A prospect of the most famous parts of the vvorld Viz. Asia, 3 Affrica, 5 Europe, 7 America. 9 With these kingdomes therein contained. Grecia, 11 Roman Empire, 13 Germanie, 15 Bohemia, 17 France, 19 Belgia, 21 Spaine, 23 Italie, 25 Hungarie, 27 Denmarke, 29 Poland, 31 Persia, 33 Turkish Empire, 35 Kingdome of China, 37 Tartaria, 39 Sommer Ilands, 41 Civill Warres, in England, Wales, and Ireland. You shall find placed in the beginning of the second booke marked with these [3 asterisks in triangle formation] and (5) together with all the provinces, counties, and shires, contained in that large theator of Great Brittaines empire. / Performed by John Speed.

The Description of the Kingdom of Bohemia.

IN our Description of Germany, we rec∣koned Bohemia but as a Province a∣mong the rest: and therefore she was mentioned there with no more solem∣nitie, then the other parts were. We purpose here to declare it an intire Kingdome of it selfe: which besides her own compasse (as she is most com∣monly limited by Geographers) hath under-subjects, Dukedomes and Marquisates, such as doe her homage, and make her well worthy of a particular Historie, then we had before roome for.

(2) The ancient Inhabitant of these parts was the Bemorum magna gens, as Ptolemie cals it; and placeth it somewhat South, toward Danubius und••r Suna sylva. After them, the Boii, a peo∣ple of Gallia Lugdunensis, which had been before conquered by Caesar (saith Quadus) and packt over the Alpes to seek them a new seat in Italy. But when they found the Romanes too hotte for their abode there, they were forced to trudge farther, and to passe the River Rhene into Germany, as Strabo witnesseth, where they found them a fit place to lurk in, compassed with a large Wood called the Sylva Hercinia: and like enough they joyned in with the Bemi, to make up the name of Bohemia. But neither here did they enjoy their peace long: for they were in time nes∣sled out by a potent people of Swevia, called Marcomanni: and they again had the like measure from the Slavonians, a barbarous crue, which came in upon them, under the conduct of an exiled murderer of Croatia, one Zechius, about the yeare five hundred and fiftie.

(3) From that time there hath beene no generall expulsion•• but the present Bohemians are the progeny of those Sclavonians, whose very language and customes are in use among them at this day. Doubtlesse it was at first a rude Common-wealth, that had no other Governours, but so ungoverned a multitude: for so they continued above an hundred years after Zechius. But when they had for a time endured the misery of such a confusi∣on, they were content to agree upon some one for their Prince, that might rule them: and the first which they elected was Cro∣cus, a man of great esteeme among them for his wisdome and goodnesse.

(4) Till the time of Vratislaus it had the title of a Dukedome onely. He was the first King, and was created by Henry the fourth of Germany, anno one thousand eighty sixe. Yet after that againe, for the succession of sixe Princes, it was governed by Dukes. For the second King was Vladislaus the third, crowned by Fredericke the Emperour, in the yeare one thousand one hun∣dred fiftie nine: and the third, Primaslaus, Crowned by the Emperour Philip, one thousand one hundred ninetie nine: after sixe other Dukes from his Predecessor Vladislaus the third. It hath beene now long since fully settled into a Kingdome: and is the title of the right Noble Frederike Count Elector Palatine of the Rhene, and husband to the illustrious Elizabeth, Daugh∣ter to our late Soveraigne King IAMES. They were both Crowned at Prague in the yeare, one thousand sixe hundred and nineteene: but have beene enforced ever since, to maintaine their right by continuall warres, against Ferdinand the second, who by vertue of an adoption, which declared him successor to Matthias, layes claime to the Crowne of Bohemia. But the case was before decided in their third Vladislaus, who though as deeply interessed to the Kingdome, as Ferdinand could be: yet for that he had past no legall election, according to their Cu∣stomes and Priviledges, he was deposed by the States, and Vl∣darilaus chose in his roome.

(5) There remains no great difficultie, concerning the name. It appeares sufficiently, to proceed either from her first people, or first Prince, who (as some report) was one Boemus. And tis worth observing, that though this Land hath in sundry ages, beene so often ransackt, and possest by strangers, and Tyrants: yet in her name she constantly preserves the memorie onely of her first Natives, and hath not suffered that change, as we have done, from Albion to Britaine, from Britaine to England. And so indeed it is with almost all which have beene equally subject to the like Invasions.

