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.

19. The Province of the ASIAN ISLES.

THe Province of the ASIAN ISLES comprehendeth all the Islands in Asia Minor; from the mouth of the Hellespont to the Rhodes, reckoning that for one: united first into a Province by the Emperour Vespasian; next reckoned as a part of the Asian Diocese, and afterwards, together with the Province of the Hellespont, and that of Asia properly and specially so called, making up the peculiar or exempt jutisdiction of the Proconsul of Asia. Those of most consideration are, 1. Tenedos, 2. Les∣bos. 3. Chios. 4. Samos. 5. Coos. 6. Icaria. 7. Patmos. 8. Claros. 9. Caparthos. 10. Rhodes. Others of less note, having nothing memorable but their names, are scarce worth the naming.

1. TENEDOS, is situate at the mouth of the Hellestont, overagainst the noted Promontory called of old Sigeum (but now Cape Janizarie) a Promontory of Troas, or the Lesser Phrygia, from which distant not above five miles. The Isle it self in circuit no more then ten; swelling with a round Mountain towards the North, in other parts levell; in both producing as good wines as the best of Greece. It took name, as the generall tradition was, from Tenes the Son of Cycnus, King of a little City in the Lesser Phrygia, who being falsly accused by his Step-dame for solliciting her to that incestuous mixture which she had violently importuned, and he as piously refused, was by the command of his Father put into a chest, exposed to the mercy of the Sea, and here miraculously preserved. Here for a time he is said to reign with great commendation for his justice; and after wards going to the aid of the Trojans, to have been slain by the hand of Achilles; of whom therefore it was not lawful to make mention in any of the Sacrifices offered in the Temple hereof. But Bochartus casting off all this as an old wives fable, will have it so called from Tin-edum a Phoenician word, signifying Red clay, which the Potters made use of in their earthen vessels. A town it had of the same name with the Island, in which a Temple sacred to Apollo Sminthius; and 2. another called Asterion, situate neer a little River well stored with Crab-fish, whose shells were made in the form of an Axot Hatcher. From which Town as the Islanders have in some Authors the name of Asterii; so from the other circumstance they are said to have had the stamp of an Hatchet on their coin or money. Memorable for an old custome observed amongst them, which was, that at the back of the Judge there alwaies stood a man with an Ax advanced; as well to terrifie the Witnesses from giving false evi∣dence to the Judge, as the Judge from pronouncing a false sentence upon the evidence. Whence the Pro∣verb, Tenedia Securis. More memorable for the finall destruction of Troy, which was plotted here the Grecians withdrawing their forces hither, as if gone in earnest, but from hence setting sail again to surprise the Town, when they saw their plot had took effect. And so I leave it with that Character which the Poet gives it.

Est in conspectu Tenedos, notissima famâ Insula, divesopum Priami dum Regna menebant. Nunc tantum finus, & statio male-sida carinis.

In English thus,

In sight of Troy an Island stands, well known, Call'd Tenedos; rich, and of great renown, Whilest Priams Kingdome flourished; now (they say) Grown a poor Road, for ships an unsafe Bay.

2. LESBOS, the largest of these Asian Isles, is distant from the main land of Troas about seven miles; 168 in compass: reckoned the seventh in bigness of the Mediterranean; which Aristotle in his Book de Mundo, ranketh in this Order following. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. That is to say, The most considerable of these, are Sicilie, Sardinia, Corsica, Crete, Euboea, Cyprus, and Lesbos. And though both Seylax in his Periplus, a nameless Poet in Eustathius, Diodorus Siculus, Strabo, and others of the Antients, vary in ordering of the rest, according as their information or fancies led them: yet Leshos comes in the seventh place constantly, without change at all. Upon which ground Bochartus will have it called Lesbos from Esburith a Phoenician word, signifying seven: contracted first to Esbu, by leaving out the last syllable of it; and then by changing bu to bos, and prefixing L to the beginning. Far enough fet, and were it but as dearly bought, would be good for Ladies: this Island being reckoned in the seventh place for no other reason, but because it lay furthest off and most North from Sicilie, from whence they ordered their accompt; and not any mystery in the name thereof.

It had then the name from Lesbos the Chief City of it, as that from Lesbus the Son of Lapythus, who ma∣ried Methymna the Daughter of Macarius Prince hereof: from which Macarius, it had sometimes the name of Macaria; as that of Mitylene by which it is now commonly called, from Mitylene another of the daughters of the said Macarius. And that the memory of the whole family might be pre∣served

in this Island, Methymna also had a City called by her name, one of the principal of the Countrey.

