that he had 220 darts sticking in his shield, and lost one of his eyes, and yet gave not over till Coesar came to his rescue.

Par{que} novum fortuna videt concurrere, bellum Atque virum—densam{que} ferens in pectore sylvam.

Fortune beholds an unaccustom'd sight, An Army and a man together sight, Whose brest a wood of Arrowes covered quite.

In the division of the Eastern Empire amongst the Latines it fel into the power of Venice; taken at last after a long and tedious siege by Amurath the second, an. 1474. 4 Dibra, in the hill countries, neer Epi∣rus: the first town which submitted to the valiant Scanderbeg, at his revolting from the Turks, suppo∣sed to be the Deborus of Ptolemie; 5 Croia, conceived to be Epicaria of Ptolemie, the chief Town of all this countrey, seated amongst inaccessable mountains, and made impregnable by Art: not got by Scander∣beg, but by wile: who having got into his power the Secretary of the principall Bassa, forced him to write letters in his Masters name unto the Governour hereof to deliver it unto him; which was done accordingly; afterwards in vaine besieged by Amurath the second, who under the wals here of gave up his wretched soule to the Devill, and thrice besieged by Mahomet his son and successour, before he could againe possesse it, but taken at the last after Scanderbegs death; as if the Genius or tutelar

Deity of the place had departed with him. 6 Petrella, a town of great strength, seated on the top of an hill (as almost all the Townes of Albania are) about 25 miles from Croia; delivered unto Scanderbeg at his first sitting down before it; as also was 7 Petra Alba, three miles from Petrella, neer the borders of Macedon, and situate like the other on the top of a mountaine; the River Ema∣rbus running under the bottom of it. 8 Stellusa, fifty miles from Croia, built on the top of an high hill in the middle of a pleasant and fruitfull valley, with great and spacious plains about it. 9 Dag∣na or Dayna, a place of great importance in the hill countrey towards Sclavonia; for the possession whereof arose a war betwixt Scanderbeg, and the State of Venice: but the Venetians being worsted at the battell of Drino, relinquished their pretensions to it. 10 Aulon, a Port-town now called Vallona, situate over against Hydruntum or Otranto in Italy, from which distant about 60 miles. The town unwalled, but fortified with a very strong Castle. A town unfortunately fit for the invasion of Italy, and was accordingly made use of by Achmetes the chief Bassa under Mahemet the Great, who from hence passed his Army over into Apulta, took the Town of Otranto: and had not the death of Ma∣homet, and the combustions thereon following amongst the Turkes, altered the designe, might have opened them a very fair way for the adding of Rome unto Constantinople. 11 Apollonia, a town of great note in the time of the Romans, a Sea-town furnished with a commodious Haven, which they held as their entrance into Greece, to that purpose serving them as commodiously, as Calice did the English in their wars with France.

This countrey antiently was a part of Macedon, inhabited by the Talautii, Aestrai, and Albani, from which last (but not till these later times) it had the name of Albania: but whether these Al∣bani, were a Colonie of the Albanians of Asia, (though it be very probable) I determine not. When made a Province of the Empire it contained all Prevalitana, and some part of Macedonia Salutaris; under the Diocese of Dacia, in the time of Justinian, but at first of Macedon, Dismembred from the maine body of it, when the Latines had subdued Constantinople; it fell unto the Noble family of the Castriotes: who though they tooke unto themselves the title of Kings or Princes of Epirus, (most of which they held) as the countrey of more note and eminence; yet was Albania the greatest strength, and Croia the chief City thereof, the seat of their residence; called in that respect by some writers, the Kings of Albania. John Castriot, the Father of Scanderbeg, seeing himselfe unable to resist the Turkes, became their Homager, and delivered four sonnes for Hostages; whom Amurath the second in their Fathers life time, caused to bee circumcised, and turne Mahometans; and after his decease murdered the three eldest, and seized upon Croia the chief City, with the rest of the countrey. But George the youngest of those sons, being reserved for better fortunes, was carefully brought up by Amurath (who somewhat passionately loved him) in the arts of war; though some of his Courtiers then told him that he nourished a Serpent in his bosome which would one day sting him. Amurath to make triall of his disposition, offered him on a time the Crown of Albania: to which he prudently replyed, that he preferred the honour of his service before all the Kingdoms of the World, and that he held his hand fitter for a sword, then his head for a Crown. Satisfied with which answer the Tyrant preferred him to the place of a Sanziack or Provinciall Governor: & gave him some Office of Command in all those Armies, which he set out against the Christians. Escaping out of the battell wherein Caramben the great Basia was overthrown and taken Prisoner by Huniades, he got the Town of Croia by a peece of wit, as before was said: and in a very short time after, made himselfe Master of Petrella, Petra Alba, St••llusa, and all the rest of the countrey by the reputation and terrour of his first successe. Having recovered his inheritance out of the hands of the Turkes, he reconciled himselfe to the Church of Christ: styling himselfe the Souldier of CHRIST JESUS, from that time forwards. Invaded by a vast Army of Turkes, he overcometh Alis Bassa, and kils 20000 of his men. With no more then 20 horse and 50 foot, he assaulteth Mustapha in his Camp; in which 5000 Turkes were slain, and 300 taken: with whom encountring not long after in the open field, he slew 10000 of his men, took many pri∣soners, and Mustapha himself for one, whom he ransomed for 25000 Ducats. Falling upon the Host of Amurath, then besieging Croia, he killed Ferisses Bassa, hand to hand in a single comba••••and in the time of Mahomet who succeeded Amurath, vanquished Isaac the great Bassa; routed his whole army, had the spoil of his Camp, took 20 of his fairest Ensignes, and slew 30000 of his souldiers. Not to instance in the rest of his noble actions, it is reported that in the course of his war against the Turkes, he killed no fewer then 3000 of them with his own hands: using a Turkish Scymitar in all his fights, of great weight and bignesse. Which when Mahomet on a peace between them had desired to see, and afterwards returned againe with this censure of it, that he saw nothing in it more then ordinary: the gallant Prince sent back this answer, that the vertue of the weapon depended on the strength of his Arm, which hee could not send him, for that he did reserve it for the death of his Enemies. Finally having held his Cards against Amurath and Mahomet, two most fortunate Gamesters, for the space of 24 yeares, he set up his rest at last a winner: dying in peace at Lyssa, then belonging to the State of Venice; Jan. 17. an. 1466. and was there honourably interred. At the taking of which Town by the Turkes about nine years after, his body was digged up by them, not in spight, but honor: that man accompting himself happy who could get any of his bones to preserve as a relick; supposing that as long as he had it about him, he should be invincible. But with him died the liberty of his Countrey also, not long after subdued by the Turkes, and made a Province of that Empire, as it still continueth: the name of Al∣bania being by them extended over all Epirus, and so much of Dalmatia also as is under their power.

The armes of this kingdome (or rather of the Kings thereof) were Gules an Eagle Sable.

5 MACEDONIA.

MACEDONIA is bounded on the East with the Aegean Sea, on the West with Albania; on the North with Moesia Superior, and part of Thrace, and on the South with Epirus, and Achaia.

It was first called Aemonia from Mount Haemus, which shutteth up that side hereof which is to∣wards Moesia; after Aemathia, from a King of it callled Aemathus; Macedonia from Macedo, the son of Deucalion and the Father of Caranaus, the first King of the line of Alexander: and finally Kit∣tim or the Land of Kethim, whereof see Maccab. c. 1. v. 1 & cap. 8. v. 5. from Kittim the sonne of Javan, and Grandchild of Japhet who was planted here. Antiently of more large extent then it is at the present; extending from the Aegean Sea unto the Adriatick, till the taking of Albania cut of it, which hath strained it upon that side, but the rest as formerly.

The Countrey, taking it together is very fruitfull and pleasant, though on the outward parts thereof begirt with rough mountaines and thick forrests: in former times much celebrated for its mines of gold and silver, but long since exhausted. It contained formerly the Provinces of Aema∣thia, Pierla, Pelasgia, Fstiotis, Phiniotis, Thessalie, Mygdonia, Amphaxitis, Paraxia, Edonis, and many others of lesse note inhabited by 152 severall Nations: now principally divided (besides Albania) into Thessalie. 2 Macedon specially so called, and 3 Mygdonia, which the Turkes call Jamboli.

1 THESSALIE hath on the East the Aegean Sea, on the West Albania; on the North Mace∣don and Mygdonia; on the South, Achaia. A sweet and delectable countrey, the pleasures and delights whereof inclined the people to be very effeminate and dissolute in their course of life; in love with luxury and ease, and much like the Persians in behaviour: whose entrance into Greece they did therefore favour. Yet notwithstanding this debauchednesse, they were esteemed the best Horsemen of all the Grecians: by their excellent managing of which creature (as if they had been one peece with it, and either lent the Horse their mindes or borrowed his body) they gave occasion unto the fiction of the Centaures, halfe men, half beasts.

It is now called Comenolitati, and of old was very famous for many things, especially for the hill Olympus, of so great height, that it seemeth to transcend the clouds; and therefore frequently by the Poets tooke for Heaven it selfe. 2 For the hill Othrys, inhabited by the Lapithoe, over whom Pi∣rithous was King. 3 For the Mountaines of Pelion and Ossa, the dwelling places of the Centaures, who intending to ravish Hippodame the Bride of Pirithous, on her wedding day, were flaine by Hercules and the Lapithoe. 4 For the delectable Valley of Tempe, situate betwixt Ossa and Olympus; extend∣ing in length six miles, and five in breadth: so beautified with Natures gifts, that it was supposed to be the Garden of the Muses. 5 And lastly, for the Dolopes, and Myimidones, (who did here inha∣bit) over whom Achilles had command at the fiege of Troy: these last, by reason that they were a laborious and thristy people, being fabled by the Poets to have first been Emmets; transformed unto men at the prayers of Aeacus when he wanted souldiers.

—Mores quos ante tenebant, Nune quo{que} babent, parcum genus est, patiens{que} laborum, Quaesiti{que} tenax, & quod quaesita reservet.

The custome they of Emmets still retain, A sparing Folk, and unto Labour set; Strangely addicted to all kinde of gain, And wary Keepers of what ere they get.

Places of most observation in it, 1 Tricea, the Episcopall See of Heliodorus, the Authour of that ingenious peece called the Aethiopick History: which he so prized, that hee chose rather: to lose his Bishoprick then consent to the burning of his Booke, which a Provinciall Synod had adjudged to the Fire. A peece indeed of rare contexture, and neat contrivances, without any touch of loose or lascivious language: honest and chast affection being the subject of it; not such as old or modern Poets shew us in their Comedies, or other Poems. For here we have no incestu∣ous mixture of Fathers, and daughters; no Pandarism of old Nurses; no unseemely action speci∣fied where heat of bloud and opportunity doe meet; nor indeed any one passage unworthy of the chastest Ear. 2 Lamia, where the Athenians after the death of Alexander, hoping to recover their freedomes, besieged Antipater: which was the last honourable enterprise undertaken by that great and renowned City; known in old Histories by the name of Bellum Lamiacum. 3 Larissa, situate on the South of Demetrias, but on the same Bay; memorable for the birth of Achilles; from hence called frequently in the Poets I arissaeus Achilles. 4 Demetrias, situate on the Bay called Sinus Pelasgicus (now the Golf of Armenia) of very great strength by Art and Nature. Which being held by the Ma∣cedonians, together with Chalcis in the Isle of Euboea, and the City of Corinth; kept all Greece in awe, and were therefore commonly called the Fetters of Greece: the Grecians never thinking themselves at liberty, till those townes were dismantled by the Romans. 5 Pharsalis, nigh to which was fought the great battell betwixt Caesar and Pompey, for the Soveraignty of the Roman Empire: a battell more

famous then bloudy, 6000 only of 300000, which were in the field on both sides, being therein slain. A battell before which the Pompeians were in such a miserable security, that some of them contended for the Priesthood which was Caesars Office; others disposed of the Consulship, and preferments in the City of Rome: Pompey himself being so rechlesse, that he neither considered into what place it were best to flie if he lost the day; or by what means he might provide for his own safety, and end the war. As if the war had been made against some ignoble Enemie, and not against that Caesar, who had taken 1000 Towns, conquered 300 Nations, tooke prisoners one million of men, and slain as many. 6 Philippi, so named from Philip the Macedonian, the first founder of it; situate in the further part of the same plains of Pharsalia; and famous for as memorable a Battell as that before, and of no lesse consequence: that namely, betwixt Augusius and M. Antonius on the one side, against Brutus and Cassius on the other; these later being rather overcome by chance then valour. For either of them thinking the other vanquished, slew himself in the field: being the two last that ever openly stood out for the common Liberty, and therefore called by Cremutius Cordus, Vltimi Romanorum, or the last of the true Roman Spirits. 7 Gomphi, an ancient Citie bordering on Epirus. 8 Pheroe, in which Ci∣tie Alexander the Tyrant reigned; against whom that noble Captain Pelopidas the Theban fighting, was slain in battell: the Tyrant being not long after murdered by his wifes brother, and by that means all Thessalie recovering liberty. 9 Pagasa, situate on the Bay called Sinus Pelasgicus, which from hence is sometimes named Pegasicus; in which the ship called Argo, was said to be built, so famous for the renowned voyage of the Argonautes. The hill Pelion spoken of before, is not far from hence. 10 Pythion, or Pythoeum, of great note for the Pythian games there celebrated in the honour of Apollo, who hereabouts killed the Serpent Python: the Conquerour in which games, were crowned at the first only with an Oaken Garland, but afterwards with one of Lawrell. Of which thus the Poet:

Neve operis famam posset abolere vetustas Instituit sacros celebri certam ne ludos, Pythia de domiti Serpentis nomine dictos, &c.

Thus made to speak English by G. Sandys:

Then lest the well-deserved memorie Of such an act in future times should die He instituted the so famous Games Of free contention, which he Pythia names. Who ran, who wrestled best, or rak'd the ground With swiftest wheels, the Oaken Garland crown'd.

These games, together with the Olympick, Isthmian, and Nemaean spoken of before; made the four annuall meetings amongst the Grecians; renowned for the universall concourse of the noblest spi∣rits. 11 Doliche, which together with Pythium, and 12 Azorium, another Citie of this tract, stan∣ding near together, are called in Livius the Historian by the name of Tripolis. 13 Hypata, the Metro∣polis of Thessalie, so called by Heliodorus in his Aethiopick Historie before mentioned: who placeth it near the Bay called Sinus Maliacus, now Golfo di Ziton, and not far from Mount Oeta, bordering on the Province of Doris: upon which Mountain, Hercules being tortured with a poisoned shirt, sent by his innocent wife Deianira, said to have burned himself; thence called Hercules Oeteus. Of all which Towns, Lamia, Pagasa, and Demetrias, are in the Region called Phthiotis; Larissa, Doliche, Phthium, and Azorium, in that called Pelasgia; Gomphi, and Trieca, in Estiotis; the rest in Thessalie, properly and specially so named.

This Country at first called Aemonia, afterwards Pelasgia, then Pyrrhoea from Pyrrha the wife of Deucalion, and finally Thessalia, from Thessalus one of the companions of Hercules; by Plinie is called Driopis, Estiotis by Strabo, Pelasgia by Diodorus, and by Homer, Argos; the name of some chief Citie or particular Pro∣vince, being figuratively used for the whole. Divided commonly into four parts, 1 Thessaliotis, 2 Estiotis, 3 Pelasgiotis, and 4 Phthiotis: the name of Thessalie or Thessaliotis in the end prevailing, ac∣cordingly distributed into severall governments, united finally in the person of Philip the father of Alexander; who partly by force, but specially by art and practise, made himself Master of the whole. Continuing in a mixt condition betwixt free and subject, under the Macedonian Kings of the second Race; it became subject with that Kingdome to the State of Rome: first reckoned as a part of the Province of Macedon, after a Province of it self, when Macedon was made a Diocese, part of which it was. But from a Province of that Diocese, and a member of the Eastern Empire it was made a king∣dome: given with that title to Boniface Marquesse of Mont-ferrat in exchange for Candie, together with the Citie of Thessalonica, and some part of Peloponnesus, at the division of that Empire amongst the Latines. Which title he affected in regard that Reiner the brother of Boniface his Grandfather, had formerly been created Prince of Thessalie, by the Emperour Emanuel, whose daughter Cyri Maria (or the Lady Mary) he had took to wife. In him as it began, so this title ended; Thessalonica falling to the State of Venice, Thessalie reverting to the Empire when the Greeks recovered it: from whom sub∣dued, and added to the Turkish Empire in the reign of Amurath the 2. anno 1432.

2 MACEDON specially so called, is bounded on the East with Mygdonia, on the West with Al∣bania, on the North with Mount Haemus, on the South with Thessalie. The Country for the most part fruitfull, as before was said; but not so surfeiting with delights as to make the people wanton or esteminate in their course of life; as being naturally good souldiers, exact observers of military discipline, and inured to hardnesse: which their many signall victories doe most clearly evidence, both in Greece and Asia.

The Greeks in the pride of their own wits reckoned them amongst the barbarous Nations; and yet by a strange kinde of contradiction ascribe unto their Country the seats of the Muses. For in this Coun∣try was Mount Pimple, with a fountain of the same name at the foot thereof; both consecrated to the Muses, from hence called Pimpleides. Here also was the hill Libethris, and the Province of Pieria, from whence the Muses had the names of Libethrides, and Pierides; by this last called more frequently then by any other name what ever, especially by the Greeks themselves. But the birth of Aristotle in this Country doth more convince the Grecians of this foolish arrogance, then all the Muses in the world. A man so admirable in the generall course of learning, so universally comprehensive of all Arts and Sciences: that the best witted Grecian might have been his scholar, and thought it a great happinesse, as King Philip did, that they had any children but to be tutored by him.

The principall Rivers hereof, besides Erigon and Aliaemon, spoken of before; are 1 Axius, now called Vardari, rising out of the hill Scaraius, a branch of Mount Aemus, and passing through the whole extent of this Country into Sinus Thermaicus, or the Golfe of Thessal••niea, as it is now named: the fairest River of those parts, and of sweetest waters; but such as maketh all the cattell black which drink of it. 2 Chabris, 3 Echedorus, both rising out of the mid-land Countries, and both falling into the same Bay also. Besides which there are three other fair and capacious Bayes ascribed to Macedon, though two of them belonging properly to Mygdonia, that is to say, Singeticus, now Golfe di Monte Sacro; and Toronicus, now the Golfe or Bay of Aiomama; and the third common unto Thrace also, which is Sinus Strimonicus, now the Bay of Contesso.

Towns of most observation in it, according to the severall Regions and parts hereof, were for the Almopes, 1 Hormia, called afterwards Seleucia. 2 Europus, of which name there were four in Macedon. 3 Apsalus. Of Syntice, 4 Tristolus, 5 Paroeaecopolis, 6 Gariscus, 7 Heraclea, for distinction called Hera∣clea Syntica; there being many others of that name in Greece. In Edonis bordering towards Terace, 8 Scotusa, 9 Berga, 10 Amphipolis, on the River Strymon, with which encompassed, whence it had the name; seated so close on the edge of Thrace that it is questionable to which of them it belongs of right, once garrisoned by the Athenians, and from them took by Philip the Macedonian, in the first rise of his fortunes. 11 Crenides, bordering on Thrace also, and by some Writers laid unto it, but I thinke erroneously: repaired and beautified by Philip before mentioned, by whom called Philippi: situate in a Country so rich in mines of gold, that the said Philip drew thence yearly 1000 talents, which make 600000 French Crowns, or 140000l. of our English money. Afterwards made a Roman Co∣lonie and accounted the chief Citie of Macedonia, as appeareth Acts 16. 12. to the people of which S. Paul writ one of his Epistles. Next in Emathia, we have 12 Tyrissa in the midlands, bordering upon Thessalie, now called Ceresi. 13 Aedessa, called afterwards Aegeas, and now Vodena; the first town of all this country taken by Caranaus, the founder of the first race of the Kings of Macedon. 14 Beraea on Sinus Thermaicus, honoured with the preaching of Paul and Silas; the Citizens whereof are by S. Luke commended for their readinesse in receiving the Gospell. 15 Pella, on the same Bay also, the birth-place of Alexander the Great, from hence called Juvenis Pellaeus. 16 Pydna, upon the same Bay at the influx of the River Aliacmon, in which Cassander besieged and took Olympias the mo∣ther, R••xane the wise, and Hercules the heir apparent of Alexander; all whom he barbarously mur∣dered. This cruelty he committed, partly to revenge himself of Alexander, who had once knocked his head and the wall together; and partly to cry quit with Olympias, who had before as cruelly mur∣dered Aridaeus the base son of Philip, and Eurydice his wife, with whom Cassander was supposed to be over-familiar. Memorable also is this Town for the great battell fought near it betwixt Perseus the last King of Macedon, and P. Aemilius the Consul, in which Perseus having shamefully deserted his Armie, lost both the battell and his Kingdome, with no lesse then 20000 of his foot which were therein slain: the Romans having so cheap a victory, that it cost them not above an hundred or sixscore men. 17 Dium, not far from the hill Olympus, and about a mile from the Sea; of which mile the River Helicon be∣coming there a Lake, and called Baphyrus, taketh up one halfe: situate in the borders towards Thessalie, the way unto it out of the Tempe being strait and narrow, and almost impassable, by reason of the spurs of the Mountains, running overthwart it: which had it been well defended by the Ma∣cedonians, would have kept their Country from the Romans, who that way attempted it. But Perseus hearing that the Enemy had got into Tempe, only took care to get his treasure out of Dium, and so abandoned both the passage, and the town together. 18 Phylace, more within the land: as is 10 Eribaea. But these four last are in that part hereof which is called Pieria.

