Purchas his pilgrimes. part 2 In fiue bookes. The first, contayning the voyages and peregrinations made by ancient kings, patriarkes, apostles, philosophers, and others, to and thorow the remoter parts of the knowne world: enquiries also of languages and religions, especially of the moderne diuersified professions of Christianitie. The second, a description of all the circum-nauigations of the globe. The third, nauigations and voyages of English-men, alongst the coasts of Africa ... The fourth, English voyages beyond the East Indies, to the ilands of Iapan, China, Cauchinchina, the Philippinæ with others ... The fifth, nauigations, voyages, traffiques, discoueries, of the English nation in the easterne parts of the world ... The first part.

§. III. [ 10]

Of Mesopotamia, Mosul, Bagdat; the Calipha; the numbers, Synagogues, and Priuiledges of the Iewes in it, and the places adioyning.

ONe dayes iourney distant from hence is Dakia, which was sometime called Chalne, * 1.1 the beginning of the Land of Senaar (which is Mesopotamia) it lieth out in length betweene the Kingdome of the Turkes, and the Countrey Sangasar. And there are almost seuentie Iewes there, ouer whom, Zachai, and Nedib, otherwise called c 1.2 Sagi Nehor, and Ioseph, haue the pre-eminence. And in this place standeth the Synagogue built by [ 20] Esdra, returning from Babylon to Hierusalem. Two dayes iourney from thence is ancient Hha∣ran, in the which there is also a Synagogue of the like building, made by the commandement of the same Esdra: but that place, where the house of our Father Abraham was, contayneth no building; yet is it religiously respected by the Ismaelites, and frequented by them for the offe∣ring * 1.3 vp of their supplications. Departing from thence, we trauelled two dayes iourney to the place where a Riuer issueth forth, called by the Inhabitants Alchabor, the same also in time past being called, Hhabor, which runneth forth into the Prouince Madai or Media, and falleth into the Mountaine Gozen. And there are about two thousand Iewes there. From hence, after two dayes iourney, is Netsibin or Nisibis, a great Citie, abounding with Riuers of water, where are, almost, a thousand Iewes. From whence, trauelling two dayes iourney, we came to Gezir Ben-Ghamar, [ 30] which Citie is contayned within the bankes of the Riuer Hidekel, which the people of the West call Tygris, at the foot of the Mountaines Ararat or Taurus, foure miles, almost, distant from the place where the Arke of Noe rested: but Ghamar-Ben-Alehetab hauing taken that Arke from the ridge of the Mountaine, being remoued, fitted it for the vse of the Ismae∣lites Mosche, neere vnto which, standeth the Synagogue of Esdra, euen vnto this day, where∣unto, the Iewes going out of the Citie, assemble on festiuall dayes, to pray. And in that Metro∣politan Citie of Gezira Gamar Ben-Alchetab, there are, almost, foure thousand Iewes, Mubhhar, and Ioseph, and Hhaija, being the chiefe.

