say Pheasants Partridges Goodwittes Woodcocks Snites Quails and divers others In like sort there are of four-footed Beasts as wild Boars Harts Goats Hares Conies and Foxes of ravenous creatures there are Wolves and of those that are fatted it is very plentifull There are also in places near the Mediterranean shore great Vaults and Caves with the Foundations of sumptuous Buildings which yields no small wonder to every one that beholds them with other strange works wrought as well by the wonder of Nature as also by curious Art and the emulation thereof which procures no small admiration to all that knows not the powerfulness of Art and Nature The Sea of this most happy Province aboundeth with divers sorts of excellent Fishes as Sturgions Mullets Tonnies and sundry other fishes Neither is there less abundance in the kinds of Shel-Fishes as of Oysters Muscles Cockles Periwincles and infinite others Of Minerals it is very rich in Gold Silver Alume Brimstone Besides this it is endued with so many medicinable and wholsome Bathes which in the Spring and other times of the year heals infinite people of many strange and incurable diseases So that that great Grandmother Nature hath bestowed so great abundance of her benefits that it seems she is delighted therein The which the writer Polybius considering which was the Master of Scipio Africanus wrote these words near Sipontino Est enim Campanus ager copia rerum fertilitate regionis ac amaenitate pulchritudine loci excellentissimus nam in littore maris positus est ex eo universo terrarum orbe venientes in Italia innumerae gentes consunt And Hannibal that great Carthaginian Captain beholding the delightfulness of this happy Region and the beauty thereof purposing to assemble his Army which he caused to winter therein returned from thence nice dainty and full of the delicacie of Campania said as it is written in Strabo in the end of the fifth Book Victor ipse periclitor ne host is praeda siam quippe qui milites viros dederim faeminas recipiam The Campanians saith Cicero against Rullus of the Law Agraria Superbi bonitate agrorum magnitudine fructuum salubritate aeris pulchritudine regionis This Province doth likewise deserve great praise for the diversity of Wines which it bringeth forth so much esteemed both in ancient and later times as the most delicate of Sorrento which Tiberius Cesar and Physitians so much commended the Wine Massico now called Massaquano brought from the Mount Massico which is near Carinola in the Territory of the people Equani among which is Massa and Vico the most excellent Falerni so much pleasing to the Roman Emperors of whom Iulius Caesar as Pliny writeth honoured his Feasts and most sumptuous Banquets which he made in Rome and principally that wherewith in two and twenty thousand Chambers he feasted all the Romans There are the tears and Greek Wines so much celebrated by Pliny the most odoriferous Wine Nolano and that of Vico no less wholsome then pleasant in taste with others very excellent and delicate Wines which are preferred before all others in the plentifull Tables of the greatest Lords The Oyles are in no less esteem which are there made and chiefly those of Massa of Sorrento of Vico of Gaeta and of the Isle of Capre And no less fruitfull is this fortunate Country of the best Cattle as Oxen Cowes fat Weathers Hogges and Calves whereof the most excellent are those of Sorrento There is also made the finest silks which Merchants buy more then any others for the goodness thereof It is very plentifull in Heards and Droves of Cattel and serviceable Horses for Warr. And to conclude this Province worthily deserveth all praise for the excellent things that are therein wherefore it is no marvel if ancient Writers call this the most beautifull and excellent Region of the world having a most temperate and delicate air and so fruitfull a Country that in all times of the year there are heard divers and sundry birds to sing Here in the Spring time and even in the Corn where are not sowed do grow Lillies Violets and Roses of excellent and delicate savour so that the earth never ceaseth to bring forth for which cause it is commonly said that Campania yieldeth most Oyntment others say most Oyle being also made in Naples the best and most excellent Conserve that may be found through the great goodness of the Roses This Country bringeth forth people of an indifferent stature and of a fair complexion valorous minded and very wise both in Councel and the managing of worldly affairs ingenious and apt for learning and more then measurably warlike both on foot and horse from whence generally appeareth a certain mind to command Having now declared the sundry benefits and celestial favours of this most noble Region I will now handle in particular where I left at the City of Ansure now Terracina in a part of Latium was founded the City of Fondi standing placed in the way Appia twenty miles distant from Terracina of Strabo Pomponius Mela Silus an Italian and of Ptolomy called Fondi but of Antonius Fonde the Territory whereof bringeth forth excellent Wines which are much commended of Pliny and of Strabo and Martial writeth that by any means the Wines of Fondi must not be suffered to wax old Haec fundana tulit felix autumnus opimi Expressit mulsum Consul ipse bibet Soterus Bishop of Rome was born in this City who governed the Church of God 7 years 11 moneths and 18 daies This City suffered much loss by Ariadeno Barbarossa the Turk Captain General of the Navy of Soliman Emperor of Turks in the year 1534. at which time all the Citizens that were found therein were made slaves Passing along towards Formie on the left side is Villa Castello from whence descended the Roman Emperor Galba on the right side appeareth the Lake Fundano called by Pliny Fundano although it be written Fandano by some corrupt writers This said Lake is full of Fishes and very great Eeles Five miles from thence remaineth the foundations of the City Mamurri of whom Horace saith In Mamurranum lassi deinde urbe manemus Passing hence by the rough and stony way Appia near the most high steep Mountains is the Land of Atrio now called Itro the Country of the Lamury Citizens of Rome five miles almost but somewhat out of the way Appia on the right hand is Gaeta upon the shore so called as Strabo and Virgil affirm of the Nurse of Aeneas which died and was there buried and although the Gulf of Gaeta and the strong Rock thereof be sufficiently known and much renowned especially in ancient time yet was it not a City untill the Saracins destroyed Formie which was in the year of Christ 856. and then was the reliques of the worthy St. Erasmus transferred from Formie to Gaeta and it was by Pope Gregory the 4th
