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.

The Dukedom of FLORENCE, OR OF TUSCANIE.

HAving thus run along the Coast of the Adriatick, or upper Sea, from the Lands of the Church unto the Alpes, which divide Italie from Germany; let us next keep along the tract of the Tuscan or Lower Sea, from the said Lands of the Church, to that part of the Alpes which di∣vide Italie from France. And in the first place we meet with the Dukedom of Florence, or the Estate of the great Duke of Tuscany; divided on the East from S. Peters Patrimony, by the River Pisco; on the West, from the Common-wealth of Genoa, by the River Macra, and the strong Fort of Sarezana; on the North, from Romandiola and Marca Anconitana, by the Apennine hills; and on the South side it is bounded with the Tuscan or Tyrrhenian Seas.

It taketh up the greatest and goodliest part of all that which antiently was called Tuscany, from the Greek word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which signifieth to sacrifise; of which act of Religious Worship, or rather of some superstitious Ceremonies appertaining to it, they are conceived to be the Au∣thors. And to say truth, they were much given to Sooth-sayings, and Divinations, and such like vanities of Gentilism: Tages, that Merlin of the old World first appearing here, from whom they learned the greatest part of their Superstitions. So that this name was adventitious and accidentall. For properly and originally it was called Tyrrheni••, from Tyrrhenus the sonne of Atys King of Lydia, who came and planted in those parts about the time that Gedeon judged the Tribes of Israel. But these names signified the same both Country and people, though in di∣vers Langues, and with respect to different Originations; the name of Tyrrheni and Tyrrhenia, being most used by the Greeks, as that of Tusci and Tuscia, by their neighbours of Rome, who also called the people Hetrusci, and the Country Hetruria, from a particular Province of it which was so entituled. Antiently it extended as far Eastward as the banks of Tiber, the other bounds being then as they are at the present; and in that tract gave dwelling to a potent Nati∣on, who not content to be restrained within the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and the Tiber, wasted three hundred Towns of the Umbri, the next bordering Nation; and bui•••• twelve Cities on the other side of the Mountains; that is to say, Adria, Verona, Vi••centia, Tre••, Berga••••, Mant••a, Como, Vercellae, Novara, Parma, Bonoma, and Rh••gium; all of esteem and reputation to this very day. They were the first Nation that carried an Offensive War to the gates of Rome, when they gave ayd to the Tarquins under King Personna; and held it out on the Defensive as long as any: No people in all Italie standing more stiffly in defence of their common Liberties, than the Falisci, and Veientes, two Hetruriau Tribes. But nothing could withstand the fortune of that growing Empire. Twelve Nations of them were brought under by Tarquinius ••riscus, who from

hence brought to Rome the Fasces and Triumphall Ornaments, and other embellishments of State: the Veii and Falisci, by the Sword of Camillus; the Conquest perfected by the conduct of Valerius Corvinus, and Fulv. Contumalus A. V. C. 455. So the Tuscans were subdued at last, after they had been governed by their own Kings 1132 yeares; that is to say, from Tarchon Priscus their first King, An. M 2550. to Turenus Ceso their last King, A M. 3668.

The chief Towns of it in those times were 1 Veii, and 2 Perusia, spoken of before. 3 Fesulae, then of very great same, now a poor village hard by Florence. 4 Agyllina, situate not far from the Lake of Thr••symene, which from hence was called Vadum Agyllinum. The cheif Town of the Tuscans at the comming of Aeneas into Italie, and the Seat Royall of Mezentius that noted Tyrant, so often mentioned by Virgil. First built by the Pelasgi, a Greek people, and by them thus named; afterwards by mistake called Caere: by like mistake as Peru, Jucatan, and others of the American Provinces got their present names, as shall there be shewn. For the Tuscans, or the Romans as others say, demanding in their language of a Country fellow, the name of the place, was answered in his language, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is to say, God save you, or God speed you: which word they taking for the name of the Town, did ever after call it Care. Memorable in old time for the Bathes adjoyning, from hence called Balnea Caeretana; more for the preserva∣tion of the Vestal Fire, and the other holy things of Rome, when that Town was taken by Galls. Rewarded hereupon with all the privileges of Rome, except right of Suffrage: from whence the Tables in which the Roman Censors used to inroll the names of those whom they de∣prived of their Votes in Senate, or any other publick Councill, were called Caerites Tabulae. 5 Phaleria, on the seaside, the principall town of the Falisci, of which there is some remainder extant in the village called Falaris. 6 Clusium, the Seat-Royall of King Porsena, for ayding which against the Galls, the Romans drew upon themselves the fury of that turbulent people. Pisa, Aretium, and such others as are still in being, we shall speak of afterwards.