3 MYGDONIA hath on the East the Aegean Sea, on the West Macedon, properly and specially so called; on the North Edonis and Sinus strimonicus, on the South Sinus Thermaicus, or the Golse of Thessa••nica. So that it is almost a Peninsula, environed on three sides with water.

Here is in this Country the hill Athos, standing in a Peninsula (the Isthmus being once cut thorow by Xerxes, but since closed again) said to be 70 miles in circuit, 3 dayes journey long, half a dayes in breadth, resembling the shape of a man lying with his face upwards: the highest point whereof co∣vered

perpetually with snow, is said to cast a shadow as far as Lemnos. Exceeding fruitful in grasse, fruit, oil, and wine; and wondrous plentifull in hares; according to that of Ovid:

Quot Lepores in Atho, quot Apes pascuntur in Hybla.

How many Hares in Athos feed, What swarms of Bees on Hybla breed.

Inhabited only by Greek Monks whom they call Caloires, of the order of S. Basil, to whom the hill commonly called the Holy Mountain, hath been long since dedicated: the place being so priviledged by the Grand Signeur, that neither Turke nor Grecian may inhabit in it, except such Grecians only as professe this life. Of these there are about 6000, dispersed in 42 Monasieries, built after a militarie manner for fear of Theeves and Pyrats, wherewith much infested in times past: frequented with great concourse of people coming thither to behold and adore some Relicks (for which they are of much esteem:) the tree oblations of those Pilgrims, and some benevolence from the Turks which do much respect them, being the chief means of their subsistence. The manner of their life is like that of the ancient Hermits, poorly clad, their shirts of Woollen, which they both spin and weave themselves; none of them idle at any time, doing still somewhat for their lively-hood, and the advancement of the house of which they are, as dressing vines, felling timber, yea and building ships: few of them giving themselves to study, and some of them of so grosse an ignorance, that they can neither write nor read: bound by their Order to lodge and entertain such strangers as have occasion to passe that way according to their rank and calling, and that of free cost, if it be desired.

Towns of most note, according to the severall Regions and parts hereof, are for Mygdonia special∣ly and properly so called, 1 Antigonia, so called from Antigonus a King of Macedon, the first founder of it. 2 Xilopolis, 3 Terpillus, 4 Physco, 5 Assorus, all mentioned by Ptolemie, but not else observable. 6 Apollonia, for distinction sake called Apollonia Mygdoniae, to difference it from Apollonia in Albania, then a part of Macedon: famous for the studies of Augustus Caesar, who here learnt the Greek tongue. For Amphaxitis, there was 7 Arethusa, 8 Stagira, now called Nicalidi, renowned for the birth of Aristotle, hence named Stagirites. 9 Thessalonica, situate on the bottome of Sinus Thermaicus, now called the Bay of Salonichi, by the name of the town. Anciently the Metropolis or head Citie of Macedon, the seat of the Praefectus Praetoria for Illyricum, after the removall thereof from Sirmium; as also of the Primate of the Greek Church, who resided here. To the people of this Citie did S. Paul write two of his Epi∣stles continuing in great power and credit till the fall of the Consiantinopolitan Empire into the hands of the Latines: at which time it was bestowed first on Boniface Marquesse of Moniferrat, the new King of Thessalie: after whose death it fell unto the State of Venice, who held it till the year 1432. when forced by Amurath the 2. to become Turkish. Which notwithstanding it still preserves the reputati∣on of a beautifull and wealthy Citie, inhabited by rich Merchants who drive here a great trade, especially for the commodities of the Indies; for beauty, riches, and magnificence, little inferiour unto Naples: and though the Turks and Jews make the greatest number of Inhabitants, yet here are reckoned 30 Churches for the use of Christians. As for the Jews they swarm here in such great abun∣dance, that in this Citie and that of Constantinople only, there are reckoned 160000 of them; but ge∣nerally hated and contemned by all sorts of people. 10 Syderocaspae, of old called Chrysites, remarka∣ble for its mines of gold and silver, so beneficiall to the Turk that he receiveth hence monthly 18000 and sometimes 30000 crowns de claro. Next for Chalcidice, there was 11 Panormus, a Port town, 12 Stratonice in the Peninsula of Mount Athos. 13 Athos or Athosa, in the same Peninsula, with a Pro∣montorie of the same name, nigh which it stood. 14 Acanthus, now called Eryssa, on the Bay of the Holy Mountain. And finally in Paraxia, we have 15 Ampelus, 16 Torone, giving name to the Bay adjoin∣ing, called anciently Sinus Toronicus, now Golfo di Aiomama. 17 Cassandria, on the Sea ••ide, so called from Cassander King of Macedon, who repaired and beautified it; being before named Potidea. 18 Der∣ris, 19 Merillus, 20 Pallene, situate in the Chersonese or Demy-Island, called Petalene, and by some Pe∣talia; formerly consecrated to the Muses: but before that infamous for the war which the Giants are sabled to have made here against the Gods; at what time it was called Phlegra, the fields adjoyning Campi Phlegraei, in which this great battell is supposed to be fought. The occasion of the Fable was, (as both Theagenes and Eudoxus do expound the same) that the Inhabitants hereof in those elder times being men of a most impious and insolent life, got the name of Giants: whom when Hercules endea∣voured to subdue and reduce to reason, it happened that there fell a great tempest of thunder and lightning, by which they were constrained to flee and submit themselves. Hence the report that those Giants made war against the Gods. Others have placed these Phlegraean fields in Thessalie, and perhaps more probably. Certain I am that some place nearer to the hils of Pelion, Ossa, and Olympus, doth agree best with it: if at least Ovid were not out in his narration, who makes those Mountains to be heaped upon one another for their better reaching to the skies, and fighting upon even ground as the saying is. For thus that Poet:

Affectasse ferunt regnum coeleste Gigantes, Altaque congestos struxisse ad sydera Montes. At pater omnipotens misso perfregit Olympum Fulmine, & excussit subjectum Pelion Ossae.

Which may be Englished in these words:

The Giants once the Throne of heaven affected And hils on hils unto the Stars erected. Till Jove with thunder high Olympus brake, And Pelion did from under Ossa take.

But from those Fables to proceed to more reall stories: this Country was first peopled by Cit∣t••m the son of Javan, passing over out of Asia Minor; in memorie whereof, here was not only a town called Cuium spoken of by Liviel. 42. but the whole land of Macedon is in the book of Maccabees called the land of Keium, Maccab. 1. v. 1. and the inhabitants hereof called Citims, in the 8 chapter of the same book, v. 5. spreading in tract of time from one Sea to the other, from the Aegean to the Adriatick, some Colonies of them passed from hence to Italie, and first inhabited that Countrie, as hath there been said. Such as continued in these parts, divided into severall tribes, as in all parts else, became in time to be united in the name of Macedons: a people not much taken notice of in the former times, living a poor and painfull life, Goatherds and Shepherds for the most part, scarceable to defend their own Mountains from the next invader; much lesse to dream of conquering either Greece or Persia. And therefore Alexander told them, and not much unfitly, (though by him spoke in passion and to their disgrace) that his father Philip had first made them Gentlemen. For Philip having learned the Eu∣diments of war under Epaminondas, (being then an Hostage with the Thebans) and by that means acquainted with the temper and state of Greece: not only freed his own Kingdome from the Il••yrians, Thracians, and other barbarous Nations who had gained upon it; but taking advantage of the facti∣ons raised amongst the Grecians (which he knew how to feed and cherish for his own improvement) brought them at first wholly to rely upon him, and after to be subject to him. Insomuch that ne∣ver any Monarchy had a swifter growth, nor a more speedy dissolution: there passing not ful 40 years from the first of Philip to the last of Alexander: in which space it was both begun, perfected, and broke to pieces. For the foundation being laid in murder, perjurie and treason, as at first it was, was never likely to be blessed with a long continuance.

The KINGS of MACEDON.

• A. M.
• 3155 1 Caranaus, 28
• 3183 2 Coenus, 12
• 3195 3 Tirimas, 38
• 32••3 4 Perdiceas, 51
• 3284 5 Argaeus, 38
• 3322 6 Philippus, 38
• 3360 7 Europus, 26
• 3386 8 Alcetas, 29
• 3415 9 Amintas, 50
• 3465 10 Alexander 43
• 3508 11 Perdiceas II. 28
• 3536 12 Archelaus 24.
• 3560 13 Orestes 5
• 3563 14 Archelaus II. 4
• 3567 15 Pa••sanias 1
• 3568 16 Amintas II. 6
• 3574 17 Argaeus II.
• 357d 18 Amintas III. 19
• 3594 19 Alexander II. 1
• 3595 20 Alorites, 4
• 3599 21 Perdiccas III 6
• 3605 22 Philip II. 24
• 3629 23 Alexander the Great.

Of these 23 Kings, only six are famous: viz. Caranaus the first King, originally of Argos, of the race of Hercules, and by an Oracle commanded to lead a Colony into this country, and to follow the first flock of Cattell he saw before him. Being here arrived in a tempestuous stormy day, he espyed a herd of Goats flying the fury of the weather. These Goats he followed unto Aedessa, into which by reason of the darknesse of the air, he entered undiscovered, won the town, and in short space be∣came Lord of all the Country. 2 Perdiccas the fourth King, who at Aega, built a buriall place for all his successors; assuring the people that as long as their Kings were there buried, his race should never fail; and so it happened. For the Kingdom of Macedon, after the death of Alexander the great, who was buryed at Babylon, was translated to the sons of Demetrius. 3 Europus, who in his infancie was carryed in a cradle against the Illyrians his enemies, and returned victorious. This the Macedons did either because they thought, they could not be beaten their King being present: or perswaded themselves that there was none so void of honour and compassion as to abandon an infant, no way able to save himself from destruction, but by the valour and fidelity of his servants. 4 Alexander, the son of Amintas, famous for a notable exploit on the Persian Embassadours; who being sent from Mega∣bizus, requested a view of the Macedonian Ladies. No sooner were they entred, but petulantius eas Per∣sis contrectantibus, as Justine relateth the story, they were called back by this Alexander, sending in their steads young springals maidenly attired; who upon the like indignities offered, slew these effeminate Asians. After which he behaved himself so discreetly, that the Persian Monarch gave him all Greece, between Haemus and Olympus. Philip father unto Alexander, who governed first as Guardian to the son of Perdi••cas his elder brother; but afterwards took unto himself both the Kingdom and title of King: which he continued in the deposition of his Nephew and naturall Soveraign, the murder of the resto his brethren, and the destruction of all such as opposed his practises. But being other∣wise a man of approved abilities, he cleared his own Country of the Illyrians, subdued Achaia, Thrace,

and a great part of Peloponnesus: and was chosen Generall of the Greeks against the Persians. But as soon as he had made all things ready for this expedition, he was slain by one Pausanias a young Gen∣tleman, whom he had for merly abused. 6 Alexander the son of Philip, who recovered such parts of Greece, as on the death of his father had befooled themselves with an hope of liberty. He subdued Darius the great King of Persia, Taxiles and Porus Kings of India; founded the Monarchie of the Gre∣cians; and in the height of his successes was poisoned at Babylon by Cassander, one of his great Cap∣tains: his Revenue at the time of his death, amounting to 300000 talents yearly. After his death his new got Empire was much controverted in the point of succession; he himself having bequea∣thed it to him, who was thought most worthy by his Armie: and the Souldiers, according to their severall affections and relations, thought their own Leaders most deserving. At last the title of King (and in effect nothing but the title) was by consent of the Commanders cast on Aridaeus, a bastard of Philip, to whom Perdiccas was appointed to be Protectour (for Aridaeus was a little crazed in his braine) and to be Generall of the Armie. As for the Provinces they were assigned unto the Government of the chiefe Commanders, viz. Egypt to Ptolemie, Syria to Laomeden, Cili∣cia to Philotus, Media to Pytho, Cappadocia to Eumenes, Pamphylia, Lycia, and Phrygia major to Antigonus, Caria to Cassander, Lydia to Minander, Pontus and Phrygia minor to Leonatus, Assyria to Seleueus, Persis to Peucestes, Thrace to Lysimachus, and Macedon it self unto Antipater: the other parts of the Persian Empire being left to them, unto whose hands they were committed in the time of Alex∣ander. But this division held not long. For Perdiccas being once slain by Ptolemie, and Eumenes made away by Antigonus, these two became quickly too great for the rest: Ptolemie adding Syria and Cyprus to the Kingdom of Egypt; and Antigonus bringing under his command not only all Asia minor, but Assyria, Media, and almost all the Eastern parts of the Persian Empire. Antipater in the mean time succeeding in the Protectourship, banished Olympias the mother of Alexander, out of Macedonia, as bea∣ring but a step-dames love unto Aridaeus. But he being dead, she returned out of Epirus, (the place of her banishment) into Macedonia, where raising a strong partie among the people, she put Aridaeus and his wife Eurydice to death; proclaiming Hercules the son of Alexander, King: both slaine not long after by Cassander the son of Antipater; who to make sure work, murdered also with the like cruelty Roxane and her son, another Alexander, the last surviver of that house. And so the royall familie being rooted out, Antigonus took unto himself the title of King: as did Seleu∣cas, who had now recovered all the Persian Provinces beyond Euphrates; the like did Ptoleme in Egypt and Cassander in Macedon.

The second Race of the MACEDON KINGS.

• A. M.
• 3648 1 Gassander, sonne of Antipater, supposed to have been the poisoner of Alexander, rooted out the blood royall of Macedon: his reigne full of troubles and difficulties, 19.
• 3667 2 Alexander and Antipater, sons to Cassander, but not well agreeing, called unto their aide Lysimachus, and Demetrius; by whom they were both in short time murdered, 4.
• 3671 3 Demetrius, sonne to Antigonus, the powerfull King of Asia, after he had in one bat∣tell against Seleucus, lost both his father, and all his Asian Dominions; settled himselfe in Macedon: but being there outed by Pyrrhus, he fled to Se∣leucus, and with him dyed, 6.
• 3677 4 Pyrrhus King of Epirus, was by the souldiers, voluntarily forsaking Demetrius, made King of Macedon; but after 7 months, the souldiers revolted to Lysimachus, as being a Macedonian born.
• 3678 5 Lysimachus King of Thrace, being thus made King of Macedon, was in the end vanqui∣shed and slain by Seleucus, the last surviver of Alexanders Captains, 7.
• 3685 6 Ceraunus, or Ptolemie Ceraunus, son to Ptolemie of Egypt, having traiterously slain his friend and Patron Seleucus, seised on Macedon, but lost it, together with his life, unto the Gaules; who then plagued these Countries. After whose death this Kingdome being distracted amongst many Competitors, settled at last upon
• 3687 7 Antigonus Gonatas, the son of Demetrius, who for his valour shewn in expulsing the Gaules, was made King of Macedon. And though for a while he gave way to Pyrihus, then returning from Italie; yet after the death of Pyrrhus he again recovered his estate; but outed once again by Alexander the son of Pyrrhus, 36.
• 3723 8 Demetrius II. son of Antigonus, recovered Macedon from the power of Alexander the son of Pyrrhus, 10.
• 3733 9 Antigonus II. surnamed Doson, left by Demetrius as Protectour to his young son Philip, usurped the Kingdom. He divers times vanquished and crushed the Grecians, be∣ginning then to cast off the yoke of Macedon, 12.
• 3745 10 Philip, the son of Demetrius, 42.
• ...

• 3787 11 Perjeus the son of Philip, the last King of Macedon; the subversion of which estate was first begun in the time of his Father, who had not onely warred upon the Aetolians and others of the Greekes, whom the Romans had taken into their protection; but fided with Hannibal against them. Upon which grounds they sent first Titus Qu. Flaminius, one of their Consuls, by whom Philip was vanquished at the battell of Cukos-cephalos, and his Kingdome made tributary unto Rome. After which picking a quarrell against Perseus also, managed with va∣riable successe by Licinius, Martius, and others of their Commanders; they dispatched Paulus Aemilius with an Army into Macedon, to bring him to absolute subjection: Who sped so well, that Macedon was made a Province of the Roman Empire, and Perseus led captive unto Rome, anno 3789. In which triumph, besides the pomp of leading a Captive King in bonds, Aemilius caused the ready money which he brought out of Greece to be carryed in 750 Vessels, every vessell containing 3 Ta∣lents; which made so infinite a summe, that the Roman people were free for many years after from all taxes and impositions.
• 3798 Macedon thus made a Province of the Roman Empire, and afterwards divided into three parts or Provinces, that is to say Macedonia Prima, Macedonia Secunda or Salutaris and Prevalitana; in the new mo∣dell of Const•• ••••ne became a Diocese, the Diocese hereof containing the Provinces of Crete, Achaia, old and now Fpirus, Macedonia Prima, and the greatest part of Salutaris, the residue of Salutaris and Prevali∣tana, (which makes up the Countrey now called Albania) being laid to the Diocese of Dacia. It continued part of the Eastern Empire, till towards the last fatall dissolution of it, though many times harassed and depopulated by the Sclavonians, Bulgarians, Rosses, and others of the barbarous people, at their severall invasions of it: finally conquered by the Turkes, first under the conduct of Bajazet their fourth king taking Nicopolis, a town hereof bordering on Thrace, and lying North of Sinus Strimenius, now the Bay of Contesso; and after under Amurath the second their fixt King, making themselves masters of The ssalonica the chief City of it, and therewith of all the countrey. By rea∣son of which many invasions and last desolation by the Turkes, there is scarse one of all those many Cities before mentioned now of any eminence; except Thessalonica onely: the rest being miserably destroyed. And for the Countrey it selfe it is governed by a Turkish Sanziack under the Beglerbeg of Greece, his annual Revenew being but 8000 Crownes: nor any thing else required of him then to maintaine 100 horse in ordinary pay, for defence of his Province, and to finde 400 Horse on ex∣traordinary occasions, as the Grand Signeur shall command him.

7 THRACE.

THRACE hath on the East, Pontus Euxinus, Propontis, and Hellespont; on the West Macedon;on the North, the hill Hoemus; on the South, the Aegoean Sea, and part of Macedon. A very large and goodly Province, extending 20 dayes journey in length, 7 dayes journey in breadth: and in relation to the heavens, reaching unto the 44 degree of Northern latitude, so that the longest day in summer is about 15 houres three quarters.

By severall men, according to the times they lived in, it hath been called by divers names: by Ste∣phanus, Aria; by Suidas Odryss by Lycephron, Crestona; by some writers, Scythia; by Josephus the Hebrew, Thyras. But generally it is called Thrace or Thracia, and that as some say from Thrax, the son of Mars; as others from Thraca, an Inchantresse; more probably from the serity and barbarous condi∣tion of the first Inhabitants; the name in the Originall Greek bearing that construction: most likely from Thyras the son of Japbet, who first planted here, in memory of whom it did retaine the name of Thyras in the time of Josephus; besides many other footsteps and remembrances of him, in the name of many of their townes, and some of their Princes; of which we have already spoken in our ge∣nerall Preface. Finally by the Turkes it is called Romania, either from the many Roman Colonies which were planted here; or because Constantinople the chief City of it was antiently called Nova Ro∣ma: and by that name it is now called in most modern Writers.

The Countrey generally is neither of a rich soyle nor a pleasant air, the corn and other fruites by reason of the coldnesse of the Climate leisurely ripening, the Vines yeelding more shade then juice, and the trees for the most part more leaves then fruit: yet in some parts there be many large and goodly plaines, where they reape good store of corn, but of Pulse especially; and towards the Sea∣side they have plenty of wine, which Pliny much commended both for strength and goodnesse.

The people antiently were very bold and valiant, and called by some 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 because every man was a law to himselfe. So that it was truly said by Herodotus, that if they had either beene all of one minde, or under one King, they had been invincible. Of manners they were rude and savage, somewhat neer to bru••ishnesse; buying their wives, and selling both their sonnes and daughters, as in open market: in which, since imitated by the Turkes, who possesse their Countrey. The men were more courageous then comely, wearing cloathes according to their conditions, ragged and unseemly. The marryed women were in love to their husbands so constant, that they willingly sacrificed themselves at their funerals. The Virgins were bestowed, not by their own parents, but the common Fathers of their Cities. Such as brought neither beauty nor ver∣tue for their dowry, were put off according to their money; most times sold as other cattell, in the markets. In matters of Religion, they worshipped Mars, Bacchus, Diana, Mercury, as did other Gentiles: swearing especially by the first, from whom they bragged themselves to have been descen∣ded.

