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 BARBARY.

BARBARY is bounded on the East with Cyrenaica; on the West with the Atlantick Ocean; on the North with the Mediterranean, the Straits of Gibraltar, and some part of the Atlantick also; on the South with Mount Atlas, by which separated from Libya Inferior, or the Desarts of Libya.

It containeth in it the whole Diocese of Africk, & part of the Diocese of Spain: subject in former times to the Commonwealth of Carthage, and the great Kings of Mauritania and Numidia. When conquered by the Romans, they gave to that part of it which they won from the Carthaginians, the name of Africa; calling that Province by the name of the whole Peninsula; and afterwards ex∣tended it over all the rest of the Country on the North of Atlas. Which name it held till the subju∣gation of it by the Saracens, by whom called BARBARY, either from Barbar, signifying in their language an uncertain murmur, such as the speech of the Africans seemed to them to be; or from the word Bar signifying, a Desart; which doubled, made up first Barbar, and after Barbary.

It is situate under the third and fourth Climates; so that the longest Summers day in the parts most South amounteth to thirteen houres three quarters, increased in the most Northern parts to fourteen houres and a quarter. In length extended from the Atlantick Ocean to the greater Syrtis, for the space of 1500 miles; in breadth from Mount Atlas to the Mediterranean, where narrowest 100 miles; but towards the Straits, where broadest, almost three hundred.

The Country in such parts as lie nearest to the Mediterranean, is full of hils, covered with woods, and stored with plenty of Wild-beasts; provided reasonably well of most sorts of Fruits, but unfit for Wheat, insomuch that most of the Inhabitants live of Barley-bread. Betwixt which and Mount Atlas is a Champain country, watered with many pleasant Rivers issuing from that Mountain, and liberally furnished with Cherries, Figs, Peares, Plumes, Apples of all kinds; abundance of Oile, Honey, Sugar; some Mines of Gold, and that for purity and sineness nowhere to be bettered. Here are also besides large Herds of Cattel, some Elephants, Lyons, Dragons, Leopards, and others of the like savage nature, and of Apes great multitudes; Horses good store, of excellent both strength and beauty. But taking it in the best parts, it falleth extremely short of that infinite fertility which is ascribed to it by the Writers of elder times. For besides the miracle of five hundred ••ars of Corn growing on one stalk, (whereof more anon) Pliny reporteth, that not far from the City of Tacape, in the way to Leptis, a man might see a great Date-tree overshadowing an Olive, under the Olive a Fig-tree, under that a Pom-granat, under that a Vine, and under all, Pease, Wheat, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉; all growing and flourishing at one time. It is affirmed also by the same Author, that the Vin•• beareth twice a year, that some fruits or other are gathered in it at all times of the year; and that a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of ground of four cubits square, was usually rented out at so many Denarii: by which accompt, (as the learned Budaeus doth compute it) an Acre of that ground must be worth yearly 12800 of the Roman Sestertii, which make 320 Crowns. An infinite and unparallel'd increase of the Fruits of the Earth, if the Author were not out in his valuation.

The People are of a duskish colour, but inclining to blacknesse: much of the same nature with the Arabians, by whose numerous families formerly they were overspred; but the Africans of the two the better active of body, well skilled in Horsmanship, but impatient of labour; covetous of honour, inconstant, crafty, and unfaithful; studious in matters of their Law, and in some of the Liberal Sci∣ences, especially Philosophie and the Mathematicks, of which in many parts of the Mahometan Coun∣tries they are admitted to be Readers: they are also said to be stately of gate, exceedingly distrustful, in their hate implacable, and jealous of their women beyond all compare. The women of a comely body, and well featured, beautiful in blacknesse, of delicate soft skins; and in their habit and apparel beyond measure sumptuous: so drest, to make themselves more amiable in the eyes of their hus∣bands; for otherwise not permitted to stir abroad, and seldome to see any body but those of their own houses.

The Language spoken at the present in most of the Maritime Towns, except those of Fesse and Morocco, is the Arabick tongue. In those two Kingdoms, and most part of the Country-villages, the Punick or old African, the antient languages of the Country: the Punick, spoken in all places where antiently the Carthaginians were of any power; the African (whatsoever it was) in the parts of Mauritania, not subject to them. Of the Latine there is no remainder; which though it was the Language of the Roman Colonies, yet never could it spread so far as to extinguish or suppresse the old natural tongues: and in the Colonies themselves so much degenerated in short time, so barbarously and imperfectly spoken; that a Sister of the Emperor Severus, who lived in Leptic, a Roman Colonie, coming to Rome to see her Brother, spoke it so incongruously, that the Emperor was ashamed to hear it. And though the Sermons of S. Augustine, an African Bishop, were preached in Latine, because preached in Hippo his Episcopal See, which was then a Colonie of the Romans; yet he confesseth that he was sometimes fain to use such words as were not Latine, to be the better understood of his Congregation.

The Christian faith was first planted, in that part hereof which was called Africa Propria by Epae∣netus, one of the 70 Disciples; by Dorotheus in his Synopsis, affirmed to be the first Bishop of Car∣thage: In Mauritania, by S.Simon the Apostle, sirnamed Zelotes. Metaphrastes addeth, that S. Simon Peter preached here also, when by the Decree of Claudius Caesar he was forced from Rome; and at his going hence, left Crescens his Disciple to promote the work. But by whomsoever planted first, it found good increase, and was so propagated in short time over all this Country, that in the year 250. or before, there were in it above 90 Bishops; for so many were assembled in the Synod of La∣besitum: and in the year 398. when the faction of the Donatists was of greatest power, we find no sewer then 214 Catholick Bishops met together in the Councel of Carthage. Which as it is an ar∣gument of the great increase of Christianity, in those parts of Africa; so it shewes also that the Church was in ill condition; so overpower'd by the violence of that mighty faction, who had at least 270 Bishops of their own opinion; that the Orthodox party was necessitated to increase the num∣ber of Bishops, for fear of being over-balanced by the contrary side, if ever the difference should come to be examined in a publike meeting. These Bishops ranked into six Classes, according to the number of the African Provinces: the Bishops of each Province subject to their own Metropolitan, who in this Diocese (contrary to the usage of all other Churches) had the name of Primates: but all of them subordinate to the Primate of Carthage, originally invested with Patriarchal jurisdiction over all these parts. Latius fusa est nostra Provincia: Habet enim Numidiam, & Mauritanias duas, sibi cohaerentes, are S.Cyprians words. Which shew, that Leo Africanus was a better Geographer then an Historian or Divine: He would not else have told us in such positive terms, that those of Barbary remained in their old Idolatrie till 250 years before Mahomets birth, at what time they received the Gospel, and not before. But the good man mistook the reviving of the Orthodox faith, in the time of Justinian, after it had been long suppressed by the Vandals of the Arian faction (who at one time banished hence 300 Catholike Bishops) for the first planting of the Gospel. Otherwise not to be ex∣cused. But after this Reviver, it held not long, when suppressed by the Saracens; and so suppressed, that except it be in some few Towns possessed by the King of Spain, and the Crown of Portugal, there is no tract of Christianity to be discerned in all this Country; Mahometism being elswhere uni∣versally imbraced amongst them.

Amongst the men of most note for Souldiery, which have been born in this Country, we may reckon Amilcar the Carthaginian, and his three sons: 2. Annibal, 3. Asdrubal, and 4. Mago; men hardly to be parallel'd in any Ages: 5. Masinissa, King of the Numidians, one of their Co∣temporaries: and in the following times. 6. Septimius Severus, the Roman Emperour. Amongst those addicted to the Muses, those of most note, 1. Terence, 2. Apuleius. But for Divines, no Region in the world afforded men of more eminent note, nor better deserving of the Church. 1. Tertullian, 2. Cyprian, 3. Inlius Africanus, 3. Arnobius, 4. Lactantius, 5. Victorinus Afer, 6. Optatus Melevi∣tanus, 7. Victor Vticensis, and above all, 8. the most learned and divine S.Augustine, a man of such admirable abilities, and indefatigable industry, so constant a Defender of all Orthodox do∣ctrines against the Hereticks of those times, that he deservedly got the name of Malleus Haereticorum.

Principal Mountains of this Country, besides Mount Atlas, (of which hereafter by it self) 1. Phocra, 2. Heptadelphus, and 3. Atlas minor in Mauritania Tingitana; 4. Cinnaba, 5. Garas, 6. Madethubadus, and 7. those called Gariphi, in Caesariensis, 8. Thambes, 9. Mampsarus, 10. Vsaletus, and 11. Zu∣chabarus, in Africa Propria. Of which, and others, we may speak more, if occasion be, in our de∣scription of the Provinces in which they are. And for the Rivers of most note, though none of any long course in so narrow a Country: we have in Tingitana, 1. Sala, falling into the Atlantick, out of Atlas minor; 2. another of the same name, and the same exit also, but far more to the North, to∣wards the Streit of Gibraltar; 3. Mosocath, mollified by Salust the Historian into Mulucha, and by him placed betwixt the Numidians and the Moors; 4. Malva, the boundarie at this day betwixt the Kingdoms of Fesse and Algiers; 5. Phthuth, of more same then any, of which more anon: in Caesa∣riensis, 6. Nasabath, 7. Sisaris, and 8. Sorbetes: in Africa Propria, or the Kingdom of Tunes, 8. Ru∣bicatus, which rising out of Mount Thambes, falleth into the Mediterranean near Hippo Regius; 9. Triton, which issuing out of the hill called Vsaletus, and making the great Fen called Tritonia Palus, endeth its course also in the Mediterranean; and finally, 10. Bagradas, the greatest in all this tract, which rising out of Mount Atlas, first runneth towards the East, and then receiving from the hill called Mampsarus the addition of another Stream, passeth directly Northward to the City of Vtica, and there ends his course.

Having thus laid together the chief Metes and Land marks, I should now proceed to the descri∣ption of the several Provinces hereof, as in other places. But because each part almost hath had for these later times its particular History, and that it is divided at the present into several Government, and under the command of several Princes: I will here lay down so much of the Storie of it as con∣cerns the whole, before such division; and afterwards pursue the Historie and Chorographie of the several parts. And for the whole we are to know, that this Country was first peopled by P••ut the third son of Cham: who leaving his brother Mizraim well setled in the Land of Egypt, passed to∣wards the West; and leaving Lehabim his nephew betwixt him and Mizraim, possessed himself of all the rest from the greater Syrtis to the Ocean. Remainders of whose name we find in the River Phut, (by Ptolemy called Phthuth, with but little difference, save that it savoureth more of the African roughnesse) near which Josephus findeth a Region called the Country of Phut, a Nation called he

Phuteans: seconded herein by S. Hierome, who speaking of this Regio Phutensis in Mauritania, (where the River Phuth is placed by Ptolomy) voucheth in generall terms the testimony of old Writers, both Greek and Latine. So that of this there is no question to be made. Such Nations as descended of this Plantation, shall be hereafter spoke of in their several Provinces. Governed at first by the Chiefs of their several families; but in the end reduced under the command of the Kings of Mauritania and Numidia, and the State of Carthage. The two first, Natives of this Country, of the race of Phut; the last descended also of the seed of Cham, their common Parent, by the line of Canaan; who on the conquest of their Country by the Children of Israel, forced to seek new dwellings; and having store of ships to transplant themselves and their families, setled in the mari∣time parts of Mauritania, and Africa properly so called. For, that the people of those parts, though lost into other names and families, were antiently of a Canaanitish or Phoenician, race, may be made apparent, 1. By the nearnesse of their Language, the Punick or Phoenician, and old Hebrew tongue, differing only in the dialect and pronunciation. 2. By the name Poeni, or Phoeni, little differing from that of the Phoenices. 3. By this testimony of S.Augustine, who telleth us in the Comment on S. Pauls Epistle to the Romans, begun, but not finished by him; Interrogati Rustici nostri quid sint, respondent Punici Chanani; that is to say, that when any of the Inhabitants of this Country (he himself was one) were asked what they were, they answered, Chanaanites. 4. We find in Hero∣dotus, how Cambyses having totally conquered Egypt, intended a war against the Carthaginians, who were then a State (it seemeth) of some power: but the Phoenicians, being the onely Sea-faring men Cambyses then had, absolutely denied to be imployed in that service; they being sprung from the same tree, that the Carthaginians were. 5. We read in Procopius, (out of which it is cited by Eva∣grius Scholasticus) how on two marble-pillars, situate nigh unto Tingis or Tanger, there was in the Phoenician language and character engraved, Nos fugimus à facie Joshuah praedonis, filii Nave: that is to say, We flie from the face of that Robber, Joshuah the son of Nun. The setling of this people there, a great incitement questionlesse unto Dido to come thither also; who feared as much danger from her brother Pygmalion King of Tyre, whose hands had been embrued in the blood of her husband, as the others did from the sword of Josuah. Gathering together all her treasures, which were very great, accompanied with her brother Barca and her sister Anna, the set sail for Africk; and landing in the Bay, where after stood the City of Carthage, she obtained leave to build a Fort of no greater bignesse then the could compasse round about with an Oxes hide. This the beginning of that City; hence the name of Byrsa, which at first it had. First founded in or about the year of the world 3070. which was about 144 years after the building of Solomons Temple, 143 years before the building of Rome, and about 290 years from the destruction of Troy. By which accompt (I note this only by the way) it is impossible that Dido or Elisa (for by both these names we find her called) should ever see the face of Aenaeas, unlesse it were in picture, or imagination; and therefore as impossible she should either fall in love with him, or be got with child by him, or finally kill her self on her being forsaken. All which being delivered by Virgil in his excellent Poem, did for long time obtain a generall belief with most sorts of men. Hereunto consenteth Ausonius, who honouring the Statua of this abused Princesse with an Epigram of 18 verses, among others gives us these four.

Invida cur in me stimulasti Musa Maronem, Fingeret ut nostra damna pudicitiae? Vos magis Historicis (Lectores) credite de me, Quam qui furta deum, concubitusque canunt.

Why didst thou stir up Virgil, envious Muse, Falsely my name and honour to abuse? Of me let Histories be heard, not those, Who to the World, Jove's theft and lusts expose.

Credible it is, that Aenaeas being driven on the coast of Africk, was by some Prince there courteously entertained, as a man whose fame had been his harbinger: but why the story should be fastned on Dido, I see not. Perhaps the unfortunate death of this Queen, who laid violent hands on her self, gave occasion to the Poet to fain, that it was for the love of Aenaeas: whereas it was indeed to avoid the lust and fury of Jarbas, a potent King in Africk, who violently desired to have his pleasure on her.