The Rivers and the soyl do remain as formerly, though the first altered in their names; the principall of which are, 1 Arnus, spoken of before in the generall survey of Italie. 2 Sercius, by Ptolomie called Boactus, a River which by the excellency of its Carps and Trouts, makes some amends unto the people for its violent Land-floods. 3 Palia, as violent and dangerous as the other, but not so profitable, which falleth into Tiber near Orviette. 4 Martha, by Pto∣lomie called Osa. Here is also the Lake Volsinius, which is twenty four miles in compass; and that called antiently Sabatinns, but now Laco Braciani, from which water was conveighed to Rome. By reason of these and other Lakes, and the frequent overflowings of the Rivers, the Country in former times was full of bogs, which made the air unhealthy, and the wayes un∣passable, it being in the Flats and Marishes of Hetruria, that Annibal was so turmoiled, losing herein the greatest part of his Elephants, and one of his eyes. But since those times, partly by the industry of the people, and the great providence of the Princes, the Fens in most pla∣ces are well drained, and the Bogs converted to firm land, whereby the air is rectified, and the waies made pleasant: care being also taken by great banks and ramparts to keep the Rivers for the most part within their channels. So that the Country is now full of very spacious fields, and fruitfull vallies, swelled here and there with pleasant mountains, little inferior in fertili∣ty to the richest vales; abundantly well stored with delicious wines, and plentifull in a word of all the blessings of nature, save that the parts about Florence are defective in Wheat, the want of which is supplied from the fields of Sienna, where there is plenty enough of it for them∣selves and their neighbours, though no such superfluity as to spare any of it unto other Pro∣vinces.

But to return unto the story, Tuscanie being thus brought under the command of Rome, was made the second of those eleven Regions into which Italie was divided by Augustus Caesar. In the division of it made by Antonius, and in that of Constantine, it made with Umbria one of the ten Provinces which was immediately subject to the Praefect of the City of Rome. Afterwards in the declination of the Roman Empire it became a member of the Kingdom of Lombardy, then of the French, and finally of the German Empire: during which times it was governed by an Officer of trust and power, whom I find sometimes called the Marquess, sometimes Duke of Tuscanie, who had here more or less authoritie, as they could work on the necessities of their severall Princes. Desiderius the last King of the Lombards had been Duke of Tuscanie, and so was Albericus in the time of the Berengarii, and Guido is called Marquess of it, under the reign of Henricus Auceps the German Emperour. Afterwards, as the Popes grew in power and great∣ness, so they made bold to intermeddle in the affairs of this Province; giving it one while to the Kings of Naples, another while to the Dukes of Anjou, making some challenge to that Kingdom. In which distractions the Florentines first bought their own libertie, of the Emperor Rodolfus Habspurgensis; and after purchased the Town and Territory of Cortona, of Ladislaus King of Naples; that of Arezzo for 40000 Florens of Duke Lewis of Anjou. After this time they husbanded their affairs so well, that they became one of the most considerable Estates in Italie; and at the last by taking in Pisa and Sienna, they got the absolute dominion of the best and largest part of Tuscanie, which now is under the command of the great Duke, and may be branched most fitly into these four parts, that is to say, the Cities and Territories of 1 Florence, 2 Pisa, 3 Sienna, and 4 the Ilands situate in the Tuscan or Tyrrhenian seas.