But their chiefe nationall deity, was one Zamolxis, sometimes a native of this Countrey, who having been brought up under Pythogoras, and returning home, prescribed then good and whole∣some Laws, assuring them that if they did observe the same, they should goe unto a place when they left this world, in which they should enjoy all manner of pleasure and contentment. By this means having gotten some opinion of adivinity amongst them, he absented himselfe, after was worship∣ped as their God. Upon these principles, when any one was born amongst them, his Parents and other friends sitting round about him, lamented bitterly his coming into the world, ripping up all the miseries and afflictions whereto he was to be exposed in this present life, and so deplored his condition as absolutely miserable and unhappy. But on the contrary, when any one chan∣ced to dye, they buryed him with all joy and alacrity highly rejoycing that by this means he was freed from the crosses and dysasters of this wretched World. Expressed thus briefly, after his won∣ted manner by mine Authour. Lugentur Puerperia, nati{que} deflentur; funera contra festa sunt, & veluti sa∣cra cantu lusu{que} celebrantur. A peece of such sound and Orthodox Divinity, that I wonder how they hit upon it in these times of darknesse; and savouring very much of the Primitive piety: by which the Obits of the Saints were kept as Festivals, no notice being taken of the day of their births. According to that of the good old Writer, Non nativitatem sed mortem Sanctorum Ecclesia pretiosam & festam judicat.

Here lived the Tyrant Polymnestor, who villaniously murdered Polydorus, a younger sonne of Pria∣mus; for which fact, Hecuba the young Princes mother, scratched him to death. Here also lived the Tyrant Tereus, of whom before in Phocis: and Diomedes, who using to feed his Horses with mans flesh, was slaine by Hercules, and cast unto his horses. And finally here reigned King Corys, whom I mention not as a Tyrant, but propose as a pattern of rare temper, both in mastering and prevent∣ing passion. For when a neighbour Prince had sent him a present of Glasses, of the purest metall, and no lesse accurate in the workmanship or fashion of them: (having dispatched the messenger with all the due complements of Majesty and gratitude) he broke them all to peaces; lest it by mis∣hap any of his servants should doe the like, he might be stirred to an intemperate choler.

Chief mountaines in this countrey, besides Haemus spoken of already, are I Rhodepe, the highest next Mount Haemus in those parts of the World, craggy, and rough, the top whereof continually white with snow: memorable for the fate and fable of Orpheus, who in a melancholy humour (ha∣ving lost his wife) betooke himselfe unto these mountaines: where with his Musick he affected both Woods and Beasts, who are said to have danced unto his Musick: from this place of his abode cal∣led Rhodopeius, from his countrey Thracius; Non me Carminibus vincet nec Thracius Orpheus, &c. as the Shepheard boasteth in the Poet. The truth is, that he was a man of an heavenly Muse, and by his dictates and good Counsell laid down in verse, first of all civilized this people; and weaned them by degrees from their bestiality. Hence the occasion of the Fable. But for Mount Rhodope it selse, it is in the midst of this Countrey, thwarting it from Mount Haemus towards the West: which with the spurres and branches of it, and the plaines adjoining lying betwixt the River Nessus on the West, and Melas or Niger on the East, made up the Province of the Empire, cal∣led Rhodope, by the name of the Mountaine. 2. Pangoeus, rich in Mines of Silver; 3 Mela∣pus, shooting towards the Sea, full of rocks and cliffes; and 4 Orbelus, lying towards Ma∣cedon, where there is a little Region from hence called Orbelia.

Principall Rivers hereof besides Strymon spoken of before, the boundary in some places betwixt this and Macedon, are 1 Nessus, by the Grecians, now called Mestro, by the Turkes, Charajon, which rising out of Mount Haemus falleth into the Sea, near the Isle of Thassus. 2 Athyras, in which name the memory of Thyras the sonne of Japhet, seemes to be preserved; which rising in Mount Hemus also, loseth it selfe in the Propontick; as doth 3 Bathynias; another river rising from the same Mount Hemus. 4 Hebrus, the most noted River of this countrey, rising out of Mount Rhodope, and falling into the Aegean neer the Isle of Sanothrace, a river of so flow a course that it is not easie to discerne which way it goeth: but memorable in the Poets for the fate of Orpheus, who being torn in peaces by the Thracian women, had his limbes thrown into it by those Furies. 5 Thrarus, good against the scab both in man and Beast, issuing out of 30 Fountaines, some hot, some cold; with the pleasantnesse of whose waters Darius the King of Persia, was so delighted, that he erected a pil∣lar in honour of it.

The chief Towns 1 Abdera, now called Polystilo, situate not far from the fall of the River Nessus into the Aegean, the birth place of Democritus, who spent his whole life in laughing at the follies of others. 2 Potidea, of old a Colonie of Athens, from whom it revolted and submitted to the State of Corinth. But the Athenians not enduring the affront, beleaguered it, and after two yeares siege, and the expence of 2000 Talents, could not recover it againe but on composition. 3 Adnus, on the Aegean Sea, a town of great strength and safety, and therefore used by the later Constantinopolitan Emperours for the securing of great persons. For hither Michael Palaeilogus sent Ja∣thatines the Turkish Sultan, flying to him for aid; and hither Mahomet the Great sent Demetrius, Prince of Peloponnesus, when he yeelded up his countrey to him; both under colour of providing for their ease and safety, but in plain terms to keep them in honourable Prisons. 4 Lyssmachia, on the Sea-shore, once of great importance, built by Lysimachus, who after Alexanders death laid hands on this Countrey: afterwards garrisoned by Philip the Father of Perseus, on the withdrawing of whose Forces for some other service, it was taken and razed to the ground by the barbarous Thracians, and all the people of it carried into captivity; but by Antiochus the Great re-edified and new peopled a∣gain, moved thereunto by the convenient situation and former glories of the place. 5 Philippolis, so cal∣led

from Philip King of Macedon the father of Alexander, who built and fortified it as a bridle to hold in the Thraeians: called also Trimontium, from three hils on which it was situate: beautified in the time of the Romans with a goodly Amphitheatre, continuing entire and whole till these latter days, and might have lasted longer by many Ages; did not the Turks dayly take away the stairs thereof, which are all of marble to make money of them. Here are also many other antient Monuments, though the town be much wasted and destroyed, the Scythians at one time killing in it above 100000 persons: which notwithstanding it is populous, and well frequented, by reason of the convenient situation of it on the River Hebrus, which they now call Mariza. 6 Trajanopolis, so cal∣led from the Emperour Trajan, by whom either founded or repaired; indifferently well peopled, and still preserving its old name. 7. Selimbria, on the coast of the Propontick Sea, beautified with a commodious port for receipt of small vessells; and many Bayes adjoyning capable of greater: by Ptolemy called Selibria, and Olibria by Suidas. 8 Apollonia, upon Pontus Euxinus, or the Black Sea, now Sisopoli. 9 Phinopolis, on the same Sea also. 10 Nicopolis, at the foot of the Mount Haemus; there be∣ing another of that name neer the River Nessus. 11 Perinthus, on the Propontick sea, near the influx of the River Arsus. A town of great note in the antient businesses of Greece, of great strength, and peopled formerly with men of such resolutions, that they maintained their liberty against Philip of Macedon, after almost all the rest of Thrace had submitted to him. 12 Heraclea, at once a Colony of the Thebans; and afterwards of much request in the time of the Romans, as being beautified with the Palaces of Vespasian, Domitian, and Antoninus, Emperours of Rome; as also with an Amphith•• atre, cut out of one entire Marble, and accounted one of the worlds seven Wonders: and finally, made the Metropolitan City of the Province of Europe, one of the Provinces of the Diocese of Thrace, whereof more anon. 13 Olynthus, called by Xenophon, the greatest City of Thrace; as possibly enough it was in power and riches, though not in greatnesse of extent. A Colony of the Athenians, rich in Trade, and mistresse of a fair and goodly territory adjoyning to it: the people whereof had been malitious enemies to the Kings of Macedon, which principally induced Philip, spoken of before, to set upon them. In which attempt he sped so well, that what he could not get by force, he obtained by money; bribing some of the principall Officers to betray it to him: for the recovery whereof, Demosthenes oft moved the people of Athens in those elaborate Orations called the Olynthiacks. 14 Sestos, in the Thracian Cher∣sonese: which being a Peninsula abutting over against Troas, on the Asian side, is now called Saint Georges Arme. Opposite whereunto, on the other side of the Water, in the town of Abydus, remark∣able for the Tragicall Loves of Hero, and Leander, celebrated by Musoeus, an old Greek Poet. 15 Cal∣lipolis, on the Northern Promontory of this Chersonese, the first City of note that ever the Turkes possessed in Europe, taken by Solyman, the sonne of Orchanes, the second King of the Ottoman race, anno 1358. from whence they easily, and in little time, spred themselves all over the rest of Thrace: the ordinary passage of late times betwixt Europe, and Asia, by reason of the conveni∣ent Harbour, and safe Anchorage. 16 Cardia, seated on the Western side of it, opposite to the Isle of Lemnos, and the birth-place of Eumenes: who being a poor Carriers son, attained to such ability in the Art of Warre; that after the death of Alexander the Great, under whom he served, he seized on the Provinces of Cappadocia, and Paphlagonia: and siding (though a stranger to Macedon) with Olympias, and the Blood-royall, against the Greek Captains; vanquished and slew Craterus, and divers times drave Antigonus (afterward Lord of Asia) out of the field: but being by his own souldiers betrayed, he was by them delivered to Antigonus, and by him slain. 17 Sardiea, situate towards Mount Aemus, memorable for the Councel there held against the Arians, an. 351. 18 Adrianople, seated near the midst of Thrace, called antiently Vseudama, but got this name from Adrian the Emperor, who repaired, and beautified it, made subject to the Turks by Bajazet, an. 1362. from the first taking of it made the Seat of the Turkish Kings, til the taking of Consiantinople, by Mahomet the Great; by whom removed unto that City. 19 Pera, oppo∣site to Constantinople, on the further side of the water (as the word doth signifie in the Greek) by some cal∣led Galata: once peopled by a Colony of Genoese, as the Mart and Factory of that State; taken by Maho∣met the Great, an. 1453. but still replenished, for the most part, with Christian Merchants, and Artificers.

But the chief glory of this Country, and of all the East is, the renowned City of 20 Constan∣tinople, seated in so commodious a place for Empire, that it over-looks both Europe and Asia; and commands not onely the Propontis, and the Bosphorus, but the Euxine Sea. First, founded by one Byza, from whom named Byzantium: but being taken by the Persians, and from them recovered by the Spartans, (unwilling that the Persians should grow strong in Europe) it was repaired and fortified by Pausanias, one of their Commanders, 663 years before the Birth of our Saviour. In vain besie∣ged by Philip of Macedon, and of great strength in the flourish of the Roman Empire. The walls of a just height, every stone whereof was so joyned with Couplets of Brasse, that the whole seemed but one intire piece; adorned besides with Turrets, Bulwarks, and other Arts of Fortification. Siding with Niger, in his war against Severus the Emperour, it indured a siege of three years against all the forces of the Romans: during which time, the people were so distressed by Famine, that men meet∣ing in the streets, would draw, and fight; the Conquerour feeding on the Vanquished. For want of Artillery to discharge on the Assallants, they cast down upon them whole Statuas made of Brasse, and the like curious Imagery. Houses they pulled down to get timber for Shipping; the women cutting off their hair to inch out their tackle: and having thus patched up a Navy of 500 Sail, lost it all by one Tempest. Compelled to yeild by this misfortune, the principall of the Nobility were put to the Sword, the wealth of the Inhabitants given for a prey to the Souldiers; the walls thereof dismantled, the Town left in rubbish. Yet there appeared so much of Majesty and Beauty in the very Ruines: Vt mireris utrum corum qui primi extruxerunt, vel eerum qui deinceps sunt demel ••i, vires

sint potiores, as Herodian hath it. Re-edified afterwards by the Emperour Constantine, he honoured it with his own Name, and made it the chief Seat of the Roman Empire. The City finished May 11. anno 331. And being so finished, was endowed with all the Priviledges of Rome, an equall number of Senators, one of the Annuall Consuls, and all other Officers of State chosen out of both; the Citizens of the one being Free of the other, and capable of all places of most trust and power. For that cause called NOVA ROMA, in some following times. This City he adorned also with magnificent Buildings, curious Statues, and such like Ornaments, transported hither from Old Rome: which City he spoiled of more costly pieces then any twenty of his Predecessours had brought unto it. At this day the chief Buildings are the Turks Seraglio, and the Temple of Saint Sophia: which as they differ not much in place and situation, so as little in magnificence and state. The Temple of Saint Sophia, was, if not built, yet re-edified by the Emperour Justinian. It is built of an ovall form, surrounded with pillars of admirable workmanship, adorned with spacious and beautifull Galle∣ries, roofed all over with Mosaique work: and vaulted underneath very strongly for the fabrick, and pleasing for the eye. The doors are very curiously wrought and plated; one of which, by the su∣perstitious people is thought to have been made of the planks of Noahs Ark: and yet this Temple is little more then the Chancell of the ancient Church, which contained in length 260 foot, and 180 in breadth: and to our Saint Pauls in London, may seeme for the bignesse, to have been but a Chap∣pell of ease. But what it wants in Greatnesse, it hath gained in Beauty, and in the elegancy of the building, wherein it is thought to exceed all the fabricks in the whole world: the sides and floor, all flagged with excellent Marble; and before the entrance a goodly Portico, or Porch, in which, as well the Christians, who visit it out of curiosity, as the Turks, who repair thither for Devotion, are to leave their shoos. By Mahomet the Great, after the taking of the City, converted to a Turkish Mosque, as it still continueth; frequented by the Signeur almost every Friday, which is the Sabbath of that people. Near hereunto standeth the Palace, or Seraglio of the Ottoman Emperours, on the north-east Angle of the City, where formerly stood the antient Byzantium: divided from the rest of City by a wall, containing three miles in circuit, and comprehending goodly groves of Cypresses in∣termixed with Plains, delicate Gardens, artificial Fountains, and all variety of pleasures which luxury can affect, or treasure compasse. The Palace it self injoying a goodly prospect into the Sea, was first built by Justinus the Emperour, afterwards much enlarged by the Ottoman race; contain∣ing three great Courts one within another: the buildings yeilding unto those of France, and Italy for the neat contrivance; but farre surpassing them for cost, and curiousnesse.

As for the City it self, it is said to be 18 miles in compasse, and to contain 700000 living souls; yet would be more populous then it is, if the Plague, like a cruell Tertian Ague, did not every third year so rage amongst them. Fortified towards the Land with three strong, and high Walls, the one higher then the other, the outermost highest of them all: towards the Sea with one wall onely, built after the old fashion with many Turrets, which very strongly flanker, and defend the same. But formerly both the Town and Chersonnese in which it standeth, was defended from the incursions of the barbarous people, by a strong wall built on the very Isthmus of it, some ten miles from the City, reaching from one Sea to the other. The work of Anastasius, who succeeded Zeno, anno 494. A City which a farre off gives to the eye a most pleasing object; so intermixt with Gardens, and beset with Trees, that it seems a City in a Wood: but being entred, much deceiveth the expecta∣tion which it promised, the buildings of it being mean, if not contemptible. The streets for the most part exceeding narrow, but raised on each side for the greater cleanlinesse: the houses but of two stories high, some of rough Stone, and some of Timber; without any outward grace, or exterior garnshing: in many places nothing but low Sheds, or rowes of shops, and in some places long dead walls belonging unto great mens houses. The principall beauty of the whole, next to some Monuments of Antiquity, which are still preserved, and the Tombs, or Sepulchres of some of the Ott man Kings, which are very sumptuous; are the Mosques or Temples of the Turks, about eight thousand in number; And the Port or Havent, so conveniently profound, that Ships of greatest burden may safely lay their sides to the sides thereof, for the receit or discharge of their lading; and so commodiously seated on the Thracian Bosphorus, that there is no winde, what∣soever it be, which brings not in some shipping to it. But that which gives the greatest pleasure to the sight, from the hills adjoyning, is the situation of it on seven Mountenets, most of then crow∣ned with magnificent Mosques, built all of white Marble, round in form, and finished on the top with gilded Spires, reflecting the sun beames with a marvellous splendour. On the first whereof, standeth the ruines of Constantines Palace, exceeding stately to behold; on the second, a fair Turkish Mosque, built on the Palace antiently belonging to the Greek Patriarch; on the third, a stately Mosque, the Sepulchre of Mahomet the second, and a very large Hospitall, for entertainment of Pilgrims, and relief of the poor; the Annuall rents whereof are valued at 200000 Checquines: On the fourth and fift, the Sepulchres of Selimus the first, and Baiazet the second. On the sixt, the Mosque, and Sepulchre of Solyman the Magnificent, numbred amongst the present wonders of the world; and on the seventh, the Temple of Saint Sophia, and the Turkes Seraglio, spoken of already. In which respect it is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, by Nicetas; Vrbs septicollis, by Paulus Diaconus; and so acknowledged to be by Janus Douza, Phines Morison, G. Sandys, and others of our modern Travellers, the eye-witnesses of it. So that if there be any Mystery in the number of Seven, or that the sitting of the Great Whore on a seven-headed beast, be an assured direction to find out the Antichrist: we may as well look for him in Con∣stantinople, or Nova Roma, where the Great Turk, the professed enemy of Christ, and the Christian Faith, hath his seat and residence, as amongst the seven hils of Old Rome, where the Pope resideth: Or if his

sitting in the Temple of God, shew us where to find him, we may as well look for him in the Temple of Saint Sophia, now a Turkish Mosque, as in Saint Peters Church at Rome, still a Christian Temple.

But to return again unto Constantinople, as it was made by Constantine the Imperiall City, and conse∣quently the chief City of the East in all Civill matters: so it became in little time to have a great sway also in affaires of Religion. The Christian Faith said to be first preached in Byzamium, by Saint Andrew the Apostle, the first Bishop thereof: afterwards spreading over Thrace, and the Churches of it regulated by many Bishops: the chief preheminence in matters which concerned those Churches, was given unto the Bishop of Heraclea, Heraclea being at that time the Metropolis, or principall City of the Province. But after that Constantinople was built by Constantine, and made the Imperiall City as before was said: it did not onely over-top Heraclea, and draw unto it self the Metropolitan dignity, but stood in competition with the other Patriarchall Churches, for the Supreme Power, insomuch as at the second Generall Councell, holden in this City, it was unanimously decreed, that the Patriarch hereof, shoul'd in degree of honour be next unto the Bishop of Rome, and above those of Antioch, and Alexandria; the same Decree confirmed in the Councell of Chalcedon also; by which not onely all the Churches in the Diocese of Thrace, but also of Natolia, or Asia Minor (except Cilicia and Isauria, which remained to the Patriarch of Antioch) were containing no lesse then 28 of the Roman Provinces, were made subject to him. And though Pope Leo the first pretending onely the preservation of the Priviledges of those two great Churches, but indeed fearing left New Rome might in the end get the precedency of the Old, did oppose this Act; and some of his Successours persisted in the same re∣sistance: yet they were forced in the end to give way unto it, especially after the Emperour Justinian had by his Imperiall Edict confirmed the same. By whom it was finally ordained, Senioris Romae Pa∣pam primum esse omnium Sacerdotum; beatissimum autem Archiepiscopum Constantinopoleos, Novae Romae, secundum habere locum: that is to say, that the Pope of Rome should have the first place, in all Generall Councels, and the Bishop of Constantinople, or New Rome, should have the second. Encouraged where∣with, and with the countenance and favor of the Emperor Mauritius, John Patriarch of Constantinople, in the time of Gregory the Great, took to himself the title of Vniversal or Oecumenical Bishop, the Pastor Gene∣rall (as it were) of the Church of CHRIST. And though Pope Boniface, by the grant of that bloody Tyrant PHOCAS, got that title from him: yet the Patriarchs of Constantinople made good their ground, never submitting either themselves, or their Churches to the Popes Authority; for that cause specially, accounted by the Church of Rome for Schismaticks, accordingly reviled, and persecu∣ted with all kind of indignities. How it succeeded with these Patriarchs in the times ensuing, and by what means their jurisdiction was extended over all Greece, Muscovie, part of Poland, and many other Churches in the North and East, hath been said already. Certain it is, the constant residence of the Emperours, from the time of Constantine, gave great ground unto: of whom I should here adde the names, but that I must first summe up the affairs of Thrace, before the building of this mighty and predominant City; and take a brief view of the rest of those Provinces which we have comprehended under the name of Greece.