But to proceed. This City thus founded in a place commodious for trade and merchandise, in short time grew exceeding wealthy; And having wealth enough to hire mercenary souldiers (of which the needy Mauritanians & Numidians did afford good store) they conquered all the Sea-coasts from Cyrene to the Streits of Hercules (now called the Streits of Gibraltar) and so much also towards the South, as was worth the conquering; within which space possessed of 300 Cities. Grown to such height, that all the African Kings and Princes, and amongst them the Kings of Numidia and Mauri∣tania, were at their devotion: They began to cast their eyes on Sicily, a wealthy Island, lying near unto their Coast; which questionless they had possessed, if the Romans, envious of their greatness, and fearing their neighbourhood, had not took upon them the defence of the Mumertines, and under that pretence got some footing in it. The end of this war, after many brave exploits on both sides, was the driving the Carthaginians out of Sicil, their abandoning all the Islands betwixt them

and Italy, and the payment of 3200 Talents, amounting to about two millions of Crowns. And such end had the first Punick war, managed for the most part in Sicil: during which time, and the first war there managed by the Carthaginians, Africk it self was twice invaded; first by Agathocles Tyrant of Syracuse, (or so commonly called) and afterwards by Regulus a Roman General; but with no other great successe, then the spoil of the Country. The second followed not long after, but the Scene was altered: begun in Spain, prosecuted in Italy, and ended in Africk. Begun by An∣nibal the son of Amilcar, descended from Barca the brother of Dido or Elisa; who having conquered a great part of Spain, and thereby both increased his reputation and experience, conducted his victo∣rious Army through Gaul, and over the Alpes, into Italy it self; defeated the Army of the Romans, and slew some of their Consuls; so prosperous in the battel of Cannae, where the whole strength of Rome was broken, that had he followed his good fortune, and made use of his victory, he might within four or five dayes after have dined in the Capitol. Having for 18 years together held them work in Italy, he was called home to defend Africk from the forces of Scipio: who having driven the Carthaginians out of Spain, had very prudently translated the war to Carthage. The issue was, that on the losse of the battel of Nadagara, the Carthaginians were necessitated to submit themselves to the will of the Conqueror; that is to say, to deliver up all their Elephants, together with all their Ships and Gallies excepting ten; to make no war without leave of the Romans, to pay for the charges of the war 10000 Talents, and such other extremities. So ended the second Punick war, An. V. C. 602. And the third followed not long after; not any way occasioned by those of Carthage, but out of the inveterate hatred of the people of Rome, who would not think themselves safe whilest that City stood, and therefore sent another Scipio to lay siege unto it; by whom, after a long and stout resistance, it was at last taken and destroyed; the Treasure which was found in it, notwithstanding their former losses, and the low estate it was reduced to, besides what was consumed by fire, and reserved by the souldiers, amounting to 470000 pound weight of silver, which cometh to a Million, four hundred and ten thousand pounds of our English money.

Such end had Carthage, and therewithall the rest of the States of Africa, who though in hatred to the Carthaginians they had armed against her, and aided the Romans in these wars, yet they soon found their own fortunes buried in the self-same Grave. Subverted, one after another, as occasion was, they became all subject unto Rome, their Kingdoms and Estates turned to Roman Provinces. Of these were reckoned seven in all, that is to say, 1 Africa Propria, called also Zeugitana, and Pro∣consularis, 2 Byzacena, 3 Tripolitana, 4 Numidia, 5 Mauritania Caesariensis, 6 Sitisensis, and 7 Tingitana. Of which the last (I know not why) was laid to the Diocese of Spain, called therefore Hispania Transfretana. Spain on the other side of the Sea, by some elder Writers: the other six made up the Diocese of Africk, subordinate to the Praefectus Praetorius for Italy, who had here his Vicarius or Lieutenant. In this condition it continued, till subdued by the Vandals, a German nation, inhabit∣ing beyond the Elb on the Coast of the Baltick, where now lie the Dukedoms of Mecklenbourg and Pomerania. Their memory still retained there in the stile of those Princes, who call themselves Duces Vandalorum; and in the Confederacie of the Hanse-towns, called by some Latine Writers, Civitates Vandalicae. A Nation of great power, and numbers, (the Burgundians being only a part of these) one of the five into which Pliny doth divide the Germans. In the 11. year of the Empire of Arcadius and Honorius, they were invited into Gaul by the treacherous practises of Stilico, Lieutenant of the Western Empire; and after an abode of three years passed into Spain, together with the Suevi and Alani their Associates. But after 18 years, the Goths made that place too hot for them also. So that they could not but willingly accept the offer of Bonifacius, the Emperours Vicegerent in Africa: who stomacking to see his Office bestowed on Castinus an unworthy man, and his enemy; betrayed the Country to these Vandals, in the last year of the life and reign of Gundericus; an Arian in Religion, as were the rest of the Nation, to which induced by their neighbourhood and acquaintance with the Goths: which Heresie as they brought with them into Africk, driving thence all the Orthodox Chri∣steans; so they continued in it till their extirpation.

The Vandal Kings of Africa.

• A. C.
• 412. 1 Gundericus, who first invaded Gaul, Spain, and Africk. 16.
• 428. 2 Gensericus, who at the request of Eudoxia the widow of Valentini∣an, invaded Italy and sacked the City of Rome, the spoil whereof for 14 dayes he gave to his soul∣diers: but at the request of Eu∣doxia, whom he afterward married, he did not burn it. This Eudoxia was wife to the Western Emperor Valentinian; who having a mind to a Lady of Rome, the wife of one Maximus, he cunningly slipped the Ring of Maximus off his finger, and by that token sent for the Lady to the Court; and when she was come, ra∣vished her. To revenge this disgrace, Maximus slew Valentinian, made himself Emperor, and forced Eudoxia to be his wife. But she stomacking a match so unequal to her high birth, and having some incling of the man∣ner of her husbands death, sent for Gensericus into Italy. This Gensericus conquered Carthage and Hippo, and reigned 48 years.
• ...

• 476. 3 Honoricus, son of Gensericus. 7.
• 484. 4 Gundebundus, son to Genzo the brother of Honoricus. 15.
• 499. 5 Trasimundus, brother to Gunde∣bundus. 24.
• 523. 6 Hildericus, the son of Honoricus, deposed.
• 530. 7 Gilmir, the son of Genzo, one of the Descendents of Gensericus; over∣come by Belisarius a worthy and politique Leader, whom the Em∣peror Justinian imployed in that service.

And thus ended the Kingdom of the Vandals, (having continued in Spain and Africa, 146 years) by the valour of Belisarius. Who after this good service, was imployed by Justinian against the Gothes, then reigning in Italy; against whom he proceeded very fortunately: but being on I know not what envy, called to Constantinople, his eyes were put out, and he was forced to beg his bread at the Gate of the Temple of S. Sophia. A bad reward for so good a servant. But to go on: Justinian having regained Africk, to honour his new Conquest, exempted it from the command of the Praetorio-Praefectus of Italy, to which formerly subject; and increasing the number of the A∣frican Provinces by the addition of the Isle of Sardinia, made it a Praefecture of it self; appoint∣ing his Praefectus Praetorio Africae to reside in Carthage, as the chief City of his charge; which he then also raised to a Consular Province, having in former times been Proconsular only. But long it held not in this state: For in the year 647. the Romans were finally expulsed by Hucba a famous Leader, whom Osmen the third Caliph of the Saracens had designed to this service. Africk, from that time forwards, reckoned amongst the Provinces of the Saracenical or Mahometan Empire. But in the end, the Authority of the Caliphs growing lesse and lesse, and every one of their Sultans or Provincial Officers getting what he could for himself; this Country was distracted into many Kingdoms and Principalities, but all at last reduced to four of most consideration; that is to say, the Kingdoms of 1 Tunis, 2 Tremesen or Algeirs, 3 Fesso, and 4 Morocco. To the Chorography and History whereof we do now proceed, adding hereto in the fifth place the Isles of Barbay.

1. TVNIS.

THe Kingdom of TVNIS (in Latine called Regnum Tunctanum) hath on the East Cyrene, on the West the Kingdom of Algeirs or Tremesin, on the North the Mediterranean, on the South Mount Atlas. So called from Tunis the chief City of it.

The Country towards the East barren and destitute of water; but in the Western parts sufficiently plentiful of Corn and other fruits, and generally well set with Trees. The people more patient of labour then the rest of Barbary, and for that cause perhaps more healthy; but questionlesse of so good constitution, that they live commonly to great Age, unlesse a violent death prevent them; and are not much afraid of sickness, or much troubled with it.

It contains in it the two whole Provinces of Africa Propria (or Africa Minor, as some call it) and the Numidia of the Romans, called since Numidia Antiqua, to difference it from the present Numidia, lying on the other side of Mount Atlas. The principal Mountains of which Countries, be∣sides those spoken of already, were 1 Audas, 2 Buzara, 3 Cinna, 4 Dios, or the Hils of Jupiter, 5 Gillius, by some named Gigion, and 6 those called Thizibi. Rivers of most esteem with them, though not much with others, besides those mentioned before, 1 Ampsaga, now called Collo, and by some Sat Gemar, which divideth this Kingdom from that of Tremesen; 2 Catuda; 3 Cyniphus, issu∣ing from the hils called Zuchabarus, and falling into the Sea not far from Tripolis. Besides which there were some great Lakes; the chief whereof, 1 Hipponites near Mount Cinna; 2 the Lake of Pallas, or that called Palus Tritonia, where Minerva was said to have shewed herself the Inventress of Spin∣ing and of Oyle, and for that much worshipped by this People; 3 Sylura, another great Lake, but not so famous as the former, because not honoured by a Goddesse.

The whole divided by the Romans into these four parts, viz. 1. Africa specially so called, lying on the Sea, from the River Ampsaga to the Lesser Syrtis; 2. Tripolitana, from the Lesser Syrtis to the Greater; 3. Numidia, lying on the West of Zeugitana, or Africa Propria; and 4. Byzacena, so called from Byzacium, or Byzacina, a chief City of it; the territory whereof so extremely fruitful, that 400 Ears of corn were sent to Rome in the time of Augustus, and 360 in the time of Domitius Nero, growing on one stalk. But this Division being long since worn out of memory, it is divided at the present into the Provinces of, 1. Ezzab, 2. Tripolis, 3. Tunis, 4 Constantina, 5. Bugia. 1. EZZAB is that part of this Kingdom which lieth next to Cyrene: A small Region, and not very fruitful; yet the Inhabitants hereof are conceived to be rich, (the richer, in regard they are free from tributes) their wealth not rising from the commodities of their own Country, which affordeth them little else besides Dates and Olives; but from such merchandise which they buy of the Venetians, and sell to the Numidians. The richest, those of Mesrata, (a little Province of this Tract) which lieth near the Sea. Towns it hath some, but none of note: the chief of which, 1. Mesurata, 2. Sibeca, both upon the Sea; of which the first gives name unto that little Province spoken of before. Of more note in the former times was Philoeni Villa, situate on the Greater Syrtis, near the Promontory then called Hippi, but now Cabo de Surta; memorable for the adjoyning Altars called Phileni Arae, erected by the Carthaginians upon this occasion. Some controversies being grown betwixt those of Carthage and Cyrene, about their bounds; it was agreed, that two men at a set houre should be sent out of each

City towards the other; and where they met, there to be fixed the Meer-stone of their several Terri∣tories: The Phileni, two brothers nominated for Carthage, were so quick of foot, that they had got∣en a good way into the Country of the Cyrenenses, before they were met; wherewith the Cyreneans much enraged, put to them this choice, either to go so much back again, or to die in the place: This last accepted by the Phileni, who preferred the common good of their Country before their own; for preservation of whose name and honour to succeeding Ages, the grateful Carthaginians did erect these Altars.

2. West of the Province of Ezzab, lieth that of TRIPOLIS, which together with Ezzab made that Province which the Romans called Tripolitana: Not much more fruitful then the other, except in Barley; but more commodiously seated in regard of the Sea, which is here more safe for navigation, the former lying wholly on the greater Syrtis. Chief Towns hereof, 1. Leptis Magna, so called to distinguish it from another, but of lesse note, and therefore called Leptis Parva, situate in the (now) Province of Tunis. A town of so great wealth and trade, that it was worth a Talent daily to the Carthaginians. 2. Euphranta, called also Pyrgos Euphranta from some strong Tower in it, on the Western-bank of the greater Syrtis. 3. Cinsterna, on the Eastern side of the River Cyniphus. 4. Cabis, the utmost City of this Province westward; the same which Ptolomie cals Tacapa, situate at the fall of the River Triton into the lesser Syrtis. 5. Sabratha, and 6. Heva; not else observable, but that together with Leptis Magna they made up that one City which the Romans called from thence Tripolis. 7. Tripolis, founded by the Romans, and by them peopled with Colonies from those three Cities before mentioned. A City of great name and riches, till destroyed by the Saracens: By whom rebuilt adorned with many fair Temples, Colleges, and Hospitals; and flourishing in much wealth and lustre, it became a Kingdom of it self, but subject to the Kings of Tunis, till taken by the Genoes with a Fleet of 20 sail, and by them sold to the King of Fesse. Recovered not long after by the King of Tunis, it came once more to have a King of its own; till by the valour of Peter of Navar, it was conquered for Ferdinand the Catholique, the first Monarch of Spain; whose Nephew Charles the 5. conferred it on the Knights of S. John of Hierusalem, then expelled from Rhodes: whom the Turks under Sinan Basa General of Selimus the second, dispossessed by force, An. 1551. since that the ordi∣nary Residence of the Turkish Begterbeg for these African Provinces, and made an usual retreat for Pyrats▪ who infest these Seas, and do much mischief to the Coasts of Sicil, Italy, and others of the Christian Countries.

3. The Province of TVNIS, lying Westward to that of Tripolis, taketh up so much of this Kingdom, as antiently contained the Province of Byzacena; and so much of the Roman Africk, as lieth on the East of the River called Guadilharbar, the Hipponites Lacus of the Antient writers. The Country antiently so fruitful, that it yielded usually an increase of an hundred and fifty fold: For proof of which, besides the testimony of approved Authors, the wonderfull, if not prodigious Ears of Corn which before we heard of, may serve sufficiently. Now indigent, and so unprovided of all Grain for the use of their families, that they are fain to furnish themselves out of other places: the People not daring to manure or sow their land, for fear of the Arabians, who ever and anon fall into these parts, and spoil what they meet with.