The Countrey towards the Westand South reported to be mountainous and somewhat barren; the rest level and fruitful: plentiful of excellent corn, and abounding in delicious wines, compared by Athenaeus to Ambrosia, the liquor of the Gods, as the Poets fable; affording also plenty of sheep, and store of horses; these last couragious and strong, though but low of Stature. More memorable for the eminent persons which it hath produced, as 1. Sappho an Heroick woman, whose invention was the Sapphick verse, and therefore called the tenth Muse. 2. Pittacus, one of the seven Wisemen of Greece. 3. Theo∣phraitus, that notable Physician and Philosopher. 4. Alcaus, the successour of Orpheus in the excel∣lecy of Lyricall poesie; and 5. Arion, the Musician, who was so perfect on his Harp, that being cast into the Sea playing on that instrument, a Dolphin took him on his back, and wasted him safe as far as Corinth, where he related the whole story unto Periander, attested by the Mariners who had thrown him overboard. And though this be by some rejected as a poetical fiction; yet past all doubt, the man was not only an excellent Musician, but an eminent Poet, the first inventor of Tragedies, a chief Lyrick, and the Author of the verse called Dithyrambick.

Principal Towns herein, 1. Lesbos, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from whom (saith Stephanus) the whole Island had the name of Lesbos. 2. Methymna, so named from Methymna one of the daugh∣ters of Macarius, spoken of before. 3. Mitylene, so named from the other daughter, and wife of Lesbus: now the Chief City of the Island, seated on a Peninsula looking towards the main land, strong by nature, and fortifyed by Art: enjoying on either side a commodious Haven, that on the South most fit for Gal∣lies; the other capable of ships of burden. Beautified heretofore with magnificent buildings, and sweet∣ned with variety of delights and pleasures: little now left of it since subdued by the Turks, but a strong Castle manned with an able Garrison, and a well-stored Ars nall for Gallies, kept here in readiness to preserve those Seas from Pirates; with which much infested. But the two first long since decayed and grown out of knowledge, those of most note next Mitylene, are 4. Vasilica. 5. Theodori. 6. Castel-Gera: all of late daies, and therefore of no observation in point of Story.

The Island was first inhabited by the Pelasgians, conducted hither by Zanthus the Sonne of Triopus; whence named Pelasgia: afterwards by some Ionians and people of sundry nations planted here by Maca∣rius, (the father of Mitylene and Methymna) who by his prudence and the reputation of his justice, obtained a kind of Soveraignty over the neighbouring Islands. Lesbus the Sonne of Lapithus arriving here with his Family, married Methymna, and had the Island for her Dower; though Mitylene had the hap to have the predominant City, and the Island consequently called by her name. Made subject to the State of Athens, in the time of the Peloponnesian warre (when almost all Greece banded against that City) they revolted from it, and were so straitly besieged by Paches, an Athenian Captain, that they submitted unto mercy. The Generall sends to Athens to know what should be done with the Mitylenians; Answer was sent, that he should put them to the sword. But the Senate on the morrow after repenting of that cruell Decree, sent a countermand. These latter Messengers made no stay, but eating with one hand, and row∣ing with the other, came to Mitylene, just as Paches was reading the former Order; by this speed pre∣vented. So neer were these miserable people to a fatall destruction. Subdued by the Romans with the rest of Greece, they fell together with it to the Constantinopolitan Emperours: from whom taken, with Chios, Samos, Andros, and some other of these Isles, Anno 1124. by the State of Venice, upon a quarrel betwixt them and the Grecian Emperour. Confirmed unto that Signeury by the Emperour Baldwin, and all the rest of the Aegean added to their portion; those above-named were again recovered by the va∣lour and good fortune of John Ducas, the Greek Emperour, then residing at Nice. Afterwards in the year 1335. the Emperour Calo-Johannes gave it to Franciscus Catalusius, a Noble Gentleman of Ge••o; with one of his Sisters, for her Dower. By whose posterity enjoyed till the year 1462. when Mahomet the Great incensed against Dominicus Catalusius the then Lord hereof, for the murder of his elder Brother, a Vassall and Tributary of his Empire (those Princes paying to the Turk an annuall tribute of 4000 Du∣cats) but more for harbouring the Pirates of Spain and Italy; besieges him in Mitylene his principall City; which in 27 daies (for so long it held) he constrained to submit unto him, and therewith all the Island also. Some of the Chief families, being removed unto Constantinople, upon some reasons of State, the main body of the people were permitted to remain here to till the land; and so continue to this day, with some few Turks, inconsiderable for their strength or numhers, entermixed amongst them.

