CHAP. LXXIX. Of Sciras and the Trade thereof.
* 1.1SCiras, in times past Persepolis, built by Perseus, who gave the name of Persians to the Inhabitants, was for a long time the Seat-Royal of this Empire, for which cause Alex∣ander (as is before mentioned) at the request of his Curtizan Lais, commanded it to be set on fire, but afterward repenting him of so great an Over-sight, he re-edified the same: * 1.2it is situated on the banks of the famous River Bindamir, which courseth through the Kingdom of Persia and Lar, and so emptieth it self into the Persian Gulph, and standeth just in the road∣way which leads from Hispahan to Ormus; it sheweth yet many eminent signs and monu∣ments of its former glory; as two very great Gates twelve miles distant asunder, shewing what the circuit was in the time of the Monarchy; also the ruines of a goodly Palace and Castle built by Cyrus, having a three-fold Wall, beautified with many Spires and Tur∣rets; the first twenty four foot high, the second forty eight foot high, the last ninety foot high, all of Free-stone, and formed in a square with twelve Gates of Brass on each Angle, with Pales of Brass set before them curiously wrought, testifying the magnificence of the Founder. It is now accounted one of the most famous Cities of the East, both for Traffick of Merchandize, and for excellent Armour and Furniture of War, which the Inhabitants here with wonderful cuis∣ning and art do make of Iron and Steel, and the juice of certain Herbs, of much more notable temper and beauty, than are those which are made with us in Europe.
The Coins. here in use being proper to the whole Kingdom, and the Weights and Measures not found differing from the same used in Ormus, the prime Port of this whole Kingdom, I shall not need here further to insist thereupon; and therefore from hence accompanying the Caravan, I in the next place survey the said famous Port of Ormus.