The Division of the World .

THE Earth is commonly divided into four parts , Asia , Africa , Europe , and America .

Asia Described .

Asia is divided into two parts : Asia the lesse , next to Europe , called also Anatolia , or Natolia , thus bounded : Towards the West and North , is Greece : Full West is the Archipelagus : On the East is the River Euphrates : On the North is the Euxine Sea : And on the South the Mediterranean . This Country was once of admirable fertility , affording all sorts of Commodities , both for necessity and delight : But for the sins of her Inhabitants it s turned into barrennesse , having been so often wasted by the great Monarchs of the earth . First , by the Babylonians , then by the Meads and Persians , then by the Grecians , then by the Romans , and lastly by the Turks , who have made such wofull havock , that in it are to bee seen the ruines of above four thousand Cities , and Towns : the residue have lost both the names , and memory of their Predecessors , and the people are faln from the Knowledge , Religion , and Industry of their fore-fathers : and for the most part are Mahumetans .

In this Asia the Lesse are contained these Provinces : Caria , Jonia , Dori● , Lydia , Aeolis , Phrygia minor , and major , Cilicia , Pamphilia ▪ Lycia , Bythinia , Pontus , Paphlagonia , Galacia , Cappadocia , Lycaonia Pysidia , and Armenia minor .

In Jonia stood Miletum where Paul Preached to the Elders , Acts 20.17 . and Ephesus .

In Lydia were seated Laodicea , Thyatira , Philadelphia , Sardis and Pergamus .

In Phrygia minor was Adramitium mentioned Act. 27.2 .

In Phrygia major was Colosse , to whom Paul wrote his Epistle .

In Cilicia was Tarsus where Paul was born . In this Country feed those Goats whose hair makes our curious Chamlets , and Grogerams , falsely called Camels hair .

In Pamphilia are seated Perga , Pisidia , and Attalia , Sea Towns , Act. 13 . 1● , 14.

In Lycia the cheif City was Patara .

In Lycaonia were Iconium and Listra .

In Pisidia was the famous City of Antiochia .

In Asia the Greater are contained these Countries , Syria , Palestine , Armenia major , Ara●●a the Happy , Stony , Desert , Media , Assyria , Mesop●tamia , Persia , Chald●n , Part●ia , Hircania , T●rtaria , ●hi●a , and India .

In Syria are Phaenicia , Cael●syria and Syroph●nicia .

In Phaenicia are Tyre and Sidon , Sarepta and Ptolaemais .

In Caelosyria are Hieropolis , Damascus , Aleppo , Tripolis &c.

Palestine is in length two hundred miles : in breadth but fifty : containing Samaria ; Idumaea , Judaea , Galile the higher , called Galile of the Gentiles : Galile the lower , wherein were Nazareth : and Mount Tabor , where Christ was transfigured .

Armenia major , now Turkomania , wherein was Colchus whence Jason fetched the golden Fleece .

Arabia divided into three parts , Arabia Deserta , where the Children of Israel were fed with Manna forty years . Arabia Petrosa , where Mount Sinai was , and the Law given . Arabia Faelix , abounding with Spices and Drugges , where Medina is , the place of Mahomets Sepulchre .

Media where the fruits of the Country are said to bee always green , and flourishing .

Assyria where Nineveh stood to which Jonah was sent .

Mesopotamia where was Babylon .

Persia a great Empire where the Regall City is Persepolis .

Chaldaea often mentioned in Scripture .

Parthia the Inhabitants whereof were famous for their Archery , and opposition against the Romans .

Hircania which hath many Cities of note , and abounds with Wine , and Honey .

Tartaria formerly called Scythia , whose Queen Tomyris , overcame Cyrus , and cut off his head : They have neither Cities nor houses but live in hoards ; their Prince is the great Cham.

China is a very great , populous , and fruitful Country , and the Inhabitants are very ingenuous , but it is lately overrun by the Tartars , as you shall hear afterwards .

India , through the midst whereof runs the River ●anges , dividing it into India intra Gangem , which lieth towards the West , and India extra Gangem , which lyeth towards the East . The chief place whereof is Goa , where the Vice-roy of Portugal resides .

The Islands of Asia the less are Rhodes , over against Caria ; and Cyprus , formerly consecrated to Venus .

In the Indian Ocean the Islands are very many , principally Ormus , Zeilan , Sumatra , Avirae insulae , Bocuro , Java major , and minor , Japan , the Molucco's , and the Philippine Islands , which abound with Spices of all sorts , Pearls , and Gold , whereof I will now give a more particular account .

