The History of the Turks describing the rise and ruin of their first empire in Persia, the original of their second : containing the lives and reigns of their several kings and emperors from Ottoman its first founder to this present year, 1683, being a succinct series of history, of all their wars (forreign and domestick) policies, customs, religion and manners, with what else is worthy of note in that great empire.

CHAP. V. The ruin of the Turks first Kingdom in Asia, by the Tartars.

THe Turks having flourished in Persia and the Lesser Asia by the Space of about 200 years under the Succession of divers Sultans and Kings: The Tartars a rough Savage People, dwelling in the cold barren parts of Asia Northward, under the leading of Ziugis their pretended Prophet, having wasted all before them, passed the high Mountain Caucasus, and part of the Mountain Taurus, came on upon the more fertile part of Asia, like a deluge, whose huge numbers were such that in a short time under the leading of Hoccata, old Ziugis's Son, himself being dead, before they had far proceeded they in a trice overrun India, Persia, and

almost all the other Countries of Asia none being able to stand before, nay so fearful were they to the Nations that at their Approach without giving battle Kings with their People sled not into fenced Cities but their Contries and amongst the rest Cursumes or as the Greek will have it Cor••••••tes: The Turkish Sultan of Persia leaving all the Cities naked to be possessed without resistance by the Barbarous Enemy, who in his slight dyed being the last King Linaly de∣fended of the S••lz••••cian Family Reigning in Persia, whereupon his Son Ʋgn••••chan taking upon him the leading the People that followed his Father seized upon Ba••••••••, now called Bagadet, supposing it the safest place of refuge, and the better to secure it put to the Sword all the inhabitants, but kept it not long, or the Turks 〈…〉〈…〉 after him, t•••••• the City by Storm, and in 〈…〉〈…〉, expell'd all his People, and so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on Conquered 〈…〉〈…〉, and many other 〈◊〉〈◊〉 both in the Great and Le••••er Asia, formerly possessed by the Turks, they by this means 〈…〉〈…〉 driven out of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 about the year of our Lord, 〈…〉〈…〉. yet there was found one of the Sel∣•••••• 〈…〉〈…〉 Royal Stem, named 〈…〉〈…〉 the scattered Turks 〈…〉〈…〉 to him in 〈…〉〈…〉 taking the advantage of the Greeks 〈…〉〈…〉 them∣selves. 〈…〉〈…〉 and the Countries 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and there first at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈…〉〈…〉 erect∣ed their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Kingdom, 〈…〉〈…〉 is by the Turks 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Kingdom of the Al••dine Kings. And by this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Monarchy in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was received; the 〈…〉〈…〉 S••iling himself great King and Lord 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Eastern Countries

During this 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the Constan•••••• 〈…〉〈…〉 broyles, which 〈…〉〈…〉 who had deprived his Elder Brother 〈…〉〈…〉 Em∣pire

for the Settlement thereof and securing himself in his throne to seek after the Life of the young Prince his Brothers Son, who was active in recovering to his Father the Empire that of right appertained unto him, which inforced the Prince to crave aid of Philip the Emperor of Germany, and the rest of the Princes of that Empire, and so prevailed by means of his Sister, who was Married to the said Emperor that being recom∣mended by him and the French King to the Army, then making an other expedition into the Holy Land and by them taken into protection with a Solemn promise of restoring him to his rightful Inheritance: In consi∣deration of which, he obliged himself to pay the French a great sum of Mo••ey, and to make Restitution to the Venations the lo••••es they sustained in the time of the Emperor 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by reason of an 〈…〉〈…〉 lay'd upon their gailies and se••••••re of the goods of their March and Recompence the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by reducing the Greek Churches to the obedience of the See of Rome, for of those three Nations was mostly this Army com∣posed which consisted of near two hundred thousand Horse and Foot.

Upon these considerations was the Voyage, in order to the Recovery of what was lost in Syria put off and all the forces ••ent against 〈◊〉〈◊〉 where the Usurper resided, who held his Brother the rightful Em∣perour in Prison, having deprived him of his sight, and coming before the port with their huge fleet that al∣most covered the Ocean, they ••••on broke the chain and entered with their Galley, upon sight of which those that kept the Greek Gallies in the per••••••••ed and left them as a prey to the Latins, for so they called the Western Christians, who not content therewith but resolutely thrusting on shore a 〈…〉〈…〉 those that guarded it to retire, 〈…〉〈…〉 re-enter the City, which the Usurper perceiving and well weighing he