1. And first the Territory or Estate of Florence, taketh up the North part of this great Duke∣dom,

having the Apennine on the North, and the Estates of Pisa and Sienna on the South. So called from the City of FLORENCE, situate ••igh unto the conflux of the Rivers Arnus and Chianus, the former passing thorough the middest of the City, which is joyned together with four Bridges of stone; environed with mountains, which do serve as a Fortress against Invasi∣ons, and for defence against the Winds; first built by L. Sylla that bloody Dictator; afterwards made a Colony by the Triumviri, Augustus, Antony, and Lepidus; from the flourishing situation of it being called Florentia. The Lombards upon some displeasure razed it to the ground; but it was re-built by Charlemagne, to whom and whose Successors they continued faithfull, as long as they had any thing to do with the state of Italie; but after, they betook themselves to the Papall faction, and were as rigid Guelfes as any. On this foundation it now stands, and is indeed a very fair and flourishing City, agreeable unto the name; the streets being very strait and large, paved with square stone, and alwaies kept exceeding clean: the ordinary buildings beautifull above any in Italie, besides many fair and stately Palaces adorned with Statua's. The principall of the Palaces is that of the Great Duke, taking up the room of 50 houses which were wont to stand there; capable of a great retinue; and for the largeness of the building, the Archi∣tecture and Ornaments of it, as also for the Gardens, Fountains, Statues, and other Accessaries, equalling, if not surpassing the goodliest Palaces in all Europe. The like may also be affirmed of the Cathedrall, highly commended for the excellency of the Workmanship, but that especially of the Steeple, which both for stuff and structure is beyond compare. This Church is called com∣monly the Annunciata, and worthily accounted one of the chief Ornaments of Florence; in which City there are besides, so many excellent peeces and curious rarities, that the Arch-Duke Charles was wont to say, that it was a Citie not to be seen but on Holy-daies. As for the ••••habitants of this City and the parts adjoyning, they are a very industrious people, and gene∣rally said to be of a very great wit, subtile heads, and of much insight into business: and yet Count Imbalt, a French Gentleman, was used to say, Non sapeve dove consistesse l'ingegne tanto celebrate di Fiorentini, that he could never find where that great Wit of the Florentines lay. Guicciardine the Historian, was without doubt a notable States-man; and Machiavel, once the Recorder of this City, a man of as shrewd a brain as any; and so were the two Cosmo's of the house of the Medices; but whether all the Florentines, or the major part of them, be of such ex∣traordinary wits as they say they are, I am not very well resolved of; nor is it much materiall to enquire into it.

The other Cities and chief places of this first division, are 1 Fesulae, once a Roman Colony, now a small village called Fiesoli, situate in the streights of the Apennine, not far from Florence, which is thought to have risen chiefly from the ruins of it: most memorable for the great de∣feat here given by Stilico to the great Army of the Gothes conducted into Italie under Rhada∣gusius. 2 Pizoria, or Pistoia, seated on the foot of the Apennine, but ruinated with its own dis∣••entions; of which the greatest and most lasting, were those betwixt the Neri and Bianchi (or the black men and the white) which divided Florence; and that between the Guelfs and Gibel∣lines which here took begiuning, and for a long time exercised the peace of Christendom. This last began (as some say) upon the quarrell of two Brothers, of which the one named Guelfo stood for the Pope, the other named Gibellino declared for the Emperor. The quarrell spreading into parties, called the Guelfs and the Gibellines, became at last the wonder and amazement of all good people: insomuch as some are of opinion, that the fiction of the Elfs and Goblins, wherewith we use to fright young children, was derived from hence. As for the City it self, it is seated in a fair and goodly plain, compassed with mountains; and the streets paved with free-stone, and the Church (which is Cathedrall) with Marble; it was first walled by Deside∣rius the last King of the Lombards, when he was Governour of this Province; but for all that was forced to submit it self to the power of the Florentiue, by whom it was subdued An^o 1150. when as yet themselves were not the absolute masters of their own City. 3 Volterra built a∣mong the mountains, the Birth-place of Lînus, successor to St. Peter in the See of Rome. It standeth on the top of an hill, the walls thereof made of square stone about six foot long, which are very neatly joyned together without any Mortar: and in those Walls five Gates for en∣trance, each Gate having neer unto it a very fair Fountain. The Marble Statues, and some Epitaphes in Tuscan Letters, do evidently declare it to be very antient. In this Town was born Rodolphus Volterranus, one of the greatest Restorers of Learning in the West parts of the World. 4 Monte Pulciano, in Latin called Mons Politianus, a well-fortified Citie, and the birth∣place of Angelus Politianus, the Reviver of the Latin or Roman Elegancies 5 Crato, another strong peece of this part also, neighboured by a retiring-place of the Great Dukes, called Pra∣toline, a right pleasant Village, beautified with a magnificent Palace, in which besides many other singularities are most curious Water-works, equall, if not superiour unto those of Ti∣voli. 6 Cortona, an antient City of the Tuscans, situate at the foot of the Apennine, sold to the Florentines by Ladislaus King of Naples. 7 Aretium or Arezzo, one of the antient Cities of the Tuscans also, and sold to the Florentines as the other was; this being bought for 40000 Florint of Lewis of Anjou, then the Popes Vicegerent in this Country. 8 Borgo San Sepulcro, seated on the Tiber, near, or within the Spoletan Dukedom, added to this Signeurie by Cosmo de Medic••s the first of that name, by whom bought of Pope Eugenius the fourth for the sum of 25000 Flo∣rins,

and layd unto the Patrimony of this Commonwealth, to which it serveth for a Bulwark on that side of this Country.

