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THe Land of Ashur was so called, from him that first planted a Colonie from Babel in those parts, whose name was Ashur the Son of Sem. It is the opinion of that learned Rabbin Don Isaac Abarbinel, in his Commentaries upon the first Book of Moses, called Bereshith in Parasha No∣ach, fol. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that is, Assur the son of Sem dwelt in Assyria, and from his name it was so called. To this opinion among the Antient Greeks, onely Eratosthenes attain'd, as hee is in∣troduced by the Scholiast of Dionysius the Alexandrian, a Geographical Poet, his words are 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Among the Modern Suidas hath embra∣ced this conceit there, where hee pleaseth to retract his own, in the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. So also amongst manie others, Gem∣ma Frisius for the Latine Writers, in his 22 Chapter of the Division of the Earth: from the Jew Josephus, who also fa∣voureth this Assertion. The Etymologist therefore, who ever hee were, hath deceived himself in assigning the Ety∣mon of this word Assyria, while hee forgeth this distincti∣on between it and Syria; that Syria should bee that part of Asia which was overwhelmed in the Deluge, and was there∣fore so called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (which also are the words of Hesychius) but Assyria, saith hee, was that part which having escaped the Flood was so called from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Particle Privative, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 But this is a Fable befitting the Greeks, whose Nation hath been seriously taxed by its own Autors, for their luxurie of invention in fabulous discourses.
In the next place wee are to free the Description insuing from the equivocation and ambiguitie of the word Assyria, which is somtimes taken for it self, at other times for the whole Region of Syria; in that sens comprehending in it more then it self, to wit Palestine, Syrophoenicia, Syria, Damascena, Arabia, Mesopotamia, Babylonia, Chaldoea, somtimes more, som∣times less, according to Strabo & Plinie, and manie others. But our Master Ptolomie to deliver the delineations of the world from the Ataxie and confusions of the Antients, dealt more accurately in his observations. Hee therefore in his first Chapter of the fifth Table of Asia, describeth our Countrie in this manner, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. In
which description Ptolomie hath vindicated this Countrie to her proper limits; aptly sequestring Assyria from the rest, comprehending the Countrie within the confines of the great Armenia upon the North, Mesopotamia upon the West, Susian upon the South, and Media towards the Sun rising. The chief of Ptolomie's followers in this are Dominicus Ma∣rius Niger, in his Geographical Commentarie upon Asia; whose words I forbear to insert, becaus they are but the meer Metaphrase of the description alreadie given. Besides him Vadian hath don the like in the Chapter which treat∣eth of the Situation of Assyria. So also Gemma Frisius in his 22 Chapter of the Division of the Earth, and Mar∣cianus Heracleotes, who in the description of Susian the Pro∣vince, thus writeth; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Hee saith that the North limit of Susian is Assyria: and Pto∣lomie had said before, That the South limit of Assyria was Susian. The agreement of these Autors I oppose to the di∣straction of others, in reading whereof diligent heed would bee taken of the ambiguitie of the word Assyria, lest the Reader not beeing sufficiently cautelous, might happi∣ly bee then least acquainted with the Countrie, when hee hath travelled most about it.
The Latitude of Assyria is Northern, cutting off from the Equinoctial towards the Pole Arctick an Arch of a greater Circle, containing about 5 degrees and ⅓ from the 34 de∣gree to the 39 and 20 scruples. The Longitude accounted in the middle Line, from the great Meridian of the World, is from the 78 degree to the 84. In assigning this Position, wee wee have rather inclined to Ptolomie, then the modern conjectures of later Writers; for though instruments bee more exact, and men's experience more universal, yet what shall all that do, cùm jam Seges ubi Troia fuit & Ninus in ipsa Nino requiratur: when 'tis brought to such ruine, that if the founder himself should rise again, Ninus would scarce
finde Ninive, through hee sought it in it self. According therefore to the Longitude and Latitude assigned, The site of this Countrie is in the North part above the Torrid Zone, between the Tropick of Cancer, and the Arctick Circle, under and about the fourth Clime: the longest daie beeing som 14 hours, and one second part. This Situation is ap∣proved by Rabbi Abraham in his description of the Climes, his words are these, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that is, The fourth Clime begineth at the end of the third, to the Latitude of 36 degrees of the equal line in the North portion, and his daie is fourteen hours and one second, and passeth through Assur. So far the Rabbin. Wee conclude therefore, That the position of this Region is an Oblique Sphear, whose Phaenomena are these: They enjoie, as wee do, both a Vernal and Autumnal Equinox, the Sun beeing in Aries and Libra. Their site is in the South part of the North temperate Zone, therefore their air is pleasant. The Sun never culmi∣nate's in their Senith point, that beeing placed beyond the Tropick of Cancer, which is the extremest circle of the Sun's Motion in his Northern declination. And becaus the Opticks teach, that everie Opacous bodie projecteth his Shadow to a part directly opposite to the bodie luminous, therefore the Sun beeing either in the Northern or Sou∣thern Signes, their shadowes are never directed to the South, but contrariwise: therefore they are Heteroscii. Lastly, they have the Pole Artick alwaies elevated, and the Antarctick alwaies hid.
For the Astrological site of this place, it is comprehen∣ded within the first Quadrant, in the part Oriental and Me∣ridional, and is therefore subject to the second Triangle under the Dominion Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn, the Pla∣netarie Lords beeing Saturn and Venus Oriental: in regard of whose rule in that earthly Triplicitie, the inhabitants must needs bee of a disposition wanton and lascivious, in apparel gorgeous, in Religion Idolaters: And becaus the Assyrian in special is subjected to Virgo, and her influence
is Mercurial, therefore our inhabitants must bee great Astronomers. Thus Ptolomie, Cardan, &c. But whether it bee so or no, let their Ghosts dispute before Minos and Rha∣damanthus. Thus much is certain, That the manners of the Antient inhabitants most aptly corresponded with this Prognostication, and if anie urge the contrarie at this daie, these Autors may easily finde an answer; that besides the translation of the Perigaeum and Apogaeum of the Planets, the precession of the Equinox, and the Suns lesser Excen∣tricitie, 'tis apparent that the Signs in the eight Sphear have forsaken their places in the first Moover; Aries now beeing in the d•…•…decatemorie of Taurus; and Pisces in the place of Aries. And so much may suffice for the general applica∣tion of Theoretical Geographie, to the Practical descripti∣on of this Countrie. Before wee enter the particular parts, our discours shall tread awhile upon the Borders; Where first on the North part wee meet with the Armenian Moun∣tains, which might have been slightly passed over, but that they shew the place where once Noah's Ark rested. That it rested in Ararat, or Armenia, Moses beareth witness; that it rested in that part of Armenia, wherein wee have placed it, may bee a conjecture not without probabilitie, becaus Pto∣lomie placeth the Countrie Gordiena directly upon the North adjoining in Situation to these Mountains. Now that Countrie was so called from the Gordiaean Mountains, upon which the Ark rested, as is approved by a double Paraphrase of two Antient Chaldeans, Jonathan the son of Ʋziel, and Onkelos; the one translating that Text of Moses, to wit, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the Mountain of Ararat by 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Cardu, the other by 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Cardon, both entending the Gordiaean Moun∣tains (whereof Strabo and Curtius discours) Elias also in his Methurgeman allowing their interpretation.
