Itinerarium totius Sacræ Scripturæ. Or, the trauels of the holy patriarchs, prophets, iudges, kings, our sauiour Christ, and his Apostles, as they are related in the Old and New Testaments. With a description of the townes and places to which they trauelled, and how many English miles they stood from Ierusalem. Also a short treatise of the weights, monies, and measures mentioned in the Scriptures, reduced to our English valuations, quantitie, and weight. Collected out of the workes of Henry Bunting, and done into English by R.B.

Of the townes and places to which he trauelled.

Of Bethsaida.

BEthsaida, signifies the house of hunting: being deriued of Baith a house, and Zaid, hunting, from Zod, he hath hunted: for from this place went the fishers and hunters which fished and hunted through the world, Ierem. 16. In this Towne dwelt three Apostles, Peter, Andrew, and Philip, Iohn 1. It was scituated vpon the West side of the Galilean sea; in the Tribe of Issachar, fiftie six miles from Ierusalem towards the North. And because of the aboundance of Fishes that were in the sea of Galile, Peter and Andrew became Fishers, and in that vocation got their liuing, till our Lord and Sauiour Christ made them Fishers of men, Matt. 4. Luke 5. Before the birth of Christ this was but a small Towne, and without doubt was so called from hunting; because close by it stood a wildernesse that did greatly abound with wilde beasts. Philip the Tetrarch of Traconitis and Itura made this a faire ci∣tie, which in honour of Iulia hee called Iuliades. This Iulia was the daughter of Augustus Caesar, and wife of Tiberias. Philip also brought many inhabitants thither, who dwelt in that Citie.

But when Herod (the Tetrarch of Galile, and brother of this Phi∣lip) had builded vp Bethara, (which stood beyond the riuer Ior∣dan on the East side of the sea of Galilee) and called it by the name of Iuliades, in honour of this Iulia. This towne re-edified and inlarged by Philip, was called againe in the time of our bles∣sed Lord and Sauiour Christ, after the antient name Bethsaida, and so continueth to this day. From hence it is manifest, that the sea of Galile was subject to the gouernment of both these Te∣trachs, since vpon the shore thereof on both sides they had cities standing.

I doe thinke the wildernesse or wood and land neere adjoining to Bethsaida, is called Itura, of Ietur the sonne of Ismael, Gen. 25. or else from the compasse and roundnesse of it; for Tur in He∣brew signifies, A circle. But that Itura stood vpon the West side of the sea of Galilee, those that haue beene at the Holy land can testifie.

This citie of Bethsaida hath an antient water course comming from a riuer not far from it, which Iosephus calleth little Iordan, which falleth into the sea of Galile, just in the mid-way betweene this towne and Capernaum, the channell whereof appeareth to this day. Beside the many sermons which our Sauior Christ prea∣ched here, he did many notable miracles, Marc. 8. &c. But for the ingratitude and impietie of the citisens the curse of our Sauiour fell vpon them, Woe be thee Chorazin, woe be to thee Bethsaida: for if the miracles had beene done in Tyrus and Sidon, which haue beene done in thee, they had long ere this repented in sackloth and ashes: Verily, verily I say vnto you, it shall be easier for Tyrus and Sydon in the day of judgement, than for you, Matt. 11. Luc. 10. The prophecie of our Sa∣uiour Christ fell vpon them accordingly; for after diuers and sun∣dry ouerthrowes and deuastations, this towne became vtterly vn∣peopled, and as Britenbacchus saith, there are scarce six houses stan∣ding in it at this day.

Of Chorazin.

THis city also stands vpon the further side of Iordan, close by the sea of Galile, in the same country as Capernaum stands:

for the city of Chorazin standeth vpon the East side of the riuer Iordan, where it falleth into the sea of Galile; and Capernaum vpon the West, in the halfe tribe of Manasses, some 16 miles from the citie of Ierusalem towards the North. This citie also negle∣cting the preachings and miracles of our Sauiour Christ, felt the efficacie and force of the curse of the Sonne of God, Mat. 11. Luc. 10. For there is not at this day a house to be seene, onely some ru∣ines where it stood. Chorazin doth denote a dukedome or prin∣cipality, from Coh and Razon, a Prince and Duke; for Rozez signi∣fies, A laborious Prince. Ierom turning this word Rozez into Razi, calls it A secret mistery, or my secret.