To this Division also we may best refer the small, but rich Signeurie of Massa, situate on the borders of the state of Genoa. Chief Towns whereof, 1 Massa it self, which gives the title of a Marquess to the Lord hereof, of the family of the Malespines. 2 Carara, three miles off from Massa, and more neer the Sea, and of great fame for its Quarries of whitest Marble (much used in the time of the Roman greatness) and a breed of the fairest Women in Italie. The Prince hereof a Feudatary to the Duke of Florence, but amongst his own vassals absolute enough.

2 The second member of this estate is the City and Territory of PISA, lying towards the Sea, betwixt the Genoese on the West, and the Territory of Sienna on the East. The City first built by the Pisae, a people of Elis in Greece, who following old Nestor from Troy, were by the violence of the Wind driven upon this coast; and here upon the River Arno, where it meet∣eth with S••rchius, did erect this Town. In the distractions of the Empire it stood up for it self, and grew so potent, that at one time they waged war both with the Venetians and Genoese. They were once Masters of Sardinia, Corsica, and the Baleares; but finally being discomfited by the Genoese neer the Isle of Giglio, by whom it was made free, An^o 1369, they submitted themselves to the protection of Charles the fourth. Not long after, it was taken by John Galeaze the first Duke of Millain, An^o 1404, by John Maria his sonne and successor sold unto the Flo∣rentines; from whose command they freed themselves by a popular violence. The Florentines upon this besieged them, and brought them to such extremity of hunger, that they were ready to be starved. Yet such was the humanity of the Besiegers, that when they entred the Town e∣very man carryed victuals in his hand instead of weapous, to beget, as it were, new life in that rebellious people. This victory the ••lorentines got by the valor and conduct of Sir John Hawk∣wood, whom the Italians call Giovanni di▪ Aguto; who being first a Taylor in Essex, afterwards served Edward the third in his French Wars, where he was knighted. And when upon the peace concluded after the battell of Poictiers, he wanted employment, he entered with his Regiment into Italie, and put himself into the pay of the Florentines, then in war with this City: who for his valor have honoured him with a fair Tomb and Monument. When Charles the 8^th went into Italie, the Pisans again revolted, and were, not without much labour and great charges, reduced to their former obedience. As for the City it self, it is almost as big as Florence, this being five miles in compass, and that but six; but very short of it in the numbers of people, Florence being sayd to contain 90000 souls, Pisa not a third part of that proportion; yet it hath very good advantages to make it populous, that is to say, the publick Arsenal for Shipping, an University for Students, and the See of an Archbishop: the Cathedrall Church of which is a very beautifull peece of work, the Gates thereof are brass, and the Steepl of it of such artificiall and exquisite building, that it sheweth as if it were always falling. But the unwholsomness of the Air over-ballanceth all these fair advantages.

The next place of importance within the Territory of this City is the Town and Haven of Ligorn (Livornum it is called in Latin) seated upon the influx of the River Arno; well fortified against the Genoese, by whom the Works were once slighted, An^o 1297. Upon a reconciliation made between those States, it returned again to its old Masters. And when the Pisans were sold over to the Florentines by the Duke of Millain, Thomas Fregosa Duke of Genoa, seized upon this place, and sold it also to the same Chapmen for 120000 Ducats. By the care of Duke Cosmo and his two sonnes it is much improved in strength and beautie, and so well fortified, that it is thought to be one of the strongest Cities in Christendom; Cities I say, and not Castles, the Castles of Stockholm in Sweden, and that of Millain being held to be the strongest Forts in the World. After this comes in 3 Peira Sancta, on the West side of the Arnus, a place of great consequence and strength; one of the best peeces of the Pisans when a Free-estate, against their old enemies the Genoese, towards whom it standeth. 4 Terraciola, Eastward of Ligorn, neighboured with a ca∣pacious Bay on the Mediterranean. 5 Castellona, an Episcopall See, and 6 Porto Berrato, border∣ing on the Signeury of Siena, now nothing but a station for ships (nor much used for that) but heretofore beautified with one of the best Cities of the Tuscans, called Populonia.