Places of most note in it, in the elder times, 1. Adrumetum, or Adrumystus, now called Machometta, once a Roman Colony, and the Metropolis of the Province of Byzacena; by consequence, in the times of Christianity an Archbishops See: walled and repaired by the Emperor Justinian, and by his com∣mand called Justiniana. 2. Zama, the incamping place of Annibal before his battel with Scipio. 3. Nadagora, memorable for the great battel betwixt the two renowned Generals of Rome and Car∣thage, not parallel'd since their own times, nor in those before them. In which the great Controversie between those Cities being to be tried, the fortune of the day fell unto the Romans: For though Annibal shewed his singular judgment in ordering his Souldiers, as Scipio could not but acknowledge; yet being far the weaker in horse, and by an Order of the Senate of Carthage to fight in a place of dis∣advantage, he could do no marvels: the Romans with the losse of no more then 1500 of their own men, killing 20000 of the Carthaginians in the fight and chase. 4. Salera, the first place took by Scipio after the landing of his Army. 5. Vtica, a Tyrian Colony, beautified with an Haven capable of the greatest ships; much spoke of in the wars of Carthage, and memorable for the death of Cato (hence sirnamed Vtican) who here slew himself, for fear of falling into the hands of Caesar. It is now called Biserta. 6. Byzacium, seated in liberal and fruitful soils, as was shewn before; whence the Province had the name of Byzacena. 7. Ruspinum, made by Caesar the seat of his war in Africk, against the sons and faction of Pompey: as memorable in the times succeeding, for being the Epi••∣copal See of S. Fulgentius. 8. Thystrus, remarkable for the Tragedie of the Gordiani: Of which the Father in this City was saluted Emperor by the Souldiers, in hatred to Maximinus then their Em∣peror, whose Procurator they had slain in a tumult: but his party being discomfited by Capellianus whom Maximinus sent against him, and his son killed in the defeat; upon the hearing of the news, he here hanged himself. 9. Hippagreta, on a great Lake betwixt Carthage and Vtica; once of the Towns which held out longest for the Mercinaries, in their desperate Rebellion against the Carthaginians; by which the Estate of that great City was in danger of ruine, at the end of the first Punick war. 10. CARTHAGE, once the Lady and Mistresse of Africk; situate in the bottom of a safe and capacious Bay, the entrances whereof were very strongly fortified both by art and nature; Environed with the Sea, except upon one side only, where joyned unto the Land by a narrow Isthmus about two miles and an half in breadth: In compasse 24 miles; but measuring by the outward wall, it was 45.

For without the wall of the City it self, there were three wals more, betwixt each of which there were three or four Streets, with Vaults under ground of 30 foot deep, wherein they had place for 300 Elephants and all their Fodder, with Stables over them for 4000 Horse and all their Proven∣der; and Lodging in those Out-streets for the Riders of the said Horse, and for 20000 Foot besides, which never came within the City to annoy or pester it. On the South side stood the Castle called Byrsa, which took up two miles and an half in compasse; first built by Dido, on that ground which she obtained of the Libyans, when she got leave to buy only so much land of them, as she could com∣passe round about with an Oxes hide. In that, the sumptuous Temple of their antient Deities, Juno, Apollo, Aesculapius, Belus. On the West-side, a standing Pool made of the Sea-water; let into it by so narrow a passage, that there was but 70 foot open for the Sea to enter: On which they had a stately Arsenal, with their Ships and Gallies riding by it. Of the foundation and affairs of this mighty City we have spoke already. The Government of it first by Kings, those absolute enough at first, afterwards limited by the Senate, and finally made meerly titulary by the power of the People: which unproportionable mixture is much condemned by Aristotle in the 2. of his Politicks. Their Territories, before the second Punick war, when they were at the greatest, extended on the Sea∣coasts of the Mediterranean, from the Greater Syrtis to the Streits, and so unto the River Iberus, for the space of 2000 miles in length: their Revenues answerable, and readily brought in, by reason of their infinite trading. Which made the Roman people think themselves unsafe, whilst this City stood. Resolved on the destruction of it, they sent against it L. Martius and M.Manlius, their two Consuls, with a puissant Army: to whom the Carthaginians willingly delivered up their Arms and Shipping, contracting only for the preservation of the City it self, which was faithfully promised. But when they had withall given up the sons of their principal men to be sent to Rome for Pledges of their future loyaltie; they were told, that a City consisted not in wals, but in lawes and government. These with the Corporation, should remain as formerly; the Town to be removed ten miles further off, where there was no Sea to thrive and grow rich upon. Enraged herewith, it was resolved to abide the utmost; but they wanted necessaries for resistance. That want supplied for want of Iron to make Arms, with Gold and Silver; the Houses pulled down to furnish them with timber to build a Navy; and noble Ladies cutting off the hair of their heads, to make Ropes and Cordage; 25000 Women listed to defend the wals. But the fatal moment being come, a second Scipio is sent thither to dispatch the work; by whom at last the Town was taken, and for 17 dayes together consumed with fire; the Queen and multitudes of the People burning themselves in the Temple of Aesculapius, because they would not fall into the hands of the Romans. Reedified by Iulius Caesar, and made a Colonie, it recovered some part of her former lustre; but so, that her chief glory was rather to be sought for in her antient, then her present fortunes. Populi Romani Colonia, olim Imperii ejus pertinax amula, & priorum excidio rerum, quam ope prasentium clarior; was her character in the times of Pomponius Mela. But in this last Estate, accompted for the Metropolis of the Diocese of Africk, the Residence of the Vicarius or Lieutenant-General, and the See of the chief Primate of the African Churches; who had 164 Bishops under him in that one Province wherein Carthage stood. Destroy∣ed in the succeeding times by the Vandals, and after that by the Saracens; it is at last reduced to no∣thing but a few scattered houses, not above five and twenty shops, one Temple: all the rest a ruine. So truly said the antient Poet,

Sic patet exemplis Oppida posse mori. Thus by examples do we see, That Towns may die as well as we.

Of note at the present, 1. Tunis, supposed to be the Themisa or Thunisa of Ptolomie; of small ac∣compt till the last destruction of Carthage, by whose fall it rose. Situate not far from the ruines of that famous City, in compass about five miles, and in that compass said to contain 10000 housholds. Of great traffick, and well frequented by the Merchants of forrein nations, chiefly from Genoa and Venice. Remarkable in the Story of the Holy Wars, for the sieges and successes of two of our English Princes; that namely of King Edward the first, in his fathers life time; and that of Henry the fourth, then but Earl of Darby: by both which (though the last served only under the command of the French) the City was compelled to a Composition; Lewis the 9. commonly called S. Lewis, dying at the first siege of it. 2. Goletta, a strong Fort, built for defence of the Haven of Tunis, in a Demy-Iland, divided from the main Land by two narrow passages, but so that it commands them both. Taken, but not without extreme difficulty, by Charles 5. Ann. 1535. together with the Turkish Navy riding in the Lake fast by it; but again recovered by the Turks about 40 years after, Ann 1574. 3. Cairoan, built by Hucba, who first conquered Africk for the Saracens, in a sandie Desart, about 100 miles from Tunis, and 36 from any part of the Sea, to secure himself from any invasion, which the commodiousness of the Sea might bring upon him. Adorned by the first founder of it, with an admirable Temple raised on Pillars of Marble, who placed also in it a College of Priests, and made it the chief Residence of his posterity for the space of 170 years, who reigned here under the great Caliphs as the Sultans of Africk. Destroyed by the Arabians, in the 424 year of their Hegira, but regained from them by the King of Morocco; and still of such esteem amongst these Mahometans, that their chief men are brought thither to be buried from all parts of the Country, hoping by the prayers of those Priests to find a shorter way to Heaven then in other places.

4 More Westward yet lies the Province named CONST ANTINA, so called from Constantina the chief City of it. Extended from the Lake Hipponites, now named Guaditharbar, to Constantine a

Mountain bordering on Bugia, which I conceive to be the same with Mons Audus in Ptolomie. The soil hereof said to be very rich and fruitful both for Corn and Cattel, yielding abundance of Fruits, and great store of Butter. Rubricatus, by Orosius called Ordalio, now Ludog, the chief River of it.

Principal Cities of this Province, 1. Tabraca, on the East; and 2. Hippo Regius, on the Western bank of Rubricatus: both Roman Colonies, but this last most famous, in being the Episcopal See of re∣nowned S. Augustine. 3. Bona, the birth-place of that Father, built by the Romans about an hundred miles from the Sea, but situate in a large Plain, containing 40 miles in length, 25 in breadth: so rich and fertile, that the Town flourisheth to this day, adorned with a sumptuous Mosque, and never with∣out the company of Merchants coming from Genoa, Tunes, and the Isle of Zerby, for their Fruits and Butter. 4. Thuburnica, another Colonie of the Romans. 5. Sicca Veneria, another Town of the same nature; by Solinus called Veneria only, and by Pliny, Sicca. 6. Culcua, another of the Roman Colo∣nies, by the Moors now called Cucutina, but Constantina by the Latines, and most Nations else; Now the chief City of this Province, situate near a Mountain of the same name near the edge of Bugia. An antient City, but containing still 8000 families, many sumptuous buildings, amongst which a large Temple, two Colleges, and three or four Monasteries frequently visited by the Merchant, every Trade having here its peculiar Street; their chief commodities, Wooll, Cloth, Silks, Oyl, and some sorts of Fruits; which they exchange for Dates, or Slaves, who are here good merchandise. The City for the most part fenced about with high craggy rocks; and where those want, with strong wals, of a great height, and most exquisite workmanship, declaring the antiquity of it; A further argument whereof may be a fair Triumphal Arch not far from the City, and some Hot Bathes, after the manner of the Romans.

5. Most Westward lieth the Province of BVGIA, extended from Mount Constantine to the River Ampsaga, now called Chollo or Sef-Gemar: which with so much of Constantina as lieth on the West∣side of Rubricatus, made up that Province which the Romans called by the name of Numidia. The length hereof 150 miles on the Mediterranean, the breadth not above half so much. Narrower then Mauritania, as is said by Pliny; sed ditior & magis culta, but the richer of the two, and the better peopled. The Country of a sat soil, plentiful both in fruits and corn, but most fit for pasturage; to which the people were so addicted, that many of them cared not for building Houses, (instead where∣of they used the Hold of a Ship with the Keel turned upwards) but removed from one place to an∣other, as their Pastures failed them. From thence called Nomades by the Grecians, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 signi∣fying to feed or grase. The people of good mettal, swift of foot, and well skilled in horsmanship; but better in the onset and to give a charge, then in standing to it: such as the wild Arabians are now said to be.

Chief Towns hereof (besides Thuburnica, Culcua, Bona, Hippo, spoken of before, belonging to Numidia, though not to Bugia) 1. Bugia, built by the Romans on the side of a lofty Mountain looking into the Sea; by some conceived to have been the Thebuaca of Ptolomy, now the chief City of this Province, adorned with many sumptuous Mosques, some Monasteries and Colleges for Students in the Law of Mahomet, and many fair Hospitals for relief of the Poor; Fenced also with a strong Castle. Secured by the strength whereof, and growing rich by the fruitfulness of the situation, the Citizens began to grow proud and wanton; working much mischief to the Spaniards by their Gallies which they had at sea, till taught more modesty by Peter of Navar a Spanish Captain, A. 1508. by whom the Town was taken, and the people plundered. 2. Chollo, upon the Sea-side, the Chollops Magnus (as I take it) of Ptolomie; reported for a wealthie City. 3. Nicaus, seated towards Mount Atlas, in a pleasant and delightful country; which though interspersed with many hils, yet being those hils are clothed with woods, yield them good store of Goats and Horses, and feed the Vallies with fresh springs which do issue from them; they rather adde then detract any thing from the plea∣sures of it. 4. Madaura, by some called Madurus, the birth-place of Apuleius. 5. Thunudromum, another of the Roman Colonies. 6. Cirta, or Cirta Julia, the Metropolis of Numidia when a Roman Province, and formerly the Seat-royal of Syphax King of the Masaesyli, within whose country it was reckoned in former times, though afterwards laid unto this Province. Situate near the mouth of the River Ampsaga, and memorable for the tragedie of Sophonisba, the daughter of Asdrubal of Car∣thage; a Lady of most exquisite beauty, and yet carried more charms in her tongue then in her eyes. ••spoused first unto Masinissa King of the Numidians, but after upon reason of State married unto Syphax: who being took prisoner by his Rival, and brought to Cirta, the Lady upon hopes of liberty and honour both, bestowed her self on her first Lover: but Scipio fearing lest that marriage might withdraw Masinissa from the Roman party, caused the Lady to be seized on; which Masinissa not being otherwise able to prevent or remedie, sent her a Cup of poyson, which she drank and died.

Of these Numidians there is much mention in the Stories of Rome and Carthage; imployed by this last City in all their wars, both in Spain, Italy, and Sicil. Siding at last with Scipio against that State, they did good service to the Romans in the weakening and destruction of that City; whose fall they did not long survive: first conquered in the war of Jugurth; after the death of Juba, made a Roman Province. Their Kings, as far as I can trace the succession of them, follow in this Order.

The Kings of the Numidians.

• 1 Gala, the Father of Masinissa.
• 2 Desalces, the brother of Gala; according to the laws of the Country, which gave the Crown unto the brother, not the son of the former King, (like the law of Tanistry in Ireland) succeeded Gala.
• 3 N. N. a son of Desalces, in the absence of Masinissa, then serving under the Cartha∣ginians in the wars of Spain, possessed him∣self of the throne: slain not long after by a Rebel.
• 4 Masinissa, son of Gala, recovered the king∣dome of his Fathers; but again outed by Sy∣phax and the Carthaginians, betwixt whom and Masinissa, touching Sophonisba, there was deadly feud. Aided by Scipio and the Romans, with whom associated against Car∣thage, he not only recovered his own king∣dome, but was gratified with the greatest part of that which belonged to Syphax. A professed Enemy to Carthage, (the final ruine whereof he lived to see) till the time of his death, being then ninety years of Age.
• 5 Micipsa, the son of Masinissa; of whom no∣thing memorable.
• 6 Jugurth, the son of Mastanabilis, one of the Brethren of Micipsa, having wickedly made away the two sons of Micipsa, usurped the kingdom; & manifestly withstood the Romans, whose attempts sometimes by force, some∣times by subtility, but chiefly by money and bribes, he overthrew and made frustrate: Et fuit in Ingurtha (saith Florus) quod post Annibalem timeretur. At last, being broken by Metellus, vanquished by Marius, and by Bocchus delivered into the hands of Sylla, he was by Marius led in triumph to Rome. In this Triumph was carried 3700 pound weight in Gold; in Silver-wedges, 5775 pound weight; and in ready Coin, 28900 Crowns: it being the custome of the Romans in their Triumphs, to have carried before them all the riches and mony which they had brought out of the conquered Countries, to put into the common Treasury.
• 7 Hiempsal, son of Bocchus king of Mauri∣tania; gratified for his Fathers treacherie in betraying Jugurth, with the kingdome of Numidia: Relieved Marius, in his exile.
• 8 Hiarbas, another of the Marian faction, preferred to the Numidian Crown, but van∣quished and deprived by Pompey, at that time one of Sylla's Captains.
• 9 Hiempsal II. preferred by Pompey to this kingdom.
• 10 Juba, the son of Hiempsal the second, who siding with Pompey against Caesar, in the Civil wars, gave a great overthrow to Curio one of Caesar's Lieutenants; Curio himself slain, his whole Army routed, such as were taken prisoners murdered in cold blood. But being discomfited by Caesar, after Pom∣pey's death, Numidia was made a Province of the Roman Empire.