(6) The scituation of this Kingdome is almost in the mid∣dest of Germany, and is easily descried in our common Maps, by the Hircinian Forrest, held in the Romans time, to be nine dayes journey in bredth, and in length at least forty. So Caesar in his sixth Com: It closeth Bohemia on every side, insomuch that (to shew) they are not unlike an Amphitheater, it is Maginus his comparison. The severall parts of this Wood are knowne by divers names, which they take from the Countrey adjacent. The portion North West, is by Strabo called Gabreta Sylva, that South toward Danubius▪ Luna Sylva by Ptolemy, non Sylva Passarica: and so the rest. Without this wall of Bohemia (as Quadus calls it) her limits are on the West Franconia, on the North Lusatia, and Misnia: on the South Bavaria and Austria: on the East Moravia and Sile••ia. The figure of it is in a manner circular: and the diameter is esteemed three dayes journey to a quick travailour. The circuit containes five hundred and fiftie miles, of good ground, fertile and pleasant, enricht as well by her Rivers, as Land Commodities.

(7) Her principall are (1) Albis Elve, which hath his rising in the Hercinian Wood, and the name from eleven Fountaines, which meet in one, at the head of the River. For Elve or Elbe in the Germane tongue signifies eleven. It runs through a great part of the Countrey, and by the chiefe Citie Prague, and at last vents it selfe into the German Ocean. Of this Lucan thus:

Fundat ab extremo flav••s Aquilone Suevos Albis & indomitum Rheni caput—

(2) Multaria Mulda. (3) Egra, which gives a name to a Town. (4) Sassava. (5) Gisera. (6) Missa. And (7) Vatto. They are received all into the River Albis, yeeld excellent Salmon, and plentie. (And if we wil beleeve report,) there is oft-times found in the sands, lumps of pure gold, which need no other refining, and very pretious shels of great value.

(8) It seemes the water supplies that only defect which is to be found in their Land. For it is to be observed to be full with Mines of all sorts of Metals, Gold onely excepted. Their Tinne was found out by an English-man of Cornwall, in the yeare, one thousand two hundred and forty; one belike which had beene skilled in that worke, in his owne Countrey: for it is said, that at that time there was no Tinne knowne else-where in Europe. The earth gives good Corne, and their pastures breed as good Cattell. There is Wood good store, as there are Woods which harbour multitudes of wild Beasts, Foxes, Beares, Harts, Bulls, and others: which afford them sport in the Hunting, and meate for the best mans Tables. Among the rest there is a wild Beast, which they call Lomi, armed by nature with a strange defence a∣gainst the Hounds which follow her. For they s••y, she hath a kind of bladder, hanging under her jawes, which in the Hunt∣ing she fils with a scalding hot water, and casts it upon the Dogs, with that nimblenesse, that they are not able to avoyd or pursue her: but oft-times have their very haire fall oft, as from a drest Pigge. The Countrey is generally rich in Saffron, and other Medicinall drugges: Wine it hath too, but not so kinde or pleasing as in other places: in so much that the richer sort fur∣nish themselves out of Austria, Hungarie, and the Regions a∣bout, which they in lieu of it, supply with excellent Beere. For they are held very good at the art of brewing, and not behind-hand at drinking when they have done. It is said (of the meaner sort I suppose) that if once they set to a Vessell of good liquor, they will not loose it till they have found it emptie.

(9) Else they are not branded with any eminent bad Cha∣racter. They are of tall and portly personage, broad shouldered and strong brested, generally yellow haired, which they weare long and curled. Of a great spirit, which seldome goeth without pride, ambition, vaine-glory, contempt of others, and such like weaknesses of the strongest men. There is a story passeth of one Zisca a Bohemian Captain (in defence of the Hussites against the Pope) that when he had wonne so many battailes, as his very name beganne to be a terrour to the foe; he was not content to be fear'd alive, but bethought himselfe, how he might speake

[illustration] map of Bohemia

[illustration]

BOHE¦MIA Newly described by Iohn Speed Anno Dom: 1626

loud when he was dead. And therefore will'd his Souldiers, that they would flea him, and make a Drumme of his skinne; which he was perswaded, should ever beat the victory before them, as oft as he was heard (though in a dead sound) by the e∣nemy, whom he had so often crushed, while he was yet living.

(10) For matter of learning, they have not beene very fa∣mous heretofore: howbeit now, the better parts are not now behind with the other parts of Germany. The chiefe of note, were Iohn Husso, and Hierome of Prague, two worthy members of the Church. They were condemned for Heretiques in the Councel of Constance, one thousand foure hundred and foure teene, for attempting a reformation of such errours, as they held not agreeable with the word of God. But yet their sufferings could not dead the good seed, which they had sowne in the true hearted. It lives still among them in some measure: though they have been often assayed by strange Impostures in Religion, such as the heart of man could not conceive, without a strong and extraordinary working of that great deceiver.

