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 AFRICK.

AFRICK is bounded on the East by the Red-Sea, and Bay of Arabia, by which parted from Asia; on the West, by the main Atlantick Ocean, interposing betwixt it and America; on the North, by the Mediterranean Sea, which divides it from Europe and Anatolia; and on the South, with the Aethiopick Ocean, separating it from Terra Australis incognita, or the Southern Conti∣nent; Parted from all the rest of the World, except Asia only, to which joyned by a narrow Isthmus not above 60 miles in length. Memorable for the great design which Cleopatra the last Queen of Egypt had upon it, which in brief was this: When Mark Anthonie was encountred by Augustus in the Naval battel of Actium, Cleopatra fearing the success, fled through the midst of all his Fleet, with the 60 Gallies which were appointed for her guard; Being come to the North part of this Isthmus, she gathered together all her portable treasures, and intended to hoist her shipping out of the Mediterranean, and hale them over the Land to the Red-Sea; whence she had purposed to take sail, and together with her Sweet∣heart Anthonie and some other choicest friends, to seek out some other place of dwelling far enough from the Romans; But from this, Anthonie, who fled after her, and vainly hoped for a change of for∣tunes, did at last disswade her.

The Form hereof is like a Pyramis reversed; the Basis of which, from Tanger on the Streit of Gi∣braltar to the point where it joyneth unto Asia, is reckoned at the breadth of 1920 Italian miles; the Conus of it very narrow; But from the Conus or Pyris to the most Northern part of the B••sis, it extendeth it self the space of 4155 miles, being much lesse then Asia, and far bigger then Europe.

By the Grecians it is called most commonly Libya, (of which more hereafter) part of it taken for the whole: by the Aethiopians, Alkebu-lam; by the Indians, Besecath. But the most noted name thereof is Africa, which Josephus out of Cleodenus and Polyhistor, deriveth from Epher or Apher, one of the Nephews of Abraham by Midian the son of Keturah. The Arabians, by whom it is called Ifrichia, derive it from the Verb Faruch, signifying to divide; because more visibly divided both

from their own Country, and the rest of the World, then any other part thereof which was known unto them. Some of the Greek Fablers setch it from one Afer a Companion of Hercules, whom he attended unto Spain. Some fetch it out of Aphar, an Hebrew word, signifying Dust, agreeable to its sandie and dustie soile: Festus an old Grammarian, from A Privativum, and the Greek word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which imports a Country void of cold, as suitable to the fiery temper of the Aire. By Bochartus, who brings all from the old Phaenician, it is said to be derived from Peruc, Spica, an Ear of corn; which mollified into Feric, came at last to Africk, that is to say, a Country plentifull in Corn. Which Ety∣mologie of his may receive some countenance from that great plenty of Corn which was bred in this Country, especially in those parts hereof which the Romans called the Proper Africk, whereof we shall speak more when we come to Barbary; the whole Continent taking from that Province the name of Africk. But in my mind, (if that from the Hebrew Epher or Aphar, be not worth accepting) I should prefer the Etymon of Festus before any other; unlesse we might be sure that Carthage an∣ciently was called Africa, as Suidas telleth us it was: for then without all peradventure we would seek no further. For other more particular names by which it hath been called in some elder writers, i.e. Olympia, Oceanica, Eschatica, Coryphe, Ammonis, Hesperia, Ortygia, and perhaps some others, it is enough to our design to take notice of them.

It is situate for the most part under the Torrid Zone, the Aequator crossing it almost in the very midst; and for that cause supposed by many of the Ancients not to be inhabited at all, or but very ••hinly in the middle and more Southern parts of it; or if at all, with such strange people, as hardly did deserve to be counted men. Pomponius among others was of this opinion, guessing the inward parts thereof to be taken up by such strange Brutes, as the Cynophanes, who had heads like dogs: 2. The Sciapodae, who with the shadow of their Foot could and did use to hide themselves from the heats of the Sun: 3. The Gamosaphantes, a naked people, ignorant of the use of weapons, and there∣fore fearfully avoiding the sight of men: 4. The Blemmyae, who being without heads, had their eyes and mouths in their breasts: 5. The Aegypani, who had no other humane quality to declare them to be men, but the shape and making of their bodies. These people (as they thought) possessed some small portion of the mid-land parts of this great Country; the rest they knew not, or conceived to be unhabitable, in regard of the great heats thereof. But late discoveries and navigations have found the contrary; the Country proving in most parts to be well inhabited; and the coolnesse of the nights, by mists, dewes, and gentle gales of wind, to mitigate the heat of the day.

Quod{que} die Solis vehementi excanduit aestu, Humida nox resicit, paribus{que} refrigerat horis.

That is to say,

What the Sun burns by day, the Night renewes, And doth as much refresh with moystning dewes.

For notwithstanding that it be in some places full of sandy desarts, a disease incident to some parts of Arabia, Persia, and other Countries of a more Northernly situation; yet it is said by some, who speak it upon knowledge, that the greatest part of those Regions which lie under the Line or near it, (both in America and here) have so many goodly Fountains, Rivers, and little Brooks, such abundance of Cedars and other stately Trees of shade, so many sorts of delicate Fruits ever bearing and at all times beautified with blossoms; as may make them hold comparison with any others supposed to be of a more temperate situation.

But as was said before, the Ancients knew not much of this Country, and therefore spoke upon conjecture, or more doubtful hear-say. For though Hanno a noble Carthaginian, imployed by that State, discovered much of the Western Shores of this great Peninsula, yet he ventured not much into the Land; nor did his Journal (either suppressed by the Romans, or not much took notice of) give any great light to other Nations to pursue those Voyages; being writ in the Carthaginian tongue, but since translated into Greek, and published at Basil by Sigismund Gelenius, ann. 1533. As little credit did it find in former times, that some Phoenicians in the dayes of Pharao Neco, passing down the Red Sea, should sail about the Coasts of Africk to the Streits of Gibraltar, and so return again to Egypt by the Mediterranean; as we find in Herodotus, that they did. But what those Ages dis∣believed or esteemed impossible, is now grown ordinary; the Circumnavigations about this Country being very frequent, since first performed by Vasques de Gama, an Adventurous Portugal, in the year 1497. by means whereof these latter Ages are better instructed in the particulars of it then the for∣mer were; who knew not much beyond the limits of the Roman Empire and some parts adjoyning upon Egypt, more then the strange Beasts, and more strange Reports which they had from hence, occasioning hereby the By-word, Africa semper aliquid apportat novi.

Touching the State of Christianity in this great Continent, it is very weak; most of those Regions which Christian religion had once gained from Idol••try, Mahometism having since regained from Chri∣stianity: Insomuch that not only the North-part of Africk near the Mediterranean. from Spain to E∣gypt, where the Gospel once so exceedingly flourished, that three hundred Catholike Bishops were at one time banished thence by Gensericus King of the Vandals, is at this present utterly void of Christi∣ans, (except some few Towns belonging to the King of Spain) but even in all this vast Country, thrice as big as Europe, there is not any one Region entirely Christian, but the Kingdom of Habassia only, and perhaps not that; none where the Christians are intermingled with Mah••metans, but only

Egypt; nor where mingled with Idolaters, but in Longo and Angola, and some few Towns upon those Coasts in the hands of the Portugals. So little benefit have those Nations gotten by our late Discoveries; it being Gain, not Godlinesse, which the Merchant aims at.

The Nations inhabiting this Country, or dispersed in it, may be reduced to Africans properly so called, Egyptians, Habassines, Arabians, Jewes•• and some Europaean Christians: the Europaean Chri∣stians only in their Forts and Garrisons, the Jewes in all the good Towns where Trade is stirring, the Arabians chiefly on the Sea-coasts bordering on the Red-Sea, but wandering in great herds or com∣panies all about the Country with their wives and children; the Habassines and Egyptians in their severall kingdoms: The Africans again subdivided into Moors and Caferes, of which the Moors are wholly under the Law of Mahomet the Caferes dwelling in the inland and more Southern parts, not discovered antiently, in their wonted Gentilisme. Accordingly, the Languages herein spoken are different also; The Portugal or Spanish being used by the Europaeans; 2. The Chaldee or Syriack by the Iewes; 3. The Arabick by those of that Nation, and in all Barbary except Morocco only; 4. The Habassine, and 5. The Egyptian, in those Kingdoms; 6. That called Aquel-amarig, or the Noble language, supposed to be the natural and original language of the Roman Africans, intermixt with some Arabian words, and spoken generally in Morocco, and so amongst some of the inhabitants of Barbary nearest to Mount Atlas; 7. That named Sungai, used in Tombutum, Guinea, and others of the people of the Land of Negroes; and 8. That called Gubeo, spoke by those of Aithiopia in∣ferior, and such of the Land of Negroes as lie next unto it.

In reference to the State of the Roman Empire, it contained only the Dioceses of Egypt, Africk, and part of the Diocese of Spain. The Diocese of Egypt subdivided into the Provinces of, 1. Libya su∣perior, 2. Libya inferior, 3. Thebais, 4. Augustanica, 5. Arcadia, and 6. Aegyptus specially so called; distinguished by other names in the Nicene Council: That of Africk, into Tripolitana, 2. Byzacena, 3. Zeugitana, 4. Numidia, 5. Mauritania Caesariensis, 6. and Mauritania Sitifensis; that other part of Mauritania, called Tingitana, being laid to the Diocese of Spain. The rest of this Peninsula, as they never conquered, so it never was much taken into consideration. But being more perfectly discovered now then in former times, (though not so perfectly as that I can be able to promise an exact accompt of it) it is divided commonly into these seven parts; 1. Egypt, 2. Barbary or the Roman Africk, 3. Numidia, 4. Libya, neither of which the same with those of the antient Romans, 5. Terra Nigritarum 6. Aethiopia superior, and 7. Aethiopia inferior. Such of the Islands as do pro∣perly belong unto any of these, shall make up the eighth. In the Descriptions whereof we will fol∣low the Method of Plautanus, and begin with Egypt, as being peopled and possessed before all the residue.

OF EGYPT.

EGYPT is bounded on the East with Idumaea, and the Bay of Arabia; on the West with Barbary, Numidia, and part of Libya; on the North with the Mediterranean Sea; on the South with Aethiopia Superior, or the Abassine Empire.

This Country in the holy Scriptures is called Misraim, from Misraim the son of Chus, and grand∣son of Cham, by whom first planted after the flood; the footsteps of which name do remain amongst the Arabians, who still call it Misre. Named in the same regard in the Book of Psalms, the Land of Ham; a name retained in some of the sacred offices of the old Egyptians, where (as Plutarch wit∣nesseth) it was called Chemia, for Chamia no doubt, as that from Cham or Ham, the first stock of their nation. In Prophane Authors it hath had the several names of, 1. Aeria, from the serenity of the Aire, which is never clouded; 2. Potamia, from the propinquitie of the Sea, washing two sides of it; 3. Ogygia, from Ogyges a supposed king thereof; 4. Melampodus, from the black colour of the soil; 5. Osiria, from their God Osiris, here in high esteem; and finally, 6. Aegyptus, which in the end prevailed over all the rest, either from Aegyptus the Brother of Danaus once King hereof, (in the stories of this Nation better known by the name of Rameses) or from Aegyptus the old name of the River Nilus, by whose annual overflowings made both rich and famous; and of the soil and rubbish which that River brought with it from the higher Countries, it was by some supposed to have been raised into firm land and gained out of the sea; Called therefore in some Writers by the name of Nili donum, or the gift of Nilus. Yet some there be who would have it called Aegyptus for Aigupthus, and that derived from Ai, and Coptus, which signifieth the Land or Country of Coptus, that being supposed to have been antiently the chief City of it. And some again will have the name derived from Chioth, by which the Aegyptians call themselves to this very day.

It conteineth in length from the Mediterranean to the City of Asna, or Sy••••e, bordering on Ae∣thiopia, 562 Italian miles; in breadth (exclusively of Cyrene and Libya) from Rosetta unto Damiata, or from the most Westerly Branch of Nilus to the farthest East, 160 of the same miles; to which the adding of those two Provinces make a great accession: Situate under the second and fi••t Climates, so that the longest day in Summer is but 13 houres and an half.

By reason of this Southernly situation of it, the Air is here very hot and offensive, so that to avoid the insupportable heats thereof, and to have the benefit of some fresh wind, the Inhabitants are ac∣customed to build high Towers in all their Towns, on which they use to solace and refresh themselves.

The soyl made fruitfull by the overflowings of Nilus, (whereof more anon) is so exceeding plenti∣full of all sorts of Grain, that it was called Horreum populi Romani, the Granarie or Store-house of the People of Rome: which Citie it did annually furnish with four moneths provision; insomuch that it was said by Plinie, that the greatness of the Roman Empire could not long continue without the corn and wealth of Egypt, the plenty or famine of that City depending wholly on this Country. It abounds also with rich Pastures, in which they feed great store of Camels, Horses, Asses, Oxen, Sheep, and Goats, greater of growth then usually in most places else; and by reason of the moorishness of the Country, they have great store of Fowls: Of Poultrie they have also good numbers about their houses, hatched in a different manner from all other Countries, not by the sitting of the Hen, but the heat of Furnaces, or Ovens; in which their eggs are orderly laid in dung, and by a gentle heat brought to animation. It is also liberally furnished with great plenty of Mettals, some precious Stones, good Wines, and the choicest Fruits, as Limons, Orenges, Pomgranats, Citrons, Figs, Cher∣ries, and such as these, excellent both for taste and colour; and of Palm-trees a great abundance; of which though we have spoke before, yet we shall here more fully declare the nature and strange pro∣perties of them: They grow in couples, Male and Female, both thrust forth Gods full of seed, but the Female is only fruitfull, and that not except growing by the Male, and having his seeds mixt with hers. The pith of these Trees is an excellent Sallad, better then an Hartichoke, which in taste it very much resembleth. Of the branches they make Bedsteds, Latices, &c. of the leaves, Baskets, Mats, Fans, &c. of the outward husk of the Cod, Cordage; of the inner, Brushes. The fruit it bears, best known by the name of Dates, are in taste like Figs: and finally, it is said to yield whatsoever is necessary to the life of Man. It is the nature of this Tree, though never so ponderous a weight were put upon it, not to yield to the burden, but still to resist the heaviness of it, and to endeavour to lift and raise it self the more upwards. For this cause planted in Church-yards in the Eastern Coun∣tries, as an Embleme of the Resurrection: instead whereof we use the Ewe-tree in these cold Regi∣ons. For the same reason, given to Conquerours as a token of Victory; it being the Embleme of Hie∣roglyphick of a Souldiers life. Hence figuratively used for precedency; as, Huic equidem consilio palmam do, in Terence; sometimes for the Victory it self; as, Non auferent tamen hanc palmam, in Plinic, & plurimarum palmarum homo, for a man that had won many prizes in the Fence-School, as in Tully, pro Roscio; more naturally for the sign of Victory, as in that of Horace,

—Palmaque nobilis, Terrarum Dominos evehit ad Deos.