hundred ninty six thousand nine hundred thirty seven duckets seven carlins and four grains 2996937. Thus have I briefly discoursed only to note the greatness of his noble Kingdom the which is not to be wondred that at sundry times there have repaired so many sorts of barbarous Nations from farr and even remote parts of the world as is well known to make spoil thereof But now through the providence of God it remaineth in much peace and secure under the protection of the puissant King Philip 2d the people having never enjoyed so peaceable a times with the great benefit and abundance of all things The Donatives which have been made at sundry times by the Noble City of NAPLES and the KINGDOM to their KINGS AMong other Priviledges which the faithfull City of Naples and the Kingdom holdeth one is that the King cannot for any occasion demand a Donative or assistance nevertheless it hath been known that in times of calamity and the great necessitie of their Kings they have been succoured and assisted with all their strength their money and their men Therefore for these worthy deeds they have deserved to be called no Vassals but faithfull friends I now purposing to discourse of the Donatives which have been made unto the Kings beginning from the year 1507. and having a desire for no other cause there to begin but because from thence I have had a true information of writings being alwaies a more laudible thing to declare few things and true then many and ambiguous In the year then 1507. the last of the month of Ianuary was held a general Parlament by the Deputies of the noble City of Naples in the Monastery of Mount Olivet where met according to the custom the Princes Dukes Marquisses Earls Barons and Feudists and Burgises of the Cities and free Towns in the Kingdom in which general Parlament was concluded that to the Catholick King Ferdinando in respect of the former Wars and the present affairs and to maintain the Kingdom in peace should be given a donative of three hundred thousand duckets the which being propounded the speaker or advocate of the Cities and Common-wealth after he had used some few plausible words desired that besides that day they might have three daies respit to consult thereon And the time being come it was generally concluded that it should be paid in this manner that is to say by the rate thereof the Barons should pay fifty thousand duckets levied by the rate oâ— the Adogo and that the said sum should be all paid by August 1508 and the remainder the people of the whole Kingdom should pay as well landed men as he Barons eleven carlins a family that is to say three carlins the next months of April or May and three the months of October and November of the same year 1507. and two in the months of February and March in the year 1508. and three in the month of October the same year Of which donative was no man exempted except the noble City of Naples and the Hamlets belonging thereto The 26 of November in the year 1520 was held according to the custom a publick and general Parlament in the which the Barons of the kingdom considering the great charges which Charls the fifth had been at then king of the Romans about his Coronation in Aquisgrane they gave him thirty thousand duckets and concluded that it should be paid within the time of three years levying the first payment of the three at the birth of our Lord next ensuing in the year 1521 and was levied in the selfsame manner which was paid to king Ferdinando neither was it permitted that any person should be exempted except the City of Naples In the year 1523. the first of September was held in the Monastery of Mount Olivet a publick Parlament where was concluded that to the Emperor Charls the fifth for the necessity which he had to pay his Army should be given him two hundred thousand duckets which should be received at three payments that is to say at Easter the birth of our Lord and in August and it was decreed that of this Donative not any person though priviledged should go free except the City of Naples and the Hamlets belonging thereto The 16 of the month of Iuly 1524. in the Monastery of Mount Olivet according to the accustomed manner was held a general Parlament and concluded that to the Emperor should be given 50 thousand duckets by reason of his Army which he had in Lumbardy and of this payment were only freed the venerable Churches and Hospital of the Annunciation with the City of Naples and the Hamlets The 19 of May 1531. was held a general Parlament where having a principal respect to the Wars which the Emperor made with the Turk and although the kingdom had been much exhausted through long wars dearth and pestilence nevertheless the Barons shewing a generous mind to serve the Emperor made a donative of six hundred thousand duckets of which the Barons paid an Adogo and a half not by the way of an Adogo but a pure and free Donative and the remainder the people paid This Donative was levied and paid in four years and thereof was only free the City of Naples and the jurisdictions of the Annunciation The 20 of August 1534. was held according to the accustomed manner in the Monastery of Mount Olivet a general Parlament where with a general consent was agreed that there should be given unto the Emperor one hundred and fifty thousand duckets to the end to chace away the Fleet of the Turks which had given out to invade the coast of the kingdom and this Donative was levied at three payments that is to say at September next ensuing at the birth of our Lord and at Easter 1â—35 and the Barons contributed for the aforesaid donative fifty thousand duckets the which payment they paid not by way of an Adogo but as a simple donative and the remnant of a hundred thousand duckets were paid by the people From the which payment was not exempted any person though he were priviledged except the famous and renowned City of Naples and the Hospital of the Annunciation In the year 1536. on the eight day of the month of Ianuary in the Church of St. Laurence was by the Deputies of the renowned Citie of Naples held a general and publick Parlament at the which according to to the usual manner met the Princes Dukes Marquisses Earls Barons Feudaries of the kingdom and also the Burgises of the Cities and free Towns in the which Parlament considering the charge of the Emperor to return into Spain it was concluded there should be given him a donative of a million and fifty thousand duckets and this donative was the greatest that ever was made to any king whatsoever of the said kingdom and was enacted with these Conditions and Covenants following that is to say that the quantity which was to be paid by the Barons might be so much as
