Months His severity and the mutability of those People caused his ruin One Mahomet was put into his place and Reigned one Year four Months and twenty two Days and then was killed by the Citizens The same befell Hiaya the Son of Hali who was of the other Faction and had been before Proclaimed King he was in the same manner slain at Malaga whither as was said he had retired when he had Reigned in Cordova only three Months and twenty Days After this Idric Brother to Hali and Unkle to Hiaya was sent for out of Africk where he was Lord of Ceuta to take the Crown This Man being come into Spain what on account of his Kindred with the other two and what by force of Arms possessed himself of the Kingdom of Granada Sevil Almeria and other Neighbouring Cities The inland continued under Hissem for after the Death of Hiaya the People of Cordova had Reinthroned him unless it was another of the same name those Citizens made Choice of for these affairs are very dark The extravagancies of Ministers commonly turn to the ruin of their Masters as hap'ned to Hissem for his Alhagib or Viceroy being Cruel and Covetous was killed and the King expelled his City In that confusion a Youth of the Family of the Humeyas being assisted by a Company of wild Young Fellows entred the Palace and desired of the Soldiers to Proclaim him King They excused themselves with the disloyalty of the Citizens and advised him to take warning by so many as had perished before him to this he Answered Call me King to Day and kill me to Morrow Such is the inordinate desire of Reigning Nevertheless this Man and Hissem with all the Abenhumeyas as the causers of all these Confusions were turned out of the Town by the Citizens Hissem tired with so many changes of Fortune at last came to Zaragoça where he was well received by Zulema Abenbut King of that City who gave him a Castle called Alçuela where he spent the rest of his Life as a private Man D. Roderick the Archbishop who gives this account of the last Kings of Cordova somewhat more obscure than it is set down here does not mention what became of Idric How is it possible in such Confusion to be plain We can only add that from this time forwards the Kingdom of the Moors which for so many Years had mantained it self in great Power and Splendor in Spain so visibly decayed that it was divided into many Sovereignties for every one that could possess himself of a City called himself King of it Jahuar seized Cordova Albudazin Sevil. Haytan he that at first assisted Hissem and then became his Enemy secured Toledo Some will have the Kingdom of Toledo to be more Ancient because that City often rebelled against the Kings of Cordova Other Kingdoms were erected in other Cities too long and confused to insert here It will suffice to know that these Sovereignties continued till the powerful Family of the Almoravides came into Spain with their King Thesephin which was in the Year of our Lord 1091. Let us turn back now to the affairs of the Christians under the Earl D. Sancho and King Alonso CHAP. IX The last Actions of D. Alonso King of Leon and his Death The Reign of D. Bermudo the Third His Son Sancho Earl of Castile Poisons his Mother His Son Garcia Murdered D. Sancho Earl of Castile desiring to revenge the Death of his Father with the Assistance of the Kingdoms of Navarre and Leon that were his Allies entred the Kingdom of Toledo putting all that stood in his way to Fire and Sword The same havock was made in the Territory of Cordova whither our Forces advanced incouraged with their success In both places a great Booty of Captives and Cattle was taken Tho' the harm was great much more was the Terror this struck into the Infidels who being embroiled in Civil Wars could not oppose the Enemy so that they who not long before kept the Christians in continual fear were now forced to buy a Peace at a dear Sepulveda a Town on the Frontiers also Osma Santistevan de Gormaz and other Towns taken by the Moors in the last War were now recovered From this time some Anthors write the Nobility of Castile were exempted from following the Wars at their own cost only upon the hopes of Booty and it was ordained they should receive pay as was used in all other Countries D. Sancho in a great measure Blemished the Honour gained in this Expedition by the Death he put his Mother to She fell in Love with a Lewd Brawny Moor and durst not Marry him not so much for any Scruple of Conscience as for fear of her Son and therefore resolved to Murder him by that means to make way to her infamous Wedding The Dose was prepared to Poison him but the Earl having intelligence of it forced his Mother by way of respect to Drink first of the Cup she offered him Hence some think sprang the Custom used in some parts of Spain to make the Women Drink before the Men. Other Authors write that a Lady belonging to the Countess having seen her prepare the Dose gave Notice to her Husband whom some call Sancho del Valle de Espinosa and he to the Earl and thereby obtained that Privilege enjoyed to this day by the Family of Monteros de Espinosa of Guarding the King's Person by Night True it is I find no good grounds to believe this Relation but it is so recorded and the People of that Town affirm it as a certain Truth They add that the Earl to atone for this fault and allay the hatred the People had conceived against him built a Monastery for Nuns and in honour of his Mother gave it the Name of On̄a which Monastery Sancho the Greater King of Navarre gave to the Monks of Cluni and in our Days is the chief in that Country D. Sancho by his Wife Da. Vrraca had D. Garcia Da. Nun̄a Da. Teresa and Da. Trigida The two eldest Daughters were marryed to great Men Trigida was Abbess in the Monastery of On̄a About the same time D. Sancho made a New way for Strangers to travel to the Church of St. James the Apostle through Navarre Rioja Briviesca and the Country of Burgos Before this time the Christian Dominions being of a smaller extent the Pilgrims that came out of France used to Travel with much difficulty through Biscay and the Mountains of Asturias where the ways were uncouth and there was a general want of all necessaries King Alonso enjoying a perfect Peace by reason of the Civil Wars among the Moors and the League that was between the Christian Princes gave his Mind wholly to the Civil Government and held an Assembly of the States or Parliament at Oviedo in the Year of our Lord 1020. In this Parliament the Ancient Laws of the Goths were Corrected The King at his own cost and charges rebuilt the City
ground begging a happy death and tho' the disease increased stayed at Matins heard Mass and received The Day following he returned to the Church of S. Isidorus and three days after Dyed This is what the Archbishop D. Roderick and D. Lucas de Tuy write yet others say he dyed at Cabeçon a Town near Valladolid neither do Authors agree in the time of his death King Ferdinand's Life was so holy that his Feast is Celebrated at Leon as a Saint He built many Churches and repaired others Queen Sancha was not inferior to her Husband in Vertue she dyed two Years after him and was buryed by the King in the Church of S. Isidorus Garibay says King Ferdinand dyed in the Year 1067 and quotes many Authors who all vary in the time as they do in the place of his death so that these things are very uncertain King Ferdinand by his last Will divided his Kingdoms among his Three Sons To D. Sancho the Eldest he left Castile extending from the Rivèr Ebro till that of Pisuerga for all that was taken upon the death of D. Garcia was added to Castile The Kingdom of Leon fell to D. Alonso with the Territory of Campos and that part of Asturias that reaches to the River Deva running by Oviedo as also some Towns in Galicia D. Garcia the Youngest had the remaining part of Galicia and as much of Portugal as had been recovered from the Moors All three called themselves Kings Besides King Ferdinand left the City Zamora to his Daughter D. Vrraca and that of Toro to D. Elvira These Cities were then called Infantado which is as much as the Principality signifying thereby the Estate left for support of the Younger Children Spain being divided it was impossible it should enjoy Peace all People were in suspence expecting great revolutions upon the King's death To prevent these misfortunes many of the Nobility had endeavoured to disswade him from this Resolution and the matter had been handled in Parliament Arias Gonzalo an Ancient Wise and Experienced Man had stirred most in this affair but Fatherly Love suffered not his Prudent advice to take place D. Sancho became the Throne as being a Comely and Graceful Youth better versed in War than in State affairs and therefore called the Strong Pelagius Ovetensis says he was very Beautiful and Expert in Martial affairs He was naturally Mild and Affable if not provoked or incensed by false Friends Upon the death of his Father he openly complained of the wrong had been done him by dividing the Kingdom Yet his Mother whilst she lived restrained him from falling upon his Brothers especially for that after the King's death the Crown of Leon devolved upon her as being her own Dower D. Sancho Reigned 6 Years 8 Months and 25 Days At the beginning of his Reign he had War with the Moors and soon after with the King of Aragon King Ramiro of Aragon desiring to enlarge his Territories laboured successfully to expel the remainder of the Moors out of that Kingdom He obliged Almugdadi King of Zaragoça and Almudafar King of Lerida to become tributary and overthrew the King of Huesca Those about Zaragoça having been subdued by King Ferdinand were become tributary to him but now upon the change of Kings and relying on the assistance of D. Ramiro they resolved to fall off King Sancho having speedily gathered an Army marched against them Those of Toledo immediately submitted but the Aragonians stood out Hereupon having wasted all the Country he layed Siege to Zaragoça and press'd it so vigorously it was surrendred to him upon Condition he should be obliged to support the City against all Enemies as well Christians as Moors This Capitulation seem'd directly levell'd against the King of Aragon D. Sancho was offended that the King of Aragon join'd with the Navarrois who often made Inroads upon the Dominions of Castile and besides that he receiv'd Tribute from those Aragonians that were his Subjects The Aragonians had then laid Siege to the Castle of Grados built by the Moors on the Banks of the River Esera to curb the Christians King Sancho in pursuance of his Capitulation with the Moors marched to raise that Siege The Army of Aragon being surpriz'd and attack'd in Front and Rear by the Christians and Insidels was easily routed some fled others were kill'd amongst which number was the King himself This was much about the Year 1067. D. Ramiro of Aragon had Reign'd 31 Years his Body was Bury'd in the Church of St. John de la Pen̄a where many of his Predecessors lay D. Sancho Ramirez his Son succeeded in the Throne at the Age of 18. a Prince not unlike to his Father in Virtue In this Princes time and in the Year of Grace 1068. Guinard Earl of Russillon built the Town of Perpignan on the Borders of France not far from the antient City Russillon the name of Perpignan was taken from one Bernard Perpignan who kept two Inns in that place This King Sancho is said to have abrogated the Laws of the Goths as the Catalonians had done before and established the Imperial Civil Law He was Married to D. Felicia Daughter to Armengaud Earl of Vrgel by whom he had three Sons D. Peter D. Alonso and D. Ramiro who were all successively Kings of Aragon A Bastard Son of his called D. Garcia was afterwards Bishop of Jaca At the same time there Reign'd in Spain three Kings who were Cousin-Germans tho' not equal in power yet all alike in the manner of their Death D. Sancho King of Castile was the greatest he had blemish'd the beginning of his Reign by killing his Uncle King Ramiro and growing fierce with Success was daily driving at greater mischiefs his strength being terrible to the others D. Sancho King of Navarre maintain'd his small Kingdom by making a League with him of Aragon to secure both against Castile He of Castile understanding their design thought to be beforehand with them and broke into Navarre without stoping till he came in sight of Viana There the two Kings met him and they came to a Battle in which the Castilians were defeated and their King having lost many Men return'd into his own Country The Victors resolving to make use of their Success broke into the Territories of Rioja and Briviesca where they recovered all that King Ferdinand had taken Thus were those three Princes destroying one another without reflecting upon what they might expect from the Moors The King of Castile could not at that time take revenge of his Cousins being ingaged in a new War against his Brothers He was ambitious rash and hot and pretended a right to all that had been his Fathers and did not want other grounds to raise a Quarrel upon His Brothers tho' weak could not be perswaded to Unite their Forces against their common Enemy D. Sancho having gathered a powerful Army resolved to carry on his designs On the other side D. Alonso whom that
in the Meadows at the foot of the Hill on which the Town stands Some Skirmishes hap'ned near the Wall but nothing remarkable in them except that it was observed the Christians were the better Foot and the Moors the experter Horse Towers of Wood were made and all other sorts of Engines apply'd to the Wall which tho' they beat down part of it yet it availed not because the ascent was difficult the Streets narrow the Houses high and strong and the Defendants numerous Thus the Siege was protracted Provisions were scarce the Country about being wasted the heat of the Summer came on and the Army began to be sickly All these things caused the Soldiers to wish for some Honourable Accommodation At this time Cyprianus Bishop of Leon acquainted the King that S. Isidorus had appeared to him assuring the City would be taken in 15 Days The Besieged suffered great want having spent all their Provisions Whereupon gathering in a Body they repaired to the Palace with clamours requiring the King to Capitulate He having endeavoured to appease them affirming they should be speedily relieved and finding they persisted in their demands sent out Commissioners to Treat Some day sâ—â—eing spent in Expostulating and debating the Matter at length the Treaty was concluded upon these Articles That the Palace City Gates Bridges and King's-Garden be delivered up to King Alonso That the Moorish King may go to Valencia or where he shall think sit The same liberty to be allowed the Moors that will bear him company and they may carry their Goods and Moveables Such as will stay in the City shall not be molested in their Persons or Goods The chief Mosque shall continue in their possession No other Taxes shall be imposed on them but such as they paid to their own Kings They shall be Try'd by Judges of their own Nation and no others These Articles were solemnly Sworn to on both sides and Hostages given for performance which done King Alonso with great Joy in the nature of a Triumph entred the City on the 25th of May being the Feast of S. Vrban Pope and Martyr in the Year of our Lord 1085. Some Authors say 1083. That City was in the hands of the Moors about 369 Years Julianus says 366. and that the Moors took it in the Year 719. on S. Vrban's Day during which time the Moors being nothing curious in building it lost much of its former Beauty The Streets were narrow and crooked the Houses ill contrived the very Palace was of Mud-walls and stood where now is a great Hospital Founded by D. Peter Gonzalez de Mendoza Cardinal of Spain and Archbishop of Toledo In the midst of the City stood the chief Mosque on a rising Ground the Building at that time nothing sumptuous Soon after it was Consecrated and in process of time built from the Ground very large and beautiful The fame of this Success was soon spread abroad and Embassadors came to Congratulate with the King from several Princes The Moorish King according to the Capitulation went away with a good Guard to Valencia which was his own where he preserv'd the Title of King On the other side many Brigades of Christians were dispersed throughout the Kingdom of Toledo to reduce all that remained in the possession of the Moors which proved no difficult task they being terrify'd at the loss of so great a City Many Towns were taken the most noted were Maqueda Escalona Illescas Talavera Guadalajara Mora Consuegra Madrid Berlanga Buytrago Medinaceli and Coria many of them ancient Towns not far distant from Toledo strong and seated in a pleasant and fruitful Country Some of the Moors of Toledo accompanied their King but the most staid behind Their number being great there was danger they might upon the first opportunity Revolt To prevent this evil the King resolved to settle his Court there till such time it was better Peopled with Christians and new Fortifications raised to secure it Houses and Lands were by Proclamation offered to all such as would come and inhabit there which drew a great number of People Among the rest we have an account of one Peter a Grecian of the Imperial Family of the Paleologi of Constantinople who is said to have served during the Siege and therefore the King the Town being taken gave him a House and Lands of Inheritance From this Gentleman the great Family of Toledo pretend to be descended From this time 't is said the King's Quarter in Toledo was so called because the King gave that part of the City to the new Inhabitants that resorted thither A new Palace was began to be built in the highest part of the City all to the intent the better to curb the Moors After this we find King Alonso began to stile himself Emperor whether he had reason so to do we will not dispute He was puft up with the Conquests of that new Kingdom and being Sovereign of the greatest part of Spain and the King of Aragon and Moorish Kings being his Tributaries he thought no Titles too great His Joy was somewhat allay'd by the death of his Sister D. Vrraoa whom he respected as a Mother and she deserved it for her singular Vertues His other Sister D. Elvira was Married to the Count de Cabra to whom he gave her to appease him having provoked him by some rash words as is related in the General History of D. Alonso the Wise CHAP. X. The Election of the new Archbishop of Toledo The abolishing the old Missal and Breviary The Original of the Archbishop of Toledo His Spiritual Jurisdiction over all Spain King Alphonso's Wives and Children New Wars break out in Spain IN the Year 1086. the City of Toledo being well Inhabited with Christians and the Moors kept under the King convened a Synod of Bishops at which many of the Nobility were present The cause of their meeting was to chose an Archbishop of Toledo and by the unanimous consent of all Bernard Abbot of Sahagun was Elected He was a Man of a vertuous Life a ready Wit sound Judgment very Learned and Upright which good Qualities moved them to prefer him before all others tho' a Stranger as being a natural born French-man of the City of Agen in the Province of Aquitain or Guienne In his Youth he was a Soldier at riper Years took the Habit of a Monk at Aux and was sent thence into Spain by Hugo the Abbot at the request of King Alphonso to reform the Monastery of Sahagun which he design'd to be the head of all the Benedictines in Spain After he had been their Abbot some time he was promoted to the high Dignity of Archbishop of Toledo That his Honour and Authority might be the greater the King freely gave to him and his Successors Archbishops of that See many Towns Lands Mills and Houses In memory whereof an Anniversary is Celebrated for King Alphonso every Year in that Church in June This done