Of Tiberias.

TIberias standeth vpon the West side of the sea of Galilee, 48 miles from Ierusalem towards the North. Before the birth of Christ it was called Kinnereth, that is, the city of the Harpe; after which name the lake of Tiberias or sea of Galile is called, Numb. 14. But Herod the Tetrach of Galile (at whose command Iohn the Baptist was beheaded) did beautifie this Citie with many faire buildings and compassed about with strong walls, and after Ti∣berias Caesars name called it Tiberias. He also gathred thither ma∣ny inhabitants, and indowed it with many large priuiledges: for although this place before the restoring of the citie was very fil∣thy and impure, by reason of the dead bodies both of men and beasts, which lay in that place, (from whence it hapned that the Iewes shunned this place as vtterly vnlawfull, and durst not dwel there) yet notwithstanding, Herod with singular industrie and di∣ligence remoued all that filthinesse, and in that very place built vp this Citie both faire and spacious; partly with gifts, partly with faire speeches alluring many Iewes to inhabit therin. Many poore people also built themselues houses at their owne charge, and those that had no children gaue way vnto the liberty of the citie; besides, many rich and noble men were constrained to re∣moue their whole families, and to dwell in this citie, so that in short time it became very well peopled, according to Ios. lib. An∣tiq. 18. cap. 4. & Egisip. lib. 2. cap. 3.

Not aboue two miles from Tiberias towards the South, vpon

the shore of the sea of Galile stood Tarachaea, a town wherein Io∣sephus dwelt. Now it hapned that the Citisens of Tiberias vpon some discontent, and as it was thought at the instigation of one Clitus, fell into rebellion; of which Iosephus hauing certaine intel∣ligence, he caused all the gates of Terachaea to be shut, least any man going thence should disclose his intentions, or any comming from Tiberias, should mooue that Citie also to rebellion; and then priuily sent out a command to assemble all the shippes and other vessels that were vpon the sea or lake, euen to the number of 230 ships; all which he caused to be manned only with foure men apiece, and of a sudden sailed towards Tiberias. But when he came within view of the city, so that the citisens from the wall might discern the ships, he left the body of the nauie a good way remote from Tiberias, and tooke only one ship manned with se∣uen men, and went close to the citie of Tiberias, as it seemed to haue had a parley with the citisens: but they seeing such a multi∣tude of ships, and the bold resolution of Iosephus, supposing that they had beene sufficiently manned, and contained a great armie, were greatly affraid, insomuch that they cast away their armes, and came out of the citie with humble petitions to Iosephus, en∣treating him to spare the city, and to take pity of the inhabitants. Notwithstanding hee vtterly refused to shew them any mercie, vnlesse they would deliuer vnto him the Ruler of the citie, which they did: so he settled the affaires of that Towne, and tooke the Ruler thereof with him to Terachaea, where hee committed him to prison.

But after, it being certainely found out that one Clitus was the principall author of this rebellion, he sent Leuyn one of his Gard with command to apprehend him and cut off both his hands: of which punishment Clytus being certainly informed, with tears and prayers humbly besought rhis Leuyn that he would spare one of his hands, and he would willingly lose the other; which with much ado was granted him, vpon condition that he would cut off his owne hand: so he tooke his sword and cut off his left hand; which being done, Iosephus returned the captiues to Tiberias and receiued the inhabitants againe into fauour, and euer after retey∣ned it in obedience.