Nations the Piligni the Samniti the Marsi the Frentani being so well known in the Wars of Archidamus and of Cleonimus the Spartan of Agatocles the Sicilian of Alexander the Epirote of Pyrrhus of Molossus and Hanniball of Carthage and in the civil Wars of Iulius Caesar and Pompey and other Romans these People have valiantly demeaned themselves and in latter times have also declared their prowesse and manifested every one their noble acts in the Wars which they had against Alericus and Totila ancient enemies of these noble Provinces This happy Kingdom hath also produced excellent wits in all Learning and wisdom as in Philosophy Aistossenes Architas and Euritus of Tarentum Filolous Aremeones Telaâ—ges Aristeus and Rodippus born at Cotron Androdamus of Reggio Parmenides Zenon and Leucippo of Scalea Hippasus of Metapont Pythagoras Timeo Xenon Filodamus and Euetus of Locris a Country worne out with antiquity Ocelus of Lucania Stratonicus of Cuma St. Thomas of Aquin Nearest to this our age the light of all Learning was born at Naples and of a more later time Augustin Nifus of Sessa and Simon Portius a Neopolitan neither will I conceal the glory of the Poets and Orators which have honoured this Kingdom Ennius an ancient Poet was of the Country of Puglia Rudia Lucillus of Arunca near to Benevento Pacuvius a Tragical Poet of Brindese Venosa may boast for bringing forth Horace as also Sulmona Ovid Regio of Theagenes Ibicus Cleâ—mines and of Lodwick Parisetus a youth Croton of Orpheus Turia of Stesicorus a Lirical Poet Nola of St. Paulinus Bishop Napes of Achias the Master of Cicero of Pub. Statius of Marinus and excellent Orator and Philosopher Disciple of Proelus of Porcellus of Iohn Pontanus and Iacobus Sannazaco Amiternus of Salust Capoa of Vittor Bishop an eloquent Orator and learned Astrologian Aquin of Iuvenal and of Marcus Tullius Cicero the very lightning of eloquence This said Noble Kingdom hath brought forth not only men but also learned women which have been very excellent in Philosophy as Themistoclea the sister of Pithagoras of whom she learned many notable things and Damea the daughter of the same Pithagoras who sufficiently expressed her learning in expounding the difficult opinions of her Father no less Myan and Arignote her said daughters have been excellent in the same profession Artea the daughter of Aristippus after the death of her Father maintained while she lived most gloriously the School and held the Chair of Philosophy In the Art of Poetry have been very excellent Perilla the wife of Ovid Claudia wife of P. Statius Papinius Neapolitan Violentilla wife of Aruntius Stella Neapolitan Consul and a famous Poet Luscina the daughter of Stesicorus a Poet of Metaurus in Calabria And those that were not born in this Kingdom have esteemed it a place worthy of their life of their leisure and of their studies as Plato Vergil Livy and Plotin which had their habitations in Villages in divers places of the Kingdom and there composed their Works holding famous Schools for which cause it may truly be accounted a happy Kingdom But since these few things are touched in general but as it were passing by for the knowledg thereof I will now endeavour to handle them in particular and with a very distinct order whereby every one shall clearly understand how many good and beautifull things that whole world containeth in it and that through the excellency thereof have repaired thither so many and so strange Nations as never the like have past into any other Kingdom or Province as well to inhabit as to sack and ransack the same And to speak of the most ancient thither have come the Coni the Sicli the Morgeti the Enotri the Pelasgi the Ausoni the Etoli the Arunci the Etrusci the Osci the Opici the Cimerii the Lapigi the Liburni the Illirii and other people which are of later memory even continuing to this our time as the Greeks Goths Lombards Saracins Normans Germans Frenchmen Spaniards and also the Turks have attempted to overcome it But leaving to discourse any more in general I will proceed with a particular narration of every Province in this Kingdom The Land of LAVORO The First Province of the Kingdom OF NAPLES THe Fortunate and happy Province of the Land of Lavoro called of the Latines Terra Laboris hath on the East the River Silare on the West Garigliano now called Liris on the North the Apennin Mountains and on the South the Tirrene Sea the length thereof wanteth little of a hundred miles and the breadth thirty It hath been inhahited by the Osci the Arunci the Volosci the Ausoni the Cimerii the Samniti the Cumani and the Picentini It hath four principal Rivers Garigliano Vulturno Sarno and Sele which as they are between them little wanting of an equal distance so alwaies in most places they cannot be waded This Country was also called of the Latines Campania felix it was called happy for the fertillity and fatness of the earth which is so much and in such sort that here Ceres and Bacchus strive together for the greatest Soveraignty It attained the name of the largeness of the fields it was also called the old Campania as a difference from the new that is Campania of Rome and now from the Leborine Fields which are near Capoa it is called the Land of Lavoro The Fields of this Province lie under moist and mistie hils and are all as it were in a plain and the benefit of this Land briefly to declare the nature of the Earth is that the superficial or uppermost part thereof is very drie and dustie but within so spongeous and moist like to a pomice that sucks in the water whereby no small profit ariseth also from those Hills for that the showers descending from them are dispersed over all the Valley and so not over-watering the earth nor making it too soft but apt and easie for tillage the same ground sendeth not out that received moisture in any Springs or Fountains but temperateth it and concocting within it holds it as nourishment unto it Corn is sowed once in a year and Oats and Flax twice every year Dionysius of Alicarnassus saith That in his time was successively gathered in one year three sorts of Fruits that is one in the Spring another in Summer and the third in Autumn In this most plentifull Region the Trees flourish twice in a year and there is found all delights for the pleasure of men In this Noble Province are large and fertile Fields pleasant and fruitfull Hils thick and delightfull Woods fresh and clear Springs and pleasant Lakes Moreover there are places in the manner of spacious Amphitheaters wrought amongst the Hils by that great Workmaster Nature to yield delight in the hunting of wild Beasts that are inclosed therein and to declare the great abundance that is there I will begin with flying fowles whereof there are great plenty that is to