Asia minor , more largely described . Cappadocia described .

Cappadocia , called also Leucosyria , and now Amasia , stretcheth four hundred and fifty miles along the Euxine Sea ; bounded on the West , with Paphlagonia , Galatia , and part of Pamphilia , on the South with Cilicia , on the East with the Hills Antitaurus , and Moschius , and part of Euphrates ; Here runneth Halis , the end of Craesus Empire , both in the site and fate thereof , hee being deceived with that ambiguous Oracle , Craesus Halin penetrans , magnam pervertet op●m vim , that passing Halis , hee should overturn a great State , which hee interpreting actively of his attempts against Cyrus , verified it passively in himself . In Cappadocia was the City of Comana , famoused by the Temple of Bellona , and a great multitude of such as were there inspired by Devillish illusions . Not far thence also was Castabala , where was the Temple of Diana Persica .

Galatia , or Gallo-graecia , hath on the South , Pamphilia , and on the North it s washed with the E●xine Sea , by the space of two hundred and fifty miles . Sinope was the chief City : Deiotar●s a famous King : but Galacia is made more famous by St. Pauls Epistle written to the Church thereof .

Pontus , and Bithinia , now called Bursia , hath on the West the mouth of Pontus , the Thracian Bosphorus , and part of Propontis ; Galacia on the East : part of the Euxine Sea on the North : and Asia , properly so called , on the South : The most famous Cities in it were Nice , wherein was celebrated the first General Council gathered against the Arians : Nicomedia , sometimes the seat of the Emperors ; Apamia , or Bursa , nigh to Mount Olympus , where the first Ottamans had their Seat-Royal , and all of that race ( except the Great Turks themselves ) are still there buried : Chalcedon , builded seventeen years before Bi●amium and the builders thereof are said to bee blinde , which neglected that better seat . Here was held a famous Council of six hundred and thirty Bishops against the Heresie of Eutiches .

Paphlagonia ▪ hath on the North Pontus , on the East the River Halis , on the South Phrygia and Galacia , and on the West Bithynia : Vetruvius tells us of a ●ountain here that seems to bee mixed with wine , that makes drunken such as drink freely thereof .

Asia , properly so called , now Sarcum , is bounded on the West with part of Propontis , and Hellespont , the Aegean , Icarian and Myrtoan Seas ; On the South with the Rhodian Sea , Lycia and Pamphilia ; On the East with Galacia : and on the North with Pontus , Bythinia , and part of Propontis . In which space are contained Phrygia , Caria , and both Mysia's , Aeolis , Jonia , Doris , and Lydia .

Phrygia is divided into the greater , and the less , called also Hellespontiaca , and Troas . The greater lyeth Eastward , and is so called from the River Phryx , which parts it from Caria . Here stood Midaium the Royal Seat of Mydas , and Apamia the Phrygian Metropolis . Here also upon the River Sangarius stood Gordie , where was the Gordian knot , which when Alexander could not untie , hee cut it in sunder with his sword .

In the lesser Phrygia stood the eye of Asia , and Star of the East , called Ilium , or Troy , destroyed by the Grecians after ten years siege , the ruines whereof appear at this day , the walls , and decayed buildings entertaining the beholder with a kinde of majesty ; the walls were of a large circuit , of great , spongy , black , and hard stones , cut foursquare ; the ruines of the Turrets on the walls are yet to be seen , also great marble Tombs of ancient workmanship made Chest-fashion , and their covers whole are yet to be seen without the walls . Many great Cisterns made to receive rain water are yet whole ; The soil about it is dry , and barren : The Rivers Xanthus , and Simois so much famoused , are small Rivers , which in Summer are quite dry .

Nunc seges est ubi Troja fuit .

Cyzicus was a City of Mysia , wherein was a famous Temple , whose Pillars were four cubits thick , and fifty cubits high , each of one stone , the whole building was made of polished stone , and each stone was joyned to other with a line of gold : The Image of Jupiter within was made of Ivory , crowned with a marble Apollo , which City and Temple were swallowed up in an Earthquake , and probably for their abominable Idolatry . The like befel Philadelphia ( one of the seven Churches to which St. John wrote ) another City of Mysia , and the like to Magnesia in the same Region .