3. CHIOS, the next to Lesbos both in site and bigness, lyeth opposite to the shore of Ionia, from which distant not above four leagues, is in compass about 126 miles. So called, as some say, from Chione a fair Nymph hereof, much sought after by many Suters: as others say, from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a Greek word signifying Snow, wherewith the mountains of it are sometimes covered. And some again will have it take name from Chios the Chief City of it, which being built in the form of the Greek letter 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, first got that name unto it self, and afterwards did communicate it to the whole Island. Isidore in his Origines gives another reason, and will have it called so from a Syriack word signifying Mastick, whereof there is plenty in this Isle. Chios insula (saith he) Syrâ linquâ appellatur, eo quod ibi Mastyx gignitur; Syri enim Mastychen Chion vocant. And were it so, that Chios in the Syriack did signifie Mastick, there could no better reason be assigned for the name: this Island being more furnished with that commodity, than any place in the world besides. A gumme it is growing out of the Lentisck tree, which in the moneths of July and August the Inhabitants force out of those trees by making with sharp instruments a deep incision into the the barks of them; one of which the juice dropping is afterwards hardned like a gumme, and in the Septem∣ber

following gathered. A Commodity with yieldeth yearly to the Inhabitants 18000 Sultanies, every Sultanie being valued at the rate of a Zochine of Venice: and therefore the felling of the Lentisck tree, at the time of the distilling of this precious juice, interdicted on the penalty of losing the right hand of him that doth it.

Other Commodities of this Island are Corn and Oyl in indifferent plenty, some quarries of most ex∣cellent Marble, a certain green earth like the rust of brass; some Silks, and Cotton-Wool, but shert in worth to those of Smyrna, and other places: Honey as good as any the world affordeth; and a vain of most delicious wines, those specially which grow on the Mountain Arvis, now called Amisea. Of which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gives this commendation, In sumoia gloria fuere Thasium, Chiumque; ex Chio, quod Ar∣visium vocant. Of all wines (saith he) those of Thassus, and Chios, are of best esteem; and of these of Chios, the Arvisian. Strabo extolleth them in the Superlative degree, and calleth the wine here∣of, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, incomparably the best of Greece. And Plutarch, speaking of an E∣picurean or voluptuous liver, affirms that he conceived it the supreme felicity 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, to lie with Thais, and drink th••se Arvisian wines. Here are also infinite store of Pa∣triges, of a red colour, kept tame, and fed in slocks like Geese, in the Streets and Greenswarths of their villages: some little Boy or Girl driving them to field, and calling them home again with a whistle when the night comes on.

The Island divided commonly into two parts, the Higher called Apanomera, lying towards the North and West, hilly, and rough, but intermixt with fruitful vales and pleasant Rivers: the Lower, opposit unto it, called Catamorea, swelled here and there with gentle hillocks, on which groweth the Lentisck. The whole inhabited by Greeks intennixt with Genoese, and (since their conquest by that people) some few Turks amongst them. Which mixture with the Genoese, tempereth the levity of the Greeks with it than gravity: the better sort of people both in apparrel and manners coming neer the Genoese, once the Lords of this Island: the common fort continuing their old Greek humour of mirth and jollity, (not sensible of the Turkish thraldome under which they suffer) with as much licenciousness as ever. And though this in∣termixture hath so corrupted their language, that neither the Greek nor the Italian be here rightly spoken, but a compound tongue made up of both: yet keep they their Religions still distinct and separate, as if they had never known another.