Two dayes iourney distant from thence is Al-Mutsal, the name whereof was sometime, Great Assur, where are seuen thousand Iewes: the principall whereof are, Zachai ha d 1.4 Nassi, [ 40] of the posteritie of King Dauid; and Ioseph, surnamed e 1.5 Barhan al pelech, Counsellor of King Zinaldin, Brother of Noraldinus the King of Damascus. And this Citie is the beginning of the Kingdome of Persia, and retayneth that ancient largenesse and greatnesse, seated vpon the Riuer Hhidekel, betweene which and the ancient Niniue, there is onely a Bridge: but Niniue is vt∣terly destroyed: yet there are〈…〉〈…〉 t••eets, and many Castles within the space of the ancient circuit, from which vnto the Citie Adbael, is one leagues distance. But Niniue was built vpon the banke of Hhidekel. And in the Citie Assur there are now three Synagogues of three Prophets, of Abdia, of Ionas the sonne of Amithai, and Nahhum the Sonne of Eleusseus. Departing from thence, and trauelling three dayes iourney, I came to Rahaba, by the Antient, called Rehhoboth, seated nigh vnto the Riuer Euphrates, in the which, there are almost two thousand Iewes, where∣of Ezechias, Ahud, and Isaac, are accounted the chiefe. And it is a very great and goodly Citie, [ 50] compassed about with walls, and very well fortified, and furnished with goodly Suburbs of Gar∣dens, and places of delight. Vpon the banke of the same Riuer standeth Karkesia, sometime called Charchamis, one dayes iourney onely, distant from Rahaba; in the which, there dwell about fiue hundred Iewes, Isaac, and Elhana being the chiefe. Two dayes iourney from hence, we went to Al-Iobar, the ancient name whereof, was Pumbeditha, seated in Nahardugha: in the which, there are about two thousand Iewes, among whom there are many Disciples of the Wise∣men, and the chiefe of these are, Great Hen, and Moses, and Eliakim. The Sepulchres of the Masters, Iuda, and Samuel, are there accounted memorable. Before each Sepulchre stand two Synagogues, built by them before their death. There also remayneth the Sepulchre of Bestenai [ 60] Hanassi, who was Head of the Transmigration, and Nathan, and Neheman the sonne of Papha. Departing from hence, I trauelled fiue dayes iourney to Hharda, in the which, there are about fifteene thousand Iewes, among whom Zachen, and Ioseph, and Nathanael, are the chiefe. From this Citie, it is two dayes iourney to Ghukbera, the chiefe Citie, built by Iechonias the King of

Iuda, in the which there are almost ten thousand Iewes, Iehosuah and Nathan being the principall.