A little hence standeth Abydus , and over against it on Europe side was Sestus ; one of the Guards of the Turkish Empire , he having built Castles there which are well furnished , and the Straits not being above seven Furlongs over . Here Xerxes joyned Asia to Europe by a Bridge , for the transportation of his huge Army into Greece .

In Mysia also was that famous Pine-tree that was four and twenty foot in compass , and growing intire for seventy foot from the root , was then divided into three Arms , equidistant , which afterwards gathered themselves close into one top two hundred foot high .

Jonia is situated on the Icarian Seas over against the Isle of Chios , wherein were ten principal Cities , Miletus , Myus , Priene , Ephesus , Colophon , Lebedus , Teos , Clazomenae , Phocaea , and Erythraea .

The Temple of Diana Described .

The Temple of Diana at Ephesus was one of the Worlds Wonders ; two hundred and twenty years were spent in the building of it : It was built upon a Marish to prevent hurt by Earthquakes , which were very common in those parts ; the first foundation was laid upon Coals , the second upon Wooll ; It was four hundred twenty and five foot long , and two hundred and twenty broad , there were in it one hundred twenty and seven Pillars of Marble , sixty foot in height , and thirty six of them curiously wrought and engraven , the works of so many Kings . The doors of the Temple were of Cypress , which after four hundred years , were as fresh as if they had been new made ; the roof was of Cedar : The Image , which superstition supposed to have come down from Jupiter , was made by one Canesia : some say of Ebonie , others of the Vine which had many holes made , and filled with Spikenard , the moisture whereof closed up the rifts . It was inriched and adorned with gifts beyond value . It was contrived by Ctesiphon , and was seven times fired , the last whereof was by Erostratus , who did it to get himself a name : Herodo .

Doris was almost surrounded with the Sea , wherein was Gnidus , a City famous for the Marble Image of Venus and Halycarnassus , famous for Herodotus , and Dionysius the Historians ; and for Mausolus , whose Sepulchre erected by Artimesia his wife , and sister , was accounted one of the seven Wonders of the World .

Lycia is washed by the Sea for the space of two hundred miles : In it Mount Taurus ariseth , hence stretching it self Eastward under divers appellations , to the Indian Sea .

Pamphilia beareth Eastward from Lycia , and now together with Cilicia is by the Turks called Caramania .

Armenia minor , which is divided from the greater , now Turcomania , by the River Euphrates on the East .

A more full description of the Countries in Asia major . The Land of Canaan Described .

It was first called Canaan after that the posterity of Canaan the son of Cham had possessed it , when Moses and Joshua had conquered it , it was called the Land of Israel . After the Babylonish Captivity it was called the Land of Judaea : From the Philistines , which inhabited the Sea-coasts , it was called the Land of Palestine : and by Christians since , the Holy Land . Adricomius , which hath best described it , makes it to bound Eastward on Syria , and Arabia : Southward on the Desart of Paran and Egypt : Northward on Mount Libanus : and Westward on the Sea . From Dan to Bersheba its about a hundred and sixty Italian miles in length , and sixty in breadth . No Country in the world had so many Cities in so little a compass as this once had . The Royal Cities in each Tribe were these : In Aser , Acsaph , besides Sidon , and Tyrus : In Benjamin , Bethel , Gaaba , Jerusalem , and Jerico . In Dan , ●achish ; besides Eckron and Gath : In Ephraim , Gazer , Samaria , Saron , and Tapua : In Gad , Rabba : In Isachar , Aphec : In Juda , Arad , Be●eck , Eglon , Hebron , Libna , Mackeda , Odolla , Taphua : In Manasse , Dor , Gilgal , Jezreel , Megiddo , Taanac , and Thirza : In the other part of Manasse , Astaroth , Edri , Geshur , Machathi , Soba , Teman , and Damascus . In Nepthali , Aser , Kedes and Hemath : In Ruben , Heshbon , Madian and Petra : In Simeon , Debir , and Gerar : In Zebulon , Jeconan and Shimron .