was no ways able to oppose such an Army, taking with him all his Treasure, and several of his trustly Friends, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••ight, upon which the Citizens to avoid being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••ook the Old Emperor out of Prison; and the Second time proclaimed him Emperor, and immediately opened their gates, and admitted the Army calling them their dei••••erers; but this their Alacrity lasted not, for the Prince having made known his promises, and the Old Emperor confirmed the same, the People upon Settlement of the Taxes whereby such Sums should be raised as might satisfie the Conquerors, they grew dissatisfied, and raised tumults in several parts of the City; the better to Allay which, and to bring them to a Compliance, the good Emperor desired the Lattins to retire to their Camp; which was performed, but ••re he ••ould prevail with the Citizens to pay the Tax 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he through loss of Sight and other Infirmities 〈…〉〈…〉 had the Prince his Son Saluted Emperor in his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, who desirous to perform his Promise with the Lattins, proceeded where his Father lest off, but ••o no purpose; for when he pressed the raising of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 before 〈◊〉〈◊〉, they rose in Armes, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 like a Torr•••• to the Palace, threatned to 〈…〉〈…〉 of his Life and Empire if he did not 〈…〉〈…〉 him that he sent to the 〈…〉〈…〉 part of his Army pri∣vately into the City, at a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which he would deliver 〈…〉〈…〉 intention of the Em∣perors 〈…〉〈…〉 privy, Surnamed for his 〈…〉〈…〉 by the Emperors Fa∣ther had been 〈…〉〈…〉 a low condition to the 〈…〉〈…〉 and thinking to opportunity more 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to Empire, after which he had a long 〈…〉〈…〉 then the present ••••••••••ion, he gathered 〈…〉〈…〉 and im••••••••ed them what was in∣••ended, and then under a Simile of Friendship came to the

young Emperour, and seizing upon his Person, caused him to be Imprisoned, and by insinuating himself into the good liking of the Mobile, procured himself to be proclaimed, which was no sooner done but he strangled the Emperor, and attempted to sire the Venetian Gallies, which so inraged the Christians, that they resolved to lay close Siege to the City, the which after the over∣throw of the Usurpers Army under its Walls they did, and firing it in divers Places entered, upon which the Tyrant fled.

The City of Constantinople thus taken the 12 of April 1204, or as some will have it 1200, the Citi∣zens Lives at the request of the Religious were spared, but their Wealth became a prey to the Souldiers, so now those that refused to part with a little at the request of their Natural Lord for the support of his Honor and their Safety, were now obliged to part with all. After the Sack of this City most of the Cities of the Empire yeilded, whereupon the Princes assembling chose Baldwin Earl of Flanders and Hanault, Emperor, and amongst the other Princes was the Empire di∣vided into Provinces, each holding his Principality in fee of the Emperor as their Supream Lord.

Things being at this pass news came that Theodorius Lascaris had fortified Adr••ano••le, and raising forces for the recovery of the Greek Empire which ••••nsed the Latins under the leading of their Emperor to March against him, who upon news of their Approach retired into the City, which he strongly fortified expecting no less then a Siege, which accordingly was lay'd at what time John King of Bulgaria, otherwise called Mysia a large Kingdom lying between the great Moun∣tain Emaus and Danu••ius, aided by the Scythians a Barbarous People, came with a great power to raise the Seige, against whom the Emperor drew out his strengths, but following too eagerly, the Scythian Horsemen sent

out to Skirmish on purpose to ••••ain him into an Ambush, he ••ell in with the Kings power amongst the Woods and Mountains, where being over wearyed with the tedious 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he was overthrown himself taken Prisoner, and his Army for the most part Slain, nor sus••i••ed it the Barba∣rous King to have him in his Power, but after an Inhu∣mane manner cutting off his hands and feet, cast him yet living into a deep Valley, where he miserably perished, and thus died the first most Valiant Emperor of the Lattins in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 e're he had Reigned a full year.

The Emperor B••••hrin being dead, Henry his Brother was chosen in his stead, who to revenge his Brothers Death aided by the Lattin Princes, Marched against the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (who hightened with their Success were ••••r advanced, wasting with Fire and Sword all they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in their way) and after many notable 〈…〉〈…〉 ••iven, drove them out of all the places 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had 〈◊〉〈◊〉. During th••se proceedings Alexus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈…〉〈…〉 falling into the hands of the 〈…〉〈…〉 Eyes put out, and in that manner being 〈…〉〈…〉, was Condemned to be thrown 〈…〉〈…〉 angling the young Emperor, which 〈…〉〈…〉 a reward of his Treason was put in Exception. And the other Alexus commonly 〈…〉〈…〉, who deprived the Emperor Isaac of his Sight 〈…〉〈…〉 him, hearing that his Son 〈…〉〈…〉 desire ••s of his Kingdom, went to the Court of 〈…〉〈…〉 Sultan, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈…〉〈…〉 holding 〈…〉〈…〉 had shewed great 〈…〉〈…〉 his 〈…〉〈…〉 by his Brother 〈…〉〈…〉 there so prevail 〈…〉〈…〉 Sultan raised 〈…〉〈…〉 with it lay'd 〈…〉〈…〉 part of 〈…〉〈…〉 Kings 〈◊〉〈◊〉, of which he had no 〈◊〉〈◊〉 notice, but

with what Forces he could raise on the sudden, he po∣sted thither, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••riously upon the Sultans Army slew him in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thereof, which so discouraged the Turks, that ••••••••••thstanding Victory inclined to their side, they 〈…〉〈…〉 the City free; In this battle was taken Alexus the Author of the War, whom his Son-in-law notwithstanding used with great respect, though contrary to his desert.