her Husband to succeed in the Government as being a Woman of a Manly Spirit and in great power for that when she returned to Castile her Father gave her the Towns of Valladolid Munon Curiel and Santistevan de Gormaz This Lady not only bore this great Burden but out of her own Revenue supply'd the wants of the Crown Her Vertues can never be too much extoll'd her Prudence Devotion Justice and Care of the Government were not to be parallell'd Yet multitude of Business and the love of Retirement made her uneasie Some who make their own ends by diving into the Affections of Princes soon discovered this failing Particularly the three Brothers of the Family of Lara Alvaro Ferdinand and Gonzalo Sons to D. Nun̄o Earl of Lara who being used to Rule would not let slip this opportunity of seizing upon the Government They valued not the King as being an Infant nor his Sister because she was a Woman Their resolution was to compass their ends tho' the means were never so foul Two things concurred towards forwarding their purposes One was that a private Man called Garci Lorenço a Native of Plasencia had great Interest with the Lady Berengaria He being a subtle Fellow they promis'd him the Town of Tablada which he much coveted as a Reward of his good Service in case he forwarded their Project The other was the absence of Roderick Archbishop of Toledo who only by his Prudence and Authority was able to disappoint all these Contrivances He was gone to Rome to be present at the Lateran Council assembled by Pope Innocent Thither resorted 412 Prelates 71 of which were Archbishops besides the Patriarchs of Jerusalem and Constantinople Those of Antioch and Alexandria came not themselves but sent their Deputies The number of other Priests is not to be reckon'd Many matters of great moment were handled in this Council but the chief were the renewing the War in the Holy-Land and quieting France then embroil'd by the Hereticks This Council was open'd in the Month of November and in the Church of S. John Lateran Among all the Prelates Roderick Archbishop of Toledo signaliz'd himself making a Latin Speech so set off with variety of other Languages that the Fathers in admiration said The like had not been heard since the time of the Apostles Here the Jurisdiction of the Church of Toledo was debated for that the Archbishops of Taragona Braga Santiago and Narbonne would not acknowledge its Supreme Authority On the behalf of Toledo were produced Bulls of former Popes their Determinations Decrees of Councils and many Arguments deduc'd from Antiquity Much also was said by the other Party but the case was left undetermin'd because some of the Parties concern'd were absent and it was fit they should be heard Yet the Pope granted to Roderick the Archbishop the Legantine Power for ten years and also that in case the City Sevil were taken from the Moors as was hop'd by reason of the small Power of the Almohades it should be subject to the Archbishop of Toledo as its Primate and no Appeal to lye from this Decree Besides he gave him power to Legitimate 300 Bastards and to place Bishops in all such Towns as should be taken from the Moors The Archbishop gain'd great Reputation in that Council not only for his knowledge in many Languages but for his extraordinary Learning not usual in that Age. He writ the History of Spain another of the Moors and a Treatise of the Jurisdiction of his Church of Toledo Touching the Holy-War it was decreed that all Church-men should contribute towards it part of their Revenues With this Subsidy Recruits were sent over and the Town of Damiata in Aegypt taken As to the Affairs of France the two Raymund's Father and Son Earl's of Toulouze appear'd in the Council against Simon of Montfort who had despoil'd them of their Dominions The Result was that they were Condemned as Hereticks and Toulouze with all other places he had taken adjudg'd to Simon of Montfort Whereupon Montfort did Homage to the King of France for those places and setled an Alliance with him Yet not relying on the Fidelity of those People he caused Toulouze Carcassonne and Narbonne to be dismantled which together with the heavy Taxes he laid on the Subjects rendred him so odious that many Towns along the River Rhosne revolted from him to Raymund the younger and not long after he lost the City of Toulouze Notwithstanding the Decree of the Council many Nobles of France assisted the abandon'd Princes yet Simon of Montfort had regain'd Toulouze but that he was unfortunately kill'd before it by a Stone shot from an Engine A Man worthy of a longer life for his Valour and Zeal for Religion He left two Sons Aymerick and Simon Aymerick upon the Death of his Father raised the Siege and dispairing of being able to withstand all those Princes that joyn'd against him resign'd his Right to all those Towns to the King of France who in return made him Lord High-Constable These things fell out three years later than this time Let us return to the place whence we digress'd CHAP. IV. The Family of Lara take the Government of Castile into their Hands they commit many insolencies and oppress the Nobility Young King Henry Marry'd and divorc'd The King of Aragon escapes from his Keepers THE Family of Lara ceased not to Solicite Garci Lorenço as was said before and he tempted with their promises undertook to bring about their desires He only waited a fit opportunity and at length having found one when the Queen Regent little thought of any such contrivance he told her The burden of the Government was too weighty for a Woman's Shoulders and withal exaggerated the difficulties of pleasing where Interests were so different and affections so various The Queen who coveted nothing more than her ease ask'd on whom she might repose that great trust of ruling the Kingdom and breeding up the King Then he reply'd none in the Kingdom so fit as the Family of Lara being the most powerful and therefore best able to awe such as should aim at any commotions This advice was approved by the Queen who thereupon assembling the Prelates and Nobles ask'd their advice and they either not understanding the drift or being before secur'd or else hating the Government of a Woman agreed that the Queen should resign the Government to the Three Brothers of the Family of Lara Roderick the Archbishop returning at this time from Rome lik'd not these proceedings but the thing was too far gone to be recalled All he could do was to oblige those Brothers to take an Oath that they would in all things study the interest of the People and Crown that they would give no Commands without the Queen's Approbation that they would not make War nor impose new Taxes and in fine that they would bear the respect due to the Queen as the Daughter Sister and Wife of King's This seemed
of great Beauty which made him prefer her before Joanna Queen of Naples who was offer'd to him By this Lady he had two Sons who dy'd young and a Daughter call'd Elizabeth afterwards marry'd to the Earl of Vrgel CHAP. II. King John succeeds his Father in the Throne of Castile Charles King of France dies Charles the VIth succeeds him Pope Clement own'd in Spain through the French Interest KING John having bury'd his Father was Crown'd together with his Wife Queen Ellener in the Monastery of Huelgas at Burgos He Knighted 100 young Gentlemen according to the manner of those Times and gave the Town of Pancorvo to that City in Payment of the Expence it had been at and to reward its Loyalty The Cortes or Parliament was held in that City where several Laws were enacted One was that a Man who had receiv'd the lesser Orders if he marry'd should pay Taxes but if he liv'd Single was shorn and were the Habit of a Clergy Man he should be priviledg'd as a Church Man Great rejoycing was throughout the whole Kingdom for the King's Coronation The Joy was the greater for that it was hop'd he would prove an excellent Prince being Generous sharp Witted Mild Religious and not Conceited but always inclinable to be advis'd Of Stature he was low yet with Majesty The first thing he did after his Accession to the Crown was to express his Affection to the French and therefore immediately fitted out a Fleet and sent it against John de Montfort Duke of Britany whom because he sided with the English the King and Counsel of France had declar'd an Enemy to the Crown and confiscated his Estate The Fleet scower'd the Coast of Britany and took there the Fort they call'd Gaye The King spent the Summer at Burgos Two things concurred the one to increase the other to lessen the publick Joy The first was that one Joseph Pico a rich and famous Jew was kill'd by his own People He was Receiver General of the Revenue which rais'd him to a great height Some Jews of Note bore him ill will the reason of it is not known and they contriv'd to make him away To this purpose they deceitfully obtain'd an Order of the King for putting of him immediatly to Death and finding out the Executioner prevail'd with him to kill the Jew without delay The Fraud being discover'd the Contrivers of it were punish'd and that People were debarr'd the Power they had before of Judging their own Members a Liberty till then allow'd by the Kings forc'd by their wants because the Jews have extraordinary Methods of raising Mony The Subject of Joy was that on the 4th of October the Queen was deliver'd at Burgos of a Son call'd Henry in Honour of his Grandfather this Child came afterwards to inherit the Crown About the end of this Year and beginning of the next which was 1380 the Rains were so great and continu'd so long that all the Rivers overflow'd and all the low Lands were under Water Particularly the River Ebro near Zaragoća broke down it's Banks and ran a new way so that it cost much Mony and Labour to bring it back into it's own Channel From Burgos King John went to Toledo where he again repeated his Father's Exequies and plac'd his Body in the Tomb built for him Then he set out for Andaluzia resolving to aid the French against the English At Sevil he fitted out 20 Galleys with which Fernan Sanchez de Tovar having coasted along Spain and France came to the English Shore and ran up the River Thames destroying all the Country and burning the Villages The Difference about the two Popes was now hotter than ever and each of them had powerful Supporters Pope Vrban meditated Revenge against the Queen of Naples the chief causer of the Schism whom her wicked Life had rendred Infamous He invited Charles Duke of Durazzo descended of the Kings of Naples into Italy intimating he would conferr that Crown upon him On the other sid'e the Queen having no Children adopted Luys Duke of Anjou giving him the Title of Duke of Calabria appertaining to the Heirs of that Crown not doubting by that means to be supported by the Arms of France This is all the Title the Dukes of Anjou have to that Crown which was the occasion of tedious and bloody Wars betwixt them and Spain tho at this time the Design was only to support the Queen and Pope Clement On the 13th of July dy'd the Famous Bertran Claquin at the Siege of Chasteauneuf in Britany and on the 16th of September following Charles King of France departed this Life at Bois de Vincennes His Son Charles the VIth succeeded him The King of Portugal was concern'd about the Succession be being old and having never a Son Beatrix his Daughter by the Queen whose Birth was afterwards call'd in Question was contracted to Frederick Duke of Benavente and Bastard Son to King Henry After the Death of Henry the Portuguese would not stand to that Match but sent Embassadors to the new King to offer her to his Son Prince Henry then a Child but a few Months old King John hoping to joyn the Kingdom of Portugal to Castile admitted of the Proposal The Articles of Marriage were agreed upon at Soria where the Cortes met but at last they came to nothing Peter Manrique Leiutenant of Castile was apprehended being accus'd of holding a treasonable Correspondence with D. Alonso de Aragon Earl of Denia He dy'd in Prison without leaving any Children James Manrique his Brother inherited his Estate and Honours as he well deserv'd for his good Service in Navarre Luis Duke of Anjou govern'd France for King Charles who was under Age. The King of Aragon fear'd lest he should lay hold of that Opportunity to conquer the Kingdom of Majorca to which he pretended a right as has been said but he had bent his Thought upon securing the Crown of Naples to himself and his Heirs However King John of Castile sent Embassadors into France to accommodate that Affair and it was agree'd he should sell the Title he had bought King John advanc'd a good Summ out of kindness to his Father-in Law and to secure the Peace of Spain He also sent Embassadors to the Soldan of Egypt to sollicite for the Liberty of Leo King of Armenia whose Wife and Daughter had dy'd in Prison The barbarous King granted his Request and releas'd the Prisoner sending him into Spain with Letters full of Pride and Arogancy in relation to himself but honourably writ in regard to King John whose Power and Valour he extoll'd desiring his Friendship Three Years after that unfortunate King came into France and thence into Spain where the King entertain'd him honourably and gave him the Towns of Madrid and Andujan with a competent Revenue for his Maintenance He stay'd not long in Spain but return'd into France designing thence to go into England to perswade those Kings to
pacifie them These Two assembling the People at Santiago and putting to death the Mareschal Peter Pardo and some other Gentlemen brought the Country under subjection King Ferdinand was then gone to Catalonia upon this account Mahomer the Great Turk having in vain besieged Rhodes the space of three Months was forced to quit that Enterprize Part of his Fleet sailed to Vallona in Albania opposite to Apulia a Province of the Kingdom of Naples Thence Achmet Bassa who Commanded passed over into Italy and took the City Otranto on the 13th of August where he made a great Slaughter sparing neither Sex nor Age. From this Place the Turks made Incursions into the Country destroying all they came at to the great Terror of all Italy This moved the Christian Princes to think of joining their Forces to stifle that Flame Particularly King Ferdinand sent Gonzalo Beteta Ambassador to Pope Sixtus who was then much displeased with the King as appeared upon several occasions and now more especially for he constituted the Archbishop of Toledo his Legate in Spain without acquainting the King with his Design The publick Danger made private Animosities be forgot The King also sent D. John Melguerite Bishop of Girona in the Month of February 1481. to make a League with all the Princes of Italy At the same time the King gathered a Fleet of 35 Sail of all sorts at Barcelona The King of Portugal fitted 20 Ships for this purpose but these Succours went on slowly Therefore D. Alonso Duke of Calabria with what Forces he could gather in Italy at last laid Siege to Otranto It fell out happily that Mahomet the Great Turk died at Nicomedia in Bithynia on the 3d of May. News hereof being brought to the Turks in Otranto they surrendered that City the 5th Month after it had been besieged upon condition to depart freely The Duke of Calabria retained in his Service about 1500 Turks designing to make use of them against the Florentines It was the vulgar Opinion they well deserved it because they had called in the Turks yet many believed this was a Policy of the Duke to cast the Scandal of retaining those People upon his Enemy The Succours of Aragon and Portugal were of no use for they arrived in Italy after Otranto was surrendred Besides the distance weighty Affairs kept those Kings employed and diverted them from sending those Succours sooner King Ferdinand held the Cortes of Aragon at Calatayud whither Queen Elizabeth by her Husband's Order brought Prince John D. Alonso Enriquez the Admiral and Peter Fernandez de Velasco the Constable were appointed Commissioners to Govern Castile The King's aim was to have his Son sworn Heir to that Kingdom as had been before done in Castile and was also performed there on the 29th of May. Soon after the same was done at Barcelona for the Principality of Catalonia Besides these Cares another was added from Navarre Peter the Cardinal and James his Brother Unkles to the young King came to Zaragoça There being admitted to Audience in a long Harangue they laid before King Ferdinand the Misfortunes Navarre laboured under the Rebels being possessed of the most considerable Towns and Cities The Biamonteses had Pamplona the others Estela Sanguessa and Olite They represented That their King had nothing left him but the Title That the Earl of Lerin ceased not to commit all manner of Crimes Therefore they begged King Ferdinand to pity that young King and deliver him from the Slavery of his Subjects King Ferdinand having heard the two Brothers promised he would stand by King Francis and to shew his readiness sent certain Persons with the Two Princes who from him should advise the Rebels to submit to their King The Cortes of that Kingdom met at Tafalla there King Ferdinand's Ambassadors gave an account of what they had in Commission The Navarrois answered That if the King had not been received as he ought in the Kingdom it was not the fault of them all but of some few who disturbed the Peace of the Country yet if he would come to them no Town would be wanting in expressing its Loyalty This Answer was satisfactory and therefore it was proposed to King Ferdinand that King Francis should go to Pamplona It was thought sit he should go with a good Guard lest in that time of Confusion any Affront should be offered him At this time the King of Portugal died at Sintra in the very Chamber where he was born and on the 28th of August His Body was carried to Aljubarrota His Son John II. for his high Spirit and great Exploits Sirnamed the Great succeeded him This Prince as well as his Father was always an utter Enemy to Castile The Father carried it more openly but the Son subtilly and underhand and therefore more furiously vented his Passion upon some Noblemen of his Kingdom whom he suspected of favouring Castile as we shall soon see For Piety Goodness Severity towards Crimina Sharpness of Wit and a Tenacious Memory he equalled all the Kings his Contemporaries and excelled many He used to say That a Kingdom either found Princes wise or made them so by their continual conversing with Men of great Parts who constantly are about the Courts of Kings and use all Arts in Speech and Behaviour to obtain their Desires and discover their Ability CHAP. X. Francis King of Navarre comes out of France is Crown'd and soon after Dies A Conspiracy against the King of Portugal discover'd and the Conspirators punish'd Peace betwixt Castile and Portugal Ratified Luis the Eleventh King of France dies THree Princes died successively one year after another About the end of this year departed this Life Charles Duke of Anjou He appointed the King of France his Heir by which means Anjou and Provence were annexed to the Crown of France besides other Pretentions which served only to intail a War upon that Kingdom On the first of July in the following year 1482 died D. Alonso Carillo y Acun̄a Archbishop of Toledo a Man even when of great Age lively and active He retired in his latter days rather through necessity than of his own inclination He was buried in the Monastery of S. Francis built by himself at Alcalà de Henares he also made the Church of S. Stephen till then a Parish Collegiate He was addicted to Chimistry and died Poor yet is said to have left some Money to repair the School at Alcala On the left hand of the Archbishop's Tomb was buried his Son Troylus which the Cardinal D. Francisco Ximenez caused to be removed looking upon it as a Monument of that Prelate's incontinency From this Troylus are descended the Marquesses of Falces in Navarre their Sirname is Peralta The Cardinal of Spain succeeded D. Alonso Carrille in the Archbishoprick of Toledo He was Son to Yn̄igo Lopez de Mendoça Marquess of Santillana and Brother to James Hurtado de Mendoça first Duke del Infantado This Prelate was a Person of
the Carthaginians and gives them a great Overthrow First Nero then Publius Scipio comes into Spain and takes Carthagena p. 26 Chap. VII Publius Scipio Routs Asdrubal and drives the Carthaginians quite out of Spain other notable Actions of his there Cornelius Lentulus and Lucius Manlius succeed him and overthrow the Spaniards that had Revolted p. 28 Chap. VIII The Spaniards Revolting are again Subdu'd by the Romans Cato being Consul comes into Spain Several Pretors succeed him Their Government and Actions p. 30 The Third BOOK Chap. I. THE first War of Numantia and Peace concluded with that City The War in Lusitania and other parts and Treachery of the Pretor Sergius Galba p. 33 Chap. II. Viriatus 's Original and Actions against the Romans The Government of several Roman Generals and among them of Metellus and Pompey and Death of Viriatus p. 35 Chap. III. The second War betwixt Rome and Numantia The Consul Mancinus concludes a dishonourable Peace with that People and is therefore delivered up to them Scipio Africanus sent against them The City destroy'd p. 38 Chap. IV. Other Occurrences in Spain after the War of Numantia The beginning of the War of Sertorius His Actions Defeat and Death p. 40 Chap. V. Pompey appeases the Tumults in Spain Julius Caesar comes into Spain The beginning of the Civil Wars there Pompey 's General defeated the whole Country reduc'd by Julius Caesar who returns to Rome p. 44 Chap. VI. Longinus Governs Spain His Actions The War betwixt Caesar and Pompey 's Sons The famous Battle of Munda Caesar returns Victorious to Rome p. 46 Chap. VII Other Commotions in Spain after the Death of Caesar The beginning of the Empire of Augustus and War of Cantabria p. 48 The Fourth BOOK Chap. I. THE Birth of Christ our Lord. The Death of Augustus and Reigns of the Emperors Tiberius Caligula and Claudius With an Account of the coming of St. James the Apostle into Spain and first Preaching of the Gospel p. 51. Chap. II. The Reigns of the Emperors Nero Galba Otho Vitellius Vespasian and Titus With an Account of the Colonies free-Free-Towns and Courts of Judicature then in Spain p. 53 Chap. III. The Reigns of the Emperors Domitian Nerva Trajan Adrian Antoninus Verus Marcus Aurelius and Commodus the Persecutions under them The building of the City Leon and rise of the Heresie of the Gnosticks p. 55 Chap. IV. The Reigns of the Emperors Pertinax Severus Caracalla Macrinus Heliogabalus Alexander Severus Maximinus Gordianus Philip Decius Tribonianus Gallus and Aemilianus p. 57 Chap. V. The Reigns of the Emperors Valerianus Galienus Flavius Aurelianus Tacitus Flavianus Probus Carinus Dioclesian and Maximian Constantius and Galerius Maximinus and Licinius p. 58 Chap. VI. The Reign of the Glorious Constantine the Great the first Christian Emperor The Arian Heresie The first General Council of Nice p. 60 Chap. VII The Reigns of the Emperors Constantine Constantius and Constans Julian the Apostate Jovianus Valentinian and Valens p. 62 Chap. VIII The Reigns of the Emperors Gratianus Valentinian Theodosius Arcadius and Honorius p. 64 The Fifth BOOK Chap. I. THE coming of several Barbarous Nations into Spain as the Vandals Alans Suevians Silingians and Goths Their Original and where they setled p. 67 Chap. II. The Goths vanquish and subdue all the other Barbarous Nations in Spain The Vandals after this Successful go over into Africk The rise of the Kingdom of the Suevians p. 69 Chap. III. The Reigns of the Kings Theodoredus Torismund and Theodorick Attila King of the Huns twice routed The General Council of Chalcedon p. 71 Chap. IV. The Death of King Theodorick and Reigns of Euricus and Alaricus The Goths twice overthrown by the Franks p. 73 Chap. V. The Reigns of the Kings Gesaleycus Theodorick and Amalaricus Several Spanish Synods Defeat of the Franks And Tryal by Ordeal p. 74 Chap. VI. The Reigns of Theudiselus Agila and Athanagildus A great Plague The 5th General Council An Interregnum And the Conversion of the Suevians p. 76 Chap. VII Of the two Sisters Galsuinda and Brunechilda The Reigns of the Kings Liuva and Leuvigildus This last makes his two Sons his Companions in the Throne p. 77 Chap. VIII Ermenegildus Son to Leuvigildus Marries the Lady Ingundis is Converted to the Catholick Faith is Besieg'd by his Father in Sevil and put to Death by him p. 79 Chap. IX The remaining part of the Reign of King Leuvigildus He Persecutes the Catholicks Subdues the Suevians his Death and causes of his Conversion p. 81 Chap. X. The Reign of Recaredus his and Peoples Conversion Conspiracies against him detected and punish'd He overthrows the Franks The third Council of Toledo p. 82 The Sixth BOOK Chap. I. THE remaining Actions of King Recaredus He Marries Clodosinda Sister to Childebert King of Lorrain His Death Original of Dukes and Counts p. 84 Chap. II. The Reigns of the Kings Liuva Witericus Gundemarus Sisebutus and Recaredus II. Several Synods the Jews banish'd Spain p. 86 Chap. III. The Reigns of the Kings Suinthula Rechimirus Sisenandus and Chintila The Romans quite expell'd Spain Three Synods at Toledo p. 87 Chap. IV. The Reigns of the Kings Tulga Chindasuinthus and Recesuinthus Several Synods of Toledo Increase of the Mahometan Power The Election and Coronation of King Wamba p. 89 Chap. V. The War with the Rebels in Gallia Gothica Paul Wamba 's General joyns with them The King marches against them and reduces all the Country to his Obedience p. 91 Chap. VI. Wamba returns into Spain Punishes the Heads of the Rebels His Publick Works Eleventh Council of Toledo A great Fleet of Sarazens destroy'd Wamba depos'd Ervigius Vsurps the Crown p. 93 Chap. VII The Reigns of the Kings Ervigius and Egica p. 94 Chap. VIII The Reign of King Witiza Roderick ascends the Throne Ravishes Count Julian 's Daughter and breaks open an old Castle at Toledo said to be Inchanted p. 96 Chap. IX The first coming of the Moors into Spain They prove successful and flock over in great Multitudes King Roderick overthrown in a great Battle His Death The Moors over-run the greatest part of Spain p. 98 Chap. X. The Moor Muza comes over with Supplies His Actions The Moorish Computation of Years call'd Hegira Abdalasis Son to Muza his Actions End of Count Julian and his Family Deplorable state of Spain p. 100 The Seventh BOOK Chap. I. PRince Pelayus or Pelagius takes up Arms against the Moors Is declar'd King and Miraculously Vanquishes the Infidels The Death of Muza Alahor Governs Spain p. 102 Chap. II. Pelayus 's Power increases he takes several Towns His Death The short Reign and Death of Favila Several Moorish Governours in Spain Actions of the Infidels in France p. 104 Chap. III. The Reign of D. Alonso the Catholick His Conquests and Death Several Moorish Governours in Spain Affairs of the Mahometans both in Spain and Africk p. 105 Chap. IV. The Reigns of the Kings Froyla Aurelius Silon Alonso Mauregatus and Veremundus or Bermudo Monarchy