That is to say,

The Palm, of victory a signe, Equal's men to the Powers Divine.

The People, though the Countrie lie in the same Clime with Barbarie, are not black, but tawnie, or Olive-coloured; affirmed by Pomponius Mela to weep and mourn over the bodies of their dead, daubed over with dung; to have held it a great impiety to burn or bury them, but having imbalmed them to lay them in some inward room of their Houses: the men to keep themselves at home, for the houshold businesses, the women to follow merchandise and affairs abroad; the men to carry burdens upon their heads, and the women theirs upon their shoulders: Antipodes in these last to most other Nations. But certainly they were a witty and ingenious People, the first Inventers of Geomo∣try, Arithm••tick, Physick, as also of Astronomy, Necromancy, and Sorcery. They first taught the use of Letters to the neighbouring Phoenicians, by them imparted to the Greeks. Accustomed at the first to express their conceits in the shape of Birds, Beasts, Trees, &c. which they termed Hiero∣glyphicks; of which two or three Examples out of Orus, will not be impertinent. For Eternity they painted the Sun and Moon, as things which they believed to have had no beginning, nor were likely to have any end: for a Year, they painted a snake, with his tail in his mouth, to shew how one year succeeding another, kept the World still in an endless circle. For a moneth, they painted a Palm-tree, because at every new Moon, it sendeth forth a new branch. For God, they painted a Falcon; as well for that he soared so high, as that he governeth the lesser birds. For integrity of life, they painted fire and water, both because these Elements are in themselves most pure, and because all other things are purified by them. For any thing that was abominable to the Gods, they painted a Fish, because in their Sacrifices the Priests never used them; and the like. From this manner of ex∣pressing ones self, the invention of Letters is thought to have had its original (though learnt by them no question of the children of Israel, when they lived amongst them:) the History whereof, take briefly and word for word, out of Tacitus. Primi per formas animalium Aegyptii, &c. The Egyptians first of all expressed the conceptions of the minde, by the shapes of beasts; and the most ancient monuments of mans memory, are seen graven in stones; and they say, that they are the first inventers of Letters. Then the Phoenicians, because they were strong at Sea, brought them into Gr••ece; and so they had the glory of that, which they received from others: For there goeth a re∣port, that Cadmus sailing thither in a Phoenician ship, was the Inventer of that Art among the Greeks, when they were yet unexpert and rude. Some report that Cecrops the Athenian, or Livius the The∣ban, and Palamedes the Graecian, did finde out sixteen Characters at the time of the Trojan War; and that afterward Simonides added the rest. But in Italy the Etrurians learned them of Demaratus the Corinthian; and the Aborigines, of Evander the Arcadian. So far Tacitus. That the Phoenicians

were the first inventers of Letters, I dare not affirm; and as backward am I to refer the glory hereof to the Egyptians; for certainly the Hebrews were herein skilled before either: yet that the Phoe∣nicians were herein School-masters to the Greeks, I think I may with safety maintain, having Lucan in consent with Tacitus.

Phoenices primi (fama si creditur) ausi Mansuram rudibus vocem signare figuris.

Phoenicians first (if fame may credit have) Dar'd in rude Characters our words ingrave.

Of this minde also is Isidore of Sevill in the first book of Originations, who also addeth, that for that cause the Fronts of Books, and the Titles of Chapters were written in red letters, as it is by some still in use. Hinc est quod & Phoeniceo colore librorum capita describantur, quia ab ipsis literae initium habuere, cap. 3. As for these less vulgar Letters which the Latines call Cyphrae, and whereof every ex∣ercised Statesman have peculiar to himself; they were first invented by Julius Caesar, when he first began to think of the Roman Monarchy; and were used by him in his Letters to his more private and tryed friends, that if by misfortune they should be intercepted, the contents of them should not be understood; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, ne obvia literarum lectio cuivis esset. Augustus one of the greatest Politicians of the World had another kinde of obscure writing; for in his Letters of more secrecy and importance, he always used 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, to put the letter immediatly following in the order of the Alphabet, for that which in ordinary writing he should have used. As for Brachygraphie, or the Art of writing by short Characters, so usefull for the taking of a Speech or Sermon as it is spoken: I finde in Dion, that Moecenas that great favorite of Au∣gustus Caesar, and favourer of Learning, did first invent them, ad celeritatem scribendi, for the speedier dispatch of writing: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (they are the very words of my Au∣thor) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Isidor in the second Chapter of his book above mentioned, ascribeth it to Aquila the Libertus or freed man of this Moecenas: and to Tertius Persannius, and Philargius, who added to this invention. Yet had all they their chief light in it from Tullius Tito, a freed-man of Cicero's who had undertaken and compassed it in the Prepositions, but went no further. At the last it was perfected by Seneca, who brought this Art into order and method; the whole volume of his contractions consisting of 5000 words. Deinde Seneca contracto omnium, digestóque & aucto numero, opus effecit in quinque millia. But now I make haste to take a survey of these Egyptians as they stand at the present, much differing from the ingenuity and abilities of their Predecessors.

For such as have observed the nature of the Modern Egyptians, affirm them to have much degene∣rated from the worth of their Ancestors, prone to innovations devoted to luxury, cowardly, cruel, addicted naturally to cavill, and to detract from whatsoever is good and eminent. In their dealing with other men more observant then faithfull, of a wit much inclining to craftiness, and very eager on their profit: Of person, of a mean stature, tawnie of complexion, and spare of body, but active and quick of foot. Such as inhabit in the Cities apply themselves to merchandise; grow rich by Trading; reasonably well habited, and not much differing from the Turks in their dress and Fa∣shion. Those in the Country who betake themselves to Husbandry, affirmed to be a savage and nasty People, crusted over with dirt, and stinking of smoak; sit company for none but those of their own condition. Nothing now left amongst them of the Arts of their Ancestors but an affectation which they have unto Divinations; to Fortune-telling great pretenders, by which, and by some cheating∣tricks in which very well practised, great numbers of them wander from one place to another, and so get their livelyhood: occasioning the vagabonds and straglers of other Nations, who pretend unto the same false Arts, to assume their names. The whole body of the Inhabitants now an Hochpot or medley of many Nations, Moors, Arabians, Turks; the natural Egyptian making up the least part of the reckoning.

The Women of the same complexion with the men, but well formed and featured, did they not too much affect a seeming corpulency; which if they cannot get in flesh, they will have in cloaths. Very fruitfull in child bearing, and quick of dispatch when they are in labour: some of them ha∣ving three or four children at a Birth; those that are born in the eighth moneth living to good Age, and not in danger of death, as in other Countries. Such of them as dwell in Cities, cover their faces with black Cypres bespotted with red; their armes, and ancles, garnished with bracelets and hoops of gold, silver, or some other Mettal. Those in the Country, for a vail use some dirty clout, having holes onely for their eyes, which little is too much to see and abstain from loathing. Both in the City and the Country, contrary to the custom in all places else, the women use to make water standing, and the men couring on their knees.

The old Egyptians were so eminent in Arts and Learning, that from them Pythagoras and Demo∣critus learnt their Philosophy; Lycurgus, Solon, and Plato their Forms of Government. Orpheus and Homer their Poetical fictions of the Gods. Particularly, here ••lourished Aristarchus that famous and learned Grammari••n, 2. Herodian, a diligent Student and searcher into curious ••rts, 3. Ammonius, the Master of Plotinus, 4. Didymus, surnamed Chalcenteros, for his indefatigable industry in several Sci∣ences, 5. Manethon, an old Historian, of whom we have nothing but some fragments, 6. Appianus, an Historian of a later date, whose works are extant, 7. Didymus the Grammarian, 8. Cl. Ptolomaeus,

the Geographer; 9 Achilles Statius the Poet; 10. And before all, the profound Philosopher Mercurius, ••••••named Trismegistus. And after their conversion to the faith of Christ, 1. Pantaenus, the first Reader of Diviniti•• in the Schools of Alexandria; 2. Origen, and 3. Clemens Alexandrinus, both sk••lled in the universality of Learning; 4. Dionysius; 5. Athanasius, and 6. Cyril; all three Bishops of Alexandria, and the glories of their severall times. Now nothing but ignorance and Barbarism to be found amongst them.

The Christian faith was first here planted by S. Mark, whom all Antiquity maketh the first Bishop of Alexandria. His successors, till the time of Heraclus and Dionysius, chosen continually out of the Presbyterie or Cathedral. Clergie; afterwards out of the Clergie at large. Their Jurisdi∣ction setled by a ••anon of the Council of Nice, over all the Churches in the whole Diocese of Egypt, (taking the word Diocese in the Civil notion) containing Libya, Pentapolis, and Egypt specially so called; to which, though Epiphanius addes Thebais, Maraeotica, and Ammoniaca, yet he addes nothing in effect. Thebais and Maraeotica being parts of Egypt, as Ammoniaca was of Libya. After∣wards the Aethiopian or Abassine Churches became subject to this Patriarch also, and do acknow∣ledge to this day some relation to him. By the coming in of the Saracens, and the sub••ugation of this Country, Christianity fell here into great decay; languishing so sensibly since those times, especially since the conquest of it by the Turks, that whereas Brochardus in his time reckoned three hundred thousand Christians, in the last estimate which was made of them, they were found to be but fifty thousand. This small remainder of them, commonly called Cophti, either from the Greek word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, scindo, because they retained the use of Circumcision with their Christianity, or from Coptus a chief Town in Egypt, in which many of them did reside; or finally by abbreviation from Aegop••to, corrupted from Aegyptii, their own National name. They are all Jacobites in Sect, from whom they differ notwithstanding in some particulars, in some from all other Christian Churches, in many from the Church of Rome. The points most proper to them, 1. Using Circumcision with their Baptism, but rather as a National then Religious custome; though in that sense also laid aside, as is said by some, by the perswasion of some Legates from the Pope of Rome, in a Synod held in Caire, An. 1583. 2. Conferring all sacred Orders under the Priesthood, on Infants immediately after haptism; their Parents, till they come to sixteen years of age, performing what they promised in their behalf, viz. Chastitie, fasting on Wednesday and Friday, and the four Lents of the year. 3. Reputing Baptism not to be of any efficacie, except ministred by the Priest, in the open Church, in what extremity so∣ever. 4. And yet not baptizing any Children till the sortieth day, though they die in the interim. 5. Giving to Infants the Sacrament of the Eucharist, assoon as Christened. 6. Contracting marriages even in the second Degree of Consanguinitie, without dispensation. 7. Observing not the Lords day, nor any of the Festivials, except only in Cities. 8. And in their Liturgies, reading the Gospel written by Nicodemus. The points wherein they differ from the Church of Rome, 1. Administring the Sa∣crament of the Lords Supper under both kinds. 2. Administring in leavened bread. 3. Admitting neither Extreme unction, nor the use of the Eucharist to those that are sick. 4. Nor Purgatory, nor Prayer for the dead 5. Not using Elevation in the act of Administring. And 6. Reckoning the Ro∣man Church for Heretical and esteeming no better of the Latines then they do of the Jewes. In these opinions they continue hitherto against all Opponents and perswasions: For though Baronius in the end of the sixth Tome of his Annals, hath registred an Ambassage from Marcus the then Patriarch of Alexandria, to Pope Clement the 8. wherein he is said to have submitted himself and the Churches of Egypt to the Pope of Rome; yet upon further search made, it was found but a Cheat, devised to hold up the reputation of a sinking cause. The Patriarch of Alexandria still adhereth to his own Au∣thority; though many of late, by the practise and solicitation of some busie Friars, have been drawn to be of the Religion of the Church of Rome, and to use her Liturgies.

What their Religion was before Christianity, is obvious to the eye of a vulgar Reader; even the worst of Gentilism; these People not only worshipping the Sun, Moon, and the Stars of Heaven, creatures of greatest use and glory; nor only sacrificing to Jupiter, Hercules, Apollo, and the rest of the Gods, (many of whom were Authors in their severall times of some publike benefit to mankind) as did other Gentiles; but attributing Divine honours to Crocodiles, Snakes, Serpents, Garlick. Leeks and Onions. For which, as worthily condemned by the Christian Fathers, so most deserved••y exposed unto publike scorn, by the pens of the Poets.

Porrum & caepe nesas violare, & laedere morsu. Felices populi, quibus haec nascuntur in Hortis Numina.—Quis nescit qualia demens Aegyptus portenta col••t, &c.

Which may be rendred to this purpose.

To bite an Onion or a Leek, is more Then deadly sinne. The Numen they adore Growes in their Gardens. And who doth not know What monstro••s Shapes for Gods in Egypt go?

But the God most esteemed by them, and by all sorts of the Egyptians the most adored, was Apis, a coal black Oxe, with a white star in his forehead, the Effigies of an Eagle on his back, and two hairs

only in his tail. But it seemeth his Godship was not so much respected by Strangers. For Cambyses when he conquered Egypt, ran him with his sword thorow the thigh and caused all his Priests to be scourged: And Augustus being here, would not vouchsafe to see him, saying, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that the Gods and not the Oxen of Egypt were the object of his devotions. A speech most truly worthy so brave an Emperour.