In the mean time the ten years Truke between the Christians in Syria, and the Turks drew to a Conclusion: And Almeri••••s King of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Titular King of Je∣rusalem, refusing to assist them with Provisions and the like, the great M••sters of the Knights Templers, and Hospitalers sent to complain thereof to the Pope, and to inform him, that there was yet living one Ma∣ry the Daughter of the Marquess of Mont-Ferr••••, a La∣dy of incomparable Beauty, who they as her Tutor had brought up in hope of the Kingdom, and were now ready to bestow her upon ••••••••h a Person, as he should think worthy of her, together with her Right and Title to the Kingdom of 〈◊〉〈◊〉; upon which the Pope 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Almericus of the Title of King of Jerusa••••••n, and gave it to John Co••n•• D' Brenne, of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Trance. A man of great Fame and Courage, and then in Arms amongst the Lattin Princes, who upon notice thereof committing his Earldome to the care of his Brother, failed with a competent num∣ber of his followers to Tyre, where he espoused the Lady, and not long after the Pope, viz. Pope ••••••o∣cent the third, calling in a general Council, so dealt with the Princes and Prelates, th•••• great Forces were again raised for the relief of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the Holy Land, who setting fall 〈…〉〈…〉 Towns and Castles on the ••••••-Coast, 〈…〉〈…〉 with a great Fleet, and an Army by Land 〈…〉〈…〉, former∣ly called Pelusium, situate upon the Bank of N••••••;

resolving to begin first with Egypt, that Palestine might follow, where building Towers of Wood upon Gal∣lys, they fought with those that kept the Walls at even hand, and after great slaughter on both sides took the Suburbs, wherein they found not only store of Provision, but infinite Riches; being the Merchan∣dise of Persia, Arabia, India, and Egypt, that being the chief Scale of Trade in those parts. During this Transaction the Sultan lay hovering aloof with his Army, not daring to ingage the Christians, and so long he continued that Want began to rage in his Camp; insomuch that he was obliged to send away one part of his Army.

The Infidels thus foiled, though the City still held out, Corradi••e, Sultan of Damasco and Jerusalem sent his Ambassador to the Christian Princes, to sue for Peace, for himself and his Brother the Sultan of Egypt: In lieu whereof he promised to restore the Holy-Cross, and all the Towns his Father Saladine had taken from the Chri∣stians, which large offer was thought reasonable by most of the Princes, none opposing it but Pelagius the Popes 〈◊〉〈◊〉, John the late made King of Jerusalem, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Knights Templers and Hospitallers, and the Duke of A••siria, they alledging that the War was undertaken generally against the Infidels, and that they ought not to desist, till they had brought them under. Whereupon the S••••••••n supposing they would spee∣dily come to Jerusalem, caused it to be rased all, ex∣ce•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Tower of David, and the holy Sepulcher; 〈…〉〈…〉 instance of the Christians there dwelling, 〈…〉〈…〉 with all his people departed to Da∣•••••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but 〈…〉〈…〉 Christians, though too late, repented their 〈…〉〈…〉 advantageous an offer; for 〈…〉〈…〉 of the raw 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Vapors that ascend∣ed from Ni••••s, a mortal Contagion raged in the ••••mp, and much weakened it; so that the Sultan ta∣king

the advantage, indeavoured to put succors into the Town, with such speed that many entered, ere the Christians could take the Alarum; but they falling in the Rear cut off a great number that were shut out, lest the Christians should have entered Pell-mel with them into the City, and heightened with this success, they marched to the Sultans Camp and dared him to battel, but he not willing to hazard his Kingdom upon a cast, refusing, they assaulted him in his Lodging. In which daring Attempt, the French General was lost with ma∣ny more of note; so that without success they again returned to the Siege: Famine beginning to rage ex∣treamly in the City, and soon after its attendant the Plague, of which such a number died, that there were none left to defend it. So that the Christians en∣tering, found all the Streets paved with the dead, 70000 of the Infidels having perished therein through obstinacy, who upon surrender might have had their Lives and Liberties.

Thus this great City after a years Siege was taken, the Third of November, 1221. After which the Popes Le∣gate laying Claim to it in the behalf of his Master; though at the beginning of the War the Princes had concluded that all the Cities and Tow•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉, should be put into the Possession of the King of Jerusalem, a Contest arose between them, insomuch that the King retired to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and was hardly intreated to re∣turn; upon whose return, and the Arrival of the Duke of Bavaria, with fresh Forces at the Legates in∣treaty, a great part of the Army was drawn forth in order, to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the City of C••••, which they effected not without hopes of w••••••ing it, but being un∣acquainted with the Country, they i•• camping in low Ground, the 〈…〉〈…〉, and overflowed their 〈…〉〈…〉 Wa∣ters, of a prodigious depth•••••• that many perished there∣in,

and at last were obliged to re-deliver Damiata for their Ransom, and so the Sultan relieving them with such necessaries as they wanted, caused them to be Conducted out of Egypt: Whereupon most of them returned into their own Country, having first conclud∣ed a Peace for eight years with Coradine, the Sultan of Damasco, which Peace was by the Infidel inviolably ob∣served. King John upon his return, at the instance of H••••or••us, gave his Daughter Yoland in Marriage, to Er••drick King of Sicilia, and with her the Title of Jeru∣salem, from whence the succeedings derived their Titles, instiling themselves Kings of Jerusalem.