Two dayes iourney distant from hence standeth Bagdad, a great Citie, the beginning of the Kingdome of Calipha, named * 1.6 Amir Almumanin Alghabassi, of the Progenie of him, whom the Ismaelites call their Prophet, who hath the chiefe authoritie ouer the whole Doctrine and * 1.7 Sect of the Ismaelites: and for this cause he is accounted reuerent and honorable, to all the rest of the Kings or the Ismaelites: for hee ruleth ouer them all, as a certaine high Priest of them all. And within the Citie of Bagdad it selfe he hath a Palace, built in a plat of ground of three miles, and within the Palace, there is a Wood furnished with all kinds of Trees of the whole world, not onely with fruitfull Trees, but also barren; replenished also with all sorts of Beasts, and in [ 10] the middest of the Wood, an huge standing Poole of water, conueyed from the Riuer Tigris. But the Calipha walking or supping in that Wood for recreation, his seruants exercise Hawking and Fishing, and hee goeth vnto this place accompanied with the traine of his Counsellers and Princes. And the proper name of this great King is * 1.8 Al-Ghabassi Hhaphtsi, who loueth the Israelites very well, being skilfull in the tongues, studious in reading the Law of Moses, who being expert in the Hebrew Language, both readeth, and also writeth learnedly. But hee hath made this Religious vow vnto himselfe, that he would receiue the vse neither of meate, drinke, nor apparell, but through the labour of his owne hands: for he is an artificiall maker of the most excellent fine Mats and Couerlets, which, being marked with his owne Seale, he deliuereth to * 1.9 his principall seruants, to be sold in the Market, but the Noble-men of the Countrey buy them, [ 20] and with the money of that trade, he procureth maintenance for himselfe: and hee is a man of an honest behauiour, and faithfull, and religious after his manner, and most curteously saluteth, and speaketh vnto all men. But the Ismaelites may not lawfully behold him. But the Pilgrims who goe vnto that famous house, called Meka, seated in the Countrey of Aeliman, from the most remote Countries, trauell this way through an earnest desire they haue to salute Calipha; and hauing entred into the Palace, they crie out, O our Lord, the light of the Ismaelites, and the Su〈…〉〈…〉e∣beame of our Law, shew vs the brightnesse of thy face: to whose words hee inclineth not his minde. But then, the Princes his familiar friends and seruants speake vnto him with these words: Our Lord, spread abroade thy peace vpon these men comming from remote Countries, whom an admirable de∣sire hath inforced to flye vnto the shadow of thy glory. In the selfe same houre therefore, taking vp [ 30] the wing of his garment, hee letteth it downe out of the Window, which, the Pilgrims com∣ming vnto it, religiously kisse. And hauing heard this answer from one of those familiar Prin∣ces, Goe in peace, for now our Lord, the light of the Ismaelites hath receiued, and giuen you peace: for he is supposed by them to be, as it were, he whom they call their Prophet. They therefore most ioyfully returne euery one into their Countrey, after they haue beene dismissed in this manner with such speech of the Prince, and returning home, are receiued by their brethren, kinsfolke, and familiar and inward friends, with the kissing of their garments. And euery one of those Princes who serue the Calipha, haue their seuerall Palaces within that huge Palace, yet they goe * 1.10 all bound with Iron Chaines, and ouer all their houses there are watchfull keepers set, lest any one should attempt any sudden innouation against that mightie King. For it happened once, that [ 40] his brethren conspiring against him, made a certaine other, one of their number, ruler ouer them; wherefore he established it by decree, that all the children of his whole stocke and familie, should be bound with Iron Chaines, lest they should againe enterprize the like attempt against the mightie King. But euery one liueth in a priuate Court, reuerenced with great honour, and hath Cities, Townes, and Countries, from the which he yeerely ••ceiueth tributes and reuenues, brought vnto him by the Tresurers: and they feast, and giue themselues to pleasure all their whole life. But in that Palace of the mightie King, there are buildings of an admirable great∣nesse, * 1.11 the Pillars whereof are of siluer and gold, and the inner parts of the houses are ouer-laide with these metals, and beautified with all kind of Precious stones and Pearles: out of the which Palace he goeth forth once only in the yeere, on that festiual day or Easter, which they cal Rama∣dan. * 1.12 [ 50] And on that day, great multitudes of men from diuers and remote Countries, flocke together to see his face. And he is carried vpon a Mule, attired in princely garments, intermingled with gold an siluer, hauing his head adorned with a Myter, shining with stones of incomparable price: but he weareth a blacke Handkerchiefe vpon the Myter, by carrying whereof, he openly confes∣seth the shamefac'tnesse of this world; as if he should haue said: This great Maiestie which yee behold, darkenesse will obscure in the day of death. Moreouer, all the Nobilitie of the Ismae∣lites accompanie him, attired with very goodly and costly garments, and sitting vpon Horses, the Princes of Arabia, the Princes of Media, and Persia, and the Princes of the Countrey of * 1.13 Tuboth, which is three moneths iourney distant from Arabia. But he commeth forth of his Pa∣lace to the great house (as they call it) of Prayer, built in the gate Bosra: for that is accounted [ 60] their greatest house of Prayer. Moreouer, as well the men as women, all who celebrate that day are cloathed with Purple and silken garments. You may also finde through all the wayes and streets, all kindes of Instruments, Songs, and Dances, playing when he passeth by: and Ca∣lipha himselfe the mightie King is saluted by all, in these words: Peace bee vpon thee our Lord