Amongst the Rarities of this Country, some were the works of nature, and some of industry and magnificence. Of this last kinde, I reckon the Labyrinth, the Pyramides, and the Ph••ros; all of them admirable in their several kindes, the envy of the Ages past, and the astonishment of the pre∣sent. Of the Labyrinth we shall speak anon, in the course of our business. Look we now on the Pyramides, many in number, three most celebrated and one the principal of all, situate on the South of the City of Memphis, and on the Western banks of Nilus. This last, the chief of the Worlds seven Wonders, square at the bottom, is supposed to take up eight acres of ground. Every square 300. single paces in length, ascended by 255. steps, each step above three Foot high, and a breadth proportionable; growing by degrees narrower and narrower till we come to the top, and at the top consisting but of three stones onely, yet large enough for 60. men to stand upon. No stone so little in the whole as to be drawn by any of our Carriages, yet brought thither from the Arabian Mountains. How brought, and by what Engine mounted, is an equal wonder. Built for the Se∣pulchre of Cheops, an Egyptian King (as were the rest for others of those mighty Princes) who imployed in it day by day twenty yeers together, no fewer then 366000. men continually working on it. The charges which they put him to, in no other food then Garlick, Radishes, and Onions, being computed at a thousand and eight hundred Talents. The next to this in bulk and beauty, is said to be the work of a daughter of Cheops, enabled (as Herodotus writeth) both to finish her Fathers under∣taking, and raise her own unto the height, by the prostitution of her body, requiring but one stone towards the work from each one of her Customers; but the tale unlikely. Nor is it of a greater Truth. though affirmed by Josephus, and supposed by many good Divines, that the drudgery put up∣on the Israelites did concern these Pyramides: the Materials of these works being stone; their im∣ployment, brick: But past all doubt, advanced by those considerate Princes upon good advice, and not for ostentation only of their power and glories. For by this means they did not only eternize their memory to succeeding Ages, but for the present kept the Subject from sloth and idleness; who being a People prone unto Innovations, were otherwise like enough to have fed that sin in the change of Government, if not thus prudently diverted.

Next these Pyramides, I place the Isle and Tower of Pharos, the Island opposite unto Alexandria, once a mile distant from the Land, but joyned to the Continent by Cleopatra on this occasion. The Rh••dians then Lords of the Sea, used to exact some tribute or acknowledgement out of every Island within those Seas; and consequently out of this. Their Ambassadors sent unto Cleopatra to demand this tribute, she detained with her seven days, under colour of celebrating some solemn Festivals; and in the mean time, by making huge dams and banks in the Sea, with incredible both charge and speed, united the Island to the shore. Which finished, she sent the Rhodians away empty-handed, with this witty jeere telling them that they were to take Toll of the Islands, and not of the Continent. A work of great rarity and magnificence, both for the bigness of it, taking up seven Furlongs of ground, and for that cause called Heptastadium, and that incredible speed wherewith it was finished. As for the Watch Tower, called in Greek and Latine Pharos, by the name of the Island, it was built by Pto∣lomy Philadelphus for the benefit of Sailors (the Seas upon that coast being very unsafe and full of Flats) to guide them over the Bar of Alexandria. Deservedly esteemed another of the Worlds se∣ven Wonders: the other five being 1. the Mausolaeum, 2. the Temple of Ephesus, 3. the Walls of Babylon, 4. the Colossus of Rhodes, and 5. the Statue of Jupiter Olympicus. This Watch-tower, or Pharos, was of wonderfull height, ascended by degrees, and having many Lanthorns at the top, wherein lights burned nightly, as a direction to such as sailed by Sea. The Materials were white marble the chief Architect, Sostratus of G••idos, who ingraved on the work this inscription, So∣stratus of Gnidos, the son of Dexiphanes, to the Gods protectors, for the safeguard of Sailers. This inscription he covered with plaister, and thereon ingraved the name and title of the King the Foun∣der: to the end that the Kings name being soon wasted and washed away, his own which was written in marble, might be eternized to posterity, as the Founder of it. Nigh unto this Pharos, Caesar pursuing Pompey into Egyp••, and having discontented the King thereof, by demanding pay for his Souldiers, had his Navy which here lay at anchor assaulted by Achilles, one of young Ptolo∣mies servants, Caesar himself being then in Alexandria. Hearing of the skirmish he hasted to the Pharos, meaning to succour his Navy in person: but the Egyptians making towards him on all sides, he was compelled to leap into the Sea, and swim for his life. And though to avoid their Darts he sometimes ducked: yet held he still his left hand above the water, and in it divers Books, which he carried safe unto his ships; and animating his men, got the victory. It is said that Egypt hath only two doors; the one by land, which is the strong Town of Peleusium, or Damiata; the other by wa∣ter, which is this Pharus: Tota Aegyptus maritimo accessu, Pharo; pedestre verò, Pelusio, velut clau∣stris munita existimatur, saith Oppius.

Amongst the rarities of Nature, we may reckon those strange Beasts and Fishes, proper almost unto this Country, i e. the Crocodile, the Ichneumon, the Hippopotamus (or Sea-horse) the Ibis, the Aspe, and many severall sorts of Serpents. To speak of which particularly were a work more pro∣per to a Natural History, then a Geographical. And yet the Crocodile, more proper unto Egypt then

all the rest, cannot be parted with in silence: A creature of a strange nature, hatched of an egg no bigger then that of a Turkie; and yet increasing to the length of thirty foot: his tail as long as all the rest of his body, with which he is accustomed to intail his prey, and draw it into the River: His feet armed with claws, and his back with impenetrable scales; his mouth so wide (of which he mo∣veth only the upper jaw) that he is able to swallow a whole Heifer: equally used to both Elements, but better sighted in the water, then on the land: Cowardly, though a Creature of prey, and such as usually flies from those which dare set upon him; and easily vanquished by the Dolphin, who swimming under the water woundeth him in the belly, where assaultable only. Whether so easily destroyed by the Ichncumon (a kinde of Water-Rat) skipping into his mouth, and gnawing his way out again, as old Writers say, hath of late been questioned. That which I look on as a rarity of the greatest moment, if not rather to be accounted supernatural) is that, about five miles from the City of Caire, there is a place in which on every Good Friday yeerly, there appear the heads, legs and arms of men rising out of the ground, to a very great number: which if a man draw near unto them, or touch any of them, will shrink again into the earth. Supposed by some to be an Imposture of some Water-men only, who stick them over-night in the sands, and keeping them secret to themselves, ob∣tain thereby the Ferrying over of many thousands of People, to behold the sight. But Stephen Du∣pleis, a sober and discerning man, in the opinion of Goulartius, who reports it from him, conceived otherwise of it, affirming surely that he was an eye-witness of the wonder, that he had touched di∣vers of these rising Members, and that as he was once so doing to the head of a childe, a man of Caire cried out unto him, Kali, Kali ante materasde, that is to say, Hold, hold, you know not what you do. A strange Fore-runner (if it be of undoubted credit) of the Resurrection of the whole Bo∣dy, presented yearly in the rising of these several parts.

Of less dispute, but not less rarity in nature, are these that follow. 1. That in all this Country it never raineth; or if a cloud do sometimes happen to dissolve upon them, it bringeth on their bodies innumerable sores, and strange diseases. 2. The annual overflowing of the River Nilus, and the many memorable things which are said to follow on the same. Of which it is thus said by Lucan;

Terra suis contenta bonis, non indiga mercis, Aut Jovis; in solo tanta est fiducia Nilo:

The earth content with its own wealth, doth crave No Forreign Mart, nor Jove himself; they have Their hopes alone in Nilus fruitfull wave.

This Nilus hath his head, not in the Mountains of the Moon, as the Ancients thought, but in the Lake Zembre, in Aethiopia Interior: and running in one continual Channel (excepting where it brancheth into little Islands, as it sometimes doth) till it washeth the mid-land of Egypt, is before its influx into the Sea, divided into seven great streams, opening into the Sea with so many mouths, namely, 1. Heracleoticum, 2. Bolviticum, 3. Schaniticum, 4. Patinicum, 5. Mendesium, 6. Caniticum, 7. Pelusaicum. The first and last of these currents (which are the only two now left) being far di∣stant from other, and growing into one, at the first point of the Rivers division, make that part of Egypt which is called Delta, because to such as come to this Country out of Greece, Italy, or Anatolia, it resembleth the Greek letter Δ. The other part is called Thebais, from Thebe, the chief City of it.

This Nilus from the 15. day of June, swelleth above his banks, for the space of 40. days; and in as many more, gathereth his waters again to their proper bounds. If it flow not to the height of fif∣teen Cubits, then the earth is deficient in her abundance of increase, for want of moisture: and if the waters surmount the superficies of the Earth, more than seventeen Cubits, then, like a drunken man, it cannot produce its natural operation, as having his stomack (as it were) over-laid, and sur∣charged with too much liquor: but if the mean be granted, there is no Country which can brag of the like Fertility; the Corn being all housed before the 20. of May. During this Inundation, they keep their beasts and cattel on the tops of such little hils, which either the Providence of Nature or the industry of man hath prepared for them; where they abide till the decrease of the Waters; and on these hills also stand the most of their Towns and Villages, appearing in the time of the Flood, like so many Islands, and holding a commerce and continual traffick by the entercourse of Boats and Shallops, by which they do transport their marketable commodities from one place to another. And if it chance at any time that the River doth not thus over-flow the Country, it is not only the Fore∣runner to a following dearth, but prognosticateth some ensuing mischief to the Prince and State. Confirmed by the testimony of good and creditable Authors; who have told us that in the 10. and 11. years of Cleopatra, the River increased not at all: that it was noted as a Foreteller of the Fall of those two great, but unfortunate Princes, Cleopatra & her Sweetheart Antonius. A second commodity which ariseth from the over-flowings of Nilus, is the health which it bringeth with it in most parts of the Country; the Plague which oftentimes miserably rageth upon the first day of the flood, abating in∣stantly: insomuch that whereas 500. may die of that disease in the City of Caire but the day before, there dieth not one of it on the day following. A third wonder in this River, is, that keeping its waters united in a body together after it falleth into the Sea; it changeth the colour of the Mediterranean fur∣ther then any part of it can be seen from the shore. Add unto these the many living creatures which the slime thereof engendreth on the withdrawing of the River to its natural channel: whereof Ovid thus,

Sic ubi deseruit madidos septemfluus agros Nilus, & antiquo sua flumina reddidit alveo, Plurima Cultores versis Animalia glebis Inveniunt.

Which I English thus.

So when the Seven-mouth'd Nile the fields forsakes, And to his ancient Channel him betakes, The Plough-men many living Creatures find, By turning up the mud that's left behind.

Amongst which Creatures so ingendered, are said to be such innumerable heaps of Frogs, that if Nature, or Divine Providence rather, did not furnish this Country with a proportionable number of Storks, by whom they are greedily devoured, the Plague of Frogs would come a second time upon them to their utter destruction. Now because Nilus runneth in its certain Channels, and that the People have no other water to make use of for all necessities, there are many By-trenches and deep Ditches cut in convenient places, (by the care and munificence of their Kings) to receive its waters, and to communicate them to the People, who know almost no other drink then the waters hereof, and indeed they need not, the water of this River being of such excellent both taste and vertue, that when Pescominus Niger saw his Souldiers murmure for want of Wine, What (said he) do you grumble for wine, having the waters of Nile to drink?

On the banks of the River stood that famous Labyrinth built by Psamniticus, which we have touched upon before; situate on the South of the Pyramides, and North of Arsinoe, or the City of Crocodiles. It contained within the compasse of one continued wall, a thousand houses, and twelve Royal Palaces, all covered with Marble, and had only one entrance, but innumerable turnings and returnings, sometimes one over another, and all in a manner invious to such as were not well ac∣quainted with them: The building more under the ground, then above; the Marble stones laid with such art, that neither Wood nor Cement was imployed in any part of the Fabrick; the Chambers so disposed, that the Doors upon their opening did give a report no lesse terrible then a crack of Thunder; the main Entrance all of White-marble, adorned with stately Columns, and most curious Imagerie: The end at length being attained, a pair of Stairs of 90 steps conducted into a gallant Portice, supported with Pillars of Theban stone; which was the entrance into a fair and spacious Hall, (the place of their generall Conventions) all of polished Marble, set out with the Statues of their Gods. A work which afterwards was imitated by Daedalus in the Cretane Labyrinth; though that fell as short of the glories of this, as Minos was inferior unto Psamniticus in power and riches.

On the Banks of this River also grew those sedgie Weeds called Papyri, of which Paper was made in former times: They divided it into thin flakes, (into which it naturally parteth) then laying them on a Table, and moyst'ning them with the glutinous waters of the River, they prested them to∣gether, and after dryed them in the Sun. By means of this Invention, Books being easier to be tran∣scribed and reserved then formerly, Ptolomie Philadelphus made his excellent Library at Alexandria: and understanding how Attalus King of Pergamus, by the benefit of this Egyptian Paper, strived to exceed him in that kind of magnificence, prohibited the carrying of it out of Egypt. Hereupon Attalus invented the use of Parchments, made of the skins of Calves and Sheep; from the materials called Membranae, and Pergamena from the place where they were invented. The convenience whereof was the cause that in short time the Egyptian Paper was worn out of use; in place whereof succeeded our Paper made of Rags, the Authors of which excellent Invention our Progenitors have forgotten to commit to memory. Before the use of these Papers and Parchments were first made known, I observe three wayes of writing amongst the Antients, (I hope I shall be pardoned this short digression.) 1. On the inward side of the Bark of a Tree, which is in Latine called Liber, and whence Books have the name of Libri. 2. On Tables framed out of the main body of a Tree, which being called Caudex, gave the Latines occasion to call a Book Codex. 3. They used to cover their Tables over with Wax, and thereon to write what they had to signifie, from whence a Letter-carrier was named Tabellarius. The Instrument wherewith they wrote, was a sharp-pointed Iron, which they called Stylus, a word now signifying (the Original derived from hence) the peculiar kind of Phrase which any man useth; as, Negligens stylus, in Quintilian; and Exercitatus stylus, in Cicero. I should have also noted, that they used sometimes to write in Leaves; That the Sibyls Oracles being so written and scattered abroad, had the name of Sibyllae Folia, and that from thence we have the phrase of a Leaf of Paper. But of this Argument enough.