Here are reckoned in it six and thirty Towns and villages, the principall whereof are, I. S. Elias in the North. 2. Pigrine, in the midest hereof; and 3. Chios it self, now called Sio(as is all the Island) one of the seven Cities contending for the birth of Homer, whose Sepulchre they pretend to shew in an old Castle neer the Mount and Town of S. Elias(which were it his, would be a better argument for his buri∣all here, than it is for his birth.) The Town situate in the most pleasant and fruitfull part of the Countrey, to which both industry and Art have given great advantage: here being few houses without Orchards of excellent fruits, as Oringes, Limons, Pomegranats, Citrons, and a kind of Fig, much praised for their quick∣ness of tast by the antient Romans. It standeth on the East-side opposite to the Shores of Asia,stretched along the bottom of the Haven, and on the West-side backed with a rocky Mountain, upon which it former∣ly did stand. The Buildings ordinary, the Streets narrow, and the Haven every day decaying: though other∣wise secure once entred; and for directing of the entrance a Lantern advanced by the Genoese(when Lords hereof) to give light by night, and serve for a land-mark in the day. Fortified on the North-side by a large and strong Castle, environed with deep ditches, well furnished with munition, and a Turkish Garrison. And because the Island is on all parts accessible, not naturally fortified with rocks, and dangerous precipices, as many others; besides this Castle, they have all along the Coast small Watch-to••rs, which with smoke by day, and fire by night, give notice unto one another of such Vessels as they see approaching: the Guards about the Castle being so intent also about their charge, that every minute of the night there goeth a word about the walls to declare their vigilancie.

The Chians were at first a free people, governing themselves as a Commonwealth; and by reason of their many harbours, able to furnish out a Navy of 80 Sayl, which gave them the Lordship of those Seas; till ecclipsed by the Rhodians. Besieged by Philip the Father of Perseus, with his utmost power, who when he could not get it by force, proclamed freedome to the Slaves (of which here were many) and liberty to ma∣••y with their Masters wives, if they would rebell against their Masters. And when this policy would not do it, the Town being held out with greater heat of indignation, he gave over the siege. At last they be∣came subject to the Romans, with the rest of Greece, and followed punctually the same change of fortunes, as did those of Les••os; which we have spoken of before: till given by Andronicus Paloeologus, one of the last Greek Emperours, to the Justinians, a noble Genoesian Family, assistant to him in his wars. Under them it continued as tribut tries to the Turks (after the Turks had made themselves masters of Constantinople) to whom they annually paid eighteen thousand Ducats; till the year 1566. When Solyman the Magnifi∣cent picking a quarrell with them for some suspected correspondency with the Knights of Malta, commanded Pial, one of his greatest Bassas, to seize the Island. And he accordingly presenting himself before the City with a strong Fleet of eighty Gallies, did so astonish and amaze the Inhabitants of it, that without any other summons than the fight of his Navy, they surrendred themselves unto his disposing, upon Easter-day, being the same day he came before it. since that it hath continued Turkish, all save their Religion, en∣joyed by them with like liberty as in former times.

4. SAMOS, is on the South-east of Chios, distant about five miles from the shores of Ionia; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 eighty or eighty seven in compass; environed for the most part, especially on the North-west with in∣••••able but beautified with a fair and capacious Haven; of little use by reason of the Pirates 〈…〉〈…〉s. The soyl sufficiently enriched with most kind of fruits, abundantly plentifull 〈◊〉〈◊〉

Oly, and Olives, but of Vines altogether unfurnished which is the more to be admired in regard all the Islands and shores about it, produce them in so great a plenty. It stretcheth from the East to the West: and on the South part of it stood the City Samia, neer unto the Haven before spoken of. In former times po∣pulous, and well inhabited, as was the rest of the Iland; now wholly desolate in a manner, because of the Pi∣rates, and in most places very much over-grown with woods: becoming thereby very usefull to those publick enemies, who find here Timber enough for Shipping, and can upon the sudden put a ship to Sea, for pursuit of their Robberies. The chief commodity it affordeth besides those above, is a medicinall Earth, usefull for Chirurgery and Physick: of which in former times were those Vessels made, called Vasa Samia, in great request amongst the Romans.

Antiently it had the names of Dryusa, Anathemusa, Melamphylas, and Ciparissa: out-worn by that of Samos, which it still retaineth. Memorable in old times for the birth of Juno, of one of the Sibyls, hence called Samia; and finally of the wise-man Pythagoras (a wiser than any of the seven wise Ma∣sters, so renowned amongst them) who first brought Philosophy into Greece, and from thence into Italy. Once a free Common-wealth of no small esteem, the Institutes whereof are mentioned by Heraclides. in his Books of the severall Commonwealths then being: afterwards made subject to the Tyrant Polycrates, a man so fortunate that for a long time he never fell into any mischance. Fearing lest such a long calm would bring on a tempest, he let fall into the Sea a most precious Ring, by him deservedly esteemed; that so it might be said he had some mis-fortunes. Which after he had found again in the belly of a fish brought ac∣cidentally to his table, he was overcome by Orontes a Persian, and brought to a miserable death. Lea∣ving a notable example that fortune is certain in nothing but uncertainties; and like a Bee with a sharp sting, hath alwaies some misery following in the train of a long concatenation of felicity. From this time forwards it ran the same fortune with the rest of these Ilands; subject successively to the great Monarchies in former times, as of late times to the Venetians, Greeks, and Turks, who do now enjoy it.