the King, He, I say, kisseth his owne garment, wherewith sometimes, but sometimes only with his hand stretched forth, he signifieth peace and salutation vnto them. And thus hee goeth vnto * 1.14 the Court of prayer, where ascending into a woodden Turret, he interpreteth his Law in a Ser∣mon, from an higher place. But then the wise men of the Ismaelites arising, hauing wished all * 1.15 happinesse vnto him, congratulate his greatnesse and excellent pietie, euidently knowne by ma∣ny examples, which they desire to be perpetuall. And surely, all enlarge this gratulation, answe∣ring, Amen. And afterward he blesseth them all. Then presently a Camell being brought, is kil∣led * 1.16 by him, for this is accounted their Paschall feast, of the flesh whereof he commandeth small pieces to be distributed to those Princes his seruants, who are to taste of the beast slaine by their sacred King, at which present they greatly reioyce. And these things being performed after their [ 10] manner, they depart from that house of Prayer. But the King returneth another way then hee came, by the banke of the Riuer Tigris, himselfe alone. For the rest of the Princes and seruants returne by the Riuer, being carried in Boates before him, vntill hee enter into the Palace. And that way is diligently kept all the yeere by Watchmen, lest peraduenture any one enter into that place, which is sacred, through the steps of his feete. All that whole yeere after he is con∣teyned within the Palace, neuer to goe forth to any other place. But he is of a faire behauiour, * 1.17 and according to that sect of his, iust and godly. And hee hath built a Palace beyond the Riuer, on the very banke of a certaine Arme of the Riuer Euphrates, which floweth from the other side of the Citie, in the which he hath built great houses and Market-places, and also Hospitals, fit for the curing of poore sicke men, and almost threescore Physicians Store-houses are recko∣ned there, being all abundantly furnished with all necessary kindes of Spices, Medicines, and o∣ther [ 20] fit things brought from the Kings house: whatsoeuer therefore is thought commodious for Medicine, and food, and for the whole cure, is giuen to all the sicke brought thither, at the Kings cost, vntill they happen to bee recouered. Besides, there is another Palace in the same place, which is called Dar Almarapthan, that is, the house of Mercie, for the including of all mad per∣sons found in the Countrey; euery one whereof are bound with Iron Chaines, vntill they returne to their wits: for then they are euery one permitted to depart vnto their houses, the men to whom that charge is committed, looking vnto it, and examining the same euery moneth. All these things are ordained by that King, for the bestowing of almes and benefit commonly, to all comming thither, who are either mad, or troubled with any other disease. For, as we haue said, he is of a mercifull and kind disposition, and of a good minde. [ 30]

And in the same Citie, called Bagdad, there are about a thousand Iewes, liuing in great quiet∣nesse * 1.18 and peace, and very honestly vsed vnder the dominion of that King, surnamed, the Great, among whom there are some very learned men, the chiefe of the Assemblies, greatly conuersant in the studie of the Law of Moses. But there are ten Assemblies there, the head of the greatest whereof, is Samuel the sonne of H••li: next, the heads of the other Assemblies are, Gaon Sagan the Leuite, of the second: but of the third, Daniel Sod: of the fourth, Eliezer Hahhaber: and * 1.19 Eliezer Ben Tsa••ahh, head of the Order, who is descended from the Prophet Samuel, and with his Brethren playeth cunningly vpon musicall Instruments, that is, vpon the Psalteries, with the same skill which was then vsed when the house of the Sanctuarie was yet standing; hee is head [ 40] of the fift Assembly: and of the sixt Hhasadias, the flower of his Companions: Haggaeus Ha∣nassi ruleth the seuenth Assembly: Esdras the eight: Abraham, surnamed Abutahar the ninth: the tenth and last, Zachaeus Ben Basath••ai. All these are called Uacant, because they doe no other thing but gouerne the Societie. But they exercise iudgements, and execute iustice to all the Iewes of that Countrey all the dayes of the weeke, except the second day wherein they all assemble before Great Samuel, the head of the Assembly, and honor of the Iacobides, who, together with those ten Vacants, the heads of the Assemblies, doe iustice to euery one requiring the same. Not∣withstanding the greatest of all these, is Daniel the sonne of Hhasdai, called the head of the Cap∣tiuitie, who hath a booke of his Genealogie, deriued euen from Dauid. The Iewes call him our Lord, and the head of the Captiuitie. And the Ismaelites call him Sid••a Ben Dauid, that is, our Lord, the sonne of Dauid. And he hath great authoritie ouer all the Congregations of the Israe∣lites, [ 50] vnder the hand * 1.20 of Amir Almonin, Lord of the Ismaelites: whose decree was this, ap∣pertaining euen vnto his Posteritie, adding and deliuering also a Seale of authoritie ouer all the Colledges of the Israelites, whatsoeuer contayned within the iurisdiction of his Law to whom for the cause of honor, he hath commanded all men, as well Ismaelites as Iewes, to arise vp and salute, and Nations also of whatsoeuer faction; he that shall doe otherwise, let him be punished with an hundred stripes. But when he commeth forth to visit the Great King, he is guarded with a great number of Horse-men, Iewes and Gentiles accompanying him, a Cryer going before him, proclayming these words: Prepare yee the way for the Lord the sonne of Dauid, as it is meete; and they proclaime it in their Language. B•••• he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈…〉〈…〉ed vpon an Horse, cloathed with silken and [ 60] embroydered garments, he adorneth his hea〈…〉〈…〉 w〈…〉〈…〉 a Miter, vpon the Miter he weareth a white Shash, and vpon the Shash a Chaine. And all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Colledges of the Israelites of the Countrey of Senaar, Persia, Gharsan, and Seba, which is now called Aliman, and Diarbeich, and of all the Countrey of Mesopotamia, and the Prouince R••t, whose Inhabitants dwell in the Mountaynes