Vespasian also inuaded this citie at such time as he vndertooke his expedition against Ierusalem, as it appeareth in Iosephus lib. de bello Iuda. cap. 16. but the inhabitants fearing his greatnesse, wil∣lingly submitted themselues to his power, and opened him the gates, going forth of the citie to meet him with great humilitie, giuing him and his whole armie entertainment into the citie, re∣ceiuing him with musick and songs, and with great acclamations and shouts; calling him their Sauiour and protector: which kind of courtesies the Emperour tooke very louingly, and in token of thankefulnesse for this kindenesse, hee commanded his souldiers (after they had broken downe a great part of the wall vpon the South side) that they should abstaine from all manner of rapine and violence; so that he continued there peaceably and went away peaceably.

This citie to this day (as Borchardus the Monke saith) is a faire towne, scituated to the longitude, vpon the shore of the said sea, there beeing vpon the South side many wholesome bathes and springs; and there are to be seene also many great ruins of decay∣ed buildings. The land also round about is very pleasant and fer∣tile, abounding with Palme trees, Vines, Oliues, and Figs. This city in antient time was scituated in the Tribe of Issachar.

Of Tyrus or Zor.

THis was the chiefe citie of Phoenicia, distant from Ierusalem 100 miles towards the North. It was first builded by the ci∣tisens of Zidon, (because of a sedition that hapned in that Citie) 240 yeares before the Temple of Solomon, as Iosephus saith, just in the place where at this day the ruins of antient Tyre are to be seene. But after it began to grow famous (which was about such tims as Troy was destroled) King Angenor remoued it to a rocke which stood in the heart of the Mediterranean sea, compassed about therewith like an Island, Ezek. 26. and bestowed great cost in fortifying and building it. It stood round, compassed with strong walls, beautified with goodly buildings, and fairely scitu∣ated for the entertainement of shippes; for which puprose, on euery side there were many safe hauens and harbours made. It

was but a small towne, almost three miles about, and two miles wide: yet the great Mart Towne in those parts, for Merchants resorted thither from all the three parts of the World (Europe, Asia, and Africa) as well for the vttering as buying commodities; and was made so much the more famous, because of the scituati∣on and strength: It stood distant from the land of Phoenicia al∣most two miles; vpon which continent they had obtained a por∣tion of land for the maintenance of the citie, containing 19000 paces in compasse. The citizens also being greatly inriched, be∣cause of their trafficke, built vp many faire cities and townes in more remote parts, which was added to their jurisdiction, as Leptis, Vtica, rnd Carthage, scituated in Africa. They also built Cades, which at this day is called Caliz, as Pliny saith, lib. 5. cap. 19. beeing scituated in a very faire Island in the Mediterranian sea, not far from Hercules pillars; insomuch as the citizens of this towne hauing thus inlarged their command, and increased their substance; In euery place they called themselues Princes, and tooke vpon them to weare scarlet and purple, which colours in that place aboue all other colours, were most artificially dyed: And because of the raritie of them, transported thence into many countries more remote. But because of their extreame arro∣gancie and pride, it was twice conquered and ruinated: First by Nabuchadonozer Emperour of Babylon: and then by Alexander the Great, as it appeareth in Quint. Curtius, lib. in the life of Alex∣ander.

Now the occasion that Alexander made warre vpon this Ci∣tie, was because the citizens vpon a time sending vnto him cer∣taine Embassadors with a crowne of gold, in token of friend∣ship, and to congratulate his prosperitie (which he accepted ve∣ry kindely, and gaue them royall entertainment, as to his friends) amongst other things, hee told them that hee would come vn∣to their Citie, and doe sacrifice to their god Hercules (for the kings of the Macedonians are perswaded that they proceed from the off-spring of that god, and beside hee was commanded by an Oracle so to do.) But the Embassadors of Tyre answered, that the Temple of Hercules stood without the citie in Paaetzron, where ancient Tyre stood; so that the King might easily come thither

to doe sacrifice; but Alexander hearing these words, could not containe himselfe, but in a great anger answered, And doe yee proud Citizens put such trust in the strength and scituation of your Citie, that you thinke I am not able to come to it with my Army by land? You shall well perceiue within this short space, that you are scituated vpon the continent, and that I will enter it and sacke it. With these terrible words the Embassadors depar∣ted and shortly after Alexander followed them with a great and mightie army.