And now Henry the second Emperor of Constantino∣ple being dead, having Reigned eleven years and some odd days, Peter Count of Ausseres was made Emperor in his stead; who in revenge to Injuries done to the Ve∣••etians by Theodorus, Angelius Prince of Epirus besieged him in D••••rachium; but upon his feigned Submission a Peace was concluded, when the Emperor too much crediting the perjured Wretch, going into the City slenderly attended to an Entertainment, to which the Epir•••• had invited him, was by his Commandment slain.

Upon the News of this sad disaster, the Constantino∣p••li••••ns elected his Son Robert to succeed him, but he lived nor long, for having married a beautiful Lady before Contracted to a noble man of Burgundia, he in revenge, in the Emperors absence, with a resolute Company broke into the Pallace, and there seizing up∣on the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cut off her Nose, and Ears; and after∣ward 〈◊〉〈◊〉 her Mother, who had been the cause of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Contract, threw her into 〈…〉〈…〉 into the 〈…〉〈…〉 Mountains, living 〈…〉〈…〉 of his Companions, which 〈…〉〈…〉 the Emperor, that going to Rome in his return the died. After him succeed∣ed

his Son by the name of Baldwin the Second, being the fifth and last Emperor of the Lattins in Constantino∣ple. For Las••ares of whom I have before spoken after the overthrow he gave the Sultan mightily increasing his Power, rigged a great many Ships and Siezed upon all the Islands in the Iconium, and Egean Seas, Lesbos, Chios, Sa••os, Rhodes, &c. And by that means ren∣dered himself so formidable that most Cities before in the possession of the Lattins revolted to him, inso∣much that without any great resistance he brought his Army to the Gates of Constantinople, and then dying lefe his Son John Ducas Batazes to succeed him, who prosecuting the War against the Latrius became more terrible then his Father, strengthening himself by a Marriage between H••lena daughter to Assan King of Bulgaria and his Son Theodore: And after that renewed the League with the Sultain of Iconium, who was then 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Warring against the Tar∣tars.

During these p••ss••••es, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the German Empe∣ror, with great forces passed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Syria, but by Rea∣son he did not humble himself to Greogry the ninth; the proud Pre•••••••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thereto by his Strumpet, Fulminated against 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with Excommunications, send∣ing his Le••ters to the Christians, not to aid nor re∣ceive him upon his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but they did not regard the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pope, 〈…〉〈…〉 his Landing with his forces 〈…〉〈…〉 joyfully and honoura∣bly received 〈…〉〈…〉 to Sultan 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈…〉〈…〉 to 〈…〉〈…〉, but 〈…〉〈…〉 to 〈…〉〈…〉 to his 〈…〉〈…〉 desire, 〈…〉〈…〉 himself 〈…〉〈…〉 that after 〈…〉〈…〉, that the 〈…〉〈…〉 the 〈…〉〈…〉 was at hardly gladly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 up the City of

Jerusalem, with all the Land of Palestine, together with the Respective Cities taken by the Sultan Sala∣dine, and all the Christian Prisoners, in lieu of a ten years Peace which was accorded, and the Empe∣ror with his Army coming to the desolate City of Jerusalem, and there with great Solemnity on Easter Day Anno 1229 was Crowned King, and so having fortifyed the City by repairing the Wall, and Garri∣soned Nazereth, Joppa, and other strong Cities, and ap∣pointed Reynold Duke of Bavaria his Lieutenant in Syria, he returned home, where the Pope had put his Subjects in an uproar, and Seized upon his King∣dom of Naples, working him greater troubles then are convenient to be here related, as not perti∣nent to this History: only note that this was that Frederick, that marryed the King of Jerusalem's Daugh∣ter, and with her had the Title of King of Jerusa∣lem; which occasioned his setting forward to take pos∣session of that Kingdom.

The Emperor was no sooner returned, but to spight him, and break the ten Years League, he sent Lewis King of Navar with a great Power into Syria to invade the Sultans Dominions; but his Expedition was no ways prosperous, joyning Battle with the Sul∣tans Power, he and the rest of the Christians were o∣verthrown, which occasioned the loss of Jerusalem, soon after 〈…〉〈…〉 by the T••••ks, all the Souls that were 〈…〉〈…〉 being put to the Sword, and with 〈…〉〈…〉 hands demolished the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of our 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Saviour which all o∣ther 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had with a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 reverence sorborn to 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

The News of the great overthrow and the loss of 〈…〉〈…〉 to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Christian Princes of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, greatly tro••••••ed them, but most of all the Emperor and Lewis the Ninth King of France:

Insomuch that the latter gathering a great Power Anno 1248. set Sail and came to the Isle of Cyprus and there wintered, by reason of the far advancement of the Season, during which time he received an Embassador from the Master of the Templars, to inform him that there was no need of his coming by reason the Sultan oftered honourable terms, but the King understanding that it was a contrivance between them that the Tem∣plars might have the greater power, sent back to com∣mand him under pain of forseiting his head that he should receive no more Embassadors from the Sultan, and Early in the Spring weighing Anchor within five or six days sail he fell in with the Coast of Egypt, and with all his sleet sailing up the River Nile came be∣fore Damiata, to oppose whose landing the Governour with what forces he could draw out stood upon the banks, but in vain they resisted, for the French-men manning out their boats thrust on shore and put them to flight, leaving the Governour and 500 of their Compa∣nions dead upon the Strand, and perceiving the Christ∣ians were preparing to besiege the City the former Miseries it had indured coming afresh into their mind, they in the dead of night set every man his house on fire and sled, which the Christians perceiving they entered the City, and exstinguished the slames, saving so much as was possible, and there found abundance of Riches.

The Sultan upon notice of the loss of this strong City was greatly dismayed: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he sent to the French King to osser him several places in Palestine, never yet in the possession of the Christians, but his offer was rejected and 〈…〉〈…〉 by the Earl of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Kings brother.

During these s••irs 〈…〉〈…〉 Brother Melesh-S••ll•••• or 〈…〉〈…〉 whom joyned the Sultan of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to oppose the

Christians, and with his whole Power drew near to Damiata, where the Christian Army lay incamped; who Sallying out of their Trenches beat him back, but Sallying the next day, and following the Enemy too far many of them were slain, and the rest were forced to retire.

Long they were not incamped, before a private Messenger came to the King from the Governour of Cairo, to inform him that if he would draw near to the Walls of that great City, he would put it into his hands; the said Governour appearing to be much inclinable to the Christian Religion: Or, as some will have it, o•••• of Revenge for the Death of his Brother slain by the Sultans Command. Upon which the King assembled all his Power, and marched till he came to an Arm of N••••us, with part of his Army, under the Command of his Brother Robert Earl of Arth••••s pa∣ssing at a Board, discomfited the Turks, that desended the further Bank; but contrary to the advice of the renowned E••••l, and the Master of the Templers fol∣lowing the Chase e'r the other part of the Army ar∣rived, he was incompassed by the Sultans power, that ••ay in Ambush; that not above two Templers, one Hospitaler, and a common Souldier escaped to tell the heavy News.

This News was seconded, with that of the Impri∣sonment of the Governour of C••••••••o; which altogether disappointed the King of his purpose. Whereupon he pasted the River at the same Board his Brother had done, and behold the sad 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the min••••ed Careasses of the slain, each having his Head and Hards ••n•• off, the Sultan the better to incourage his Men, ha∣ing promised rewards to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 could bring them ei∣ther, but long he had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them, before the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 come upon him 〈…〉〈…〉, being near ten 〈…〉〈…〉; and after a 〈…〉〈…〉 overthrew him,

cutting the greatest part of his Army in pieces, and a∣mongst the rest the Flower of the French Nobility: The King and some few of the Nobility were taken Prisoners, and for their Ransom delivered up the Ci∣ty of Damiata, and payed 8000 pound in Gold, with a promise of a ten years Peace, but whilst the Sul∣tan was accompanying him to Damiata, two despe∣rate Russians assassinated him in the presence of his No∣bility, instigated thereto by one Turquiminus a Mama∣luke or Slave, got himself proclaimed Sultan, renounc∣ing the League that Melech-Sala had made, and made another in his own Name, not much different from the former; but performed not above the half part, but in fine, after the surrender of Damiata, which the new Sultan caused to be rased, the King with all his Reti∣nue were Conducted to Ptolomais, and at the end of six years, from his setting out sailing from thence arriv∣ed in his own Kingdom, having lost 60000 of his Sub∣jects in that expedition.

The Sultan being as aforesaid Traiterously murther∣ed, the Mamalukes or Slaves, bought by the Sultans of divers Merchants, to serve them in their Wars: Put an end to the Turkish Kingdom in Egypt, by deposing all such as bare Offices, or had places of trust, advan∣cing those of their own order, continually choosing their Sultans from amongst themselves, flourishing in great Renown for the space of 267 years, at the end of which they were totally subdued by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the victo∣rious Emperor of the 〈…〉〈…〉 151•• and the Kingdom of Egypt with all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and the 〈…〉〈…〉, as they are at this day annexed to the 〈…〉〈…〉, as shall be in process of this History 〈…〉〈…〉 these Actions passed John Dacc••••, 〈…〉〈…〉 ••••ed, having Reigned successfully for the space of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 three years, after whom succeeded 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his So••, who renewed the League his Father had made with the