Thus by the fall of Carthage, and the death of Juba, came the whole Provinces of Africa Pro∣pria, and Numidia (containing the now Kingdom of Tunis) into the power of the Romans. Of which, the Nations of most note were the Nigitimi, on the Eastern parts of the Mediterranean, the Machyni, near the Lesser Syrtis; the Libya-Phoenices and Mideni, bordering upon Carthage; the Ionii, Navatrae, and Cirtesii, taking up all the Sea-coasts of Numidia. Such as inhabited more South∣wards on the back of these, not so much considerable: None of them to be staid upon, but the Libya-Phaenices, a mixt people of the old Libyans and new Phoenicians, as the Liby-Aegyptii were of the said Libyans and the neighbouring Egyptians. The memory of all of them so defaced by the violent inundation of the Arabians, that there is scarce any tract or footsteps of them in all the Country. When conquered by the Saracens, they were at first subject to the Caliph or Sultan of Cairoan: after the spoile whereof by the Arabians, subdued by Abdul Mumen King of Morocco, and by him added to that Kingdom. In the distractions of that State, made a peculiar Kingdom by some of the Relicts of the Stock of the Almohades, who took unto himself the title of King of Tunis, that City being his chief Seat. By him transmitted unto his posterity, till the dayes of our Grand∣fathers; when Muleasses, one of the youngest sons of Sultan Mahomet, having first murdered Mai∣mon his eldest brother, and put out the eyes of twenty of the rest, usurped the Soveraignty. Rosetta, the onely one of those Princes who escaped this massacre, by the aid of Solyman the magnificent ob∣tained the Crown: outed thereof not long after by Charles the fifth, appearing in favour of Mule∣asses, An. 1535. But the Tyrant did not long enjoy his ill-gotten Soveraignty, when his eyes were were also put out by his own son Amida, and so committed to close prison: Nor did Amida enjoy it long, dispossessed by Abdamelech his fathers brother. To Abdamelech, Mahomet his son succeeded, and in his life another Mahomet the brother of Amida; who being supported by the Turks, recover∣ed from the Christians the strong Fort of Coletta; and dying, left the Turk his heire, who doth now possesse it.

2. TREMESEN, or ALGIERS.

THe Kingdom of TREMESEN is bounded on the East with the River Ampsaga, (now called Ma••or) by which parted from the Kingdom of Tunis; on the West with the Kingdoms of Fesse and Morocco, from which separated by the River Malutha or Malva. So called from Tremesen or Teleusine, the chief City of it. Called also the Kingdom of Algiers, from the City so named, sometimes the Seat-royal of their Kings.

In the flourish of the Roman Empire, it had the name of Mauritania Casariensis: Mauritania, because a part of the Kingdom of Juba King of Mauritania, of which more anon; Casariensis, from Casarea the chief City of it, as that so called in honour of Augustus Caesar, on whom the Kings here∣of depended. Time made more antiently the Kingdom of the Masaesyli one of the most powerful Nations in all this tract, over whom reigned Syphax before mentioned; called therefore by Strabo, Masaesylilia, with good propriety; and corruptedly, Massylia.

The Kingdom extended in length from East to West, for the space of 380 miles, but of breadth not answerable: Is generally of the same nature (as to the Soil and Air) with the rest of Barbary; sufficiently fruitful towards the Sea, more barren and uncomfortable in the Southern parts. But mean∣ly peopled, by reason of the continual spoils made by the Arabians, who possess the Desarts; and the Cities of it much wasted by continual wars. Nor have the People any peculiar Character, but what belongeth to others of these Africans also.

Places of most importance in it, 1. Guagyda, inconveniently seated, as paying their accustomed tri∣butes to the King of Tremesen, their natural Prince, and contribution to the Arabians, who are here so numerous and powerful, that the Kings themselves of this small kingdom were fain to buy their peace of them at excessive rates. 2. Tigedent, somtimes famous, and abounding with men of learn∣ing; now almost forsaken, by reason of the ill neighbourhood of these Arabians. 3. Tebocrit, in∣habited for the most part by Weavers. 4. Bresch, the Inhabitants whereof use to paint a black Crosse on their cheek, and another on the palm of their hands: the reason of which custom they are ignorant of, but some conceive it to be a remembrance of their Christianity. 5, Ned-Roma, built as the people do pretend, by the antient Romans, as an Epitome or Abridgment of that mighty City, to which it is said to have some resemblance; and that imported by the name, which signifieth in their language, Like to Rome. Perhaps the same which Ptolomy calleth Novum oppidum or the New-town, then a Roman Colonie. 6. Batha, once a great City, since decaied by wars. 7. Oran, a noted Haven on the Mediterranean, said to contain no sewer then 10000 Families. Powerful at Sea, and much in∣festing with their Gallies the Coasts of Spain; till taken for Ferdinand the Catholick▪ by Peter of Navar A. 1506 since which time peopled & possessed by the Spaniards: In vain besieged by the Turks, A. 1562. 8. Masalquivir, a fair and capacious Haven on the same Sea also, and taken by the said Peter of Na∣var, about the same time. 9. Haresgol, in former times of much esteem amongst the Moors; but be∣ing destroyed by the King or Sultan of Cairoan, it bequeathed its greatness unto Tremesen, which after grew into renown. 10. Tremesen, once adorned with many beautiful Mosques, and five sumptuous Colleges, curiously wrought with Mosuick work. So populous, that there were reckoned in it 16000 families; and so well fortified, that it held out seven years against Joseph the great King of Fesse: not taken after that, though they were very much weakned by Abulthasen or Albohacen his son, suc∣cessor, under a siege of 30 moneths. By those, and the succeeding troubles it hath undergone, exceed∣ingly impaired both in strength and beauty. More antient, 11. Siga, an African City, and a Roman Colonie; the retiring place of Syphax and Bocchus, sometimes Kings of this Country. 12. Arsenaria, another Colonie of the Romans. 13. Jol, the seat-royal of king Bocchus, after such time as this country was conferred upon him by the Romans, on the taking of Jugurth: called afterwards Casarea, in honor of Augustus Caesar, whose Feudatories the Kings hereof were then accounted; or as some say, in honor of Claudius Caesar, by whom made a Colonie: the Metropolis of it also when a Roman Province, which from hence was called Caesariensis. Situate in or near the place where Oran now stands, which seemeth to have risen out of the ruines of it. 14. Saldae, a Roman Colonie also, out of whose ruines rose Algiers. 15. Algiers, by the Arabians called Gezeir, now the chief City of this Kingdom, situate near the Sea, in the form of a Triangle, with an Haven to it, but neither great, nor safe from the north∣winds, which do much annoy it. The buildings very beautiful; the publike Innes, Bathes, and Mosques, exceeding sumptuous; every Trade having a several place or street by it self. But that which is the greatest grace of it, is the situation of the houses standing in even streets one above another upon the rising of a steep Hill; so that the windows of one street or row of housing do all along overlook the tops of the other next beneath, which yieldeth to the Sea a most pleasant prospect. A City not so large, as strong; and not so strong, as famous. Famous for being the receptacle and retrait-place of the Turkish Pirats, who domineer so infinitely over the Mediterranean, to the great damage of the Merchants of all Nations, that frequent those seas. Famous also for the shipwrack which Charles the fifth here suffered, who besieging this Town, lost in the haven of it at one tempest, besides an infinite number of Karvels and small Boats, divers strong Gallies, 140 ships, a great many excellent peeces of Ordinance; such a number of gallant Horses, that in Spain the race of horses for service had like to have been lost for ever; and above half his men. It long enjoyed the benefit of proprietary princes, (but Homagers or Tributaries to the Kings of Tremesen) till such time as Selimes and Mahomet faling out, made the first, and that an irreparable breach in the Government. For Selimes, to strengthen his

side, implored the aid of Hairaccius Barbarossa, a noble Pirate; who taking his best advantage, slew the disjointed Brethren, and setled himself in the kingdom: which he had scarce made warm, when he left it to Hairadine Barbarossa his brother, An. 1514: This Hairadine drove the Spaniards out of Bugia, and was so renowned for Martial prowesse, that Solyman the magnificent made him Lord High-Admiral of his Fleet: which office, when to the prejudice of Christendome he had fortunately and for long time undergone; he died lamented, and made the Turk the heir of his kingdom; the king∣dom of Tremesen being made subject to the Turks much about that time. 16. Tetuan, and 17. Sargel, situate Westward of Algiers; Towns of Trade and Pyracie.

The old Inhabitants of this Kingdom, when a Roman Province, were the Herpiditani, Taladusii, Thalesssii, Malchubii, Maccurebi, Chituae, and others of as little note; the most predominant Nation being the Masasyli, over whom (and in that over all the rest) reigned Syphax, spoken of before; unfortunately famous for his tragical love to Sophonisba; for whose sake siding with the Carthagini∣ans against the Romans, he was vanquished and sent prisoner to Rome. His kingdom given to Masi∣nissa King of the Numidians, continued in his line till the death of Jugurth; and then bestowed upon the Kings of Mauritania, part of whose kingdom it was reckoned in the following times, till made a Province of the Empire by the Emperor Clandius. Won from the Romans by the Vandals, and then by the Saracens, it followed the fortunes of these last, while they stood and flourished: But growing into many distractions, and every Sultan or Provincial Governour shifting for himself, it became a Kingdom, under the stile and title of the kingdom of Tremesen. The majesty of it much impaired by Abulthasen or Albohacen king of Fesse, who brought it, not long after, under his command. Recovering after some short time its former liberty, it became a Kingdom once again, and so con∣tinued till the time of Abuchemen; who incurring the hatred of his people, because by his supine neglect the Spaniards had surprised and taken Oran and Masalquivir, their two best Havens, made an easie passage for his brother Abuzeiden to the Regal diadem. Abuzeiden scarce well setled, lost it to Hairadine Barbarossa, An. 1515. He to Charles the fifth, by whom Abuchemen was restored, becoming Homager and Tributary to the Crown of Spain. But his successor Abdulla, weary of the Spanish ser∣vitude, put himself under the protection of Solyman the magnificent, as a Prince of his own Religion; to whom at his decease he left the possession of his Kingdom also; ever since subject to the Turks; whose Beglerbeg or Supreme Officer for these African Provinces, resides for the most part in Algiers, and hath 40000 Timariots under his command.

3. FESSE, & 4. MOROCCO.

THese Kingdoms I have joyned in title, because united for the most part in the storie and affairs thereof, and of late times making but one entire Estate under the Xeriffes of Morocco: and therefore handled both together in the point of History, though of a different consideration in the way of Chorography.

They contain in them the whole Country of Mauritania, truly and properly so called; divided antiently into Tingitana, and Sitifensis: Caesariensis being naturally a Numidian Region, the Masa∣syli and the rest of the Inhabitants of it, of Numidian breed; not laid to Mauritania, nor accompted any part thereof, till the death of Iugurth, when given to Bocchus King hereof, in reward of his treason for betraying that unhappy Prince into the hands of the Romans.

It took this name from the Mauri, the Inhabitants of it, when that name first given; the word Tania, signifying a Nation, being added to it; as in Britannia, Lusitania, Aquitania, and perhaps some others; and the name of Mauri given them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 which signifieth amongst other things obscure or black, by reason of the darknesse of their complexion. Accompted in their times, an hardy, but a bloody people; carelesse of life, fearlesse of death; implacable, if once offended, their thirst of revenge not to be quenched but by blood. Mauri sunt genus hominum suapte nature cadis avi∣dissimum, nibilque non facile audens, & desperatis similes, contemptu viz. mortis & periculorum: the character given of them in Herodians time, and it holds good still; notwithstanding the intermixture of Goths and Saracens incorporated into the same nation with them, and passing by the same name in the Writers of the middle time. Post baec Mauri totam Hispaniam & Provinciam Burgundiam &c. dominio suo manciparunt, as my Author hath it; where by Moors we are to understand the Saracens which came out of Africk.

Chief Mountains of this Country, 1. Atlas Minor, so called to difference it from the greater Moun∣tain of that name, from which it is seven degrees more North, but shooteth as that doth with a point or Promontory into the main Atlantick Ocean, on the South of Salla. 2. Durdus, extended also into Caesariensis, 3. Diur, 4. Phocra, of which little memorable. Rivers of most note, 1. Sala, 2. Subur, 3. Zilia, 4 Phuth, 5. Diur, 6. Cusa; all falling into the Atlantick: this last the same, as I conjecture, which our modern Writers call Ommirabili. And for the rest, we must find amongst them, 1. Sifelmel, 2. Tensist, 3. Niffis, the names of the chief Rivers, as at this time called.

The old Inhabitants here of in the time of the Romans, were the Metagonita neer the Streits, giving name unto Metagonitis an adjoyning Promontory; the Succosii, Verbicae, Nectiberes, Vacuatae, Voli; and on the East-side the Mauresii. These last participating of that common name, in which all united. Called by the Latines, Mauri; by the Greeks, Maurusii: The Etymologie as before. Their descent originally from Phut, the son of Cham; whose memory preserved here in the River Phut. To that, the coming of the Chanaanites, of the same extraction, served but as an Accessory. From those two

fountains sprang the whole Nation of the Mauri. Governed by Kings; the most considerable of which when first known to the Romans, was that Bocchus, who betrayed Jugurth his friend and son in law, into the hands of the Romans: gratified for that treacherie with the Country of the Masasyli, (reckoned for part of Mauritania from that time forwards) as Hiempsal one of his sons was, not long after, with the Kingdom of Numidia. The whole Estates of Bocchus, Syphax, and Masinissa, united by this means in the person of Juba one of his posterity; the most potent Prince of all these parts: who falling in the African war against Julius Casar, Numidia was forthwith made a Province of the Roman Empire; Crispus Salustius being made the first Governour of it. But Mauritania, extending at that time from the Ocean to the River Ampsagus, he gave to Bocchus and Bogud, two of his Confederares, but descended of the old Regal family. Bogud unluckily taking part with Mark Antony against Augustus, was by Bocchus, who declared for the other side, dispossessed of his part, (that which now makes the Kingdom of Fesse) in which confirmed for his good service, by the con∣quering Emperor. Juba the son of the former Juba, grown famous for his eminent learning, was of a Prisoner made a Prince; invested affect the death of Bocchus in all the Dominions of his father, ex∣cept Numidia: and by the bounty of Augustus, a great Patron of Learning, advanced to the marri∣age of Selene, daughter of Antony and Cleopatra. After whose death, and the death of Ptolomy their son, murdered by Caligula, Mauritania was by Claudius added to the patrimony of the Roman Empire; divided into two Provinces, viz. Caesariensis, betwixt the two Rivers Malva and Ampsaga, now the Kingdom of Tremesen; and Tingitana, from the River Malva to the Western Ocean. This last di∣vided into Tingitana, and Sitifensis, (the River now called Ommirobili being the boundary betwixt them) by the Emperor Constantine: who leaving Sitifensis to the Diocese of Africk, laid Tingitana (why I know not) unto that of Spain. Cained from the Romans by the Goths, after by the Saracens; they became members of those Empires; in the declining of the last, divided into the two Kingdoms of Fesse and Morocco, to the description and history whereof we do now proceed.

3. MOROCCO.

THe Kingdom of MOROCCO hath on the East the River Malva, by which parted from Tre∣mesen; on the West, the Atlantick Ocean; on the South Mount Atlas; and on the North the Kingdom of Fesse. So called from Morocco, the chief City of it; in former times known by the name of Mauritania Sitifensis, from Sitiphis, in those times the principal City, as Procopius telleth us.