Jordan is the chiefest River , which at last looseth it self in the Lake Asphaltites , but before that , it makes many fruitful Vallies , and spreadeth it self into a Lake called Genazereth , sixteen miles long , and six broad , environed with many pleasant Towns , as Julias and Hippo on the East : Tarichea on the South , and Tiberias on the West , made wholesome with her hot-waters . But before it makes the Lake of Genazereth , it makes another called Samachonitis , it especially is filled with the snow of Libanus usually melted in the first month , which causeth Jordan then to swell , and overflow his banks ( which made Josua's passing thorough it at that time the more miraculous : ) In Scripture it s called the waters of Merom . The variety of fruits , and other temporall blessings , wherewith this Country was inriched , are so fully set down in Scripture that I need make no particular mention of them . What multitudes of people it fed , may be taken notice of in those two Instances ; First , When David numbred them , there were found Eleven hundred thousand in Israel , and four hundred and seventy thousand in Judah , valiant men that drew the sword , 2 Sam. 24.9 . and yet Benjamin and Levi were not reckoned : And in the dayes of Jeroboam , 2 Chr. 13. Abijah King of Judah brought into the field four hundred thousand , and Jeroboam eight hundred thousand , and on this part were slain five hundred thousand , all choice men , which no history can match in any age , or place of the world : What then was the total number , if women , children , impotent , and aged men had been reckoned ?

After the return from the Babylonish Captivity , one third part of this Country was called Judaea , to distinguish it from the other two , Samaria and Galilee .

Galilee was the most Northerly , confining on Libanus and Anti-Libanus towards the North : on Phaenicia Westerly : having Caelosyria on the East : and Samaria with Arabia on the South : Jordan parted it ●n the middest It was divided into the higher and lower Galilee , the higher was called Galilee of the Gentiles , containing the Springs of Jordan , and those Cities which Salomon gave to King Hyram : The lower was called Galilee of Tiberias , that City giving name both to the Lake and Region , in which Nazareth , and the Hill Tabor were famous .

Samaria is seated betwixt Galilee , and Judaea , being much lesse than either of them . Judaea is the most Southerly , between the Mediterranean , and Dead Seas , Samaria , and Idumaen . Pliny addeth to these the Region of Decapolis , so called from her ten Cities , which were , Caesarea Philippi , Aser , Kedes , Nepthalim , Sephet , Corazin , Bethsaida , Capernaum , Jotopata , Tiberias , and Bethsan , called also Scythopolis .

A Description of Hierusalem , and the Temple , as they were when they were destroyed by the Romans .

Hierusalem was compassed with a treble wall on every side , save only on that part where it was inclosed with inaccessible Vallies ; for on that side it needed onely one wall : It was built upon two hils , the one opposite to the other , separated by a Valley , which was wonderously replenished with houses . One of these Hills , whereon stood the upper part of the City , was far higher and steeper than the other ; whereupon King David compassing it about with a Wall , called it the City of David . The other hill called Acra , was the place whereon the lower part of the City stood : And opposite to this Acra , was another hill lower than it , which at first was divided from it by a large Valley ; but when the Asmonians reigned , they filled up this Valley , and cut down the top of Acra , that it might not hide the Temple : within one of the vallies was Siloam , a Fountain sending forth abundance of clear and sweet water : The outmost wall , by reason of the valley about it , and the Rock whereon it stood was impregnable , the rather , because besides the situation , it was built very strongly by David , Salomon , and other Kings . A fourth wall was begun by Agrippa : In humane reason , had this wall been finished , the City could never have been taken : For hee began to build it with stones twenty cubits long , and ten cubits broad , so that it could neither bee easily undermined , nor battered with Engines : But hee built this wall but ten cubits high , and then fearing lest Claudius Caesar should think that hee had a purpose to Rebell , hee gave it over : Yet afterwards the Jews raised this wall twenty cubits high : made a Battlement two cubits high , and the Tower three cubits , in all four and twenty cubits high : Besides , upon the wall were three Towers twenty cubits broad , and twenty cubits high , built four square , very strongly ; within these Towers were rooms for men to dwell in , and Cisterns to receive rain-water . The third wall had ninty of these Towers , and between every Tower were two hundred cubits space : The second wall had fourteen Towers ; and the old wall had threescore , and the compasse of the whole City was three and thirty furlongs .

Between the North , and the West-part of the City , upon the outmost wall , stood the Tower Psephina , which was raised threescore and ten cubits high ; so that in a clear day a man might from thence discover Arabia , and the utmost confines of the Jews , even to the Sea . Just opposite to this was the Towe● Hippicos , built by Herod upon the old wall , which for bignesse , beauty , and strength , surpassed all others in the world : It had four corners , each of which was five and twenty cubits broad , as many long , and thirty cubits high , and in no place hollow : On the top was a Well to receive Rain-water , twenty cubits deep . On the top of all were Houses five and twenty cubits high , divided into many rooms : Above them were battlements two cubits high , and Turrets three cubits high , so that in all it was fourscore and five cubits high .