Concerning which, we are to know, that the antient Inhabitants of it had the names of Strimonii, Bardi, Dolo••gi, Sapaei, Saii, and some others; united by most writers in the name of Thracians. Gover∣ned at first by the Kings or Princes of their severall Tribes, as most Nations else: distinguished from the common people, as in other pompes, so most especially by their Gods, which their Kings had to themselves apart, and were not to be worshipped by the best of their Subjects. These not agreeing well together for the common good, gave the Athenians, Spartans, Thebans, and other Nations of the Greeks, a good opportunity, to invade their Country, to seize on the Sea-townes thereof, and plant Colonies in them: the Country in those times being meanly peopled, and consequently giving that advantage unto the Grecians, as the Indies in these later times have to the Spaniards, Portugueze, English, Hollanders, and all other Adventurers. Such of them as lay next to Macedon, proving bad neighbours here unto upon all occasions, at last provoked Philip, the Father of Alexander, to put in for a share; who being chosen Arbitrator betwixt two competitors for that Kingdome (drawn at last into fewer hands) came not unto the Councell with such poor atten∣dants as Justice and Piety, but with a great and puissant Army; wherewith having vanquished and s••ain the two Pretenders, he pronounced sentence for himself, and made Thrace his own, compelling the Inhabitants to pay him the tenth part of their Revenue for his yearly Tribute. After the death of Alexander, this Country was seized on by Lysimachus, as his part of the spoil, who here built the City Lysimachia; from hence invading Dacia, Macedon, and the neighbouring Regions: and he be∣ing dead, the Thracians now accustomed to a forrein yoak, were either Subjects, or at least Tribu∣ta••ies to the Macedonians. Aiding them in their warres against the Romans, they incurred the dis∣pleasure of that people, who having setled their affairs in other places, and repulsed the Cimbri: thought it fit time to call the Thracians to accompt for their former Actions; but sped so ill in the attempt, that Porcius Cato lost his whole Army in the onset, cunningly intercepted in their woods and fastnesses. Didius the Praetor coming in, whilst the Thracians were busie in the chase, gave them such a stop, that he deserved a Triumph for it: and the Victory more easie to Metellus, who succeeded Cato in that charge, and triumphed also over them; as also did Lucullus on another Victory, A. U. C. 680. Broken with so many ill successes, they were finally subdued by Piso in the time of Augustus: becoming so obsequious to that fortunate Prince, that Rhitemalces, a great and puissant ••ing hereof, aided him with a strength of Horse against the Pannonians and Illyrians, who had then rebelled.

Afterwards made a Province of the Roman Empire, in Constantines new modell it became a Diocese, under the Proefecius Proefetorio Orientis: Thrace it self being cast into four Provinces, that is to say, Thrace specially so called, Hamimontum, Rhodope, and Europa; Scythia, and the Lower Moesia, spoken of before, being added to it: of which the Presidents of Rhodope and Haemimontum, were not to be appealed from to the praefectus Praetorio, as the others were; but onely to the Praefect of Con∣stantinople, the Imperiall City. But as Alfonsus, King of Castile, surnamed the Wise, was once heard to say (never the Wiser for so saying) That had he stood at the elbow of Almighty God, when he made the World, he would have shewed him how some things might be better ordered: so give me leave to play the fool, and to say this here, that had I stood at Constantines elbow, I would have counselled him to lay the Diocese of Thrace to the Praefecture of Illyricum, who had originally onely the Dioceses of Macedon and Illyricum under his command; and not have placed it under the Praefect of the East, who had both Asias, and all Aegypt under his Authority. For being that there lay Appeals from the Vicars of Lieute∣nants of the severall Dioceses to their severall and respective Prefects: how great a trouble must it be to the subjects of Thrace, on every occasion of Appeal, to post to Antioch, there to complain unto the Pre∣fect of the Orient; when Sirmium and Thessalonica, the ordinary residences of the Praefectus Praetorio for Illyri∣rum, were so hard at hand. But Constantine was an absolute Prince, and might doe what he listed. He had not else removed his seat so farre towards the East, and left the western parts of the Empire open to the barbarous people, out of a fancy onely to preserve the Eastern. For that it was a fancy onely the event did shew, the Persians for all this, prevailing more then ever formerly; and Thrace it self, though honoured with the Imperiall City, and planted with so many Roman Colonies, so ill inhabited, that a great part thereof lay wast and desert many Ages after. Insomuch as the Goths being by the Hunnes driven over the Danow, where by the Emperour Valens plainted in this Country, (the Emperour having a designe to use them in his following warres) where not contented with the por∣tion allotted to them, they bid fair for all, wasting the whole Province, taking divers townes, and endangering Constantinople it self, from whence not driven, (Valens himself being killed in the warre against them) but by the coming of some Saracens to the aid of the Citizens. Nor could the resi∣dence of the Emperours so protect this Country, but that it was continually harassed, and depopu∣lated by the Sclaves, Bulgarians, Rosses, Saracens, and other barbarous people falling in upon it: nor hinder one Bryonnius in the time of Michael Ducas, and Nicephorus Botoniates from assuming to himself the title of King of Thrace; nor finally prevent the Turks of the Ottoman race from getting ground every day on the lesser Asia, incroaching upon Thrace it self, and in the end obtaining the Imperiall City.

And here perhaps it is expected, considering the Turks are now possessed of Thrace, and the rest of Greece, that we should make relation of the nature of that people, their customes, forces, policies, originall, and proceedings. But the discourse thereof, we will deferre till we come to Turcomania, a Province of Asia: from whence they made their first inundations, like to some unre∣sistible torrent into Persia; and after into the other parts of the world now subject to them. And therefore letting that alone till another time, we will proceed to our Description of the rest of Greece, consisting of the Ilands scattered in the Pontick, Propontick, Aegean, Cretan, and Ionian Seas: leaving out such as properly belong to Asia to our description of that Country, though otherwise Greek Ilands, and so accompted both for their Language and Originall.

The ISLANDS of the PONTICK and PROPON. TICK SEAS.

Before we come to the descriptions of these Ilands, we must first look upon the Seas in which they lie: beginning with the PONTICK first, because the Greatest, and that which doth communicate and convey its waters unto all the rest. A Sea made up Originally of the confluence of those mighty Rivers, (the greatest in those parts of the World) which do fall into it: that is to say, the Danow, Borysthenes, and Tanais falling out of Europe, besides many other fair and large Rivers (though of lesser note) to the number of at least an hundred, which pay Tribute to it: the whole compasse of it be∣ing 2700 miles; in form, by some resembled to a Scythian Box when it is bended. A Sea not so salt as many others, and therefore much annoyed with ice in winter; seldome remitted in the spring on the Northern shores: the Traffick of it wholly in a manner engrossed by the Turkes, who is master of all the Sea-coast of it, save what belongs to the Polonian and Crim-Tartar. At first called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 from the inhospitablenesse of the neighbouring people; which being brought to some conformity, caused the Sea to be called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. By Florus it is called Mare Sinistrum, because in the way from Rome to Asia Minor it lay upon the left hand, as the Mediterranean did upon the right. It is commonly called at this time Mare Maggiore, for its greatnesse; and the Black Sea, because of the great mists thence arising. Others not unprobably affirme, that it is called the Black Sea, from the dangerous and black∣shipwraks here happening. For it is a very dangerous shore full of Rocks and Sands: and for this cause there is on the top of an high tower, a lanthorn, in which there is a great pan full of pitch, rozen, tallow, and the like, in dark nights continually burning, to give warning to Mariners how near they approach unto the shore. This Sea being the biggest of all those parts, gave occasion to

them which knew no bigger, to call all seas by the name of Pontus, as Ovid, Omnia pontus erant, deerant quoque littora ponto; and in another place of the same Poet,—nil nisi pontus & aer; a better reason doubtlesse of the name, then that of the Etymologists: Pontus, quia ponte caret. Of this Sea the chief Iles are Thimius, and Erithinnus, little famous. From hence the Sea bending Southward, is brought into narrow bounds, not being fully a mile broad; and called Thracius Bosphorus: Thracius, for its fate nigh Thrace; and Bosphorus, for that Oxen have swomme over it, and hath no Iland worth naming.

This Strait having continued 26 miles in length, openeth it self into the Propontis, 30 miles in compasse; confined with Thrace on the one side, and with Bythinia on the other: so as they which saile in the midle, may descry the land on all parts. Now called Mare di Marmora, from the Iland Marmora, which formerly called Proconnesus, hath for its abundance of Marble purchased this new name. The soile apt for Vines, and not destitute of Corn, yeilding also good pasturage for Goats, wherof here is plenty, with an incredible number of Partriges amongst the Rocks: the Country of Aristaeus, a famous Poet, who flourished in the times of Croesus. Antiently it had in it two Cities of the same name with the Iland, called the Old and New Proconensus, the former first uilt by the Milestans, an Asian people; the latter by the natives of this Iland. But both these being long since decayed; it hath now onely a small Village towards the North, with an Haven to it; inhabited by Greeks, as is all the rest of the Iland: such Christian Slaves as are in great numbers em∣ployed here by the Turkes in digging Marble for their Mosques, and other buildings, being onely sojourners, not house-keepers, and therefore not accompted amongst the Inhabitants. Here is also in this Propontick Sea, the Isle of Cyzieus; but being it is on Asia side, we shall there speak of it.

The Sea having gathered her waters into a lesser Channell, is called Hellespont, from Helle, daughter to Athamas, King of Thebes, who was here drowned. Over this famous strait did Xerxes, according to Hercdotus, make a bridge of boats to passe into Greece: which when a suddain tempest had shrewdly battered, he caused the Sea to be beaten with 300 stripes; and cast a pair of Fetters into it, to make it know to whom it was subject. Xerxes in this expedition wasted over an Army consisting of two millions, and 164710 fighting men, in no lesse than 2208 bottomes of all sorts. When all the Persians soothed the King in the unconquerableness of his forces; Artabanus told him, that he feared no enemies but the Sea and the Earth; the one yeelding no safe harbour for such a Navie; the other, not yeel∣ding sufficient substance for so multitudinous and Army. His return over this Hellespont was as dejected, as his passage magnificent; his Fleet being so broken by the valour of the Greeks, and the fury of the sea: that for his more speedy flight, he was compelled to make use of a poor sisher-boat. Nei∣ther yet was his passage secure; For the boat being overburdened, had sunk all, if the Persians by easting away themselves, had not saved the life of their King. The losse of which noble spirits so vexed him, that having given the Steersman a golden Coronet, for preserving his own life: he com∣manded him to execution, as a Co-author of the death of his servants. It is now called the Castles, or the sea of the two Castles; which two Castles stand one on Europe, the other on Asia side; in the Townes of Sestos, and Abydos. These Castles are exceeding well built, and abundantly furnished with munition. They search and examine all Ships that passe that way: they receive the Grand Seigni∣eurs customes, and are in effect the principal strength of Constantinople. At these Castles, all Ships must stay three dayes; to the end, that if any Slave be run away from his master, or theeves have stolen any thing, they may be in that place pursued and apprehended. So that these Castles are as it were the out-works of Constantinople to defend it from all invasions, and from any forces which may come unto it by Sea, out of the Mediterranean. And for the safety thereof, from such as may finde passage into the Euxine, there are situate at the very entrance of the Thracian Bosphorus two strong Castles also: the one above Constantinople on Europe side, anciently called Damalis, and now the Black tower, strongly fortified, and compassed with a wall twenty two foot thick, which with the opposite Castle on the Asian Shore, doe command that entrance. No Europaean Isle of note in either Strait. And therefore on unto

The ISLANDS of the AEGEAN SEA.

Hellespont, after a forty miles course, expaciateth its waters in the Aegaean Seas; so called either from Aegaeus, the father of Theseus, who misdoubting his sons safe return from the Minotaure of Crete, here drowned himself: or secondly, from Aege, once a principall City, in the prime Island Euboea: or thirdly, because that the Islands lie scattered up and down like the leaps of a wanton Goat, from the Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

The chief Ilands of it are 1 Samothrace, 2 Thassus, 3 Imbrus, 4 Lenmos, 5 Euboea, 6 Salamis, 7 Aegint, 8 the Cyclades, 9 the Sporades, and 10 Cythera: all which, especially from Euboea South∣wards, are called the Islands of the Arches; the Sea, being by the Mariners called the Archipelago, in re∣gard of its greatnesse, compared unto the narrow Seas which lie about it.

1 SAMOTHRACE is a small Iland opposite to the Coast of Thrace, where the Hebrus falls in∣to the Sea; so called, quasi Samos Thraciae, to difference it from the Asian Samos, bordering on Ionia.

Formerly it was called Dardania, from Dardanus the Trojan, who fled hither when he carried the Palladium thence. But Aristotle writing of the Common-weal of these Samo-Thracians, telleth us that it was first called Leucosia, and afterwards Samus from Saus, the sonne of Mercury and Rhene, the letter M being interposed. It is now called Samandrachi, plentifull in Honey, and Wilde Deer, and better stored with commodious harbours, then any other in these Seas. It hath a town of the same name with the Iland, situate on an high hill on the North part hereof, over-looking a capacious Haven; of late, by the Pirates frequent infesting of these Seas in a manner de∣solate.

II THASSVS, another little Iland on the same Coast, opposite to the influx of the River Nes∣sas, lying betwixt that and Athos in Macedonia, at the mouth of the Strymonian Bay: by Pliny called Aerid, and Aethria; by Ptolemy Thalassia, at the present Thasse. In compasse betwixt forty and fifty miles; sufficiently fruitfull, well replenished with woods, and yeilding good store of the best Wines: mountainous in some places, but those mountains fraught with Quarries of excellent Marble, which the Romans called Thassiam, from the Iland: and in the times of Philip, and Alexander the Great, so rich in Mines of usefull metals, that those Kings received yearly 80 talents for their Customes of them. It hath one town of the same name with the Iland, situate on a large plain in the north part of it, bor∣dering on a goodly Bay, which serves for an Haven to the Town: and on the South parts where the Country is more mountainous and hilly, there are two towns more, each of them situate on an hill; but the names thereof occur not amongst my Authors.

III IMBRVS, another small Iland, now named Lembro, is situate betwixt Samothrace and the Thracian Chersonese; in compasse about thirty miles, but more long then broad, stretching north and south; and distant from Samothrace about ten miles. The Iland mountainous for the most part ex∣cept towards the West; where it hath some pleasant and well-watered Plaines: in which a town of the same name, situate at the foot of the mountain, once sacred unto Mercury, but not else ob∣servable.

IV LEMNOS, an Iland of more note, lyeth betwixt Thrace and Mavedon, not far from Imbrus; memorable amongst the Poets for the fabulous fall of Vulcan, who being but an homely brat, hard∣ly worth the owning, was by Juno in great passion thrown out of Heaven; and falling on this Iland, came to get his halting. Howsoever, he was antiently worshipped by the people hereof, and from hence called Lemnius. In compasse about an hundred miles, but more long then broad, extended from the East to the West; on every side well furnished with convenient Greeks, and some pretty Ha∣vens; by which the want of Rivers is in some sort recompensed.

The Country for the most part plain, if compared unto the adjacent Ilands; but otherwise swel∣led with rising mountainets, the enterposed valleys being very fruitfull of wheat, pulse, wine, flesh, cheese, wooll, flax, linnen, and all other necessaries: onely wood is wanting. And though here be no Rivers, as before was said, yet have they good fishing on the Sea-cost, for their use and sustenance; and in some parts Hot-bathes for health and medicine. But the chief riches of this Iland is in a Mine∣rall Earth here digged, of excellent Vertue for curing wounds, stopping of fluxes, expulsing poisons, preservative against infections, and the like: called Terra Lemnia, from the place; and Terra Sigil∣lata, from the seal or Character imprinted on it. For being made up into small pellets, and sealed with the Turks Character or Signet, it is then (not before) sold unto the Merchants; by whom di∣spersed over most parts of the Christian world. Upon the sixt of August yeerly they goe to gather it; but not without much Ceremony, and many religious preparations, brought in by the Venetians, when they were Lords of this Iland; and still continued by the Greek Monks or Caloires, who are the principall in the work. There is one hill onely where it groweth, the top whereof being opened, they discover the vein, resembling the casting up of wormes; and having gathered as much of it that day, as the Priesis think fit, it is closed again: certain bags of it being sent to the Grand-Signeur yeerly, the residue sealed up, and sold to the forain Merchant.

But to return to the Topographie of the place, the eastern parts hereof are said to be fat and fruitfull, the western very dry and barren: in both containing 57 Towns and Villages, all of them inhabited by the Greeks, except only three, and those three garrisoned by the Turks; who being Lords of the whole Iland, have new named it Stalimene. In former times, from two prime Cities in it, it was called Dios∣polis: Of which the first was called Lemnos, by the name of the Iland, as large, and well-people now, as ever formerly, but of no great estimation, when it was at the best; seated upon an high hill look∣ing over the Sea; with a handsome market-place, on which mount Athos casts a shadow, though di∣stant 87 miles from it. It was formerly by another name called Myrina; but that held not long, the name of Lemnos still remaining. 2 The second of the two Cities was then called Hephaestias, memo∣rable for the temple of Vulcan, hence called Hephaestiades, since desolate and destroyed, and a new town built in the place of it, being called Chochino: This town not great, but of a reasonable strength, memorable for the stout resistance, which a notable Virago named Marulla, made against the Turkes, in the time of Mahomet the Great, the Venetians then being Lords of the Iland. For suddenly landing; when they were not looked for, with a purpose to surprise this town, they found more resistance at the gates then they did expect: none more commended then this Maiden, who seeing her Father stain, took up such weapons as lay by him, and manfully made good the place, until the

rest of the Citizens wakened with the Alarum, came unto her rescue, and forced the enemy to retire. Near hereunto is the hill on which Vulcan is fabled to have fell; more eminent for the minerall earth here onely gathered. And not far hence Pliny reports a Lebyrinth to have stood in the dayes of old, little inferious unto those of Crete or Aegypt: the ruines of it so decayed, that Bellonius, who took great pains in it, was not able to trace them. 3 The third place of note is Setira, though an ordi∣nary Village, yet memorable for the Chappell in which the Greek Caloires begin their Orisons on the sixt day of August, before their gathering of the Earth, so often mentioned.

Besides these on the Coast of Thrace, there are also some of lesse note on the shores of Macedon, the principall whereof are 1 Peparinthus, as Ptolemy; Euonus, as Pliny calls it, containing about 40 miles in compasse: now, called Sarquius, as Castadus, or Limene, as Niger hath it; fortified on the Eastern part with a Castle built upon a Rock. Others of lesse note are, 2 Scyathos, now Scyati; 3 Scoyelos, 4 Allonesus, 5 Cicy••othus, now Pontico; and 6 Dromus; of which little memorable: all which, to∣gether with those tormerly described on the Coast of Thrace, being but the Accessories of the severall Continents, upon which they border, following the fortune of the Principall, and were con∣quered in them.

V EVEOEA known to the antients by the names of Macris and Abantis; to the moderns, by that of Necropont; frontireth all along the Coast of Achaia, parallel to which it is in fertility: one part hereof, torn away from it by an Earth-quake, and lying still so near unto it, that between the Iland and the Continent is onely a little Euripus, which ebbeth and floweth seven times in one day: the reason of which, when Aristotle could not finde, it is said, that he threw himself in the Sea, with these words, Quia ego non capio te, tu capies me. In this Iland is the Promontory Capareus, where Nauplius, the father of Palamedes, placed his false fires, to the destruction of so many Greeks. For understanding how his son Palamedes, whom he deemed to have been slain by the hand of Paris, was treacherously circumvented by the policy of Ulysses, and Diomedes: he conceived such a displeasure against the whole host of the Grecians, that he intended their generall destruction. To this end he caused fires to be made on the tops of the most dangerous and unaccessible rocks in this whole Iland: which the Greeks taking (according to the custome of the time) to have been the marks of some safe Haven, made thitherward; and were there miserably cast away, there perishing 200 Ships, and many thousand men. But when Nauplius understood how Diomedes and Vlysses, whose ruine he principally intended, were escaped, he drowned himself, for very vexation, in this very same place. Palamedes, this Nauplius son, is said to have invented four of the Greek letters, viz. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; to have first insti∣tuted Sentinells in an Army, and to be the first inventour of their Watch-word.

It is in length 150 miles, stretched out from the North-west to the South-east, in breadth, not above twenty, where it is broadest; the whole compasse 365 Italian miles: The Queen of the Aegean Sea, not onely for greatnesse, but for fertility and strength; plentifull in Corn, Wine, Oyle, Fruit, and wood fit for Shipping; enriched with many fair Harbours, and capacious Bayes, and those well fortified: watred also with the Rivers of Cireus, and Neleus; two Rivers of so strange a nature, that if a sheep drink of the former, his wool turneth white, but coal-black, if he drink of the latter: For the credit whereof I refer the Reader unto Strabo. Here is also said to be a stone called Amianthus, which is drawn into threed like hemp, and good cloth made of it: which, when it is stained, in stead of be∣ing sent unto the Fullers, is thrown into the fire, and so cleansed. But whether this be so, or not, (for I put it onely upon hear-say) certain it is, that it was once enriched with Mines both of Brasse, and Iron, though those now decayed; and quarries of pure Marble, which continue still.