Of these Mountains Stephanus maketh mention in his Book De urbibus. So also Elmarinus the Arabian translated by Erpenius, and another of that Nation whose name is unknown, cited by Schickard in his Taric of the Kings of Persia. The later thus writeth, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that is, This is (Mount) Godius, upon which that Ship rested, that Ship of Noach, on whom be peace. But whereas this Autor calleth the Mountain Godius, Schickard admonisheth that it is an error of the Transcriber, who in stead of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Gordi writ 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Gadi. It is apparant then that the Ark abode upon the Gordian Mountains; but where or upon which, that is yet doubtful.
Rabbi Benjamin Tudelensis who travelled through all parts, to visit his Countrie-men the ten Tribes dispersed, giveth notice in his Itinerarie, that the place where the Ark rested is four miles distant from Gezir Ben Omar, and that is an Isle Situate in the mid'st of Tigris, at the foot of the Mountains of Ararat. The Armenians also design the place, urging Tradition for a certain Mountain heretofore called Gordie, but now Gibel Noe, as Andrew Thevet intimateth in these words:
Au reste quelques Chrestiens Levantins, entre autres, les Ar∣meniens & Caspiens mainetiennent que ceste Arche s'arresta en la Montaígne que l'on nommoit jadis Gordie, à present dit par au∣cuns du païs, Gibel Noc.
Wee have also those among the Moderns, who have pla∣ced this Mount under a peremptorie Longitude and Lati∣tude as a thing ordinarily known: yet for ought I perceiv, Posteritie in this hath obteined of Antiquitie nothing more then the verie name, and that is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, by the Testi∣monie of Nicolas of Damascus, not Lobar, as Epiphanius: though Junius would correct the other by this. It was cal∣led 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 birath, which in the Armenian tongue signifieth properly anie stately Edifice, such as this vast Ves∣sel might seem to bee: In after times 'tis like they called their Ships by the same name, and thence the Greeks tra∣duc'd
the same signification: for so Suidas, Hesychius, and the Etymologist conceiv of this word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that it often is ta∣ken for 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; and therefore Lycophron in his Cassandra cal∣leth the Argonavis 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
In this conjecture that it may pass the better, know that great Scaliger hath born his part, as the Reader may finde in his notes upon the Greek fragments, added as an appen∣dix to his admired industrie in the Emendation of the Times. Thus much shall suffice for our abode in the North of this Countrie, where the Reader may pardon our long tarrying for Noah's sake.
Upon the East, as was said, this Region is bounded by the Medes, in special by the mountain Zagros, whereof a most Antient Geographer maketh this mention, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. Upon the South wee shall finde first Susian, the Pro∣vince so called from the Metropolitane Citie Susis; which the Etymologist saith, might bee derived from Susia, signifying in the Syrian tongue a Hors, for that this place afforded good Horses. Indeed 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in the Syriack signi∣fieth so: but his other conceit is more probable, that it was so called from the Lilies which grew thereabout; as Ari∣stobulus and Chares most aptly determine in Athenaeus, this onely is their error, that they say 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 signifieth a Lilie in the Greek tongue, whereas they ought to have said in the Hebrew; for the Jews indeed call a Lilie 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Shusan: and therefore was this place so called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, for the pleasure of the place, becaus of so manie Lilies wherewith it was most naturally and pleasantly beset.
Here the Kings of Persia kept their Courts in Winter, becaus the Region hereabouts was then most temperate, though in Summer it was so extremely hot, that when the Sun was in the Meridian, the Lizards and Serpents could not pass by the waie, but were strucken dead with the extra∣ordinarie fervor which the Sun beams projected, beeing mul∣tiplied
more strongly by the reflection of certain Moun∣tains not far from thence, as Strabo the Autor most proba∣bly persuadeth. Who also addeth, that for this cans the Inhabitants were forced to make earthen floors upon the tops of their Houses, the depth of two cubits, for no other reason, but to free themselvs from the intolerable heat. Strabo ibid.
By this Citie ran the River Vlai, as Daniel calleth it. Pto∣lomie and Plinie write Eulaeus; no great error: it was also called Choaspes, becaus that runneth into it. This River was venerable in the opinion of the Kings of Persia, who al∣waies drank of this water where-ever they were. Rabbi Ben∣jamin hath observed, that, in his time, among the ruines of Elam stood Susan the Castle, in time past the Palace of Aha∣sueros, having yet manie fair and goodly buildings from the daies of old. Hee noteth also, that hee found there 7000 Jews in 14 Synagogues, there beeing before one of them erected the Sepulcre of Daniel the Prophet. Thus Rabbi Benjamin; in whose daies it seemeth by what hee saith afterwards, that the River was built upon both sides, and the citie divided into two parts, that dissevering them both; whence it came to pass in after-times, that the one part by reason of commerce thriving more then the other, it was superstitiously imputed to Daniels Tomb, which the richer part then kept; this fond conceit once set abroach caussed great emulations, and in fine to compose the debate, Singar Shach commanded that the Tomb should bee dis∣placed and set upon the Bridg, in the midst of the River Vlai, that so both parties might enjoie their vanitie with an equal participation. Not far from Susis wee have placed the plain of Dura where Nebuchadnezar erected the golden
statue, that stately Trophie of his Idolatrous worship. Thus Junius hath noted upon that place in Daniel.
Next unto Susian, also upon the South is placed the land of Nimrod, or Babylonia, and therein not far from Tigris the Citie Erce, which Ptolomie in a pardonable error, cal∣leth Aracca. From hence passing over the River, wee draw near to that pregnant Relique of the new world's ambition, Babel by name; so called from the event of that, becaus there their Language was confounded. For so the Hebrews intimate by the word Babel, a word which in our mother tongue wee yet retain from our Saxon Ancestors, as they from Askenaz; for when wee hear a man speak confusedly, wee saie hee bable's. The foundation of this Citie was laid in Nimrod's pride, and therefore must needs have a fall; and the fall thereof was great: upon these ruines King Ni∣nus built again, but with more humble intentions, and more happie proceedings. Semiramis continued the work, and enclosed all within a wall of that height and thickness, that wee shall hereafter in her life make bold to ask the question, whither 'twas hers or no; in the mean time, doubting lest it will prove too great a work for a woman.
