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Of the ISLAND of NAXIS.
THere is not one Port belongs to this Island; the Vessels that are Bound thi∣ther for Trade, being forc'd to stay in the Haven of the Isle of Paros, call'd Derion six miles from Naxis, which is one of the best Havens in the Archipelago, able to contain a thousand Ships. There are the ruines of a Wall still to be seen that made a Mole, where four or five Galleys might ride. There are also the ruines of several Houses of the ancient Dukes, the Stables standing almost whole, all Arch'd, and built of Marble. These Dukes were also Lords of twelve other Islands. As for the Island it self, it is well stor'd with Villages, and has three good Cities, Barequa, Qüsa, and Falet.
Near this Island within a stones throw, there is a curious piece of Antiquity still to be seen. It is a flat Rock, as big about in compass as the ancient Court of the Louvre. In the middle of this Rock it was that the Temple of Bacchus was built all of Marble, of which there is nothing but the Foundations that remain. The Gate is still standing made of three Stones, whereof two make the sides, and the third lies across. From the Isle to this Rock there is a fair Stone Bridge of Free∣stone, upon each side whereof are to be seen the Pipes that convey'd the Wine into the Temple, that was drank at the Feast of Bacchus. Naxis also is the Island that produces the best Emeril.
As to the Inhabitants themselves, if the Husband or Wife happens to dye, the Survivor never stirs out of the House in six Months after, upon any business how urgent soever, no not to hear Mass. There are both Latins and Greeks in the Island, but the latter are the most numerous. There is a Latin Arch-bishop, and Canons belonging to the Metropolitan Church, with two Religious Houses, one of Capuchins, and the other of Jesuites: The Greeks also have their Arch-bishop.
The Island of Naxis is sixscore miles in compass, being one of the fairest and pleasantest Islands in the Archipelago. The ancient Dukes made it their residence, whence they command the greatest part of the Cyclades. There is great plenty of White Salt made in Naxis, and it produces excellent Wine both White and Claret, which caus'd the Inhabitants to build a Temple to Bacchus, who according to their ancient Tradition chose that Island for his Habitation. The Island produces excel∣lent Fruits, feeds great store of Cattle, and abounds in several other things neces∣sary for human support. There are also in it large Woods full of small Deer, and frequented by a great number of Eagles and Vultures.
Here follow the names of the Cyclades, as the people of the Country pronounce them.
- 1. Deloa or Sdilis.
- 2. Giaroa.
- 3. Andros.
- 4. Paros.
- 5. Nicaria.
- 6. Samoa.
- 7. Pathmoa.
- 8. Olearoa.
- 9. Sitino.
- 10. Rhena.
- 11. Miconoa.
- 12. Tenoa or Tino.
- 13. Sciroa or Sira.
- 14. Subiuma.
- 15. Syphnus or Sifante.
- 16. Nixcia.
- 17. Chios or Scio.
- 18. Astypalea.
- 19. Amorgus or Amorgo.