The Country said to be fruitful of all things necessary to life, pleasing to the fight, and sweet to smell to: particularly, well stored with Grain and Pulse, plentiful of Oyl, Honey and Sugar, liberally furnished with Dates, Grapes, Figs, Apples, Pears, and all sorts of Fruits; exceedingly well stocked with Cattel, but with Goats especially, whose skins afford a very excellent kind of leather, and of their ••leece materials for the finest Chamlets, which are here made in most of their Cities. The whole Country divided commonly into these seven parts, viz. 1. Guzzula, 2. Sus, 3. Morocco specially so called, 4. Hea. 5. Hascora, 6. Duccala, and 7. Tedles.

1. GVZZVLA, the most Southern Province of this Kingdom hath on the East some part of Tremesen, on the West Sus or Susa, from which parted by a ridge of Mountains called Ilda; on the South Mount Atlas; and on the North, part of the territory of Morocco, and the rest of Susa. The Country rich in Mines of Brasse, Iron, and other metals, of which are made many Vtensils for do∣mestick uses, exported hence into other places. The People barbarous and rude, not easily acknow∣ledging subjection to the Kings of Morocco; and at continual wars amongst themselves, except only for two moneths in the year; which being the time of their publike Marts, and then much visited with Strangers from other Countries, they lay aside their private quarrels, and cheerfully entertain such Merchants as repair unto them. Walled Towns here are not any, but some very great Villages; the chief whereof, 1. Guzula, on the Northern bank of the River Sus, whence the name of the Province. 2. Tagressa, not far off, but on the other side of the water, towards the foot of Mount Atlas. 3. Tedza, inclining towards the borders of Morocco. Of these nothing memorable.

2. West of Guzzula, lieth the Province of SVS or SVSA, so called from the River Sus, (with which well watered) or giving name to it. Rich in Gold-Mines, the cause of continual wars amongst the people; well stored with Sugar-Canes, which the Inhabitants know neither how to boyl nor purifie; and on the Sea-shores furnished with great plenty of Amber, bought by the Por∣tugals of the people at an easie rate. Chief Towns hereof, 1. Cape D'Aguer, on a Promontory so called; a place of such importance to the Portugals, that the taking of it by Mahomet then King of Sus (after of Morocco also) made them all the Forts which they had in this Country. 2. Tagavast, a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and wealthy Town, the greatest in the Province, and situate in a large Plain near the foot of Mount Atlas. 3. Teijent, situate in a spacious Plain also, but on the banks of the River Sus: divided into three parts, each a mile from the other; which joyned together, make the exact figure of a Tri∣angle. 4. Messa, or Massa, seated at the influx of the said River, on the Promontory called Ca•••• Gilen: three Towns in one; not much the better for the Sea, and but ill befriended by the Land, as leated in a barren and unpleasing soile; remarkable for a fair Temple, the beams and raster•• of which are made of the bones of Whales, which usually are left dead on the sh••re. 5. Taro••••••, a large Town, built by the Africans, before the conquest of this Country by the Geths or Sarace••s; the Residence of the Vice-Roy for the Kings of Fesse, when the Lords of this kingdom, but more enriched

of late by the Merchants of France and England, who have here a Staple for their Sugars. By this Commerce the people made more civil then in other parts of this Province: the whole number of them thought to amount to 3000 families. 6. Tedza, more within the land, bigger then Taradant, but less wealthy; the chief Ornament of it being a fair Mahometan Temple, liberally furnished with Priests and Readers of that Law, at the common charge. Not far from hence the Hill Anchisa, where it snoweth at all seasons of the year, and yet the people go extreme thin in the sharpest Winter. No∣thing else memorable of this Province, but that a little before the Xeriffe made himself King of Mo∣rocco, it had the title of a Kingdom, and gave the title of King to Mahomet the second Xeriffe, made King of Tarada••t or Sus, before he dispossessed his brother of the Crown of Morocco. 3. Northward of Sus, lieth the Province of MOROCCO, specially so called, the most fruitful and best peopled part of Barhary; not much unlike to Lombardy in wealth, and pleasures: the very Hills hereof as fruitful as the Vallies in other places. To which fertility of the so••l, the Rivers 1 Tensist, and 2 Asisin••ad, give no small advantage, though much defaced by the frequent incursions of the Portugals, who have extreamly spoiled this Country. Places of most observation in it, 1. Delgumaba, built upon a very high Mountain, and environed with many other Hills; at the foot whereof the Fountain of Asisi∣••uad. 2. Elgiumuba, a small but ancient Town, on the River Sisseva. 3. Tesrast, a small Town up∣on Asifinuad. 4. Imizmizi, situate on a Rock, spacious, and seated neer the entrance of a narrow way leading into Guzzala. 5. Tenezze, an old Town, but very well fortified. 6. Agnet, upon the River Tensift, all ruined except the Fort, and some scattered houses: formerly second unto none but Mo∣rocco, (from which distant 24 miles) the Hils and Valley about it adorned with pleasant Gardens, fruitful Vineyards, a fair River, and Fields so fertile that they yield a fifty-fold increase. 7. Se••sina, where they have snow at all times of the year. 8. Temnella, an Heretical Town differing in opinion from the rest of the Mahometan Sect; and so well grounded in their ••enets, that they challenge all their Opposites to a Disputation. 9. Hantera, very full of Jewes. 10. Morocco, the principal of this province, and of all the Kingdom situate in or near the place where once stood the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ile∣merum of Ptolomy. Once reckoned amongst the greatest Cities of the World, at what 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was ••a••d to contain 100000 families: since so defaced and wasted by the depredations of the Arabians, and the removal of the Seat-Royal to Fesse, when that Kingdom was in the Ascendent, that it is hardly a third part so great as formerly. The founder of it Joseph, sirnamed Telesinus, the second King of the house of the Almoravides; but much enlarged and beautified by Abdul-Mumen, one of his successors. The principal buildings in it are the Church and the Castle: the Church of Mosque, one of the greatest in the World, adorned with many sumptuous pillars, brought out of Spain, when the M••••rs had the possession of that Country; and beautified with a stately Steeple, in compass at the bottom an hundred yards, and of so great height, that the Hils of Azati (one of the branches of the Lesser Atlas) being 130 miles distant, may be thence easily discerned: the Castle very large, and strong, on a Tower whereof stand three Globes made of pure Gold, weighing 130000 Barbary Duckets; which divers Kings have gone about to take down and convert into money, but all desisted in regard of some crosse accident or other which befell them in it; insomuch that the common people think them to be guarded with spirits.

4. North of Morocco, on the further side of Tensift and Asifinuad, is the Province of HEA: Rough, mountainous, and woody, yet watered with many pleasant Rils, and would be plentiful enough in all commodities, if the industry of the people were not wanting to it. A sort of people little better then meerly barbarous, without all Artists either Ingenious or Mechanick; except some Chirurgeons, whom they keep to circumcise their Children; and some few Teachers of their Law, which can hardly ••ead. Their food a Pap made of Barley-meal, which in stead of Spoons they claw forth with their fingers; the Ground they eat on, serving for table, stools and napkins. At endless ••eud with one another; yet so kind to strangers, that in one of their chief Towns, called 1 Tedneft. the Gentlemen used to cast lots who should entertain them. A town of good esteem in former times, situate in a large Plain on the River Tensift: but in the year 1514. almost wholly abandoned, upon a rumor that the Arabians had a purpose to sell it to the Portugals. 2. Teculeth, seated on a good Port, and once very well traded, there being in it at that time 1000 families, some Hospitals, and a beautiful Musque; in the year 1514. destroyed by the Portugals. 3. Tenent, a Sea-town in the hands of the Portugals. 4. Fl∣muridin, a strong peece, as the name importeth, the word signifying the Disciples Fort; so called, be∣cause a certain Heretick in the Law of Mahomet (whereof this Kingdom yields good plenty) retired hither with his Disciples, fortified it and defended it against the King of M••recco. 5. Iguillinguigu••l, seated on the top of an hill, and fortified by the Country-people (or old African Moers•• against the Arabians. 6. Tefethne, beautified with a pretty Haven, but not capable of any great sh••pping. 7. Taglesse, a Den of Thieves and Cut-throats. 8. Tesegdelt; as courteous and civil, as the other barbarous: At the Gates whereof a Guard is set fo•• entertainment of Strangers; whom if they have no acquaintance there, they are to provide of Accommodation in some Gentlemans house, where it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them nothing but thanks, and some kind acknowledgment.

5. Northwards of Hea, stands the Province of DVCALA, bounded on the West with the main Atlantick, and on the North with the River Ommirobili, by which parted from the Kingdom of Fesse. Of three dayes journy long, about two in breadth; thrusting into the Ocean with a craggy Promontory, which some of the Ancients called Ulagium, others the Promontory of the Sun; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the Christians of Europe called the Cape of Cantin; by the Moors, Gebelelhudi••. Populous enough, the quality of the men considered, ignorant both of letters and of all good manners: Yet not ••o

populous as it hath been in former times, much of the Country being abandoned for fear of the Por∣tugals who have taken all their best towns on the Sea-coast, and destroyed the rest. Amongst these, 1. Azasi, at the foot of the hils so called; surprised by the Portugals, under colour of making a Store∣house for their Merchandise. 2. Azamez, seated at the mouth of the River Ommirobili, the furthest town of this kingdom towards that of Fesse; the people whereof were extremely addicted unto Sodomy, till subdued by the Portugeze. 3. Elmedina, once the Metropolis of this Province; but now for feat of those Invaders, in a manner desolated. 4. Conte, of the foundation of the Goths. 5. Tic, built by the old African Moors, but possessed by the Portugals. 6. Subeit, 7. Teneracost, 8. Centpuis, 9. Terga, 10. Bulahuan; all sacked and ruined by the same people, when they took Azamor (the Key of this Province) which was in the year 1513. At which time it is said, that Mahomet King of Fesse passing through this Province with an Army to repress these insolencies, at every Altar (whereof here are many in the Roads) kneeled, and said unto this effect: Lord, thou knowest that the cause of my coming into this wild place, is only to free this people of Duccola from the rebellious and wicked Arabians, and their cruel Enemies the Christians: which purpose if thou doest not approve of, let the punishment fall upon my person, but not upon my followers who deserve it not. With greater piety then could be looked for from a blind Mahometan.

6. Eastward of Duccala, along the banks of Ommirobili, lieth the Province of HASCORA, a fruitful Country, intermixt of rich fields and pleasant gardens: furnished with most sorts of choisest fruits, and amongst others, Grapes of such extraordinary greatness, that they are said to be as big as a Pullets egg; Good store of Honey it hath also, and some Mines of Iron. Inhabited by a more civil people then any of the rest, and consequently more deserving so rich a soil. Places of most importance in it. 1. Ezo, an old town, situate on a lofty mountain. 2. Eluinina, of a later erection. 3. Alemdine, conquered for the King of Fesse by a Merchant, whose Paramour the Prince or Governour hereof had taken from him: Situate in a pleasant, but little Valley, but begirt with hils, and well inhabited by Gentlemen, Merchants, and Artificers. 4. Tagodast, on the top of an hill, environed with four others of equal height.

7. More East, betwixt Hascora and the River Malva, is the Province of TEDLES, bounded on the East with the Kingdom of Tremesen, and on the North with that of Fesse, from which last parted by the River Servi, which on the North east border of it meets with Ommirob••li. The whole Province in form triangular; of no great either length or breadth, but sufficiently fruitful, and well inhabited for the bigness. Some Towns it hath, and those not meanly populous for so small a Province; the chief whereof, 1. Tesza, built by the old African-Moors, and beautified with many Mahometan Mosques; the wals of which made of a kind of Marble, which they here call Tesza, whence the name of the town. 2. Esza, seated on the River Ommirobili, where it receiveth that of Deyme, which rising out of Atlas-Minor, and passing by Tesza last mentioned, doth here lose its name. 3. Chythite, renowned for the stout resistance which it hath made from time to time against those of Fesse. 4. Ethiad, abounding in all sorts of victuals.

These Provinces make up the Kingdom of Morocco: infested miserably while it remained subject to the Kings of Fesse, by the Portugals on the one side, and the wild Arabians on the other. Concern∣ing which last people we are to know, that when the Saracens conquered Africk, they contented themselves with the command, and left unto the Natives the possession of it; forbidding the Arabians (with whose course of life they were well acquainted) to passe over Nilus. Elcain, the last of the successors of Hucba in the Kingdom of Cairoan, having subdued the rest of Africk, and added it unto his Estate, passed forwards into Egypt, which he conquered also, assuming to himself the title of Caliph: But in his absence, the Lieutenant whom he left in Africk rebelled against him, and acknowledging the Caliph of Bagdet for his lawful Lord, received of him for this good service the Kingdom of Africa. Despairing to recover his lost Estate, and yet not willing that it should be useful unto his Enemies, he licenced the Arabians, for a Ducat a man, to passe over the Nile with their tents and families: On which agreement, almost half the Tribes of Arabia Deserta, and many of Arabia Felix, went into Africa; where they sacked Tripolis, Cairoan, and the rest of the principal Cities; tyrannizing over all Barbary, till restrained at last by Joseph the founder of Morocco, (of whom more hereafter.) Since which time, though they lost their unlimited Empire, yet they still swarm like Locusts over all the Country; and neither apply themselves to tillage, or building houses, or any civil course of life; nor suffer those to live in quiet, who would otherwise manure and improve the Country. The rest of the Storie of these Kingdoms we shall have anon, when we have taken a Survey of the Kingdom of Fesse.

4. FESSE.

THe Kingdom of FESSE is bounded on the South with the Realm of Morocco, on the North with parts of the Atlantick and Mediterranean; on the East with Malva, parting it from the Kingdom of Tremesen; and on the West with the Atlantick wholly.

It takes this name from Fesse the chief City of it. Known to the Ancients by the name of Mauri∣tania Tingitana, so called from the City Tingis (now Tanger) then of greatest note. Called also Hispania Transfretana, Spain on the other side of the Sea, because a part of that Diocese: and by some (Pliny amongst others) Bogudiania, from B••gud one of the Kings hereof, to whom given by Caesar: by others Ampelusia, from its abundance of Vines. The Inhabitants of it, by the Spaniards, now called Alarbes.

The Country of good temperature in regard of the Air, if not in some places of the coldest: but very unequally disposed of in respect of the Earth; here being in it many Desarts and large Forrests, not well inhabited; but intermixt with many rich and delightful Fields. So that taking the estimate in the gross, it may be said to be a rich and flourishing Country, hardly inferior unto any. The parti∣cularities of which are to be considered in the Characters of the several Provinces, into which it now doth stand divided, that is to say, 1 Temesna, 2 Fesse specially so called, 3 Elchaus or Chaus, 4 Garet, 5 Algara, 6 Erritis, and 7 Habat.