Henry of Castile Created a Duke p. 404 Chap. IV. Proceedings and Defeat of the Rebels in Catalonia Death of Ismael King of Granada Progress of the Rebellion in Castile and most Villanous Action of the Rebels who Proclaim Prince Alonso King The King and they Disband p. 406 Chap. V. Peter Constable of Portugal dies The Rebels in Catalonia chose the Duke of Anjou for their King The Battle of Olmedo The Death of the Queen of Aragon and Prince Alonso of Castile The King recovers Toledo The Rebels of Castile affront the Pope's Legate and are Excommunicated p. 408 Chap. VI. John Duke of Lorrain supports and heads the Rebels in Catalonia for his Father Ferdinand Prince of Aragon declar'd King of Sicily The Crown of Castile offer'd to the Princess Elizabeth she refuses it Peace betwixt the King and Nobles p. 410 Chap. VII The Marriage of Ferdinand King of Sicily with the Princess Elizabeth of Castile and of the Duke of Guienne with the Princess Joanna who is sworn Heiress of Castile Differences betwixt the Knights of Alcantara and their Master and Troubles in Biscay The Portugueses take Arzila and Tangier in Africk p. 412 Chap. VIII The Tumults and Confusions in Aragon Sardinia and Navarre The King of Castile labours to reduce his Rebels Pope Paul II. dies Sixtus IV. chosen King Alonso of Portugal takes Arzila and Tangier in Africk p. 414 Chap. IX Catalonia reduc'd Charles Duke of Guienne dies Cardinal Borgia the Pope's Legate comes into Spain Interview of the Kings of Castile and Portugal The Master of Santiago strengthens himself against his Enemies Barcelona surrendred to the King of Aragon p. 416 Chap. X. The Pope's Legate's Practices against King Henry of Castile Massacre of the Jews Signal Loyalty of Peter de Peralta Traiterous Practices of Elizabeth Sister to King Henry of Castile A Synod at Aranda p. 417 The Twenty Fourth BOOK Chap. I. THE Princess Elizabeth pretends to be reconcil'd to her Brother and openly aspires to the Crown upon his Indisposition D. John Pacheco Master of Santiago dies Differences betwixt the French and Aragonians King Ferdinand goes to Barcelona Jews Massacred in Sicily Ferdinand and Elizabeth Proclaim'd King and Queen of Castile The King of Portugal undertakes the Protection of the Princess Joanna his Niece p. 420 Chap. II. The Death of Henry King of Castile Ferdinand and Elizabeth Vsurps the Crown of Castile from Joanna the Rightful Heiress and are Proclaim'd King and Queen The King of Portugal undertakes the Protection of the Rightful Heiress his Niece p. 422 Chap. III. The King of Portugal calls himself King of Castile and is assisted by many of the Nobility being contracted to Joanna the Rightful Heiress He takes several Places in Castile The French make Peace with England and engage to assist Portugal against Ferdinand p. 424 Chap. IV. Prince John of Portugal comes into Castile with Forces to his Father's assistance The Battle of Toro betwixt King Ferdinand and him of Portugal The latter defeated The Castilian Nobility forsake him and he returns home p. 426 Chap. V. The Tumults of Navarre The King of Portugal 's Zoyage into France Toro recover'd by the Castiliano from the Portugueses Several other Places retaken Charles the Bold Duke of Burgundy and Galcazzo Duke of Milan murdred p. 428 Chap. VI. King Ferdinand possesses himself of the Mastership of Santiago in trust which has ever since continued in the Kings of Spain War with the Moors of Andaluzia The King of Portugal after having Abdicated his Crown returns home and is restor'd by his Son p. 429 Chap. VII Sardinia entirely reduc'd The Birth of John Prince of Castile The Inquisition first setled in Spain Peace concluded betwixt France and Castile The Death of King John of Aragon p. 431 Chap. VIII Ellenor Queen of Navarre The Troubles of that Kingdom and her Death The Countess of Medellin raises Tumults in Castile Portugueses overthrown by the Castilians Heretical Opinions started and condemned in Spain King Ferdinand goes into Aragon p. 434 Chap. IX Peace concluded betwixt Castile and Portugal The Turks get footing in Italy and are again expell'd King Alonso of Portugal dies Henry the late King of Castile 's Grants vacated by the Cortes Prince John Son to King Ferdinand Sworn Heir of Castile p. 435 Chap. X. Francis King of Navarre comes out of France is Crowned and soon after dies A Conspiracy against the King of Portugal punished and the Conspirators punished Peace betwixt Castile and Portugal ratified Luis XI King of France dies p. 437 The Twenty Fifth BOOK Chap. I. THE beginning of the War with Granada King Albahazen surprizes Zahara Alhama taken from the Infidels and in vain besieged by them again p. 440 Chap. II. Preparations for carrying on the War against the Moors Loxa in vain besieged and that War laid aside for some time Some Tumults in Galicia A great slaughter of Christians on the Mountains of Malaga p. 441 Chap. III. The Moors defeated and Boabdill their King taken and afterwards released The Affairs of Navarre Pope Sixtus dies Innocent VIII succeeds him Marquess del Gasto and Pescara from whom descended p. 444 Chap. IV. Alora and other Places taken from the Moors Albohardil Vsurps the Crown of Granada and defeats the Earl of Cabra The Rebellion in Naples Birth of the Princess Katherine of Castile afterwards Wife to Henry VIII King of England p. 446 Chap. V. The Tumults in Aragon and Catalonia Several Towns taken from the Moors A Sedition in Galicia King Albohardil attacks the Castle called Albayzin in Granada and is repulsed Azamor on the Coast of Africk delivered to the Portugueses p. 448 Chap. VI. King Ferdinand takes Malaga and other Places from the Moors Albohardil King of Granada having been defeated by the Christians is expelled by his Subjects and Boabdil Proclaimed King Mighty Discoveries made by the Portugueses in the East p. 450 Chap. VII Tumults in Aragon the Cities Associate there The War with the Moors renewed and several Places taken from them which they with the same facility recover Maximilian King of the Romans aims to Marry the Princess Elizabeth of Castile p. 452 Chap. VIII The Masterships of all the Military Orders in Spain annexed to the Crown for ever Three Cities and other Places taken from the Moors Elizabeth Princess of Castile Married to Alonso Prince of Portugal His and his Father's Death p. 453 Chap. IX The War with the Moors now effectually renewed The Description of the City of Granada King Ferdinand lays Siege to it and Builds a Town for his Army to Quarter in during the Siege to shew his Resolution not to depart without being Master of that City p. 456 Chap. X. A mighty Mutiny raised in Granada by a Phanatick Moor. The City surrendred to King Ferdinand The Character of King Ferdinand and Queen Elizabeth Their Triumphal Entry into Granada and Vniversal Joy for their Success p. 457 The Twenty Sixth BOOK Chap. I. THE Affairs of Britany The
Asturias then cuts Gallicia in the middle and forms Cape Finisterre butting out far into the Sea By this Mountain are divided the Vltramontani from the Citramontani or those beyond from those on this side the Mountains From these Mountains springs that formerly called Idubeda now Oca taking the Name of the ancient City Auca whose Ruins are to be seen near Villafranca about 5 Leagues from Burgos This Mountain rising near the Spring of the River Ebro on the Borders of Asturias where is a Town called Fontibre or the Fountains of Ebro and running down by Bribiesca and the Arevaci near Mount Orbion and Moncayo passes along between Calatayud and Daroca and ends in the Mediterranean not far from Tortosa from which City that part of these Mountains takes Name From this Mountain Idubeda or Oca begins that of Orospeda which at first rises so leasurely it is scarce perceivable but further on lifts its Head and forms the Mountains of Molina then those of Cuenca where on the Left-Hand are the Springs of the River Xucar and on the Right those of Tagus both noted Streams Next follow the Mountains of Consuegra near which in the Plains formerly called Laminitani now of Montiel are the Fountains of Guadiana Hence it goes on to Alcaraz and Segura where in different places spring the Rivers of Segura formerly Tader Guadalquivir running towards different Seas At Caçorla this Mountain Orospeda divides it self into two Branches one of them opposite to Murcia expires in the Sea near Muxacra or Murgis on the Right-Hand whereof are the Bastetani so called from the City Basta now Baça on the Left are the Contestani ancient People of Spain whose Metropolis now is Murcia The other stretches it self towards Malaga and joyning to the Mountains of Granada runs beyond Gibraltar and Tarifa as if it designed to pass the Streight into Africk From Orospeda near Alcaraz rise the Mountains Mariani vulgarly called Sierra Morcna the foot whereof all along almost as far as the Ocean is washed by the River Guadalquivir which at Anduxar cuts Andaluzia in the middle runs by Cordova Italica and Sevil and falls into the Ocean near the Place formerly called Templum Luciferi now to St. Lucar At present this River has but one Mouth in ancient Times it is said to have had two for Nebrixa and Asta which the Ancients placed on the Island of Guadalquivir are now two Leagues from the Mouth of it Not far from the rise of Orospeda and near Moncayo in the midst of a great Plain other Mountains lift up their Heads which no doubt are Branches of the Pyreneans as all others that cross Spain are The rise of this is scarce perceivable at first but for the fall of several Waters and because the River Duero whose Source is in the Pelendones and whose Course is Southward as far as Soria it is there by them turned away to the Westward Among ancient Authors I find no mention of these Mounts at present they have several Names taken for the most part from the Neighbouring Cities as of Soria Segovia and Avila Castile the greatest Province of Spain is by these Mountains divided into the Old and the New Hence they run on near Coma and Placentia are watered on the Left by the River Tagus and passing on part Portugal into two almost equal Portions They expire at Sintra which is on Mount Tagrus seven Leagues to the Northward of Lisbon where they form in the Ocean the Cape called by Solinus Promontorium Artabrum CHAP. II. Of the Ancient and Modern Division of Spain of the Languages used there and of the Customs of the Spaniards SPain was divided by the Romans into three Parts Lusitania Betica and Tarraconensis The Lusitani Inhabited the farthest parts of Spain Westward their Limits were the Rivers Duero on the North and Guddiana on the South and a Line drawn from that part of Duero which is opposite to Simancas to Puente del Arçobispo and thence through the Oretani which was that part where Almagro now stands to the Banks of Guadiana which Line parted them from the Province Tarraconensis in such manner that within Lusitania was comprehended the Country about Avila Salamanca Soria and other Places now belonging to Castile Betica or Andalusia is shut in on three sides by the River Guadiana and the Sea as far as Murgis or Muxacra a Town near the Promontory Charidemum or Cape Gatas from whence a Line drawn to Castulon and the Oretani where stands the rich Town of Almagro makes the fourth side towards the East All the remaining part of Spain was included in the Province Tarraconensis so called from the noble City Tarragona a Colony of the Scipio's which for many Years was the Metropolis of the Roman Empire in Spain where they kept their Courts and the Majesty of their Government resided St. Isidorus following the division made by Constantine the great which is to be seen in Sextus Rufus subdivides this Province into Tarraconensis Carthaginensis and Gallicia but does not assign the Limits of each and it is no wonder for these Provinces were often lessened or enlarged according to the will of those who Commanded All this Province Tarraconensis is also known by the Name of Hispania Citerior that is the hither Spain as also Lusitania and Betica are comprehended within the Vlterior or further for Pliny and other learned Men oppose that Opinion which assigns the River Ebro for the Bounds of the two Spains tho' doubtless once it was so Both these Provinces at present have several new Names which it would be troublesome to reduce to any certainty but may all be comprehended under five Kingdoms which were Erected as the Moors were driven out of Spain The Kingdom of Portugal was Founded by the French and their Chief Henry who was of the House of Lorrain tho' Born at Besançon in Burgundy Peter Mantuanus says he was of the House of Burgundy His Father-in-law King Alonso the VI. of Castile gave him in Dower with his Daughter Teresa the City of Porto at the Mouth of the River Duero and some other Towns And some Authors are of Opinion that the Name of Portugal was then compounded of Porto and Gallia others and those more Learned say it came from the Place called Cale now Caya and Porta Portugal reaches farther in length than the ancient Lusitania for taking in the River Duero it contains the fruitful Fields as far as the River Minho and its length along the Sea-coasts is no less than 117 Leagues but it is less in breadth than the ancient Lusitania and beginning towards the East a little above Bragança in the North it reaches to the City Beja on the Banks of Guadiana which River shuts it in on the South To the N. E. part of Portugal joyns the Kingdom of Leon the second of the six Provinces spoken of This Kingdom takes its Name from the City Leon the Head and Metropolis thereof it contains all Galicia and Asturias de
Oviedo which reach from the River Mearo and Town of Ribadeo to the Port of Llanes Moreover there belongs to the Kingdom of Leon all that part of Old Castile which lies between the Wood of Pernia and the River Carrion till it comes to Pisuerga and falls into Duero then passing Duero another River called Hera and Regamon that falls into it make the Bounds of this Kingdom Lastly a Line drawn betwixt Salamanca and Avila over the tops of the Mountains to the Borders of Portugal These were formerly the Limits of the Kingdom of Leon. In process of time there was added to it all the Province of Estremadura so called because for many Years it was the extream or farthest part of what the Christians possessed Sometime this Kingdom reached as far as Merida in Lusitania and Badajoz in Betica The Kingdom of Navarre the third of the five in order is among the People formerly called Vascones This Kingdom on one side is Bounded by the Pyrenean Hills and part of that which runs to Cape Finisterre on the other sides by the River Aragon or Arga towards the South and on the West by another small River that falls into Ebro below Calahorra and by part of the River Ebro this is to be understood of that part beyond Ebro for the Kings of Navarre Possessed by way of Dower the Town of Tudela of Navarre and other Places adjacent Tho' this Kingdom be small and so ill Peopled that at present it contains not above 40000 Families I thought fit to name it among the principal Parts of Spain because the ancient Vascones Inhabitants thereof by their own Valour without any Assistance recovered that Country from the Moors and erected a Kingdom which lasted till the memory of our Fathers and often so enlarged their Territories that Sepulchres of their Kings are still seen in the City Najara and in many Places far distant from Navarre are still the Monuments of their Sovereignty Some derive this Word Navarre from another like it which is Navaerria which being made up of the Biscain and Spanish Languages signifies a Plain Country The Castilians call Plains Navas the Cantabri call the Land Erria which put together signifies Plain Land this is a witty and not contemptible Fancy We in this History call the People and Kingdom of Navarre Vascones in Latin It is divided into six Parts or Liberties which are that of Pamplona of Estela of Tudela of Olite and of Sanguessa The first called Vltrapuertos the chief Town whereof is called St. John de Pie de Puerto is the only one that remains united to the Lordship of Bearn The Kingdom of Aragon is divided into Catalonia Valencia and Aragon properly so called on the South East and North it is encompassed by the Mediterranean Sea that part of the Pyrenean Mountains where formerly inhabited the Ceretani now Cerdania and the Borders of Navarre On the West it is divided from Navarre by the River Ebro and from thence forward by a crooked Line drawn by Tarraçona Daroca Hariça Tiruel Xativa and Origuela to the Mouth of the River Segura which is between Alicant and Carthagena where it reaches to the Sea and parts the Dominion of Aragon from the rest of Spain The People of Aragon enjoy Privileges and are Governed by Laws far different from the other People of Spain most tending to Curb the excessive Power of their Kings The Name of Aragon is derived from Tarraco which is Tarragona or what is most likely from the River Aragon now Arga which runs through that part whence first the Borders of this Kingdom began to be enlarged Under the Kingdom of Castile so called from its many Castles and which is not only the largest but most Fertile and Beautiful of all Spain and inferiour to no other Province is comprehended that part of Asturias called de Santillana and all Cantabria formerly a small Province as not reaching to the Pyreneans but afterwards inlarged as appears by the City called Cantabria which its supposed was betwixt Logron̄o and Viana on the Banks of Ebro upon a high Clift to this day called Cantabria Besides St. Eulogius Martyr speaks of the River Cantaber which is believed to be Ega or Ebro into which falls the River Aragon which proves that Cantabria was once larger than Ptolemy makes it and than that part we now call Biscay is The Lordship of Biscay is divided into Biscay Guipuscoa Alaba and the Mountains in Biscay which stretches along the Sea from Portugalete to Hondarroa are the Towns of Bilbao and Bermeo The Sea-coast of Guipuscoa reaches from Biscay to Fuenterabia within its Liberties besides St. Sebastian and the Port of Guetaria are Salinas Tolosa the City Vitoria and Mondragon Towns of Alaba In Castile we call all that are of that Lordship and use that Language Biscainers as we do all the Subjects of the House of Austria in Gallia Belgica Flemings though Flanders be but a small part of that Dominion Besides this the Kingdom of Castile comprehends many Cities of Old Castile among them Burgos Segovia Avila Soria and Osma The Kingdom of Toledo is also part of it and is now called New Castile formerly Carpetania through it runs the River Tagus the most noted of Spain for its golden Sands the sweetness of the Water fruitfulness and beauty of the Fields it washes it runs towards the West but turns somewhat Southward as do also the Rivers Duero Guadiana and Guadalquivir Tagus runs by Toledo a City seated in the midst of Spain the Ornament and Fortress of it strong by Nature remarkable for its Beauty and the Wit of its Inhabitants famous for its Zeal in Religion and Learning and happy for the Serenity of its Air. And tho' the Ground it stands on be Barren and Rocky it is abundantly provided from the Neighbouring Country the River almost girds it about being penned in betwixt two high Mountains which is a wonderful Work of Nature only on the North side there is left open a steep and rough way into the City Beyond Toledo on the Bank of the same River is Talavera by Ptolemy called Libora a populous and plentiful Town then running on Tagus cuts Lusitania in two and being increased by many Rivers falls into the Sea near the City of Lisbon Within this same part of Spain is included the Province Carthaginensis in which are Carthago Spartaria now called Carthagena Murcia Cuenca and the Celtiberi whose Metropolis was Numantia besides the Mancha of Aragon or the Contestani Moreover to the Kingdom of Castile belongs the Province Betica now Andaluzia in which are Sevil Cordova and Granada formerly Iliberis or at least Iliberis was very near it as appears by one of the Gates of Granada to this day called Elvira and a Mountain hard by of the same Name All the Spaniards at present use one Language which we call Castillian and is compounded of many other Tongues especially the Latin which appears by the Name it bears being called Romance