(11) I cannot passe the most wicked couzenage of Picardus, who possest great multitudes of these silly people, with an opi∣nion, that he could recall them to that perfect state in which A∣dam was created: placed them in an Island for that purpose, which he called Paradise, caused them to walke naked, and na∣med this Sect Adamites. Horrible sinnes were committed under that pretence, promiscuous whoredome and incest at their very Divine Service. It is feared that at this day, there are many se∣cret professors, which live under ground, meete at their solem∣nities, have their prayers framed to their owne humour: and when the Priest pronounceth the words of Genesis (as his cu∣stome is) Crescite, & multiplicamini, & replete terram, the lights are suddenly popt out, and without any respect had to alliance or kindred, or reverence to their exercise, they mingle like Beasts, and when they have acted their wickednesse, and are returned to their seats, the Candles are againe lighted, and they fall to their pretended prayers, as if there had beene no harme done.

(12) The King is one of the seven Electors of the Empe∣rour: and in case the other sixe be equally divided, he gives the suffrage, which carrieth it. It is to be thought, that his power was conferred upon him not without great counsell, and good reason. For (besides that the place it selfe is by nature strong) the people too have a speciall inbred love to Germany, and de∣fence of her liberties. At Coronation he is Cup-bearer, and per∣formes it himselfe in person if he be present. His revenewes are cast up to be three millions of Crownes, which are not gathered all within the compasse here limited, but part out of other Prin∣cipalities, which are annexed to this Kingdome. For there are foure Regions, which make up his Title, and are subject to his government: (1) Bohemia it selfe, as we have described it. (2) Lusatia. (3) Silesia. (4) Moravia. They were named in the Mappe of Germany, as being parts of the whole Countrey, but will admit here a more particular tract, as belonging proper∣ly to this Kingdome.

(13) First then for Bohemia it selfe, it containes about thirty Cities, which are immediate subjects to the King, (as Quadus calls them) besides many others, which are held in possession of the chiefe Princes, Primates, Barons, Counts, and Nobles of the Countrey. The Metropolis is Prague, heretofore known by the names of Bubienum and Marobudum, saith Maginus; but rather I think (by the situation) it should be the same which Ptolemy calls Casurgis. It was composed with a wall, by Prima∣slaus their third King; and received the name of Prague, by the wife Lubussa a Limine, which they say is called Prague in the Bohemian language. It is indeed a very stately Citie, seated in the middle of the Countrey on the River Multaria, and compared by some to Florence. It consists of three Cities which are called the old Towne, the new Towne, and the little Towne. The old Towne is the chiefe, and is adorned with many illustrious buil∣dings. The new Towne is divided from the old, by a large ditch: and the little Towne stands on the other side of the River Mul∣da, but is joyned to the old Town, by a stone-bridge of twenty-foure Arches. It was made an Arch-bishops See, by Charles the Emperour and King of Bohemia, was once the chiefe Vniver∣sitie: but that now is removed to Lipsia, in the Province of Mis∣nia. It is the Regall seat of Bohemia: and here was the King and Queene when it was taken by the Imperialists.

(14) The other Cities of this Region which are worth the noting, are (2) Egra. It stands upon the River, from whence it beares the name: before it was called by Ptolemy, Monosgada, on the West end of Sylva Gabreta, that part of the Hercinia w^ch portends toward Franconia. It was a City Imperial, till the right was sold by Lodovicus Bavares to Iohn King of Bohemia. It is a very strong City, fortified as well by Nature as Art, for the most part is built upon a Rock. It is in compasse two miles within the walls, and with the Suburbs three. Not farre from it, there is a fountaine of a kinde of sharpe water, which the Inhabitants drinke in stead of Beere. (3) Krems toward Austria, on the North side of Danubius. (4) Pilsen on the West of Bohemia, a Citie which long held out against Generall Tilly, by the de∣fence of the now Count Mansfield, but was at last betrayed by some of his Captaines. (5) Launum, North-west from Pil∣sen, noted for the most fruitfull place in the whole Region.