Having thus done with the Rarities concerning Nilus, and that great increase of wealth which accrued thereby to all the Country, in the improvement of the natural commodities of the Earth: let us next look on the Red-Sea, and the great Riches which that brought unto this Kingdom, in the way of Trading. A Sea whereof we have spoke already, as to the reason of the name, the extent thereof, and the several Islands contained in it; and therefore shall not need to repeat it here. That which is proper to this Country, and to this alone, is the fame it hath for the miraculous passage of the Israelites through it as upon dry-land, and the drowning of Pharaohs Cenchres and all his people, at large commemorated in the books of Holy Scriptures: as also for that through it the Spices of India and Arabia were brought to Alexandria, and thence by the Venetians dispersed through all Eu∣rope, Africa, and Asia. I suppose I shall not do amisse to set down historically out of Galuano, a rela∣tion

of the beginning, continuance, and period of the Traffick through this Sea, by which all Europe formerly received so great commodity. Know then (saith he) that Ptolomie Philadelphus, 277 years before the Incarnation was the first that set on foot this Navigation: Cosir (of old called Myos-Hormos) on the sea-side, being the ordinary Haven, out of which they hoysed sail for India; and into which they re∣turned, full fraught with their commodities. From hence they were by land conveighed to Coptus, and so down the Nile to Alexandria: by which Traffick the City grew exceeding rich; insomuch that the Custom-house there yielded Ptol-Auletes 7 millions and an half of gold yearly. The Romans being Lords of Egypt, enhansed the Customs to double that sum: they sent into India every year (as Plinie witnesseth) 120 ships, whose lading was worth 1200000 Crowns; and there was made in return of every Crown, 100. When the Vandals, Lombards, Goths, and Moors had torn in peeces the Roman Empire, all commerce between Nations began to cease. At last perceiving the inconvenience, they began anew: conveighing the Indian commodities, partly by land, partly by water, unto Capha in Taurica Chersonesus, belonging to the Genoese: Next Trabezond was made the Mart-town, then Sarmachand in Zagatate, where the Indian, Turkish, and Persian Merchants met to barter wares: the Turks conveighing their merchandise to Damascus, Ba∣ratti, and Aleppo; from whence the Venetians transported it to Venice, making that the common Em∣porium of Christendome. Once again, viz. Anno 1300. the Soldans of Egypt restored the passage by the Red-Sea; which having continued more then 200 years, is now discontinued by the Portugals, Spaniards, English and Dutch, which bring them to their several homes by the back side of Africk: So that not only the Traffick of Alexandria is almost decayed, and the Riches of the Venetians much diminished; but the Drugs and Spices have lost much of their vertue, as impaired by too much moisture. So much saith he, touching the course and alteration of this Trading: to which I shall take leave to adde, That for the better and more quick return of such Commodities as were usually brought into this Sea, some of the Kings of Egypt attempted formerly to cut a main Channel from it, to the River Nilus, passable by Ships of greatest burden; the marks of whose proud attempts are remaining still. Sesostris was the first who designed the work, having before with good successe cut many Trenches from the River, and some Navigable, into many places of the Country; by which unprofitable Marishes were drained, the Country strengthened, Trade made easie, and the People better furnished with water then in former times. Darius the great Persian Monarch, seconded the same Project; so did one of the Ptolomies; The like is said of a Capricious Portugal in these later times. But they all gave it over on the same consideration, which was a fear lest by letting in the Red-Sea they might drown the Country, and perhaps make a second Deluge in the parts of Greece and Asia Minor which lay nearest to them; that Sea being found to be much higher then the Mediterranean, and the flats of Egypt.

But here we are to understand, that all which hitherto hath been spoken concerning Egypt, relates to Egypt strictly and specially so called, containing only so much of the Country of Egypt as lieth up∣on the Banks and Channels of the River Nilus; and not to all that tract of ground which lay betwixt the Red-Sea and the borders of Libya, which was reckoned in the compasse of the kingdom of Egypt; much lesse as comprehending Libya and Cyrene also, though now accounted Members of that great Body, and antiently parts or Provinces of the Diocese of it. For Egypt, in the largest sense and ac∣ception of the word, may be, and generally is divided into these three parts, viz. 1. Egypt, in the general notion, or the Kingdom of Egypt, extended on the Mediterranean from the borders of Idumaea to the the Roman Libya or Marmarica, lying Westward of the mouth of Nilus, called Heracleoticum, and on the borders of Aethiopia Superior, from the said Red-Sea, to the Country of Libya Interior. 2. Libya, or Marmarica, lying betwixt Egypt properly so called, and the Province of Cyrene, or Pen∣tapolis. And 3. Cyrene or Pentapolis, reaching from that Libya to the greater Syrtis, where it bor∣dered with that part of the African Diocese, which is now called the Kingdom of Tunis. And in this first acception of it we shall now proceed to a Survey of the Mountains, and chief Cities; which done, we shall describe the other in their proper places; and then unite them all in the Generall Story.

As for the Mountains of this Country, there are very many: there were no living else for the peo∣ple in the time of the overflowings of the River. The principal of these, 1. Those called Montes Libyei, lying in a long chain on the West of Nilus; 2. Alabastrinus; 3. Porphyritus; 4. Troigus; 5. Basanitus on the East thereof. Betwixt these Hils the course of the River is so hemmed in on both sides, that at the upper part of the stream where it first entreth into Egypt, the space betwixt the Mountains is not above four miles broad, enlarging afterwards to eight, then about Caire to thirty seven; thence opening wider and wider, till we come to the breaches of the Delta, as the Country doth increase in breadth. On these and other of the Mountains and lesser Hils, stand most part of the Towns, the receptacles of the Country-people in the time of the Flood, rising when least, to fifteen cubits, or seven yards and an half.

Rivers of note here are none but Nilus, nor indeed any one but that; that being sufficient of it self to enrich this Country, which otherwise would be nothing but a Sandy Desart. But what they want in Rivers, is supplied with Lakes and Trenches, which serve for watering their Cattel, temper∣ing of mortar for their buildings, and other such inferior uses; sometimes perhaps for drink for the poorer sort, who cannot be conveniently furnished with the waters of Nile. Amongst the Trenches (which were many, as before was said) those of most estimation were the Works of Ptolomie and the Emperor Trajan: the first falling into that branch of the Nile, which maketh the Isle called Heracleotis; the other into the main body of it, not far from Caire. These two, by reason of the many fresh springs which fall into them, have the name of Rivers in old Authors; and betwixt these was seated the

Land of Goshen, extending from Nilus to the Red-Sea, on the East and West. The chief of note a∣mongst the Lakes, were those called, 1. Mareotis, not far from Alexandria, by Plinie called Arapotes, Maria by Ptolomie; all which names are now lost, and changed into that of Lagodi Antacon, from a Town of that name near unto it. 2. Laccus, supposed to be the same which in the book of Maccabees is called Asphar, lib. 1. cap. 9. And 3. Moeris, now called Buchaira, more memorable then the rest, in compasse 3500 furlongs, 50 fathom deep, in the midst whereof were two Pyramides 50 fathoms above the water, and as much beneath it: the Fish of this Lake, for one fix moneths in the year, said to be worth twenty of their pounds a day to the Kings Exchequer; for the other six, each day a Talent. 4. The Lakes called Amari, into which the Trench or River called Ptolomaeus, doth discharge its waters, conveyed from thence into the Red-Sea.

The whole divided antiently into two parts only, 1. That called Delta, betwixt the two extreme branches of the River Nilus, the form of which letter it resembleth to him who standing on the Sea∣shore could take a view of it. 2. That called Thebais, from Thebe the principal City of it, compre∣hending all the rest of the course of that River, shut up on both sides with the Mountains spoken of before. But this Division leaving out all those parts hereof which lie on the East-side towards the Arabian Golfs, and on the West as far as to the borders of Libya Marmarica: the Macedonians lay∣ing it all together, divided it into 18 Cantreds or Districts, by them called Nomi, increased in the time of Ptolomie the Geographer to 46. Ortelius out of divers Authors hath found 20 more. When con∣quered by the Romans, and made a Diocese of the Empire, it was divided into four Provinces, (not reckoning Marmarica, and Cyrene into the accompt:) that is to say, 1. Aegyptus specially so cal∣led, containing all the Delta, and the District or Nomus of Mareotica, bordering on Marmarica, 2. Augustanica, so called from Augustus Caesar, on the East of the Delta, betwixt it and Arabia Pe∣traea. 3. Arcadia, so called from the Emperor Arcadius, in whose time it was taken out of Thebais, lying on both sides of the River, from the Delta to the City of Antinous. 4. Thebais, extending on both sides of the River from the borders of Libya Marmarica to the Red-Sea, (as the other doth) unto Aethiopia. Divided otherwise by some, into Superiorem, reaching from Aethiopia to the City of Antinous; Mediam, stretching thence to the point of the Delta; and Inferiorem, which comprehend∣eth all the rest. But at this time, that part hereof which lieth on the South and East of Caire, is called Saud, or Salud, honoured heretofore with the dwelling of the antient Pharaohs, because nearest unto Aethiopia their most puissant neighbour. 2. That betwixt Caire, Rosetta, and Alexandria, hath the name of Errifia, wherein the Ptolomaean Princes did most reside, because most convenient for re∣ceiving supplies of men from the States of Greece. And finally, that from Caire to Tenese and Dami∣ata, is now called Maremna, in which the Turks and Mamalucks made the seat of their Empire, be∣cause more neighbouring to the Christians, whom they stood in fear of, as likewise to invade them upon that side. In the whole Country there was reckoned in the time of Amasis the 2^d. no fewer then 20000 Cities: but if the Towns and Villages be not reckoned in, I should much doubt of the accompt. By Diodorus Siculus it is said that there were 3000 in his time: but Ortelius, on a diligent search, finds 300 only.

Those of most note in the Province of Augustanica, 1. Pelusium, the most Eastern City of Egypt towards Idumaea, situate on the most Eastern channel of Nilus, called hence Pelusiacum; by Ammi∣anus said to be the work of Peleus the Father of Achilles, commanded by the Gods to purge himself in the Lake adjoyning, for the murder of his brother Phocus. Accounted for the chief door of Egypt towards the Land, as Pharos was to those who came thither by Sea; the Metropolis of the Province of Augustanica, the birth-place of Ptolomie the Geographer, and the Episcopal See of S. Isidore, sir∣named Pelusiotes, whose eloquent and pious Epistles are still extant. Out of the ruines hereof (if not the same under another title) arose, 2. Damiata, memorable for the often Sieges laid unto it by the Christian Armies; for none more then that under John de Brenne the titulary King of Jerusalem, and the Princes of Europe, An. 1220. During which (being of 18 moneths continuance) the Famine and the Pestilence so extremely raged, that the Town in a manner was dispeopled, before the Besiegers knew any thing of their condition: till in the end two venturous Souldiers, admiring the silence and solitude of so great a City, in a Bravado scaled the walls, but found no man to make resistance: the next day the whole Army entred, where they found in every house and every corner of the streets whole heaps of dead bodies, none to give them burial; A lamentable and ruthful spectacle! 3. Heros, or Civitas Heroum, in the Arabian Isthmus, at the very bottom of the Golf; remarkable for the first interview betwixt Jacob and Joseph, after his coming into Egypt. 4. Heliopolis, or the City of the Sun, now called Betsames, in the Scriptures On, of which Potiphar the Father of Asenath (whom Pharaoh married unto Ioseph) was priest or Prince, as is said Gen. 41. 45. Given (as Iosephus telleth us) for an habitation to the sons of Iacob; by consequence one of the chief Cities of the Land Ra∣meses or Goshen; and memorable in times succeeding for a publike Temple built for the Iewes with the consent of Ptolomie sirnamed Philadelphus, by Onias the High-Priest, then dispossessed of his au∣thority and office by the power of Antiochus: a Temple much esteemed by the Hellinists or Gre∣cizing Iews; and though Schismatical at the best in its first original, yet not Schismatical and Ido∣latrous, as was that of Mount Garizim. 5. Bubustis, somwhat more North then Heliopolis, by some of the Antients called Avaris, by the Scriptures Pibeseth, another City of that tract, now better known by the name of Zioth, supposed to be the same which the Notitia calleth Castra Iudaeorum; memo∣rable in times of Paganisme for a famous Temple of Diana. 6. Arsinoe, on the shore of the Red Sea, so called in honour of Arsinoe sister of Philadelphus, and wife to Lysimachus King of Thrace; after∣wards

called Cleopatris, in honour of Queen Cleopatra: now better known by the name of Sues; Of great commerce and trading in the time of the Ptolomies: Now almost abandoned, and would be utterly deserted, were it not made the station of the Turkish Gallies, that command the Gulfe: which being framed at Caire of such Timber as is brought thither by sea from the Woods of Cilicia, and sometimes from the Shores of the Euxine Sea, are again taken in peeces, carried from Caire unto this City on the backs of Camels, and here joyned together. Conceived to be the same which in for∣mer times was called Baal Zephon (of which see Exod. 14. 9.) the last incamping-place of the Tribes of Israel, who from hence passed through the Red Sea, as upon dry land. 7. Gleba Rubra, by the Greeks called Hiera Bolus, and sometimes Erythra Bolus also more neer the Latine; the redness of the soyl giving name unto it: situate on the River or Trench of Tralan: more memorable for a misfortune that befell it then for any thing else; purposely burnt by Amenophis the fift, upon this occasion: Being blinde, he was assured by some of his Wizards that if he washed his eyes with the Urine of a Woman which had never known any but her own husband, he should be restored unto his sight. After a long search and many vain tryals, he met with one whose water cured him; whom he took to wife: and causing all the rest whom he had made tryal of, to be brought together to this Town, he set sire on the Ci••y, and burnt both it and all the women there assembled; which tale, if true, is little to the credit of the Dames of Egypt.