1. TEMESNA hath on the South the River Ommirabili, on the West the Ocean; extended in length from West to East 80 miles, and in breadth 70. A champain Country, very level; and once so populous, that it contained 40 Cities, and 300 Castles; most of them ruined by the wars, and the wild Arabians, the greater destroyer of the two. The principal of those remaining, 1 Teyeget, neer the River Ommirabili, once of greater note, but now inhabited only by poor people, and a few Smiths compelled to live there for the making of Iron-instruments to manure the land. 2. Thagia, on the course of the said River; much visited by those of Fesse, for the Sepulchre of an holy Prophet, who was there interred; the Fessans going thither in pilgrimage with such numbers of men, women and children, that their Tents seem sufficient to lodge an Army. 3. Adendun, more towards the Sea, but on a small River called Guirla, well walled, and fenced on one side by a Lake or Pool. 4 Amsa, on the shore of the Atlantick, once of great trade, and well frequented both by the English and the Portugals, by which last destroyed. 5. Munsor, destroyed in like manner by the wild Arabians. 6. Nuchaida, situate in so fertile and rich a soil, that the inhabitants would have given a Camels bur∣den of Corn for a pair of shooes; Nothing now left of it but one Steeple, and a piece of the wall. 7. Rabut or Rubut, built by Mansor, or Almansor, a King of Morocco, neer the mouth of the River Burugrug, and by him made one of the best peopled Towns in Africk; built after the model of Morocco, but now so wasted, that there are not in it above 500 families; most of the ground within the wals being turned into meadows, vineyards and gardens. 8. Fanzara, on the River Subu, the Subur of Ptolomy, falling not far off into the other. 9 Mahmora, in the same tract also, once pos∣sessed by the Spaniards; neer which the Portugals received a great defeat by the King of Fesse, for want of good intelligence betwixt them and the Castilians. 10. Salla, the Sala of Ptolomy, by the inhabitants called Zale, in ordinary Maps by mistaking, Cale; at the mouth of the River Rebato, which the antient Writers called Sala, as they named the Town. Beautified by King Almansor (who is here interred) with a stately Palace, a goodly Hospital, a fair Temple, and an Hall of Marble, cut in Mosaich works: intended for the burial-place of his posterity. A town much traded formerly by the Christian Merchants, of England, Flanders, Genoa and the Golf of Venice. Took by the Spaniards An. 1287. and within ten dayes lost again: and of late times made a nest of Pyrates, as dangerous to those which ••ailed in the Ocean, as the Pirates of Algiers to the Mediterrean. Whose insolencies the King of Morrcco not able to suppress for want of shipping, desired the aid of His Majesty Charles King of Great-Britain; by whom the Town being blocked up by Sea, and besieged to the Land∣ward by the King of Morocco, it was at last compelled to yield, the works thereof dismantled, the Pirates executed, and 300 Christian Captives sent unto His Majesty, to be by him restored to their former liberty; to the great honour of His Majesty, and the English Nation, An 1632.

As for the fortunes of this Province, they have been somwhat different from the rest of this King∣dom; trained by a factious Prophet to revolt from the King of Fesse and Morocco, whose Estate they very much endangered, sending an Army of 50000 men to the Gates of Morocco. But being dis∣comfited by Joseph, sirnamed Telephinus, he followed them into their own Country, which he wasted with great cruelty for ten moneths together, consuming above a million of them, and leaving the pro∣vince to the mercy of Wolves and Lyons. Repeopled afterwards by Almansor with Arabian Colo∣nies: Given about fifty years after that, by the Princes of the Marine family, to more civil Inhabi∣tants, by whom the Arabians were expelled, and the Province consequently reduced into some good Order.

2. Westward of Temesna lieth the Province of FESSE, properly and specially so called. Ex∣tended in length from the River Burugrug to the River Inavis, for the space of 100 miles. A very fruitful Province, well stored with Cattel, and exceeding populous; the Villages hereof as big as the better sort of Towns in other places; but contrary to the custom of other Countries, better in∣habited on the hils then amongst the vallies; the people making choice of the mountains for their habitation, as places of defence and safety; but husbanding the vallies which lie neerest to them. Places of most consideration in it, 1. Macarmeda, on the River Inavis, in a goodly Plain, but in a manner all ruined except the wals. 2. Gualili, memorable for the Sepulchre of Idris, the first founder of Fesse. 3. Peitra Rossa, where they have some Lyons so tame, that they will gather up bones in the streets like dogs, without hurting any body. 4. Agla, where they have brought their Lyons to so strange a cowardise, that they will run away at the voice of a child; whence a Bracchadochio is called proverbially a Lyon of Aga. 5. Pharao, by reason of the name thought by the Vulgar to be founded by some King of Egypt; but the Latine Inscriptions therein feund, declare it to have been some work of the antient Romans. 6. Maquille, of more antiquity then note. 7. Fesse, the Metropolis of this Province, and the chief of the Kingdom, supposed to be the Volubilis of Ptolomy, but much enlarged and beautified by some new Acces••ions. Situate for the most part upon little hillocks, and watered by a pleasant and gentle Rivers (derived by Aquaducts and Conduits, into all parts of the City) which they now call the River of Fesse,

conceived by some learned men to be that which was anciently called Phuth, from Phut the first Planter of the African Nations. A City so beautifull and well seated, as if Nature and Art had plaid the Wantons, and brought this forth as the fruit of their dalliance. The Founder or enlarger of it, one of the Race of the false Prophet Mahomet, his name Idris, who built on the East side of the River; that on the West side, being the Work of one of his sons: both so increasing that at last they were joyned together. To these the Suburbs being added, have made a third. The whole called Fesse, from Fezian Arabick word, signifying Gold, whereof great quantity was found when they digged the Foundations: Divided into three parts, by the River, all of which contain 82000 housholds, and 700 Moschees, or Saracenicall Temples: the chief of which is Carne, or Carnven, being a mile and a half in compass. It hath 31 gates, great and high; the roof is 150 yards long, and 80 broad: round about are divers Porches, containing 40 yards in length, and 30 in breadth; under which, are the publike store-houses of the Town. About the walls are Pulpits of divers sorts, wherein the Ma∣sters of their Law read unto the people, such things, as they think to pertain to their salvation. The Revenue hereof is 200 Ducats a day of the old Rents; for so it was, Anno 1526. when Leo Afer wrote. The Merchants have here a Court, or Exchange, inclosed with a strong wall, with 12 Gates, and 15 streets. There is also a Colledge called Amarodoc, a most curious and delicate building. It hath three Cloysters of admirable beauty, supported with 8 square pillars of divers colours: The roof curiously carved, and the Arches of Mosaique work of gold and azure. The gates are of brass, fair wrought; and the doors of the private chambers of inlayed Work. This Colledge did cost the Founder, king Abuchenen, or Abu Henen, 480000 Crowns. Here are finally said to be in it many Hospitals, little inferior to the Colledges in building and beauty, all very liberally endowed; and about an hundred hot Bathes well built, with four Halls to each, and certain Galleries without, where they put off their clothes when they go to bathe themselves: and besides these 200 Inns, built three sto∣ries high, each of them having 120 Chambers in it, with Galleries before all the doors for their Guests to walk in.

3. Eastward of the Territory of Fesse, lieth the Province of CHAUS. extended in length from the River Gurngrut, or Gurguigarn, by which parted from Temesna, and Fesse, to the borders of Tremesen for the space of 190 miles, and 170 miles in breadth. So that it is thought to contain one third part of the whole Kingdom: but meanly populous for the bigness, the Country being poor and barren, and the Inhabitants fierce and warlike; more given to prosecute their quarrels, then to Trade or Tillage. Chief Towns hereof, 1 Ham Lisnan, a Town built in the more mountainous parts of the Country by the old Africans. Famous for the Temple of an Idol here worshipped; to which at certain times men and women resorted in the night; where, after their devotions ended, and the Candles put out, every man lay with the woman he first touched; the exact platform of the Family of Love, if all be true which is told us of them; and anciently, but faisly, charged on the Primitive Christians. 2 Tezza, adorned with three Colledges, many Baths, and Hospitals, and some beautifull Temples; one of them larger, though not fairer then that of Fesse; in both Towns men of the same Trade have a street by themselves: for greatness, wealth, and numbers of People, esteemed the third City of this Kingdom. 3.Dubdu, an ancient Town, but not much observable. 4 Teurert, seated on the top of an Hill, in the midst of a Plain, but compassed about with Desarts. 5 Beni sesseten neigh∣boured by Iron Mines, in which their greatest bravery and wealth consisteth: the women here wear∣ing Iron-rings for ornaments to their ears and fingers. 6 Tezergui, subject to the Arabians. 7.Adag∣gia, the most Eastern Town of all this Region, situate in a Peninsula, made by the consluences of Muluso and Malva. In this Country is the head of the River Subur, which rising out of a great Lake in the woods of the Mountain Seligus, and receiving many lesser waters, with a large and Navigable stream falleth into the Ocean.

4. Northwards of Chaus lieth the Region called GARET, extended thence as far as the Me∣diterranean; and reaching East and West from the River Malva, where it bordereth on Tremesen, to that of Nochor, where it toucheth on Errif, and Algaria. The length hereof 25 Leagues, the breadth but twenty. The soyl in most places dry and delart, like the Sands of Nismidia: especially all along the banks of the Malva, neer unto which from the Mediterranean to Chaus, it is wholly desart and unpeopled, not well inhabited in the most fruitfull parts of it, being full of mountains; the worse for the ill neighbourhood of the Spaniards possessed of 1 Chesusa, and 2 Medela, two chief Towns hereof. 3 Pennon de Veles, by some called Velez de Gomenera, fituate on the shore of the Mediterranean, betwixt two high Mountains; built by the Africans or Gothes; but now in the possession of the Spaniards also. 4 Jasserin,situate on the Sea also, founded by the Mahometans of the Marine Family. 5 Tezzora standing on an hill, to which there is but one passage only.

5. Westward of Garet lieth ASGARA, extended from thence unto the Ocean: Shut up on the South east-side with the great Mountains Zalaga, Zaron, and Gomara, out of which last runneth the River Luccus, called Lix by Ptolomy. The Aire hereof very temperate, and the soyl as sertile; supplying with the over-plus of its Commodities, the mountainous parts of Fesse, and the Desarts of Garet. Once full of Towns, till ruined and destroyed by the wars. A Monument whereof, 1 Giumba, built by the ancient Africans, of which remains nothing but the Ditches. 2 Larache, in Latine La∣rissa, the Lixa of Ptolomy, situate at the mouth of the Lix or Luccus, and furnished with a good Port, but of difficult entrance, garrisoned when possessed by the Moors with 300 light horse, and 300 Harcabuziers; but better fortified then before, since possessed by the Spaniards, into whose hands

it was put by Muley Sheck king of Morocco and Fesse, when worsted by Muley Sidan his younger Brother, in the beginning of the civil Wars betwixt them. 3 Cusar Elcubin given by Almanser to a poor Fisher, who had entertained him unknown, one night in his Cottage, when he lost his Company in Hunting: Adorned with many Temples, one Colledge of Students, and a stately Hospital.

6. On the North of Asgara is the Province of EL-HABAT, or HABAT coasting along the Atlan∣tick Ocean to the mouth of the Straits, in length 100 miles, about 80 in breadth. The Country very plentifull of all manner of necessaries and very well Peopled; the mountains which are here of a great height, being well inhabited. In former times replenished with many Cities, both of the foun∣dation of the Gothes, Romans, and old African Moors, now much diminished by the Wars. Those of most note. 1 Ezaggen, the Inhabitants whereof by an ancient Priviledge granted by the Kings of Fesse, were licensed to drink wine, though prohibited by the Law of Mahomet. Situate on a moun∣tain, neer the River Guarga, about 35 leagues from Fesse: and garrisoned with 400 Horse for fear of the Portugals, who sometimes make their excuisions thither. 2 Basra, once a walled Town and the Walls still standing, but very little or no Town in them. 3 Homar, some∣times wel-peopled, but now little inhabited by reason of the ill neighbourhood of the Portugals, who command that Coast. 4 Banirendo, in a manner deserted for the same reason. 5 Alcazaer, to distinguish it from another of this name called Alcazer Guer, taken together with Arzilla and Tangier by Alfonso the fift of Portugal, Anno 1470. Night to which Town the three Kings Sebastian of Portugal, Mahomet and Abdemelech Competitors for this Kingdom, were slain in a day. There was also slain at the same time the great English Rebel Stuckley, who fled out of Ireland to Rome, Anno 1570. Where he was lovingly entertained by the Pope then being, as a good Son of the Church: by whom appointed for the Conquest of Ireland, and for that end furnished with 800 Souldiers paid by the King of Spain; and by his Holiness created Marquiss of Leinster, Earl of Wexford and Cater∣logh, Viscount Murraugh, and Baron of Rosse. Thus furnished, he began his journey toward Ire∣land, Anno 1578. but hearing of these Wars, and desirous to make a party in them, he lost all his honours with his life. 6 Arzilla a Sea-Town, 70 miles distant from the Streits, now possessed by the Portugals. 7 Tanger a great Town, and very ancient, distant from the Streits about 30 miles, be∣longing to the Portugals also. In former times it was called Tingis, a Colony of the Canaanites, and by them built at their first coming thither, when they fled from the sword of Josuab, testisied by the two Pillars erected neer this City, which before we spoke of: and from that name caused all this part of Mauritania to be called Tingitania. Made afterwards a Colonie by the Emperour Claudius, who named it Traducta Julia; but the old name prevailed, and outlived the new. Neer to this Town it is said that Hercules overcame Antaus, a monstrous Giant of 64 Cubits high, as his Legend telleth us. And not far off was an high Mountain called Abyla, opposite to which in the coast of Spain was another called Calpe, on which the said Hercules placed his so famous Pillars. 8 Sexta, or Senta, si∣tuate on or neer that mountain unfortunately memorable for giving the title of an Earl to Julian, who first brought the Saracens into Spain, beautified in those following times with many Temples, Colledges, and I earned men: taken by the Portugals with the help of the English, Anno 1415. and now in the possession of the King of Spain. The only Town of all the Estates of Portugal, which in the late revolt of that Kingdom doth remain unto him. 9 Julia Constantia, so called, and made a Roman Colonie, by Augustus Casar. 10 Laxus, a Roman Colonie of the plantation of Claudius, in old times said to have been the Court or Palace of the Giant Antaus. Not far from whence (that Antaeus might not dwell alone) the old Geographers have placed the habitation of Gerion, as proper a Gentleman as himself, in a small Iland of the Streits called Gerionis Insula, and by some Erythia.