5. ICARIA, (now called Niceria) lyeth not far from Samos, to the West-ward of it, nar∣row, but extended out in length; the whole compass seven and thirty miles: neighboured by two great Rocks, or little Ilands, of old called Melanthii, now the Fernaces; formidable at all times to Mariners, in the right especially. Meanly inhabited at the present, though abounding in pasturage, and yielding sufficiency of corn: Havenless, and therefore the less frequented, yet that defect supplyed by commodious Roads. In former times called Doliche, then Macris, after Ichsiaesa: which name it held till the flight of Daedalus out of Crete. Who justly fearing the anger of Minos, for being Pandar to his wife in her loves with Tau∣rus, secretly with Icarus his sonne, fled out of that Iland. And because he would be sure to out-strip the Rower; who pursued him, he added fails unto his Boat, which it is said he first invented. But Icarus, co∣ming after in another Bark, delighted with the new device, clapped on too much Canvass, and bearing too great a Sayl, was here cast away. Hence the new name both to this Iland, and the Seas adjoyning to it: and the occasion of the Fable of Daedalus putting wings upon his shoulders, when he fled from Crete; and of his sonnes flying too high, whereby the wax melted which his wings were fastned with, and so he perished in the water. Of which thus Ovid

Dum petít infirmis nimium sublimia pennis Icarus, Icariis nomina fecit aquis. In English thus, Whilst Icarus weak wings too high did soare, He fell, and gave name to th' Icarian shore.

6. PATMOS, now called Palmosa, is situate on the South of the other two; A little Iland, not above 30. miles in compass. Mounteinous, but indifferently fruitful, especially of wheat and pulse: of other commodities and fruits not so well provided. On one of these Mounteins stands a town of the s••me name with the Iland; having on the top thereof a Monasterie of Greek Caloiros; and on the bottom a fair haven (I mean in reference to the Iland). Fourty sail of Ships are said to belong unto it; by the trading whereof they bring in those provisions which the soyl affordeth not: the soyl about the town being so incomparably barren, that nothing groweth on or near it, but on such earth as is brought thither from o∣ther places. Unto this Iland (as to others in other parts of the world) did the Roman Emperours use to confine offenders. A punishment laid by Domitian on S. John the Divine, who in this place writ his ••••velation to the Churches of Asia. So much the Text affirmes for certain, as to the writing of it in this Iland. And the Inhabitants by tradition point unto an house on the North-side of the Town in which it was written; and nor far off, the Cave, where it was revealed. Both places equally honoured by the Greeks, and Latines. They also shew a dead mans hand, which they affirm to be his, the nayls whereof grow again as oft as cut. But the Turks (saith Maginus) claim it for the hand of one of their Prophets. Let them dispute the controversie, whilst we hast to

7. CLAROS, another Iland not far off, containing about forty miles in compass. Well sto∣••••d with commodious Harbours, but very mountainous, some of those hils of such an height, that from the tops thereof, the City of Ephesus in Ionia, though distant at least eighty miles, may be easily seen. It is ••••w called Calamo. Neighboured by Lero (of old called Ileron) a little Iland not above eighteen miles an circuit; but very populous, inhabited both by Greeks and Turks. and furnishing the neighbouring Coun∣••••es with some store of Aloes. Sacred in formertimes was Claros to Apollo; reckoned by him amongst his honours in his brags to Daphne: where he declares,

—Mihi Delphica teltus, Et Claros, et Tenedos, Pataraeaque Regia servic.

That is to say,

The folk of Delphos, Tenedos and Clare, And Royall Patara, my Vassals are.