Hee built also a second Tower , in breadth and length forty cubits , and as many high , in figure of a square pillar , all solid , and not hollow within : And above this , a Porch ten cubits high , adorned with Turrets and Pinacles : Over the midst of this Porch hee built another Tower , distinguished into goodly roomes , and sumptuous Baths ; and on the top it was beautifyed with Turrets and Pinacles ; so that the whole height was almost fourscore and ten cubits .

Lastly , Hee built a third Tower , which hee called after his Queens name , Mariamne , twenty cubits high , and twenty broad , all of solid stone , and not hollow , having more stately and magnificent lodgings in it than either of the former : It was in all fifty five cubits high .

These Towers , though they were very high , yet by reason of their situation they seemed far higher : For the old Wall whereon they were built stood upon a Rock that was thirty cubits high , whereby their height was much increased : They were not built also of ordinary stone , but all of white Marble , whereof each stone was twenty cubits long , and ten cubits broad , and five cubits thick ; and so curiously joyned together that every Tower seemed but one stone ; within the City was the Kings Palace , surpassing all that can bee spoken of it , and for greatnesse , and curious workmanship , may bee compared with any other in the world : It was invironed with a wall thirty cubits high , adorned with goodly Towers round about , Beautified with Houses for an hundred of the Nobility : The variety of the Marble wherewith it was built , was admirable , all sorts being therein used , though never so rare to bee found . In every room also were many vessels of gold , and silver , and many Porches round about , adorned with most curious Pillars : There were in it very many pleasant walks , adorned with all sorts of Trees , and Gardens , beset with Fountains that spouted up water on high , and Cisterns beauti●yed with many Brazen Statues , from which ranne out water continually .

The Temple Described .

The Temple was built upon a Rocky Mountain ; the plain on the top whereof was at first scarce big enough for the Temple and Court , the hill being very steep : But the people every day bringing earth thither , at last made it plain , and large enough , and inclosed the hill with a treble wall , which was a work passing all expectation ; to the effecting whereof many Ages were spent , and all the holy treasure offered to God from all parts of the world : The foundations of the Temple were laid three hundred cubits deep , and in many places more . The stones of it were forty cubits , The Porches were double , and every one was supported by many stately pillars , five and twenty cubits high , all of one peece of white Marble ; the tops of them were of Cedar so exactly wrought , as astonished the beholders : These Porches were thirty Cubits broad , and the compass of all was six Furlongs . The Courts were curiously wrought , and paved with all sorts of stones .

Thirdly , The way to the inward Temple was all inclosed with stones , wrought like Lattice-work , which were three Cubits high , of curious workmanship : to this second there was an ascent by fourteen staires ; and aloft it was four square , and enclosed with a wall by it self , whose outside being forty Cubits high , was all covered with stairs to ascend up to it , and within , it was twenty five Cubits high : At the top of the fourteen staires within the wall was a level , compassed with a wall of three hundred Cubits , which had eight Gates in it ; and between the Gates were Porches opposite each to other , reaching from the wall to the Treasury , supported with great and stately Pillars . All the gates were covered with Plates of gold , and silver , only one was covered with Corinthian brasse , which for beauty far excelled the other , dazling the eyes of the beholders : In every gate were two doores , each of them thirty Cubits high , and fifteen broad ; and on each side they had seats thirty Cubits long , and forty Cubits high , each one supported with two Pillars , twelve Cubits thick : Only the gate which was covered with Corinthian brasse , was fifty Cubits high , the gates were forty Cubits , and it was more richly adorned than the rest .

Fourthly , the Holy of Holies was situated in the midst of all , and had twelve staires to go up to it . The forepart of it was an hundred Cubits high , and as many broad : Backward it was forty Cubits ; on each side it had as it were two shoulders rising up in height twenty Cubits : The first gate was seventy Cubits high , and five and twenty wide , and had no doores , to shew that Heaven was alwayes open , &c. All the fore-parts were gilded , and all wi●●in was covered with fine gold . The inward part was divided into two rooms , whereof the first only might bee seen , which was in height fourescore , and ten Cubits , in length forty , and in breadth twenty : round about the wall was a golden Vine , whereon hung many grapes in clusters all of gold , every cluster being about six foot long : It had golden gates fifty five Cubits high , and sixteen Cubits broad . It had curious hangings of the same length , admirably wrought with Purple , Violet , and Scarlet Silk , all the fabrick was so exquisitely and richly wrought , that none could possibly imagine any workmanship that it wanted : For it was all covered with a massie plate of pure gold which dazled the eyes of the beholders : The top was all set with rods of gold , sharp like pikes at the ends , lest birds should sit thereon , and defile it . The stones wherewith it was built were forty five Cubits large , five in length , six broad , and as many long . Joseph . l. 6. c. 7.