3 The third Member of this Dukedom is the City and Territory of SIENA, lying betwixt the Estate of Pisa, and the land of the Church. The City sayd to be built by Brennus, who did there put his old sickly men to sojourn, and called it Sena: the Birth-place of Aeneas Sylvius, called afterwards Pope Pius the second; of Francis Picolominy, after Pope Pius the third; and of Sixtus (hence surnamed) Senensis, the greatest Scholar of the three, if not of all the age he lived in. By Antonine in his Itinerarium called Senae Juliae, to difference it perhaps from ano∣ther of that name near the Adriatick, called Sena Gallica. Built neer the Spring or Fountain of the River Arbia, now better known by the name of Treissa; but built (which makes the si∣tuation of it exceeding pleasant) upon an high hill, on which there is a Castle that commands the Town: the streets thereof even and very plain, centring in a large and spacious Market∣place; near to which is a very fair Palace used for a Senate-house in the Free-Common∣wealth: and on the South side near the walls, the Cathedrall Church, reputed to be one of the fairest in Italie, having only one door into it, to which there is an ascent by fair Marble stairs,

of which the Pavement is made also: Having long held the Gibelline or Imperiall faction, it bought its liberty at an easie rate of the Emperour Rodolphus the first. After it fell into the hands of the Spaniards, then of the French, and finally was made over to Cosmo de Medices Duke of Florence, by the King of Spain, An^o 1558, in consideration of the great charge he had been at to beat out ••he French, and other services expected for the time to come. Cosmo be∣ing thus invested in it, deprived the people of their Arms, altered the Government, and was the first Prince who had the absolute command of it, after the constitution of their Common∣wealth: neither the French nor Spaniards ruling here as Lords, but onely as called in by their severall factions, and suffered to have Garrisons in it of their own people, by the agreement of their party. And to say truth, it stood with good reason of State, that the Florentine should use all his wit to get this City; and having got it, use all meanes to assure it to him. For besides that great accession which it made unto his Estate; by adding thereunto the yearly in∣come of a hundred and fifty thousand Ducats, above all expences; it was also to be carefully looked on as a Rivall which had long time stood in competition with it, for the soveraign command of Tuscanie. Besides, there had been mighty animofities between the Cities, the Florentine being always of the Guelfes, and the Siennoys of the Gibelline faction. A faction at last so generally distated in all Italie, and so abhominable to the Popes, that on an Ash∣wednesday when the Pope being to cast Ashes on the heads of the Cardinals, was to have sayd, Memento O homo quod cinis es, & in cinerem converteris; according to the usage of the Church of Rome; seeing a Gibelline amongst them, he forgot himself, and sayd thus unto him, Me∣mento O homo quod Gibellinus es, & cum Gibellinis morieris. Of chief note next unto Sienna, are 1 Montalcino (Mons Alcinus in Latin) a place of great strength both by industry and situa∣tion. 2 Castro Cartaldo, seated upon a lofty Hill, most memorable for the Birth and Sepul∣chre of John Boccace, one of the best wits of his time, as his Decameron declareth: buried here with a sorry and unworthy Epitaph, not worth the labour of transcribing. 3 Soana, an Episcopall City; as also are 4 Pienza. 5 Crossetto, and 6 Chiusi; this last the Clusium of the antient Tuscans, spoken of befoee. Besides these there are 26 walled Towns within this Signeury, but of no great observation in the course of business.

There belonged also unto this Commonwealth when a State distinct, some Ports and Peeces on the Sea, which when it was consigned over to the Duke of Florence, were retained by the Spaniard; partly thereby to keep those Princes at his devotion; but principally that by holding so many places of importance in his own hands, he might carry at his Girdle the Keys of Ita∣lie, and become Lord Paramont of those Seas. Of those the principall, if not all, 1 Piombino, in Latin called Plumbinum from some Mines of Lead, adorned with a strong Castle, and a plenti∣full Territorie: the Castle in the hands of the Spaniard, but the Town and Territory in posses∣sion of a Lord of its own, who receives the whole rents of the Estate. 2 Port Telamon, Eastward of Piombino, so called of old from Telamon an adjoyning Promontorie, and known by this name in Plutarch in the life of Marius. 3 Orbitello, drawing more towards the East, the Cossa of the antient Writers. 4 Monte Argentorati, a Promontorie or ••eninsula, thrusting it self into the Sea, over against Orbitello; by the Latines called Mons Argentarius; and thought by some, who have observed the situation, strength, and extent thereof, to be the fittest place for a Royall City to be built in, to command those Seas. 5 Port Hercule, which still retains its antient name, imparted to it from some Temple of Hercules which was founded in it; situate neer the Ea∣stern Isthmus of the said Peninsula. 6 Porto-Longone, a peece of speciall consequence for command of the Mediterranean; and for that cause of late times gotten by the French (then aiming at the conquest of Naples) but again recovered by the Spaniard, who doth now pos∣sess it.