of Ararat, and of the Countrey Alania, which is in••losed round about with very high Moun∣taines, * 1.21 and haue no entrance or way to goe forth except the Iron Gates placed there by Alexan∣der, where that Nation called Al••n dwelleth: besides, of the Countries of Sicria, and all the Land of Thogarmin, euen vnto the Mountaines Asna, and of the Prouince of the Gerganaei, euen * 1.22 vnto the Riuer Ghihon. But the Gerganaei are the same People that are called Gergasaei, now Christians, and vnto the Gates of the best Countries and Lands, euen vnto India, I say, the Colledges of all these Countries, through the authoritie and power of this man, Prince of the Captiuitie, chuse euery one their Head and Minister, who being chosen, come vnto him to receiue authoritie, and imposition of hands: and vnto him, Gifts and Presents are brought from all the borders of the Land. And he hath publike houses, let for aduantage, which they call [ 10] Fondaci, and hath also Orchards and Gardens in Babylon, and very many possessions receiued from his Ancestors by the right of Inheritance, but no man dare violently take or carrie away any thing from him. He hath also houses to be let, and of Merchandizing, for the vse of the Iewes. He receiueth also a certaine tribute yeerely out of the Markets, and from the Merchants of the Land, besides that which he receiueth, brought vnto him from remote Countries. There∣fore he is exceeding rich, and dil••gently conuersant and learned, as well in the sacred as in o∣ther bookes of humane knowledge: and he feedeth many of the Israelites by his daily hospi∣talitie. But, at what time any man of this Familie is made Head of the Captiuitie, a 1.23 hee brin∣geth forth great summes of money, and giueth first vnto the King himselfe, and next vnto the Princes and Magistrates. And the same day wherein the King layeth his hand vpon him, to grant [ 20] him authoritie and principalitie, the second Chariot of the King is prepared and couered for him to ascend into it, and to be brought from the Palace vnto his owne house with great pompe and singing, and with the striking vp of Drums, and sound of the Fluits. But he himselfe exer∣ciseth the imposition of ••ands towards the men of the Assemblie. And the Iewes Inhabitants of that Metropolitan Citie are the Disciples of b 1.24 Wise-men, and very rich: and eight and twentie Synagogues are numbred in the Citie of Bagdat it selfe, and in Parech, or the Suburbs which are beyond Tigris. For the Riuer runneth through the Metropolitan Citie it selfe. But that great Synagogue, which appertayneth to that man who is the Head of the Captiuitie, is built with marble stones, diuers and most excellent, of all colours, garnished with Gold and Siluer: and in the very Pillars, Verses of the Psalmes are read, ingrauen in golden letters. Moreouer, before [ 30] the Arke, the ranks of ten seats are there distinguished with marble steps; in the highest where∣of, the Head of the Captiuitie sitteth with the chiefest of the Familie of Dauid. But the Me∣tropolitan Citie it selfe is great, in the which also a Citie, like a Castle is contayned, fortified with a wall of three miles circuit about. The Countrey aboundeth with the most excellent Palme-trees, Gardens and Orchards, of all the Land of Senaar, and is frequented by the most gallant Merchants and Factors of all Countries, and maintayneth learned men and Philosophers, and Students of all the Mathematicall Artes, Diuinations and Inchantments.