Places of most note and observation in the Province of Egypt strictly and specially so called, are 1. Alexandria situate Westward of the Delta, over against the Isle of Pharos; and built upon a Promontory thrusting it self into the Sea; with which on the one side, and the Lake Mareotis on the other, it is exceeding well defended: the Work of Alexander the Great, and by him peopled with Greeks immediatly after his conquest of Egypt. The Regal Seat of the Ptolomies, whilst Egypt did maintain the State of a Kingdom: and afterwards the Metropolis of it, when a Roman Diocese; Adorned with many stately buildings; of which most memorable the Serapium (or Temple of their God Separis) for sumptuous workmanship, and the magnificence of the Fabrick, inferiour to none but the Roman Capitol: and next to that, the Library erected by Philadelphus, who had stored it with 700000. Volumes; unfortunately burnt in the War against Julius Caesar; a City of great tra∣ding, and infinite Riches; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the greatest Empory of the World, as is said by Strabo. Wanton with which, the Citizens so abounded in all licentiousness both of life and speech▪ that they spared not the Emperour himself, if he came in their way. But they paid dearly for their folly. For Caracalla not so patient of a Contumely as some wiser Princes, having felt the lashes of their tongues, when he was amongst them, assembled all the youth of the City, as if out of them he would have chosen some to attend his Person; and suddenly gave command to his Souldiers, to put them all to the sword. A slaughter so great and universall, that the River Nilus coloured with the blood of the slain, might not improperly at that time be called a Red Sea. In this City, Anno 180. Gantenus read here both Divinity and Philosophy to all such as would come to hear him: which as it is conceived to give the first hint to the instituting of Vniversities in the rest of Christendom; so from that small beginning the Schools of Alexandria grew so great and eminent, that Nazianzen calleth them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the shop, or work-house, as it were, of all kinds of Learn∣ing. Much short of what it was even in point of trading, especially since the diversion of the Tra∣ding from the Bay of Arabia; and utterly divested of those beauties which once it had. Inhabited at the present by a mixture of Nations, Moors, Jews, Turks, Greeks, and Christian Cophtives; more for some little gain which they reap by Traffick, then any pleasure in the place; Now called Scande∣ria by the Turks, remarkable only for the house of the Patriarch (though he dwell for the most part in Caire) and a Church in which S. Mark their first Bishop was said to be buried. 2. Canopus, situ∣ate east of Alexandria, and on the principal branch of the Nile, called Heracleoticum, so called from Canopus the Pilot of Menelaus, who having suffered shipwrack upon this coast, was there in∣terred by his Master: A Town so branded in old times for varieties of all kinde of beastliness and luxury, that as Seneca very well observed, he that avoided the viciousness and debauchery of it, could not scape the infamy: the very place administring matter for suspicion. 3. Rosetta, on the same branch of the River, and not far from Canopus, out of whose ruines it arose; built by a Slave of one of the Egyptian Caliphs, unwalled and destitute of all Fortifications, but plentifully accommo∣dated with all sorts of commodities, and well frequented by the Merchant. 4. Nicopolis, now cal∣led Munia, the Monument of some eminent Victory, and probably of the conquest of Egypt by the Macedonians; the name being Greek, and the Town standing within 30. Fu••longs of Alexandria. 5. Aphrodites and Aphroditopolis, so called from Venus who was here worshipped: situate betwixt the two middle branches of the Nile. 6. Sais, betwixt the same branches of the River also; whence that Nomus or Division had the name of Saites. It is now called Sibnit, or Signiti. 7. Plinthine, on the Sea-side; and 8. Hierax, more within the land: the chief Towns of the Region called Maraeotica.

In Arcadia, called also Heptanomus, because it contained seven of the Nomi or Divisions into which Egypt was distributed by the Macedonians, the Places of most note were and are 1. Memph••••▪ on the Western bank of Nile, not far from the sharp point of the Delta, where the River first be∣ginneth to divide it self; the Regal City of the old Egyptian Pharaohs, by one of which who remo∣ved the Seat Royal from Thebo hither, it is said to be built; and called thus by the name of his daugh∣ter. In compass, when it flourished, about 20. miles; Great, populous, and adorned with a world of Antiquities; amongst others with the Temples of Apis, Venus, and Scrapis, beset with Sphyr••••••▪

now nothing left of the Ruines of it, but the Statues of some monstrous Resemblances, sufficient to ••hew what it hath been formerly. The Pyramides before described, stood not far from hence; to which the Poet relateth, saying,

Barbara Pyramidum sileat miracula Memphis.

Let barbarous Memphisbrag no more Of her Pyramides, as before.

2. Babylon, called for distinctions sake, Babylon Aegyptiorum, built on the other side of the River, and somewhat more unto the North: said to be founded by Cambyses the Persian Monarch, the first that made this Kingdom stoop to the yoke of a forreiner; and by him peopled with some Babylonians or Chaldaeans, transplanted hither. Great, as appeareth by the ruines; amongst which many of the Christian Temples and Monasteries do lie there in rubbish; the Castle whereof served long after for the Garrison of the three Legions, appointed to defend this Country in the time of the Romans. This, thought by some to be the Babylon mentioned by S. Peter in his 1 Epistle cap. ult. which the following words, and Mark my son, (S. Mark being the first Bishop of the Alexandrians, and the Apostle of Egypt) may make somwhat probable: but the truth and reality hereof, I dispute not now. Out of the ruines of this City arose, 3. Caire, now, and for many Ages past the chief of this Country: raised from the ashes of old Babylon by the Chaliphs of Egypt, and by the Mamalucks made the Seat-Royal of their Kingdom. In compasse not above eight miles, but full of Streets, the number of which said to be 18000. every one of them fortified with a Gate at each end; which being well barred, made every several street an impregnable fortresse. Found so by Selymus the first, when he conquered Egypt, who spent three dayes in forcing his way through it with his numerous Army. The private buildings very mean; the publique, specially the Mosques, beyond thought magnificent. Visited every seventh year with a dreadful Pestilence; yet still so populous, that it is conveived to be in good health▪ if there die not above a thousand in a day, or 300000 within that year. Adorned with many delicate Orchards both within the City, and without; full of variety of contentments, and neigh∣boured by a pleasant Lake, but made more pleasant by the company which meet there in Boats, for their mutual solace and delights. Fortified at the South end with a stately Castle (the Palace of the Mamaluck Sultans) situate on the top of a Mountain, overlooking the City, and a great part of the Country also. So large, that it seemeth a City of it self, immured with high walls, divided into many partitions or several Courts, in times past the places of exercise; and entred by dores of iron. De∣stroyed for the most part, by Selimus, for fear of giving opportunity to some rebellion; or envying the Mamalucks the glory of having been the Masters of so brave a Mansion: that which is left, now serving for the habitation of the Turkish Bassa, who hath the Government of this Kingdom 4. Ma∣tared, or Matarea, not far from Caire; the soile whereof is said to be so rich and fertile, that the People are fain to cover it with sand or gravel, so moderating the extreme ranknesse of it. 5. Arsinoe, on the West side of the Nile, and somwhat South of the famous Labyrinth before described; called also (to difference it from another of the same name on the shores of the Red-Sea) the City of Croco∣diles, in regard of the divine honours there done that Monster. 6. Nilopolis, or Nili Civitas, in the Island called Heracleotis, made by the imbracements of the River: most memorable for being the Episcopal See of Cheraemon, a right godly Prelate; of whom see Eusebius in the 6 Book and 34 Chap. of his Ecclesiastical History. 7. Troia, on the Eastern stream which makes that Island, not much observable but for giving name to the Montes Troici lying neer unto it, out of which were digged the stones which made the Pyramides. 8. Cynopolis, in a little Island up the water. 9. Hermopolis, or the City of Mercurie, called also Hermopolis magna, to difference it from another of that name not far from Alexandria; to which they give the Adjunct of Parva. 10. Antinous, now Antius, founded by Adrian the Emperor, in honour of Antinous his especial favourite; the most Southern City of this Province, on the banks of the Nile. 11. Dionysias, or the City of Bacchus, situate on the Southern end of the Lake of Moeris, in the Nomus or Division called Oasis parva. 12. Clysma, upon the shores of the Golf, a Roman Garrison.

Cities of most note in the Province of Thebais, 1. Panopolis, the Panos of Antoninus, one of the greatest of this part. 2. Ptolomais, the foundation of one of the Ptolomies, and the goodliest City of this Province, succeeding unto Thebe both in power and greatnesse. 3. Saiet, a fair and large Town, six dayes journy from Caire, going up the water; but by what name called amongst the Antients, I do nowhere find. Affirmed (erroneously, I think) to be the dwelling-place of Joseph and Mary, when they fled with CHRIST our Saviour from the fury of Herod. Beautified with a goodly Temple, but now somwhat ruinous; of the foundation of Helena the mother of Constantine. The City much resorted to (on the strength of this Tradition only) by many aged Christian Cophties, who desire to die there. 4. Diospolis, or the City of Jupiter; all of them on the banks of the River. 5. Tentyra, in a little Isle so called, made by the circlings of the Nile: The inhabitants whereof were the onely men who durst encounter the Crocodile; A creature of a terrible name, but a cowardly nature; of which it is said by Ammianus Marcellinus, that it assaulteth those which flie from it, and flieth from those who do assault it; In that point very like the Devil, of whom it is said by the Apostle James, 4, 7. that if he be resisted, he will flie from us. Or as the good old Poet hath it,

Est Leo, si fugias; si stas, quasi Musca recedit.

Give ground, a Lyon he will be; Stand to it, and away flies he.

6. Coptos, upon the head of a Trench or water-course which falleth into the Nilus, on the South of Tentyra, but on the other side of the River; in old times a most noted Emporie for Indian and Arabian wares; from whence not only the Christians of this Country are thought to have the name of Coph∣ties, but the whole Country to be originally called Aegyptus, from Ai-Coptus, or the land of Coptus. 7. Thebe, the residence and foundation of that great Tyrant Busiris, in compass 140 furlongs, or 17 miles and an half; called also Hecatompylae, from the number of an hundred Gates which were said to be in it. So beautified with Colosses, Temples, Palaces, the Sepulchres of the old Egyptian Pharaohs, and other Ornaments of State, that it was thought 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, to be the Nonesuch of the world. Decayed on the removing of the Court to Memphis, it became a ruine so long since, that there was nothing left of it in the time of Iuvenal; as he telleth us, saying,

Atque vetus Thebe centum jacet obruta portis.

Old Thebe, yielding to the Fates, Lies buried with its hundred Gates.

8. Abydus, now called Abutick, once the seat-royal of Memnon, from thence called Memnonium, renowned for the Temple of Osiris; more for the Statue of Memnon, which though made of stone▪ did at the rising of the sun yield a vocal sound. 9. Elephantis, on the banks of Nile, neighboured by Crophi and Mophi, two sharp Rocks, betwixt which the River falling-down with a violent current, makes the Lesser Cataract; of which, and of the greater, we shall speak more fully in Aethiopia. The City seated in an Island of the River Nile, on the borders of Aethiopia sub Aegypto, (as the Antients called it) known unto Ptolomie by the name of Elephantina, but to our Ecclesiastical writers by the name of Tabenna. Memorable in times of Heathenism for the Town and Temple of Onuphis, wherein stood the Nilometrium or standing-pillar, by which they did observe the increase of the River; removed since to the Castle of Michias, two miles from Caire: in times of Christianity, for the dwel∣lings of infinite numbers of Monks and Hermits, called from this place Tabenisiotae. 10. Syene, (now Asna) a little North of Elephantis, situate directly under the Tropick of Cancer, and memorable for a deep Well there digged by some Astronomers; which when the Sun entred into that Sign, was wholly enlightened with his beams, without any shadow; so perpendiculary did the body of it stand over the pit. This the last City of Egypt towards Aethiopia.

And now I should proceed, according to my Method in other places, to the Storie of Egypt: but being that Libya and Cyrene are now accompted Members of it, the fortunes whereof they have also followed in all or most of the mutations of State & Government, I shall first take a view of them as the limbs of this body, and shew you how they were united under that one Head, by which now directed.

2. MARMARICA.

2. LIBRA or MARMARICA, hath on the East, Egypt, properly so called; on the West, Cyrene; on the North, that part of the Mediterranean Sea, which was hence called Mare Libycum, and sometimes Parthenium; and on the South, some part of Aethiopia Superior.

It had the name of Libya, from the old Greek word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, signifying black, agreeable to the com∣plexion of the people, which is black and swarthie; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, antiqua lingua Graca niger, saith a learned Writer; or possibly enough from Lub, an Arabian word signifying thirst, as suitable unto the nature of the soile, which is drie and sandie, in which respect called by the Greeks Xero-Libya, or Libya sicca. From hence the South-wind, blowing from these Coasts towards Greece and Italy, had the name of Lybs, and the Promontorie in Sicilie opposite unto it, that of Lilybaeum. It was also called Marma∣rica, perhaps from the Marmaridae, a chief People of it, though placed by Ptolomie in Cyrene: and sometimes Barca, from Barce a chief City in it; of late times Barca Marmarica, by both names united.

The Country for the most part very dry and barren, and but meanly peopled; insomuch as Ale∣xander passing through part of it towards the Temple of Iupiter Hammon, in the space of four dayes saw neither Man, Beast, Bird, Tree, nor River. Covered over in most places with a thick, light sand, which the winds remove up and down continually, turning vallies into hils, and hils into vallies. Found by Cambyses to his cost, who as basely esteeming of the Gods as he did of his Subjects, sent part of his Army into this Country to destroy the Temple above mentioned; but in the passage towards that prohibited place, fifty thousand of them were overwhelmed and smothered in a storm of sand, the rest with much adoe escaping. Called therefore Xero-Libya, or Libya Sicca, as before was noted; and Libya sitiens, thirsty Libya, (—per calidas Libyae sitientis arenas) in that Verse of Lucan.

The people, neighbours unto Egypt; and consequently much of the same condition. Said by He∣rodotus (by whom they are called Adyrnachidae) to be governed by the like Lawes and Customs as the Egyptians were; but to differ from them in their habit. Of colour dark and black, of constitution

lean and dry, and inclining to Melancholy; angry on every light occasion, very litigious, and eager prosecutors of their dues. By an old observation among themselves, they abstained both from Beef and Hog-meat. So obstinate in denying their accustomed Tributes, that he who could not shew the marks of his sufferings for it, either black or blue, was accompted no body: And so resolved to con∣ceal any thing disgraceful to them, that if any of them were apprehended for a Robbery, no torment could compell him to tell his name. At this time, little differing in person, temper or condition, from the Egyptians, Moors, and Arabes, intermixt amongst them.

Converted to the faith of Christ, with, or not long after the rest of Egypt, of which then reckoned for a Province, it became part of the Patriarchate of Alexandria; whose jurisdiction over it was confirmed by the Council of Nice: to the calling of which famous Council, this Country occasionally concurred, by bringing into the World that wretched Arius, who with his Heterodexies and con∣tentious Cavils had disturbed the Church. His Heresie condemned in that famous Council; but his Person, by the Divine justice of God, reserved to a more remarkable punishment. Being sent for by the Emperor Constantine to make a Recantation of his former Heresies, he first writ out a Copy of his own Opinions, which he hid in his bosom; and then writing out the Recantation expected from him, took oath that he did really mean as he had written: which words the Emperor referred to the Recantation, he to the Paper in his bosom. But God would not be so cozened, though the Emperor was. For as he passed in triumph through the streets of Constantinople, he drew aside into a private house of Ease, where he voided his guts into the draught, and sent his soul as an Harbinger to the Devil to make room for his body.