The fourth and last member of this Estate are the Ilands in the Tuscan or Tyrrhenian Seas. The principall whereof is 1 Ilva, not above ten miles from Plombino; called antiently Aethalia, by the vulgar Elba. Plinie affirmed it to contain in compass a hundred miles, but it proves up∣on a just ameasurement to be but fifty, not very well furnished with Corn, and less with fruits; but plentifull in Mines of Iron, as formerly for Steel and Copper; for which, especially for Steel, of great esteem in the time of Virgil, as appeareth by that passage in the 10^th of the Ae∣neids, where it is called

Insula inexhaustis Chalybum genero sa metallis. A noble Isle, and known full well For unexhausted Mines of Steel.

But for all that, the Steel now failing, the want thereof is supplyed by Iron, which Iron is of so strange a nature, that every 25 years it renueth again upon the Mines, and will by no means melt whilst it is in the Iland, but must be carried somewhere else. It affordeth also Sulphur, Al∣lom, Tin, Lead, Marble good plenty, and in some parts Loadstone also. Formerly it belonged to the Lords of Polmbino, who not being able to defend it against the Turks, if they should at any time invade it, resigned it, by the Counsell of Charles the fift, unto Cosmo di Medices the Duke of Florence; reserving to themselves the Revenues of it, and the Government of all the Towns and Villages therein, except those that were thought fit for Fortification. It hath a very fair

haven called Porto Ferrario, capable to receive any great Fleet that should come thither; and therefore if the Turks or Moores had been Masters of it, they might easily have commanded all the coasts adjoyuing, as well in Provence, as Italie. For the defence hereof there are two strong Castles, situate on two little Mountains, on each side one; so fortified by Art and Nature, that they are held to be impregnable; having also good store of Cannon, and all sorts of Warlike Ammunition. And not far off stands a strong Town built by the same Duke Cosmo, and by him called Cosmopolis; well fortified, and made the seat of his new Order of St. Stephen, of which more hereafter.

The second Iland of note is Giglio, called Iglium antiently, just oppofite to Monte Argento∣rato, and having some 25 miles in compass; neer unto which the Genoese so discomfited the Pi∣sans in a Fight at sea, that they were never able to recover their former puissance. 3 Capraria, not far from Ligorn, so called from its abundance of Goats; and for the same reason Aegilora, by the Greek Geographers; as 4 Gallinaria not far off took name from abundance of Hens. Of the rest nothing memorable, but that some of them do occur in the antient Writers: of which sort are Meloria, heretofore Lanellum, not far from Capraria. 2 Lanusi, formerly Artemisia, in which there is a very good Haven. 3 Gorgona. 4 Troia, and 5 the small Ilands which are call∣ed Formicae. 6 To these we may adde also the Isle of Planasia, more memorable than the rest, for the banishment and death of Agrippa Posthumus, the Nephew of Augustus Caesar by his daughter Julia, here murdered by the command of Tiberius to prevent all future competi∣tion to the State Imperiall; situate somewhat nearer unto Corsica than the rest of these Ilands.