8. COOS, COS, or COVS, for by all these names it was called of old, is situate over against Caria, in the very bottom of the Aegean, that is to say, in that part thereof which is called Mare Myrtoum, the Myrtoan Sea. A Sea so called, as some say, from one Myrtilus, the Coachman or C••ioteer of OEnomaus, who having betrayed his race with Pelops, and importunate for his reward, was by Pelops precipitated into this Sea. Plinie less probably conceiveth that it took name from Myrtos a little Iland not far from Euboea: a little to far off to extend its name to the shores of Caria. And there∣fore considering that Lydia antiently was called Myrtus, and that in those times Aeolis and Ionia lying on this Sea, were accompted but as parts thereof; I think we may resolve with more probability that it de∣rived this name from that Lydian Myrtus.

In this Sea stands the Isle of Coos, now called Lange, affording Saylers as they passe by a most beauti∣full prospect, lying for the most part flat and level, but swelling towards the East with some gracefull mountains, out of which issue many sweet and pleasant springs to refresh the Iland, which maketh it more than ordinarie fruitful. Productive of Cypress trees, Turpentine, and sundry others, both delight∣ful and medicinall, but most especially celebrated for those rich wines, which the Good Fellows of Rome so much loved to quaff, called Vinum Cos. It is in compasse 70 miles, having a Town of the same name, in the suburbs whereof Stomalimne stood, antiently the Temple of Aesculapius, famous, and rich with the offerings of those who having by his assistance (as they supposed) recovered health, came hi∣ther to make payment of their vowes, and express their gratitude. It is now fortified with a strong Castle, held by a Garrison of Turks: and besides this, two Villages onely in the Iland, and both inhabited by Greeks.

In elder times it had the name of Merope, Caria and Nymphoea, and at last of Coos. Memorable in being the Countrey of many famous men who were herein bota; viz. of Hippocrates, the Revivor of Physick, then almost decayed, who is hence called Hippocrates Cous. 2. Sinius, a Physician also; 3. Ariston, a Peripatetick Philosopher. 4. Philetas, as good an Oratour as a Poet. 5. Nicias, who for a time oppressed the liberty of this people, and 6. of Apelles the famous Painter, who to express his art in the picture of Venus, (rising naked out of the Sea) assembled together all the most beautifull wo∣man of this Iland, uniting in that piece their divided perfections. Which famous peece being afterwards hanged up in the Temple of Stomalimne, one of the principal of this Iland, was thence conveyed to Rome by Augustus, and their dedicated to Coesar, as the mother of the Julian Family: the Coans in regard hereof being eased of a great part of their annuall tributes. Not much less memorable for that fine thin stuffe (such as now called Tiffanies) so much in use amongst the Chief Ladies of Rome: which at once shewed them cloathed and naked. Perlucida utuntur veste, ita ut nudoe conspici possint, as my Author hath it. These they called Vestimenta Coa, and Vestes Coas, so often mentioned by the Poets, especially in their Amatoria; as Coa puellis Vestis, in Tibullus; Indue me Cois, in Propertius; Sive e••••t in Cois, saith the Poet Ovid. So in others also, too many, and too long to be added here. I passe to

9. CARPATHOS, situate on the South of Caria, in the Mediterranean, from this Iland, called here abouts the Carpathtan Sea. A rugged and unpleasing soil, full of difficult mountains, but those mountains stored with quarries of most excellent Marble. In circuit about 60 miles, extending more in length than breadth. Heretofore beautified with four Cities, and thence named Tetrapolis. But three of the four Cities are long since perished, that of Carpathos being still remaining, and still the princi∣pall of the Iland; both now called Scarpanto. Some other Towns it hath all along the shore, and every one of them furnished with some Port or Haven, but small, and for the most part very unsafe. Situate in the midle as it were betwixt Crete and Rhodes, it hath continued hitherto in the possession of the State of V••∣nice (if not taken from them very lately) to whom being given with other of the Ilands of these Grecian Seas, at the taking of Constantinople by the Western forces, it hath the fortune or felicity to continue theirs, when almost all the residue were subdued by the Turks. The people Greek, of the communion of that Church, notwithstanding their subjection to a State of Italy.

10. RHODES, situate in the Rhodian or Carpathian Sea, lyeth over against the coast of Lyria, in Asia Minor, from which distant about 20 miles. Formerly called Ophiusa, Asteria, Aethroea, Trinachia, Poeessa, Corymbia, Atabyria, and at last Macaria; it settled finally and fortunately in the name of Rhodes. So named by the Grecians from the abundance of Roses, which the soil produceth, Rhodos in that language signifying a Rose, the Isle of Roses, as it were: but as the Poets say, of Rhoda, a Nymph of these Seas, here deflowred by Apollo; or rather of Rhoda, one of the daughters of Apollo begat on Venus: For so one of them thus declareth;

Insula dicta Rhodos, de Sole et Cypride nata est. Rhoda, from whom this Isle took name, Of Venus and Apollo came.