Jathanites, the Turkish Sultan in the lesser Asia, after which with a puissant Army, he passed the Straights of Hellispont to appease the troubles raised in Mace∣donia, and Thessalia by the King of Bulgaria his Fa∣ther in Law, and the Despot of Thessalia, during which one Michael Paleologus a great Courtier fled to the Tur∣kish Sultan, under pretence that he doubted his Life, by reason of those Enemies he had at Court, that in∣veighed against him; and at his coming to Iconium, sound the Sultan leavying an Army to oppose them that spoiled his Country, of whom he was kindly received, and the Greeks in his Service reduced under his Com∣mand; and so marching against the Enemy a dreadful Fight began, the Turks charging with great Courage, putting the Right-wing to flight, and disordering their main Battalion: So that Victory began to declare her self in favour of them, when one of the Sultans chief Commanders out of some former grudge, fell with the Squadron of Persian Horse under his Command to the Enemy, and by that means turned the Scale of War, so that the Turks, who even now were Conquerors fled for their Lives; nor durst the Sultan stay in his own Country, but fled to Constantinople, where of the Em∣peror he was kindly received, and aided with what Force he could spare, under the leading of an experi∣enced Captain, for which kindness he gave the Empe∣ror the City of Laodicea.

Not long after this, was Palelogus received into Fa∣vour, and restored to his Dignity, upon his solemnly swearing to be true and Loyal to him and his Sons, which had not long been done, ••'r the Emperor fell sick and dyed, Reigning only three years, and in his stend was Crowned his Son John, a Child of six years old, who was by the Emperors last Will bequeathed to the Tutorage of Arsenius the Patriarch, and George Muz••la, the letter of which being of mean Birth, hav∣ing

raised for his Vertues, and good parts by the de∣parted Emperor, which caused him to be greatly envyed by the Courtiers; whereupon he assembling together, desired to be rid of his Charge, but every one seem∣ing unwilling to undertake it, he still continued with much Integrity; but several having conspired against him, of which Paleologus was Chief, they during the Obsequies of the defunct Emperor slew him, and se∣veral that they supposed Favoured him, even at the Altar; and in a short time Paleologus usurped the Em∣pire, not in the least regarding his former Oath.

About this time Mango, the great Cham of Tartary stirred thereto by Amonius the Armenian King, of whom he had received the Christian Religion: Sent his Brother Haalon with a powerful Army against the Turks, and Sarazens in Syria, and the Land of Palestine, who in the space of six Months over-run all Persia, with the Countries adjoyning, and came at length into Syria, and took the great City Babylon at that time, commanded by the Caliph, putting all the Inhabitants to the Sword, inriching his Soldiers with the spoil, and passing from thence through Mesopotamia, took the City of Rhoais, and there being supplyed with fifty two Horse and Foot entering Syria, he rased Aleppo and other strong Towns, and soon after won Damas∣co; when as the Sultan with his Wife and Children came and fell before him, desiring him to spare his Coun∣try, but in vain, for he wasted all before him; but be∣ing about to pass on to Jerusalem, News was brought him of his Brothers death, upon which he returned home; yet at his departure for the good Will he bore the Christians, he left his Son Abiga with 20000 Horse to aid them in Wars, but Abiga hearing of his Fathers Troubles about his Establishment in the Em∣pire, departed with 10000 of the 20000 leaving the rest under the Command of Guirboca a valiant Cap∣tain,

who by some affronts put upon him by the Christians became their mortal Enemy, yet letted not give battle to the Sultans Army of ten times to the number, and not being aided by the Christians, was overthrown, wherein himself fighting couragiously with greater part of his small Army were slain; and thereupon Antioch, and most of the Towns holden by the Christians, were taken by the Sultan Bandocador.

By this time the Tartars warring in the lesser Asia, had driven Jathanites out of all his Dominions, whereupon he fled to the Greek Emperor for aid, or Re∣fuge; but ingrateful as he was, not regarding the Kind∣ness he had received at his Hands, when he fled from Theodorus the Emperor, he committed him Prisoner at large to the City of Aenus in Thrace, appointing seve∣ral to watch him so narrowly that he should not escape.

When Paleologus had Reigned at Nice two years, he sent Alexus Stregopulus against the Despot of Epi∣rus; who raised Tumults in the West, this man in his passage with a small Army, by the Treachery of the Greeks dwelling in Constantinople, found means to sur∣prize that City, and again annex it to the Greek Em∣pire: After it had been in the hands of the Latines fifty eight years, for which service Alexus triumphed in Purple Robes, wearing a Crown of Gold, com∣manded that for one year following, his Name next to his should be mentioned in all publick Prayer, Psalms and Hymns.

But now the Son of Theodorius, whose Right this Emperor had usurped, coming to years of Discretion, it bred much jealousie in him, that lest any discontent∣ed Person espousing his Quarrel, should pluck the Crown from off his Head, and place it where it ought to rest: Whereupon to render him unfit for Govern∣ment, he like a barbarous Wretch deprived him of his sight, which his Aunt Queen of Bulgaria, no sooner un∣derstood,

but with many Arguments stirred up her Husband, to make War upon the Usurper; and at the same time being solicited by the Sultan Jathanites to deliver him from his Confinement; he with a great Power of Scythians, his own Subjects, entered the Em∣pire, wasting all before him with Fire and Sword, ho∣ping to surprize the Emperor in his return from his Expedition against the Despot of Servia; but failing of him, he turned to Aenus, and took thence the Sultan the Citizens gladly delivering him to save their Lives, and contenting himself with the spoil of Thracia, he passed over Ister, and returned into his own Country.