(15) Now the out-Provinces, which are part of the K••ng∣dome, though not of Bohemia, are first Lusatia: It lyeth betwixt the Rivers Albis and Odera, and the Mountaines of Bohemia. On the West it hath Saxonie. On the North and East Brande∣burg. On the South Silesia. It is divided into the higher and lower Lusatia, and is watered with the River Nisse. It is indeed part of Saxonie, though under rule to the King of Bohemia. For both this and Silesia was given to Vratislaus by the Empe∣rour Henry the fourth. It is a very fruitfull Countrey, in most kind of graine: and the Inhabitants though imployed much in husbandry, yet are they a warlike people, as most of Germany, and so they have beene tried, by the Duke of Saxonie, and others of the Emperours partie: though they have beene by number and maine strength overborne. The first that was surprised was Bantsen: but the Metropolis is Gorlitzia, next Zittan, &c. No soyle nor customes differ much from the next Province.

(16) Silesia on the West hath part of Bohemia upon the North Lusatia, and part of Poland, upon the South Moravia, and upon the East Polonia. At the beginning, it was part of the Hercinian Forrest. It is watered with the River Odera, and from hence took her name, as Conradus Celtus delivers it, Lib. Amo∣rum 2. Eleg. 5.

Hic Odera (à priscis qui nomina Suevus habebat) Nascitur, & Godani praecipitatur aquis. Su••vus qui Slesum socium sibi convocat amneru: A quo nunc nomen Slesia terra gerit.

But Ioannes Crato, a Silesian, rather thinks that the name came from the Quadi, a people that heretofore inhabited these parts: and rather, for that the very Quady in the Sclavonian tongue, signifieth the same which Silesium did in the Saxon and old German. That they did possesse this Province is agreed upon by most: but where they were before seated Geographers somewhat differ. Ptolemy placeth them by the Hercinian under Lunasylva: and others not far off. It was the people which (in their warre with Mareus Antonius the Emperour,) were scattered with thunder and lightning, obtained by the prayers of the Christian Legion. For when the Roman was driven to such straight, that he could foresee no help which might come from man: he put himself upon their prayers to God for his deliverance. A strange hope that could beleeve in their faith, and yet not in that God, in whom they beleeved. But the Almighty was pleased to sh••w his power, and force the very heathen to honour his people. For here ended the fourth Persecution, 174. and the Christian Legion was surnamed the Thunderer.

(17) The ayre here is somewhat cold, but milde: and the Land fertile. The Inhabitants good husbandmen to make the best. They have a kind of forced Wine, which the meaner sort drink freely. The richer have it sent from those neighbouring Provinces, which are better stored. The chiefe Citie is Perslaw or Vratislavia, which takes name from her Founder Vratisla∣us, and in honor of him gives the letter W. in her Armes. About the seat of this Citie Ptolemy placeth Budorgis; in so much that some think, this was raised out of her ruiue. Not farre off, there is yet to be seen, the remainders of stately old buildings, which are supposed to have beene the houses of the ancient Quadi. In the yeare 1341. it was ruined by fire: but built againe with stone, and it is now one of the stateliest Cities of Germany, for e∣legant buildings and faire streets. It is an Arch-bishops See, and an Academie. The rest are Neissa Nissa a Bishops See, and a faire Town, Glats, Oppolen, Olderberg, Glogm••r, &c. Maginus num∣bers 15. Dukedomes in Silesia, whereof six remaine in their an∣cient families: the rest for want of heirs are fallen to the King of Bohemia. But the two chiefe of name are Ligintz, and Swevitz. The first is immediately the Kings: Swevitz too is under his go∣vernment, but yet hath a Duke of its owne, which is honoured with the title and revenewes.

(18) Moravia is bounded on the North and East with Sile∣sia: on the West with Brandeburg, on the South with Austria & Hungary. It was heretofore called Marcomannia, received the latter name from the River Moravia, which runs through the Countrey. It yeelds plenty of Corne, Wine, Fish, and People, which use a kind of confused mixt language of Sclavonicke, Bo∣hemicke, and Teutonicke. In plowing up their grounds there hath beene often-times found a certain Coyne of the Roman Empe∣rours Marcus Antonius, with this Inscription de Marcoman∣nis; which the Inhabitants interpret to be of the Spoyles which the Roman took from the Marcomanni, who inhabited this Re∣gion. For certaine it is, that this people were vanquished by Marcus Antonius, as appears in their Historians.

The people were converted to Christianity by Methodius: Their chiefe Citie is Olmuzium Olmutz, an Vniversitie, Brin, &c. It is reported by Dubrarius, that in Gradisco, a part of this Province, there groweth a kind of Myrrhe aud Frankincense out of the ground, which in likenesse resemble the hidden parts both of man and woman. It was first added to the King and Kindome of Behemia by Sigismund the Emperour, in the raigne of Albertus.