Church and a Monastery of Carthusian Monks under the name of St. Martin the other Church of St. Hermo stands within the Castle which was builded by Charls the first of Angio King of Naples for a defence and guard of the said City The said Castle was newly fortified by the Emperor Charls the fifth All this Hill is beautified with goodly buildings and other worthy edifices this pleasant Hill yieldeth excellent Wines which are much commended by Galen 5 Salubrium 1 de antid and Martial in Xenia speaking of the Wine Trifolino thus saith Non sum de primo fateor Trifolina Lyaeo Inter vina tamen septima vitis aero It is called the Hill Trifolino by reason of the three-leafed grass which growes there very plentifully Tifata is a Hill which lies above Capoa whereof Sillio speaketh Tifata umbrisico generatum monte Calenum Titus Livius likewise nameth it in the seventh and twentisixth book describing that Hannibal departing from the Brutii came into these places to relieve Capoa besieged by Q. Fulvius and Appius Claudius the Roman Consuls and pitcht his Camp in a Valley but a little distant from the said Hill with the greatest part of his Army and with 30 Eliphants Vesevo or Vesuvio is a hil that stands over against Naples and opposite to the Pompeians divided on every side with high hils and hath at the foot thereof round about many pleasant Woods but in the top is very dreadfull hideous and unpassable in the midst whereof is a great hole made with fire which seems as a Theatre digged even out of the bowels of the Hill from whence in old time did ascend great abundance of fire Of these flames Beroso the Caldean in his fifth book of Antiquities maketh mention saying that in the last year of the King Arli the 7 King of the Assirians the said Hill burned Suetonius in the life of Titus saith that in the time of the said Emperor it yielded also great abundance of fire Of the like fire in the same manner relateth Dion the Greek the said fire burned two Cities that stood near unto it that is to say Erculanio and Pompey After the fire had continued three daies and three nights it cast so many ashes with so great violence that they were carried with the force of the wind even into Africa into Syria and into Egipt whereupon Pliny being desirous to see the cause of these fires went even to the Tower Ottavi and there was stifled with the smoke which rose from the said hill This burning was the cause that the Curati were created in Rome for the Country of Lavoro whose office was to provide for those inconveniencies in all that Country Vesevo is now much tilled and yieldeth excellent Greek Wine and great store of Corn and there is also gathered great plenty of good fruits it is now called the Hill of Somma because it standeth over against Naples On the one side it hath the Fields on the other the Sea at the foot of the hill is the fair City of Somma which is adorned with the Title of Duke Of the said Hill thus saith Sillio Italico in the 12 book Monstrantur Veseva juga atque in vertice summo Depasti flammis scopuli fractusque ruina Mons circum atque Aethnae satis carentia saxa And Martial in the 4 book of his Epigrams Hic est Pampineis viridis vesuvius umbris Praesserat hic madidos nobilis uva locus Haec juga quam Nysae colles plus Bacchus amavit Hoc nuper satyri monte dedere choros Haec veneris sedes Lacedaemone graâ—ior illi Hic locus Herculeo nomine clarus erat Cuncta jacent flammis tristi mersa favilla Nec superi vellem hoc licuisse sibi Some say that Vesuvio was so called for the sparkles of fire which in old time it cast out as it were full of sparkles for in old time a sparkle was called Vesuvia Others say that it was also named Vesbio of Vesbio Captain of the Pelasgi which did domineer and command the said Hill Servio was deceived in expounding those words of Virgil in the 7. saying Et vicina Veseva ora jugo because he saith that Vesevio is not the same that is Vesuvo and that the first standeth in Liguria from whence the River Po floweth and that the second is in Campania felix Nevertheless by the authority and testimony of excellent and grave Writers that hill of Liguria hath been called Vesuvio FENNS THe Fenn Pontana called of the Latinists Palus Pontina was so named as Strabo saith from the City of Pometia sometimes a Colony of the Romans made at the same time with Suessa according to T. Liviâ—s in his 9 book It proceedeth of two Rivers the one called Aufido the other Vfente of the first Virgil maketh mention saying Et in mare volvitur Vfeus And in the 7. Vfeus insignis fama Now it is vulgarly called Aufente and also Baudino This Fenn is so large that as Pliny saith with the authority of Mutiano that there were 24 Cities Titus Livius writeth in his 47 book that the said Fenn was dried up by the Consul Cornelio Cethego and the ground became solid and firm to sow corn But in process of time care being not had thereof it returned to its pristinate state and was all filled with water the which Theodorico King of the Goths noting caused it to be made drie another time At this present the said fields are become for the most part so moorish as well by the means of the said Rivers as the great flowing of the waters which spring from the bottom of the bordering hils round about and there settle and remain their ancient passages being stopt whereby they were wont to depart and pass into the Sea So by this means there is to be seen a great Moor Upon this Fenn or Moor was the City of Terracina called in old time Ansure which was the chief and head City of the Vlosci Strabo saith that in former time it was called Trachina which is to say sharp and rough by reason of the stony â—ils where it is situate Servio saith that in Terracina was adored a little Iupiter called Ansurâ— which in Greek signifies as it were not shaven because he had no beard by reason of his youth whereupon Martial in the 10 of his Epigrams writing to Faustine thus saith O nemus ò fontes solidumque madentis arenae Lictus aequoris splendidus Anxur aqueis And Horace in hâ—s Poetry saith Sterilique diu palus aptaque remis Vnicas urbes alit grave sentit aratrum Servio also saith that not very far from Terracina was a City called Satura Suetonius Tranquillus writeth that Tiberius being invited to a Feast at Terracina in a place called Pretorio suddenly fell from aloft many great stones which kild many of his friends and followers and himself hardly escaped Spartiano saith that Antonino Pio repaired the Haven