But when it was knowne that Alexander had vndertaken the sacking of this citie, there were many that thought it almost im∣possible for him to accomplish his designes; first, because of the inconstancie of the windes, and the vehemencie of the water, whereby all such matter as they cast into the sea to joine it to the continent, would be driuen away by the violence of the Water; againe, the city was compassed about with such exceeding high walls, and fortified with such strong towers, that it was not pos∣sible for him to bring any engines to batter them, or fasten any scaling ladders to ascend them, vnlesse it were by ships. Twice Alexander attempted by flinging into the sea mighty trees of Li∣banus, and heapes of the ruines of ancient Tyre to haue made a bridge to it, or else joyne it to the continent, insomuch as the Ty∣rians mocked the Macedonians; saying, What, can your king Alex∣ander conquer Neptune the God of the sea? For the violence of the sea was so extreame, that it carried away all things with it, and oftentimes broke the ships that were joyned together to make a bridge, and drowned the soldiers that besieged and sought against the citie. During this siege, a Citisen of Tyrus dreamt that their Idoll Apollo would depart from them; whereupon they bound the Image of Apollo with a chaine of gold, vnto the pillar where∣on he stood, that he might not leaue them. There hapned also a horrible ostent amongst the Macedonians; for a certaine souldi∣er breaking bread, there fell from it some few drops of bloud; at the hearing of which accident Alexander was greatly amased, vn∣till hee was resolued by one Aristander a very skilfull Prophet, That if it issued from off the outside of the bread, it had betoke∣ned a heauie euent to the Macedoniaes; but in regard that it is∣sued

from the inside of the bread, it foreshewed that hee should forthwith conquer the towne hee had so long besieged: And so it hapned; for when Alexander had besieged the city for the space of seuen moneths, with great difficulty he woon it: but before he could win it he was constrained to vse a great multitude of ships and fasten them together with yron bands, vpon which placing many engines of battery and other offensiue instruments, what with the moouing of the ships and the extreame violence of the batterie, they ouercame the citie. This exploit Alexander per∣formed when he was 25 yeares of age, and about 300 yeares be∣fore Christ.

There was one thing that Alexander did during his siege, that was memorable; for before any of his souldiers would attempt to ascend the walls, hee went in person with his crowne vpon his head, and in princely armor, and scaled a high tower of the citie, where he exprest an extraordinary resolution, and by reason of his courage did great hurt to the enemy, who perceiuing him to be the King, resorted to that place in great heaps, and shot at him with all their might; but hee manfully defended himselfe, and compelled the enemy to fly. In this assault there were 6000 of the inhabitants slaine; and after he had entred the wals and sackt the citie, he caused 2000 to be tyed to crosses and throwne into the sea. From whence may be gathered, that God by this young Prince did accomplish this great worke, that the prophecies of the Prophets, Esay 23. Ieremy 43. and Ezekiel 25.26. might be ful∣filled.

Afterward Alexander (as Pliny and Strabo obserueth) caused the sea to be filled vp, that it might be no more an Island, and joi∣ned it to the continent; vpon which place he caused Tyrus to be rebuilded, and compassed it about with a wall fiue and twentie foot thicke, strengthned with twelue towers, that it might be suf∣ficiently fortified to oppose the incursion of any enemy; so that it continued safe a long time after, and in the time of our Sauiour Christ was a faire city, though it neuer attaind to the former dig∣nitie and power that it had before Alexander conquered it. The ancient citie of Tyre was distant from this city about foure miles towards the South.