Not more infamous for the birth of this Miscreant, who denied the Divinity of Christ; then fa∣mous for the birth of one of the Sibyls, hence sirnamed Libyca, by whom the same had been fore∣shewn. Which Sibyls seem to have taken denomination from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. Iovis consiliorum consciae. They were in number ten, viz. 1. Persica, 2. Libyca, 3. Delphica, 4. Cumaea, 5. Samia, 6. Hellespon∣tiaca, 7. Tiburtina, 8. Albunea, 9. Erythraea, and 10. Cumana; which last is affirmed to have written the Nine books of the Sibyls. They were all presented by an old woman to Tarquinius Superbus; but he not willing to pay so great a sum of mony as was demanded, denied them; whereupon the old women burnt three of them, requiring as much mony for the other six, as for all; which being denied, she also burnt the other three, asking as much for the three remaining, as for the rest; which Superbus, amazed, gave, and the old Trot vanquished. These books contained manifest tokens of the kingdom of Christ, his name, his birth, and death. They were burned by the Arch-traitor Stilico. So that those Prophecies of theirs which are now extant, are for the most part only such as had been extracted out of other writings, where their authority had been quoted. Concerning which, though Causabon and some other of out great Philologers conceive them to be piae fraudes, composed of purpose by the Fa∣thers of the Primitive times, to win credit to the Faith of CHRIST; yet dare I not so far disparage those most godly men, as to believe they would support so strong an edifice with so weak a prop, or borrow help from falshood to evict a truth; Or if they durst have been so impudently venturous, how easie had it been for their learned Adversaires, Porphyrie, Julian, and the rest of more eminent note, to have detected the Imposture, and silenced the Christian Advocates with reproach and scorn? But of this enough here; more at large elswhere.

Rivers of note I find not any. 'Tis well, if in a Country so full of sands, there be any at all: some Lakes I meet with in my Authors, the principal of which, 1 Laccus, 2 Lacus Lacomedis, now Linxamo, 3 Cleartus; sufficient to preserve their few Cattel from the taint of thirst. The Mountains of most note, those called Anogombri, 2. and that named Azar; this last extended West and East in a strait line, from the 51 degree of Longitude, to the 53. 3 Aliphus; 4 Ogdomus; 5 Tmodes; 6 Alpis; not much observable, but that they serve for Land-marks to discover the Country.

Towns of note there are none now in it. Of most esteem in former times, 1 Batrachus, by some called Menelaus, an Haven-town. 2 Phthia, and 3 Anesisphyra, two Port-towns also. 4 Tetrapyrgia, so called from its four Towers, the Antipyrgus of Ptolomie. 5 Mesuchis, more within the land. 6 Mazacila, another midland town. 7 Chaereola, mentioned among the chief Cities of this tract, by Ammianus. 8 Paraetonium, now Porto-rassa, which with Pelusium are by Florus called the two Horns of Egypt, which whosoever held fast, would be sure to master it. By some old writers it had formerly been called Ammonia, as we read in Stephanus and Strabo, from the Temple of Jupiter Ham∣mon, seated very near it. So antiently honoured with an Oracle, (if that were any honour to it) that Semiramis is said to have come hither to enquire of her death; Perseus and Hercules, touching their Adventures. The like, but not long after, was done by Alexander the Great: but the Oracle by that time had learnt to flatter, and puffed him up with a proud conceit of being the son of that God whom he came to worship. The Temple seated in the middle of a vast sandie Desart, environed with a plea∣sant and delightful Grove, about six miles or more in circuit, watered with wholsom springs, refreshed with a temperate air, and shaded with Fruit-bearing trees, which carried in their leaves a perpetual spring; Fortified with a triple wall, within the first whereof was a Royal Palace of the kings, within the second a Seraglio for his Women, in the third Lodgings for the Officers of Court; The Oracle fitly placed (so the Priests would have it) near the Seraglio of the Ladies; Before the entrance a fair Fountain, wherein the Oblations were first washed, then offered. A place of great repute in sacred and Civil estimate; all the adjoining Country taking hence the name of Ammoniaca, and by that name reckoned amongst the Provinces of the Patriarchate of Alexandria. 9 Antiphra, on the East border of it, towards Alexandria. 10 Barce, called afterwards Ptolemais, by the name of one of the

Ptolomies, by whom repaired and beautified. Of such accompt, that from hence the whole Country had the name of Barca, and the Inhabitants of Barcaei, (—Latéque furentes Barcaei) as in that of Virgil.

The old Inhabitants hereof, were the Libyarchae and Bassachitae, in the North; the Ogdoni, Buzes, and Adyrmachidae, in the South; the Goniatae, and Prosaditae, in the midland parts; the Libyaegyptii, bordering nearest unto Egypt, with the people whereof so intermingled, as to make up betwixt them but one name and nation. Others there were of lesse, or as little note, but all descended properly of Naphtuhim the son of Misraim▪ from whom the name of Neptune, originally a Libyan Deity, seems to be deri••ed ••et so, that Lehabin his brother must come in for a share; the founder, as it is conceived, of the Libyaegyptii before mentioned. Being then of the same original with those of Egypt, they fol∣lowed the same fortunes also, till the times of the Ptolomies; by whom sometimes given for portion, with the title of a ••ingd••m to their younger children. By the last will and testament of Apion, the last King hereof, a Bastard-son of Ptolomie sirnamed Euergetes, the seventh King of that house, be∣qu••athed unto the Senate and People of Rome. By whom first suffered to live under them, as a Free-Estate ••••ll the conquest of Egypt; then reckoned as a part of that, and so accordingly described by Ptolomic; wh••re Libya, Marmarica, and Ammoniaca, occurre amongst the Nomi or Divisions of i•• Afterward made a distinct Province of that Diocese and governed by a Lord President, under the Praesectus Augustalis, or Supreme Commander for the Emperours.

3. CYRENE.

CYRENE is bounded on the East with Marmarica, on the West with Africa Propria, or the Realm of Tunis, and some part of the Mediterranean, and the Creater Syrtis; on the North with the Mediterranean wholly; on the South with Libya Inferior, or the Desarts of Libya.

It took this name from Cyrene the chief City of it, from whence sometimes also called Cyrenaica; by Plinie and some other Roman Writers it is called Pentapolis, from five chief Cities which were in it, viz 1 Cyrene, 2 Ptolemais, 3 Arsinoe 4 Darnis, 5 Berenice; by Ammianus for the same reason Libya Pentapolis, the name of Libya extending over many of these Roman Provinces. And finally, at the present, it passeth with that last described by the name of Barca, or Barca Marmarica: the whole extent whereof in length from the Greater Syrtis unto Egypt, is no lesse then 13000 miles, but the breadth not above 200.

The Country in the South parts desolate and barren, stored with few Towns, and not many Vil∣lages; the People living up and down in scattered houses and at such a distance, as if it were in so many Islands. Destitute not of Springs and Rivers only, but of Rain-water too, the Clouds not very often dropping: if any fell, it was dried up presently by the ••ands. But within fifteen miles of the Sea▪ indifferently fruitful, and well inhabited.

The People in old times were said to have been utterly ignorant of buying and selling, of fraud and stealing, not knowing or not caring for the use of money; con••ent with little, not superfluous in their clothes or buildings, their houses for the most part (except only in their greater Cities) made of Osier∣twigs. Much altered in the first part of their character, since the coming of the Arabians hither; now a Theevish nation, given wholly to Robbery and spoile. So lazie, that they will not manure or till their Land, but provide themselves with Corn from Sicily, laying their Children to pawn for it, till by their Thieving they can raise a sufficient summe to discharge the debt.

One onely River I find in it, but of fame enough to serve for many; By Ptolomie called Luthon, by Plinie Lethon, by the Poets Lethe. Swallowed by the Earth not far from its first original, it riseth up again about Berenice fained therefore by the Poets to come from Hell, and to create for∣getfulnesse in all them that drink of it; it being the condition of the dead to remember nothing. Thence the occasion of the fancie. Some Lakes I find also in it, whereof one occasioned by this River, not far from the Sea; another more within the land (where indeed more necessary) neer Paliurus. With Mountains better stored, (though not much better for them) the principal whereof, 1. Those called Herculis Arenae, the Sands of Hercules, thwarting the Country East and West; 2. Bucolicus, on the South of those; and 3 Volpos, a long ridge of hils; bordering upon Africa Propria.

Cities of most note in it, 1. Apollonia, in the East parts, neer the Promontorie called Zephyrium, in the confines of Libya or Marmarica. 2. Cyrene, in the West of that; once of such power, that it c••ntended with Carthage for some preheminencies: Then the chief Lady of this tract, which it gave this name to. The birth place of Eratosthenes the Mathematician, Callimachus the Poet, and of that Simon of Cyrene▪ whom the Jewes compelled to carry our Saviours Crosse. 3. Ptolemais, betwixt Cyrene and Arsinee, built or repaired by Ptolomie Philadelphus; the Episcopal City of Synesius, a learned and religious Bishop of the Primitive times, as appears by his Epistles extant. 4. Arsinoe, on the East side of the River Lathon, so called in honour of Arsinoe, the sister of Philadelphus, and wife of Magas once King of this Country. 5 Berenice, on the Western bank of the said River; so called from Berenice the mother, or (another of the same name) the daughter of Magas: the furthest Town of all this Country, bordering on the Promontory called Boreum, and the greater Syrtis. This last a Quick sand very dangerous to Mariners, in compasse 635 miles, and by them carefully avoided. 6. Paliurus, more within the land, but on the borders of Liby•• or Marmarica, South to Apollonia. 7 Aptungis, now Lungifari, by Ptolomie called Aptuchi Fanum. 8. Herculis Turris, the Tower of Hercules, near the greater Syrtis; erected in the honour of Hercules, his killing of the Dragon▪ and

robbing the Orchards of the Hesperides of their golden Apples. Those Hesperides said to be Aegle, Arethusa, and Hesperethusa, the three daughters of Atlas: their Orchard placed by Ptolomie betwixt this Tower and Paliurus; by Pomponius, in the Atlantick Islands; by Virgil, in Mauritania Tingi∣••ania; by Plinie, both in Mauritania and this Cyrene; and possibly in all alike. 9 Zemythus. 10 A∣cabis, in the midlands; all worn out of memory. 11 Fessan, of greatest name now, though scarce worth the naming.

The old Inhabitants of this Country, were the Asbetae on the East, the Barcitae near the Greater-Syrtis, the Macatutae and Laganici, near the Mountains of Hercules; all probably descended from Naphtuhim the son of Mizraim, of whom there still remain some footsteps in Aptuchi Fanum, the ••ane or Temple of Aptuchus. This Aptuchus by some mistakingly called Autuchus, and by the Gre∣cians said to be the son of Cyrene, and the brother of Aristaeus: who being sent out to seek their for∣tunes, Aristaeus fell into the Isle named Ceos; and Aptuchus or Autuchus into Libya, both by them first planted. Neptune, the Deity of this Country, by the Egyptians called Neptitim, seems to come from Naphtuhim; most highly worshipped by this people, because he first taught them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Art of training Horses to the Coach or Chariot; in which the Cyreneans after grew so expert, that they could drive their Chariots in a round or circle, and alwayes keep their Chariot-wheels in the self-same tract. Of no great power, till Battus a noble Spartan landing in this Country, had built the City of Cyrene; and founded it in so good a course of life and discipline, that in short time it came to have dominion over the most part of this Country, and to contend with Car∣thage about their territories. Warred on by Apryes King of Egypt, they sued unto the Greeks ••or aid, and by their assistance overcame him. Long after which, falling at odds among themselves, they craved aid of Ptolomie the first of that race, by whom they were finally subdued. Left by him at his death to Magus, a son of his last wife by a former husband, whom he had married to Arsinoe one of his daugh∣ters; it came again to the Crown of Egypt, by the marriage of Berenice the daughter and heire of Magus, with the son of Ptolomie Philadelphus. Aliened from which Crown again, for the preser∣ment of some of the younger Princes, and in the end given by one of the Ptolomies, the last king here∣of, to the People of Rome. Reduced into the form of a Province by Augustus Caesar, by whom uni∣ted in one Government with the Isle of Crete; but made a Province of it self by the following Emperours: never since separated from the fortune and affairs of Egypt, to which now we hasten.

That the Kingdom and Nation of Egypt was of great Antiquity, is not a matter to be doubted; the question in this point, betwixt them and the Scythian, being not easily decided. Whether it were so antient, as the Egyptians say, may perhaps be controverted. By them it was affirmed, that they had the memorie and storie of 13000 years, and a succession of 330 Kings in the time of Amasis the second, who was Cotemporary with Cyrus. Which number of years, if understood of Solarie years, measured by the course of the Sun, must not be allowed of, because it maketh them many thousand years older then the Creation: but if of Lunarie, which is most agreeable unto the Accompt of the Egyptians, who reckoned their years by moneths, it will amount unto no more then to 1000 or 1100 years, and so fall answerably to the times following after the Flood. But for their Kings, 330 in their reckonings, and those of 24 or 25 several Dynasti••s, the matter is not so soon made up: For either those Kings, must not be all Kings, or Supreme Lords of Egypt, as the Pharaohs were, but their several Regents or Vicegerents, armed with Regal power; those Dynasties not the successions of so many Regal families, but of their Substitutes and Lieutenants, many of which might live successively under one Supreme: or else we must needs look on Egypt, as distracted in those times into several kingdoms, amongst the Princes of those Dynasties before remembred: or finally, we must look for some of those Kings and Princes before the Flood. By either of these wayes, the business may be well agreed: For if that most of them were but the names of several Regents, (as probable enough it is) there might be many such in the reign of one King; according to the Kings fancie, the merit of particular persons, or the necessities of State: Changes of great Officers, especially if grown too great, are not new nor strange. If they were all Kings or Supreme Rulers, (as is also probable) we find not any thing of moment to perswade the contrary, but that many of them lived and reigned in their several parts (as in other Countries in those times) till the greater had devoured the less. Or if they were the names of such Soveraign Princes as had the sole command of Egypt before the Flood, (as some think they were) they might amount in all to so great a number, and so many Dynasties; the iniquity of those times, the ambition of great persons, and consequently the short lives of the Kings being duely pondered. That Egypt and most part of the world was peopled before the Flood, hath been already proved in our Generall Preface: If peopled, then no question under some form of Government, the names of which Governours (call them Kings, or Rulers, or what else we please) might be preserved in Egypt on pillars of brass or stone, or otherwise transmitted by tradition unto Cham the Father of Mizraim, by whom this Country was first planted after the Confusion of Babel. But that old stock of Kings and People being destroyed in the general Deluge, the Children of Mizraim succeeded next in their desolate dwellings: yet so, that the posterity of Chus and L••habim, two others of the sons of Cham, had their shares therein. From the first of which descended the Inhabitants of those parts of Egypt, which lay along the shores of the Red-Sea, or Golf of Arabia: in which respect not only one of the Nomi or Divisions bordering on the Isthmus, had the name of Arabia; but the people dwelling on those shores, were called Arabes, divided into the Arabes Azarei, and Arabes Adei. And from the other came that mixture of Nations, called Liby-Aegyptii▪ or Libyans and Egyptians intermixt together,

inhabiting in Maraeotica and the Western parts. But though these People were derived from seve∣ral Ancestors, they made one Nation in the totall: Subject to Mizraim as their chief, and after his decease, unto his Successors in the Kingdom of Egypt. Concerning whom we may observe, that in Cham our greatest Antiquaries finde the name of Iupiter Hammon; Mizraim they guess to be Osiris the great God of Egypt. To him succeeded Typhon not by right of blood, but by usurpation. Who dispossed by Lehabim, the brother of Mizraim (whom the Greeks call Hercules Egyptius) the King∣dom was restored to Orus the son of Osiris. During the time of these few Princes hapned all those things which are recorded in the Scriptures concerning Egypt: from the first going down of Abra∣ham in the time of Osiris, to the advancement of Ioseph in the Reign of Orus: in which there passed the 15. 16. & 17. Dynasties of Regal Vice Royes; Lieutenants only, as I take it▪ to those mighty Princes. The Kings themselves called generally by the name of Pharaoh, though they had all their proper and peculiar names: as afterwards their Successors here had the name of Ptolomy, and the Ro∣man Emperours, that of Caesar. Not troubling our selves therefore with their many Dynasties, we will lay down the Succession of their Kings, as well as we can; the disagreement of Historians and Chronologers, touching this Succession, being irreconcileable.