The Iland, before it was conquered by the Turks, was very populous: but the people most de∣lighted to live in Villages; the Cities, or walled towns being onely three. 1 Caristo, antiently Ca∣rysius, with little or no variation, but by Plinie called Aegea, and Chironia; memorable for its marble quarries, of which were made the Pillars called Columnoe Carystioe. 2 Chalcis, now Negropont, by the Turkes, Eribos, seated on a plain near the waters side, there growing into a fair and goodly Bay, cal∣led the Golf of Negropont; a populous, strong, and wealthy City, so fortified with Walls and Bul∣warks, that in the judgement of most men, it was held invincible, when the Turks first sate down before it. Nor was it purchased by the Turk (though Mahomet, who had took Constantinople, undertook the businesse) at a lower price then the losse of forty thousand men, who were spent, upon it: but taken at the last, and the people put unto the Sword, without conside∣ration of Sex, or Age. A town in former times of so great wealth and power, that it sent Co∣lonies abroad into Macedonia (a principall Region of the which was hence called Chalcidice, as also into Si••il, and some parts of Italy: and had a strong influence on the affaires of Achaia also, as being situate near the Continent, that it was joyned to it by a bridge. When it was in the hands of the King of Macedon; this town, together with D••metrias in Thessaly, and the Castle of Aerocorinth, were called the setters of Greece: insomuch, that when the Roman Senate commanded Philip, the Father of Persius, to set the Grecians at liberty, the Grecians made answer, that in vaine was their liberty resto∣red them, unlesse these three towns were first dismantled. Permitted by the Romans to live accor∣ding to their own Lawes; in memory of that benefit, they refused to declare against them in be∣half of Antio••hus, who thereupon made himself master of the Town, and consequently of the Iland. But forced to leave the place upon the losse of the battell at Thermopylae, it became free again; till finally made subject unto Rome, with the rest of Greece; and with it made a part of the Easten in Empire.

In the division whereof amongst the Latines, it fell to the share of the Venetians; who from hence used with their Gallies to infest the shores of Turkie, and disturb their trade. Provoked where∣with, especially with their taking of Aenus a City of Thrace, under the conduct of Nicolas Canalis, the Venetian Admirall, who in that enterprise had took 2000 Turks, which he carried with him into this Island: Mahomet the Great resolves upon the conquest of it; and with a puissant Army sets before the Town. And though it cost him dear, yet at last he got it, and therewith all the Island also, which de∣pended on the fortunes of it, an. 1471.

SALAMIS is nigh unto Megaris, one of the Provinces of Achaia, famous for the overthrow of the populous Navy of Xerxes, by the Athenians, and their confederates. What was the number of the souldiers and gallies of the Persian side, hath been already declared. The Grecian Fleet consisted of no more then 270 vessels, whereof 127 were rigged and set forth at the charge of the Athenians only: the rest by the associates. Yet was the admiralty committed to Eurybiades a Lacedoemonian; the Athenians preferring the main care of the common safety, before an unseasonable contention for priority. The Spartans seeing the inequality of forces, intended not to have hazarded the battell, but with full say I to have retired to Peloponnesus, into which countrey the Persians had made incursions; respecting more the welfare of their own countrey yet defensible, then the desperate estate of Attica. This designe was by Themistocles, (as carefull for the estate of Athens, as they for Sparta) signified to Xerxes: who getting between them and home, compelled them to a necessitie of fighting; but to his own ruine. For in the conflict more then 200 of his ships were sunk, and most of the rest taken; the confederates having lost of their Navy, forty onely. Between the Athenians and Megerenses, were many conten∣tions for this Island: the fortune of the Athenians in the end prevailing. It hath in it a City of the same name, the royall seat of Telamon the father of Aiax, so famous in the warre of Troy: more me∣morable for giving birth to Solon the Legislator of Athens, one of the seven wise men of Greece.

VII. AEGINA, now called Engie, an Island situate over against Sinus Saronicus, being that Bay of Corinth which openeth into the Aegean; hence called Golfo di Engia, the Realm of Aeacus, made for his justice and integrity one of the three Judges of Hell: the other two being his brother Rhada∣manthus, and Minos the King of Crete. It had formerly beene called Oenone, and Oenope; but tooke this name from Aegina the daughter of Asopus a King of Baeotia, on whom Jupiter is said to have be∣got both Aeacus and Rhadamanthus: The people hereof are properly called Aeginenses and Aeginetae, much spoken of in the wars of Athens, from which distant about 12 miles. Th•• ground hereof is very stony, but good for barley, of which very plentifull: inhabited in former times by a laborious and thriving people, to whom they gave in those dayes the name of Myrmidons, (the Island being also called Myrmidonia) quod formicarum more terram foderent, because Emmet-like, they digged up and under the earth, to make it the more fit for tillage, and dwelt at first in Caves without any houses. Hence the occasion of the fable of turning Emmets into men at the prayers of Aeacus; both tale and people, after (I know not how) carried into Thessaly, where before we found them.

VIII. The CYCLADES, so called because they lie in a circle round about Delos, are in num∣ber 53. They are also called the Islands of the Arches, because they are in the sea called Archipelago. They stand so close together, that in a clear day a man may see 20 of them at a time, for which cause it is with good reason accounted to be a dangerous place for saylers in a storm. The chief of these Cyclades, are 1 DELOS, quasi 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, signifying apparent, because when all the earth had abjured the receipt of Latona at the request of Juno; this Island then under water, was by Jupiter erected alost, and sixt to receive her; and in it was she delivered of Apollo and Diana: of which thus Cvid:

—Erratica Delos Errantem accepit, tunc cum levis insula nabat. Illic incumbens, sub Palladas arbore, palma: Edidit, invita, Geminos Latona, noverca.

Unsetled Delos floating on the wave, A little Island entertainment gave To wandring Laton, spight of Juno's head, Under Minerva's Palme-tree brought to bed.

Notable also is this Island for the Temple of Apollo, and a custome neither permitting men to die, or children to be born in it; but sending sick men, and great-bellied women to Rhene, a small Island, and not much distant. By a more antient name it is called Ortygia; and by that name men∣tioned in many of the Poets both Greeke and Latines. The chief town of it called also Delos, is situate on a plaine environed with rocks, neer the hill called Cynthus: whence Apollo had the name of Cyntbius, and Diana of Cymhia, as of Delius and Delia from the Island. In this towne had Apollo both his Temple and Oracle, delivered here more plainely then in other places, and for that reason (as some say) called Delos; the word in Greek signifying manifest or apparent: made famous by the resort of people from all places hither, especially from the neighbouring Islands, who sent yearly multitudes of men and troopes of Virgins, to celebrate his solemn ities with heards

of Sacrifices. More wealthy afterwards by the removing of the trade of Corinth hither, that town being utterly destroyed by the Romans, and this made choice of by the Merchant, partly by reason of the immunities of the place, but principally in regard of the convenient situation betwixt Europe and Asia. Continuing in great wealth and power till Mithridates laid it wast; and at last on the ceasing of Oracles utterly forsaken. Both Town and Island now called Diles. By which name also Khene an adjoining Island (before mentioned) is at this day known; chained to the other by Polycrates the Tyrant of Samos, and now united to it at the least in name.

2 TENOS by Aristotle called Hydrusa, by some Ophiussa, by the Modernes, Tyna. The chiefe Town of it of the same name; so called from one Tenes, the builder of it, and giving name unto the Island. Memorable for a fountaine called Dipnosus, of which Aristole and Athenaeus doe both af∣firm, that the waters will not mix with wine. The onely Island of this seat, which remaineth un∣der the power of the State of Venice; the rest being subject to the Turk, deserving therefore the first place in our description of those Islands that incompasse Delos, though antiently

3 ANDROS, (prima inter Cyclades) was reckoned chief amongst the Cyclades, or first at least in order, because next to Delos: originally called Cauron, afterwards Antandros, and at last Andros, from Andrus the son of Eurymachus, who founded the chief town in it, of the same name also. Me∣morable for a pleasant fountaine mentioned by Pliny, the waters whereof, on the nones of January, yearly, had the tast of wine. It still retaines the name of Andros.

4 NAXOS, now Nicsia, one of the biggest of the pack, as being about 80 miles in compasse. In antient times called Veneris insula, or the Island of Venus, afterwards Dionysia by reason of its aboundance of wine and the goodnesse of those Wines together, consecrated to Bacchus, whom the Greekes call Dionysius: From its wonderfull plenty of Wheat, called by some Sicilia Minor, or the lesser Sicil; but at last Naxos from one Naxos, who had the conduct of a Colony of Carians hither. But notwithstanding this new name Bacchus did still retaine the honour to be worshipped in it, in regard of his love unto the place; marrying here Ariadne, (as the Poets fable) whom Theseus had left upon the Rocks; whose Coronet or Chaplet being by his meanes made one of the heavenly Constel∣lations is by Columella called Ardor Naxius, by the name of the Island, though commonly by Astro∣nomers Corona Ariadnes, from the name of the Lady. The women of this Island are said by Pliny to be delivered generally in the eight moneth; as Bacchus was: more certainly famous in true story for the beauty and fertility of it; and for a kinde of excellent Marble called Ophitis, or Serpentinus, the ground whereof is green, diapred with blew or purple spots; in much esteem amongst the Romans. When these Islands fell to the Venetians, they conferred this on one John Quirino a Patriti∣an, or Gentleman of that City (as they did divers of the rest on other Undertakers) from whom it came to the Noble family of the Crispos, who held it till the year 1572. James the last of that house lost it to Selymus the second.

5 GYAROS, a little Island into which the Romans used to banish delinquents: hence that of Ju∣venal cited by Sir G. Sandys.

Aude aliquid brevibus Gyaris, vel carcere dignum, Si vis esse aliquid: probitas laudatur, & alget.

If thou intend'st to thrive, doe what deserves Short Gyaros, or Gives: prais'd vertue sterves.

6 PAROS, now Paria, by some of the Antients called Pactia, by others Minois, but obtained this new name from Parus, a son of Jason, memorable for quarries of the whitest Marble, of which commonly the Statuas of the Gods were made, called from hence Marmor Parium by the Latines. In compasse about 50 miles running in a long Plaine from East to West, having once a Town of the same name seated in the North, once famous, but now utterly ruined. The Inhabi∣tants hereof were noted to be very carelesse of keeping their promises and contracts: whence 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, grew into a by-word applyed to those who made no reckoning of their promises. There is now a town in it called Cephalo, but of no great note.

7 SCYROS opposite to Magnesea in Asia Minor, famous for the birth of Neoptolemus or Pyrrhus, and that it was the lurking place of Achilles. For his mother Thetis being forewarned by an Oracle that he should be slain in the Trojan war, sent him to Lycomedes King of this Island, where hee was brought up in womans attire among the Kings daughters, and deemed a Virgin; till by getting Pyr∣rhus on Deidamia the Kings daughter, it was proved to be otherwise. Others relate that Vlysses disco∣vered him by a wile, who coming thither like a Pedler or Petit-Merchant, with armes, and other ware to avoid distrust; exposed his Merchandise to the view of the Damosels: and that the o∣ther Ladies falling on the tires and Laces, Athilles took into his hand the Speare and Shield. Which when Vlysses had observed he made him leave that company, and away for Troy. The hand∣somnesse of the fraud take from Ovid thus,

Conscia venturi genitrix Nereia fati Dissimulat cultu natum; & deceperat omnes, In quibus Ajacem, sumpte fallacia vestis. Arma ego foemineis animum motura virile m Mercibus inserui, &c.

Englished by G. Sandys in his Translation of the Metamorphosis.

The whole designe in Order to relate, Thetis fore-knowing great Achilles fate, Disguiz'd her sonne, so like a Virgin drest That all mistook, and Aiax with the rest. When Armes with womens trifles, which might blind Suspect, I brought to tempt a manly mind. Yet was the Heros Virgin-like a••aid; Who taking the Shield and Speare, I said O Goddesse-born, for thee the fate of Troy, Her fall reserves; why doubtst thou to destroy Great Pergamus! then made him d'off those weeds, And sent the mighty unto mighty deeds.

There is another of this name, betwixt Negropont and Lesbos, which Ortelius conceives to be the Scene of this action: but the generall opinion is for this, (though that the greater) to which the situation of it amongst the rest of those Islands, where reigned so many of the Greek Kings interessed in the war of Troy, seems to give good countenance: the name and power of Greece not reaching in those dayes, so much towards the North.

8 MELOS, situate betwixt Crete, and Pelopennesus, and equally distant from them both: the Promontories of Scylleum in the one, and that of Dyctymeum in the other, shooting out against it. In∣habited in former times by a Colony of Phanicians, who coming out of Biblus, a town of that coun∣trey, gave that name unto it, gave that name unto it, called Melos afterwards by the Greekes, from its aboundance of Honey. The birth-place of Diagorus the Philosopher, hence surnamed Melius, but more properly 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or the Atheist: the first who in those dark times of ignorance, absolutely de∣nyed that there was a God. Protageras Deos in dubium vecavit, Diagoras exclusit, faith Lactantius of him. It is now called Milo, round in form, and containing 80 miles in compasse. The soyle sufficiently fruitfull in corn and oyl, but defective in wine. Here is great plenty of marble curi∣ously bespotted, and no small store of milstones: as also great quantities of pitch, and brimstone, and some sulphurie or hot springs, good for many diseases. The chief town of it called Milo also.

9 SERIPHUS, 20 miles from Delos, memorable of old for the education of Perseus, the son of Danae. It is reported of this Island, that the Frogs bred there are naturally mute; but such as are brought from other places, keep their naturall tone: from whence Proverbially, silent and sullen persons were called Ranoe Seriphia. It is now called Serphena, a stony and rocky Island, and hath a town of the same name.

10 CIA by some called CEOS, and now Z••a, opposite to the Promontory of Achaia called Sunium, in compasse about 50 miles, made towards the West in fashion of a Crescent or half Moon. Mountainous and hilly, except towards the North. By Pliny said to have been torn from Eubaea by a sudden violence of the Sea, many men perishing in the waters. Of old times beautified with three faire towns, 1 Julis, 2 Carthaea, and 3 Caressus; of which there is nothing now re∣maining.

Others there are whose names occurre amongst the Antients, as Miconus now called Micole, 12 Cythnus, now Cauro; 14 Syphnus, now Sifino; 15 Therasia or Theusia, now Santorini. 16 Cimolis cal∣led formerly Echinusa, but now Polino; 17 Olyarus now Quiminio; 18 Sicenus, now Sicino; 19 Polye∣gros, now Falconara; 20 Amurgos, now Murgo, one of the biggest of them all, but not else ob∣servable.

The SPORADES, so called from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 spargo, eo quod in mari sparse sunt, & non in circulum coactoe, because they lie dispersed and scattered; not formed into a Circle as the Cyclades are. In number twelve, viz. 1 Anaphe, so called by the Argonautes, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because the Moon did suddenly, and beyond her naturall course appear unto them, then grievously di∣stressed by tempest. Apollo worshipped here, is hence called Anapheus. It is now called Namsio. 2 Asty∣apalea, now Stampalia, in compasse 88 miles; by some of the Antients called Thewn Trapeza, or the table of the Gods. In Astypale, the chief town of it was Apollo worshipped, from hence some∣times called Astypaleus. 3 Helene, so called from that fair Greek Dame, whom Paris is here said to have first deflowred; now called Macroniso. 4 Los, fifteen miles from Naxos, where Homer is said to have been buried: But others finde his grave at Naxos, and some at Chios, the difference being almost as

great about the place of his buriall, as the place of his birth. There are 5 Lagusa, 6 Phocusa, 7 Phacasia, 8 Philocandros, 9 Schinusa, 10 Strybia, of little note either in Poetry or story. And finally Thera, not far from Aegina, before mentioned, formerly called Calliste, but named thus by Theras a Theban Gen∣tleman; the son of Autesion conducting hither a Colony of Spartans and Minyans, (these last of Thessaly) cast out of Lemnos by Pelasgus: in memory of whom, as the founder of their name and Na∣tion, the Islanders used to celebrate an Annuall Feast. A sedition after happening amongst this peo∣ple, the weaker party under the conduct of one Battus, admonished so to doe by the Oracle of Apolio, passed over into Asrick, and there built Cyrene, the birth-place of the Poet Callimachus, who ascribes his Originall to this Island, as, himselfe thus witnesseth.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

That is to say:

Calliste, which men Thera now doe call, Of my deare Countrey the Originall.

X CYTHERA now called Cerigo, lyeth in the bottom of this Sea, not above five miles di∣stant from Capo Malo in Peloponnesus, formerly called Porphyris from the aboundance of Marble, where∣of the Island yeelds good plenty. In compasse about 60 miles, enriched with a delightfull soyle, and many havens, but those small, and unsafe, and very difficult of entrance: environed on all sides with rocks, of themselves inaccessible, by which defended from the Turkes who hitherto have suffered the Venetians to enjoy it, to whom it fell in the division of the spoile amongst the Latines, so often spoken of before. It had a Town of the same name, some two furlongs from the Haven stood the Temple of Venus, (the antientest dedicated to that Goddesse which the Grecians had) and therein her Statua in complete Armour, like another Pallas. Out of this Temple (the ruins whereof are still to be seen) was Helen the wife of Menelaus, willingly ravished by Paris the son of Priam; but not enjoyed by him till he had brought her to a small Island of the Sporades, by her name called Helene, as before is said. From the devotions of this people paid so duely to her, did Venus get the Adjunct of Cytherea, by which often called in the Poets. Thus, for one, in Virgil.

Parce metu Cytherea, manent immota tuorum Fata tibi.

That is to say:

Drive feare faire Cytherea from thy minde, Thou thy sonnes Fate immoveable shall finde.

And so I passe from the Aegean to the Cretan Sea, observing this onely by the way, that most of the 69 Kings, which accompanied Agamemnon in the warre of Tray, were Kings onely of these small Islands, or else of other places as inconsiderable for wealth and potency: every small Town and territory having in those early times amongst the Grecians (when ambition had not taught the great ones to devoure the lesse) a peculiar King.

The ISLANDS of the CRETAN SEAS.

The CRETAN SEA is properly that part of the Aegean or Ionian Seas, which lyeth about the shores of Crete, and formerly was under the command and power thereof: as in those times, the Sea about Carpathos, another Isle of the Aegean had the name of Carpathian; and that about Ica∣ria, the name of Icarian, though situate in the Aegean also. The Isles hereof are 1 Crete, 2 Claudi, 3 Dia, and 4 Letoa: for Melos and Cimolis, named by Prolemie amongst the Islands which adjoin on Grete, have been already spoken of amongst the Cyclades, in the accompt whereof they passe by consent of Writers.

1 CRETA, now Candie, hath on the East the Carpathian Sea; on the West, the Ionian; on the North the Aegean; on the South, the African or Libyck: In form extending East and West, with three points or Promontorics, whereof that towards the East, called antiently Samonium, is now called Cabo di Salamone, that on the South-west, looking towards Afric, formerly named Hermea, now Capo Grabasse; and finally that on the North-west towards Peloponnesus, of old called Cimarus, and now Capo Chestin. This last directly opposite to Malea, a Promontory of Laconia, the Sea betwixt them being so troublesome and tempesluous, especially on Laconia side, that at last it grew into an ordinary caveat, Maleam praetervectum obliviscatur quae sunt demi, viz. that he which was to saile by the point of Malca, should lay aside the care of all other matters and attend his pre∣sent safety onely.

It hath in severall Ages and in severall Authors obtained severall names: by Homer and Eustathius called Hecatompolis from the number of an hundred Cities then contained in it; by Plinie and Soanus, Macaros and Macaronesos, that is to say, the happie Island, from the goodnesse of the soil, and temper of the air. By Stephanus, Idea, from Ida, a famous Mountain of it; by Giraldus, Telchionia, from the Teichini, the Priests of Cybele, who was here had in great request. At the present, Candie, either a Candore from the whitenesse of the rocks wherewith environed, or from Candie the Metrop••lis or chief town thereof. But the general name, which hath prevailed most in all sorts of writers, is that of Crete, so called cursi Cureta, by a Syncope, or abbreviation from the Curetes, the first in habitants hereof; who together with the Corybantes and Telechini were the Priests of Cybele, the principall goddesse of this Island; and they so called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from their tonsure, or shaving of the head. A custome much in use amongst the Priests of some of the Pagan Deities, and possibly enough from them transmitted to the Church of Rome. And to this Etymologie I do rather incline then either to derive the name from Crete the son of Jupiter and the Nymph Idea, or from Grete the daughter of Hesperus, though both these have their Authors also. Nor dare I to reject the conceit of Bochartus, who fetching the Etymons of most peo∣ple from the Punick language or Originall, will have the Cretans to be descended from the Cerehites, a Nation of the Philistins well known in Scripture: the word Cereth being abbreviated into Creth, from which into Crete, and Cretans, is no difficult passage. But in my mind his conjecture is better then his proof. For though it may begranted without inconvenience, that the chief arms of the Phi∣lisins, were their Bow and Arrows, as appears 1 Sam. 31. 3. and that the Cretans anciently were expert at those weapons also: yet this concludes no more that the Cretans are of the race of the Philistins, then that almost all Nations else had the same Originall; the Bow and Arrows being the ordinary weapons of most people formerly, till custome and experience trained them up to others of a later date, as he himselfe acknowledgeth in many places of his excellent and elaborate tractates.