The City of Ninive described .

Ninive was first founded by Assur the son of Sem , Gen. 11.10 . Enlarged by Ninus , the third Babylonish King : The compasse of it was four hundred and eighty Furlongs , or sixty four Italian miles ▪ the Walls were one hundred foot high , and so broad , that three Chariots might passe abreast upon them ; upon the Walls were fifteen hundred Towers , each of them two hundred foot high : It 's called a great City , Jonah 3.3 . It was eight years in building , and there were never fewer than ten thousand workmen about it .

The City of Babylon described .

Babylon was founded by Nimrod , Gen. 10.10 . but enlarged by Semiramis , who for the carrying on of that work , drew together thirty hundred thousand workmen ; who in one year finished the Walls , which contained in circuit four hundred and eighty furlongs , or sixty four Italian miles : They were two hundred foot high , and fifty foot thick ; so that six Chariots might drive abreast on them . The River Euphrates ran through the midst of it : over which shee built a strong , and stately Bridge of a mile long , binding each stone to other , with clips of Iron fastened with molten lead . These Walls were one of the seven Wonders of the World . It was built four square , each side sixteen miles long ; scituated in a large plain . Aristotle calls it a Country , rather than a City : and it must needs bee very great , when some part of it was taken three dayes before the other heard of it .

It had a hundred brazen Gates , and two hundred and fifty Towers upon the Walls , for beauty , and strength . Semiramis built in it two Pallaces both for ornament , and defence : One in the West , which was sixty Furlongs in compasse , with high brick Walls , and within that a lesse , and within that a third , wherein also was an impregnable Tower . These were wrought sumptuously with Images of Beasts : It had three stately gates , and within the walls were game of Beasts of sundry sorts . The other Pallace was in the East , on the other side of the River , containing thirty Furlongs in circuit .

Semiramis her Obelisk described .

Semiramis Queen of Babylon caused an huge Obelisk , square , and of the fashion of a Pyramid , to bee cut out of the Armenian Mountains one hundred and fifty foot long , and four and twenty foot thick , which with much difficulty was brought to the River Euphrates , and from them thence to Babylon , where shee erected it , to bee matter of admiration to future ages . Diod.

The Rarities in old Babylon described .

Within the heart of this huge and stately City of Babylon shee built a Tower , reckoned amongst the Worlds Wonders ; It had an hundred brazen gates , and two hundred and fifty Towers . Semiramis also built in the same City a stately Temple which shee dedicated to Cush , or Jupiter Belus , four square ; each side containing two Furlongs or a thousand paces , with thick Towering walls , entred by four gates of polished brasse . In the midst was a solid Tower of the height and thicknesse of a Furlong : upon this another , and so each higher than another , being eight in number , reaching far above the middle Region of the Air : In the highest Tower was a Chappel , and therein a fair bed covered , and a Table of gold , in the top of this Chappel shee placed three golden Statues : One of Jupiter , forty foot long weighing a thousand Talents ( each Talent containing sixty three pounds , and almost ten ounces ) : Another of Ops , weighing as much , sitting in a golden Throne , at her feet two Lions , and hard by , huge Serpents of silver , each of thirty Talents . The third Image was of Juno standing , in weight eight hundred Talents : To all which was a common Table of gold forty foot long , and twelve broad , weighing fifty Talents . There were also two standing Cups of thirty Talents , and two Vessels for perfume , of the like weight : besides three other Vessels of gold weighing twelve hundred Talents : all which the Persian Kings after their conquest of it took away . Herod .

Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon with its Rarities described .

Nebuchadnezzar , after hee came to it , having conquered all the neighbouring Nations , enriched this Temple of Belus with their spoils , and added a new City to the old without the same , which hee compassed about with three walls , and made in them stately gates : and neer his Fathers Palace hee built another more stately , wherein hee raised stone works like unto Mountains , which hee planted with all manner of trees : Hee made also Pensile Gardens ( one of the Worlds Wonders ) born upon arches four square , each square containing four hundred foot , filled above with earth , wherein grew all sorts of trees and plants : the arches were built one upon another in convenient height , still increasing as they ascended : the highest which bate the walls were fifty Cubits high : Hee made also Aquaeducts for the watering of this Garden . Hee erected also an Image of gold in the plain of Dura sixty Cubits high , and six broad : These stately buildings made him so to boast ; When Alexander took it , hee h●d in i● two hundred thousand Talents of Gold . Is not this great Babel that I have built for the house of the Kingdome , by the might of my power , and for the honour of my Majesty ? Herod .