The Iland 140 miles in compass, enriched with a most temperate air, and a fertile soyl, producing finuts in very great plenty, full of excellent pastures, adorned with trees which alwaies do continue gree•••• and in a word so blest with the gists nature, that it gave occasion to the fable of those Golden Shewers, which were once said to have fallen upon it. The wines hereof so excellent, and so rich of tast, that by the Romans they were used in their second courses, or reserved for the sacrifices of the Gods, as too good for morta••ls, as affirmed by Virgil in the Geor••icks. The cause of which perpetual flourishing, and continuall spring, is to be ascribed to the powerful influences of the Sun, so dearly cherishing this Island, or so much in

love with it, that it is constantly affirmed that no day passeth wherein he shineth not clearly on it, be the air in all other places never so much over-cast with Clouds, or obscured by mists. Fained for that cause to have been naturally a meer Marish, altogether unhabitable, if not covered with waters, till loved by Phoebus, anstcrected above the waves by his vigorous influences.

Of the People we shall speak anon; Look we in the mean time on the places of most observation. 1. Lindun (now Lindo a pety Town, but formerly of more esteem:) of note in those times for the Temple consecrated to Minerva, by Danaus King of Egypt, landing here when he fled out of that Kingdome. As also for the birth of Cares, the Architect of the huge Collossus, whereof more presently; but special∣ly for the nativity of Cleobulus, one of the seven wise men of Greece: the other six, being Solon of Ath••n••, Pertander of Corinth, Chilo of Sparta, Bias of Priene, Thales of Miletum, and Pittacus of Mi∣tylene. Seven men of whom the Grecians most immensely bragged, as if the World could neither afford them equals, or an equall number: for which derided handsomely by Lactanitius, an old Christian wri∣ter, who scoffe's their paucity, and calleth it a miserable and calamitous age, in quo septom Soli fuerunt qui hominum vocabula mererentur; in which there were no more than seven who deserved to be accompt∣ed men. 2. Rhodes, antiently, as now the chief City of it, the Iland from hence taking name, and for∣merly, as well as in later times, depending on the fortunes and strength hereof. No place in elder times held superiour to it, for the convenency of the Haven, magnificent buildings, delightfull Orchards, and other excellencies. Situate on the East part of the Isle, on the declining of an hill, and neer the Sea, where it enjoyeth a safe and commodious Haven: treble walled, fortified with thirteen Turrets, and five strong Bulwarks, besides divers Sconces, and other out-works: this Town, and Famagusta in the Isle of Cyprus, being conceived to be the two strongest holds in the Turkish Empire. In former times, one of the principall Universities of the Roman Empire; this Rhodes, Marseiles, Tarsus, Athens, and Alexandria, be∣ing reckoned the old Academies of the Monarchy. And to this Town, as a most noted place of Study, Ti∣berius (afterwards Emperour) did withdraw himself, when Augustus had declared his two Nephewes Lucius and Caius, for his Heires: pretending onely a desire to improve himself in the waies of literature; whereas the true cause was his envy at their preferment. Honoured in those times with that huge Collossus, one of the seven wonders of the World, made by Chares of Lindum before mentioned. Composed of Brass, in height seventy Cubits, every finger of it being as great as an ordinary man; and consecrated to the Sun, as the proper Deity of the Iland. Twelve years in making, and having stood but sixty six years, was pulled down in an instant by an Earthquake, which terribly shook the whole Iland. The Rhodians being forbid by an Oracle to erect it again (or possibly pretending such an Oracle to save that charge) yet held the brass and other materials of it (in a manner) sacred. Not medled with, nor sacriligiously purloined till Mnavias the Generall of Osmen, the Mahometan Caliph, finding in himself no such scruple of con∣science, (after he had subdued this Iland) made a prey hereof; loading nine hundred Camels with the ve∣ry brass of it. From this Colossus, was the Iland sometimes called Colossa, and the People Collossians: not those Colossians (as some have very vainly thought) to whom Sain Paul writ his Epistle, those being of Colosse, a Town of the Greater Phrigya, as hath there been noted. Here was also in this City antient∣ly a Temple of Bacchus, enriched with many presents both of Greeks and Romans; of both which People the Rhodians were then held in a fair esteem, but the God and the good Wines in greater. Towns of less note, are 3. Villanova. 4. Russicare, and some others, but as little memorable.