Our Sauiour Christ being in the borders of Tyrus and Sidon, helpt a woman of Canaan, whose daughter had beene cruelly tormented with a Diuell, Matt. 15. In the time of Dioclesian the Emperour, there were many Martyrs put to death in this Citie: And at this time it is called by the name of El porta del zur, that is, the hauen of Zur; as it was in the Old Testament called by the name of Zor. In the yeare 1100, when the holy land was in the hands of the Christians, there was an Archbishop of Tyre, vnder whose gouerment were the Bishops of Ptolomais, Sydon, and Beryti, &c. The holy man Origen lieth buried in this citie: in the Church of the holy Sepulchre, which is compassed about & for∣tified with a mighty strong wall. There also lies buried the Em∣perour Fredericke Barbarosso, who died Anno 1160, after hee had done many valiant acts, and fought many great battels for the Christians against the Turkes and Saracens, being ouercome by Saphadinus the Sultans son, and put to flight, was drowned in the riuer of Suro, to the great griefe of his armie; but he left behind him a famous report. Pope Alexander the third being a great ene∣mie to this Emperour, in S. Maries church in the citie of Venice, when this Prince submitted himself to his Holinesse, set his foot vpon his neck, repeating these words, Thou shalt tread vpon the Aspe and vpon the Basiliske, &c. Eusebius in his Ecclesiasticall Historie saith, that there are yet standing in Tyre certaine Marble pillars, and other precious stones of a wonderfull greatnesse, that it ama∣seth such as behold them; neere to which there haue beene many Christians and Pilgrims put to death by the Saracens. There are also foure wels of wholesome and pleasant water standing not far from it, of which wells you may reade before.

Of Zidon.

THis also was a city of Phoenicia, scituated vpon the shore of the Mediterranean sea, thirtie six miles from Ierusalem to∣ward the North, and sixteene from Tyrus. In times past it was assigned to the Tribe of Ashur, and lay vpon the borders of the Philistines, neere to Mount Libanus. Being called Sidon or Zi∣don, of Zidon the sonne of Canaan, who first built it, Gen. 10. and

signifies a hunter. It was a notable mart towne, wherein much Sa∣tin was made, which kinde of stuffe was very precious among the Iewes: and it is said, That Ioseph of Arimathia wrapped the body of our Sauior in white Satin, for in Matthew 27. it is called Zadin, which in English is Satin. And as at this day the finest glasse is made at Venice, so the finest glasse in those times was made at Sarepta, a city that belonged to the Sidonians: about which there stood many mines, of which it is 'called Sarepta, as you may reade before.

This towne in times past was one of the chiefe cities of Phoe∣nicia, but because of the extraordinarie pride of the citisens, God afflicted them with diuers punishments, & brought in Ocho king of the Persians, who besieged it, and by treason woon it and burnt it to the ground, as Diodorus Siculus lib. 16. saith. The Citisens whereof were driuen to such streights by the enemy, that there perished in the fire aboue fortie thousand men. Within a while after Darius last Emperour of the Persians rebuilt it, but made it nothing so beautifull, neither fortified it in like manner as it was before: hee ordained one Strato to be King thereof, a man proud and arrogant. After, about three hundred and two yeares before the natiuitie of Christ, Alexander being then but 24 yeres of age, hauing ouercome Darius that mighty Emperour of the Persians, at Issa a citie of Cilicia, in a cruell and sharpe warre; he sent Hephestion one of his Princes, to the Sydonians, with authori∣tie to depose Strato, and to let the Citisens vnderstand that they should chuse him for their King, whom they thought most wor∣thy of that honour, as Quint. Curt. sheweth, lib. 4. At this time there was a certaine young man among the followers of Hephe∣stion, in whose behalfe he moued the Citisens that hee might be their King; but they refused, saying, it was not their custome to chuse any to rule ouer them, but such as were of the Kings stocke and progenie. Hephestion hearing this answer, greatly admired their resolution and modestie, especially when they refused to accept him for their King, whom others had sought to obtaine with fire and sword; saying, Truly there is more required to rule and gouerne a Kingdome, than to get it; but yet name one vnto me of royall discent, whom you would willingly receiue to