in Calauria The sundry names of Calauria The City Pandesia King Italo King Morgete Why it was called Magna Grecia Why it was câ—lled Calauria The ancient situation of Calauria Bretia The river Laus The River Turbolo The Isle of Dim Scalea Lanio The Hill Apollonio Morano The River Sibari Saracena Altomonte Hils of Salt St. Mark A Proverb Foscaldo Lattarico Torano Regina Montalto Paula St. Nocito Castellofranco The death of Alexander King of Molossi foretold by the Oracle Cerisano Cosenza The Wood Sila Bisignano Tarsia Fiumefreddo Bellomonte Amontea Aiello Martiâ—anâ— Nocera Castiglione St. Eusemia Nicastro Tiriolo The Arms of this Province The fertility of this Province Brutii why they were so called The error of some writers about the name Brutii The bounds of the Brutii Triolo Malda Pizzo Bevoua Montelâ—one Soriano Arena Bâ—rrello Melito Bâ—iatico Trâ—pea Nicotera Metauro Tauriano Gioia Seminara Sinopoli Oppido Terranova Polistena The Isles Eoli Lipare Bagnara The taking of the sword fish how it is done and by whom it was invented Sciglio Coda della Volpe Fiumara di Muro Regio Grashoppers their natures The worthy men of Regio The Cape of Partivento Potamia Motua Bovalina Of Zeleuco the Law giver his â—everity Timeo the Philosopher Eunomo the Musician Eutimo atleta The Temple of Proserpina What Manna is and how iâ— cometh The temperature of Manna Livy lib 9. Siderono Grotteria Mottagioiosa Roccella Mottapaganica The Promontory of Cocinto now â— called the Cape of Stilo The Ionian Sea where it beginneth to be so called Stilo Badolato Satriano Petrito Soverato Squillaci A Proverb Catanzaro Taverna Treschinesi Simari Trischenesi Belcastro The Calaurâ—si say that S. Thomas of Aquin was born in Belcastro Mesuraga Policastro S. Severina Cutro The Cape of Pillars Castra Hannibalis Cotrone See Plutarch in Communio and St. Thomas in the 1 book of the Metheâ—ra of Aristotle Rossano Longobucco Turio The quality and disposition of the men of this Province The form and figure of this Province The circuit of this Province The quality of the earth The great plenty of fruit in this Province Why the disease of the leprosie reigneth in this country Chirsidri The description of the country Taranto Archita the Mathematician The river Galesio The situation of the city of Taranto Cesaria Gallipoli Vgento Castro Otranto The distance between Otranto and Greece Where the Adriatick Gulf beginneth Why it was called the Gulf of Venice The Lake of Liminiti Brindesi Plato and Aristotle how great they would have a City to be The Haven of Brundesi By whom Brindesi was built Matera The Mine of Boalearmonack The Poet Eustachio Motola Misagne· Otra Leccie The Epitaph on the Tomb of the Poet Ennius Bembo in the â— book of the History of Venice This Leonardo Prato Guicciardino and others say was of Naples but it is not true Ogento St. Pietro in Galatina Galatena Cosmo Pinelli Marquiss of Galatena Paravita Nardo Casalnovo Mandurio The nature quality of the inhabitants of this Province The arms of the region of Otranto The limits fertility of this country of Bari The fable of the nymph Fillida Barletta The city Trani Don Ferrant Gonzaga Prince of Molfetta Nicola di Giovenezzo companion of St. Dominick Monopoli The city Gravina why it was so called The batel which the stork makes with the serpent Bitonto Cornelio Musso Bishop of Bitonto Adri. Canosa The tarantole and their nature see Alexander of Alexandria in the 2 lib. of thes Geniale cap. 17 The quality and condition of the men of this Province The arms of this Province and the signification thereof The Sanniti their inhabiters How long the war continued between the Sannites and the Romans The valley of Caudine The confines of the country of the Sannites Who were the worthiest people of the Sannites Why it was called Abruzzo The limits of Abruzzo Where Abruzâ—â— hath its beginning Peligni the most valiant people of all Italy Civita di Chieti the chief city of this Province Pepin the sâ—n of Charls the gâ—eat for what cause he destrâ—yed Civita di 〈◊〉 Gotfredo the the Norman made Civita di Chieti the principal city of Abruzzo Orton The body of St. Thomas the Apostle The light of St. Heramo which appeareth to sailers when they are in great danger The city Ferentana now called Francauilla Lanciano The river Foro Tollo Miglionico Fara Rapino Penna The river Lento Villamaina Petrono The sort of Montepiano Castel Menale Bucchianicho The city Sulmona the natural place of the Poet Ovid. The River Aterno now called Pescara The stony oyl which riseth in the territory of Cantalupo Caramanico Cusano The mines of pitch which are in Manupelli The nature condition of the people of this Province The arms of this Province and what they signifie The limits of Abruzzo on the other side The fertility of this Province Montepagano The river Viciola The river Tordino Teramo Campio Bisigno Rugnano Murro Locaristo Guardia di Vomano Caste Vecchio Transmondo Cautiano Forcella Miano Rapino Montorio Compotosto Poggio 〈◊〉 Monteverde Montegualco The river Piomba Porta d'Adria Silva Hadria now called Atri where the Emperor Adrian was born From whence the Adriatick Sea had its name Celino Schiarano Civita St. Angelo Ilece The river Salino Porto St. Angelo The river Sino Cassilento Pignano Serra The river Tavo Civita di Penna Valerius Maximus de pietatâ— erga parentes Luca de Penna Laureto The 〈◊〉 Corvino The river Aterno now called Pescara The river Nuria Montesilvano Moscuso Pianello Capogatto Rossano Alendo Castiglione Offena Busso Capistrano Carapello Vettorito Raiano Amiterno Livy lib. 10. Virgil. lib. 7. Crispo Salustio Civita Tomassa Foruli Furconio The hil Offido The City Aquila Robert Guiscard the Norman created Duke of Puglia and Calauria 1060. The number of the Churches of Aquila The natureâ— and manner of the Aquitani Pontano de bello Neapolitano The noble families in Aquila Monte Reale The river Pescare Pescara called in old time Aterno The river Alba Manopello The foot of Mâ—lise Tâ—rre Luculo Caramanico Cantâ—lup◠〈…〉 Bâ—nâ—face the 4 Popâ— When the nâ—me of the Mâ—rsi were changed The Marruvii Virgil lib. 7. The Agnitii Virgi lib. 7. Livy lib. 2. M.T. Cicero abandoned the wars and applied himself to the study of learning The lake Fucino now called Celano The water Martia brought to Rome The city Archippa drowned in the lake Celano Pliny lib. 2. Vibio Sequestre Paterno Transacco Giviano Celano Wherfore the Emperor Frederick destroyed Celano The city Alba. Livy lib. 10. Cesa Pietro Marso The river Castellano The river Tronto Ascolo Ascolo restored to the church by Queen Ione the second Bettutio Barro a famous Orator The famous men of 〈◊〉 Ventidio Baâ—â— Pope Nicholas the 4. Amatrice Civitella The nature quality of this Province The arms of this Province Pontano lib. 5. The ancient bounds of this country Plin. lib. 3. c. 11 The originall of the 〈◊〉 The things