In reference to the heavenly bodies it is situate under the beginning of the fourth Clorate, so that the longest day in Summer is no more then 14 hours and a quarter. And in relation to the earth set in the middle of the Sea, at so even a distance from Europe, Asia, and Africk as if naturally de∣signed to be what Aristotle hath pleased to call it, the Lady and Misiris of the Sea. For it is distant from Peloponnesus an hundred miles, as many from Asia the lesse, and not above 150 from the thores of Africk: So verifying that of Virgil,

Crete Jovis magni medio jacet insula Ponto.

Joves birth-place Crete, a fruitfull land, In the middle of the Sea doth stand.

It is in length 270. in breadth 50 miles, in compasse about 590. The soil is very fruitfull, especi∣ally of wines, which we call Muscadels, of which they transport yearly 12000 Buts: together with Sugar-Candie, Gums, Honey, Sugar, Olives, Dates, Apples, Orenges, Lemmons, Raisons, Melons, Citrons, Pomegranats. Yet as other Countries of the like hot nature, it is not a little deficient in corn: the most or greatest part of which is yearly brought hither from Peloponnesus.

The Island is very populous, insomuch that it is thought that upon any sudden occasion, the Signeury of Venice can raise in it 60000 men able to bear arms. The people have formerly been good sea-faring men; a vertue commaculated with many vices, which they yet retain, as envie, malice, and lying; to which last so infinitely addicted that an horrible lye was called proverbially Cretense mendacium. This fault was aimed at by the Poet Epirnemdes, a native of this Island, whose words thus cited by S. Paul in that to Titus, cap. 1. v. 2.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

The Cretans alwayes lyers are; Unrulie beasts, of labour spare.

To which this Proverb may be added, viz. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is to say, There are three Nations whose names begin with the letter K, worse then any others; viz. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Cappadocians, Cretans, and Cilicians: though some I know apply this Proverb to the Cities of Corinth, Capua, and Carthage, beginning all with the same letter, and all conceived to be very dangerous to the State of Rome. At this day they are sick of their old diseases, as great Lyers, and as idle as ever formerly; covetous withall and very subtile, impatient of labour, and not caring to learn any sci∣ence perfectly: only well practised in shooting to which accustomed from their youth, and therein thought more expert then the Turks themselves.

The language generally spoken is the Greek tongue, though the Gentleman and Merchant by rea∣son of their dependence on the State of Venice, speak Italian also. Both languages used also in di∣vine offices, the people being generally of the Communion of the Church of Greece; but the Latine service used also in many places, since the subjection of this Island to the Venetians. Converted first unto the faith by S. Paul the Apostle, who having planted the Gospel of life amongst them, left the watering of it unto Titus, whom he made Bishop of this Isle, recommending unto him the care of the Churches there, with power of Ordination and Eoclesiaticall censure, as appears clearly by the Text.

Which power that it belonged to Titus as Bishop, and not their Evangelist only, is attirmed expresly, not only by the subscription of the said Epistle, where he is plainly called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the first Bishop of the Church of the Cretians: but by the concurrent testimonies of Eu∣seb. Eccl Hist. l. 3. c 4 S. Ambr. in praefa••. Ep. ad Tit. S. Hieron. in Tit. c. 1. v. 5. and in his tract de Scrip∣tor. Ecclesiasticis. Theodoret cited by Oecumen. in praefat. ad Ep. Tit. Oecumenius himself in Tit. 1. and fi∣nally by Theophylact, in his preface to the same Epistle. All which in plain terms call him Bishop, and the Bishop of Crete, according to that sense and meaning of the word Episcopus, as it was used in their times distinct from Presbyter. The Church hereof whilest wholly under the Greek Patriarchs was governed by four Archbishops, and 21 Bishops: but since the subjection of this Island to the State of Fence, there is but one Archbishop, which is he of Candie the chief Citie, and eight Bishops only; besides the titular Patriarch of Constantinople, who hath here his residence: some Prelate of the Latine Church having been alwayes honoured with that emptie title ever since the recoverie of that Citie from the Western Christians.

Famous was this Island amongst the Ancients for many things, memorized both by the Poets and old Hastonians. For here reigned Saturn in the first ages of the World, father of Jupiter, born here and secretly nursed in the hill called Ida. For seeing that by the compact betwixt Saturn and his brother Titan, Eaturn was to enjoy the Kingdom for his own life only, but all his male children to be murdered as soon as born: Jupiter, by the care of his mother Cybele, was conveyed away, and se∣cretly nursed in Mount Ida, as before was said: the crying of the Infant, being drowned by the noise of loud-sounding Cymbals, purposely used by his Rockers to avoid discovery. Whence after∣wards the Corytantes or Pricsts of Cybele, used in her sacrifices the like musicall instruments, continual∣ly sounding and withall shaking of their heads (like Fidlers) in an antick and ridiculous manner. Al∣luding whereunto thus the Poet Claudian.

Non te progenitum Cybeleius aere can••ro Lusiravit Corybas.

That is to say▪

No Cybeleian Corybas that day That thou wast born, did on his Cymbal play.

Here also lived Minos and Radamanthus, whose lawes were after imitated in the prime Cities of Greece; and who for their equitie on earth are fained by the Poets to be (together with Aeaeus) the Judges in Hell. In this I••land also lived the lewdly-lustfull Pasiphae, wife of Minos, who is fabled by the Poets (if it be a fable) to have doated on a white Bull, who, they say, begat on her the Minotaure: Daedalus having framed for her an artificiall cow into which she conveyed her self, and by that means obtained her desire. The table is thus expounded, that Pasiphae was in love with Taurus, one of Minos Secre∣taries; whose company by the pandarisme of Daedalus she enjoying, was delivered of two sons; one called Minos; the other, Taurus. And whereas it is said, that the Minotaure was slain by Theseus, like enough that the annuall tribute of 7 children which the Athenians paid to Minos, was laid up in some prison; Minos and Taurus being the keepers or jaylors. As for the action of Pasiphae, I think it not altogether impossible to be true: considering how Domitian, to verifie the old relation, exhibited the like beastly spectacle in his amphitheatre at Rome: for thus saith Martial:

Junctam Pasiphaen Dictaeo, credite, Tauro Vidimus: accepit fabula pris••a fidem. Nec se miretur (Caesar) longaeva vetustas, Quicquid fama canit, donat arena tibi.

The fable's prov'd a truth, our eyes did see The Cretan Bull sport with Pasiphae. What cause hath then antiquity to glory? We saw it done, she only heard the story.

Finally, here was the so much celebrated Labyrinth, made by Daedalus for the including and safe keeping of the Minotaurus; so full of various windings and turnings, that when any one was got to the end thereof it was impossible for him to come out but by the help of a clew of threed. By this Mino∣taure (half a man half-bull) the children of the Athenians paid yearly to Minos in way of tribute are said to be murdered; till killed by Theseus son of Aegeus King of Athens, with whom Ariadne the daughter of Minos falling in love taught him a means to kill the Monster, and gave him the clew of threed before spoken of, to conduct him out again: the morall or historie whereof hath been shewn before. Nor must it be forgotten, that Strabo the Geographer who flourished in the time of Tiberius Caesar was of Cretan parents (though born in the Citie of Amasia, in the Realm of ••ontus) which addes unto this Island as much true renown, as any of the fictions or stories, (be they which they will) of the former times.

Things most observable at the present are these that follow, I that it breeds no serpents nor

venemous worm, or ravenous or hurtfull creature; so that their sheep graze very securely without any Shepheard: 2 If a woman bite a man any thing hard, he will hardly be cured of it; which if true, then the last part of the priviledge foregoing (of breeding no hurtfull creature) must needs be false. 3 They have an hearb called Alimos, which if one chew in his mouth hee shall feel no hunger for that day, if Quade may be beleived who speakes it. 4 Here is (besides many other medicinall herbs) that called Dictamum or Dictamnos, of especiall virtue against poison, either by way of prevention or present cure; peculiar onely to this Island: it affordeth great store of Laudanum, a juice or gum forced with incredible labour out of a certaine tree Cisto, of which the mountaines yeeld aboundance, good to cause sleep, if moderately and carefully taken, but if not very well prepared and taken with moderation, it brings the last sleep upon a man, out of which not to be awakened, till the sound of the last Trumpet raise him.

Chief Mountaines of it, 1 Ida, now Psiloriti, situate in the midst of the Island, begirt about with many fair and pleasant villages, sheltred by it from the violence of winde and Sun, the hill be∣ing so high that from the top hereof both sides of the Island may be easily seen. Here Jupiter is said to have been secretly nursed, from hence called Idaeus. And at the bottom of it the Cretans use to shew some tracts of the antient Labyrinth, being indeed no other then the ruines of some larger Quarry: the Laby∣rinth made by Daedalus being so defaced in the time of Pliny, that he knew not where to finde any ruins of it. 2 Dicte, now called Sethia, in some places Lasti, so high that all the winter long it is covered with snow; yet all the sides thereof garnished with Cypresse trees, a mountaine of such such same, that the whole Island sometimes had the name of Dictaea, the City Dictinna, the Promontorie Dictynnae∣••••n, and the Herb Dic••amnos, all seeming to take name from hence. 3 Leuci, a long chaine of hils so named from the whitenesse of them, now called De Marara and by some La Spachia.

Rivers of any eminence here are few or none. The principall of those that be are 1 Melipotamus, 2 Scasinus, 3 Epicidnus, and 4 Divotro towards the North; 5 Populiar towards the East, and 6 Limens towards the West: none of them navigable, or capable of Ships of burden, scarse of little Barkes. But that defect supplyed by the neighbouring Sea, which affordeth many Creeks and Bayes, some capa∣cious Havens, and great store of fish, among which a kinde of bearded mullet reckoned among the de∣licacies of the antient Romans. By the convenience of which Harbours, their Fish-trade, and the si∣tuation of it in the midst of the Sea; the people antiently were esteemed so good Sea-faring men, that when the people of those times did tax a man with any incredible report, they used to say, Cretensis ne∣scit pelagus, meaning thereby the matter to be as improbable as for one of Crete to be no Sayler.

In former times there were reckoned in this Island an hundred Cities, thence called Hecatompolis, of which about 40 were remaining in the time of Ptolemie: for so many of their names he gives us. Those of most note were 1 Gnossus, the seat-royall or Court of Minos, whence Ariadne, the daughter of Minos, had the name of Gnossis; in former times called Ceratus, from a little River of that name running not far off. 2 Cydon, or Cydonia, a Midland City (as the former) memorable for an excellent kinde of Apple, which the Latines called Poma Cydonia, amongst whom they were in great request, as they are at this day, (though by the name of Adams apples) amongst the Turkes, the most antient of all the Cities of Crete, many of which were at first Colonies of this; for which reason it was cal∣led commonly mater urbium. 3 Eleuthera, as Ptolemie, Erythraea, as the printed copies of Florus, cor∣ruptly call it, one of the first Cities taken here by the Romans. 4 Miletum, mentioned by Strabo, though omitted by Ptolemie, the place in which S.Paul left Trophimus sick, as is mentioned 2 Tim. 4. 20. which happened when the Apostle hovered about that coast, as is said Act. 27. 7, 8. &c. For that it could not be that Miletum to which he congregated the Elders of Ephesus, appeareth by his being at Hieru∣salem, Act. 21. 19. and other circumstances of the story. 3 Cortyna, nigh to which stood the Laby∣rinth made by Daedalus: memorable also for a reed, growing on the River Lenaeus, (necre to which it stood) of which they made their strongest Arrowes, by Virgil, Aeneid. 11. called Spicula Cortynia, as also for a light garment much used by Hunters, which Claudian calls Cortyniam vestem, apparelling Diana the great Huntresse with it. 6 Dictamum, as Ptolemie, or Dictynna, as Pliny cals it, so named from the hill Dicte, near to which it is situate; one of the chief Cities of the North parts of this Island; as 7 Ampelas, so named from its plenty of vines was upon the South. 8 Minoa a Port town (now called Altomara) so named from Minos, in the East; and 9 Corytus on a Promontorie of the same name in the West side of it.

But these and almost all the rest spoken of by Ptolemie, being so destroyed by time and warres, that the ruines of them are hardly visible, we must behold it in the present condition and estate thereof: divided into four parts or Provinces, according to the names and number of the four chief Cities, that is to say, 1 Sittia, 2 Candie, 3 Rhetimum, and 4 Canea.

In the first part called SITTIA, lying towards the East, are 74 Villages, and but 17 Parishes, of which six onely are of the Church of Rome, the residue holding the Communion of the Church of Greece; the principall whereof are 1 Sittia or Cytia, conceived by some to be the Cisteum of Ptolemie, a small Town, but populous and very well fortified. 2 Gerapetra betwixt Sittia and Candie, seated on the Sea side on a lofty rock, at the bottom whereof is said to be a dangerous whirl-pit, supposed to be the Panormus of Ptolemie. 3 S. Macor, the dwelling place of one of the Bishops of the Latines.

2 In the second part hereof called the Territory of CANDIE, lying directly West of Sittia, are reckoned 465 Townes and Villages, making up amongst them 99 Parish Churches; whereof 77 are of the Communion of the Church of Greece, the other 22 onely of the Church of Rome. Of

these the principall, 1 Candia, an Archbishops See, the Metropolis or head City of the Island, which takes name from hence; situate on the North-coast hereof towards the Aegean, beautified with a safe and commodious Haven, and fortified so strongly, that it seems impregnable; affirmed by some to be the Matium of the Antients; but I find no such place in Ptolemie, or in Ortelius his Thesaurus. The City fair and large, built for the most part of free stone, with low roofes after the manner of Italy, the streets broad and spacious: from whence a faire and pleasant plain leadeth to a place called the Cave of Minos, reported by the common people to be the Sepulchre of Jupiter. 2 Malvisin, 3 The∣mene, Castell novo, 5 Bonifacio, 6 Belvedere, 7 Mirabello, of which little memorable.

3 In the third part, being the territorie of RHETIMO, lying North-west of the territorie of Cantie, are accounted 265 Townes and Villages, making up 44 Parishes, whereof 36 are Grecians, and but 8 of the Latines. The chief of which are 1 Rhetimo in the shore of the Northern Sea, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉, is, well fortified, and a Bishops See; but not else observable. 2 Milopotamo, an Episcopall See also, so called of the River M••lipotamos, on which it is seated. 3 Agistiman, 4 Mandrus, 5 Lappa, hardly worth the naming.

4 In the fourth and last part hereof, being the territorie of CANEA, taking up all the West of the Island, are contained 240 Towns and Villages, distributed into 47 Parishes: of which 33 are of the Greek Church, and the 14 remaining of the Church of Rome. Those of most note are 1 Canea, built by a Colonie or Plantation of Venetian Gentlemen on the North Coast also, supposed to stand in the same place where once Cydon did; second to none but Candie for wealth and beautie, but far be∣fore it for the commodiousnesse of the port, commonly called Porto della Suda, capable of more then a thousand good Gallies at a time, and therefore strongly fortified with two Citadels or Castles, on each side of the Haven, one; as the door and entrance of the countrey. 2 Chisamo, in Latine called Cysamum, old and decayed, the wals thereof onely holding good against the ruines of time, situate in a low moorish place towards the Aegean. 3 Selino, built upon an hill on the Seaside, opposite to Chisame. 4 Sfa∣chia or Spachia, situate on the foot of the mountaines, of old called Leuci, now della Spachia from this town: unwalled, but fortified with a Castle, built for a place of refuge against the incursions of such Pirates as annoied the Coasts; in which the Governour for this part hath his chief aboad. By which account it will appear that in the whole Island are no more then 1044 Townes and Villages, 207 Pa∣rish Churches: of which there be but 48 which are accompted Members of the Church of Rome, the re∣sidue, 159 in number, retaining their Communion with the Church of Greece.

As for the story of this Island, wee can ascend as high as the times of Saturn, for his An∣tiquity affirmed to be the sonne of Uranus and Vesta, or of Heaven and Earth: who better favoured by his mother, obtained the Kingdome of Crete, his elder brother Titan being quite excluded. Here-upon wars arising betwixt the Brethren it was ordered thus, that Saturn for his own life should en∣joy the Kingdome, which after his decease should return to the Titans: and for performance of this contract the sonnes of Saturn to be strangled assoone as born. But Cybele the wife of Saturn unawares to her husband, preserved first Jupiter, and after others of her sonnes, which comming to the know∣ledge of Titan and his sons, they made war against Saturn, but in conclusion were subdued by the aid of Jupiter: whence grew the Fable of the Titans warring against the Gods, Saturn and Jupiter his son, being after reckoned in that number. The Titans being vanquished a new war arose betwixt Saturn and Jupiter, occasioned onely (as many unnaturall warres since these times have been) by fears and jealousies: which ended at the last in the flight of Saturn, Jupiter became sole King of Crete, reigning there in great power and honour till the time of his death; and dying was interred at Gnos∣sus, with this inscription or Epitaph in old Greek letters 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is to say, Jupiter the son of Saturn. After his death, worshipped by the blinde Gentiles, as the chief of their Gods, and honored frequently with the title of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the father both of Gods and men, though most incongruously and absurdly, as Lactantius noteth, there being many thousands living, in and before the times of Saturn, when Jupiter was yet unborn. But to proceed, he being dead, Minos be∣gotten by him on Europa, succeeded here: who wisely taking the advantage which the convenient situation of the Island gave him, made himselfe master of the Seas; and afterwards enlarged his Do∣minions by the conquest of the Megarenses and Athenians, upon which last he imposed amongst other hard conditions, a tribute of seven male children yearly, to be kept as hostages; determined after three years by the valour and good fortune of Theseus. But Minos being slain in Sicil, and his poste∣rity extinct, the Cretans would no longer admit of Kings, but governed themselves after the manner of a Common-wealth or Free-estate: the Lawes and Ordinances whereof first devised by Minos, were of such esteem, that they were much imitated by Lycurgus, and are at large described by Aristatle in the second Book of his Politicks, ch. 8. Under this government it continued till the Romans having taken in all the rest of Greece, picked a quarrell with them. For though it was pretended that they had been aiding unto Mithridates in his war against them, yet Florus states the matter rightly, affirm∣ing that the warre was undertaken on no other ground, but sola nobilem insulam vincendi cupiditate, a covetous desire onely of subduing such a wealthy Island. And to this war they went with so proud a confidence, that M. Antony who commanded in it, carryed more chaines with him to bring home his Prisoners, then Armes to conquer them. An-insolence which he paid right deare for, his navy being vanquished by the Cretans, the bodies of his slaine souldiers hanged upon the Ma••••s, and himselfe perishing in the action, by a fit of sicknesse. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 who succeeded him in that charge

went on more successefully, first taking Gnossus, Eleuthera, (or Erythraea, as Florus calls it) and Cy∣donia, their principall Cities; and not long after all the Island: using the vanquished Islanders with such inhumanity, that most of them poisoned themselves to avoid his cruelty: rewarded with no other honour for so great a victory, then that he got the surname of Creticus; his Triumph be∣ing denyed by the faction of Pompey, against whose will he had put himselfe upon that service. Thus added to the Roman Empire it was united unto Cyrenaica by Augustus Coesar, both making up one Pro∣vince onely, governed by a Proconsul, till the death of Nero: afterwards separated from it, but the time I finde not. During the reign of Constantine, in 36 yeares together here fell no reign, so that this Island was in a manner wholly desolated. But Helena the mother of Constantine having ob∣tained rain for it by her prayers to God, it was again new-peopled by severall Colonies brought out of Egypt, Syria, Greece, and the parts adjoining. By Constantine made a Province of the diocese of Ma∣cedonia, it continued a member of the Eastern Empire till the time of Michael Balbus, when subdued by the Saracens: from whom recovered under the more fortunate conduct of Nicephorus Phocas, who came unto the Empire, anno 963. In the division of the spoile amongst the Latines it was first given to Boniface Marquesse of Montferrat, by whom surrendred willingly to the State of Venice, who had a minde to be possessed of all the Islands of that Empire: he being recompensed with the King∣dome of Thessalie, the faire and wealthy City of Thessalonica, and many townes and territories in Peloponnesus. Under that State it still continueth, in vain attempted by Selimus the second, in the yeare 1571. at what time he invaded and conquered Cyprus: and gallantly defended for this yeare last past, against all the forces of Ibrahim the late Grand S••••neur. What the successe of this war will be we shall see hereafter.

For the defence hereof against the insurrections of the Inhabitants who did at first ill brooke the Venetian Government, there are some standing forces kept in constant pay; besides such as are main∣tained in severrall Garrisons, the City of Canca having in it no fewer then six companies of soul∣diers; Candie 2000 souldiers, and the lesser Cities proportionably: over which there is set so strong a guard, that a naturall Cretan is not permitted to enter weaponed into any of them. And for the preservation of their interesse in it from a forain power, they have furnished the Island with 70 or 80 Gallies for the defence of the shores: and have exceedingly fortified the haven of Suda, with two strong Castles: this haven being capable of more then 1000 vessels, and therefore meritoriously reputed the door and entry into the Countrey. It is reported that the King of Spain, Philip the second, did offer unto the Venetians for this haven, money more then enough; but it could not be accepted. For though the Spaniard seemed only to intend the retreat and relief of his own Navy, when he should undertake any expedition against the Turk: yet the wise Venetians saw, that by this haven he might at all times awe, and when he listed, surprize the whole countrey.