Jathanites, the Sultan, being set at Liberty by the King of Bulgaria, for Grief of his great loss dyed, not leaving any Dominions to his Children: Yet not long after Gazan the great Cham of Tartary, as his Vassals, two of his Kinsmen of the Zelzuccian Family, viz. Mesot and Rei-Cubades, they in acknowledgment thereof, paying him a yearly Tribute, placed them in part of his Dominions; and thus fell the Turkish Empire in the lesser Asia, being Rent in pieces by the Tartars, who afterward seized upon a great part of the Greek Empire; they and the Fugitive Turks toge∣ther, possessing themselves of the Countries from Pon∣tus and Galatia, unto the Lyeian and Carian Seas, and the River Eurymedon.

Anno 1270. King Lewis of France, aided by Hen∣ry the Third of England and divers others resolved, up∣on a second Expedition into the Holy-Land; the years Truce being exspired, he set out from the Haven of Marseilles, with a great Fleet of Ships, and coming be∣fore Carthage, he found in the Port a great number of the Enemies Ships which he seized, and after some light Skirmishes, with those that kept the shoar, Land∣ed his Men, and laid close Siege to the City, which after many desperate, though unsuccessful Sallies of the

besieged sarrendered upon Condition to depart.

Carthage being won, the King laid Siege to Tums, to relieve which the King of Fez with a great Army of the Moors came down, but was quickly forced to retire with 10000 less then he brought; but this Siege continuing long, a mortal Pestilence happen'd in the Army, the Kings youngest Son dyed, and in the end himself with many of his prime Nobility, which great∣ly incouraged the Moors; but their joy lasted not long, for soon after came thither Prince Edward, Hemy the Third King of Englands eldest Son, with sixteen Ships fraught with Valiant English Soldiers, as also the King of Ci••ilia, Navar, and Arragon with great Forces, upon which the Morish King making many large o∣••••ers for Peace, it was granted in the Name of all the Princes, on Condition that he should pay a yearly Tri∣b••••e of 40000 Crowns to the King of Scicily, and to suffer the Christian Religion, freely to be Exercised throughout his Dominions, in all its particulars; which Articles being concluded on and ratified, though contrary to the mind of Prince Edward, they weigh∣ed Anchor, and stood for the Isle of Scicily, intending there to Winter, and the next Spring to pass into Sy∣ria: But coming into the Bay, the Princes were no sooner got on shoar, but a terrible Storm arose, that most of the Fleet were broken to pieces, only of Prince Edward's Fleet not one Ship perished in this wrack, a great part of the Mariners and Soldiers were drowned, and the Plague still raging amongst them in such sort, that the French Queen, the King of Navar, and divers others of great Rank dyed; which so discourag'd Philip the French King, that he returned into France, without Attempting any thing further, and with him all the rest (Prince Edward his English ex∣cepted) returned into their Respective Countries; but the Prince kept on his way till he arrived at Ptoloma∣is,

and was received by the Christians with great joy, where having rested himself for a while, and inquired into the nature of the Country, he with 6 or 7000 of his English, took Nazareth, and upon his return o∣verthrew a great Army of Sarazens, that supposed to have intrapped him, and at another time overthrew them with great Slaughter, near Cakhow, a Village a∣bout 40 Miles from P••olomais: And so succesfull was he in all his undertakings, that the Infidels extreamly dreaded him; Insomuch that the Admiral of Joppa, feigned himself to be converted to the Christian Reli∣gion, sent one of his Servants to commune with the Prince, about diverse Matters, who being admitted in Private, and seeming as if he would draw a letter out of his Bosom, with an Impoisoned knife, supposed to have Stabbed the Prince into the Belly, but he being aware received the Wound on his Arm, and with his foot Struck the Villain down, and then wresting from him the knife Stabbed him, during which buffle the Guards entered, and cut him in Pieces as he lay on the Ground. This Villain the Sultan sent to excuse, Swearing by Mahomet it was not done with his privity, nor consent, but however such was the nature of the poison, that it was not cured without great difficulty.

The Prince having a long time in vain, expected the coming of the other Christian Princes, thought good to return, which accordingly he did having first conclud∣ed a Peace with the Sultan, and shortly after his return, his Father Henry dying, he was Crowned King of England, &c.

Anno 1273, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 having been advanc'd by the Pope to the 〈…〉〈…〉, upon promise to pass into the 〈…〉〈…〉 himself for so tedious a Voyage, sent his Son Henry Prince of M••••••l••burg, who a••••••••ing at 〈◊〉〈◊〉, with a great Power, wasted the

Territories of Damasco with fire and Sword, taking many Towns, but at length being intercepted by the Mamalu••••s, he was taken Prisoner, and a great part of his Army slain, in which state he with one Servant remained 26 years, no Ransom being accepted for his de∣liverance, at which time a Runagado German, coming to the Sultan, set him at Liberty, and sent him, who upon his return, was not known to his nearest Rela∣tions, who supposed him long before silent in his Grave, and indeed he lived not long after his return.