made a Bishops Sea This City was very faithfull to King Ladislaus from whom for this cause it attained many priviledges and so strong was the Castle thereof that it was held one of the Keys of the Land and therefore was there alwaies held a strong Garison of Soldiers Gaeta hath alwaies the best Haven which as Spartianus writeth was repaired with great cost by Antonius Pius This City had great honour by Galasius second Bishop of Rome by that famous Thomas of Viao of the Order of Preachers General and after Cardinal of the Church R. this excellent man past to a better life at Rome the 9 of August in the year 1534. And moreover about our time Iohn Tharcagnota hath been very famous whose History is generally known to all Following on the said way there are seen even to Mola which are five miles delightfull Gardens near the crooked shore of the Sea under Gaeta full of green flourishing Oringes Lymons and other pleasant fruits environed with delightfull Christaline streams yielding much content to the beholders thereof Proceeding somewhat forward in following the aforesaid pleasant way on the sea-side is seen the beautifull City Mola built by the ruines of the ancient City Formia now called Ormia which a little distance are seen the Foundations of Formia built by the Laconi according to Pliny and was so called by the conveniency of the Haven as Strabo writeth this ancient City was the habitation of Antiphate King of the Lestrigoni most cruel Tyrants Mola hath very fair and fruitfull Territories some think that Mola was so named of the Wharfs or rather of the Mills which are therein turning by the continual course of water which plentifully riseth from the bottom of the Hils In this Country was the fair and delightfull Village Formiana of Scipio and Lelius the true and faithfull friends which afterward was purchased by Cicero and throughout all this Country which is from Mola to the River Garigliano are seen the ruins of great buildings whereby it may be thought that those places in ancient time were much inhabited being the most delightfull pleasant and fruitfull that the Roman Empire had After Mola three miles upon a little Hill is the Castle Honorato in the way Hercolantea builded by Honoratus of Gaeta County of Fondy Not far off is the Hill Cecubo which stretcheth to the Gulf of Gaeta this Hill is much renowned for the excellency of the Wines thereof which are much commended by Horace by Martial and Strabo following that way towards the mouth of the River Garigliano where it runneth into the Sea before Clanino is Liris so much celebrated for the overthrow which the Saracins had by Pope Iohn the 10th and for the Victory obtained by Consalvo Ferrando of Cordova against the French to whose only valour was attributed the Victory of them and the flight of the Turks whereby he gained the glorious sirname of Great Captain a favour vouchsafed from heaven whereof the world hath so few This said River riseth from the Appennine Mountains and passeth by the Territory of Vestino near to the Country of Fregelle now a famous City and goeth by Luco or rather the Sacred Wood sometimes honoured of the Minturnesi which was near the said City On the left side of the said River is seen upon a little Hill the City of Traietto builded near to the place where was the City of Minturne the ruines whereof are now to be seen and almost the whole Theatre and the ancient aquiducts Minturne was builded by the Ausoni and was afterward a Roman Colony and was divided by the River near the mouth thereof It was in the time of Pope Marcellinus honoured with a general Councel and it was one of the Cities which for the grievance of the air was priviledged by the Romans both from the Wars and other burthens and Impositions Cai. Marius flying hither secretly hid himself in a moorish or fenny place and beholding an Asse to go very pleasantly to the water to drink took it for a good presage or a token of good fortune re-inforced his Army and putting to Sea entred Rome victoriously From thence leaving the Confines of this Region of Latium we enter on the right hand into the Land of Lavoro and the Hill which is in the entrance of the Land of Lavoro very near to the mouth of Garigliano hath many famous names for in some place it is called Gauro in other Massico and in some other Gallicano that part thereof that is nearest to Garigliano is called Gauro from whence the River hath been called Gaureliano Pliny saith that this Gauro as also the Hill Vessuvio near Naples yieldeth Sulphur or Brimstone which the hot-waters sufficiently declare which at this present are seen to issue and boyle where now is the Tower of the Bathes and the Bathes themselves After Minturn the first Land that is nearest in the Land of Lavoro on this side was Trifano situated by Livy between Minturn and Sinuessa the next following was Sinuessa five miles as Strabo saith from Minturn but it is ten miles as it now appeareth Livy saith that there were two Colonies brought about the Territory Vestino and Falerno one at the mouth of Garigliano which was Minturn as is said and the other in Vestino which confineth with the Territory of Falerno where first there was a Greek City called Sinope which was builded by the Sinopesi and was by the Roman Colony called Sinuessa because it joyned near to the City Sessa Here died old Turpillus that comical Poet many ruines of this City are to be seen on the land but more in the Sea and the Haven thereof had a large Key or Wharlf made by mens labour at the top of the Hill called Dragone saith Livy that Fabius Maximus led his Army by the top of the Mount Massico forbidding passage to Hannibal and that the Souldiers of Hannibal sackt the Country even to the water Sinuessano from whence it seemeth that the Mount Massico whereon Fabius Maximus held his Army is a part of the same Hill which reacheth from Sessa to Carinola In the place of Sinuessa two miles from thence upon the Hill is the Fort of Mondragone honoured with the dignity of a Dukedome the Town whereof stands in the Plain less then a mile from the Sea where Sinuessa was is nothing seen but the Baths which as Strabo saith doe cure many diseases and especially help women that ate baren After the Fort of Mondragone upon the Hill Massico which is full of Villages from the part towards the Sea there is no land or Castle but from that part which is towards Garigliano between the Sea Garigliano the way Appia and the Mount Massico is no more plain then eight miles every way and is manured and inhabited with much people and is now called the Villages of Sessa which Plain in the happy time of the Romans was