II The other Islands of this Sea, as of lesser note, will be past over in few words. The first of which is called CLAVD, mentioned, Act. 27. 16. situate on the South west of Crete, by Mela called Gaulos; wherein in Plinies time was a town or City named Gaudos; now called Golo, with the I∣sland. 2 DIA, now Standia, a very small Island, and of little note. 3 LETVA on the South-east of Crete, now called Christiana. And 4 AEGILIA, or Aegialia, by Pliny Aeglia, more in the Sea towards Peloponnesus; now called Ceterigo by Sophianus. Of which and others of lesse note (if lesse may be) there is no more to be said but that they have alwayes followed the fortunes of Crete, on which they seen to have their principall dependence.

The ISLANDS of the IONIAN SEA.

The IONIAN SEA is so called either from one Ionius, the son of Dyrachius, whom Hercules having ignorantly killed threw into this Sea, giving that name unto it to preserve his memory, as Didymus is of opinion: or from Iona, a Region in the extremity of Calabria, as Solinus, or from I•• the daughter of Inachus, as Lycophron the Poet hath it. It containeth all that part of the Mediterranean which lieth from the Aegean or Cretan Seas unto the Adriatick, from which parted about Epidamnum, (otherwise called Dyrrachium) as is said by Ptolemie: or rather at the shooting out of the Acrocerau∣nian hils; as affirmed by Pliny and other writers; and so along the shores of the two Calabrias, to the lsle of Sicil. Chief Isles whereof which passe in the accompt of Greece, (for of those lying on the coast of Italy we have spoke elsewhere) are 1 the Strophades, 2 Zacynthus, 3 the Echinades, 4 Cephalenia, 5 Corcyra, and 6 Ithaca.

1 The STROPHADES are two small Islands now called Strivali, lying against Messene in Peloponnesus; famous for nothing but the Harpies, ravenous birds affirmed to have the faces of women, but the talons of Vultures, sent by the offended Gods, (as the fable goeth) for the punishment of Phineus King of Arcadia, who had put out the eyes of his sons by a former wife, at the instigation of their Step-dame. For which so plagued by these Harpies, that he could set no meat on his table wheresoever he was, but these ravenous creatures first devoured it, and then bewrayed the dishes in which it was. Much pitied by the Argonauts, whom he had curteously entertained, they sent Ze∣thus and Calais the winged issue of Boreas and Orythia, who drave them thence, and having pursued them to those Islands turned back again: whence the name of Strophades. Under which fable was contained the sad condition of ignorant or unhappy Princes, devoured by Flatterers, Informers,

and false accusers, by whom their name and Government was made distastfull: till by good counsel they had purged their Courts of such ugly monsters: concerning which Alphonsus King of Naples was used to say, that these Harpyes had left the Strophades and dwelt at Rome. They are inhabited onely by some few Greek Friers: and in one of them there is a spring of fresh water, which hath his fountaine in Peloponnesus, and passing under the Sea ariseth here. The Greek Priests are called Caloirs, quasi 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 boni Sacerdotes. About 30 in number: they weare long hair, never eat flesh, and but seldome fish: feeding usually on hearbes, olives, oyl and the like. They never goe out of the Islands, neither doe they, on any occasion, permit women to come amongst them. They all labour for their sustenance, some in tillage, some in vineyards, some in fishing, so that among very many of of them three or foure onely can read. But of these somewhat hath beene said elsewhere al∣ready.

2 ZACINTHƲS, or Zant, is 60 miles in compasse; and distant from Peloponnesus 20 miles, so called of Zacinthus son to Dardanus. The countrey is wonderfully stored with oile, wines, cur∣rans: of which last they made yearly 150000 Zechines, for their own coffers; and 48000 Dollars, which they pay for custome to the signeurie of Venice. They were a very poore people when the English used to traffique there first, but now they grow rich and proud. At our Merchants first fre∣quenting the countrey, they much marvelled to what end they bought so many currans, and de∣manded whether they used to dye cloathes, or fat hogges with them; for so they themselves did: but now they have learned a more profitable use of them. Here are also very good salt-pits, fresh water plenty, but little or no wood, and lesse Corn; their ground being husbanded, as the case stands with them, to their better advantage: but so that many times they are ready to starve, if either the wind or the Sea prove crosse unto them, and hinder them from fetching their provisions both of flesh and corn out of Peloponnesus. In which respect they are faine to hold fair Quarter with the Turkes considering how easie it is for him to distresse them for want of victuals. The Island is much troubled with earthquakes, commonly once a week; in regard whereof they build their houses very low; and when they perceive them coming, the Priests are to ring the Bells, to stirre the people to prayers. They have a custome here at weddings to invite many young men whom they call Compeeres; of which every one giveth the Bride a Ring. Which done it is accompted as detestable a sinne as Incest, to accompany her in any carnall kinde; and therefore they choose such to be their Compeeres, who have formerly been suspected of too much familiarity with her.

The Island is very populous and well inhabited, but the people of a spitefull and vindicative na∣ture; not to be reconciled, if angred. It containeth in it 48 Townes and Villages, the chief whereof which passeth by the name of a city is called also Zant, stretched out about the length of a mile on the foot of a mountaine, but in breadth not answerable: beautified with a faire and convenient Haven opening towards Greece, safe from the danger of Pirats, though not of windes, capable of great fleets of shipping both for bulk and number; and so frequented from all parts, that he who hath a minde to goe out of it, need not stay for a passage: yet notwithstanding this great concourse and resort of strangers, the Town is rather rich, then well built or beautifull: the streets hereof uneven and rugged, and the buildings by reason of the often Earthquakes very low. On the East side of it, on a round steep Mountaine, standeth a very strong Castle, a little City of it selfe, well garrisoned, im∣pregnably fortified, and of a very difficult entrance: which commandeth not the City and Har∣bour onely, but a great part of the Sea adjoining. Upon the wall thereof continually stands a watchman, to descrie what shipping is at hand, and hangeth out as many flags as he discovereth Vessels. And over the doore of the Town-hall (the better to instruct the Magistrares in their pub∣lick dutie) it is said these verses are inscribed.

Hic locus 1 odit, 2 amat, 3 punit, 4 conservat, 5 honorat, 1 Nequitiam, 2 pacem, 3 crimina, 4 jura, 5 probos.

Thus Englished by George Sandys, whence I had the Latine,

This place doth 1 hate, 2 love, 3 punish, 4 keep, 5 requite, 1 Voluptuous riot, 2 peace, 3 crimes, 4 Laws, 5 th' upright.

In matter of Religion, the people being generally Greeks both in birth and language, are for the most part of that Church also; but some adhere unto the Latine; each party having their own Bishop: of which the Greek Bishop hath his Cathedrall in the Church of S.Nicolas near unto the Haven (which it giveth name to) and therein a Monastery of Caloires or Monkes of Basil; the Latine Bishop hath his residence and Cathedrall within the Castle, and therein a Convent of Franciscans. The Jews have in this Town their Synagogue also: but there are not many of them, if not lately in∣creased. In civill matters they are subject to the State of Venice, the Governour hereof (whom they call the Providore) having his residence in the Castle, assisted by a Chancellour, and two Counsel∣lours, (all Gentlemen of Venice) whom they change every third year. The fortunes of this Island in former times, and by what means it fell to the Venetians, we shall shew anon.

The ECHINADES are certain little Islands, or rather great rocks, now called Curzolari, famous for

nothing but the great battell of Lepanto fought nigh them betwixt the Venetians and the Turkes: the Turks having in their Navy 207 sayle of ships, the Venetians and their confederates but 145 of all sorts. But it pleased God to give the victory to the weakest: the issue of it being such, that the Turk••s lost 29000 men, who were killed in the fight; 39000 more which were taken prisoners, 140 of their Gal∣lies, 400 peece of Ordinance, and 200 Christian Captives which were then redeemed: the Christians buying this great victory with the death of 7656 men or thereabouts: too great a price, could it have been purchased with a lesse. A victory obtained not far from the point of Actium, wherein Augu∣stus overcame the Navie of Marcus Antonius; and thereby got the Empire to himself alone, of which before he was but Joint-tenant with his Adversary. So that this place seems to be marked out for a Stage of eminent actions; and that this later Navall fight was but the second part of the first.

But to return unto these Islands, they stand just against the mouth of the River Achelous; of which thus the Poet,

Turbidu•• objectas Achelous Echinadas exit;

Fierce Achelous with the Sea is mixt Where the Echinades (great rocks) are fixt.

These Islands are in number five, faigned by the Poets to be so many Naiades, or Sea-Nymphes whom Achelous the River God upon some displeasure Metamorphosed into these Rocky Islands. But the truth is, that they were caused by the dirt and mud, which this River carried with it into the Sea, where at last it setled to firm ground. Of which himself saith thus in Ovid.

—Fluctus nostri{que} maris{que} Continuam deducit humum, pariter{que} revellit, In totidem, mediis (quod cernis) Echinadas, undis.

The fury of the Sea-waves, and mine own, Continuall heaps of mud, and Earth drew down; Which parted by the inter-running Seas, Made, as thou seest, these five Echinades.

4 CEPHALENIA.

CEPHALENIA, the most populous Island of this Sea, is situated over against Acarnania, part of the Province of Epirus, having on the South-East Zant, on the North-west Corcyra or Corsu. In length containing 80 miles, 40 in breadth, the whole compasse being reckoned at 160. Once cal∣led Tetrapolis from the number of foure Cities in it: but three of them were decayed in the time of Ptolemie, who takes notice of no more then one, and that of the same name with the Island. Woody and mountainous in most places; but the mountaines intermixt with Valleys, and the Woods with champagne: plentifull in Wheat, Honey, Currans, Manna, Oyle, incomparable though not long-lasting Muscadels; as also in Cheese, Wool, Turkies: and Powder for the dying of Scarlets. So destitute of water, as having no River and not many Fountaines, that when their Cattell would drink, they gape both morning and evening to receive the dew distilling insensibly from the clouds.

The people are for the most part Greeks, some few Italians naturalls of the Signeury of Venice being intermixt: the whole number of the Inhabitants computed at 6000 families; the number of the townes and villages to 200 or thereabouts. The principall whereof I Cephalenia, fortified with good workes, and a very strong Castle. 2 Argastolie, an haven town, distant six miles from Ce∣phalon; the Port thereof capable of a sufficient Navie. 3Sydre, another Port-town also, lying to∣wards the South.

As for the fortunes of this Island, it was first called Melena; after Teleboas: and being known by that name, was made subject to Thebes, by the valour and good conduct of Amphitryon, the The∣ban Generall, by whom Pterelas, the King hereof, was slaine inbattell. During which warre, and the stay of Amphitryo in this Island it hapened that Cephalus, a noble Athenian, having by misadven∣ture killed his wife Procris with an Arrow, which he shot at a Deer, not daring to abide in his own countrey, fled unto Amphitryo his old friend, then newly victorious over the Teleboans: who pi∣tying his case, made him the Governour of this Island, (since from his name) called Cephalenia. Having continued for some time in the power of the Thebans, it passed together with Zant, and some other Islands into the hands of the Macedonians; from whom in the declining of their affairs, the Acheans got the Isle of Zant, and the Aetolians, Cephalenia: But long they had not held them when the Romans began to look towards Greece, who under colour of setting the Continent at liberty, made themselves masters of both the Islands; that so they might at leisure possesse the whole, as in fine they did. In the division of the Empire they fell as parts of Greece, to the Constantinopolitans: and on the taking of that City by the Western Christians, they fell with almost all the rest of the Islands, to the State of Venice: the Governors whereof retaining Corfu, and some others of most importance in the hands of the Signeury, permitted these, (as many other of lesse note) unto private Adven∣turers. At the conclusion of the peace betwixt Mahomet the Great, and the State of Venice, these two with Neritos or Leniadia, (spoken of in Episus) were seised on by that Tyrant in despight

of that treaty or conclusion; as belonging unto private persons, not to the Republick: recovered afterwards by the Venetians, in the reign of Bajazet the second, in the name of the State, and as parts thereof still governed and defended by them.

6 CORCYRA.

CORCYRA (now CORFV) more antiently was called Phaeacia; but took this later name from a Nymph so called, whom Neptune is reported to have here deflowred. Situate over against ••pirus, from which 12 miles distant, stretched out from East to West in the form of a Bow, the length thereof being 54 miles, 24 the breadth; and so the biggest of these Seas. Commodiously seated for the trade and estate of Venice, as the Center of their Dominion, and command by Sea.

The Southern parts hereof are mountainous, and defective in water, much subject to be blasted with Southernly windes, and therefore they sow little corn, and plant lesse Fruites. The Northern parts levell and delightfull, adorned with whole Groves of Lemmons, Orenges, Figtrees, Olives, and Pomegranates; enriched with plenty of grain, aboundance of Wines, great store of Oile, and O∣lives, and most excellent Honey. Blest with a very temperate and healthfull Air, made Odorife∣rous by most pleasant and sweet-smelling fruites; which grow most plentifully in each part hereof. Alcinous, who so curteously entertained Vlysses after his ship-wrack, was once king of this Island: whose Gardens answerable to the naturall delights and sweetnesse of it, are so much celebrated by the Poets. One of which thus.

Quid bifera Alcinoi referam pomaria; vos{que} Qui nunquam vacui pr••distis in aethera, Rami?

Which may be Englished in these words,

Why should I name Alcinous fertile ground, And trees which never without fruit are found?

Townes of most note and strength herein, 1 Pagiopoli, 2 Castello S. Angelo, of good esteem in re∣spect of many others, but farre short of 3 Corfu, the chief and strongest of the Island, which the Turks have found by their frequent repulses to be impregnable. For it is situate at the foot of a Moun∣taine, on the top of which are built two inaccessible Fortresses as being strongly senced with a na∣turall Rock. The one is called The old Fortresse, and the other, The New: justly esteemed the chief Bul∣warks of Venice, whose Trade and Power would soon decay, should these Forts be lost. For which cause the two Governours (for each Fort hath one) are sworn before the State of Venice, never to hold intelligence with one another, by word or writing: lest by the treachery of the one, the o∣ther might be wrought also from his faith and duty. Neither is their command here for more then two yeares; their commission then terminating, and new successours being sent them. The town inhabited for the most part by Grecians, as is all the residue of the Island; beautified with one of the most commodious havens in all the Adriatick, and the residence of an Archbishop, A town of such a publick concernment, in regard of the strength and situation, that it is accomp∣ted of as the key of Venice, and one of the strongest Bulwarkes of Christendome against the encroach∣ment of the Turke. The story of it since dismembred from the Eastern Empire, at the taking of Con∣stantinople by the Latines, we have had before.

7 ITHACA.

ITHACA, now called Val de Campare, lieth on the North-east of Cephalenia, being in compasse 50 miles: most famous for the birth of Vlysses, the son of Laertes; of which thus the Poet,

Effugimus scopulos Ithacae, Laertia Regna. Et terram altricem saevi exceramur Ulyssis.

From th' Ithacan Rocks, Laertes Realm we fled, And curs'd the Land which dire Vlysses bred.

It was also called Dulichium, or else there was some other Island of that name, not farre from Ithaca, whereof Vlysses was also King; who is hence called Dulichius Heros, among the Poets: and in this Taunt of Aiax to him, Dulichius vertex signifieth the head of Vlysses.

Sed ne{que} Dulichius, sub Achillis casside, vertex Pondera tanta feret; Achilles helm's too great a weight I trow, For weak Vlysses head to undergoe.

But as weak a man as Ajax thought him: he was the Master-wit of Greece, for the times he lived in, and one that did as good service in the war of Troy, as the best sword-man of them all. A warre to which he went somewhat unwillingly as fearing the sad consequences and events thereof: insomuch that he faigned himself mad, ploughing the shore, and sowing salt in stead of corn. But Palamedes to make triall whether this was reall, or but counterseit only, cast young Telemachus the son of Ulysses before the Plough: which he observing, either drove the Plough besides him, or lifted it over him. Discovered by this means, and engaging with the rest in the Trojan war, he found out the design of Thetis, and brought Achilles to it also; in the course whereof by his wit and courage, he did very good service: associated with Diomedes in the action against Rhesus King of Thrace; and with Pala∣medes in forraging the Countrie for provisions. By his policie was the Palladium stollen out of Troy, and consequently the Citie taken and destroyed; whose fate depended on the preservation of that fatall Relick. After the ending of the war which held out ten years, he was with-held from Ithaca ten years longer by winds and tempests, and the displeasure of the Gods which favoured Troy: in which he saved himself from the inchantments of the Sirens, the allurements of Circe, the crueltie of Polyphemus; and after many dangers came home in safety. A man of so compleat a vertue, that Ho∣mer maketh him the pattern of a temperate and prudent man, in the Books called Odysses, (by his name as the Greeks pronounce it) as he doth Achilles, in his Iliads, of a compleat and perfect souldier.

The Countrie is generally very rockie, and barren, exceeding plentifull of Goats, but no Hares live in it: inhabited for the most part by Pirates and exiles, men banished out of civill society, and wil∣lingly acknowledging no Superior over them: but subject, if to any, to the State of Venice: which hitherto hath maintained these Islands against the Turks, though many times attempted by them in the most prosperous times of their arms and victories. For the Venetians being gratified at the taking of Constantinople by the Latines, with almost all the Islands of the Aegean and Ionian Seas (as being a people strong in shipping, and so most able to preserve a possession of them:) some of the greatest and most con∣siderable either for their riches or the commodiousnesse of situation, were furnished with convenient garrisons in the name of the State. The rest they did bestow on the better sort of the Citizens, to be de∣fended and made good at their own costs and charges; who accordingly possessed themselves of one, two, or more of them, as they were of abilitie to set out their Gallies for the keeping of them: the Signeurie having neverthelesse a care of all, and to that end keeping a Fleet at Sea continually under one of their Admirals: whereby they did not only preserve those Seas from the Genoa Pirats, but for long time de∣fended all their Islands also as well against the Greeks, as the Turkish Emperours. But all the Isles of the Aegean being lost to the Turk, except Cythera, and Tenos on the Europaean, and Carpathos, or Scarpan∣to on the Asian side: they have now only Crete with the Isles adjoyning, and those of the Ionian Sea, under their command; and these (but specially the Isle of Crete) endangered at the present by the Turkish Tyrant.

Thus having tooke a view of the severall Provinces and Isles which belong to Greece, according to the ancient and present state of each particular: let us next take a view of the Grecian Emperours, who have had here their principall residence, and possessed the whole, though for a while their Em∣pire was extended over all the East; as they here follow in this ensuing Catalogue of

The Constantinopolitan Graecian, or Eastern EMPEROURS.