The Princes of the West growing weary of these tedious expeditions, the Infidels thereby encouraged, under the leading of Alphix or Elpis their Sultan, rased Tripolis, Sidon and Berythus, putting most of the Inhabi¦tants to the Sword, the Christians having now nothing left but the strong City Ptolomais; and yet they were at variance amongst themselves, some for the Government of the City, and some for the title of King of Jeru∣salem: During the contest Sultan Araphius sent his Son to besiege Ptolomais, who in vain assaulting it, many times made large offers, if he might have it delivered; but they as little prevailed, whereupon his Father being dead and himself chosen Sultan, he drew down before it 15000 Horse and Foot, assaulting it on every side, filling up the ditches with his Multitude, but the Christians from the Wall, and by sallying, killed so many of the Infidels, that they were forced to retire to their trenches, yet in the Skirmish, Peter Grand Master of the Templars, being Shot with a Poison Arrow, died within three days, and with him all the courage of the besieged, for from that time, such as could make their escape by Sea departed, so that the City being in the end left destitute of Defendants, was by the Sultan taken and rased, all such as were found therein, being put to the Sword, so that the Christians were

utterly rooted out of Syria, this being the last City which had remained in the hands of the Christians for upwards of 100 years, and was lost Anno 1291, just 192 years after the winning of Jerusalem by Duke Godfry.

And now the Christian Princes despairing to recover what they had lost, Cassanes the Tartarian Prince moved thereto by his Wife and her Father the King of Arme∣nia, undertook the Enterprize, and with a powerfull Army entered Syria, wasting all before him, when not far from the Mountain Amanus, he met with Mel∣senoser, the Sultan of Egypt's Lievtenant, and put him to flight with the loss of 40000 of his Souldiers, and drave him quite out of Syria, sending Molais one of his Captains to pursue him over the desart Sands, to the Confines of Egypt; then taking in all the Cities as he passed, and in the City of Hama lighting upon the Sultans treasure, he divided it amongst his Souldiers, and having fortified Jerusalem and Damasco, he pur∣posed in the Spring to have passed into Egypt, and to have destroyed the Country; but in the mean time, receiving news that great tumults were risen in Persia, his new acquired Empire, he with part of his Army departed to allay them, leaving Capcapus Governour of Damasco, and his great Captain Molais of Jerusalem, with order to send Embassadors to the Princes of the West; but they being Imbroyled amongst them∣selves, nothing could be obtained, so that no aids com∣ing from the Tartar, nor King of Armenia, the Towns were as easily recovered by the Egyptian Sultan, as they had been taken from him by the Tartarian Cham. And thus taking my leave of Syria for the present, I shall return into the lesser Asia, where I find Mesoot and Rei-Cubades, the two Tributary Turkish Princes dead, without doing a any thing worthy of note, of which the latter left a Son named Aladan, who likewise

paying Tribute, held joyntly the Kingdom, that were before possessed by his Father and Uncle. This Ala∣dine the last of the Selzuccian Family dying without issue, one Sahib his chief Councellour and then a man of great Authority, aspired unto the Kingdom, but being risen from a mean estate, he was highly envyed by the Nobility, they casting off all respect from him, by force divided the Kingdom amongst themselves, every one seizing the Province he could best light on; so that Sahib who was first in possession, lost all, no part re∣maining as his Lot, so that they turned it into a per∣fect Anarchy, of which the greatest share fell to Cara∣man Alusirus, who strongest took Iconium, with part of Cilicia, Lycaonia, Pamphilia, Caria, and Phrygia; and of him descended the Caramanian Kings, who in the rise of the Othoman Empire, put the Turks so often to the Foil: The next to him was Saruchan, who possessed himself of the greatest part of Lydia, and some other Countries adjoyning; Troas, Phrygia, and part of Mysia, fell to Calumus and his Son Carasius; the remaining part of Mysia, and part of Lydia, was seized by Aidin; part of Pontus, the Cities of Heraclea, Ponti∣ca Castomonia, Synope, and others near to the Euxine Sea, and Country of Paphlagonia, fell into the hands of the Sons of Omer, or as the Greeks call them Amar, of whom the Country took not their names, as did the former of these that possessed them, but is commonly called Bolli, so named of the Metropolis, as also was Mendesia, or as some will have it Mentetia, a Country in the Lesser Asia.

These and divers others, were the divisions of the Turkish Empire in Persia, and the Lesser Asia, which Anarchy caused their Subjection, and utter subversion, as in the Succeeding part of this History, will at large appear.

During this confusion amongst the rest of the great

Captains, there happened one Othoman, of the Oguzian Family, who had been raised from a low estate, by Sul∣tan Aladine, yet by reason he was not of the Selzuccian Family, they made little account of him, not permit∣ing him to share with them in their division, though by what justice is uncertain; all of them feared his rising fortune, and strove what in them lay, to hin∣der, but in vain, for the Destinies so ordering it, he in a short time became the Founder of the Othoman Empire, as in the Perusal of his Life and Actions will appear.