Departing two dayes iourney from thence I came to Gehiaga, the ancient name whereof was Resen, sometimes a great and very famous Citie, in the which there are almost fiue thousand Is∣raelites; and they haue a great Synagogue, with a place of buriall next vnto the Synagogue: [ 40] and in the burying place a Caue, famous for the Sepulchres of certa••ne ancient learned men. One dayes iourney distant from hence, standeth that ancient Babel, contayning thirtie miles in compasse, but now vtterly destroyed, where the ruines of Nabuchodonosors Palace are yet seene, inaccessible to men, by reason of the diuers and noysome kinds of Serpents and Dragons liuing there. Not aboue twentie miles distant from these ruines, twentie thousand Israelites dwell, who powre forth their prayers in the Synagogues; the chiefe whereof is that vppermost an∣cient Floore of Daniel, built with square stones and Brickes, and the Temple and Palace of Na∣buchodonosor of the same matter, and the Fornace of burning fire, into the which, Hananias, Misael, and Azarias were cast. And all these things are seene in the Valley well knowne to all. From thence we passed fiue miles to Hhilan, where are almost ten thousand Israelites, diuided [ 50] into foure Synagogues, whereof one was the Synagogue of M Aar, who lieth buried there: next vnto whom also, are the Sepulchres of Great Zeghirus the sonne of Hama, and of Great M Aar: and the Iewes daily assemble thither to pray. From thence, are foure miles vnto the Tower which the Children of the diuision began to build, which was made of that kinde of Bricke, which in the Arabian Language is called, Lagzar. The length of the Foundation con∣teyneth almost two miles, but the bredth of the walls is two hundred and fortie cubits: and where it is broadest, it contayneth an hundred Canes. Betweene the space of ten Canes, there are wayes made out at length throughout the whole building in the forme of a wreathed rundle; ascending which from the highest place, the fields are beheld twentie miles off: for the Coun∣trey it selfe is very broad and plaine. But this building was sometimes stricken with lightning [ 60] from Heauen, and destroyed euen vnto the lowest part.

Halfe a dayes iourney from hence is Naphahh, where are almost two hundred Iewes: and the Synagogue of that Great Isaac, surnamed Naphhaeus, is there, who lieth buried right ouer a∣gainst it. Three leagues from thence is the Synagogue of Ezechiel the Prophet, nigh vnto the