terra Lennia and terra Sacra it is much commended by Galen and many other Physitians as an excellent remedy to heal wounds and the bloudy flux and pestilent diseases and the biting of venomous creatures and to preserve a man from poyson and to vomit poyson already taken and for other infirmities There is also a Mine of natural and artificial Salt-peter In the Province of Calauria on this side In the Territy of the Country of Martorano is a Mine of Steel In the Territory of the City of Cosenza near the River Iovinio are Mines of Gold and Iron and in a place commonly called Macchia germana is a Mine of Gold of Lead and Brimstone and a little farther in another place called Miliano is a Mine of Salt and Alume In the Territory of Pietrâ— fitta near the River Ispica are Mines of Steel Lead and Salt In the Territory of the Country of Regina are Mines of Alabaster of Brimstone and of Coperas In the Territory of the Country of Longobucco are Mines of Silver and Quicksilver In the Territory of Rossano are Mines of Salt and of Alabaster and the Marchesite stone In the Territory of Alto monte are Mines of Gold of Silver of Iron and of Alabaster and there grows Cristal and there also mighty Hils of white salt In the Province of Calauria on the other side In the Territory of the City of Regio are Mines of Alabaster of Brimstone and Saltpeter In the Territory of the City of Taverna is a Mine of Antimonium which is a stone of the colour of lead and very brittle like that which grows in Britany In the Territory of the Country of Agata is a Mine of Iron and Steel and of the Adamant stone In the Territory of Belforte is a Mine of Gold and of Iron and there grows Coprass and Cristal In the Territory of Calatro is a Mine of Iron In the Territory of Belvedere are Mines of Silver of Iron of Brimstone of Alume of Salt and of white and black Alabaster and there grows a stone which shineth like Silver In the Territory of Soriano is a Mine of Quicksilver In the Territory of Nicastro is a Mine of Quicksilver and there are also goodly Hils of mixed Marble In the Territory of Mesuraca is a Mine of Earth which yields a colour called of Latinists Giluus In the City Cotrone grows a Thistle which yieldeth Mastick and also it grows in Castrovillare and in many other places of Calauria And to conclude Calauria is a very goodly Region and yieldeth plenty of all good things The Castles and Forts of defence which are in the Kingdom of Naples with the number of Souldiers which remain in every Guard and their monthly pay The names of the Castles The number of souldiers The pay what it monthly imports In Naples are these 3 Castles  Duckets 1. The new Castle 167 775.2.12 2. The Castle of Eramo 110 452.2.9 3. The Castle of Vovo 25 90.4.11 The Castle of Baia. 69 233.0.13 The Castle of the Isle Ischia 34 116. The Castle of Gaeta 86 322.3.3 The Castle of Capoa 51 200.1.13 The Castle of Aquila 53 197.1.13 The fortified Castle of Brindesi 56 175.3 The Castle of Leccie 54 201.1.13 The Castle of Otranto 86 144.1.13 The Castle of Civitella 94 Duckets 321.0.13 The Castle of Pesara 62 303.2.10 The Castle of Viesti 36 247 1.13â— The Castle of Momfredonia 34 137.1.13 The Castle of Barletta 52 194.1.13 The Castle of Bary 28 118.1.13 The Castle of Monopoli 29 140. The Castle of Brindesi 41 151. The little Castle of Brindesi 63 223.4 The Castle of Cosenza hath only a Capt. with the pay of 10 crowns monthly 1 10 The Castle of Gallipoli 30 Duckets 125.1.13 The Castle of Taranto 46 176.0.4 The Castle of Cotrone 39 136.3.6 The Castle of Biâ—eglia hath but only a Captain 1 10 The Castle of St. Germano hath only a Captain with the allowance of 200 duckets yearly 1 17 The Castle of Trani hath only a Captain with the pay of 10 crowns monthly 1 10 In the Isle of Nisâ—ta the Court maintainâ—th a Gaâ—ison  Duckets The Fort of the City of Amanâ—eâ— maintaineth 6 souldiers 6 20.4 The Fort of St. Cataldo maintain there 6 262. In the Isle of Tipare are two Gunners 2 2 A CATALOGVE Of the Earls and Dukes of Puglia and Calauria and of all the Kings of Naples Normans Sâ—evi Angioini Durazzeschi Aragonesi Castilliani Austriaci ALthough I have more at large written in another book of the lives of all the Kings which have ruled the Kingdom of Naples but being now to speak of the same subject I will handle every thing with as much brevity as may be hoping that as it will be no small ornament to this work so it will give no little contentment to the Reader It is then to be understood that in the year of our Lord 987. the last year of the reign of Lewis the fifth King of France avaliant Norman souldier and of great magnanimity called Tancred having twelve sons which he had by two wives that is to say of Moriella Lucha his first wife he had Frumentino Gotfredo Sarno Tancred Malugero Dragone Godfredo and Alberedo of the second wife called Fresanda Rotaria the daughter or as some write the sister of the Earl of Altavilla he had Guglielmo Feraback Vnfredo Ruberto Guiscard and Ruggieri Bosso with these twelve sons Tancred determined to seek out some new Country to inhabit and to try some new and better fortune with hope to find some other place to live better and more richly through his industry and wit and coming into Italy first arived in Romagna and perceiving that Landolfo Prince of Salerno was much opprest through the excursions and outroads of the Saracins sent in his aid six of his sons who being well provided by the Prince both of horse and arms in three battels wherein they incountred the enemy made an admirable slaughter of them whereupon they returned as it were in triumph to Salerno and were by the Prince and all the people received and with much intreaty were sollicited to remain in that Court But they declaring that what they did was not for any human pomp nor for any other end but the service of God refusing all gifts returned to their own habitation But within a few years following there fell certain controversies between Pandolfo of St. Agata and Guaimaro Prince of Salerno Pandolfo sent Ambassadors into Romagno requesting Guglielmo Dragone and Vmfrido three sons of Tancred with many promises and offers to serve under his pay which that he might the better do in the manner of another Narsetes sent them not only rich furniture for horses and costly apparel for themselves but great store of money These worthy men made no delay to come to the Prince Pandolfo through whose assistance the enemy being foild was forced with shame and sorrow to retire but Pandolfo being brutish and ungratefull made no great account of them