This Citie hath been deservedly set forth by the indu∣strie of manie, and those most famous Writers; as Strabo, Diodorus, Herodotus, Solinus, Plinie, and Eustathius upon Dionysius Afer, &c. For the form of the Citie, it was four square, as Herodotus saith; the walls so thick that two Coaches might meet upon the breadth: for the Circuit, the Autors above mentioned agree not. The most exact Tra∣dition for this is that of Clitarchus, that the wall was 365 furlongs about, which divided by 8, set off for the Quotient 45 ⅝, the number of English miles in the whole compass, allowing eight furlongs for one mile. Clitarchus addeth, that the wall was finished in one year, each daie one furlong, till the 365 was compleatly ended, which is the just com∣plement
of the Julian Solar year in daies, not respecting that fraction of Hours and minutes, in which the Astrono∣mers agree no better then our Clocks and Dials, as the Pro∣verb is. The height of the wall was 200 Cubites, the To∣wers 10 foot higher then the Wall, To approve what hath been said concerning this spacious Citie, hear what the great philosopher discourseth in the third of his Politicks, that Babylon was so wide and ample, that three daies after it was taken, one part of the Citie knew nothing of it. The buildings in this place were not continued to the Walls, nor to themselvs, and if there had been no more societie among the inhabitants, then there was among their houses they had scarce ere com together; for their dwellings were all as∣sunder; but the reason was politick to avoid the furie of fire, and undergo a seige in war, for the wast which laie between the houses, in time of a siege was sowen and the increas suf∣ficient to maintein themselvs within themselvs: by reason whereof it was impossible to win this citie: for against a famine they had thus provided, and other waie there could bee none, for the wall of the citie was an impregnable fence against the strongest Rampiers; and hence it was that Darius could not attein to the conquest of Babylon, without a famous stratagem, as Justine relateth out of Trogus Pompey. This Citie opened it self at an hundred gates, and those all of brass. In the midst of the Citie upon the one side of Eu∣phrates stood the Kings palace, a statelie and sumptuous stru∣cture, on the other side of the river likewise in the midst stood the Temple of Jove Bell, and in the midst of that were erected 7 loftie towers upon the eighth, that beeing a fur∣long high, and as much in breadth, from the top of this Tower the Chaldeans made their Astronomical observations as the noble Tycho in his Vraniburgum. In this Temple was placed the golden Image of Jupiter, which was to bee seen in the daies of Diodorus the Sicilian, in height fourtie foot.
Wee have reserved for the last place, that bold attempt of Art in the Horti pensiles, that pleasant Paradise which the Syrian King planted upon the battlements of a Tower, the top whereof was the base of the whole work, the foundati∣on
of the garden was laid in stone, above that were placed Hurdles compacted together with slimie sulphur, these were covered over with brick, and that overlaied with Sheets of lead, upon which was cast abundance of earth manured with that dexteritie, that plants grew there as properly as in their native soil. Strange indeed it was to see a wood upon the top of an hous, and that trees rooted in stone should grow 50 foot in heighth; and yet the credit hereof hath an interest in the best Autors, both among the Greeks and Latines. And this was once the flourishing estate of Babylon, that fierie furnace in which it pleased God to dis∣solv the hardest hearts of the most refractarie Jews. But now Bel is bowed down and Nebo stoopeth, no Arabian pitcheth his tent there, nor Shepheard his fold: But Jiim crieth in the Palaces, and the Houses are full of Ohim; The Ostriches dwell there, and the Satyres dance there.
Thus leaving Babylon the beautie and pride of the Chalde∣ans, wee com unto Mesopotamia, which bordereth upon this Countrie South and by west. This is called in Scripture Aram naharaim, that is Aram between the two Rivers, to wit, Tigris and Euphrates, here Abraham sojourned at Carras, famous for the sight of Crassus: this also was the Countrie of Laban the Syrian.
Further West Tigris boundeth Ashur: Moses calleth it Hiddekel, which Rabbi Chimchi derive's from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, either saith hee, becaus the waters are of a sharp taste, or els becaus they are of a swift cours. The Chardeans call it dig∣lath 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the Arabians 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Aldiglath, all for the same reason: for the word Diglath or Diglito, as Plinie hath pre∣served it, is corrupted out of Hiddekel; or if Diglath bee a primitive, the reason is notwithstanding the same, for that also signifieth a thing narrow and swift. Let Josephus bee the interpreter. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. for this caus also it was called Tigris, though Ari∣stotle himself hath said otherwise, who, as hee is introduced by the Scholiast of Dionysius Afer, testifieth that in times past this river had been called Sulax, which, saith hee, signifi∣eth 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 prone or precipitate (such indeed it is) and in
after times Tigris, from that Tiger which carried mad Bac∣chus, I know not whether. But the word it self discover∣eth its own Etymon, Tigris from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 gir, signifying in the Persian tongue an arrow: to which if wee add the Hemantick letter 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Tau, wee have the word entire 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Tiger or Ti∣gris, becaus the stream of this river ran so swift, that it was most like the projection of an Arrow out of a Bow. and this is the opinion of Quintus Curtius, and others. And well might notice bee taken of the swiftness of this River, the stream of whose current usually ran as fast in one daie, as the most nimble footman can do in seven, if Shichard hath not mistaken in his Taric of the Kings of Persia; where hee citeth Plinie and Solinus, but none could give him occasion so to saie, save onely Dionysius Afer in these words, where speaking of Tigris, hee thus setteth down
—〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.Which words perhaps Shickard might understand in that sens, in which wee have cited him; but the Poëts intent is far otherwise, as hee may understand that readeth his Scho∣liast who best understood him; for Eustathius upon those words thus discourseth,
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (id est Tigris & Euphrates) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Wherefore, according to the judgement of the Scholiast, the meaning of his Poet is, that the distance of the two ri∣vers Tigris and Euphrates, is as much as the best fitted tra∣veller could go in seven daies; that is as much as if hee had said, Mesopotamia in breadth would prove to a good foot∣man seven daies journie. So though Tigris bee 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, of all Rivers the swiftest, yet in this opinion hee hath made more haste then good speed. Wee have suffi∣ciently lingred upon the borders of Assyria, wee will now travel in the Countrie, begining first with Adiabene be∣caus
becaus as Plinie and Solinus testifie, Adiabene est Assyriorum initium. The begining of Ashur is that part which is cal∣led Adiabene, for here 'tis probable that the founder made the first plantation of his Assyrians, becaus the King Nim∣rod first conquered this place, and setled the Government in a Metropolis erected by himself.
It was called Adiabene, not as the Greeks have vainly con∣jectured from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, becaus this was a place of hard passage, as Strabo, Eustathius, and the rest; for this conceit is refuted by Marcellinus, a traveller in these parts, who witnesseth that hee passed over a certain River called Adiavas, from which the place was called first Adia∣vene, which word when it came among the Greeks, they changed, υ into β necessitie often urguing them to this, for want of that letter in their Alphabet, so where the Original readeth David, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Septuagint they read 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Evangelists reteining the same.
In Adiabene that which first and best deserv's our diligence is the thrice noble seat of Ninus. The Scripture Stile's it both in Moses and the Prophets, urbs magna Deo, and there∣fore seeing God himself hath taken notice of it, wee will take the more.