7. Eastward of Habat is the Province of ERRIF, extended from the mouth of the Streits, where it joyneth to Habat, as far as to the River Nochor (supposed to be the Meluchath of the An∣tient Writers) by which parted from Garet: A mountainous and cold Country in respect of the rest of Barbarie, full of Woods and Forests; but plentiful enough of Vines, Figs, and Olives; and not without some herds of Goats, though otherwise not well stored with Cattell. In length 140 miles, in breadth 40 onely; inhabited by a race of valiant men, but excessive Drunkards. The Towns hereof not many, though full of Villages; The chief of which, 1 Mazagon, neer unto the Streits; a very strong Town, and of great importance, but possessed by the Portugals; in vain besieged by Abdalla the first, with an Army of 200000 men, Anno 1562. 2 Mezemme, seated on a mountain. 3 Beni Jerso of like situation, once beautified with a goodly Colledge for the Professors of the Ma∣hometan Law, who here publickly taught it, as in an University; the Inhabitants whereof were in that regard freed from all exactions. Destroyed together with the Library of it, by some wicked Tyrant, Anno 1509. the Books therein being valued at 4000. Ducats, 4 Terga. 5 Tegassa, 5 Gebbe; of which little memorable.

Thus having looked over the particular Provinces of these two Kingdoms, we must next look up∣on them also in the general story, from the time of the Saracenical conquest; First let into this Country by the Treason of Julian, and for a while subject to the great Caliph or Successor of Ma∣homet: afterwards to the King or Caliph of Cairoan, who extended his Empire to the Ocean. But that Kingdom being overthrown by the coming in of the Arabians, these Provinces with the rest were afflicted by them; till the rising of the kingdom of Fez: begun in the person of Idris, of the blood of Mahomet, by Hali, and his daughter Fatima: who persecuted by the opposite faction, fled into Mauritania, where he grew into such reputation, that in short time he got both swords into his

hands, Dying about the 185 year of the Hegira, he left his power unto his son, of the same name with his father; the first founder of Fesse. Opposite whereunto on the other side of the water, one of his sons (but his name I find not) built another City, which in time grew into emulation with it: and raising by that means a faction in the house of Idris, gave opportunity to Joseph the son of Teifin or Telephine of the house of Luntune, then famous for bridling the Arabians, and founding the City of Morocco, to suppress that family: who killing the Princes of that line, and 30000 of their subjects, brake down the wals which parted the two Cities from one another, united them by bridges, and so made them one. Drawn into Spain by the diffention of the Saracens there amongst themselves, he added all which they held in that kingdom unto his dominions: held by his successors, as long as they were able to hold Morocco: the Catalogue of which Princes, called the house or family of the Al∣moravides, with that of the Race of the Almohades, is this which followeth.

The Kings or Miramomolims of Morocco.

• 1 Teifin, or Telephine, the first of the Almo∣ravides, that reigned in Africk.
• 2 Joseph, sirnamed Telephinus, the son of Teifin, founded Morocco, subdued the Kingdom of Fesse, and added the Estate of the Moors in Spain unto his Domi∣nions.
• 3 Hali, the son of Joseph.
• 4 Albo-Halis, the son of Hali, supposed to be the publisher of the Works now ex∣tant in the name of Avicenne, compiled at his command by some of the most learned Arabian Doctors: vanquished and slain by
• 5 Abdelmon, or Abdel-Mumen, the first of the Almohades; of obscure parentage, but raised to so great power by the pra∣ctises of Almohad a jugling Prophet of those times, that he overthrew the king, and obtained the kingdom of the Al∣moravides both in Spain and Africk, An. 1150. to which he also added the Realm of Tunis and Cairoan.
• 6 Joseph II. or Aben-Joseph, the son of Ab∣delmon.
• 7 Jacob, or Aben-Jacob, sirnamed Alman∣sor; a puissant and prudent Prince, of whom much before; son of Joseph II.
• 8 Mahomet, sirnamed Enaser, or the Green, the brother of Almansor: Discomfited by the Christians of Spain at the battel of Sier-Morena, An. 1214. lost his domini∣ons; there being slain in this battel 200000 of the Moors, as some Writers say; who adde, that the Spaniards for two dayes to-gether burnt no other fewel but the Pikes, Lances, and Arrows of their slaughtered Enemies, yet could not consume the one half of them.
• 9 Caid Arrax, Nephew of Mahomet Ena∣ser, by his son Buxaf: slain at the siege of Tremezezir, a Castle of Tremesin, which was held against him.
• 10 Almorcada, a kinsman of Caid Arrax, outed of his estate, and slain by Bu∣debuz, of the same house of the Almo∣hades.
• 11 Budebuz, the last of the house of the Al∣mohades, setled in this Estate by the aid and valour of Jacob Aben Joseph the new King of Fesse: but dealing faithlesly and ungratefully with him, he was warred on by the said Jacob Ben Joseph, vanquished and slain in battel; the soveraignty by that means translated unto those of the Marine family, An. 1270. or thereabouts.

But before I do proceed further with this Marine family, I must again look back upon Mahomet Enaser, whom I conceive (the putation of the time being so agreeable) to be the Admiralius Murmelius mentioned by Matthew Paris, to whom our king John, An. 1214. is said to have sent such a degenerous and unchristian Embassage. Which strange name of Admiralius Murmelius was by that good Writer unhappily stumbled at, instead of Miramomolim (which also is corrupted from Amir Elmumenim, that is to say, Princeps Fidelium) an Attribute which the great kings of the Sa∣racen-Moors did much affect, and retained it long time amongst them. The story this, King John being overlaid by his Barons wars, and the invasions of the French, sent Ambassadors to this great Prince (then ruling over a great part of Spain and Barbary) for aid against them, offering to hold his kingdom of him, and to receive withall the Law of Mahomet. The Moor exceedingly offended at it, told the Ambassadors that he had lately read the book of Pauls Epistles, which he liked so well, that were he now to choose a Religion, he would have imbraced Christianity before any other: But every man (saith he) ought to die in his own Religion; the greatest thing which he disliked in that Apostle, being (as he said) the changing of the Faith in which he was born. This said, he called unto him Robert of London Clark, one of the Ambassadors (a man ill chose for such an Errand, if the tale be true) of whom he demanded the form of the English Government, the situation and wealth of the Country, the manners of the people, the life and person of the king, in which being satisfied, he grew into such a dislike of that King, that ever after he abhorred the mention of him. This is the substance of the story in Matthew Paris: But you must know he was a Monk, to which brood of men King John was held for a mortal Enemy; and therefore this Relation not to passe for Gospel.

But whatsoever opinion King John might have of the power of this King (to whom tis possible enough he might send for aide) certain it is that he was grown so low in his Reputation, after the loss of that great battell in Siera Morena, that not onely the Spanish Moors withdrew their obedi∣ence from him (as a Prince unable to support them) but those of Africk did revolt also from the Crown of Morocco (extreamly weakned by that blow) after his decease. For Comoranca Aben Zein of the house of Abdaluad seized upon Tremesen, in the time of Caid Arrax his Successour; as Bucar Aben Merin of the noble Marine Family (descended from a Christian stock) did the like at Fez. Setled in his estate by the vanquishment of Almorcada the Miramomolim; he left it to Hiaja his son, under the governance and protection of a Brother of his called Jacob Ben Joseph. But the young Prince dying shortly after, left his new Kingdom to his Uncle: who aiding Budebuz (before mentioned) dispossed Almorcada of the Realm of Morocco: and af∣terwards having just cause of quarrell against this Budebuz invaded his Dominions, overcame and slew him; and once again transferred the Imperial seat from Morocco to Fez. In him began the Em∣pire of the Marine Family, who held their Residence in Fez, as the first seat of their power; Mo∣rocco being Governed by an under-King, the rest of the Provinces of that Kingdom Cantonned into se∣veral States; the Sea-coasts in some tract of time being gained by the Portugals. And in his line (but with great confusions) the Royall dignity remained till the year 1500. and somewhat after. Three only were of note in the course of business, that is to say, 1 Jacob Ben Joseph, the advancer of the Marine Family to the Realm of Morocco; the establisher thereof in that of Fesse; and of great power and influence in the affairs of the Moors in Spain, where he held Algeir and Tariffe, Towns of great importance; slain treacherously by one of his familiar friends, at the siege of Tremesen. 2 Aben Joseph the second, a younger son of this first Joseph(the issue of Bucalo his elder brother be∣ing quite extinct) succeeded after Abortade, the fixt of the Marine Family in the Throne of his Fa∣ther; and had added thereunto the Realm of Tremesen, if not diverted by the revolt of Alboali his eldest son, continually in Arms against him. 3 Alboacen, the son of this Aben Joseph and the eighth of the Marine Family, who after a siege of 30 moneths took the City of Tremesen, & with that the Kingdom. But not so fortunate in his Wars against the Christian Kings of Spain, against whom he led an Army of 400000 Foot, and 70000 Horse, with all other necessaries; but vanquished by the two kings of Castile and Portugal, with far lester forces (their Army consisting but of 25000 foot, and 14000 horse) at the River of Salado not far from Tariff, Anno 1340, Deposed soon after his re∣turn by his son Alboanen, who lost all which his Father and the first of the Aben Josephs had gained in Spain; their Empire after this declining even in Africk it self; the Kingdom of Tremesen, and the greatest part of the new Kingdom of Tunis, withdrawing themselves from their obedience in the East parts of Barbarie; as the Portugals prevailed upon them in the West. The Kingdom of the Marines thus approaching neer its fatal Period, it fortuned about the year 1508 that Mahomet Ben Amet a Native of Dara, in the further Numidia or Bilodulgerid, pretending a descent from their Prophet Mahomet, caused himself to be called Xeriff, the name by which the kindred and Successors of that Impostor use to call themselves; and being a poor Hermit only (with which Mountebanks and the high opinion of their Sanctity, this People have from time to time been extreamly fool∣ed) plotted to make his sons the chief Princes of Mauritania. To this end he sent them in Pilgrimage to Meccha, whence they returned with such an opinion of Sanctity, that Mahomet King of Fesse made Amet the elder of them Governor of the famous Colledge of Amadurach; the second called Mahomet, Tutor to his Children; the youngest named Abdel staying at home with his Father. In those dayes the Portugals grievously infested the Provinces of the Realm of Morocco; to repress whose insolencies Mahomet and Amet obtained Commission; though much opposed therein by the Kings brother, who told him how unsafe it was to trust to an armed hypocrisie; assuring him that if they once came unto any power (which under color of Religion they might quick∣ly raise) it would not be easie to suppress them. But this good counsel was rejected, and the war went forwards. Furnished with an Army, they discomfit Lopes Barriga, Commander of the Portugal forces under King Emanuel; compell that King to abandon all his footing there; they subdue Duccala, Sus, and Hea, three Provinces of the Realm of Morocco; enter that City poison the tributary King, and salute Amet King thereof by the name of the Xeriffe of Morocco, investing Mahomet the other brother in the kingdom of Sus. In the career of their successes died the king of Fesse; and Amet his successor, an improvident young Prince, confirms his Quondam-Tutors in their new Estates, condition∣ed they should hold of him as the Lord in chief, and pay him the accustomed tributes.

The Xeriffes of Morocco.

• A. C. 1 Amet, denied both tribute and su∣periority to the King of Fez, whom he overthrew in a set field; and was after vanquished and dis∣possessed of his Kingdom, (upon some quarrell breaking out) by his brother Mahomet.
• 1554. 2 Mahomet King of Sus, having got A. C. the Kingdom of Morocco, united Fesse unto it also by the vanquish∣ment of Amet the King thereof; slain after all his Victories by the Turks of his Guard.
• 1557. 3 Abdalla, the son of Mahomet.
• 1572. 4 Abdalla II. Sonne of the former had twelve Brothers, of which he

• slew ten. Hamet being spared by reason of his supposed simplicity, and Abdelmelech escaping to the Turks.
• 5 Mahomet II. Sonne of Abdalla the second expelled by Abdelme∣lech and the Turks, fled to Sebasti∣an King of Portugal, who together with the two Competitors were slain in one day at the battel of Al∣cazar Guer, Anno 1578.
• 1578. 6 Hamet II. the Brother of Abdalla the ad. who added parts of Libya, and Numidia, to the Realm of Morocco, not absolutely subdued before.
• 1603. 7 Muley Sheck the eldest son of Hamet, opposed in his Succcession by Boferes and Sidan his two youn∣ger brethren; in which War he dy∣ed; as did also Boferes his Brother. From whom Abdalla, II. son of Muley Sheck had regained Mo∣rocco.
• 1607. 8 Sidan the third son of Hamet, im∣mediately on the death of his Fa∣ther caused himself to be proclaim∣ed King of Fez, (where he was with his father when he died) and having won Morocco from Abdalla the son of Muley Sheck, be∣came master of that kingdom also. Stripped afterwards of Fesse and Morocco both by the opposite factions; distressed by Hamet Ben Abdela a Religious Hermit, who hoped to get all for himself; and aided by Side Hean one of like hypocrisie, who seemed to aim but at a Limb of that great Estate; by whose assistance he was once more possessed of Morocco. These tumults on the Land being pacified in long tract of time, and the Country brought to some degree of peace and quietness. (though never absolutely reduced under his command, as in former times) a Rabble of Pirats nest themselves in Salla. a Port-town of the Realm of Fesse: creating thence great mischief to him both by sea and land; and not to him only, but to all the Merchants of other Countries, whose busines led them to∣wards th••se Seas. Unable to suppress them for want of shipping, he craved aid of King Charles of England: by whose assistance he became Master of the Port, destroyed the Pyrates, and sent Three hundred Christian Captives for a Present to his Sacred Majesty, An. 1632. Nor staid he here; but aim∣ing at the general good of Trade, and Mankind, he sent a Letter to His Majesty to lend him the like aid against those of Algiers, who did as much in••est the Mediterranean, as the Pirats of Salla did the Ocean. The tenor of which Letters, as savouring of more piety then could be possibly expected from a Ma∣hometan, and much conducing to the honour of his Sacred Majesty, I have here subjoyned.

The Letter of the King of Morocco, to the King of England.