be your King. So they named vnto him one Abdolomius, who had beene knowne to haue beene of the Kings stocke, by many discents; but because of his pouertie he was constrained to dwell in the suburbs of the Citie in a cottage, and had little else but a Garden to liue vpon. This man howsoeuer poore, and because of that, of many contemned; yet hee was knowne to be honest and of an vpright life, following with all dilligence his vocation, without any regard of other businesse; insomuch as he was vt∣terly ignorant of all these stirre and combustions which had so lately vexed Asia. As he was now in his garden digging and la∣bouring, purging it of weeds, and planting herbes; Hephestion with the rest of the Citizens went vnto him, and brought him the robes and habiliments of a King. The poore Gardner stood ama∣zed to see such a company of gallants come vnto him: but Hephe∣stion told him, That the occasion of their comming was to make an exchange with him of those royall ornaments which he had in his hands, for those poore and foule garments which he wore; therefore goe and wash thy selfe and returne. So he did, where immediately they put vpon him those royall robes, and saluted him as their Soueraigne. Afrer these things were finished, quoth Hephestion, Now remember in what a state thou art, no more Gar∣dener but a King; and therefore take vnto thee the minde and re∣solution of a King, that so thou mayest rule and gouerne this ci∣tie as a man worthy of that honour; and remember, that although the liues and goods of thy subjects are at thy command, yet by them thou wast chosen, neither be forgetfull of him that was the author of thine honour.

No sooner was he enthronised in his kingdom, but fame (who is more speedie than a thousand Posts) had dispersed this newes through all the neighbouring cities: some being thereby moued to admiration, and quickned in their studies; others stirred vp to indignation and enuie. Those that were mighty and friends to Alexander, contemned and despised his humilitie and pouertie; and no sooner were they come into his presence, but they began to accuse him for his ignorance: wherefore Alexander comman¦ded that he should come before him, where, after hee had wel•• viewed the lineaments and proportion of his person, and could

not perceiue it any whit repugnant to the fame of his birth, hee demanded of him how it was possible that hee should endure his pouertie with patience. To which he answered, I pray the gods I may continue the gouernment of this kingdome with the like minde; for these hands were sufficient for me to liue by, and as I had nothing, so I wanted nothing. At which answer Alexander was so well pleased, that he not only gaue him all the princely jewels and ornaments of the first king called Strato, but also a great part of the booty which he tooke from the Emperor of Persia, and ad∣ded to his command all the neighboring countries round about. This history I haue inserted, that thereby we might perceiue the mighty power of God in all his works; that can exalt the poore, contented with his estate, out of the very dust, and can pull the mighty from their thrones. So the Euill carke and care in this world to gather riches for the Vertuous to inherit. But to return to Sidon: This city did so much increase, and grew so famous in succeeding ages, that it was the chiefe town (Tyrus onely excep∣ted) in all Phoenicia, ioyning vpon the West to the Mediterrani∣an sea, extending it selfe towards the North and South, lying in a plain vnder Antilibanus, which mountain lay some two miles off it vpon the East. It oftentimes, because of the pride of the inha∣bitants, felt the wrath and punishing hand of God, as wel by the inuasion of Enemies, as sickenesse and dearth, according to the predictions of the Prophets, Esay 28. and Ezek. 28. vntil at last in succeeding ages it was vtterly destroyed, the ruins of which city remain to this day, and make euident that it was a faire and spati∣ous towne.

There is to be seen yet to this day a city built out of the ruines of the former (though nothing so large as it) very strong & migh∣tily fortified, so that it seemeth almost inuincible, if it haue men wherewith to defend it. Vpon the one side it ioyneth to the sea, and vpon the other side of it there standeth two mighty strong ca∣stles, one of them scituated toward the North, vpon a very strong ••ock as it were in the heart of the sea, the which was built by cer∣••ain Pilgrims that came out of Germany to visit the holy city of ••erusalem. The other of them was scituated vpon a hill toward