As for the MEDICES, whose Posterity are now Dukes hereof, they were in the Free-state (as Machiavil informs us in his Florentine History) accounted in the chief rank of the Popular Nobility: those being such of the antient Nobles, as to be capabie of the Magistracie, and publick Offices (then wholly shared among the Commons) had as it were degraded themselves, and became part of the Commonalty. About the year 1410, John de Medices (the first great raiser of this house) stoutly maintaining the Liberties of the people against the great ones, was by them so honoured and enriched, that he not only got a great party, but almost a Soveraign∣ty in the City. To him succeeded his sonne Cosmo, one of the greatest Statesmen of those times, who did not only much reform the civill Government, but enlarged the Territory of the State by the addition of Casentino, Burgo St. Sepulckro, and some other peeces. Dying in the year 1464, he left the managery of the State to Peter de Medices his sonne, whose whole time was consu∣med in suppressing such Factions as had at home been raised against him; and at his death left all his power, and the great wealth which he had gotten (but with a greater measure of his Fathers vertues) to Lawrence and Julian his two sonnes. The people after his decease, either de∣sirous of Novelties, as most people are, or fearing to be made hereditary to this powerfull Fa∣mily, seemed to incline to one of the Soderini, a man of plausible deportment, and well beloved. But he judiciously considering, that new houses as they are easily honoured, so are they as soon abandoned by the fickle multitude, conferred all the dependances which were cast upon him, on these two young men of the Medices: as being descended from a Family which had long governed the Citie. Against these two, the Pazzi, a potent house in Florence, conspired, and at Mass they slew Julian; but Lorenzo escaped: the blows which were struck at him, being recei∣ved by one of his servants, whom two days before he had delivered out of prison. For this fact the Pazzi were hanged at the Palace window, together with the Archbishop of Pisa, who had been of the conspiracie. To revenge the death of this Bishop, Pope Paul the 2^d Excommunica∣ted the Florentines; and Ferdinand King of Naples warred upon them. Loronzo to divert this mischief, went in person to Naples; where he grew so much into the good liking of the King, that there was a perpetuall League made between them. After his death, An. 1492, his sonne Peter having very improvidently delivered Pisa and Ligorn, with other peeces, to the French King; was, together with his whole Family, banished. John di Medices the sonne of Lawrence, and Brother of Peter, being made Pope, by the name of Leo the 10^th, restored again his Fami∣ly; who not long after his death, were again exil'd. This disgrace Julio di Medices, sonne to the above-named Julian, and Pope of Rome, by the name of Clement the 7^th, not enduring, pro∣cured Charles the fift to besiege it: which request was granted, and the City, after two years resist∣ance, yeelded. The Emperour then gave it to Alexander Medices (Grand-child to Peter, by his sonne Lawrence) An. 1531: And he to restrain the insolencies of the people, built a strong Ci∣tadell in the Town. This Alexander was a Prince of good parts enough, had he not been too much addicted to Lust and Wantonness; which being observed by Lawrence de Medicis his own Cousen, he trained him to a secret place, under colour of bringing him to the bed of a beautifull Lady; and there basely murdered him. Which done, instead of calling the people to take Arms for recovery of their lost Liberty, as he first intended, he fearfully left the City, and fled towards Venice. So that before the people had notice of the Accident, the heads of the Medices consulted together, and sent for Cosmo di Medices dwelling in the Countrey with his Mother (and then a∣bout 18 years of age) to be their Prince: as being the next Heir-male which was left of the Fa∣mily, according to the Entail (as our Lawyers call it) made by Charles the Emperor. This Cos∣mo proving an excellent Statesman, and a fortunate Commander, so swayed the affairs of Italie,

that Philip the second of Spain to be assured of his friendship gave him the Signeurie of Sienna out of which he had lately driven the French; and Pius the 4^th had an intent to have crowned him King of Tuscany. But Philip of Spain (though otherwise his speciall friend) thwarted that intent, as loath to have in Italie any more Kings than himself. After in the year 1570, Pius the fifth crowned the said Cosmo in the Court of Rome, with the title of Great Duke of Tuscany, for him and his Heirs for ever. In the new Dukes Coronet he caused to be engraven these words, Pius quintus Pont. max. ob eximiam dilectionem, & religionis catholicae zelum, pracipuumqne ju∣stitiae studium donavit. Thus forward were these Popes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 honour this family; but their successors have been otherwise affected to it: For when one of Duke Cosmo's successors did since intreat a succeeding Pope, that he might be created King of Tuscany; the Pope not liking so Lordly a title, answered; that he was content, He should be a King in Tuscany, but not King of Tuscany: A Scho∣lar-like distinction, but not so satisfactory to the point proposed.

The Princes of the house of Medices in the Free-estate.

• 1410 1 John di Medices, the first advancer of the Family to publick greatness.
• 1433 2 Cosmo di Medices, the sonne of John; called the Father of the Commonwealth.
• 1646 3 Peter, the sonne of Cosmo.
• 1472 4 Lawrence di Medices, sonne of Peter, the great Advancer of Learning in Italie.
• 1492 5 Peter di Medices II. exiled upon the comming in of Charles the 8.
• 6 Lawrence di Medices II. sonne of Peter, exiled together with his Father, made Duke of Urbin by Pope Leo the 10.

The Dukes of Florence, and Great Dukes of Tuscanie.