Riuer Euphrates; and in the same place right ouer against the Synagogue, are threescore Towers in number, and betweene euery Tower also, there are seuerall Synagogues, and in the Court of the Synagogue there is an Arke; and behind the Synagogue, the Monument of Ezechiel the sonne of Buz the Priest, vnder a great and very goodly Vault, built by Iechonias King of Iuda, together with fiue and thirtie thousand Iewes, who followed him by Euilmerodak deliuered out of Prison. And this place is betweene the Riuer Cobar, and the Riuer Euphrates. And * 1.25 Iechonias, and they who came with him, are engrauen in the very walls; Iechonias first, but Ezechiel last. And this place is holy, euen vnto this day. And vnto that place at a certaine time, many assemble for the cause of prayer, from the beginning of the yeere vnto the feast of * 1.26 Expiations: and there they liue most pleasant dayes. And that principall man, whom they [ 10] call the Head of the Captiuitie, with the other Heads of the Assemblies, come hither also from Bagdat, and abide all in that field for two and twentie miles together, pitching their Tents in diuers places. Moreouer, the Arabian Merchants come thither, and the greatest and most fre∣quented Faires are kept there. But at this time, a great Booke, renowmed for authoritie and antiquitie, written by Ezechiel the Prophet, is brought forth, wherein they reade on the day of Expiation. And vpon the Sepulchre of Ezechiel, a Lampe continually burneth day and * 1.27 night, since it was first lighted by the same Prophet, for the which, Oyle and Thread are ordi∣narily distributed and tempered. There is also a certaine great sacred Temple there, full of bookes kept as well from the time of the first house, as of the second: and it is and was the cu∣stome, that they who had no children, should consecrate their Bookes in that place. Moreouer, [ 20] Vowes are made in that place, to be performed by the Iewes dwelling in Media, and Persia. The principall men also of the Ismaelites resort hither to pray, among whom the authoritie and reuerence of the Prophet Ezechiel is great, the name of which place in their Language is, Dar melihha, that is, The house of the Congregation: and thither all the Arabians come for cause of * 1.28 prayer. About halfe a mile distant from this place, the Sepulchres of Hananias, Misael, and Azarias, are seene, with each of their great and goodly Arches. And although warre happen in those Countries, there is no mortall man that dare violate or touch these places; neither of the Iewes nor Ismaelites, for the reuerence of the Prophet Ezechiel. From thence you trauell three miles to the Citie Alkotsonath, in the which there are almost three hundred Iewes, and there also are the Sepulchres of Great Papha, and Huna, and Master Ioseph Siuaeus, and of Ioseph [ 30] the sonne of Hhama. And right ouer against euery one of them, there are seuerall Synagogues, in the which the Iewes daily assemble for the cause of prayer. From hence to Ghein Saphta are * 1.29 three leagues, where is the Sepulchre of Nahum the sonne of Elcusaeus the Prophet. It is one dayes iourney from thence to Caphar le Paras, a famous place for the Sepulchres of Hhassidai, * 1.30 and Ghakiba, and Dusa. Capharmehamidbar is halfe a dayes iourney distant from thence, where * 1.31 Master Dauid, and Iehuda, and Kuberia, and Sehora, and Abba lie buried. One dayes iourney from thence is the Riuer Liga, where the Sepulchre of King Sedechia is, beautified with a great Arch. One dayes iourney from hence standeth the Citie Kupha, famous for the monument of King Iechonias, of great workmanship, right ouer against which, a Synagogue is built; and in this place there are almost seuen thousand Iewes. One dayes iourney and an halfe from thence [ 40] standeth Suria, which the Ancient called, Matha Mahhasia, in the which the Heads of the Captiuitie, and the chiefe of the Assemblies, were in the beginning: and great men are buried there, Sarica, and his sonne Haai, and Sandias the sonne of Pijumus, and Semuel the sonne of Hhophin the Priest, and Sephanias the sonne of Chussi the sonne of Gedolia the Prophet, and ve∣ry many other of the Heads of the Captiuitie, Princes of the Familie of Dauid, and principall men of the Assemblies, who abode there in the beginning, before the destruction thereof. You trauell two dayes iourney from hence to Sephiththib, situated in Nahardagha. But from thence to Elnachar, is one dayes iourney and an halfe, called also Pebeditha, seated vpon the banke of Euphrates, where his Synagogue is seene, who by the figure Antonomasia, is called Rab, and of Samuel, nigh vnto the which also are their Monuments.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Dakia. Chalne. Senaar. The Turkes. Sangasar. Sagi Nehor.
• c 1.2

  That is, Very honourable. Hharan.
• * 1.3

  Alchabor. Hhabor. Madai. Media. Gozen. Ne••sibin. Nisibis. Gezir Ben-Gha∣mar. Hidekel. Tygris. Ararat. Taurus. The Arke of Noe. Ghamar-Ben-Alchetab. Al-Mutsal. Assur.
• d 1.4