WHen these our Letters shall be so happy as to come to your Majesties sight, I wish the Spirit of the righteous God may so direct your mind, that you may joyfully im∣brace the Message I send, presenting to you the means of exalting the Majesty of God, and your own Reward amongst men. The Regal power allotted to us, makes us common Servants to our Creator; then, of those People whom we govern: So that observing the duties we owe to God, we deliver blessings to the World; in providing for the publike good of our States, we magnifie the honour of God, like the Celestial Bodies, which though they have much veneration, yet serve only to the benefit of the World. It is the Excellencie of our Office, to be Instruments whereby happiness is delivered unto the Nations. Pardon me Sir! this is not to instruct, (for I know I speak to one of a more cleer and quick sight then my-self) but I speak this, because God hath pleased to grant me a happy Victory over some part of those Rebellious Pirats that have so long molested the peaceful Trade of Europe, and hath presented further occasion to root out the generation of those who have been so pernicious to the good of our Nations: I mean; since it hath pleased God to be so auspicious to our be∣ginnings in the Conquest of Salla, that we might joyn and proceed in hope of like success in the war against Tunis, Algier, and other places (Dens and Receptacles for the inhumane villanies of those who abhor Rule and Government.) Herein whilest we interrupt the cor∣ruption of malignant Spirits of the World, we shall glorifie the great God, and perform a Duty that will shine as glorious as the Sun and Moon, which all the Earth may see and re∣verence: A work that shall ascend as sweet as the perfume of the most precious Odours in the nostrils of the Lord; A work gratefull and happy to men; A work whose memory shall be reverenced so long as there shall be any that delight to hear the Actions of Heroick and magnanimous Spirits; that shall last as long as there be any remaining amongst men that love and honour the piety and vertue of Noble minds. This Action I here willingly pre∣sent to You, whose piety and vertues equal the greatness of your power: that we who are Ser∣vants to the Great and mighty GOD, may hand in hand triumph in the glory which this

Action presents unto us. Now because the Ilands which you govern, have been ever fa∣mous for the unconquered strength of their Shipping, I have sent this my trusty Servant and Ambassador to know whether in your Princely wisdome you shall think fit to assist me with such Forces by Sea, as shall be answerable to those I provide by Land: which if you please to grant, I doubt not but the Lord of Hosts will protect and assist those that fight in so glorious a Cause. Nor ought you to think this strange, that I who much reverence the Peace and accord of Nations, should exhort to a VVar. Your great Prophet CHRIST JESUS was the Lion of the Tribe of JUDAH, as well as the Lord and Giver of Peace: which may signifie unto you, that he which is a lover and maintainer of Peace, must always appear with the terror of his Sword, and wading through Seas of blood, must ar∣rive to Tranquillity. This made JAMES your Father of glorious memory, so happily renowned amongst all Nations. It was the noble fame of your Princely vertues, which re∣sounds to the utmost corners of the Earth, that perswaded me to invite you to partake of that Blessing, wherein I boast my self most happy. I wish God may heap the riches of his bles∣sings on you, increase your happiness with your dayes, and hereafter perpetuate the greatness of your Name in all Ages.

Such was the Letter of that King; whose motion in all probability might have took effect, had not the Troubles which not long after brake out in Scotland, put off the design. And therefore laying by the thoughts of his future purposes, let us take a view of the Revenues and Forces of this mighty Em∣pire, before the late distractions made it less considerable. And first-for the Revenues of it, the Xeriffs are the absolute Lords of the whole Estate, and of his Subjects goods and bodies. The tenth and first∣fruits of all sorts of Fruits, Corn and Cattel, he demands of course, though many times contented in the name of the first-fruits with one in twenty. The fifth part of a Ducat he receiveth for every Acre of Land throughout his Dominions; the other four parts for every Fire, and as much for every Head whether male or female, which is above fifteen years of age. In Merchandise he receiveth of every Native two in the hundred, of an Alien ten; and hath a large Impost also upon every Mill. When any of his greater Officers or Judges die, he is sole Heir of all their Goods; and yet advanceth great sums by the sale of those Offices. And in the levying of such Taxes as are extraordinary, he useth to demand more then he means to take; that the People finding him content to abate somwhat of his Due, may think themselves to be fairly dealt with.

As for their Forces, it is evident in matter of Fact, that Abdulla the first, at the siege of Mazagon, a Town held by the Portugals, An. 1562. had no less then 200000 men; and that Abdel-Melech at the battel of Alcazar Guez, against king Sebastian, had 40000 Horse and 80000 Foot, besides Vo∣luntaries, and wild Arabians; it being supposed that he might have raised 30000 Horse more (not∣withstanding the strong party which was made against him) had he thought it necessary. It is said also that Abdalla kept in constant pay 60000 Horse, of which 15000 were quartered in the Realm of Sus, 25000 in Morocco, and the other in 20000 in the kingdom of Fesse: out of which he called 5000 of the best and ablest for the guard of his person, well mounted and as richly furnished. Besides these he hath bodies of Horse in continual readiness, maintained according to the manner of the Turks Timariots: and by Pensions given amongst the Chiefs of the Arabians, who live like Outlaws in the mountains, and up and down in the skirts of of his Country, is furnished at his need with sup∣plies from them. Well stored with Ammunition also, there being 46 Quintals of Gun••powder laid up monethly, in his famous Arsenal at Morocco: and yet not able to stay long (not above 3 months) upon any action, in regard that all his Souldiers live on his daily allowance; which maketh them, when his Provisions are consumed, to dissolve and scatter.

THE ISLES OF BARBARY.

THe ISLES of BARBARY, which make up the fifth and last part thereof, are situate neer the African shores of the Mediterranean, assigned by Ptolomy to the Province of Africa Propria. In number sixteen: 1 Hydras. 2 Calathe, 3 Dracontias, now called Chelbi. 4 Aegymnus, by Strabo called Aeginarus, and now Guietta. 5 Larunesia, now Mollium. 6 Lapedusa, now Lampedosa. 7 Mesyrus, 8 Pontia, 9 Gaia; all of little note. 10 Insula Glauconis, with a City of the same name in it, now called Goza, and subject to the Knights of Malta. 11 Aethusa, by some called Aegusa, and consequently mistaken for Aegates, which lieth neer Sicily. Of more note are the five that follow, viz.

1. COSYRA, now called Pantalaria, equally distant from Africk and the Isle of Sicil, 60 miles from each. In length about thirty miles, and in breadth not above ten. Mountainous for the most part, and full of a black kind of Stone: the soyl not very proper for Corn, and void of Rivers; but plentiful of Figs, Melons, and Cotton-wool; well stored with Kine and Oxen, but without Horses. The People poor; by Religion Christians, and subject to the King of Spain: very good Swimmers of both sexes, and in their speech and habit coming neer the Moors. It hath a Town in it of the same name with the Island, situate on the Sea-side in the Northern part of it, defended with a very strong Castle.

2. CERCINA, now with little difference called Carchana, situate neer the coast of Africk, at the entrance (as it were) of the lesser Syrtis: In length 25 miles, in breadth half as much, but in some places not above five. Exceeding fruitfull in old times, able to furnish (as they did) the wants of Caesar and his Army, when he warred in Africk; Magno frumenti numero Cercinae inven∣to, naves onerarias, quarum ibi satis magna copia, complet, atque in castra ad Caesarem mittit, are the words of the History. It hath a Town of the same name; Of no great note in way of story, but for an handsom piece of wit here shewed by Annibal. Who flying from Carthage, met here some Merchants of that City, who had there some shipping in the Haven, and standing in some doubt le••t by their discovery of his flight he might be pursued, pretended a Sacrifice to Hercules, the Tyrian Deity, to which he invited all the Sailers, and borrowed all their Sails to set up a tent for their en∣tertainment; which having got into his hands, and leaving them asleep, he made on for Asia, secure enough not to be pursued untill out of danger.

3. LOTOPHAGITIS, now called Zerby, and by some Gerbe, is situate in the bottom of the Bay of Tripolis, divided from the main Land by a narrow Ford. The Iland full of Bogs and Marishes, without other water, and in the midst of it somewhat hilly; indifferently fruitfull, yield∣ing, Dates, Olives, Barley, Mill, and the like commodities; inhabited by 30000 men, dwelling in low Cottages, and but simply apparelled. It had in it anciently two Cities, 1 Meninx, which some∣times gave name unto the Iland, called Meninx by some elder Writers. 2 Gerrapolis, both now destroyed: instead whereof there is now one of more note then the rest, called by the same name with the Iland, and fortified with a very strong Castle. Subject unto the Turks, but governed by a poor King of its own. Both Fort and Iland taken by the Christian Fleet, in the year 1559. for the King of Spain, to whom Caravanus the King thereof did submit himself, conditioning to pay the yeerly Tribute of 6000. Crowns, one Camel, four Ostriches, four Sparrow Hawks, and four Falcons. But the Christians were scarce warm in their new possession, when besieged in the Castle by Pial Bassa, to whom after some extremities they were fain to yield: there perishing in this unfor∣tunate Action, by sword, famine, and sickness, 15000 Christians.

4. GAVLOS, or GAVDVS, by the Inhabitants called Gaudica, is distant about five miles from the Isle of Malta; to the Knights whereof it doth belong, given to them by the bounty of Charles the fift. The Iland 30 miles in compass, well watered and very fruitfull. So great an Enemy to Serpents and all venemous Creatures, that they neither breed here, nor will live here brought from other places. The People Christians, but they speak the same Language with the neighbouring Sa∣racens. The chief Town is of the same name with the Iland, beautified with a Capacious Haven, ly∣ing betwixt the West and South, and strongly fortified. Cruelly pillaged by the Turks in the year 1551. who carried hence 3000 Souls into endless thraldom.

5. MALTA, the chief of the African Ilands, lieth betwixt Tripolis in Barbary, and the Isle of Sicil: distant from this last about 60 miles, and from the other 180. In circuit about sixty miles, in length 20, and in breadth 12. situate in the beginning of the fourth Clime, and eighth Paral∣lell; so that the longest day in Summer is but 14 hours.

Anciently it was called Melite, and by that name occurreth not only in Ptolomy and other Wri∣ters, but also in the Book of the Acts, in the story of St. Pauls Ship-wrack, this being the place where he and all his company were cast on land: in memory whereof was built a little Chappell in the place of his Landing. So called most probably 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from the abundance of honey which it yielded in former times: Cicero charging it on Verres, that he came home loaded with 400 measures of honey, and store of Melitensian Rayments: I am non quaero unde 400 amphoras mellis habueris, unde tantum Melitensium Vestium, saith that famous Orator. The joyning of which two together, declare that he had robbed the same place for both; this Island being a neer neighbour of Sicil, which Verres governed then as Praetor. Nor is it strange that an Island of the coast of Africk, and using for the most part the Phocinian or Punick Language, should borrow its Appellation from the Greek: many of that Nation coming hither from the Isle of Sicil, and inhabiting here; and the whole Island sometimes subject to the power of the Sicilian Greeks, though for the most part under the command of the State of Carthage.

It is situate wholly on a Rock, being not above three foot deep in earth; by consequence, of no great fertility, the want of which is supplied with the plenties of Sicil. Yet have they here no small store of Pomegranats, Citrons, Oranges, Melons, and other excellent fruits, both for taste and colour. They have also great abundance of Cotten Wool (Gossypium the Latinists call it) which they sowe as we do our Corn; the growth and ordering of this Wool, hath been shewn already, when we were in Syria. For the commoditie of this Wool, and the cloth made of it, the Romans had this I∣land in great esteem; thinking themselves happy when they gained it from the Carthaginians.

The natural Inhabitants of it are said to be churlish and uncivil; of the African Language and complexion; but followers of the Church of Rome, the Religion whereof these Knights are sworn to defend: The Women fair, but hating company, and going covered. The whole number of both Sexes, supposed to be 20000. possessed of 90 Villages, and four Cities. Places of note, 1 Malta, so called by the name of the Iland, in the middle of which it is situate; built on an hill, but counted of no great importance, the strength and safety of the Iland lying in defence of the Shores and Ha∣vens. 2 St. Hermes a strong Castle at the point of a long Languet or tongue of Rock, thrusting out betwixt the two best Havens, both which it notably defendeth. Took by the Turks, Anno 1565, but at no cheaper rate then 20000 shot of Cannon, and the loss of 10000 of their men. 3 Valette si∣tuate

on the same Languet, not far from the Castle of S. Hermes, (or rather lying close unto it) ex∣tended the whole breadth of the said Languet from the one Sea to the other: and so commanding both the Havens. Built since the departure of the Turks, impregnably Fortified, and called thus by the name of Valets, the great Master who so gallantly repulsed their fury. In this Town the great Master hath his Palace, and the Knights their several Alberges or Seminaries, all very fair and handsome buildings. 4 Burgo, a lirtle Town or City on another Languet, lying in the Eastern Ha∣ven, at the extremity of which Promontory in a Demy Iland stands the strong Castle of 5 S. Angelo, built on a Rock, opposite to Valette, on the other side of the Haven; and found impregnable by the Turks, who in vain besieged it. 6 Isola a small Citie and better deserving the name of a Town, si∣tuate in another Promontory, on the South of the other; defended on the Westside by a strong Platform, at the point of the Foreland, and on the Eastside by the impregnable Castle of S. Michael, in vain assaulted by the Turks, who on their ill success at the Siege hereof gave over the enterprize, and sailed home.

The People of this Iland originally were a Tyrian or Phoenician Colony, but intermixt in tract of time with some Greek Plantations, coming hither out of Sicil, as before was said: For the most part dependant on the Fortunes of Carthage, afterwards of Rome, till subdued by the Saracens; By the Spaniards taken from the Moors, and by Charles the fift given to the Knights of the Rhodes, not long before expelled thence by Solyman the Magnificent, Anno 1522. These Knights are in number 1000; of whom, 500 are always to be resident in the Iland. The other 500 are dispersed through Christendom, at their several Seminaries, in France, Spain, Italy and Germany; and at any summons, are to make their personal appearance. These Seminaries (Alberges they call them) are in number seven, viz. one of France in general, one of Auvergn, one of Provence, one of Castile, one of A∣ragon, one of Italy, and one of Germany; over every one of which they have a Grand Prior, who in the Countrey where he liveth, is of great reputation. An eight Seminary they had in England, till the suppression of it by Henry the 8. yet they have some one or other, to whom they give the title of Grand Prior of England. Concerning the original and riches of these Knights, we have spoken when we were in Palestine; now a word or two only of their places, and the election of their great Master. None are admitted into the Order, but such as can bring a testimony of their Gentry for six descents; and when the Ceremonies of their Admission (which are many) are performed, they swear to defend the Church of Rome, to obey their Superiours, to live upon the Revenues of their Order only, and withall to live chastly. Of these there be 16 of great authority (Counsellours of State we may fitly call them) called the Great Crosses; out of whom, the officers of their Order, as the Marshal, the Admiral, the Chancellour, &c. are chosen: and who, together with the Master, punish such as are convict of any crime, first by degrading him, 2 by strangling him, and 3 by throw∣ing him into the Sea. Now when the Great Master is dead, they suffer no Vessell to go out of this Iland, till another be elected; lest the Pope should intrude on their election; which is performed in this manner. The several Seminaries nominate two Knights, and two also are nominated for the English: these 16 from amongst themselves choose eight; these eight choose a Knight, a Priest, and a Frier-servant; and they three, out of the 16 Great Crosses, elect the great Master. The great Master being thus chosen, is stiled (though but a Frier) The most illustrious, and most reverend Prince, the Lord Frier N. N. Great Master of the Hospital of S. John of Jerusalem, Prince of Malta, Gaules, and Goza. Far different I assure you, from that of the first Masters of this Order, who called themselves only Servants to the poor Servitors of the Hospital of Jerusalem; or that of the Master of the Templers, who was only intituled The humble Minister of the poor Knights of the Temple.

This Iland is conceived to yield to the great Master the yeerly rent of 10000 Ducats, the greatest part whereof ariseth out of Cotton-wool; besides which, he hath towards the maintaining of his E∣state, the tenth part of the prizes which are won from the Turks; and certain thousands of Crowns yearly out of the treasure of the Order, which is great and rich; and one of the best Commanderies in every Nation. And for the scowring of the Seas, and securing their Harbours, they have many good Gallies, each of them able to contain 500 Souldiers, and to carry 16 piece of Ordinance; with which they make excursions many times to the coasts of Greece.

And so much for BARBARY.