The Pharaohs or Kings of Egypt, of Egyptian Race.

• A. M.
• 1. Mizraim, the son of Cham, by the Gricians called Osiris, in whose time Abraham went into Egypt.
• 2 Typhon, an Usurper.
• 3 Orus, the son of Osiris, restored un∣to the Kingdom by his Uncle Le∣habim: the Advancer of Ioseph.
• 2207. 4 Amasis Themosis, or Amos, in whose time Iacob went down into E∣gypt. 25.
• 2233. 5 Chebron. 12.
• 2245. 6 Amenophis, or Amenophthis, 21.
• 2266. 7 Amarsis, the sister of Amenoph∣this, 22.
• 2288. 8 Mephres.
• 2300. 9 Mespharmuthesis. 25.
• 2325. 10 Thamosis, or Thuthmosis, 10.
• 2335. 11 Amenophthis II. supposed to be Memnon, and the Vocal Statue, 31.
• 2366. 12 Orus II. the Busiris of the Greci∣ans, a bloody Tyrant, who com∣manded the male-children of Is∣rael to be slain, 37.
• 2403. 13 Acencheres, by some called Ther∣mutis, the daughter of Amenoph∣this the second, and afterwards the wife of Orus, who preserved Moses, 12.
• 2416. 14 Rathosis the son of Orus, 6.
• 2422. 15 Acencherus, 12.
• 2449. 16 Cenchres, by some called Arenasis, Bocchoris by others; drowned in the Red-Sea with his horse and cha∣riots, 16.
• 2453. 17 Acherres, 8.
• 2462. 18 Cherres, 10.
• 1472. 19 Armais by the Grecians called Da∣naus, whose 50. daughters being married to the 50. sons of his bro∣ther Egyptos, murdered their hus∣bands: for which cause Danaus being forced out of Egypt, passed into Greece, where attaining to the Kingdom of Argos, he gave un∣to the Grecians the name of Danai.
• 1575. 20 Rameses, surnamed Egyptus, the brother of Danaus.
• 1550. 21 Amenophthis, III.
• 2590. 22 Sethos, or Sesothis 55.
• 2645. 23 Rhapsaces or Ranses, 66.
• 2711. 24 Amenophthis, IV. 40.
• 2751. 25 Rameses, II. 26.
• 2777. 26 Thuoris 7. After whose death suc∣ceeded a Race of twelve Kings, called the Diospolitani, who held the Kingdom for the space of 177 yeares; their names we find not but that one of the latest of them, whose daughter Solomon married, was called Vaphra; and perhaps Ogdoos who removed the Royal Seat from Thebes to Mem∣phis, might be another, and the eighth, as his name importeth.
• 2961. 39 Smendes, the Sisac of the Scri∣ptures, who made War upon Re∣hoboam the son of Solomon; con∣ceived to be the Sesostris of Hero∣dotus and others of the ancient Writers. Of whom it is reported, that being a king of great wealth and puissance, he had brought un∣der subjection all his neighbouring Princes: whom he compelled in turns to draw his Chariot. It hap∣ned that one of these unfortunate Princes, cast his eye many times on the Coach wheels: and being by Sesostris demanded the cause of his so doing, he replyed, that the fal∣ling of that spoke lowest, which but just before was in the height of the wheel, put him in minde of the instability of Fortune. The King deeply weighing the parable, would never after be so drawn in his Chariot. He also was the first that encountred the Scythians in battel; having already in conceit conquered them, before he led his Army against them. The Scythians

• much marvelled that a King of so great Revenues would wage War against a Nation so poor; with whom the fight would be doubtful, the Victory unprofitable; but to be vanquished a perpetual infamy and disgrace. For their parts they resolved to meet him, as an Enemy, whose overthrow would enrich them. When the Armies came to joyn, the Egyptians were discomfi∣ted, and pursued even to their own doors by the Enemy. But the Scy∣thians could not enter the Coun∣trey, because of the ••ens, with whose passage they were unac∣quainted; and so they returned.
• 2987. 40 Pseusenes, conceived to be the Cheops of Herodotus. founder of the vast Pyramis before descri∣bed, 41.
• 3028. 41 Nepher-Cherres. 4.
• 3032. 42 Amnoiphtis, V.
• 3041. 43 Opsochon, the Asychis of Herodotus.
• 3047. 44 Psamuchos, 9.
• 3056. 45 Psusennes, II. 14.
• 3070. 46 Sesonchis, 21.
• 3091. 47 Vsorthon, 15.
• 3106. 48 Takellotis, 13.
• 3119. 49 Patubastis, 40.
• 3159. 50 Osorchon, the second Hercules Aegyptius, as some will have it, 8.
• 3167. 51 Psamnis, 15.
• 3185. 52 Bochoris, called So, 2 King. 17. 4. taken and burnt by Sabacon the King of Ethiopia. 44.
• 3229. 53 Sabacon King of Ethiopia, 8.
• 3238. 54 Sevachus son of Sabacon. 14.
• 3252. 55 Tarachon, falsly supposed to be the Therah of the Scriptures. 18.
• 3270. 56 Stephinates, 7.
• 3277. 57 Niclupses, 6.
• 3288. 58 Psamniticus, who first made the Grecians acquainted with Egypt, 54.
• 3335. 59 Necho, who slew Josiah at the bat∣tel of Megiddo, 25.
• 3360. 60 Psamnis II. 6.
• 3366. 61 Aprios, called Hophra, Ier. 44.sub∣dued by Nebuchadnezzar, and deposed by Amasis. 25.
• 3391. 62 Amasis II. 44.
• 3435. 63 Psamnites, or Psamniticus II. a King of six moneths only; van∣quished by Cambyses, the second Monarch of Persia, who united Egypt to that Empire, under which it continued till the time of Darius the sixth King of the Medes and Persians, in the II. year of whose reign it revolted from him, and became a kingdom of it self, as in former times.
• 3555. 64 Amyrtaeus, the first King after the Revolt, 6.
• 3561. 65 Nepherites, 6.
• 3567. 66 Achoris, 12.
• 3579. 67 Psamnites III, 1.
• 3580. 68 Nepherites II. a King of two moneths only.
• 69 Nectanebos, 18.
• 3598. 70 Teos, 2.
• 3600. 71 Nectanebos II. the last King of the natural Egyptian race, that ever governed Egypt, by the name or a King. For in the 18 of the reign of this King, Egypt waa again re∣covered by the valour of Ochus the eighth Emperor of Persia. And when Alexander had overthrown Darius. he came & without blows won this fertile kingdom; which yielded him, during his life, the yearly value of 6000 talents. After his death, this kingdom fell to the share of Ptolomeus the son of La∣gus, from whom all the subsequent Kings of Egypt were called Pto∣lomies,

The Ptolomean Kings of Egypt.

• A. M.
• 3641. 1 Ptolomie, one of Alexanders Ca∣ptains, reputed the son of Lagus, but supposed to be the son of Phi∣lip of Macedon, and half-brother to Alexander. 40.
• 3681. 2 Ptol. Philadelphus, who filled the Library of Alexandria with 700000 Volumes, and caused the 72 Inter∣preters to translate the Bible.
• 3717. 3 Ptol Euergetes, the son of Phila∣delphus, vanquished Seleucus Cal∣linicus, and probably had subdued that kingdome, if not called back by domestick dissentions. 26.
• 3743 4 Ptol. Philopater, a cruel, voluptu∣ous, and incestuous Prince; cruelly slew Cleomenes the last king of Sparta, who had sled to his father for relief in the time of his exile. 17
• 3760. 5 Ptol. Epiphanes, at the age of five years succeeded his father; pro∣tected by the Romans against An∣tiochus the Great of Syria, who had an aim upon his kingdom. 28.
• 3784. 6 Ptol. Philometor, the son of Epi∣phanes, by Cleopatra the daughter of the great Antiochus; protected in his nonage by the Romans also: caused himself to be crowned king of Syria, but again relinquished it. 35.
• 3829. 7 Ptol. Euergetes II. for his desorm∣ity called Physcon, the brother of Ptol. Philometor: A wicked Prince, and one that spent the greatest part of his reign in a cause∣less war against Cleopatra his wife and sister. 29.
• 38••8. 8 Ptol. Lathurus, reigned 16 years with Cleopatra his mother, by whom dispossed of his estate for

• the space of ten years; after her death was sole Lord of Egypt. His brother Alexander being taken by the Queen-mother as her Asso∣ciate in the time of his deprivation, and passing in the Accompt of the Kings of Egypt.
• 3892 9 Ptol. Auletes, the son of Lathu∣rus, sirnamed also Dionysius, whose Brother being setled by him in the Isle of Cyprus, was most unjustly suipped by the power of the Ro∣mans, and he himself outed of Egypt by his own subjects, but re∣stored by the a••d & love of Pompey.
• 3922. 10 Ptol. Dionysius called also Junior, or the younger, together with Cleopatra his wife and sister, suc∣ceeded Auletes in the throne, which they held together by the space of three years. In the last of which, Pompey was barbarously slain on the shores of Egypt, by the com∣mand of Achilles the young Kings Governour; and the young King himself unfortunately slain in the Alexandrian Tumult against Julius Caesar.
• 3925. 11 Cleopatra, the wife and sister of Dionysius, restored to the Crown of Egypt by the bounty of Caesar, of whom exceedingly beloved for her wit and beauty. After which she governed Egypt 19 years in her own sole right, with great pomp and splendor: when being im∣barqued in the bed and fortunes of Marc. Antonie, she killed her self not long after his fatal o∣verthrow at the battel of A••••∣um, that she might not be ••ed in triumph through Rome.

These Ptolomean Princes of Egypt, were for the most part in wars with the Kings of Syria, in which they were by turns victorious, and vanquished; neither Prince having cause to boast of his bargain. After the death of Cleopatra, whose life and love with Marcus Antunius I will not now relate; this Country fell to the share of the Roman Emperours, and was by them highly prized, and warily looked into. The Governour hereof was but a Gentleman of Rome; no Senator being permitted to come into it; it being a maxim of State, not to suffer men of great houses to come into that Country, whose revolt may endanger the whole Empire. Of this nature was Egypt. For be∣sides the natural situation of the place very defensible; and besides the abundance of money, with which it was stored; this Country alone furnished the City of Rome with Corn, for four moneths yearly. Whence Vespasian being chosen Emperor by the Syrian Legions, and hearing of the defeat of his concurrent Vitellius, hastened hither; to this end only, that detaining the ordinary provision of victuals, he might by famine compell the City of Rome to stand at his devotion: Vt urbem quoque externe opis indigam ••ame urgeret•• as the Historian hath observed. When made a Province of that Empire, it was counted as the Emperors sole Peculiar: afterwards made (as well it might) an entire Diocese of it self, subordinate to the Praefectus Praetorio Orientis. In the division of the Empire allotted to the Constantinopolitans, whose Government being thought to be insupportable by this wanton People, they called in the Saracens, by whom the Greek Garrisons were cast out, and the Country made subject to Haumar the third of the Caliphs. Afterwards, weary of them also, they would have a Caliph of their own revolting totally from the Caliph of Bagdat. So that from this time forwards we shall meet with two Caliphs at a time, the one residing at Caire in Egypt, to whom the Saracens or Moors of Spain and Africk did submit themselves; the other at Bagdat, who Lorded it over all the rest, at least as to the ••upr••me title and some chief Prerogatives, though the main power was cantonned and disposed of among their Sultans.

The Caliphs of Egypt.

• A. Ch. A. H.
• 870 247. 1 Achmades, or Achmat. 10.
• 88•• 257. 2 Tolen. 3.
• 883. 260. 3 Hamaria. 29.
• 903. 280. 4 Abarun, slain by Mucta∣phi, the Caliph of Babylon.
• 940. 317. 5 Achid Muhamid, the son of Tangi. 3.
• 943. 320. 6 Abigud, the son of Achid. 27.
• 970. 347. 7 Meaz Ledin, Illahi, of the race of Phatime and Hali. 5.
• 975. 352. 8 Aziz, the son of Meaz. 21.
• 996. 373. 9 Elhachain. 23.
• 1019. 396. 10 Etaber Leazizdin Illah••. 16.
• 1035. 412. 11 Musteratzer Billahi. 60.
• 1096. 472. 12 Musteale. 5.
• 1100. 477. 13 Elamir Bahacan Illahi. 35
• 1135. 512. 14 Elhapit Ladin Illahi.
• 15 Etzahar.
• 16 Elphaiz.
• 17 Etzar Ledin Illahi, the the son of Elphaiz the last Caliph, or King of Egypt, of the race of Phatime: the Turks succeeding after his death in this opulent kingdome. Concerning which we are to know, that Elphaiz the father of Etzar, being over-power'd by Almericus King of Hierusalem craved aid of Norradine the Turkish Sultan of Damascus, which he received under the conduct of Sarracon, or Shirachoch, a right valiant and stout Commander; who taking his advantages, not only cleared the Country of Almericus, but got the whole kingdom to himself; dashing out the brains of Elphaiz with his horsemans-mace. And though Etzar his son assumed for a while the title of Caliph; yet the destruction of himself, and the whole Phatimean family, rooted out by Sarracon, soon put an end to that claim, and left the king∣dom in the peaceable possession of the Turkish Sultans.