It was called Ninive from Ninus, quasi Nini, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Naveh, that is the habitation of Ninus, becaus Ninus set the last hand to the complement of this Citie, and there kept his Court.
But hee that laid the first foundation was the son of Cham, not Sem; though our English Metaphrase hath so transla∣ted. To decide the matter hear Moses himself: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 In which words, our Translation taketh Assur for a person, which beyond all doubt should bee taken for a place, and then it run's thus: From that land (to wit Babylon) hee (that is Nimrod) went out into Ashur and builded Ninive. And this is the meaning of Moses in the minde of that most learned Jew Ramban, or R. Moses ben Nachman, as shall appear by his gloss upon the place, as hee is cited by Abarbinel in his Commentaries upon Bereshith.
Ramban saith, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Ramban in Abarbinelis Commen, ad Bereshith. These words intend thus much. Out of that land went Nimrod to rule over the Countrie of Ashur and there hee built Ninivie, and the rest of that Province's great Cities, whereof (Moses) maketh mention, and this Text 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is all one as if it had been 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 &c. Thus Ramban, who also citeth a Con∣cordance necessarily requiring the like exposition in the like case, as saith hee 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, must bee rendred as if it had been 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Ramban in this is not singular, nor hath wanted his deserved approbation among our own most learned Writers. For thus readeth M. John Drusius, so Tremelius, judicious Calvin, and diligent Parae∣us: none without good reason, for what should Assur the son of Sem do among the children of Cham? And again, hee that built Babel, was as likely to build Ninive. The founder therefore of this Citie was Nimrod, for the situati∣on thereof, it was set upon the River Tigris. A late Writer of our own in his Microcosm hath made bold to displace it, affirming that it was built upon Euphrates, which if it do not otherwise appear, I will ingeniously repent the mention of him, whom notwithstanding I should also have spared in this place, had hee himself spared great Sca∣liger in a lesser matter: were it not that I count it frivolous to cite a modern Autor in a matter of Antiquitie; to this one I could oppose the Autoritie of manie, amongst whom Ninive upon Tigris is as ordinarie, as London upon Thames. But to fetch that situation upon this River, from the same fountain which they did, I appeal to the Antients.
Amongst the Latines Plinie is plain, that Ninus the Citie stood upon the River Tigris. Among the Greeks thus Hero∣dotus, speaking of a certain Trench, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: where out of all doubt, though the Text bee somthing cryptical, yet 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is not to bee referred to Euphrates, or the Trench, but to Tigris, as the same Autor expoundeth
himself in Euterp, where hee plainly saith, that Tigris run's by Ninive. Arrian in his book of the affairs of old India speaking of Tigris thus writeth, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. that is, Tigris runing out of Armenia antiently a great and famous Citie, &c. where a trustie and faithful Writer hath plainly set down our desire. To these wee add the last and greatest, our master Ptolomie, according to whom wee have placed this Citie upon this River towards the Sun rising.
Besides this consent of the Greeks, summ up the whole truth in the Autoritie of an Hebrew Geographer, and hee, testis oculatus, to wit, the forenamed Benjamin Tudelensis in his Itinerarie, where making mention of that Citie which the Arabians call, and others from them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Almozal, saith that Citie is built upon Hiddekel (that is Tigris) on the one side, over against Ninive, a bridg onely between it and Ninive; if therefore Mosal bee built upon Tigris, there beeing but a Bridg between it and Ninive, it is appa∣rent in the judgment of an eie-witness, that wee have pla∣ced it where it should bee. Onely Diodorus dissenteth whe∣ther by an error in the Text, or by misinformation, one or other it is likely: for wee must not forsake all these, to lean to one. The reason of his error might bee, becaus in fine these two Rivers meet and becom one and the same.
Ninus therefore was set upon Tigris, not as Diodorus up∣on Euphrates, nor upon the River Lycus, as M Nicolas Ful∣ler in his Miscellanea, who for that opinion citeth all those almost, whom wee have introduced for the contrarie, adding also Ammianus Marcellinus, an Autor as hee saith beyond all exception, which wee denie not; onely this wee have found, that both hee and the rest are by Fuller in this mat∣ter misinterpreted, as hee that diligently readeth shall bee readie to testifie. For the situation thus much. For the circuit and compass thereof, the Prophet Jonah describeth it to bee a great Citie, even in the eies of God, of three daies journie, Diodorus saith, that the sides thereof were inaequi∣later, the longest sides containing 150 furlongs in length,
the shortest 90. According to which dimension of the parts, the whole circuit must bee 480 furlongs, which divided by eight, set off for the Quotient 60, the number of English miles, measuring the compass of this citie. The words of Diodorus are these, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. where the Autor having discoursed upon the immens and ample circuit of Ninus, addeth, That the Founder fail∣ed not of his purpose: for after him (saith hee) never anie erected the like Citie, whether wee respect the greatness of the Compass, or the stateliness of the Walls: for the Walls were in height one hundred foot, and so thick that three Charriots might ride upon the breadth together. Hee addeth also, that the walls were beset with a thousand and five hundred Towers; each of them erected to the height of two hundred foot. So far Diodorus: whom after ages may for ever gratifie for this pretious monument of Antiquitie, (which hee alone seemeth to have preserved) for the illustrati∣on of that which the Holie Ghost in Scripture more then once inculcate's concerning this vast and mightie Ninive.
That Citie of Babel and this of Ninive by a fatal vicissitude held up the Assyrian Monarchie, till the time of Daziavesh the Mede, and Cyrus the Persian. It suffered manie over∣throws, before it received it's last: two famous, the one by the irruption of the River Tigris, which at an inundation broke out upon the wall, and threw down twentie furlongs thereof, which destruction, (notwithstanding the stream of Interpreters run's otherwise) yet let the Learned inquire whether it were not plainly foretold by the Prophet Na∣chum in those words 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that is, And with an Inundation passing by, hee shall make a full end.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Septuag. Chro∣nologie seemeth to denie this interpretation; but each man must consider, that the time of this Prophet, or his Pro∣phecie is not determinate by anie autoritie of Antiquitie, and therefore in the Moderns can bee but conjectural. That the River made this ruine, Diodorus is a pregnant witness. The second destruction was undertaken and ended by Ne∣buchadonosor the King of Babel, as the Jews in their Chro∣nologie testifie: So Rabbi Saadias upon the Prophet Da∣niel. And indeed this Citie was too great to bee destroied at once, beeing as wee have said 60 miles in compass. The Reader at the first sight may judg it incredible, were not Alcaire in Egypt at this daie extant to correct his unbelief; a place, as Buntingius hath noted, no less in circuit; and so populous, that there once died of the Plague in one daie twentie thousand.
The Prophet Jonah writeth, that in the citie of Ninive, by the testimonie of God himself, were more then one hun∣dred and twentie thousand persons, which could not discern between their right hand and their left. If there were so manie children, then at the proportion, the inhabitants were almost innumerable.