• A. Ch.
• 331 1 Constantine, surnamed the Great, having reigned 21 years in Rome, translated his Imperiall Seat to Constantinople which himself had founded.
• 341 2 Constantius the 3. son of Constantine, in the division of the Empire, had for his partage Thrace, Constantinople, and all the Provinces of the East. After the death of his two brethren he remained sole Emperour, but resided for the most part in the East, a great Patron of the Arians, and as great a Persecuter of the Orthodox Christians.
• 366 3 Julian, surnamed the Apostata, son of Constantius, the brother of Constantine the Great; a•• first a Christian, afterwards a professed enemie of the Gospel: fortunate in his wars against the Almans, Franks, and other Transalpine Nations, whilest he was a Christian: prodigiously slain in the Persian war, when become a Persecuter.
• 368 4 Jovian, or Jovinian, chosen by the armie, a religious Prince, made peace with the Persian, and setled the affaires of the Christian Church: who being dead, Valentinian, one of meane birth, but great abilities in war, was elected Emperour.
• 368 5 Valens, the brother of Valentinian, made partner in the Empire with him, ruled in Con∣stantinople and the East; Valentinian taking more delight in Rome and the Western parts. A great Patron of the Arian faction, and the first who brought in the Goths on this side of the Danow, whom he placed in the desert parts of Thrace, to the destruction of the Empire and himself to boot.
• 382 6 Gratian, the eldest son of Valentinian, succeeded his father in the West, and his uncle Va∣lens in the East; after whose death he left Italie and the West to Valentinian his

• younger brother. Distressed by the Gothes, he made Theodosius partner in the Empire with him, and was treacherously murdered by Andragathius, at the ap∣pointment and command of the Tyrant Maximus.
• 383 7 Theodosius, a Spaniard born, revenged the death of Gratian on the tyrant Maximus, and of Valentinian the 2. on the traitour Eugenius. He vanquished the Goths, utterly sup∣prest the Pagan superstitions, which till his time continued even in Rome it self; and strengthened the Church of Christ with good Laws and Ordinances.
• 399 8 Arcadius, the eldest son of Theodosius, succeeded his father in the East, as his brother Ho∣norius did in the West: the Roman Empire after this last division of it, being so distracted and torn in pieces, that it was never since united.
• 412 9 Theodosius II. son of Arcadius, made peace with the Goths, whom he employed against the Hunnes and Persians, his more dangerous Enemies, and caused the Ephesine Councell to be called against Nestorius.
• 454 10 Martianus, Lieutenant to Theodosius, succeeded his Master, and marryed with Puleheria his Masters sister; he called the Councell of Chalcedon against Dioscorus.
• 461 11 Leo a Thracian born, elected by the joint consent of the Senate and Souldiery, sitting the Councell of Chalcedon; the Acts whereof he approved and ratified.
• 478 12 Zeno, the son-in-law and Lieutenant of Leo, sent Theodorick and the Goths into Italie against Odoacer: A tyrant and a great drinker, in one of his drunken fits, buryed quick by his Emperesse. In his time Constantinople was almost wholly destroyed by fire; in which perished amongst other things 120000 Volumes of good Manu∣scripts.
• 494 13 Anastasius, a mean Officer, of the Court, by the power and favour of the Emperesse crea∣ted Emperour; a great Patron of Eutyches; yet fortunate in his wars against the Persians and Arabians. In his time Constantinople besieged by the Scythians, was like∣ly to have fallen into great distresse, i•• Proclus, a famous Mathematician, like another Archimedes, had not fired their Gallies.
• 521 14 Justin the son of a Thracian shepherd, and Captain of the Guard unto Anastasius, a ca∣tholick Prince, and Patron of the Orthodox Clergy, whom he called from ba∣nishment.
• 528 15 Justinian, the sisters son of Justinus, with whom first consort in the Empire, recovered Africk from the Vandals, by Belisarius, and Italie from the Goths by Narses: and final∣ly reduced the laws of Rome into form and method.
• 566 16 Justin II. nephew of Justinian, instituted the Exarchate of Ravenna, and lost a great part of Italie to the Lombards. Unable of himselfe to oppose the Persians, he chose
• 577 17 Tiberius, one of his chief Commanders to be consort with him, who afterwards succeed∣ed in the sole command.
• 584 18 Maurice, a Cappadocian born, fortunate in his wars against the Persians, from whom he re∣covered Mesopotamia in the time of Tiberius; by whom at his return marryed to Constantine his daughter, and declared his successour. Refusing to ransome some of his souldiers, taken prisoners by Caganus King of Avares, he lost the affections of his armie.
• 604 19 Phocas, a common souldier, in a military tumult chosen Emperour, murdered the Em∣perour Mauritius, with his wife and children; and made Pope Boniface supreme Bishop or head of the Church: slain in a popular tumult by the common people for his lusts and cruelties.
• 611 20 Heraclius, a noble man of Constantinople, chosen by the generall consent repaired the ru∣ines of the Empire, vanquished the Persians, recovered Hierusalem out of their hands, and brought home the Crosse unto Constantinople in triumphant manner, whence the feast called Exaltatio crucis, Septemb. 14. In his time Mahomet began to disperse his dotages.
• 641 21 Constans or Constantine II. son of Heraclius, unfortunate in his wars against the Saracens, who prevailed in all places; picking a quarrell with the Romans he defaced Rome, robbing it of all the choicest Ornaments, which the Goths and other barbarous people had left: and ransacking the Isle of Sicil, was there slaine by the women.
• 670 22 Constantinus III. son of the former Constantine, from his long or early beard surnamed Pogonatus, repulsed the Saracens from Constantinople, but could not hinder the Bul∣garians from passing over the Danow.
• 687 23 Justinian II. son of Constantine the 3. subdued Mesapotamia, Armenia, and some part of Per∣sia; forcing the Saracens to sue for peace, and become his tributaries. Against whom Leontius on the one side, and Absimarus on the other, severally taking arms were declared Emperors; Justinian taken by Leontius, hath his nose cut off, and his person committed to custodie: but making an escape, by means of Trebellin King of the Bulgarians, recovered his Imperiall dignitie; and being too violent in the pursuit of his revenge, was finally murdered at the Altar by the com∣mand of
• ...

• 713 24 Philippicus Bardanes, Admirall of his Navie, elected Emperour by the Souldiers, a great enemy of Images, which he caused to be cast out of the Church: whereby incur∣ring the displeasure of
• 715 25 Anastasius II. called also Artemius, his principall Secretarie, who thrust himself into the Empire; forced to relinquish it by that armie which he had raised against the Saracens: in which tumult the Citie of Constantinople was sacked and spoiled.
• 717 26 Theodosius III. made Emperour in this tumult by the souldiers, hearing of the approach of Leo, Commander of the Eastern Armies, resigned the Empire, and took Orders to preserve his life.
• 718 27 Leo Isauricus, in whose time Galiph Zulciman besieged Constantinople the space of three years: and when by cold and famine 300000 of the Saracens were slain, they desisted. At this siege was that fire invented, which we for the violence of it, call wild fire; and the Latines, because the Greeks were the Authors of it, Graecus ignis: by which the Saracens ships were not a little molested. He was also a great Enemie to ima∣ges, for which cause hated by the Pope and Clergie of Rome, who gave him there∣upon the nick-name of Iconomachus.
• 741 28 Constantinus IV. son of Leo, surnamed Copronymus, for that when he was baptized, he be∣rayed the font; followed his fathers zeal in removing images, which created him much trouble, one Artabardus being chose Emperour against him, but at last de∣feated.
• 777 29 Leo III. son of Constantine Copronymus, commonly called Leo the 4. (Leontius the usurper (as I conjecture) being reckoned for one) an enemie of Images, and fortunate in his wars against the Saracens.
• 782 30 Constantine V. the son of Leo and Irene, first governed the Empire with his Mother; by whom at last supplanted, and deprived of sight, he dyed of melancholy.
• 798 31 Irene wife of Leo the 3. first consort with Constantine her son, and afterwards sole Em∣peresse of Constantinople: for her better support in which estate she sided with the Popes of Rome, and called the second Councell of Nice for defence of Images. In her time Charls, surnamed the Great, was by the Pope and people of Rome created Emperour of the West. For the Popes knowing their own greatnesse to grow out of the ruines of the temporall power, committed the Empire of the West unto the French Princes: whereby the Greek Emperours became much weakened; and the French being the Popes creatures, were in tract of time brought to their de∣votion. In following times, when Frederick Barbarossa was by Pope Alexander the 3. pronounced non-Emperour; Emanuel of Constantinople sued for a re union of the Empires: but the crafty Pope returned this answer, Non licere illi conjun∣gere, quae majores ejus de industria disjunxerunt: Let no man presume to joyn, what the God of Rome, the Pope, hath put asunder.
• 803 32 Nicephorus a Patritian, made Emperour by the souldiers, perswaded that Irene had made choise of him to be her successour, slaine in a pitcht field against the Bulga∣rians.
• 812 33 Michael, surnamed Curopalates from his office, (the Mayre of the Palace as it were) husband to Procopia the daughter of Nicephorus, assumed the Empire: which finding his own weaknesse, he did soone relinquish, and betooke himselfe unto a Mona∣sterie.
• 814 34 Leo V. surnamed Armenius from his Country, Generall of the horse to Michael, demo∣lished the images which his predecessour had set up; slain in the Church during the time of divine service.
• 821 35 Michael II. surnamed Balbus, having murdered Leo, assumed the Empire; unfortunate in his government, and dyed of madnesse.
• 830 36 Theophilus, the son of Michael Balbus, an enemy of images, like his father, and as unfortu∣nate as he; losing many battels to the Saracens, at last dyed of melan∣choly.
• 842 37 Michael III. son of Theophilus, first with his mother Theodora, who took unto her self the supreme command; and after of himself sole Emperour; his mother being made a Nun.
• 866 38 Basilius, surnamed Macedo, from the place of his birth, made consort in the Empire by Michael the son of Theophilus, whom he basely and treacherously murdered; kil∣led casually by a Stag.
• 886 39 Leo VI. for his learning surnamed Philosophus, the son of Basilius, a vigilant and provi∣dent Prince; most of his time, with variable successe spent against the Bul∣garians.
• 912 40 Constantine VI. commonly called the VII. son of Leo Philosophus, first under his uncle Alex∣ander, next under Zoe his mother, and after under Romanus Lacopenus, governed the Empire: by which last so miserably depressed that he was fain to get his livelyhood by painting. But Lacopenus being deposed and turned into a

• ... Monasterie by his own sons, Consiantine at last obtained his rights, and restored learning unto Greece.
• 961 41 Romanus, the son of Constantine.
• 963 42 Nicephorus, surnamed Phocas, first Governour or Protectour to the young Emperour Romanus; after whose death created Emperour by the armie, he recovered An∣tioch, Cilicia, and the greatest part of Asia minor from the power of the Saracens; slaine in the night by John Zimisces, his wife Theophania being privie to it.
• 971 43 John Zimisces, Emperour in the place of Nicephorus Phocas, governed the Empire better then he did obtain it; vanquishing the Bulgarians, Rosses, and others of the bar∣barous Nations: and left it at his death to the sons of Romanus.
• 977 44 Basilius II. surnamed Porphyrogenitus, as many of the Emperours had been before him, in regard that at their births they were wrapped in purple (which the Greeks call Porphyrie) the Imperiall colour: subdued the Bulgarians, and made them Homa∣gers to the Empire.
• 1027 45 Constantinus, VII. or VIII. brother of Basilius, and with him partner in the Empire; af∣ter whose death he governed three years by himself, but did nothing memo∣rable.
• 1030 46 Romanus II. for his prodigalitie surnamed Argyropolus, husband of Zoe the daughter of Constantine the 8. drowned in a Bath by the treason of his wife and her Adul∣terer.
• 1035 47 Michael IV. surnamed Paphlago from his Country, first the Adulterer, and afterwards the husband of Zoe: but dyed very penitent.
• 1042 48 Michael V. surnamed Calaphates, a man of obscure birth, adopted by Zoe, whom he de∣posed from the Government, and turned into a Monasterie. Out of which be∣ing again taken, in a popular tumult, she put out the eyes of Calaphates, and being then 60 yeares of age, bestowed both the Empire and her selfe upon
• 1043 49 Constantine IX. surnamed Monomachus, formerly husband to a Neece of Romanus the 2.
• 1055 50 Theodora, sister unto Zoe, after the death of Constantine, managed for two years the af∣fairs of the Empire with great contentment to all people. But grown in age surrendred it to
• 1057 51 Michael VI. surnamed Stratioticus, an old but militarie man, deposed within the year by
• 1060 52 Isaacius, of the noble familie of the Gomneni; valiant, of great courage and diligent in his affairs: which having managed for two years, he left it at his death, with con∣sent of the Senate and people, to
• 1063 53 Constantine X. surnamed Ducas, a great Justicier, and very devout, but exceeding cove∣tous, whereby he became hated of his subjects and contemned by his ene∣mies.
• 1071 54 Romanus III. surnamed Diogenes, marryed Eudoxia the wife of Constantinus Ducas, and with her the Empire. Took prisoner by the Turks, and sent home again, he found a faction made against him; by which Eudoxia was expelled, himself at his re∣turn deposed, and so dyed in exile.
• 1075 55 Michael VII. the son of Constantinus Ducas, surnamed Parapinacius, by reason of the fa∣mine which in his time happened, made Emperour in the aforesaid tumult. But being found unable for so great an honour (the Turks prevailing in all places) he was deposed again and put into a Monasterie.
• 1081 56 Nicephorus II. surnamed Boli••nates, of the house of the Phocas, succeeded in the place of Parapinace, deposed within 3 years by the Comneni.
• 1084 57 Alexius Comnenus, son of the Emperour Isaacius Comnenus, obtained the Empire: in whose time the Western Christians with great forces prepared for the recovery of the Holy Land. Of whose purposes being very jealous he denyed them pas∣sage through his Countrie; in the end forced to finde them victuals and other necessaries.
• 1113 58 Calo-Johannes, the son of Alexius, had a good hand against the Turks, from whom he tooke Laodicea and some other places of importance. He also vanquished the Scythians or Tartars passing over the Ister, most of which he either slew in bat∣tell, or sold as captives; permitting the remainder to abide on this side that River. He also conquered the Servians and Bulgarians, transporting many of them into Bithynia.
• 1142 59 Manuel, or Emanuel, the younger son of Calo-Joannes, an under-hand enemie to the We∣stern Christians, and an open enemie to the Turks: by whom intrapped in the dangerous straits of Cilicia, and his Armie miserably cut off; he was on honou∣rable terms permitted to return again.
• 1180 60 Alexius II. son of Manuel, deposed and barbarously murdered by Andronicus, the Cousin Grman of his father, with his wife and mother.
• ...

• 1183 61 Andronicus Comnenus, confined by Manuel to Oenum in Paphlag••nia, by reason of his dan∣gerous and ambitious practises; after his death, pretending to reform the State came unto Constantinople: first made Protector, afterwards consort in the Empire with young Alexius. Whom having barbarously slain, and got the Empire to himselfe, he was not long after cruelly torne in pieces in a popular tu∣mult.
• 1185 62 Isaacius Angelus, a noble man of Constantinople, and of the same Comnenian race, designed to death by Andronicus, was in a popular election proclaimed his successour; de∣posed by Alexius his own brother, and his eyes put out.
• 1195 63 Alexius Angelus deprived his brother, and excluded his Nephew from the Empire; but it held not long.
• 64 Alexius Angelus II. son of Isaac Angelus, who being unjustly thrust out of his Empire by his un∣cle Alexius, had recourse to Philip the Western Emperour, whose daughter Ma∣ry he had marryed: who so prevailed with Pope Innocent the 3. that the armie prepared for the Holy Land, was employed to restore him. On the approach whereof Alexius the Usurper fled, Alexius the young Emperour is seated in his fathers throne, and not long after slain by Alexius Dueas. In revenge whereof the Latines assault and win Constantinople, make themselves Masters of the Empire, and divide it amongst them: alotting to the Venetians Candie, many good towns of P••loponnesus, and most of the Islands: to Boniface Marquesse of Montferrat the Kingdom of Thessalie; to others of the Adventurers other liberall shares; and finally to Baldwin Earl of Flanders, the main body of the Empire with the title of Emperour.

EMPEROURS of the LATINES in CONSTANTINOPLE.

• 1200 65 Baldwin Earl of Flanders, first Emperour of the Latines reigning in Constantinople, taken in fight by John King of Bulgaria coming to aid the Greeks, and sent prisoner to Ternova, where he was cruelly put to death.
• 1202 66 Henry the brother of Baldwin, repulsed the Bulgarians, out of Greece, and dyed a Con∣querour.
• 1215 67 Peter Count of Auxerre in France, son in law of Henry, cunningly entrapped by Theodo∣rus Angelus a great Prince in Epirus, whom he had besieged in Dyrrachium. But of an Enemy being perswaded to become his ghest, was there murdered by him.
• 1220 68 Robert the son of Peter, having seen the miserable usage of his beautifull Emperesse, whom a young Burgundian formerly contracted to her, had most despitefully mangled, cutting off both her nose and ears; dyed of hearts grief as he was coming back from Rome, whither his melancholy had carried him to consult the Pope in his affairs.
• 1227 69 Baldwin II. son of Robert by a former wife, under the protection of John de Brenne the ti∣tularie King of Hierusalem, succeeded in his fathers throne: which having held for the space of 33 years; he was forced to leave it: the Citie of Constan∣tinople being regained by the Greeks, and the poor Prince compelled to sue in vain for succours to the French, Venetians, and other Princes of the West.

The EMPIRE restored unto the GREEKS.

• 1260 70 Michael VIII. surnamed Palaeologus, extracted from the Comnenian Emperours, Emperour of the Greeks in the Citie of Nice, most fortunately recovered Constantinople; the town being taken by a partie of 50 men secretly put into it by some Country labourers under the ruines of a mine. Present in person at the Councell of Lyons, at the perswasion of the Pope, he admitted the Latine Ceremonies into the Churches of Greece; for which greatly hated by his subjects, and denyed the honour of Christian buriall.
• 1283 71 Andronicus II. vexed with unnaturall wars by his Nephew Andronicus, who rebelled against him.
• 1328 72 Andronicus III. first partner with his grandfather, afterwards sole Emperour.
• 1541 73 John Palaeologus, son of Andronicus the 3. in whose minoritie Contacuzenus his Protectour usurped the Empire, and held it sometimes from him, and sometimes with him, till the year 1357. and then retired unto a Monasterie: leaving the Empire un∣to John, during whose reign the Turks first planted themselves in Europe.
• 1484 74 Andronicus IV. the son of Johanmes Palaeologus.
• 1387 75 Emanuel Palaeologus, the son of the said John, and brother of Andronicus the 4. in whose time Bajazet the sixt King of the Turks did besiege Constantinople; but found such notable resistance that he could not force it.
• ...

• 1417 76 John II. son of Andronicus the 4.
• 1420 77 John III. son of Emanuel Palaeologus, in person at the Councell of Florence for reconciling of the Churches; in hope thereby to get some aid from the Western Christians: but it would not be.
• 1444 78 Constantinus Palaeologus, the brother of John the 3.

In whose time the famous Citie of Constanitinople was taken by Mahomet the Great, 1452. the miserable Emperour, who had in vain gone from door to door to beg or borrow money to pay his souldiers, (which the Turks found in great abundance when they took the Citie) being lamentably trod to death in the throng. Now concerning this Empire of the Greeks, we may observe some fatal contrarieties in one and the same name: as first, that Philip the father of Alexander laid the first foun∣dation of the Macedonian Monarchie: and Philip the father of Perseus ruined it. Secondly, that Bald∣win was the first, and Baldwin the last Emperour of the Latines in Consiantinople. Thirdly, that this town was built by a Constantine, the son of Helena, a Gregory being Patriarch: and was lost by a Constantine the son of a Helena, a Gregory being Patriarch also. And fourthly, the Turks have a Prophecie, that as it was won by a Mahomet, so it shall be lost by a Mahomet. So Augusius was the first established Em∣perour of Rome, and Augustulus the last: Darius the son of Hystaspes, the restorer; and Darius the son of Arsamis the overthrower of the Persian Monarchie. A like note I shall anon tell you of Hierusa∣lem. In the mean time I will present you with a fatall observation of the letter H, as I find it thus versed in Albions England.

Not superstitiously I speak, but H this letter still, Hath been observed ominous to Englands good or ill. First Hercules, Hesione, and Helen were the cause Of war to Troy; Aeneas seed becoming so outlawes. Humbor the Hunn with forein arms did first the Brutes invade, Helen to Romes imperiall Throne, the British Crown conveyd. Hengist and Horsus, first did plant the Saxons in this Isle: Hungar and Hubba first brought Danes, that swayed here long while. At Harold had the Saxon end, at Hardie-Cnute, the Dane: Henries the first and second did restore the English raign. Fourth Henry first for Lancaster did Englands Crown obtain. Seventh Henry, jarring Lancaster and Yorke, unites in peace: Henry the eight did happily Romes irreligion cease.

A strange and ominous letter; every mutation in our State being as it were ushered by it.

What were the Revenues of this Empire since the division of it into the East and West, I could ne∣ver yet learn. That they were exceeding great, may appear by three circumstances, 1 Zonaras reporteth that the Emperour Basilius had in his treasury 200000 talents of gold, besides infinite heaps of silver and other moneys. 2 Lipsius relateth, how Benjamin a Jew in his discourse of Europe, saith, that the custome due to the Emperours, out of the victuals and merchandize sold at Constantinople only did amount to 20000 crowns daily. 3 We find, that at the sack of Constantinople, there was found an invaluable masse of gold, silver, plate, and jewels, besides that which was hid in the earth. For so the covetous Citizens chose rather to employ their wealth, then afford any part of it to the Empe∣rour: who with tears in his eyes, went from door to door to beg and borrow mony, wherewith he might wage more souldiers for the desence of the town.

The arms of the Empire were Mars, a crosse Sol between four Greek Beta's of the second: the four Beta's signifying, (as Bodin saith) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

It may perchance be expected that we should here make an additionall Catalogue of those Turkish Emperours, who have reigned in Constantinople, since the taking of it: and being they are possessed of Greece and do now inhabit it, that we should here also speak of the Turks themselves, their customs, forces, policies, originall, and proceedings. But the discourse of those things we intend to reserve for Turcomania, a Province of Asia, from whence they made their first inundation into Persia, and af∣terwards into other parts of the world now subject to them, the only Province which retains any thing of their name. And though the Peninsula called anciently Taurica Chersonesus (now part of Tartaria Pr••••opensis) be within the bounds of Europe also: yet we will deserre the description and sto∣ry of it, till we come to the affairs of the Tartars: and will here conclude our discourse of Europe, and prepare for Asia.

And so much for GREECE, the last of the Provinces of EUROPE.

Notes

• Peloponne∣sus.
• Achaia propria.
• Elis.
• Messenia.
• Epirus.
• Thessalie.
• Macedon
• Thrace
• Constanti∣nople
• Thrace.
• Propontis.
• Lemnos.
• Euboea.
• Salamis.
• Cyclades.
• Sporades.
• Crete.
• Zant.
• Cephalenia
• Corcyra.