The fourth Dynastie, or the Race of the Turkish Kings or Caliphs of Egypt.

• 1163. 1 Asereddin, sirnamed Shirachoch, called Sarracon by the Christian writers; the first of the Turks which reigned in Egypt; of the Noble family of Alub.
• 1186. 2 Zeli-heddin, called Saladine by the Christian writers, the son (or as some say, the nephew) of Sarracon or Shirachoch; confirmed in his estate by the Caliph of Bagdet, under whose jurisdiction he redu∣ced the Egyptian Schismaticks; He obtained also the kingdom of Damascus, conquered Mesopota∣mia, Palestine, and in the year 1190 regained the City of Hierusalem. A Prince who wanted nothing to commend him to succeeding A∣ges, nor to glorifie him in the kingdom of Heaven, but the sa∣ving knowledge of CHRIST JESUS.
• 1199. 3 Elaziz, the second son of Saladine, succeeded in the Realm of Egypt, which he exchanged afterwards with his brother Eladel for the kingdom of Damascus.
• 4 Eladel, or El-Aphtzel, by the Christian writers called Meledine, succeeded upon this exchange, in the kingdom of Egypt: and over∣came the Christians, without the losse of a man, at the siege of Caire, by letting loose the Sluces of Ni∣lus, which drowned their Army, and forced them to covenant with him at his own pleasure.
• 1210. 5 Elchamul.
• 1237. 6 Melech Essalach, by the Christian writers called Melechsala, the son of Elchamul, who overcame Lewis the 9. of France; and going with that King towards Damiata, was slain by the souldiers of his guard, called Mamalucks.
• 1242. 7 Elmutan, the son of Melech Es∣salach, succeeded for a time in his Fathers throne; But the Mama∣lucks being resolved to obtain the kingdom for themselves, inforced him to flie to a Tower of Wood, which they set on fire; & the poor Prince, half burned, leaping into a River (which ran close by it) was there drowned: & the Mamalucks setled in the kingdom, An. 1245.

These Mamalucks were the ofspring of a People on the banks of the Euxine Sea, vulgarly called the Circassians: whom Melechsala either bought of their Parents, or (at the second hand; of the Tartars, then newly Masters of those Countries, to supply the want of valour in the idle and effeminate People of Egypt: and out of them selected a choise Band of men for the guard of his person. Knowing their strength, and finding their opportunity, they treacherously slew Melechsala their Lord and Master; appointing one Azeddin Ibek, a Turco-man by nation, and therefore by most Christian writers called Turquimeneius, (one of their own number) a man of great spirit and valour, to succeed in the Throne. Unwilling to re-give the Supreme Authority into the hands of the Egyptians; and not permitting their own sons to enjoy the name and privilege of Mamalucks, they bought yearly certain numbers of Circassian slaves, whom they committed to the keeping of the Egyptians, by them to be instructed in the Egyptian language, and the Law of Mahomet. Being thus fitted for im∣ployment, they were taught the Discipline of War, and by degrees advanced unto the highest Offices of power and trust; as now the Janizaries are in the Turkish Empire: in choice and ordering of whom, as the Ottoman Turks were Precedented by those of Egypt; so it is possible enough that the Janizaries may make as great a Change in the Turkish Empire, as the Mamalucks did in the Egy∣ptian. So unsafe a thing it is for a Prince to commit the sole guard of his person, or the defence of his Dominions, to the hands of such, whom not the sense of natural duty, but the hopes of profit or preferment may make useful to him. For thus we find, that Constantius a King of the Britains was murdered by his Guard of Picts: most of the Roman Emperours, by the hands of those whom they intrusted either with the guard of their persons, or the command of their Armies: And I think no man can be ignorant how many times the Princes and Estates of Italy have been brought into the ex∣tremest dangers, by trusting too much to the honesty of mercena••ie Souldiers and Commanders. Take we for instance the proceedings of Giacopo Picinino, who with his Followers first took Pay of Ferdinand the first of Naples; left him, to fight for his vowed Enemy Iohn Duke of Calabria the son of Renè Duke of Anjou; whom also he forsook in his greatest need. The like we find of Francisco Sforza, first entertained by the Duke of Millain, from whom he revolted to the Florentines, from

them to the Venetians; and being again received into the Pay of the State of Millain, made use of their own Army to subdue that City. Nor can I speak better of the Switzers or their dealing in this kind with the French Kings, the Sforza's Dukes of Millain; and with whom not (to say the truth) that ever trusted or employed them.

Now as it is unsafe for a Prince to commit the custody of his person, or the defence of his Estates to the faith of Forreiners; so is it dangerous to him to call in such aids, and to commit his fortunes either wholly or principally unto their fidelity. A moderate supply of men, money, or munition, from a confederate King, is, I confesse, in most cases convenient, in some necessary: as well to save their Natives from the sword; as to trie a friend, and interest an Allie in the same cause. But to invite so great a number of Succours, as from Helpers may become Masters, and oppresse the people whom they came to defend; is that Rock on which many Realms have suffered shipwrack, and which a good Pilot of the State should with all care avoid. For as in the sickness of the body natural, it is hurtful to a mans health and life, to take more physick then it may (after the effect thereof be wrought) either di∣gest, or put out again: so in the body politick, it is a perilous matter to receive more succours, then what (after they have done the deed they were sent for) we may either with conveniencie reward and settle with us, or at liberty expell. Of all Surfeits, this of Forraign supplies is most uncurable: and Ne quid nimis, if in nothing else true, is in this case, oracle. There is no Kingdom (I am verily per∣swaded) under the Sun, which hath not been by this means conquered; no Common-wealth, which hath not been by this means ruined. To relate all examples, were infinite and tedious; to inferre some, pleasing to the Reader; and to illustrate the point, not unnecessary. To begin with former times: Philip of Macedon, called into Greece to assist the Thebans against the Phocians, brought all that Country, in a manner, under his command. The Romans, by aiding the Sicilians against the Carthaginians, possessed themselves of that flourishing Island; by assisting the Hedui against the Sequani, mastered France; by succouring Androgeus against Cassibelan, seised on Britain; by siding with the Aetolians against Perseus, united to their Empire all the Kingdom of Macedon; and by the same course what not? In after-ages, the Britains called in the Saxons, and were by them th••st out of all; the Irish called in the English, by whom they were in process of time totally subdued; and the Indians called in the Mogul-Tartars, who now Lord it over them. These forrein supplies are invited or let into a Country, commonly in four cases. First, when some one man upon discontent or desire of revenge, openeth them a way to a Country: upon which motives, Narses invited the Lombards into Italy; and Count Julian brought the Moors into Spain: the one to be revenged on the Empresse Sophia, who had despitefully reviled him; the other to revenge himself on King Rodo∣rick, who had ravished his daughter. Secondly, when a weaker Faction makes way for them, to main∣tain their cause against a stronger: On which ground the Duke of Burgundy being oppressed by the faction of Orleans, made way for Henry the fifth to passe into France; and the Leaguers drew the Spaniards in, to hold up their declining cause against Henry the 4th. Thirdly, when an ambitious Prince makes use of a forrein power, to usurp upon the rights of another man: And for that cause Ludowick Sforze perswaded Charles the 8. to undertake the Conquest of the Realm of Naples, that by the countenance of his Arms he might appropriate to himself the Dukedom of Millain. Fourthly, when a King overburthened by a forrein or domestick force, which he is not able to resist, requires the help of a forrein friend: in which case, Plus à medico quam a morbo mali, the Physick proves many times worse then the Disease: for thus the Kings of Naples of the house of Aragon, being in danger of the French, drew in the Aids of Ferdinand the Catholique, the Cousin-German once removed of the King then being: And the Caliphs of Egypt, not able to withstand the forces of Almericus, craved aid of the Turks; by which meane both those kingdoms were made a prey to their forrein friends, and by avoiding Scylla fled into Charybdis. Nay many times it so happeneth, that these forrein succours joyn in design with those against whom they were called, and divide the conquered State between them: And so we find that the Burgundians being called by Stilico into Gaul, to prevent the breaking in of the Franks or French, joyned with them in a common league against the Romans, whom they dis∣possessed at last of all that Country. Onely amongst so many examples to this purpose, we find the Low-Country-men to have prospered by these forrein aids; who by the assistance of the English, ransomed themselves from that yoke of bondage which was intended to be put upon them by the King of Spain. This I acknowledge to be true, and look upon it as a great Argument of the integrity and honesty of the English Nation; although it be as true withall, that the English never had such an Army there, as to be able to subdue them. But give me such another instance, I will quit the cause: for the same Low-Country-men found it otherwise with the Duke of Anjou, Brother to Henry the 3. of France, whom they created Duke of Brabant, and their Governour-Generall; permitting him to bring in as many of the French, as either his authority or their own monies were able to raise: who was no sooner setled in that command, but he made it his chief business to seize upon their strongest Holds, and to be a more absolute Prince amongst them, then ever the Spaniards or Burgundians had been before. So that I think I may conclude, that these forrein Succours are the last to be tryed, and the least to be trusted, of any remedies in State. But it's now more then time to return to the Mama∣lucks; and in them to

The third Dynastie of the Egyptian Kings, or the Race of the Mamalucks.

• A. Ch.
• 1255. 1 Turquimeneius, who being pro∣moted to the kingdom, released King Lewis, whom Melechsala his predecessor had taken prisoner; but performed not half of the con∣ditions agreed upon.
• 2 Clothes (by some called Elmu∣tahaz) taking advantage of the miseries of the Turks then distres∣sed by the Tartars, seised on the greatest part of Syria and Pale∣stine.
• 1260. 3 Bandocader perfected the begun∣conquests of Clothes, and took from the Christians the strong City of Antioch, carrying on his Armies as far as Armenia, where he did much spoil.
• 4 Melechsait, or Melechsares, re∣stored the power of the Mama∣lucks in Syria and Palestine; where it had been much impaired by Edward the son of Henry the 3. of England, and Henry Duke of Mecklenburgh, &c.
• 1289. 5 Elpis, or Alphix, recovered from the dissenting Christians, the strong Cities of Tripolis, Berytus, Tyre, and Sidon; all which he razed to the ground, that they might not be any more serviceable to the af∣fairs of the Christians.
• 1291. 6 Araphus, or Eustrephus, by birth a German, released Henry Duke of Mecklebourg, after he had been prisoner 26 years. He rooted the Christians out of Syria, took Pto∣lomais the last Town they there held, and so razed it, that he made it fit to be ploughed.
• 7 Melechnesar, when he was Lieu∣tenant to Arapbus, was discom∣fited by Cassanes, a great Prince of the Tartars, with the loss of 40000 Egyptians: but Cassanes being de∣parted, he recovered again all Sy∣ria, and destroyed Hierusalem; for which service he was afterward made Sultan of Egypt.
• 8 Melechadel, whom I suppose to be that Sultan that governed Egypt, when Tamberlane with unresist∣able violence conquered it; but of this I am not certain; neither can I meet with any constant and continued series (which I dare re∣lie on) of his successors in this king∣dom, till I come to
• 9 Melechella, or Melechnaser, who in the year 1423. subdued the Isle of Cyprus, and made the Kings thereof to be from thenceforth Tributaries to the Mamaluck Sul∣tans.
• 1465. 10 Cathbeyus, who much reformed the State of Egypt, and was a pro∣fessed enemy of Bajazet 2. the 8^th King of the Ottomans.
• 1498. 11 Mahomet the son of Cathbeyus, deposed by the Mamalucks, for fear the kingdom might by him be made hereditary; it being against their usual custome, that the son should succeed his father in the name and privileges of a Mama∣luck.
• 1499. 12 Campson Chiarsesius, succeeded on the deposing of Mahomet.
• 13 Zanballat, who dethroned Camp∣son, and not long after was depo∣sed by
• 1500. 14 Tonombeius; outed of his Estate by the joynt-consent of the Ma∣malucks, so to make way for Cam∣pson Gaurus.
• 1501. 15 Campson II. sirnamed Gaurus, reformed the disordered and fa∣ctious estate both of Court and Country, and for the space of 16 years governed very prosperously: But siding at the last with Hysmael the Persian Sophie against Selimus the first of that name, the 3. Em∣peror and ninth King of the Otto∣man family, he drew his Kingdom into a war, in which his Armies were overthrown, and himselfe slain in battel.
• 1517. 16 Tonombeius II. succeeded Camp∣son Gaurus both in his Kingdom and misfortunes: vanquished in his first year by the said Selimus the first, An. 1517. Who having conquered this rich Kingdom, was used to say, That he had gotten a Farm to feed his Gomoglans, or young Souldiers. So Egypt became a Province of the Turkish Empire, as it still continueth.

What the Revenues of it were in the time of the Pharaohs, I am not able to affirm. Great they must be, beyond the proportion of belief, or else they could never have been Ma∣sters of sufficient Treasure to finish those vast Structures which they un∣dertook. Twelve thousand and five hundred Talents they amounted An∣nually unto in the time of the Ptolo∣mies, which of our money makes the summe of Two Millions and 347750

pounds. Which summe, Augustus Caesar (appropriating this Province to himself) is said to have doubled: But whether he had it all in Money, or part hereof in Money, and the rest in Corn, I de∣termine not. Certain it is, that there was yearly shipped hence for Rome, in the time of that Empe∣rour, Two hundred thousand Measures of Wheat, every Measure weighing Twenty pound weight; which cometh to Seven Millions and an hundred forty thousand of our English Bushels: Sold by him, or distributed gratis amongst the Poor, as he saw occasion. So that there might be very well some a∣batement in Money, considering that the Corn amounted to so great a summe. Nor were they much lesse, if ought at all, when the Mamalucks ruled in this Country. For Campson Gaurus, at his coming to the Throne, gave no lesse then Ten millions of Ducats, at one clap, amongst his Souldiers. But the Turks at this day, partly through their Tyrannical government, and partly through the discontinuance of the usual Traffick through the Red-Sea, receive no more then Three Millions; one of which is hoorded in his own Coffers; the second is appropriated unto his Vicegerent Bashaw, for support of his charge; the third is distributed among his Garrison-souldiers, and such of them as by land guard his own Million to Constantinople; for by sea he dareth not venture it, for fear of the Florentine, who with a few ships Lordeth it in the Mediterranean.

And so much for EGYPT.