The Tomb of Ninus was almost as admirable as the Citie; but of that in his Life.
It may now bee said of Ninive, which once was of a great Citie in Strabo, Magna Civitas magna Solitudo: The greater Ninive was, the greater are her ruines: for now, The rejoicing Citie that dwelt carelesly, that said in her heart I am, and there is none besides mee, how is shee becom a desolation? a place for beasts to lie down in; everie one that passeth by her shall hiss and wag his head. Zephan. 2.15. Against this Citie prophecied Jonah, Nachum, Zephanie, &c.
It is at this daie falsely called Mosall, and at that place Nestorius his Sectaries have taken their Shelter, that Heretick of Constantinople condemned by a Synod at Ephesus, &c.
Next unto Adiabene is Arbelitis, so called from the most antient citie Arbela, which notwithstanding, what Strabo hath said of the son of Athmoneus, I would diligently de∣rive
of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Ir Bel, that is the Citie of Belus, who was no doubt the first founder thereof, after the death of Nimrod. At Arbela was that bloodie battel between Dar∣javesh and the great Alexander for the Empire of the world, as the common tale goe's: but Arrian in the description of this expedition affirmeth the contrarie, from the testimonie of two eie-witnesses, Ptolemaeus and Aristobulus: adding that the battel was pitcht at Gaugamela; the same thing Plutarch hath observed. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Scaliger giveth the reason of this mistake, Becaus, saith hee, Arbela was famous, and therefore better deserved to car∣rie awaie the credit of such a victorie then Gaugamela, a poor obscure Village, which before him Arrian hath said, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Gaugamela (saith hee) is no citie, but a village, and but a little village, the place no waie fa∣mous, and bearing but a homely name. And therefore hee saith, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Whereas hee saith that Gaugamela is known but by a homely name, it deserv's further enquirie. Scaliger saith, that the word Gaugamela is in the language of the place as much as the inwards of a Camel, which signification the word indeed will bear in the Assyrian tongue, but for what reason? The learned Critick answer's, That som of the Antients have said that a Camel's Inwards were there in∣terred. Causabon in his notes upon Strabo, deriveth it from Geh and Gamal, Geh signifying an eminent high place; but Strabo himself hath given the best, and the most antient E∣tymon, who setteth down that it was called Gaugamela, that is, saith hee, the Hous of a Camel: and this will hold, for so Gaugamele might with a facile error bee written for Nau∣gamela, there beeing no difference between Gimel and Nun, but a smal apex or excrescence, which oft-times escape's the Printers diligence, and more often might the Transcriber's haste: and seeing it was Naugamela from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Nauh Gamal, it signifieth properly and aptly the hous or habita∣tio of a Camel. The reason of this imposition is well ren∣dred
by Strabo, becaus saith hee, Darius the son of Hystaspis bestowed that place of rest and food upon his wearie faint∣ing Camel, which had tired out himself in his hard service. At Gaugamela therefore, not at Arbele was fought that fa∣mous battel of the two mightie Monarchs for the Diademe of the world, which fortunate Alexander brought awaie, Heaven it self bearing witness thereto by an Eclips of the Moon.
Not far from Arbela is the Mountain Nicatorium 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as Strabo cal's it (for in Ptolemie wee finde it not) A∣lexander the Great gave it that name from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, vinco, that it might bee, as to this daie it is, a constant Trophie of that famous victorie which this King atcheiv'd at Gaugamela.
In this Countrie of Arbelitis, Strabo also placeth the Ci∣tie Demetrias, as also the Temple of Aeneas, and the Palace of the King of Persia, with the bituminous Fountain, all which wee have set down according to his description.
Upon the River Caprus standeth Oroba; which Junius well conjectureth to bee no other, then that which Moses in Genesis calleth Rehoboth. In the South coast of Arbelitis, be∣tween Caprus and Gorgus, Ptolomie placeth Thelbe, which perhaps was so called from Tubal, as also another Citie pla∣ced by the same Ptolomie in Babylonia without our Chart, so called out of doubt from Tubalcain, for hee writeth Thelbe∣cain with no great error.
Next to Arbelitis is Arrhapachitis, so called from Arrhapa, a Citie lying in this coast East and South upon the limits of Apolloniatis. This Arrhapachitis, Junius had once conceived to bee no other but Arpatis, and the chief citie thereof to have been that Arpad, which is spoken of in the Kings, and elswhere: but this Learned Commentator correcteth him∣self in the 49 of the Prophet Jeremie, vers. the 23. This Coast doubtless took it's name Arpachetis, from Arphacsad, the son of Sem, and brother to the founder Assur. Here lieth Darna, Obana and the rest, places better known by their names then ought els. Next them the Sambatae, and below Appolloniatis, famous for the Metropolis from whence it had it's name. These names are reckoned up by
Vadian, Glarean, Volateran, and Niger; men who altogether followed Ptolomie in their Chronographie of the Land of Ashur: more then the names will hardly bee found either in them or elswhere, onely Apollonia, nor much of that. But 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 deserv's our consideration, for which wee gra∣tifie old Isidore the Characenian cited by Athenaeus, for other∣wise wee had never attained to the knowledg of that place which Moses calleth Calanne in the land of Singar, for that Calanne without question is the Metropolis of this Countrie Calonitis which our Autor old Isidore calleth 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as wee have placed it. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 saith hee, lieth so, that it is separated from the Medes by the Mountain 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as wee have said.
Thus wee have indeavoured the delineation of the fa∣mous frontiers of old Ashur, which the reader if hee pleas may behold in our Chart; alwaies provided that hee bee not offended at this, that wee have drawen the lowest paral∣lel equal to the highest of that Latitude; for 'tis easily known to my slender skil, that seeing Topographical plains are all portions cut out of the entire Sphears, there∣fore the Parallels as they increas in Latitude ought to bear a different proportion to their Meridians: yet this curious cours wee took not in a matter that needeth it not, but projected the Chart upon a Parallelogram, becaus in a di∣stance no greater, for a purpose of no greater moment, the disproportion can nothing prejudice the Description.
THe State-Government of Assyria was Regal, it began in Tyrannie, which Aristotle cal's the Vice of a Mo∣narchie: it continued under the succession of absolute Princes from Jove Bel to Belshazar. The policie which this Countrie did enjoie was as in all other Kingdoms, Ecclesi∣astical and Civil. In their Ecclesiastical policie wee consi∣der their Religion. God they served, but not the true; nor one, but manie and fals. ••••their Deities, for the most part, were placed in Heaven; the Sun, Moon and Stars; and in∣deed,
were men allowed to chuse themselvs a God: this was somwhat a tolerable impietie, for such great Astronomers to adore the Host of Heaven.