trod to Death and having escaped this danger cast him to Dogs that had been kept Hungry on purpose that they might Devour him in fine he was thrown into the Sea which laid him again on the Shore where he was Suckled by a Doe Being grown up Abides of the nature of his Nurse became so nimble that he out ran the swiftest Beasts and withall so wild that he lived on the Mountains by Rapine The neighbouring People having suffered much laid a Toil into which he fell and was by them carried to his Grandfather Gargoris by some natural Instinct as also by Marks that had been observed in the Body of him when a Child discovered who he was and changing his Severity into Love named him Abides kept him as long as he lived as became his Grandson and at his Death appointed him his Heir Abides being seated on the Throne surpassed all his Predecessors in the Administration of the Government he persuaded his Subjects who before lived dispersed to gather themselves into Towns and Cities whereby the Wildness of those People was much Polished he restored the use of Wine and manner of Tilling the Ground which had been long forgot the People living upon such things as Nature produced He instituted Laws erected Tribunals and named Judges and Magistrates By these means he gained the good Will of his Subjects and purchased great renown among Strangers and having lived to a great Age departed this Life leaving behind an immortal Fame He was Contemporary with King David but Justin will have it that he lived at the same time with the Geryons and was King only of some part of Spain It is said his Progeny Reigned for many Years after him but none of their Actions or so much as their Names can be found nor any other remarkable Occurrence for a long Tract of Time only a most wonderful Dearth that hap'ned which lasted 26 Years so that all the Rivers except Ebro and Guadalquivir were dryed up and the Earth gaping the rich People who stay'd longest were deprived of means to fly to other Countries the Poor having at first withdrawn themselves to the neighbouring Provinces Thus the greatest part of Spain especially the Inland was not only strip'd of all manner of Trees but totally unpeopled and left Desart This season being past and the Land again moistened with Rain the Natives that had escaped mixed with other Nations returned and restored the Spanish Race almost extinct Most of our Authors agree in this Account but others and those very Learned will no way allow of it and the Reasons they give are that no Greek nor Latin Author makes any mention of it and so remarkable a Transmigration could not have escaped their Knowledge that it is impossible Ebro and Guadalquivir could have preserved any moisture during so many Years if we consider how many great Rivers are almost dryed up in one hot Summer that such a Drought would not cause the Ground to open but rather fall away all to Dust as may be seen in Libya and other parts of Africk because Moisture unites and Driness dissipates Bodies This is what our Historians write my Opinion is that as things at a great distance are always represented greater than really they are so it hap'ned in this Dearth which doubtless was much less than it is made and it is probable it Rained sometimes and so much as might unite the Earth and preserve the Rivers yet not enough to produce any sort of Grain or Fruit. The Fame of this Desolation being spread moved many of the neighbouring People once it was past to come over with their Stocks and Families to re-people the Country every one possessed himself of that Part he liked best and Multitudes resorting from all Parts thro' their Industry and the great Number of their Off-spring the Beauty of Spain was again soon restored the Land improv'd and many Towns and Cities built The Celtae a People of France passing the Pyrenean Mountains possest themselves of all that part of France which lies on the North of Ebro and East of the River Idubeda a fertile and pleasant Country where is now the City Tarracona and formerly those of Netobriga and Arcobriga From these Celtae and the Native Iberi great part of Spain was called Celtiberia These People increased and spread far Southward as appears by Segobriga Belsino Vrcesia and other Towns reckoned among the Celtiberi on the Northern Borders of the Celtiberi were the Arevaci where are now Osma and Agreda the Duraci Neritae Pelendones Presamarci and Cileni all included under the general Name of Celtiberi and joyned to them by Affinity It is a received Opinion that the Rhodians who were great Sailers built Rhodope or Rhoda now Roses upon a large Bay near the Foot of the Pyreneans which in the time of the Goths was a great City and Bishoprick tho' now small and inconsiderable The Rhodians are said to be the first who taught the Spaniards to make Cables and Weave Rushes for many uses and also to make Horse-mills to grind their Corn they were also the first that taught them the use of Copper Coin which then appeared very ridiculous to the Spaniards In process of Time they built a Temple to Diana and another to Hercules About 12 Miles from Roses is Empurias at the Foot of the Pyreneans at which Place about this same time the Mountain was Fired whether accidentally or by design is not known but certain it is these Hills by the Greeks were called Pyr that is Fire either by reason of this Accident or for the great Lightning that is often on the Tops of them This great Fire melted the Veins of Gold and Silver which were very plentiful there and in many other Parts of Spain in such manner that those Metals ran down the sides of the Mountain to the great surprise of the Inhabitants who admired the Beauty but understood not the Value of them But the Fame hereof being spread Abroad induc'd Foreigners to flock thither in hopes to gather that neglected Treasure or to purchase it of the Natives for things of small value The Phenicians are esteemed the first that durst venture out with great Fleets into the open Sea and steer their Course by the North Star These having gained the Sovereignty of the Seas from the Rhodians and Phrygians are said to have set out from the famous City of Tyre in quest of the Riches of Spain What part of Spain they first landed in Authors do not agree Aristotle says the Phenicians were the first who coming to the Streights-mouth purchased of the People of Tartesso or Tarifa for Oil more Silver than their Ships could carry away It is more likely this was about the Pyreneans as being nearer to them and the Silver to be some of that melted by the great Conflagration abovementioned Our Historians relate that Sicheus commanded one of their Fleets and got here those great Riches which tempted his
of Nebuchadnezzar is much spoken of in the Hebrew Books and this gave occasion to affirm that many Towns in Andaluzia and the Kingdom of Toledo which have Hebrew Names were then Built by the Jews that were in his Army Among those Places are reckoned Toledo Escalona Noves Maqueda Yepes and others of less note which they say took their Names from Ascalon Nobe Mageddo and Joppe Cities of Palestine Toledo they say is derived from Toledoth which in Hebrew signifies Families that gathered to Build that Place I will not approve or reject these Opinions but only note that no ancient Author makes mention of any such thing Our Historians add that after the expulsion of the Phenicians and return of the Babylonians the Phocenses Inhabitants of a City so called in Ionia of the Lesser Asia tired with the Cruelties of Harpalus Cyrus's Lieutenant in those Parts sailed to Italy France and Spain in a Fleet of Galleys whereof they were the first Inventers These People landed first in Italy in the farthest part of Lucania now called Basilicata opposite to Sicily where they built a City called Velia and thought to settle but the Air being unwholsom the Land barren and the Natives opposing them part put to Sea again to find a more convenient Habitation Having toucht at Corsica they pass'd into France where they built the City of Marseilles Another part of them continued their Course along Spain and beyond the mouth of the Streights planted in certain Islands called Aphrodisiae opposite to Tarifa where they Built after the manner of Greece but all these Islands are lost except one that was called Junonia After this followed the Death of Argantonius much about the Year 200. after the Building of Rome For his greater Honour they raised a Magnificent Sepulcher with as many Pyramids about it as Enemies he had Slain with his own Hand for this Aristotle says was the manner of the Spaniards Burying their Dead Great Revolutions hap'ned after the Death of Argantonius and Spain like a Ship without a Rudder or Pilot was tossed by every Wave The Fortune of War at first variable afterwards wholly averse to the Spaniards deprived them of their Liberty The coming of the Carthaginians to Spain was the cause of all these Mischiefs the occasion of their coming shall be related The Phenicians being increased in Power and Riches returned to Spain and repossessed themselves of the Island of Cadiz designing upon the first Opportunity that should offer to pass over into the Continent They wanted a Pretence and thought none so good as that of Religion They asked leave of the Natives to erect a Temple to Hercules feigning he had appear'd and order'd them so to do Having by this Fraud obtained their desires they built a Temple in the nature of a Fort many under colour of Devotion resorting thither in a small time it grew to the Grandeur of a City which is supposed to have stood where now Medina Sidonia is which the Name Sidon seems to confirm and the small distance of only 16 Miles from the Coast of Cadiz Besides this they became Masters of other smaller Towns some Built by themselves others taken by Force from their Neighbours From these Places they made In-roads into the Country carrying away Men and Cattle and in a short time possest themselves of the City Turdetum which stood between Xcres and Arcos Of this City the Turdetani an ancient People of Betica that extended from the River Guadiana to the Ocean took Name The Bastuli reach'd from Tarifa along the Coast of the Mediterranean to a Town then called Barea now supposed to be Vera. The Turduli began at the Port of Mnesteus now Port St. Mary and ran North and East as far as Sierra Morena and the farthest part of the Province Betica Livy and Polybius make the Turduli and Turdetani the same and most Authors confound the Limits of these People therefore it will be needless to labour to fix their Bounds no more than those of the Massieni Selbisii Curenses Lignii and others whose Names are found in approv'd Authors but what Places particularly they Inhabited can not be assigned But to return to the Matter in hand the Natives provok'd by the wrongs they receiv'd from the Phenicians and growing jealous of the Increase of their new City held a great Consultation in which they treated of the Injuries they had received and Dangers that might ensue from the growing Power of those Stranges Baucius Capetus Prince of the Turdetani was there present he took upon him with wise Words to raise their drooping Spirits and did it so effectually that they all presently Voted the War against the Phenicians They appointed Officers and gave them Power to raise Men withal recommending to all to be private that so they might Surprize their Enemies To Baucius for his great Experience and the love all the People bore him they assigned the whole Management of the War Thus having gathered a mighty Army they fell upon the Phenicians who where wholly unprovided and in a short time took all the Cities they had Built and those they had Conquered giving the plunder of all their Riches to the Soldiers The City Medina Sidonia whither the remainder of the Phenicians fled confiding in the strength of the Temple soon follow'd the fate of the rest and all within it were put to the Sword Such was their desire of Revenge that laying aside all thoughts of Compassion and Zeal of Religion they fir'd and laid the Temple level with the Ground Thus all the Riches they had been many Years heaping and the stately Buildings they had with great Cost erected were destroy'd and nothing left the Phenicians on the Continent except some few small Towns which escap'd unregarded and not because they could make any Opposition Those of Cadiz despairing of accommodation with the Natives found they must either resolve to quit Spain or send for Succours from Abroad To expect Relief from Tyre in that Distress was too tedious therefore they agreed to call to their Assistance the Carthaginians to whom they were Allied as Descended from the same Original and otherwise united by continual Commerce and Amity The Embassadors being admitted to Audience in the Senate laid before them the extream Danger those of Cadiz were in that they sought not to recover what they had lost but to preserve their Liberty and Lives that the Opportunity they had so long desired of entring into Spain now offered it self very Honourable in Defence of their Allies and in revenge of the Religion Profaned in the Destruction of the Temple of Hercules whom they chiefly Worshiped The Senate of Carthage bid them be of good Heart and make good their Ground till a sufficient Fleet could be fitted out to be sent to their Relief The Carthaginians at this time were Masters of the Sea had great Fleets abroad as well of Merchants as Ships of War and were possest not only of
time the Carthaginians were possest of some Towns near the Promontory Libybaeum not far from Trepana which was a great Eye-sore to the People of Agrigentum now Gergento It hap'ned the Carthaginians went out into a Wood near the City Minoa to offer Sacrifice which the Agrigentines who watch'd their Opportunity laying hold of fell upon and slaughter'd all but some few that fled and lurk'd about the Woods This News being come to Carthage the People resolving to take Revenge sent over 2000 Carthaginians a like Number of Spaniards and 500 Mallorquines with Slings With these Supplies the Carthaginians took the Field and coming to a Battle not only Vanquished their Enemies but Besieged them in the City Agrigentum whither they were fled and after a Siege of two Years made themselves Masters of it in the Year after the building of Rome 346. The end of this War was the beginning of a greater for Dionysius the Tyrant of Syracuse taking into his Protection those that fled from Agrigentum and on the other side the Carthaginians having to do with so powerful an Enemy raised an Army of 15000 African Foot and 5000 Horse besides 10000 Spaniards to oblige whom they restor'd Cadiz and withdrew all their Garrisons except from the Temple of Hercules and some other small Forts Himilco Cipo was appointed General of these Forces who at his first Landing in Sicily took the City Camarina which he Burnt and put all the Inhabitants to the Sword The People of Gela terrifi'd at this Cruelty abandon'd the Town Dionysius was not idle but having gather'd a great Force meets the Carthaginians and at first put them so hard to it that their Horse began to give way till Himilco coming up with a Reserve of 2000 fresh Men obliged the Sicilians to betake themselves to Flight Night prevented the Pursuit but Morning being come Himilco Attacks the Enemy in their Camp and after a great slaughter makes himself Master of it Dionysius saving himself by flight But to see how uncertain Humane Prosperities are after all this Success so violent a Plague rag'd among the Carthaginian Forces that Himilco returned Home with a very small Number where for Grief of this Loss he Slew himself After this some will have it that Dionysius endeavour'd by his Embassadors to withdraw the Spaniards from siding with the Carthaginians but they with Kindness and all manner of Courtesie kept them in their Friendship About the same time certain Carthaginians sailing from Spain whether designedly or forced by bad Weather is not known having travers'd the vast Ocean discover'd a large rich and beautiful Island which being Uninhabited some of those People stay'd and Planted there the rest return'd and gave an Account of what they had seen to the Senate where as Aristotle says it was agreed this Discovery ought to be Conceal'd and to that purpose the Discoverers put to Death lest the Citizens allur'd by the Riches of the Island and weary of War should abandon the City Some are of Opinion this Island was one of the Canaries others that it was Hispaniola or some part of the Continent of America The Carthaginians burning with the desire of renewing the War in Sicily raised Men in Spain and Africk but the Spaniards were averse to the War by reason of the distance because of the two great Losses sustain'd there and for that as they said they had received no wrong from the Sicilians This oblig'd the Carthaginians to lay aside that design till a fitter Opportunity which was soon offered for a great Famine hap'ned in Spain and after it as usual a Plague the Spaniards became more inclinable to take up Arms to fly from the Miseries of their own Country 20000 Spanish Foot 1000 Horse and 300 Sling Men of Majorca were raised Hanno was appointed General for this War who with these Forces and 10000 Africans sailed over into Sicily Dionysius who was then in Italy at the Siege of Cotron a Greek City having received Intelligence of the Storm that threatned him was forced to haste back to secure his own His Fleet which served to Transport his Army from Rhegio into Sicily was Defeated by the Carthagians and several Ships taken in which was his own Equipage Among the other things taken were found some Letters written in Greek by one Sunniatus a Carthaginian giving Dionysius an Account of the Preparations made against him which he did in Revenge for that he had not been appointed General but it cost him his Life and it was Enacted that for the future no Carthaginian should ever learn the Greek Language that they might not have the opportunity of Conversing with an Enemy without an Interpreter After this Victory at Sea many Places submitted themselves to Hanno and the War was continu'd with various Success till the sixteenth Year thereof which according to Eusebius was from the Foundation of Rome 336. or rather according to others the second of the 99th Olympiad which was of Rome 371. Then Dionysius the Elder dying Dio who Govern'd the Young Dionysius made a Truce with the Carthaginians yet the Quiet of Sicily lasted not long but it is time to return to Spain It has been already said how the Carthaginians at the beginning of the War of Sicily in part restored those of Cadiz to their Liberty This War being ended they sent Bostar to Govern the Balearick Islands with Orders to endeavour to gain the Good Will of the People of Saguntum but they fearing all his fair Words tended to deprive them of their Liberty would never entertain any Correspondence with him Hanno was sent to Govern Cadiz but he being Covetous oppress'd the Natives and by violent means seiz'd upon all the Treasure as well of private Persons as what belong'd to the Publick which provok'd the Spaniards to Conspire against the Carthaginians All on a sudden they appear'd in Arms slew many of their Enemies and Plundred their Goods Hanno having lost many of his Men and being forsaken by his Allies in Spain sent into Africk for Succour These Auxiliaries committed great Cruelties and made Havock in that part of Spain now called Andaluzia What had hap'ned being known at Carthage they sent another to succeed Hanno but we have no account of his Name or any thing he did in that Government his coming was about the Year of Rome 398. The War which employed the Carthaginians in Sicily gave Peace to Spain for some time but the joy and satisfaction of this Tranquility was allayed by great Floods which destroyed infinite Numbers of Cattle and bore down many Buildings The Year following the Earthquakes were so violent that many Cities on the Coast of the Mediterranean suffered extreamly more especially Saguntum by how much it exceeded all the others in Beauty and Grandeur The third Year which was 405. after the building of Rome was noted for mighty Storms at Sea which caused extraordinary Shipwracks The Governour that succeeded Hanno Dying one