This Iland was first Peopled by Dodanim the sonne of Javan, and the Grand-child of Japhet, whom the Greeks call commonly but corruptly Rhodanim; mistaking the Hebrew letter Dalesh for that of Resh, letters so like as easily it might draw them to that mistake. Finding this Iland too narrow for him, he left here a Colony, and with the main body of his People passed into Greece, where he planted the Countrey of Epirus, as hath there been said. Those which staid here, being mistakingly called Rhodians (or called so by the Grecians, not looking with too curious eyes into their Antiquities, from the abundant of Roses here∣in growing) making the best use of their Haven, and other the advantages of their situation, became so ex∣pert in maritime affairs, that by Florus they are stiled Populus nauticus; and that not onely in the way of Trade and Marchandize, but of power and government: holding for many years the command of these Seas, and prescribing Lawes for the Regleiment of Navegation. Which being called the Rhodian Lawes, became the generall Rule for deciding marine causes, and ordering the Affaires of Sea, in all the parts and Provinces of the Roman Empire: and so continued till supplanted in these Westem parts by the Lawes of Oleron. Fearfull of falling under the Macedonians, they applied themselves unto the Romans; whom first they aided in their warres against Philip the Father of Perseus; and afterwards in that also against Antiochus. Re∣warded for this last service with Lycia and Caria, two of the Asian Provinces, which Antiochus was to leave on his composition; they became so faithfully affected to the State of Rome, that when all the other Ilands of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, revalted to Mithridates King of Pontus: this onely ad∣hered unto the Romans. Proud either of their strength at Sea, or of those good Officers, they be∣gan to take upon them as Mediatours, and thought themselves fit men to advise their Masters. Crown troublesome by their frequent interpositions, and losing much of their esteem by such impertinencies: they be∣gan to grow jealous of the Romans, and incline to Perseus King of Macedon; whose Father they before opposed with their utmost power. A change which Perterculus expresseth with some admiration. Rhodij ipsi fidelissimi antea Romanis, dubià jam fide proniores in Regis partes visisunt, as his words there are. But yet they held for them against Mithridates, as before was said; and served their turn on all occasions; until insensibly they bretraied their liberty to the power of their friends; and of Confederates and Allaies, became their Vassals. Made by Vespasian into a Province with the rest of the Isles, the Governour or Pr∣sident of that Province fixing here his residence, as the chief of those Ilands: which gave the title of Me∣tropolitan

tropolitan to the Bishop of Rhodes. Under that Empire it continued, (or under that of Constantinople af∣ter the division) till the year 1124. when taken from the Grecians, by the State of Venice; again recovered by the Greeks, in the time of their Emperour John Ducas, then residing at Nice. Wonne from the Gre∣cians by the Turks, the Knights of Saint John of Hierusalem, being utterly driven out of Asia, possessed themselves of it, by the favour of Emanuel the then Emperour, who aided them in the conquest, Anno 1308. Afterwards proving bad neighbours to the Turkish tyrants, whom they ceased not to infest upon all occasions, they were many times in vain invaded: Mahomet the Great, famous for taking Constantinople and the Empire of Trabezond, spending some time before their City with both loss and shame. At the last 1522. it was again besieged by Solyman the Magnificent, Lilladamus Villerius being then Great Master: who did as much in defence hereof as policy and puissance could extend unto. But multitude in the end prevailed, and upon Christmas day, the Turk entred Rhodes as Conquerour; though possibly he might have said (as Pyrrhus once said of a like victory against the Romans) that such another victory would have quite undon him. Since that a Province of the Turks, by whom, and by some Jews banished out of Spain, the Ci∣ty of Rhodes is wholly inhabited: the Christians, which are licensed to dwell in the Countrey, and have leave to trade there in the day time, not suffered upon pain of death to stay there all night. And so we pass from the Ilands of the Asian Diocese, to the Isle of Cyprus, a neer neighbour unto Anatolia, but no member of it: the rest of that Diocese, and those Seas, as 11. Possidium. 12. Arcesine. 13 Bu∣gialos. 14. Minyas. 15. Sirne. 16. Cesi, and the rest, yielding but little matter of observation, besides their names.