the South of the city, as well fortified, and no lesse difficult to be conquered. These two castles with the whole city in times past were in the hands of the Knights templers. The land round about it is very pleasant and fertile, abounding with all kinde of good things necessarie for the maintenance of life and delight. There is also found great aboundance of Grapes which are very delici∣ous and pleasant to the tast, wherof the wine Canamella is made. But because the Turkes and Saracens are inhibited by the strict law of their Alcaron from drinking of wine, therefore they suffer no vineyards to be planted, neither the inhabitants to dresse those Vines that grow naturally. Before the East gate of the antient city which now lies destroied, there is built a Chappel, in which place they say the woman of Canaan entreated our Sauior Christ to cast a Diuell out of her daughter, Mat. 15. The mountain An∣tilibanus beginneth close by the riuer Eleutherius, and extends it selfe beyond Tripolis; and in some places it ioyneth so close to the sea, that for the streightnesse of the wayes those that trauel that way can scarse passe. In this city was the fairest purple in all those parts: nay as some Authors affirme, the like was not to be found in the world, &c.

Of Cana Syro-Phoenicea.

THis towne, which was called Cana the Great, was scituated vpon the borders of Tyrus and Sydon, 112 miles from Ieru∣salem Northward, scituated in the Tribe of Ashur, 4 miles from Sydon towards the South, and three from Sarepta towards the East. In this towne the Syrophoenician dwelt, that besought our Sauior Christ to heale her daughter that was possessed of a diuel, Mat. 15. Mar. 7. It was called Cana, to put a difference betweene it and another Cana scituated in Galile the lower; in which city our Sauior Christ turned water into wine. You may reade more of this towne before.

Of Trachonitis.

THis city was so called from the stony hardnes of the moun∣tains of Gilead which compasse it in vpon the East side: in which prouince the tribe of Gad and the halfe tribe of Manasses inhabited. It was in antient times called Basan; in which Og the mighty Gyant had a great command: but Moses ouercame him, and gaue the land to the tribe of Gad and the half tribe of Manas∣ses. In Christs time the Tetrarch and gouernour of it was Philip, who was son to Herod the Great, and brother to Herod Antipas Te∣trach in Galile and Petraea; which Herod tooke to wife Herodia, whom his brother Philip had formerly maried, the said Philip bee∣ing at that time aliue: but because Iohn Baptist reprehended him for that fact, therefore at her request he was beheaded in the Ca∣stle of Machera.

Itura was another Prouince belonging to the tetrarchy of Phi∣lip, ioyning vpon the West to the riuer of Iordan, and called Gali∣le of the Gentiles, of which you may reade before.

Of Decapolis.

THis country is so called of ten cities that were scituated in it. It stood beyond Iordan and the sea of Galile, as may be gathered out of Mark, ca. 7. and Mat. 15. So that it is manifest that that country which in times past was called Gilead, was af∣terward known and called by the name of Decapolis, because of the ten cities which stood there; as Chorazin which Christ cur∣sed, Mat. 11. Gamala, where Agrippa King of the Iewes was hurt in his right arme, Ios. de bell. Iud. lib. 4. cap. 1. Iuliades, built by He∣rod Antipas in honor of the Empresse Iulia. Gadara, where our Sa∣uior Christ cast out the legion of diuels, suffering them to enter into the herd of swine, Mat. 8. Mar. 5. Astaroth, the chiefe citie of that Countrey in the time of Og King of Basan, Ios. cap. 12. Here also that holy man Iob sometimes had his dwelling. Iabes in Gi∣lead, where Saul King of Israel lieth buried, 1 Sam. 31. Mizpah,

where Ieptha offered his daughter for a sacrifice to the Lord, Iudg. 11. Ramoth in Gilead, where King Ahab was slaine with a Dart, 1 Reg. 22. And Abel of the Vines, where Baalams Asse spake, Num. 22. These are those ten cities whereof this country is called De∣capolis; being scituated in the land of Gilead betweene Iordan, where our Sauior healed the man that was both blind and deafe, Mark 7. This opinion exactly agreeth with that of the holy scrip∣ture. Yet I know there are some (as Plin. lib. 5. cap. 18. and others) who differ from this in the description of this countrey, but they erre from the truth.

Of Magdala.