Boodes was sent in his place and after him Maherbal but no Account can be had of any Actions of theirs or what Governour followed It is agreed by all as certain that the Inhabitants of Marseilles in France being grown too numerous in the Year of Rome 419. sent a Colony into Spain and Inhabited that part of the City Empurias which was next the Sea at the Foot of the Pyreneans opposite to Roses in Latin called Emporia Tho' small it was divided from the rest of the City by a Wall whence in Greek it was formerly call'd Palaeopolis that is Old Town signifying the oldest part of it and also Diospolis that is two Towns Another part of the Fleet from Marseilles passed Cape Denia and built a Town near the Temple of Diana Three remarkable things were made known in Spain by the coming of this Fleet the first the great Power of the Romans and how Religiously they Assisted and Supported their Allies the second that the Syracusans after recovering their Liberty contriv'd to expel the Carthaginians out of Sicily and the third that Alexander of Macedon Sirnam'd the Great had Vanquished Darius Conquered the Empire of the Persians and Subdu'd more Countries than another Man in that time could have Travelled through This mov'd the Spaniards Inhabiting along the Coast of the Mediterranean to send an Embassy to him to desire his Protection against the Carthaginians who aim'd at the enslaving of all that Province Paulus Orosius says Maurinus was Chief of this Embassy who joyning by the way with the Embassadors of France went in their Company to Babylon where they found those of all other Provinces that were there by Alexander's appointment expecting his coming Alexander being come to Babylon they gave him an ample Account of their Commission received a favourable Answer with promise of his Protection and having been richly presented returned Home well satisfi'd No doubt but this Embassy was very displeasing to the Carthaginians but it was no time to take notice of it they being then employed in the War in Sicily whence they were totally Expell'd by Agathocles Not long after ensu'd the first War betwixt Rome and Carthage and at the same time our Authors say Spain suffered by Civil War without naming the Parties or Places only express that it was carried on with the greatest Cruelty Killing Plundering and Burning on all Hands without Mercy Much about this time which was the Year of Rome 502. the Mallorquines Revolted from the Carthaginians and having put their Garrisons to the Sword oblig'd the Fleet that lay in the Harbour with Showers of Stones to put to Sea and at last there being no hopes of appeasing those People to return to Carthage To retrieve this loss the Senate sent Hamilcar Barchinus who with great Prudence by Courtesie and Address reduc'd those Islanders to Obedience without using any Force or Violence The Year 507 of Rome and last of the first Punick War was fatal to Spain for a great Drought and violent Earthquakes by which part of the Island of Cadiz was broken off and sunk in the Sea CHAP. II. The second coming of Hamilcar Asdrubal succeeds him His Preparations for the Roman War and Death NO sooner did the Carthaginians begin to breath after their unfortunate War with Rome and other Disasters which followed it but they cast their Eyes upon Spain as the most proper place to make up their Losses Hamilcar was appointed to Command there with an absolute Power He at his setting out from Carthage according to Custom Sacrific'd and Offered up his Vows His Son Hannibal then but nine Years of Age being present he caused him to touch the Altar and Swear that when he was of Age he would revenge his Country against the Romans Besides him Hamilcar had three younger Sons Asdrubal Mago and Hanno Being arriv'd at Cadiz he receiv'd Embassadors from the Turdetani who had always continued in Amity with Carthage offering their Forces if he had occasion for their service With their assistance Hamilcar not only recover'd that part which had been lost but possest himself of all the Province of Betica either by Force or the Submission of the Natives and this was the Year of Rome 516. Strabo says the Spaniards at that time were so Rich that their Mangers and Water Troughs were made of Silver Hamilcar Coasting along the Mediterranean ran up the River Ebro where he built a Town formerly call'd Old Carthage supposed to be now Cantavecha distant ten Leagues from Tortosa to the North-West among the People then called Ilercaones The following Year he subdu'd the Coasts of the Bastetani and Contestani where now are the Cities Baça and Murcia and not far from where Saguntum once stood and whence Embassadors came to Hamilcar bringing Presents and Congratulating his Success but not with any intention of submitting themselves to him Hamilcar receiv'd and dismiss'd them with Kindness yet he earnestly desir'd to be Master of that City It was requisite to have some Colour or Pretence for that Undertaking in order to it he persuaded the Turdetani to build a Town upon the Lands of the Saguntins which was call'd Turdetuni and some will have it to be Terud 20 Leagues distant from Saguntum This bred a Difference betwixt those two Cities which was it Hamilcar aim'd at and they understanding his Design resolv'd not to move or take up Arms against the Turdetani At the Mouth of the River Ebro the Carthaginians celebrated Feasts for the Victories they had obtain'd as also for the Marriage of Himilce Daughter of Hamilcar with his Kinsman Asdrubal this was the Year of Rome 521. While these Feasts were kept Hamilcar was not Idle but sent Embassadors into France to gain the good Will of the Principal Men there believing their Friendship might be advantageous towards carrying on the War he design'd against Rome when he had once subdu'd Spain He won them with Gold of which they were Covetous and Spain yielded Plenty The Year following he advanced to the Pyreneans Conquering all from Tortosa to the River Lobregat then call'd Rubricatus Now it was that he built the famous City Barcelona Capital of Catalonia and gave it that Name from that of his Family to wit the Barzini His Designs were laid against Roses and Empurias which he thought obstructed him as being Confederates with Saguntum when Death surprized him among the Edetani whither he was returned in order to pacifie some Disturbances in the Province of Betica He was Slain in a Battle against the Natives about the ninth Year after this his second coming into Spain This Fight was so Bloody that of above 40000 Men he had in his Army two thirds were Slaughtered the rest of them under the favour of the Night escaped to the neighbouring Towns that held for them Livy says this Battle was fought near a place called Castrum Altum After this signal Defeat the Carthaginian Forces were turned against
the Province Betica or Andaluzia where they totally Subverted a Colony of the Phocencians the Name of it is not known but it was the first that raised the Commotions in that Province as also the first that suffered for them At Carthage upon the news of the Death of Hamilcar the City was divided betwixt the Edi and Barcini about Naming him a Successor but at last by the Interest of Hannibal Asdrubal was appointed for that Command in the Year of Rome 524. Asdrubal having settled the Affairs of Spain the Year following returned to Carthage hoping to get the whole Government of the Common-Wealth into his own hands but being disappointed was glad to reassume his Command in Spain He found the Province in Peace and therefore resolved to Build in the Province of the Contestani on the Sea-coast a City which was called New Carthage to distinguish it from that Founded by Hamilcar on the River Ebro This City has a good Harbour secured from all Winds by high Hills which encompass it round leaving only a narrow Channel to pass into it opposite to which is a small Island first called Herculea then by the Latins Scombraria of a certain sort of Fish whereof there is great plenty thereabouts formerly the City was inferiour to none for the strength of its Walls beauty of the Buildings Nobility and Riches of the Citizens at present it is reduc'd to a small Number of Inhabitants yet retains some Footsteps of its Grandeur and is called Carthagena The Romans understanding what was doing in Spain and being Jealous of the Carthaginians endeavour'd by means of the People of Marseilles to settle some Alliances in Spain It was no difficult Task for them to compass their Design all the People being Jealous of the Proceedings of the Carthaginians Ampurias was the first City that made a League with the Romans it is seated among the People then called Indegetes that Bordered on the Laletani on the one side and the Ceretani on the other and reached from the River then Sameroca now Sambucha to the Ryrenean Hills At the Instance of those of Ampurias Saguntum and Denia came into the League which gave occasion to the bloody War that soon after ensued between the Romans and Carthaginians Asdrubal was not ignorant of these Proceedings but he thought fit to wink at them till all things were ready for the War he designed in order to which tho' with much difficulty he obtain'd of the Senate to send Hannibal into Spain At his Arrival the Soldiers and his Friends received him with great Demonstrations of Joy and Asdrubal declared him his Lieutenant in the Year after the building of Rome 528. At this time came into Spain Embassadors from Rome who proposed That whereas the Romans and Carthaginians were Friends and Confederates and that there was of late Alliances between the said Romans and some of the People of Hispania Citerior therefore to prevent all Misunderstandings and that neither might incroach upon the Territories of the other the River Ebro should be the Bounds of the Carthaginian Province and that notwithstanding Saguntum was on the other side of that River they should not intrude upon their Liberties In fine that none should offer any wrong to the Friends and Allies of the other This Embassy was very ungrateful to the Carthaginians thinking it too great a Presumption in the Romans to give Laws to the Conquerors in their own Province However they thought fit to submit to the Necessity of Times till they were better provided to carry on a War and therefore agreed to all the Embassadors demanded and the more because they understood the Gauls had been Defeated by the Romans and 40000 of them Slain in the Battle besides 10000 taken The Embassadors being gone Asdrubal spent three Years in providing all Necessaries for the War he designed But Death put a stop to his Proceedings for he was Kill'd by a Slave in Revenge of the Death of his Master whose Name was Tagus a Noble Spaniard that had been slain by Asdrubal the second Year of the 139 Olympiad and 532. of the building of Rome So great was the satisfaction this Slave receiv'd in Killing of Asdrubal at the Altar as he was offering Sacrifice that tho' he was taken and put to exquisite Torments he never expressed the least sense of Pain but bore all with a chearful and smiling Countenance CHAP. III. The beginning progress and end of the Saguntine War with the utter Extirpation of that City ASdrubal being Slain as above the Government of Spain by the general Consent of the Soldiers and Approbation of the Senate and People was Conferred upon his Brother-in-law Hannibal He was then in the Prime of his Youth being 26 Years of Age of great Courage and Resolution endow'd with excellent Natural Parts but no less inclin'd to Vice of Body hardy as inur'd to Labour his Mind generous and more covetous of Honour than Ease his Boldness was extraordinary his Prudence and Secrecy nothing inferiour All these Virtues were darkned by his Treachery Cruelty and Irreligion yet was he Esteemed and generally Beloved by all Being possess'd of the Government and fearing lest Death should cut him off as had hap'ned to Asdrubal his only Study was how to carry on a War against the Romans It was requisite to find some Colour and Pretence and therefore he resolv'd first to break with Saguntum to revenge some Injuries done to his Allies Before he entred upon this great Undertaking he thought fit to Celebrate his Nuptials with Himilce a Native of Castulon then a Noble City where now stand the poor Cottages of Cazlona not far from the City Baeza where are still some footsteps of its Greatness This Lady was of the Race of Milico an ancient King of Spain and it was said that Cyrrheus the Phocensian from whom also she was Descended had Founded that City and given it the Name of his Mother Castulona Her Dower was very great and the Power of Hannibal hereby much increased because the People look'd upon him as their Country-man and Friend In his time also and by his order were discover'd several Mines of Gold and Silver which were call'd Hannibal's Wells We may guess at the Treasure these Mines yielded by one of them call'd Bebelus out of which it is Recorded there was Dayly taken 300 pound Weight of pure Silver Hannibal's first War was against the Carpetani that is the Kingdom of Toledo a Fierce and Warlike Nation and which in Number of Men exceeded any other in Spain Of these the Olcades where now Ocan̄a stands tho' Stephanus places them near the River Ebro were the first Subdu'd Then near unto Tagus was Fought a bloody Battle in which the Natives were Defeated At the same time there arose Differences among the People of Saguntum which serv'd to make way for their Enemy who let slip no Opportunity To quell these Tumults the wiser Sort had recourse to Rome whence at their
granted only that the Townsmen might depart with their wearing Apparel and build a Town where the Conqueror should appoint he return'd not despairing that such hard Terms would be admitted by the Besieged Alorcus a Spaniard that serv'd in Hannibal's Army taking Compassion of the Saguntines by whom he had before been well entertain'd got into the Town and taking aside some of the Principal Men began to advise them to make a Virtue of Necessity and accept of hard Terms rather than expose themselves to certain Destruction This Discourse of Alorcus was received with great Indignation of the Commonalty which gathered to hear what he had to offer and many of them bringing out their Gold Silver and other Riches into the Market-place set Fire to it and then cast their Wives Children and lastly themselves into the Flames At the same time a Tower which had long sustain'd Battering fell down and gave an open way for the Enemy to enter the City then all on fire kindled by the Citizens themselves whilst the Soldiers endeavour'd to Quench it Such is the chance of War that it Inverts the very Laws of Nature all the Inhabitants without any regard of Sex or Age were put to the Sword many of them to avoid Captivity ran upon their Enemies Weapons others setting fire to their Houses were burnt in them Few were taken and those the best part of the Soldiers Booty tho' some Plunder was sent to Carthage for the Townsmen could not burn all This siege lasted Eight Months and that most noble City was destroy'd in May and the 536th Year of Rome some say 534 but all agree it was when Publius Cornelius and Titus Sempronius were Consuls CHAP. IV. The beginning of the second Roman and Carthaginian War Hannibal Marches through France into Italy Some of his Actions there and of the Scipio 's in Spain THE news of the destruction of Saguntum and the Embassadors that had been sent to Hannibal and went from him to Carthage came to Rome at the same time to the unspeakable grief of the Senate and People Hereupon War was immediately declared against Carthage and all things with diligence provided for the carrying of it on Nevertheless Five Embassadors were sent to Carthage to know whether Saguntum had been destroyed by Authority of that Senate but receiving no satisfactory answer they passed over into Spain where they drew to their side the Bargusii a People in the utmost part of Spain near the Ceretani but were rejected by the Volciani and upbraided with their neglect of Saguntum These Volciani were doubtless near about that same part of the Country tho' some will have them to be about Villadolce not far from the Springs of the River Guerva which Town they say was formerly called Volce This answer being spread abroad all the other Cities thereabout dismiss'd them with the like scorn Thence they pass'd over into Gallia Narbonensis where in a great assembly they demanded of those People in the name of the Senate of Rome that they should not give Passage to Hannibal into Italy thro' their Country but were no better received here than they had been in Spain Thus without any success in their Negotiation they return'd by the way of Marseilles to Rome Hannibal was not idle but having dismiss'd his Soldiers with leave to return to their Houses provided they all met again the beginning of the Spring at Carthagena he himself went to Cadiz to offer his Vows to Hercules sending away his Wife and Son into Africk or to Castulon Next he gathered 13000 Spanish Foot called Cetrati of the Targets they us'd 1500 Horse and 800 Mallorquins whom he sent to Carthage and in return in the same Fleet came from thence 11000 Africans to which he joyned 800 Ligurians and gave them to his Brother Asdrubal for defence of Spain Besides he left him a sufficient Fleet to secure the Sovereignty of the Sea All the Hostages given by the Cities which were Sons of the Principal Men were left in the Castle of Saguntum under the care of a Noble Carthaginian called Bostar When all things were disposed according to his Mind he set forward with an Army composed of several Nations in which were 90000 Foot and 12000 Horse Polybius assigns a much less number Having pass'd the River Ebro he gained the good will of a Spaniard of the greatest note in those Parts called Andubal with him he left all the heavy Baggage of the Army that they might be the fitter for so long a March and Hanno was appointed with a good Body of Men to stay and secure that Country Being entred upon the Pyreneans 3000 of the Carpetani or Kingdom of Toledo deserted him which he not daring to Punish for fear of offending the others voluntarily dismissed 7000 more that seemed to go against their wills By this Policy the rest of the Soldiers were perswaded the first had been also freely dismiss'd and that they might all have leave to return home whensoever they pleased Thus he passed on through all France but what he did there and in Italy does not appertain to this History This same Year Spain was very plentiful of Corn and all Provisions but very sickly there was Plague Earthquakes Storms at Sea and Apparitions of Armies Fighting in the Sky certain Omens of the evils that followed this War Hannibal being Marched into Italy there overthrew the Romans in two Battles at Ticinus and at Trebia Mean while Gneius Scipio passed through France into Spain where at his first coming he subdu'd all that part of the Province that lies upon the Sea from the Lacetani and Cape Creus to the River Ebro those People easily submitting by reason of the ill will they bore the Carthaginians The Roman Fleet Winter'd near Tarragona I suppose in the Port of Salu which Rufus Festus calls Solorius four Miles West of that City Scipio still advancing met Hanno whom as was said Hannibal had left to govern the Province Both sides being eager to Fight they came to a Battle near a Town then called Cysso supposed to be now Sisso or Salde the Victory fell to the Romans who slew 6000 of their Enemies took 2000 Prisoners and among them Hanno and Anubal who as was said had taken part with the Carthaginians but so wounded that in a few days he Dyed Asdrubal who was Marching to joyn Hanno hearing of this defeat turned off short towards the Sea where he slew many of the Roman Seamen by surprize and then with the same Celerity for fear of meeting the Roman Army that was in pursuit of him repassed the River Ebro and Marched his Army consisting of 8000 Foot and 1000 Horse into Places of safety From Ampurdan whither he was gone after the Flight of the Carthaginians Scipio was forced to return back upon the Ilergetes or People about Lerida for that after his departure they were revolted to the Carthaginians Being come among them he pardon'd all
spread abroad that the Spaniards who sided with the Carthaginians were Plundering the Houses of those that follow'd the Romans Gneius having lost so great a part of his Army resolved to retire Another Misfortune disappointed this his Resolution for Publius being streightned by Massinissa's Horse which continually were Skirmishing before his Intrenchments and fearing if Indibilis joyned the Enemy he should not be able to withstand so great a Force he resolv'd upon a dangerous Remedy which was to meet Indibilis and prevent his joyning the other Forces He left a small Guard in the Trenches and by Night marched out to put in execution what he had designed This was not done so secretly but the Enemy having notice of it Massinissa came up with his Horse at such time as the Romans were Engaged with the Suessetani and began to have the better and by his unexpected arrival putting them into Confusiom obtained a perfect Victory Many were slain in the Fight and among them Publius their General many more in the Pursuit some few under the shelter of the Night retired to the neighbouring Roman Garrisons others to the City Iliturgum and the rest to their Camp After this Victory that part of the Carthaginian Army joyned Asdrubal which made Gneius conclude his Brother was killed for that he being safe the Enemy durst not have joyned their Bodies besides a sudden Sadness had seized him which seem'd to forebode some great Misfortune and therefore he quitted his Camp by Night without the least noise Morning discovering that the Romans were gone Asdrubal order'd the Numidian Horse to pursue and keep them in play till the Body of his Army could come up Gueius perceiving no Prayers nor Exhortations were of force to encourage his Men resolved to gain the advantage of a Hill that was near him which was easily performed but the Ground being hard and stony their was no conveniency for casting up a Trench To supply this want in some measure he caused the Carriages and Waggons to be drawn up round his Men a slight Defence but that for a while put a stop to the Enemy who admired the Valour and Industry of the Romans failed them not even in that desperate Estate The Carthaginian Generals coming up blamed the backwardness of their Men and thus at length the poor Fence being broke they entred and with their Multitude soon slaughtered that small Number Gneius himself having played the part of a wise General and valiant Soldier was killed a Person of great worth that had Governed Spain several Years and was the first that by his Courtesie and Address gained the Affections of the Natives Some few thro' the Woods escaped to Publius's Camp whom they supposed to be safe but found it was kept by Titus Fonteius his Lieutenant with only a small Garrison This Battle was fought near the River Segura and a Town called Ilorcis supposed to be Lorquin in the Kingdom of Murcia The People of Tarragona hold that a Tower which stands near that City with two Statues of Marble on it is the Sepulcher of the two Scipio's CHAP. VI. Lucius Marcius checks the progress of the Carthaginians and gives them a great Overthrow First Nero then Publius Scipio comes into Spain and takes Carthagena THE unfortunate end of the two Scipio's caused a great Alteration and the Power of the Romans in Spain had been utterly overthrown but that the Valour of Marcius at first stay'd and the Courage of Scipio after raised it up again All Men forsake the Unfortunate so it hap'ned in Spain for those of Castulon were the first that shut their Gates upon the Romans those of Iliturgum did worse first admitting and then murdering them and many other places revolted Those that were left in the Camp with Titus Fonteius and the others that had resorted to them being surrounded with so many misfortunes with all possible speed marched away and re-passed the River Ebro Lucius Marcius the Son of Septimius a Roman Knight a Youth of much Courage who had been a Tribune in Gneius Scipio's Army gathering a good Body out of the Roman Garrisons and of those who after the Rout had resorted to him joyn'd and gave new life to those under Fonteius So great was the joy of the Soldiers for his coming that they chose him their General but their mirth was shortned by reason of the news that Asdrubal having passed the River Ebro was marching to fall upon them and Mago follow'd at his heels So great was the Consternation among them at those Tidings that they gave themselves over for lost and took no notice of Marcius who encouraged and persuaded them to re-assume their former Valour and all would succeed according to their wishes By this time the Enemy was not only in sight but came up to their Trenches then their Fear turning into Despair they ran like Lions to the Works and not satisfied with repulsing their Enemies sallied out after them The Carthaginians security as coming to a certain Victory was the life of the Romans for being now astonished at this unexpected boldness they turned their backs and fled Marcius would not suffer his Men to pursue for fear of some Ambush but being satisfied with that Success sounded a Retreat at which the Soldiers were so offended they threatned they would not follow him upon another occasion This Retreat of the Romans was wondred at by the Carthaginians but attributing it to fear they encamp'd without Intrenching Marcius let not slip so good an opportunity as offer'd it self but communicating his Intention to the Soldiers and biding 'em take their rest and be in a readiness drew them out at the fourth Watch much encouraged because they saw a light about his Head which was receiv'd as a good Omen Asdrubal's Camp was but six Miles from the Roman's and between them a Valley cover'd with Trees where Marcius left three Companies of Foot and some Horse as a reserve The Romans marched silently and there being no Guards upon the Carthaginian Camp they were easily surpriz'd great was the slaughter all the Army being unarmed and asleep Few escaped for those that thought to save themselves in the other Camp fell into the Ambush and were put to the Sword Asdrubal's Forces being thus destroyed the Romans with the same resolution and celerity marched against Mago who knew nothing of the Disaster that had befallen the others just at Sun rising they fell in upon Mago's Camp and entred it with the same ease and facility they had done the other but the Fight held till the Carthaginians perceiving by the blood on the Roman Armour what had hap'ned to their Fellows lost courage and fled In both these Rencounters 37000 were killed near 2000 taken and a great Booty All that made this Success inferiour to the former losses was that the Carthaginian Generals saved themselves by flight Marcius sent an account of this Victory to the Senate where many were offended that he called