  That is, a Prince.
• e 1.5

  Skilfull in Ast••ologie, in the Arabian Language. Mutsal the be∣ginning of Persi••. Niniue. Adbael. The Syna∣gogues of Ab∣dia, ••onas, and Nahhum. Rahaba. Rehhoboth. Euphrates. Karkesia. Charchamis. Al Iobar. Pumbeditha. Sepulchres. Captaine of the Captiues banished thi∣ther. Hharda. Ghukbera. Iechonias.
• * 1.6

  That is, Em∣peror of the Beleeuers, who leade their liues sorrow∣fully or peni∣tently. Caliphas place at Bagdat.
• * 1.7

  Bagdad. Calipha.
• * 1.8

  That is, hum∣ble obseruers.
• * 1.9

  This is obser∣ued by the greatest Mahu∣metans: the Great Turke himselfe still professing the exercise of some trade, though per∣haps more for shew then in such serious re∣spect as this. Meka. Aeliman or the South Coun∣trey; so they call Arabia.
• * 1.10

  Treason pre∣uented.
• * 1.11

  The Buildings of the Palace.
• * 1.12

  Ramadan, the Ismaelites Easter.
• * 1.13

  Arabia. Persia. Tuboth. Bosra.
• * 1.14

  His blessing the people.
• * 1.15

  Learned men or students of Mahomets Law.
• * 1.16

  Camell killed.
• * 1.17

  Caliphas kee∣ping home. Palace betwixt Tigris and Eu∣phrates. All these buil∣dings (it seemes) were destroyed by the Tartars. Hospitals. Dar Almaraph∣than, a Bethle∣hem Hospitall for the Mad.
• * 1.18

  Iewes at Bagdat.
• * 1.19

  The head of the Captiuitie, who, and of what qualitie.
• * 1.20

  The power which the Iewes had, was both limited to Iewish cases and persons, and vnder the Saracen Magi∣strates inspe∣ction, as the Greeke Patri∣arke and BB. vnder the Turke, a sl••uish power dearely bought, and executed at will of the s••ller, where Iewish affection hath not en∣larged. The Countrey o•• Sena••••. Persia. Chars••n. Seba, which is also Aliman, and Diarbeich. A〈…〉〈…〉a.
• * 1.21

  Alania. Derbent.
• * 1.22

  Sicr••a. The Moun∣taines As••a. Gerganaei, who also are ••he Gergasaei.
• a 1.23

  So is th Con∣stantinopo〈…〉〈…〉an Patriarch, now forced to giue to the Turkes, 4000. Du••kets 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and al most as much to the Bassas: at other times not admitted to sit with them. Gerlach. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Th•• manner of creating the Head of the Captiuitie.
• b 1.24

  That is, Schollers of R••bbins, a••d Students of the Talmud. 28. Synagogs in Bagdat. Gehiaga. Resen. Babel. The ruines of Nabuchodono∣sors Palace. The Fornace of bu ning Fire into the which Hana∣nias, Misael, and Azarias were c st. Hhilan. The Tower of Babel. Lagzar, in the Spanish tongue called, Mazari. The Brickes are 8. inches broad, 6. thick, 12. long, with Canes betwixt, the building is not now a mile about, some say, but a quar∣ter: perhaps a good part car∣ried away since the time of Beniamin. Naphahb. The Syna∣gogue of Eze∣chiel the Pro∣phet.
• * 1.25

  The Riuer Cobar.
• * 1.26

  Iewish Pilgri∣mage yeerely.
• * 1.27

  Continuall light and con∣tinued dark∣nesse. Great Temple.
• * 1.28

  The house of refuge. The Sepul∣chres of Hana∣nias, Misael, and Azarias. The Citie Al∣kotsonath.
• * 1.29

  Ghein Saphta.
• * 1.30

  Caphar le Paras.
• * 1.31

  Capharmeha∣midbar. The Riuer Liga. The Sepulchre of Sedechias. Kupha. The Sepulchre of Iechonias. Suria. Matha Mahha∣sia. The Sepulchre of Sephanias. Sephithib. Nahardagha. Elnachar. Pebeditha.