which they perceiving for this cause the time of their service being expired took part with Guaimaro who by their worthy deeds in a short time recovered much Through these famous atchieuments the Normans gained the reputation of valiant Warriers with every one In the mean time died Tancred their Father which was Earl of Altavilla the which Count descending to Gugliâ—lmo Ferrabach his eldest son omitted no time to go into Normandy to take possession thereof where after he had setled the affairs of his State returned afterward into Italy bringing with him no less then fifteen thousand Normans into Romagna and in process of time got not only the dominion thereof but also the most part of Tuscan Things resting in this manner the Saracins possest all Sicilia and Sardinia and many times did much prejudice the Coast of Italy whereupon Pope Sergio the 4 fearing and much suspecting they would overrun all Italy demanded aid of Guglielmo Ferabach Guglielmo through the perswasion of the Pope went in this expedition with eleven thousand of his souldiers together with Maniace Captain of Michele Paslagone the Greek Emperor to the recovery of Sicilia and with much valour and courage expeld the Saracins out of all the â—sle but Maniace not observing the agreement that what was gotten should be equally divided between them Farabache growing wrathfull past with his Normans into Puglia making a mighty slaughter subdued the greasted part and finding a fit and secure place builded the City of Melsi in a difficult place and well fortified by nature The which Maniace understanding came upon him with a strong Army but Ferabach braving the enemy which besieged him being wearied with travel came out against them and encountring them gave them a mighty overthrow near the River of Lofonte in Puglia the Normans remaining Conquerors and so rich both of reputation and spoil mounted mightily in state indeavouring both by might and other Military means to obtain other places and Cities in Puglia the which atchieuments succeeding with so great felicity to the Normans it followed that all Puglia came into the possession of the said Guglielmo who through his valiant acts had the name of Ferabach that is to say strong-arm of which dominion he afterward took the title of an Earl Afterward Guglielmo died in the year of our Lord 1042. and because he left no child his brother Dragone succeeded in the County which was Lord of Venosa who had at his beginning a great overthrow by Melo Captain of the Greek Emperor and lost a great part of Puglia but being aided by Guaimaro Prince of Salerno he oftentimes fought with the Greeks without any advantage yet in the end in a great conflict he overthrew and dissolved the Greek Army and not only recovered that which he had first lost but also got many Castles and Holds which the enemies possest upon the Sea-coast of Puglia At this time the Emperor Henry the second came into Italy and having pacified the affairs of the Church went into the Kingdom and confirmed to Dragone the County of Puglia from whom he received not only much money but had also the best and fairest horses that were in all the Kingdom The Emperor departing Italy the Earl Dragone moved the Beneventani to War and in two battels which he made his Army was overthrown and he flying was slain by the enemies His brother Humfrido took the possession of the Earldom at which time Guaimaro Prince of Salerno was cruelly murdered by his own people and his son was made Prince with the help of the Normans which the said Count laboured with long War in the end the Count ill demeaning himself with the Pugliesi was for his cruel nature slain in the year 1057. Baielardo his son succeeded in his fathers Dominion the which being chased away in the same year by Ruberto Guiscard his uncle this Ruberto became the fourth Earl of Puglia who being a valiant man at arms and of a great spirit suddenly besieged Reggio and having taken it went with prosperous victory subduing other parts and Cities of Calauria to his dominion Afterward he returned into Puglia took Troia and in such manner never rested taking from hand to hand many Cities and brought all the Normans of that Country under his Empire and being fully resolved to continue no longer an Earl with a general consent caused himself to be called Duke of Puglia and Calauria At this present Nicholas the second Bishop of Rome being much incumbred with the Roman Barons came in the year 1â—59 to the Parlament with Guiscardo in the City of Aquila and Guiscard having with much humility adored the Pope made peace with him and restored unto him the City of Benevento and all other places that he had belonging to the Church for the which the Pope not only received him into grace and favour but confirmed and invested him with the Title of Duke of Puglia and Calauria The which act was registred and confirmed with a solemn Oath and so Ruberto was now made a Vassal and Liegeman of the Church Sigonio writeth two Acts of the Oath which Ruberto at this present made to the Pope the one to pay the yearly tribute the other loyalty and homage the which two Acts I thought good to insert in this place to the end the Reader may know how the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction began in the Kingdom of Naples The first is in this sort Ego Robertus Dei gratia St. Petri Dux Apuliae Calabriae utroque subveniente futurus Siculis ad confirmationem traditionis ad recognitionem fidelitatis de terra S. Petri promitto me quotannis pro unoquoque jugo boum pensionem duodecim denariorum Papiensium persoluturum B. Petro tibi D. meo Nicolao Papae omnibus successoribus tuis aut tuis aut tuorum successorum nunciis ad S. Resurrectionem obligans me meos haeredes sive successores tibi successoribus tuis Sic me Deus adjuvet c. The second is thus Ego Robertus Dei S. Petri gratia Dux Apuliae utroque subveniente futurus Siciliae ab hinc in posterum fidelis â—ro S. Romanae Ecclesiae Apostolicae Sedi D. meo Nicolao Papae Neque ero auctor aut adjutor ut vitam aut membrum amittas aut capiaris mala captione consilium quod mihi credideris ne enunciem imperaris non enunciabo in tuum detrimentum sciens S. Romanae Ecclesiae ubique adjutor ero ad tenenda acquirenda regalia S. Petri ejusque possessiones pro viribus meis contra homines adjuvabo te ut securè honorifice tenens Pontificatum Romanum terramque S. Petri Et Principatum nec invadere nec subigere tentabo nec praedari contendam sine tua tuorumque successorum licentia Pensionem de terra S. Petri quam ego teneo aut tenebo sicut statutum est recta fide studebo ut