himself Propretor but promised to send Corn and Cloaths for the Soldiers Claudius Nero was appointed as soon as the War of Capua was concluded to go over into Spain with 11000 Foot and 1100 Horse Nero landed near Tarragona and having joyned Marcius and Fonteius marched with speed towards Andaluzia in quest of Asdrubal who was incamped at a Wood between Illiturgum and Mentisa supposed to be Montizon or Cazorla where he possest himself of the Passes thro' which of necessity the Enemy was to retire Asdrubal had recourse to Policy and feigning he would take Conditions gained so much time that his Army by Night stole away over the Mountains and the Roman General too late discovering the cheat that had been put upon him offered the Carthaginians Battle which they cautiously avoided At the same time in Rome Publius Cornelius Scipio a Youth of 24 Years of Age but of great hopes was chosen to go Proconsul into Spain with 10000 Foot and 1000 Horse Sillanus was appointed Propretor in the place of Nero and Scipio chose his Brother Lucius and Caius Lelius for his Legats or Lieutenants This is that Lelius who was thought to govern all the Actions of Scipio and of whom it was commonly said that he composed the Play and Scipio acted it He landed in Spain about the end of the Year he commended the Soldiers for what they had done honoured Marcius as he deserv'd and ever after made great account of him At the beginning of the Spring in the Year of Rome 544. Scipio took the Field with his own and the Forces of his Confederates resolving to pass the River Ebro and possess himself of Carthagena a City opposite to Africk the strongest the Enemy held and where they kept the Spanish Hostages and laid up their Magazines His design was well grounded for that there was but a small Garrison in the Town and the Carthaginian Generals were at a distance Mago near Cadiz Asdrubal the Son of Gisgo at the mouth of Guadiana and the other Asdrubal in Carpetania or the Kingdom of Toledo To Lelius was given the command of the Fleet with Orders that he should steep near to the Land Army which in all consisted of 25000 Foot 2500 Horse In seven Days Scipio came before Carthagena and resolv'd to Attack it the next day by Sea and Land Mago who commanded in the Town was not idle but provided all things for his defence This City is seated on a rising Ground over the Harbour opposite to which is an Island which secures it against all Winds it is encompassed by the Sea on three sides and that which is on the Land side looking towards the North is of difficult ascent and was fortified with a good Wall Scipio's Men attempted to scale this Wall but the Spaniards that defended it did not only make good their Post but sallying obliged them to retire in disorder till fresh Supplies coming to their relief the Spaniards were forced to take to the shelter of the Wall This caused so great a Consternation in the Town that many quitted their Posts and the Besiegers laying hold of the opportunity laid their Ladders to the Wall by Sea and Land The Besieged perceiving the danger that threatned them took heart again and throwing showers of Stones and all other Weapons again repulsed the Enemy On the West side of the Town was a shallow which the Fisher-men said a Man might walk over at low Water Tho' the Soldiers had taken no rest after the other Attacks Scipio orders them to assault the Wall in two places to the end that the Townsmen being all bent upon the defence of those parts his Men might enter at that third which by reason of the Water was weaker and unregarded His Orders were punctually obeyed and all things succeeded according to his wishes for the Soldiers entering on that side open'd a Gate and let in their Companions Thus the Romans in a moment were possess'd of the City and Mago having no hopes of maintaining himself delivered the Citadel The Booty was great many Engines of War 74 Colours 63 great Ships that were in the Harbour laden with Provision and Ammunition and 10000 Prisoners besides Slaves were taken All the Citizens of Carthagena were set at liberty and the more to oblige them their Goods restored Part of the Hostages were deliver'd to the Embassadors of their Cities the rest honourably entertain'd and among them the Wife of Mandonius and the Children of Indibilis Moreover a beautiful young Maid being brought to Scipio by the Soldiers he would scarce see her to avoid Temptation and Suspicion but commanded her to be taken care of and restor'd to Luceyus a Noble Celtiberian to whom she was Betroth'd giving her in Dower the Gold her Parents offer'd for her Ransom This goodness and liberality so highly oblig'd that Youth that soon after he return'd to serve the Romans with 1400 Horse and continu'd in the service with great Zeal and Affection The Soldiers that first entred the Town were rewarded according to their Merits and because there arose a dispute betwixt Sextus Digitius and Quintus Trebellius about the Mural Crown each pretending he was the first that mounted the Wall and the Army was divided about it the General decreed that both should have it which gave full satisfaction to all Men. To Lelius was given a Crown of Gold and 30 Oxen for Sacrifice and he was sent to carry the news to Rome in a Galley of five Slaves to an Oar and with him Mago and five Senators of Carthage Next the Walls of the City that had been damag'd were repair'd all which being perfected Scipio at the end of the Year returned with great Honour and Reputation to Tarragona where he had appointed an Assembly of the Confederate Spaniards Lelius being come to Rome laid before the Senate the great advantage that had accru'd to them by the taking of Carthagena But their satisfaction was much abated by the news brought them that 5000 Numidian Horse and other African Forces were ready to be sent from Carthage into Spain besides great Recruits that Asdrubal Barchinus was bringing into Italy to reinforce Hannibal who had lately in the Territory of the Samnites now part of Abruzzo routed the Roman Army killing the Pretor Genius Fulvius and twelve Tribunes with 13000 Men as some will have it or 7000 according to others CHAP. VII Publius Scipio Routs Asdrubal and drives the Carthaginians quite out of Spain other notable Actions of his there Cornelius Lentulus and Lucius Manlius succeed him and Overthrow the Spaniards that had Revolted THE taking of Carthagena changed the face of Affairs in Spain and many inclined to the Roman Interest for most Men follow the greater Power Among the rest Edeseus a Man of great note came over to the Romans because they had restored his Wife and Children that were among the Hostages Mandonius and Indibilis Princes of the Celtiberi obtain'd Pardon for the late Miscarriages and were
their Riches The Number of the Citizens was small not exceeding 4000 Men fit to bear Arms others double this number Their manner of life being constantly inured to labour made them hardy and bold they were couragious in undertaking a War and prudent in managing of it Sempronius Gracchus when he Govern'd Spain made Peace with the Numantians and other neighbouring People upon these Articles That they should neither found nor fortifie only Towns or erect Forts without Consent of the People of Rome that they should pay their Tribute at such time and place as should be appointed and that they should repair to the Roman Standard whensoever call'd upon Among the Arevaci was also another City call'd Segeda 40 Furlongs in compass Appianus places it in the extremity of Celtiberia among the Beli perhaps where is now the City Osma This City and the neighbouring Places privately made a League and began to fortifie and provide themselves for War Having received Commands from the Roman Senate to desist from those Preparations to pay their Tribute and repair to the Roman Camp they still delay'd time upon several pretences and framing excuses Hence sprang that War in which Numantia as being near and Allied to them was also involved and the Romans fearing unless speedily remedy'd that evil might grow to a greater head had immediately recourse to Arms. At the same time the War was carried on against the Romans in Lusitania by Cesaro who by the consent of the People had taken upon him to restore them to their Liberty and was Successor to another Commander called Africanus that was killed with a Stone at the Siege of a Town These Commotions were looked upon at Rome to be of such dangerous Consequence that after Lucius Mummius had been appointed Pretor of Hispania Vlterior it was thought fit to send one of the Consuls with a Consular Army to the War against the Celtiberi And whereas the Consuls used to be chosen in December and enter upon their Command in March it was now anticipated and they commenced from the first of January which was afterwards continued Into Spain was sent the Consul Q. Fulvius Nobilior with considerable Forces The Segedani knowing all these Preparations tended to their ruin sent their Wives and Children to the Arevaci and chose for their Commander one Carus a Man of great Experience in warlike Affairs This Man thinking to perform some remarkable Act whereby he might at first gain Reputation laid an Ambush for the Consul who was marching with 30000 Men. His design succeeded so far that he slew 6000 of the Enemy and put the rest to flight but pursuing his Victory too far the Roman Horse who were in the Rear came up killed him and made great havock among his Men. This Battle was fought on the 29th of August on the day the Romans celebrate the Feast of Vulcan called Vulcanalia So great was the dread conceived on both sides that for several Days they avoided meeting one another On the same Night the Arevaci met at Numantia which was near the Field of Battle and there instead of Carus chose Haraco and Leucon for their Leaders the Numantians named one Lintheus to command them Three days after the Fight the Consul encamped within four Miles of Numantia In his Army besides the other Forces were 10 Elephants and 500 Numidian Horse sent not long before by Massinissa out of Africk He provok'd the Enemy and they again resolved to try their fortune in the heat of the Battle the Romans opening their Ranks the Elephants advanced thro' which struck such Terror into the Celtiberi and their Horses that they fled into the City The Romans pursuing close thought to have entred with them and had done it but that an Elephant being wounded on the Head with a Stone grew enraged and turned back upon his own Men which the other Elephants seeing did the like disordering the Roman Battle and killing all that stood in their way At the same time the Numantians laying hold of this opportunity rallied and drove the Romans into their Camp Of the latter 4000 were killed in two Engagements of the former 2000. Not far off was a City called Axenia a place much frequented by Merchants After the Battle the Consul thought to have possessed himself of that City but was Repulsed with great loss and shame Upon the news of these Defeats the City Ocile where the Romans laid up Magazines and left their Baggage Revolted to the Celtiberi The Consul terrified hereat and fearing left other Places might follow the Example Fortifi'd his Camp near Numantia and Wintered there with great loss of Men thro' the violent Cold and want of Provisions This was what happened in Hispania Citerior In the Vlterior at the same time Mummius waged War with the Lusitani at first with various Event but in the conclusion with Success In the first Fight the Romans pursuing the Enemy too violently gave an opportunity to Cesaro to rally and wrest the Victory out of their hands Of the Romans 10000 were slain their Camp taken and the Lusitanians shewed their Booty in all parts as Trophies of their Valour Success made them negligent and Mummius who was retired with about 5000 Men taking the advantage fell upon them as they were celebrating Feasts for Joy of their Victory easily put them to the Rout and recovered several Colours he had lost before Cesaro it seems died in this Rencounter for in his stead was chose Cantheneus who took Cunistorgis a City belonging to the Romans among the Cunii in that part of Andaluzia where now Niebla stands thence he marched to Cadiz and so with part of the Army over into Africk That part which remained was in several Battles weakned by Mummius and at last a Body of them cut off so entirely there was not one left to carry home the News Thus the Lusitani were subdu'd and brought under command for which the Year following 602. Mummius obtain'd a Triumph at Rome M. Claudius Marcellus was sent with 8000 Foot and 500 Horse to succeed Fulvius The Government of Hispania Vlterior was given to Marcus Atilius The first thing Marcellus undertook was to reduce the City Ocile which having compassed tho' their Crime was great he would not destroy it but caused them to give Hostages and pay 30 Talents for the charge of the War Not far from thence was Nertobriga as may be guesed by Ptolemy little distant from Tarragona and Calatayud Embassadors came fromt hence offering up the Town to the Consul he ordered them to send him 100 Horse Afterwards because some few of them fell upon the Baggage in the Rear of his Army he would admit of no Excuse but sold their Horse-men destroyed the Country and laid Siege to the City They again sent Embassadors excusing themselves shewing they had been sufficiently punished and praying they might not be forced to desperate courses Still the Consul persited he would not hearken
to Peace unless the Arauci Beli and Tithii who had began those Commotions entred into the Treaty Those People were willing to make Peace provided it were upon the same Articles they had made with Gracchus Marcellus would comply but the Roman Allies withstood it saying It was not reasonable those who had done so much harm should be admitted to the same Articles they had made before the Offence committed Hereupon the Consul being doubtful what course to take agreed both Parties should send Embassadors to Rome to treat of their Affairs and the mean while granted a Truce Fulvius Nobilior being then at Rome opposed the Embassadors of those that had revolted exaggerating their Perfidiousness and the harm they had done to the Romans So they were sent back without concluding any thing and were again referred to Marcellus for an Answer which cut off all hopes of any Accommodation About the same time Marcus Atilius in Hispania Vlterior subdu'd the Lusitani and had many Towns surrendred to him The following Year Sergius Galba was sent to succeed Atilins and the Consul L. Licinius Lucullus in stead of Marcellus with him came as Legate or Lieutenant Pub. Corn. Scipio called the Lesser who afterwards destroyed Carthage Before Lucullus's arrival Marcellus ambitious of the Honour of ending that War drew his Men out of their Winter-quarters Nertobriga to provide against this Storm took 5000 Arevaci within the Walls Numantia made no less preparation against which as the head of the War Marcellus being bent he march'd and encamp'd within five Miles of it Nevertheless at the instance of Lintheus the Peace was concluded upon condition the Numantians should forsake the Beli the Tithii and Arevaci The design of the Consul was that those People being thus forsaken should be obliged to submit which accordingly fell out and they were all received into Grace giving Hostages and paying 600 Talents as Strabo tells us Lucullus came into his Province with a desire and resolution of making Spoil but finding the War of Celtiberia was at an end he marched towards the Carpetani thence he passed Tagus and came to the Vacei now part of Old Castile where he designed to Attack the City Caucia now Coca To justifie this War he pretended it was upon Account of Wrongs done to the Celtiberi by those People but in truth it was Avarice that mov'd him being a Man of a small Fortune The Inhabitants of Coca met him in open Field but were overcome and drove into the Town hereupon they surrendred delivered Hostages were obliged to furnish a certain number of Horse and to pay 100 Talents of Silver Upon these Conditions they admitted the Garrison that was appointed by the Consul to enter the City which was no sooner within but the Signal being given with a Trumpet all the Inhabitants were put to the Sword without sparing Sex or Age. An inhumane Barbarity which mov'd all the neighbouring People no longer relying on the strength of their Walls or the Roman Faith to fly with their Families and Goods into the Woods and Mountains burning all they could not carry with them Lucullus whom Poverty made Covetous and Avarice Cruel despairing of having any share in those Treasures marched to Besiege the City Intercasia which was formerly about the midway betwixt Valladolid and Astorga First he summoned the Town but they answered in case they should surrender he would keep his Word with them as he had done at Coca Then he drew out his Army to provoke them to a Battle which they refused resolving to make good their Works Some few Sallies they made but nothing of note hap'ned only that Scipio overcame a mighty Spaniard that challenged all the Romans when no other durst encounter him In the Army there was great scarcity of provisions so that the Soldiers fed upon boil'd Wheat and Barly which together with the thinness of the Water caused many to fall Sick of the Flux Yet still the hope of taking the Town made 'em hold out Having cut Wood and made Engines they cast down a great part of the Wall and adventuring to give an Assault in which Scipio first mounted the Breach and gain'd a Mural Crown they were repuls'd and fled in such Confusion that many were drown'd in a Lake that was hard by At Night the Besieg'd repair'd the breach and the Consul had been forc'd to raise the Siege but that hunger oblig'd the Townsmen to Surrender The conditions were tolerable that the Besieg'd should furnish 1000 Coats a number of Beasts for Carriage and give Hostages No Money was demanded because they had none as being a Mountain People that only minded Tillage and Cattle Hence the Consul marched to Palencia but could not enter it Some Authors say that from old Castile he traversed all Andaluzia as far as Cadiz where was presented to him a monstrous head of a Fish Sergius Galba who as was said commanded in Hispania Vlterior was not idle but oppos'd the Lusitani who made Inroads into Andaluzia and infested the Confederates of the Romans He adventuring to fight the Enemy when his Men were tir'd was put to the Rout lost 7000 Men and was forc'd with the rest to fly to Carmena as Appianus calls it I rather believe it to be Carmona then the strongest Town in those parts Here he Winter'd using all possible diligence to recruit his Forces and raise new Supplies In the Spring being desirous of Revenge he broke into Lusitania Plundering burning and destroying all that came in his way The People mov'd by these losses sent Embassadors to him he excused what they had done saying it was the barrenness of their Country oblig'd them to intrude upon their Neighbours in consideration whereof he would assign them better Lands to inhabit He appointed them a day to come to him in three Bodies which they suspecting no Falshood or Treachery readily obeyed But the Pretor was so far from keeping his word that he put them all to the Sword a Cruel Butchery and barbarous deceit Part of the Booty was given to the Souldiers the rest the General kept to himself by which means it is believed he became the richest Citizen in Rome CHAP. II. Viriatus his Original and actions against the Romans The Government of several Roman Generals and among them of Metellus and Pompey and Death of Viriatus THIS cruelty of Galba instead of Terrifying so far incensed the People against the Romans that it occasion'd the War of Viriatus which lasted Fourteen Years during which time the Romans sustain'd many and very great losses Viriatus was a Native Lusitania of mean Parentage as being in his youth a Shepheard Leaving that course of Life he fell to Robbing and having by degrees got together a good number of Men made excursions into the Neighbouring Country Subject to the Romans about the mouth of the River Guadiana Marcus Vitellius succeeded Galba in his Command the Year of Rome 604. His first care was in time to