• 1531 1 Alexander di Medices, the sonne of Lawrence, the first Duke of Florence.
• 1537 2 Cosmo II. the next heir of Alexander, descended from Lawrence, a brother of the first Cosmo, the wisest Statesman of his time.
• 1574 3 Francis di Medices, sonne of Cosmo the II. Father of Mary the French Queen.
• 1587 4 Ferdinand di Medices, the brother of Francis.
• 1609 5 Cosmo the III. sonne of Ferdinand.
• 1621 6 Ferdinand II. sonne of Cosmo di Medices, the twelf of this family, the sixt Duke of Flo∣rence, and the first of Tuscany.

The length of this Estate is 260 miles, the bredth in some places not much inferior, but grow∣ing narrower where it bordereth upon that of Genoa. In all which tract, the Great Duke hath but one considerable Port on the main land, which is that of Ligorn; so that his strength in shipping is not very great; and yet might be greater than it is, if the Subjects did delight in Trafick, and not suffer their Commodities to be bought by Strangers (as generally they do in all this Country) and carryed thence in forein vessels. For otherwise being an industrious people, and well trained in Manufactures; their power at Sea must needs be greater than it is; the Great Dukes Fleet consisting ordinarily of no more than twelve Gallies, two Gallions, and five Galliasses. And for his power by Land, he hath in readiness sixteen thousand Foot of his own subjects, well trained and mustered under experienced Commanders, to serve him upon all oc∣casions; and a hundred men at Arms, and 400 Light-horsmen, well payd, as well in times of Peace, as in time of War. And besides these, he keeps so many Forts and Towns in continuall Garrison, that his Estate is sayd to be made of Iron.

The only Order of Knighthood in this Estate, is that of S. Stephen, instituted by Cosmo di Medices An. 1561. and dedicated to S. Stephen, because upon the Festivall of Stephen, Pope and Martyr, being the 6. of August, he won the famous battell of Marciano. Pope Pius the fourth con∣firmed it the same yeer, and granted them all the privileges which they of Malta enjoy: con∣ditioned that those of this Order should make a vow of Charity, and conjugall Chastity and Obedience. They are to be nobly born, and in lawfull Wedlock of the Romish Church, and without note of infamy. Their Robe is of white Chamlet, with a red Cross on their left side, as well upon their Military Garments, as their wearing Cloaks: intended principally a∣gainst the Turks and Moores, for which cause setled first at Pisa, being neer the Sea; but after at Cosmopolis in the Isle of Ilva. The number of them is uncertain, the great Duke the Supreme Master of it. Other Orders are commonly simple, but this mixt, being partly religious, partly honourary.

What the Revenues of it were in the Free Estates, I am not able to determine. That they were very great is manifest, in that having in those five yeers wherein they waged war against the Duke of Millain, spent three millions and an half of Florens, their Treasurie was so far from being exhausted, that the next yeer they besieged and indangered the City of Luca. Since the altering of the Common-wealth into a Dukedom, and the addition of the Territory and Ci∣ty of Sienna, the Revenues of the Duke are conceived to be a million and an half of Ducats yearly. Of which 600000. Crowns are raised yearly out of the Dominion of the Citie of Florence;

150000. more out of that of Sienna; the customs arising out of the Port of Ligorn, amount yeer∣ly to 130000. Ducats, the toll of Milstones onely unto 160000. that of Salt, Mines, and Iron, falls not short of that: in all, a million and 200000. Ducats. Then hath the Duke his stock go∣ing amongst the Bankers, and trades as much as any in the way of Merchandizing; whereas in other Countreys he loseth the privileges of a Nobleman, that betakes himself to Trade and Merchandize. He useth also to buy up almost all the Corn which is brought into the Countrey out of other parts, and sell it again at his own price; forbidding any to be sold till all his be vended. The rest is made up by Excize upon all Commodities, even unto very herbs and Sallads, which lies very heavy on the Subject, the poor especially: insomuch, that it was ta••tly said, and perhaps not untruly, Qui sub Medicis vivit, miserè vivit; applying an old Rule in a new sense.

The Arms are Or, five Torteaux Gules, two, two, and one, and one in chief Azure, charged with three Flower de Lyces of the first.

Here are in this Estate Arch-bishops 3.

Bishops 26.

Notes

• Tuscanie.
• Florence.
• Pisa, and Sienna.
• The Tuscan Ilands.
• Tuscan Ilands.
• Florence
• Luca.