The Tower of Babylon Described .

About one hundred and thirty years after Noahs comming out of the Ark , his posterity being affrighted with the late Flood , under Nimrod they intended to raise up such a pile , as should secure them from a second deluge , and admirable it is to consider , what multitudes of men there were in the world in so short a space , there being but eight persons that came out of the Ark , and now this building was carried on by five hundred thousand men ; the Basis of it was nine miles in compass , and in a few years they raised it above five thousand paces into the sky , and had proceeded farther , but that God by confounding their Languages , despersed them over the whole face of the Earth . Herb. Trav.

The Country about Babylon hath been the fruitfullest in the World , yeilding ordinarily two hundred , and in some places three hundred increase : the blades of the Wheat and Barley are about four fingers broad ; They cut their Corn twice in the year , and depasture it a third time , or else it would bee nothing but blade : Pur. Pilgri . p. 59.

The City of Bagdat Described .

Bagdat is raised out of the ruines of old Babylon : it s in circuit above three miles , containing fifteen thousand families : it s watered by Tygris , somewhat broader than the Thames ; it hath a bridge over it made upon thirty long boates , chained together , made to open , and shut at pleasure : The Mosque stands at the West end , large , round , and pleasantly raised of white freestone : The Pallace joyns to the market , its large but low . The Coha-house is a house of good fellowship , where every evening they assemble to drink a certain Stygian Liquor , a black , thick , bitter potion , brewed out of Bunum berries , of great repute , because it provokes lust , and purges melancholly . The Buzzar is square , and comely , the gardens are sweet and lovely .

Syria Described .

Syria bounds Northward upon Cilicia , and part of Cappadocia by Mount Amanus : on the South upon Judea , and part of Arabia-Petraea : On the East upon Arabia Deserta , and Euphrates : and on the West upon the Syrian Sea . This Country is thought to have been the habitation of our first parents before the Flood , and of Noah , and the better part of his Family , after . Hierapolis was the chief City , where was a Temple built in the midst of the City , compassed with a double wall : The Porch looking Northward was almost a hundred fathoms high : the Temple it self , was three hundred fathoms , at the top whereof stood Images of Priapus ; which was their God , whom they served with filthy and godlesse vices . The Temple within shined with gold , and the Roof was wholly of the same mettall . It yeilded so fragrant a smell , that the garments of those that came into it retained the sent long after : within it was a Quire , where stood the Images of Jupiter , supported with Bulls , and of Juno sitting upon a Lyon , with a Scepter in one hand , and a distaffe in the other , adorned with many Jewels ; and amongst the rest on her head , one called the Lamp , yeilding light in the night season .

Not far from the City was a lake two hundred fathoms deep , wherein was preserved sacred Fishes , and in the middest thereof an Altar of stone , crowned always with garlands , and burning with Odours .

Antioch , another City in Syria , was built by Seleucus , and was sometimes the Seat Royall of the Syrian Kings , and afterwards it was the third City in the Roman Empire : the third seat of the Christian Patriarks : and the first place where the Disciples were called Christians : but now it s a Sepulchre to it self , being left but a small village .

Damascus , another Regal City , was fair , and great , every side containing fifteen miles , by it ran the River Pharphar , that watered their gardens : but Abana entered into the City , and by Conduits was carried into their private houses , both of them adding both pleasure and Profit to the inhabitants ; which made Naaman prefer them before all the Waters of Israel . In it was a Synagogue of the Ismalites , a stately building , wherein was a wall of glasse distinguished by three hundred sixty and five holes , in each of which was a Dial with twelve Degrees , answering to the hours of the day , within it were bathes and costly buildings , so rich of gold and silver as seemed incredible : it had forty great Porches in the circuit of it , wherein nine thousand Lamps , all of gold , and silver hanged from the roof of them . It was ca1led the Palace of Benhadad .