suppress Viriatus who leaving Lusitania pass'd the Streight of Cadiz and kept himself in the fastnesses resolving not to come to a Battle On the other side the Pretor having beset those Places so streightned the Mutiniers that they began underhand to Treat of submitting Vitellius willingly gave ear to them but Viriatus understanding what was in hand disswaded his Men and having brought them to his beck drew out as if he intended to fight He plac'd his Cavalry in the front while the Foot stole away thro' the Woods and then they all made to Tribola a City where Viriatus hoped to make good his ground and protract the War The Romans pursuing near the City he laid an Ambush where 4000 of them were killed together with the Pretor the rest fled to Tarifa whence offering again to hazard a Battle with the assistance of the Celtiberi they were all cut off In the Year 605. Caius Plaucius succeeded Vitellius as Pretor of Hispania ulterior At the time of his coming Viriatus ravag'd the Lands of the Turdetani and Carpetani As soon as the Romans came in sight he made show of flying and they pursuing him without order he fac'd and cut off 4000 of the foremost The Pretor rather mov'd by desire of Revenge than any hope of Victory still follow'd the Enemy as far as the Mountain of Venus whither Viriatus after passing the River Tagus was retir'd Here again they engag'd and no less number of the Romans was slain than before which so terrifi'd the Pretor that tho' it was the midst of Summer he shut himself up within the strong Towns as if it had been in the dead of Winter This Battle is by some believ'd to have been fought in Lusitania near the City Ebora by reason of a Tomb preserv'd there to this Day with a Latin Inscription to this effect I Lucius Silo Sabinus being struck thro' with many Darts and Arrows in the War against Viriatus in the Territory of Ebora in the Province of Lusitania and carry'd off upon the Soldiers shoulders ordered Caius Plaucius the Pretor to build this Tomb at my cost and therein would I have no other laid whether Free or a Slave If the contrary should happen I desire the Bones of any other to be taken out of my Tomb if my Country be free This is the ancientest Roman Inscription to be found in Spain Mean while Galba was Impeach'd at Rome for his Perfidiousness towards the Lusitanians and being the cause of all the Misfortunes that had befallen the Romans upon that account but the great Riches he had gather'd in that Province brought him off tho' Cato and Scribonius the Tribune accus'd him After this in the Year 606. Claudius Vnimdnus was sent from Rome to the War against Viriatus and was by him Vanquish'd himself slain great part of his Army slaughter'd and the Fasces which were Ensigns of his Dignity set up as Trophies on the Mountains of Lusitania This Battle was fought near the Town of Vrique in Portugal as appears by a Stone there which is one of the most notable Roman Monuments in Spain and Andrew Requesendius in his Antiquities of Portugal makes mention of it the Inscription it bears only supplying the defect of a few Letters is as follows I Caius Minucius Son to Caius Lemonia Lubatus Tribune of the Legion Decima Gemina whom the General Claudius Unimanus left for dead because senseless with my wounds being preserv'd by the care of Ebutius a Lusitanian Soldier and dress'd liv'd some days and died with sorrow for not gratifying after the Roman manner him that had well deserv'd it The following Year which was 607. Caius Nigidius Pretor was sent in stead of him that was kill'd He fought with Viriatus near the City Viseo in Lusitania or Portugal and with the like Success to the former After Nigidius C. Lelius sirnam'd the Wise came into Spain and was the first that broke the Forces of Viriatus being a Man that rely'd more on Policy than open Force and hereby obtain'd great renown In the Year 609. Q. Fabius Maximus Aemilianus being Consul came into Spain and the Senate there being a scarcity of old Soldiers made new Levies and raised 15000 Foot and 2000 Horse These Forces landed at Orsuna supposed to be Ossuna in Andaluzia Here the Consul kept his Army for some time the better to Train and Exercise his new Soldiers He himself in the mean time went to Cadiz to offer Sacrifice and make his Vows in the Temple of Hercules On the other side Viriatus having Intelligence of the Preparations made by the Romans resolv'd to meet them His coming was unexpected so he surpriz'd and slew the Roman Foragers and their Guards The Consul being return'd from Cadiz notwithstanding Viriatus offer'd him Battle for some days refus'd it only Skirmishing to try his Men and show them the Enemy was to be overcome At length he drew out and in a pitch'd Battle put Viriatus to flight Winter then drawing on the Roman Army march'd to Cordova where they Winter'd but Viriatus took up in the Mountains his Men being more hardy and inur'd to the cold Thence he sent to all parts for Succours but particularly to the Arevaci Beli and Tithii exhorting them to take up Arms for their own Liberty and the publick Good Those People willingly gave ear to these Propositions which gave occasion to the second War of Numantia as shall be related when we have done with Viriatus Lucius Hostilius Mancinus was Consul with this Aemilianus of whom we have now spoken and he might be believ'd to have come into Spain and there to have overcome the People of Galicia if Credit could be given to the Inscriptions of Anconitanus which he brings to this purpose Others may judge of the Credit that is due to him but by some learned Men he is look'd upon as no better than a meer Inventor of ill contriv'd Fables and Lyes At Rome in the Year 610. the two Consuls Servilius Sulpicius Galba and L. Aurelius Cotta contended for the Government of Spain the Senate could not agree about it and Scipio being ask'd which of them he thought fittest answer'd Neither for the one has nothing the other never has enough Hereby shewing that neither a poor nor a covetous Man is fit to Govern Whereupon the Pretor Popilius was sent To him Pliny says Viriatus delivered the Towns that were in his Possession which if so is a sign he was much streightned by him After Popilius in the Year 611. the Consul Q. Cecilius Metellus sirnam'd Macedonicus came to Govern Hispania citerior in order to quiet the Celtiberi who at the Instigation of Viriatus were raising Commotions There is an Account of one Quintius who prosecuted the War against Viriatus but whether as Pretor or by Commission from the Consul does not appear Certain it is that this Quintius at the foot of Mount Venus near Ebora in
Portugal gave Viriatus a great Overthrow but he gathering his Forces returned upon him with such Vigour that the Victors having receiv'd much damage tho' it was the middle of Autumn were glad to retire to Cordova as if it had been Winter where they Fortified themselves without taking any care of the Spaniards their Confederates or the other Romans who were in weak Garrisons and left exposed to eminent Danger Metellus subdu'd the Celtiberi Pliny says he overcame the Arevaci nevertheless he was continued in his Command the Year 612. and the Consul Q. Fabius Servilius was sent against Viriatus with 18000 Foot and 1500 Horse Besides those Forces Micipsa the Son of Massinissa sent him 10 Elephants and 300 Horse out of Africk Notwithstanding all this mighty Army joyn'd to what was before under the Roman Pay Viriatus who lay hid in the Mountains of Andaluzia with frequent Excursions did great Damage and obtain'd many Advantages till the Romans remov'd their Camp to Vtica formerly a City of Andaluzia Then Viriatus for want of Provisions retir'd with his Army into Lusitania The Consul being rid of that danger marched to the Cunei where he overcame two Captains of Robbers call'd Curio and Apuleyus and carried some Towns by Force that were held for Viriatus with strong Garrisons A great Booty was taken and a multitude of Prisoners 500 whereof that were found most Guilty he put to Death 10000 more were sold as Slaves Metellus at the same time gain'd much Honour by entirely reducing the Celtiberi and taking the famous Cities Contrebia Versobriga and Centobriga Then hearing that the Consul Quintus Pompeius was appointed to succeed him he was so offended at it that to weaken his Forces he dismissed the Soldiers neglected the Magazines and starved the Elephants for which reason the Triumph he had otherwise well deserv'd was refus'd him at Rome Q. Pompeius came to Spain in the Year 613. Servilianus was continu'd by order of the Senate in his Command where he receiv'd into favour Canoba a Captain of Robbers who submitted himself and forced Viriatus who lay before the City Vacia to raise his Siege and fly away whereupon many neighbouring Towns submitted themselves to him As he was Active and Vigilant so was he no less Severe or rather Cruel for he cut off the Hands of all Canoba's Men and 500 other Prisoners because they had deserted from his Camp This Action in stead of terrifying the Natives put them upon desperate Counsels The Romans laid Siege to the City Erisana Viriatus without being discovered got in by Night and the next Morning made such a furious Sally that he put the Enemy to flight killing many of them those that escaped drew up in a place of no Strength where they were in great danger of perishing but Viriatus laid hold of this Opportunity to obtain an advantageous Peace which was concluded and by virtue thereof the Romans sav'd their Lives Viriatus was called a Friend of the People of Rome and all that his Men had plunder'd was allow'd them A great shame and dishonour to the Majesty of the Roman Empire Quintus Pompeius held the Government of Hispania citerior two Years but because the Province was in Peace and Metellus had left all things in disorder had not the opportunity of doing any Action of note On the contrary Servilius who by order of the Senate had vacated the Peace he made before near the City Arsa put Viriatus to the rout and pursu'd him into Carpetania where by a Stratagem he got away He drew out his Men as if intending to give Battle placing his Horse in the Front and whilst the Romans were forming their Body caused his Foot to slip away thro' the Woods that were near that done the Horse with the same swiftness got off The Consul despairing of taking so subtle an Enemy marched to the Vectones in Estremadura and thence without stopping into Galicia where all was in Disorder and full of Murders and Robberies Viriatus tired with so lasting a War and fearing his Men should make their Peace with the price of his Head sent three Embassadors to Treat with the Consul The means he chose to secure himself prov'd his ruin for Servilius corrupted the Embassadors who at their return murder'd Viriatus as he lay sleeping His Funeral was honour'd with the Tears of his Soldiers afterwards with Sports and the Sacrifice of much Cattle The Murderers petitioning the Senate at Rome for a Reward of their Service receiv'd answer That the Senate and People of Rome did not approve of Soldiers killing their General To Viriatus succeeded in the Command one Tantalus but he not being of equal Authority Valour and Conduct soon submitted himself to the Consul and was receiv'd to Grace These and the other Lusitani were disarm'd and Lands allotted them to the end that being employ'd in Tilling and the care of their Cattle they might be more inclinable to live in subjection and want the Power of Revolting CHAP. III. The second War betwixt Rome and Numantia The Consul Mancinus concludes a dishonourable Peace with that People and is therefore deliver'd up to them Scipio Africanus sent against them The City destroy'd THE very Year that Viriatus was murder'd by his own Men which was of Rome 614. the Numantians again Revolted The occasion of it was thus Metellus having subdu'd the Celtiberi there remain'd only the Numantians and Termestini who by former Treaties were declar'd Friends and Allies of the People of Rome and consequently preserv'd their Liberty The Termestini are suppos'd to be about nine Leagues from Numantia where now stands a Chappel call'd of our Lady of Tiermes Pompey intending to bring them under Subjection took for a Pretence to fall out with them that they had receiv'd into their City the Segedani who had sided with Viriatus Segeda is reckoned to be among the Beli and at this Day there is a Town betwixt Soria and Osma believ'd to be the Remnant of that City This Crime was not great yet the Numantians sent Embassadors to excuse it whom Pompey turned back with disgrace Still the Numantians sent others renouncing their Friendship with the Segedani and desiring to renew the Peace and Alliance they had made with Gracchus Pompey reply'd It was in vain to Treat of Peace unless they laid down their Arms. All hopes of an Accommodation being thus out off the Numantians provided for War and to this effect raised 8000 Foot and 2000 Horse a small number but of great Courage and Resolution Megara a Man of great Experience was appointed to command these Men. Pompey was not idle but incamp'd near Numantia with 30000 Foot and 2000 Horse The Numantians kept them in continual alarm yet so that they always avoided coming to a Battle which Pompey perceiving sate down before Termancia whence he was also forced to retire in great disorder by a Sally the Besieged made Next day they came to a Battle the
event whereof was dubious but that Pompey marched away to the City Manlia which was delivered to him tho' there was a Numantian Garrison in it There is at present in that Neighbourhood a Town call'd Mallen perhaps the Remains of that City Then he returned upon Termancia and took it Now only Numantia remain'd before Pompey mov'd towards them he slew Tanginus a Captain of Robbers with all his Men in that part of the Country where were formerly the Edetani and now is Zaragoza This done he marched again to Numantia and because the Siege was like to last long endeavour'd to turn away the River Duero that no Provisions might be brought into the Town but was forc'd to desist having lost many Men by a Sally the Besieg'd made Besides they kill'd a Tribune and all his Men that Guarded the Victualers and Foragers Pompey warn'd by these Losses kept his Men within their Works during the hardest Season of the Year which caused many to die of Sickness besides what were cut off by the Besieg'd Hereupon tho' the Winter was far spent Pompey was forc'd to raize the Siege and disperse his Army among the Neighbouring Towns In the Year 615. the Consul M. Popilius Lenus was appointed to succeed Pompey But he either for being blamed at Rome or that his Successor might not reap the benefit of his Labours in the beginning of Summer concluded a Peace with the Numantians This Treaty being dishonourable to the Romans was manag'd in private and Pompey to avoid Signing of it feigned himself Sick Popilius as soon as he came began to examine that Affair Pompey deny'd he had consented to it the Numantians call'd the Principal Romans in the Army to witness in their behalf At last the Business was referr'd to the Roman Senate where Passion being more prevalent than Justice it was decreed the War against Numantia should be continu'd Whilst these things were debated in Rome Popilius made War upon the Lusones a People near Numantia but without Success for in the Year of Rome 616. the time of his Command having been prolong'd he was overthrown by the Numantians In Hispania ulterior the Government whereof fell to the Consul Decius Brutus Viriatus's old Soldiers who had Lands assign'd them built the City Valencia It is doubtful what Valencia this was some say it was Valencia de Alcantara others Valencia de Min̄o and some will have it to be the great Valencia but that cannot be because it is in another Province To return to what is more material the Year following which was of Rome 617. Brutus was continu'd in his Command and the Consul C. Hostilius Mancinus succeeded Popilius No sooner did he take upon him the Command but he sate down before Numantia where after receiving several Overthrows hearing that the Vacei and Cantabri were marching to relieve that place he was so terrifi'd that he stole away by Night to that part of the Country which was not in Arms. His departure was not known at Numantia till two days after the Townsmen being taken up in Sports and Pastimes without any regard or care of the War It was discover'd by two young Men who being at variance about marrying a Maid agreed that he who first brought the Hand of a Roman should carry her They going out upon this design and finding the Roman Camp abandon'd return'd with the News Hereupon the Numantians following the Tract overtook the Romans before they were well Fortifi'd and hem'd in those who before Besieg'd them The Consul despairing of his safety set on foo◠and concluded a Treaty with the Numantians by which they were restor'd to their Liberty and Stil'd Friends and Confederates of the People of Rome And this Peace he obtained by the means of Tib. Gracchus who was belov'd in Spain for the sake of his Father Sempronius As soon as this shameful Peace was known at Rome Mancinus was summoned to answer for himself and the Consul Aemilius Lepidus was sent in his place to revenge that disgrace The Numantians sent their Embassadors with the Articles to the Senate that in case they did not Ratifie them the Army might be deliver'd into their Hands since they escaped under colour of Peace The Senate resolving not to stand by so dishonourable a Peace decreed that Mancinus who was the Author of it should be delivered up to the Numantians Gracchus tho' concerned in the Treaty escaped unpunished because what he did was by command but the Commonalty said it was by the Interest of Scipio who had married his Sister Cornelia Marcus Lepidus without staying to hear what the Senate would decree fell upon the Vacei which is a part of Old Castile upon pretence that they had been assisting to the Numantians After plundering and burning all that plentiful Country he attempted to possess himself of the City Placencia notwithstanding he had received Orders from Rome to commence no new War with the Spaniards Lepidus having been worsted by those of Placencia and wanting Provisions marched away silently by Night which those People perceiving they pursu'd and cut off no less than 6000 of the Romans This was so highly resented at Rome that Lepidus was summoned to appear and answer for himself as a private Man and Condemned of Male-administration These Losses were in some measure made easie by the Success in the other Province under the good Conduct of Brutus who quieted the Commotions in Lusitania and Galicia and subdu'd the Labricani He ordered them to deliver up all Fugitives and themselves to appear before him without their Arms which when they perform'd he drew his Army about them and reprov'd them so severely they thought they should all have been put to the Sword but he only imposed a Fine and took away their Arms. For this reason Brutus had the Sirname of Gallaicus given him The following Year which was of Rome 618. Brutus was continu'd in his Command and the new Consul P. Furius Philo had the Government of Hispania Citerior and charge of delivering up Mancinus to the Numantians assigned him Q. Metellus and Q. Pompeius the most powerful Citizens of Rome opposed Furius's going as to a War where great Honour and Riches were to be purchased but he with a wonderful Resolution using his Authority as Consul commanded them both to go along with him as his Legates or Lieutenants Being encamp'd before Numantia he caused Mancinus naked and his Hands bound behind him according to the Roman Custom of delivering up their Generals to be left early in the Morning at the Gate of Numantia But he having stood there all the day forsaken by the Romans and not regarded by the Enemy was again at night received into the Camp We have no account of any thing else done by Furius in Spain The following Year which was 619. Brutus was again continued in his Command and Q. Calpurnius Piso succeeding Furius as Consul fought with the Numantians sustain'd