The Manner how they worshiped the Sun is set down by Macrobius, who describeth the Image under which this Pla∣net was adored, adding unto his description a Symbolical interpretation. To the Sun they sacrificed Horses, and the reason was, becaus they judged it convenient, that the most nimble God should bee served with the swiftest Obla∣tions. The Altars whereupon these Sacrifices were offered, they erected either in open Courts, as 2 Reg. Chap. 21. vers 5. or els upon the tops of their Houses, as Zeph. 1.5.
Tremelius supposeth that the Prophet intendeth this God of the Sun by that which hee calleth Nebo, but that deserv∣eth further enquirie: Doubtless Nebo was som notable Sta∣tue among the Teraphins, and what they were wee will now strive to discover. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Taraph the root and singular of Teraphim seemeth properly to have signified anie dishonest disgraceful matter, as Elias Tisbites intimateth in the word Taraph; where also hee insinuate's both the affinitie and Etymologie of the Latine word turpitudo, from this Hebrew word Taraph. For so saith hee the Latines call, id quod turpe est 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Turpitudo. And for this caus the Hebrews called that Magical divination of their Heathen neighbours which was made by inchanted Heads and Statues Turpah, and those Images so charmed Teraphim: for the Teraphim were certain Lares or houshold-Gods in which the Divel made answer to the simple Heathen; their making is thus set forth by Tisbites out of Rabbi Eliezer. in the 36 Chapter
whose words wee may render in this manner, speaking of those Idols, I have found (saith hee) that the Teraphim are thus contrived. They cut the throat of a first born male, they pul off his head and powder it with salt and odors, (Then) they write upon a plate of Gold the name of an unclean Spirit putting that under the head, then place they this head upon som wall, set∣ing burning Lamps before it, and so worship in the presence thereof, and of these Laban asked counsel, &c. as wee have set down in the margine foregoing. So the Chaldee Paraphrast in Hosee rendreth Teraphim by 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Mechauvi, Indicans, shew∣ing or declaring: For that was the condition of these Te∣raphim, as Rabbi Chimchi also approveth in the Root Taraph and Delrio an expert Magician in his Animadversions upon the words of Laban.
The like is set down in the Book of R. Simeon Ben Jo∣chai which is called Zohar. fol. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 upon the words of Mo∣ses, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 And Laban went, &c. It is therefore manifest, that the Teraphim were nothing els but the heads of first born males, made and erected under the influence of som certain Planet under whom som certain Spirit (as Orifieb over Sa∣turn was predominant, whose name must bee ingraven in som thin plate, and placed ceremoniously under the Head, this don, Lamps must bee solemnly burned before it, and then after som diabolical Exorcisms, Necromantically per∣formed the head shall prove vocal. The tale goe's current amongst us, that our Countrieman Roger Bacon once framed such a kinde of Magical Machination in Brass. Doubtless Albert the Great spent thirtie years to frame out a statue like a man, and in the end by the apt composure of certain en∣gines and manie moovable machinations, taught the Image to speak; but 'twas much, if not Magick: for speak it did and that so Articulately, that it well nigh frighted a great Schoolman out of his wits, even Thomas Aquinas himself, as Boterus relateth.
That which persuadeth us that the Idol Nebo was one of the Teraphim, is the Etymon of the name; for Nebo is deri∣ved from a root, which signifieth to Prophecie or Divine, as they did by the Teraphim, for that reason of the word is ren∣dred
by the Jews. So Abarbines upon that place in Isaiah, Nebo stoopeth.) That the Assyrians used Teraphim is mani∣fest by the Storie of Laban. That they were noted Magiti∣ans and Astrologers, Simoetha the Witch in Theocritus doth manifestly declare, where speaking of her Veneficial Philtra, shee confesseth to the Moon in the Dorick Language that shee learned those tricks of a Traveller that came from the Land of Ashur, that is, (saith the Scholiast) from a friend of hers that was an Assyrian. Who also addeth, that the Assyrians were a Nation in Magick most exact. And therefore seeing it cannot bee determined for certain what this Nebo should bee, I know not why this conjecture may not with others have it's pardon, seeing it hath brought som probabilitie.
That therefore the Assyrians worshiped the Sun, 'tis manifest: as also that they worshiped him not under the name of Nabo; this Nabo beeing, as wee have conjectured, som one more noted then the rest among the Teraphim, but if anie pleas to ask Antiquitie for the name of this great God the Sun, hee shall finde his Answer in Macrobius, who tel∣eth us that the great God of Ashur was the Sun, and that his name was Adad; which, saith hee, by Interpretation signifi∣eth (one) so indeed 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Ada in the Assyrian tongue doth signifie from the Hebrew 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Achad, unus. A grea∣ter testimonie of this Idolatrie then Macrobius, wee finde in the Prophet Esay in the last Chapter, where God threatneth to confound those that purifie themselvs in Gardens (〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 saith the Text) Achar Achad, behind Achad that is ei∣ther the Temple, or rather som Idol erected to the honor of the Sun, not unhappily placed in the midst of their Gardens, where each spectator might dailie behold and admire the pregnant effects of the Sun's vigorous in∣fluence, and powerful operation. 'Tis the accurate inter∣pretation of the learned Scaliger, in his notes upon the Greek Fragments, page 35, approved also by another Sca∣liger of our own, M. John Selden in that choice work of his upon the Syrian Gods. Both these consent that the Ido∣latrous Rites spoken of in the same vers, make but up a su∣perstitious
kinde of Lustration. The former part of their gloss is undoubtedly true, the later whether it bee or no, it is no waie necessarie for this place, nor (since they have saied it) these years to determine. If wee nothing help, it shall nothing hinder that wee add thereunto; that in the vers, as wee have set down, mention is made of Mice which bear their share in the Abomination, for so saith the Text. They that purifie themselvs in Gardens behinde Achad, in the mid∣dle, eating Abominable flesh, as of Swine and Mice, &c.
Alexander ab Alexandro relateth the most of the Antient kindes of Lustrations, but maketh no mention of Mice. yet it is to bee noted, that manie rites performed in these Exercises, were altogether Magical; in that sens the Mice may take place, and com within the verge of their Gloss: for a Mous is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, an Elf which Conjurers are not unacquainted with. Hear what they say.
Take the liver of a Mous and give it in a Fig to the Swine and they shall follow the doner which waie or whither hee listeth. Pierius in his admirable discours upon the Aegy∣ptian Hieroglyphicks introduceth an experiment to prove this Charm, which himself saw at Patavium.
All this is the more probable, becaus as wee have alrea∣die prooved, our Assyrians were greatly given to exorcisms.
And so wee have don with their Idolatrie to the Sun.