Aleppo is now the chiefest City in Syria , wherein this is very remarkable , that though the Plague rage never so much ( as many times it doth ) yet upon that very day wherein Sol enters into Leo , which is usually the twelfth or thirteenth day of July , it immediately ceaseth , and all that are then sick amend , and such as are then come abroad , need fear no further danger . The Turks call Aleppo , Halep , which signifies milk , because it yeilds great store of milk . It s usuall here with many Christians to take a woman of the Country ( provided shee bee not a Turk , for its death for a Christian to meddle with them ) and when they have bought them , to enroll them in the Cadi's book , and so to use them as wives at bed , and board , while they sojourn there , and then at their departure to leave them to shift for themselves , and children .

Tripolis is a City on the main land of Syria , neer unto Mount Libanus , which is a Mountain of three days journey in length , reaching from Trypolis to Damascus : The Christians which dwell upon this Mountain are called Maronites , they are a very simple and ignorant People , yet civil , kind , and curteous to strangers . There are now few Cedars growing here , only in one place , there are four and twenty growing together , they are tall , and as big as the greatest Oaks , with diverse rows of branches , one over another , stretching strait out , as though they were kept by Art . There is no place in all the World , wherein they speak the Syriack tongue naturally at this day , but only in four villages on this mountain , which are Eden , Hatcheeth , Shany , and Boloza . Neer unto Tripolis , there is a gallant plain of about a mile in length full of Olive , and Fig-trees .

Scandaroon , by Christians called Alexandretta , is in the very bottome of the Straights : The Air is very unwholsome , and infects those that stay any time there , occasioned by two high mountains , which keep away the Sunne from it for a great part of the day : the water also neer the Town is very unwholsome . Here our Merchants land their goods , and send them by Caravan upon Camels to Aleppo , distant about three days journey . Here are many Jackalls , which in the night make a great crying , and comming to a grave where a Corse hath been buried the day before , if the grave bee not well filled with many great stones upon it , they will scrape up the Earth , and devour the corps . Mr. Bidulphs Travels .

The Empire of Persia Described .

Persia at this day hath many famous Provinces subjected to her Command ; as Persia , Parthia , Media , Hyrcania , Bactria , Sogdiana , Evergeta , Ar●a , Drangiana , Margiana , Paropamisa , Caramania , Gedrosia , Susiana , Arabia , Chaldea , Mesopotamia , Armenia , Iberia , and Mengrellia , twenty Noble Kingdomes of old : The whole Empire is bounded East , West , North , and South , with India , Arabia , the Caspian and Persian Seas . In length from East to West is one thousand three hundred and twenty miles ; and in breadth from North to South ; it s One thousand four hundred fourscore and eight miles ; So that the whole Circuit is about Four thousand miles : the Revenues of the Persian King , amount yearly to the sum of one million and one hundred and ninty thousand pounds sterling .

The Persians are usually big-boned , strong , straight , and proper : Of an Olive colour , the women paint , the men love Arms , and all love Poetry . No part of their body is allowed hair , the upper lip excepted , where it grows long , and thick : they turn it downwards : the meaner sort reserve a lock in the middest of their head , by which they believe Mahomet will pluck them up into Paradise . Their eyes are black , their foreheads high , and their Noses hooked ; upon their heads they wear Shashes of great rowls of Calico , silk , and gold , the higher , the more beautiful : They wear no bands , their outside garment is usually of Calico , stitched with silk , quilted with Cotton ; the better sort have them farre richer , of silk , silver and gold ; their sleeves are straight and long , their garment reaches to the Calf of the leg , their wasts are girt with Towels of silk , and gold very long : next their skin they wear smocks of Cotton very short ; their breeches and stockings are sowed together ; from the ankle to the shooes they are naked ; their shooes have no latchets , sharp at the toes , and turn upward .

Circumcision is so necessary , that without it none can call himself a Mussulman : Both men and women use it ; the women at any time from nine to fifteen : the men at twelve , which was Ishmaels age , when Abraham circumcised him , whom they make their progenitor . Their ordinary houshold furniture is a Pan , a Platter , and a Carpet ▪ their diet is soon drest , and as soon eaten ; their Table is the ground , covered with a Carpet , over which they spread a Pintado cloth : before each man they lay four or six thin Cakes of Wheat : for every one a wooden spoon , their handles almost a yard long , and huge big mouthes : Their only meat is Pelo , dressed after diverse manners . It consists of Rice , Mutton , and Hens boiled together , to which they adde various sauces , &c. Their drink is Sherbet , made of fair water , sugar , Rosewater , and juice of Lemmons mixt together .