THis was a city scituated vpon the West side of the Galilean sea, 52 miles from Ierusalem Northward; in which Coun∣try Mary (who of this town was called Magdalen) was borne. At this time this city is called by the name of Castle Magdala; in which place they shew the house of Mary Magdalen. Vpon the West and North side of the city there lieth a great and spatious plain, preserued only for pasture, which Mar. cap. 8. calls Dalma∣nutha, that is, Drawn dry, or a poore and naked habitation; being deriued of Dalal, He hath made dry; and Maon, a House or dwel∣ling place. It may be a notable figure of the Christian Church, which in this world may rightly be said to haue a poore habitati∣on, but yet is a right Magdala, that is, a strong and impregnable Tower, against which the gates of Hell shall not be able to pre∣uaile, Matt. 16. Vpon the borders of Magdala and Dalmanutha, the Pharisees and Sadduces tempting our blessed Sauior Christ, demanded of him a signe from heauen, Mat. 15.16. Mar. 8. This city belonged to the tribe of Issacher.

Of Thabor.

MOunt Thabor was a round and high hill, vpon which our blessed Sauior Christ was transfigured: scituated vpon the borders of the tribes of Issacher & Zebulon, fifty two miles from the City of Ierusalem towards the North, and extendeth it selfe

toward the South to the riuer Kison. Heere Deborah and Barack discomfited the Host of Sisera King of the Canaanites, and put them to flight, Iug. 4. Of this mountain you may reade, Psal. 89. Hos. 4. Ierem. 45. There was also a towne called after this name, scituated at the foot of this mountaine, where Ziba and Zalmana Kings of the Midianites put to death the brothers of Gideon, Iud∣ges 8. It was a very fruitfull and pleasant place. Concerning the signification of the name you may reade before. Egesippus saith, That this mountaine is almost foure miles in height, and that vp∣on the toppe thereof there is a round Plaine almost three miles ouer, in which there growes great plenty of trees of an admirable pleasantnesse and sweetnesse; amongst which Trees there are ma∣ny birds which sing very pleasantly, to the great delight of all such as heare them: and the aire on the top of it is very pure and pleasant.

It is the receiued opinion, that vpon the top of this mountain our Sauiour Christ in the presence of Peter, Iames, and Iohn, was transfigured, and he spake with the holy Prophets Moses and Eli∣as, Mat. 17. Luke 9. which place at this day is compassed about with a great Wall, within which is a faire and pleasant Orchard, watered with many cleare & goodly springs, but there is no man that dwels in it, (notwithstanding there are many townes and in∣habitants at the foot of the mountaine) neither do they thinke any man worthy to dwel in it, they hold it in such estimation, and reuerence it as the Hill of God. There are to be seen in it diuers great ruins of Pallaces, Towers, and princely Edifices; in which at this day there harbour many Lions and other wilde beasts. It is very difficult to ascend vp to the toppe of it, it is so exceeding high: it is one of the principal hils in the holy land, not only be∣cause that Christ on it was transfigured, but because it is verie fruitfull, and plentifully aboundeth with Vines and other profi∣table plants, and herbs. The aire thereof is wholsome and good, and the dew vpon it rising thick and sweet, with indifferent rain; the trees high and faire, greene both Winter and Sommer. At the foot of the mountaine, towards the South neere to Endor, in the way that leadeth from Syria into Aegypt, is shewed the place where (as it is said) Melchisedech met with Abraham, when

he returned from the battell of the foure Kings, Gen. 14. At the foot of the mountaine lying toward the West, iust against Naza∣reth, there is a Chappel built, in the place where they say our Sa∣uior Christ descending from this mountaine, spake to his Disci∣ples saying, Tel none of this vision, Mat. 17. Vpon the East side of it runs the brook Kison, where Barak and Deborah ouercame the Ar∣my of Sisera, Iudg. 4.

There is also another hill in the vpper part of Galile, 92 miles from Ierusalem Northward, which hill is also called Thabor, and is three miles distant from Caesarea Philippi Eastward: but that was not the place of Christs Transfiguration.