Herodotus telleth further, that these Assyrians also wor∣shiped the Moon, and good reason, or els they had no God all night, a time as I suppose, wherein they had most need. They worshiped the Moon under the name of My∣litta, which word Scaliger hath well noted, in their Language signifieth Genetricem, in which sens it may not unaptly bee applied to the Moon, whose power though ordinarie, Philosophie supposeth to bee meerly passive, yet not without a Contradiction, the same Philoso∣phie allowing the light of the Sun to have a sensible and necessarie activitie upon the inferior bodies, allowing al∣so the light of the Moon to bee borrowed from the Sun, and 'twere a notable incongruitie, that the same light should bee active in the Sun, and passive in the Moon; but if the
Moon did nothing help the second causses in Generation, yet in the bringing forth 'tis evident, for this is most cer∣tain, though everie Midwife hath not observed so much, that the most easie deliverie a woman can have, is alwaies in the increas, toward and in the full of the Moon, and the hardest labors in the new and silent Moon; which Astrono∣mers call the Synode or Conjunction, which was the reason that the Midwives heretofore did alwaies in such a case im∣plore the aide of this Planet, for the safe and easie deliverie of their Infants. An Example hereof wee may have one a∣mong manie in the Comedie, where the woman in the ex∣tremitie of her travel, crie's out to the Moon, O Juno Luci∣na fer opem. And this amongst others must needs bee a rea∣son why our Assyrian worshipped the Moon, and why they worshiped her under that name. The Prophet Jeremie maketh mention of this worship in the 7 Chapter, where hee calleth the Moon the Queen of Heaven, as our English Translation hath verie well rendred. The Prophet addeth that the Women made Cakes to this Queen; And why the Women? First becaus the Moon was a Queen. 2. Be∣caus the Women at their labor were most beholding to the Moon, who by her great moisture mollifie's the Secundine and make's the passage easie for the deliverie of their chil∣dren. This Custom of offering Cakes to the Moon our Ancestors may seem not to have been ignorant of; to this daie our women make Cakes at such times, yea the childe it self is no sooner born, but 'tis baptized into the names of these Cakes; for so the women call their babes Cake-bread. Add hereunto that the Saxons did Adore the the Moon, to whom they set a daie apart, which to this daie wee call Moon-daie.
And thus wee have run through the chiefest Idolatries of this Nation: much more might bee said, and perhaps hereafter shall bee: in the mean time wee will onely add a Conjecture concerning Nisroc. Sennacherib, as hee worship∣ed in the hous of Nisroc, was slain by his two sons; who or what this Nisroc should bee, is so doutbtful, that Peter Mar∣tyr could finde nothing in all the Antient Writers to ex∣plain
the matter, his own opinion dependeth upon the E∣tymon of the word Nesrac which signifieth (as hee saith) Deum fugae mollis, a God or a Jove 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, whither as to a Sanctuarie Sennacherib might betake himself, it may bee so, I rather suppose, if I may bee so bold, that rac in this place signifie's the Sun; for so this people somtimes cal∣led the Sun, as Francis Junius hath noted upon Shad∣rac in the Prophet Daniel. So then this Temple was an Asylum built in Ninive, to the Honor and under the pro∣tection of the Sun, who was therefore called Nesrac, that is the Sun of flight, for the reason given.
It might bee added how these Nations applyed their de∣votion to the rest of the Planets, as to Venus that is Shar: in the honor of whom their Feasts were celebrated by the same rites that the Romane Saturnalia, the servants sitting down, and their masters attending: So also wee might put in Chiun, whom som cal Saturn, but of these, for ought I finde the matter is not so manifest; 'tis onely apparent that they worshiped the Sun and Moon chiefly: and the rest of the Host of Heaven in their order: but of that order and manner wee have nothing certain yet to saie, time may perhaps favor our industrie, and make us acquainted here∣after with that, which now wee must not bee ashamed to confess our selvs ignorant of. In the interim, wee must content our selvs with what hath been said, briefly con∣cerning their religious politie. Their Civil customs shall now take their places.
The King of Ashur was assisted in the Civil Government by a trebble Magistracie, chosen all out of the gravest and most noble within the Realm; The first sort were to look to the placing of their Virgins according to that manner which shall hereafter bee declared: as also to give judgment in Matters of Adulterie, &c. The second in matters of Theft: The third in the rest.
Physitians these people have none, they being such who cannot save anie man by their profession, till they have lost som by their practice. The custom here was, that all disea∣sed persons should bee conducted to the Market-place, con∣venient
provision beeing made for their safetie there. The reason was, that all passengers by should visit them, by in∣quiring out the nature of their diseas, and giving counsel for the remedie out of profitable experience made by them∣selvs, either in themselvs or som others, upon the like occa∣sion. And to this purpose it was provided by a perempto∣rie Statute, that no man should dare to pass by the Market-place, till hee had made such inquisition as is aforesaid. He∣rod. in Clio. Strab. lib. 16.
In this Countrie, it was not in the power of a private man to bestow his daughter in Mariage, but this was don by a publick Officer appointed for that purpose. The manner was thus.
Once everie year, all mariageable Virgins were brought by that officer into the Market-place, and there set to Sale; if they were beautiful, the fairest to those that gave most: when all the best were thus bestowed, the Monie which was paied in for them, was given to the rest which were not so comelie and meritorious in their beautie; everie one beeing supplied with a dowrie pro∣portioned to her want: By this means it came to pass, that still the Gentrie and most wealthie amongst the Men had the fairest among the Women, they beeing best a∣ble both to buie them and to keep them. Contrarily, the Commons and poorer people, who had not means to compass the best, had means given them to bee content with the worst. A Law not so provident as plausible, and however it fitted their Common wealth, it would bee ve∣rie unapt for ours.
Here followeth a Custom most detestable and unfit for anie. Everie woman throughout all the Countrie, was bound once in their lives to repair to the Temple of Ve∣nus, and there to prostitute their bodies to whomsoever, that would but throw down a certain piece of monie, were it less, or more; which monie was given to the Temple, and to the honor of the Goddess. Their man∣ner was thus. The Women sate down in the Temple, di∣stinguished one from another by little lines of Cord, which
hee that would might take awaie, or break, if the Woman seem'd to bee coie; and so take their Strumpet out of the Temple into a by-corner, &c.
The Epistle of Hieremie, (if that bee his which wee finde annexed to the Apocryphal Baruch) maketh mention of this horrible and impious practice.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
And the women encompassed with lines, sit down in he Allies, burning Bran for perfume: but if anie of them drawn by som that passeth by lie with him, shee reprocheth her fellow that shee was not thought as worthie as her self, nor her Cord broken.
This Venus also they called Mylitta, as they might for as good reason as they did the Moon: but as in their Gods so in the names of their Gods, hee that readeth shall finde notable confusion. Master Selden understandeth by Suc∣coth Benoth, nothing els but this Temple or Tabernacle of Venus: from Benoth also hee deriveth her name. Let the Learned examine it. Bee the conceit true or fals, it is attended with an egregious dexteritie in the cariage, and probabilitie in the conjecture.
The Assyrians burie their dead Corps in Honie, for the most part, and cover over the bodies with the Wax, their manner of Lamentations for the Dead, is to beat their breasts, and to besmear their faces with dirt not un∣like in this to the Egyptians, of whom, see what Herodotus writeth in Euterpe.
Arrian maketh mention of certain Sepulcres of the Kings of Ashur found by Alexander amongst the Fenns in Babilonia:
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. A like place to this I have not as yet found, &c.
Their Habite in Apparel was to wear long garments, one without of Woollen, another under that of Linnen, wee may
call the first a Coat, the other a shirt; they had without these a white Mantle. They alwaies wore rings upon their fingers not without a seal, they never walked without a staff, and their staves had knobs carved with a Rose, or Lilie, or such like. Herod. Strabo. ibid,
Against Ashur prophecied Balaam the Magician, Esaie, Je∣remie, Zephanie, Nahum, and others.
And this was the State of antient Ashur, in her flo∣rishing times, under the famous Rulers of the first Mo∣narchie.
In this Countrie these Kings acted their parts, especi∣ally at Babel and Ninive; the Assyrian one while bearing Rule, otherwhile the Babylonian: as hereafter shall ap∣pear.
Having thus briefly and rudely surveied the position and disposition of the Land of Ashur, peculiarly and pro∣perly taken, especially the two famous and Royall Seats of the Assyrian Monarchie, Ninive in Ashur, and Babel in her borders: it remaineth that wee address our selvs to di∣scours the succession of her Kings, which Chronological∣ly undertaken, ought according to the rules of that Art, to proceed either per 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as the master Chronologer Eusebius hath don in his first books; or els per annos expansos, as the same hath don in his second. Upon which see Scaliger's most learned Animadversions, and his Notes upon the first.
But the injuries of time have so far prevailed against the Method of this Monarchie, that wee cannot make use of anie of these artificial waies, the wounds in our golden head beeing so near to mortal, that no Principle or Rule in Art may touch them to the quick; and therefore our in∣dustrie must attemper it self to the necessitie of this Ataxie and confusion, which the neglect of Ages past hath breed in this unfortunate portion of Historie.
The first therefore and most Antient Description of this Kingdom of Ashur was performed by God himself, who upon a time discovered to the King of Babel, in the night Visions, the State and nature of this Monarchie under
the form and figure of a golden Head: under the form of a Head, becaus it bare the first and chiefest place among those Governments which were eminent in the World. A Head of Gold; First, becaus it was the most renowned among the Monarchies, as Gold among the Metals. 2. For it's great and admired Strength; Gold beeing the strongest of all Metals, becaus best and most neerly compacted. And for this caus also, this Kingdom in another Dream of the Prophet's own, is compared to a Lion. 3. For it's Perpe∣tuitie; Gold beeing the most durable Metal; and this Mo∣narchie of the longest continuance, which also seemeth to bee intended by the Eagle's wings upon the Lion; for the Eagle is observed to bee of a lasting constitution, as King David intimateth in the 5. vers of the 103 Psalm, and not∣withstanding this bird continued long, yet shee might live much longer, but that her upper beak crooketh in time over the lower, and so shee faileth, not with age, but hunger.
See here the Prophets own Monument, as it is preserved unto us in the tongue of the Chaldeans.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 &c. vide Etymo∣logicum ma∣gnum in vo∣ce 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Hesychium in voce 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Ptolemaeus Asia tab. 5. cap. 1.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Pag. 159. Tigurinae e∣ditionis.
Marcianus Heracle••tes in cap. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Longitudo & Latitudo Assyriae.
In the as∣signing Ge∣ographical Longitude, wee finde an observa∣ble diffe∣rence. The Moderns accounting from the Isles called Azores, guided by the variation of their compass: the Arabians account from the Pillars of Hercules, or the Streights of Gebaltarck, corruptly cal∣led Gibralter; Titus Abelfeldea, Som also from Arius under the Line, and others o∣therwise: but Ptolomie from the fortunate Isles, and him here wee follow.
Vitello Al∣hazen.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Elias in Me∣thurgeman.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Rab. Benjamin in Itinerario. citante Schichardo.
La Cosmo∣graphie U∣niverselle Livre. 8. Chap. 15.
Josephus 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. à c. 4.
Scaliger in Notis ad Fragmenta. pag. 40.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Etymolo. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Athenaeus.
Strabo lib. 15. Geog.
Strabo. lib. 15. Geog.
Plinie. Herodotus. Maximus Tyrius.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Benjamin in Itinerario fol. 20.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Shach with the Persians and Arabians and the neighboring inhabitants, signifieth a King: from whence is derived that form of Speech which wee use at the Chess-game, when the King is taken: to wit of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Shach Mat, commonly Check-Mate which in this language signifieth, The King is dead. Shichard in Taris Regum Persar.
Dan. 3.1.
Babylon.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, (〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Herodotus saith, the wall was 52 of the Kings cubits in thickness, Q. Curtius 32 foot in thickness. Quintus Curtius lib. 5.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Justin. lib. 1
See in Ty∣cho's Astro∣nomical Epist. the discription of this V∣raniburgu.
Isa. 13.19.
Ibid. Mesopota∣mia.
L. Florus.
Aristoteles ad Scholiast. Dionys. Af. Alexand.
Shickard Taric Re∣gum Pers. p. 206.
Eustath. in Dion. Afr. &c.
Ammianus Marcellinus in vita Juli∣ani. pag 302 edit. Lugdun
Ninive ••rbs.
Arrian. re∣rum Indie.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Benjamin. Itinerar. fol.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Jonae. 3.
Nachum c. 1 versu.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Hee should saie twelve thousand. See Joha Leo Affrica∣nus.
Arbelitis. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Ir. Bel.
Solinus. Arrianus in expeditione Alexandri. Strabo lib. 16. Geog. Scaliger in lib. de emen∣datione tem∣porum. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Gaugamela intestina Ca∣meli signifi∣cans.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
Ptolomae is lib. Gaeog.
Arrapachiti∣dis regio.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 &c.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 contra∣rium quod Imperio reg. id est, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Macrobius Saturna pri∣mo. Cap. 17 et 23.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Herodot. lib. secundo De Mapogetis loquens. idem etiam Xenophon de Armeniis scribit, eandem etiam caussam reddens lib. quarto, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Isaiah.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
Turpitudo Tesbites in Taraph.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Ex Pirke R. Eliazer perec. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
See M. Sel∣den De Diis Syris.
Aquinas hearing the statue speak brake it to pieces.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Caetera lege in loco Citato 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. Theoc. in pharma∣ceutria. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. Scholiast 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Scholiastes ibidem. Qui sese pu∣rificant in hortis po∣nè Achad in medio, come∣dentes car∣nem porci, Abominatio∣nis, & mu∣ris, confun∣dentur unà dictum Je∣hovae. Isa. cap. ultimo.
Pierius de Mure.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Mylitta, Mylitta, sig. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 In Notis ad fragmenta Vet. Graeco∣rum, &c.
Terent. An∣dria.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Reginae Coe∣lorum.
See M. Sel∣den.
Strabo. Herod. ibid.
Strabo. Herod.
Lib. 7. expe∣dit. Alex.