into Spain resolving to make good his Party there To this intent he secured the Ports and left one Salinator with a sufficient Force to guard the Passes of the Pyrenean Mountains whilst he himself went farther into the Country raised Men and gathered store of Arms and Provisions All his Designs were nipt by Caius Annius who routed the Guards upon the Pyreneans and slew Salinator by means of one Calpurnius Lanarius his intimate Friend that basely murdered him Sertorius was so dismayed at this Misfortune that he fled from Carthagena into Africk where Fortune being no kinder to him than before he suffered much yet passed over and possessed himself of the Island Iviça Thence also he was expelled and designing to fly from his Enemies to the Canary Islands was called upon by the Lusitani who being desirous of recovering their lost Liberty thought this a fit Opportunity Sertorius readily embraced their offers and as he was a Man no less versed in the Arts of Peace than War by his affability and courtesie soon gained their Affections For the greater show of Majesty he erected a Senate of Spaniards like that of Rome with all the Honours and Dignities belonging to it He Honoured all Men but more especially the Romans as his Country-men and those he could best confide in The fame hereof being spread abroad he not only became Sovereign of Hispania Vlterior but gained the Love of the Citerior all the Spaniards being persuaded by his means they might cast off the Roman Yoke To settle this affection the more he caused Masters of all Arts and Sciences to come from Italy and Founded an University at Osca persuading the chief Men to send their Children thither to Study upon pretence of Improving them but in reality to keep them there as Hostages without giving Offence to their Parents As the surest tye he made use of Religion feigning that Diana had given him a Doe which told him in his Ear all he was to do and therefore had one bred to hand that when he stooped clapp'd her Mouth to his Ear as if she spoke by which means the ignorant Natives were persuaded he knew all that was done abroad and received Directions from Heaven how to Act. There are Pieces of Coin to be seen in Spain with the Effigies of Sertorius on the one side and the Doe on the other there are also two Stones at Ebora in Portugal that show Sertorius resided long in that City Besides it appears by Pliny and Ptolomy that formerly there were two Towns in Spain that bore the name of Osca one among the Ilergetes betwixt Aragon and Catalonia and the other in Andaluzia but which of these was the University is uncertain some think it was Huesca in Aragon but I rather think it was the other Huesca among the Bastetani At his first coming out of Africk into Lusitania Sertorius brought over with him 2600 Romans and 700 Africans besides these in Spain he gathered 4000 Foot and 700 Horse With this small number he first vanquished Cota a Commander of the Enemy in a Sea Fight near Gibraltar Afterwards on the Banks of Guadalquivir he Defeated the Consul Didius and slew 2000 of his Men. These Successes gained him much Credit among his own people and struck a Terror into his Enemies This moved Sylla in the Year 674. and his second Consulship to send Q. Metellus Pius his Colleague into Spain With him went the Pretor Lucius Domitius Toranius who at the very entrance into Spain and foot of the Pyrenean Mountains was slain by Hirtuleyus one of Sertorius's Commanders and his Army defeated which misfortune moved Manilius the Proconsul of Gallia Narbonensis to pass over into Spain but he fared not much better than the other only that he saved his Life being overthrown and forced to fly with precipitation to Lerida by the same Commander Metellus with his Army peirced thro' the Country as far as Andaluzia where he was often worsted by Sertorius and obliged to Fortifie himself in the strong Towns trusting rather to their Walls than his own strength Yet he adventured to sit down before the City Lacobriga now Lagos near Cape St. Vincent the Forces of Sertorius being at that time divided but his attempt proved in vain for Sertorius's Men encouraged by the Reward he promised put into the Town 2000 Skins of Water which was the only thing they wanted their Conduits being cut off and a Well they had not being enough to supply all The Romans having but five Days Provision and understanding this Relief was put in were constrained to raise the Siege As they drew off Sertorius kept close in their Rear cutting off many for now the Spanish Soldiers were not inferior to the Romans for Discipline but obeyed Command and Fought in good Order besides that they had armed themselves with the Weapons of the Romans they had slain Thus the fame of Sertorius was not only spread throughout Spain but reached into Asia whence Mithridates then in War the second time with Rome sent Embassadors to him offering Supplies of Money and a Fleet intending by that means to divide the Forces of the Romans For the greater Granduer Sertorius received the Embassadors in the Senate and agreed to all they had to propose granting that they should carry along with them Marcus Marius with a number of Soldiers to introduce the Roman Discipline among that King's Forces But Sertorius was now streightned by the coming of Lucius Lelius out of France who joyning with Metellus so encreased his Forces that Sertorius durst not give them Battle which before he endeavoured yet made frequent Excursions and kept them in continual alarm In this manner he kept himself for two Years till Pompey the Great at the request of Metellus was sent as his Colleague to command with equal Power For his Questor or Pay-Master came L. Cassius Longinus of whom more will be said hereafter Pompey made haste to joyn Metellus resolving not to fight the Enemy till all the Forces were come together Sertorius at this time lay before the City Laurona with his own and the Forces M. Perpenna brought him out of Sardinia after the Death of the Consul Aemilius Lepidus who having revolted from the Senate and being therefore driven out of Italy had possessed himself of that Island where he died of Sickness and therefore those who had followed him passed over into Spain Perpenna thought to have Lorded it himself over that Province but either because his Soldiers mutinied or that he considered better of it he joyned Sertorius As soon as Pompey and Metellus had joyned their Forces they marched towards the Enemy to raise the Siege of Laurona supposed by some to be the City Liria in the Kingdom of Valencia four Leagues from the City of that Name near the River Xucar Their Design was disappointed for 10000 Romans who advanced to guard the Foragers falling into an Ambush were all cut off and with them Decius Lelius
received into his Protection Gneius Pompey the eldest Son of Pompey the Great in his way to Spain took the Islands of Majorca and Minorca but was forced by Sickness to stay some time at Iviça In the mean while Annius Scapula he that conspired against Longinus and Q. Aponius by force of Arms drove the Proconsul Aulus Trebonius out of all the Province and held it for Pompey till he recovered and came into Spain as did his Brother Sextus after being Defeated in Africk by Caesar and with him Accius Varro and Titus Labienus with the remains of their Army and Fleet. Gneius having taken many Towns and among the rest Cordova left his Brother Sextus there and went to Besiege Vlia which held out for Caesar Quintus Pedius and Quintus Fabius Maximus Caesar's Lieutenants resorted thither but refused coming to a Battle and protracted the time till his coming He being taken up in Celebrating four Triumphs at Rome and settling the Common-wealth delayed his coming till the beginning of the Year 709. when setting out from Rome he made such hast that he came to Saguntum now Monviedro in 17 Days and in 10 more to Obulio now called Porcuna betwixt Cordova and Jaen just at the time that a Battle was fought at Sea betwixt Didius Caesar's Admiral and Varro who commanded for the Enemy The loss was equal but Varro show'd he had the worst by putting into the Port of Tarifa and drawing a Chain cross the mouth of it The People of Cordova being inclined to Caesar sent Embassadors to him shewing they were forcibly kept under by the Enemy and advising the Town might easily be surprized by Night Those of Vlia also sent Embassadors acquainting him they were reduced to great Streights and could not long hold out unless relieved Caesar being thus divided sent Lucius Junius Paciecus with six Cohorts to assist Vlia He got into the Town in a stormy Night thro' the midst of the Enemies saying He was sent by Pompey This and the hopes of being relieved incouraged the Besieged to hold out This done to give a diversion to those that lay before Vlia Caesar having ordered his Lieutenants Pedius and Folius to repair to him by a certain Day himself encamped before Cordova Sextus surpriz'd hereat sent immediately to his Brother to quit Vlia and come to his relief which he accordingly did and encamped near Caesar but refused to give Battle and some time being thus spent on a sudden Caesar fell so Sick that he marched away silently by Night to Attegua This Town was four Leagues from Cordova where there still appear footsteps of ancient Buildings by the Name of Teba the old In this Town the two Pompey's had laid up their Treasure and Stores which moved Caesar to sit down before it either to draw them to a Battle or by taking the Town to weaken their Force and lessen their Reputation On the other side Gneius being resolved not to fight marched to two Towns now called Castroelrio and Espegio formerly Castra Posthumiana places of strength where he might lie secure Thence he passed over the River Guadaxoz that ran down near Attegua Having been there worsted in some Skirmishes and no hopes left of relieving the Besieged he returned to Cordova The Inhabitants of Attegua sent Commissioners to Treat of a Surrender but upon such haughty Terms that nothing was concluded This put the Garrison into a rage against the Townsmen that favoured Caesar's Party and such was the cruelty of Numantius Flaccus their Governour that he killed all the Inhabitants who bore any affection to Caesar and threw them over the Walls the same he did with their Wives and Children Notwithstanding all this the Townsmen surrendered on the 18th of February After this Caesar burnt Attubi and took many other Towns and then sate down before Munda a Town seated on a Hill five Leagues from Malaga and near a little River that waters a rich and beautiful Plain At that time it was a considerable Place now small but still retains its Name Near this place they came at last to a Battle Caesar was stronger in number and goodness of Men Gneius had the advantage of Ground being encamped on the side of a Hill The Battle was fought with great Courage and Resolution on both sides both left Wings were overthrown and put to flight the main Battles stood long without giving any tokens of yielding the Victory much blood was spilt and the Fields covered with dead Bodies At last Caesar by his own Valour purchased success for alighting from his Horse and taking a Target he fought at the Head of his Men and stopt several of them that were about to fly On Pompey's side 30000 Foot and 3000 Horse were slain among the rest Varro and Labienus Thirteen Eagles belonging to the Legions which were their chief Standards were taken Of Caesar's Men 1000 were killed and 500 wounded Two African Kings served under Caesar the one called Bochius the other Bogud The latter of these had the chief Honour of the Victory for he in the heat of the Action breaking into the Enemies Camp was the cause that Labienus hastily drew thither and the rest of the Army thinking he had fled and despairing of the Victory turned their backs This Battle was fought on the 17th of March on which Day the Festival of the God Bacchus was Celebrated at Rome Caesar speaking of this Action used to say He had often fought for Honour and Glory but that Day he fought for his Life Some will have it that Gneius Pompeius being wounded in the Shoulder fled to Tarifa and endeavoured thence to escape by Sea but was forced by reason his wound festered to land the fourth day and being discovered in a Cave was there slain Florus says He was killed fighting near Laurona now Liria or according to others Laurigi His Fleet was partly taken and partly burnt by Didius Sextus the Younger Brother fled into Hispania citerior where he had many Friends Scapula after the Battle returning to Cordova made a Feast at which all drank plentifully and then he caused his own Slaves to kill him Munda still holding out Caesar left Fabius to carry on that Siege with part of the Army and went himself to Cordova which being taken by Assault he put to the Sword 20000 of those Citizens that had followed Pompey's Faction Thence he marched to Sevil by the way he had the Head of Gneius Pompey presented to him and with his usual good fortune possessed himself of the City which again Revolting was reduced the second time on the 10th of August Other Towns in that Neighbourhood following the example of Sevil submitted themselves and among the rest the City Asta situate two Leagues from Xeres now a desert place but still retains the ancient name Fabius on the other side so streightened those of Munda that after a siege of some Months they surrendred and then he took Ossuna but whether by
Legates with Consular Power as began then to be us'd in other Provinces Besides the Provinces of the Empire were divided betwixt Augustus and the Senate so that in Spain only Betica or Andaluzia fell to the Senate Hereupon Hispania Vlterior had two Governous one over Betica appointed by the Senate the other over Lusitania chosen by Augustus Thus the greatest part of Spain being in Peace many Roman Colonies were founded which gave occasion to the Natives to change their Manners and Language for those of the Romans as Strabo Witnesseth In the heighth of this Prosperity when Spain Flourish'd with Riches and Plenty there broke out a New War which proved more Fierce and Bloody than was imagin'd This War was begun by the Cantabri a fierce People till then not intirely subduced by the Romans as being the stubbornest Nation of Spain and protected by the harshness of the Country they Inhabited Ptolemy says the Cantab. i border'd on the East upon the Antigones on the West upon the Lungones on the South they were bounded by the River Ebro and on the North by the Cantabrian-Sea or Bay of Biscay Their principal Towns were Juliobriga and Vellica Others and with reason extend the bounds of Cantabria as far as the Pyrenean Mountains At that time the Cantabri were a rude and fierce People and had no use of Gold or Silver The Women as well as the Men were of large Stature on their heads they wore a dress like a Turbant and not unlike to what the Women of Biscay now use The Women Tilled the Land and when they were Deliver'd of their Children the Men lay in and they tended them as is used now in Brasil In their Dances they made a Noise with their Fingers and Castanets The Men brought the Portion when they Married They had always poison prepared to kill themselves rather than suffer any Violence In order to Commence the War they stirr'd up the People of Asturias and Gallicia to take up Arms and that done made incursions into the Neighbouring Country that was subject to the Romans This did not only strike a Terror into the Natives but perplex'd the Emperor Augustus fearing it might be the beginning of a more dangerous War than others expected Augustus being come into Spain forces resorted to him from all parts so that he gather'd a formidable Army They march'd towards Biscay and incamp'd near Segisama suppos'd to be that now call'd Brisama in Guipuscoa betwixt Aspeitia and Tolosa Then being divided into three parts they soon subdu'd all the Neighbouring Country The Cantabri not trusting to their own strength to avoid coming to a Battle withdrew with their Goods and Families unto the Mountains which prolong'd the War and made it be feared it would last long Augustus what with vexation and what with the unwholesomeness of the Air fell Sick and was carry'd away to Tarragona Caius Antistius and Pub. Firmius were left to prosecute the War in Galicia Pub. Carisius in Asturias M. Agrippa was left with the Supreme Command He was then the Emperor's Favourite and afterwards marry'd his Daughter Julia. Agrippa gathered a Fleet from Britain to furnish him with Provisions and at the same time to straiten the Cantabri by Sea Hunger pressing the Cantabri they resolv'd to try the Fortune of a Battle but being a rude People under no Command and without Sense of Honour they were easily put to the rout Upon the Coast of the Ocean near to Segisama rises the Mountain Hirmius by the Latins called Vinius of difficult ascent where many of them that fled sav'd themselves The Romans to avoid encountring with the strength of the place and with Men that were desperate drew a Trench quite round and fortify'd it So those miserable People were reduc'd to such extremity they being obstinate not to surrender and the Romans not to quit them that the greatest part Perished A Town near Brisama then called Aracil now Arraxil after a long siege was taken and destroyed by the Romans Mean while Antistius and Firmius were not idle in Gallicia but drew a Trench about the Mountain Midulia 15 Leagues in Compass where a great number of those People were retir'd and after suffering the utmost extremities like the Cantabri part of them slew themselves with their Swords and others Drank the poisonous juice of a Tree that grows there In Asturias the War was carry'd on with the like success for those People thinking to surprize Carisius who had divided his Army into three parts their design being discover'd by the Tregeceni their Confederates were themselves oppress'd by Carisius who came upon them when they least expected it Such as escaped fled to the City Lancia now Oviedo where they Fortified themselves and held out a long Siege but were at last forc'd to surrender and submit to the Conqueror Thus Galicia Asturias and Cantabria were reduc'd into the form of a Province Augustus the War being ended returned into Cantabria where he pardoned the Multitude but lest the roughness of the Mountains might again encourage them to Rebel he caused them to come down and live in the plain Country and also to give a certain number of Hostages Many of the most obstinate were sold as Slaves Great was the Joy at Rome at the News of this Success It was decreed that Augustus should Triumph for having intirely subdu'd Spain in the 198th Year after their first entrance into it under the command of Gneius Cepius Calvus which was a longer time than they spent in conquering any other Province Augustus would not accept of the Triumph but Sports were Celebrated in the Camp and the Temple of Janus at Rome was now the fourth time shut The Soldiers that had serv'd their appointed time according to the Roman Laws were discharg'd and Lands given them in that Country we now call Estremadura then a part of Lusitania where on the Banks of Guadiana they founded a Colony for that reason call'd Emerita Augusta now Merida in its time one of the principal Cities of Spain Rasis the Arab relates things almost incredible of its Grandeur and farther says it was destroyed by the Moors at their first coming into Spain On the Banks of the River Ebro where before stood a Town called Salduba was founded a Colony nam'd Caesar Augusta now Zaragoça the Capital of the Kingdom of Aragon Another City was built on the Borders of Portugal and called Pax Augusta now corruptly Badajoz Braga before known by the name of Bracara had that of Augusta given it At the same time another City was founded among the Celtiberi by the name of Augustobriga where now is a Village called Muro a League from Agreda Another of the same name not far from Guadalupe where is now Villar Pedroso and many Monuments of Antiquity Augustus returned to Tarragona where he was the eighth and ninth time appointed Consul there he received Embassadors from India and Scythia so far was the fame of
call Estremadura over the River Tagus and is known by the name of the Bridge of Alcantara By an inscription that is still to be seen on that Bridge it appears that many Towns of the Neighbourhood contributed to the Charge This is one of the most remarkable pieces of Antiquity in Spain In a Town of Andaluzia called Aragua belonging to the Knights of the Order of St. James on the Wall of the Palace are two stones which were once the Pedestals of two Statues erected in Memory of Matidia and Marcia Sisters to Trajan as appears by the inscription upon them At the same time the Soldiers of the seventh Legion called Gemina quiting the City Sublancia in Asturias because it was seated on the ridge of a hill two Leagues below it founded a Town which from them was called Legio now the City Leon and but slenderly peopled yet was once the Court of the Kings of Leon when after the destruction of Spain the Christians began to gather strength Trajan governed the Empire the space of ninteen Years and a half In the third year of his Reign he raised a more cruel persecution against the Christians than could have been imagined from a Prince esteemed as he was Mild and Prudent This fury was in some measure abated five Years after at the instance of Pliny the Younger then Proconsul of Bithynia who in a letter advised him that the Christian Superstition as they termed it ought rather to be suppressed by Art than force because it was spread abroad in the Country as well as in Cities and that the Christians could not be convicted of any Crimes only that they had meetings before day where they Sung Hymns in Honour of Christ Upon this Trajan answered that no search should be made after the Christians but that if accused they should be punished An infinite Number of Christians suffered in this persecution Spain was not exempted from its share of blood Among others Mantius first Bishop of Ebord was Martyred There is a Rich Monastery within a League of Medina de Rio Seco of his invocation and therefore called Villa Nueva de S. Mancio At this time also Macarius Justus and Rufinus suffered Trajan dyed in Cilicia at a place then called Selinunte afterwards Trajanopolis or Trajans Town in his return to Rome from the Parthian War Nevertheless his Ashes were received into that City with Triumph for having vanquished his Enemies A thing never granted to any before or after him that they should Triumph after death Aelius Adrianus appointed by Trajan his Successor as soon as he entred upon the Government intending to visit all his Provinces set out from Rome and through Germany passed into Great Britain thence he went over into Spain so to Africk and into the East his head always bare and often afoot In this long journey he is said to have narrowly escaped an eminent danger at Tarragona where a Slave ran at him with a drawn Sword but being supposed to be mad he delivered him up to the Physicians to be cured without any other punishment Sextus Aurelius Victor says he divided Spain into six Provinces viz. Betica Lusitania Carthaginensis Tarraconensis Galicia and Mauritania's Tingitana It appears by some inscriptions of those days as also by Justinians Laws that the Governours of Betica and Lusitania were Consular Legates those of the other four Provinces were only Presidents This Emperor having no Children chose Ceionius Commodus Verus for his Successor and gave him the Title of Caesar reserving to himself that of Augustus and this was the Original of the Custom of calling the Emperors Children or Successors Caesars In the Eleventh Year of his Reign Adrian ordered that none should be punished meerly for being a Christian unless he were Convicted of some crime and was so well inclined towards the Christians that he designed to place Christ among his other Gods and caused Temples to be erected without any Idols Fearing that the greateness of the Roman Empire might cause it to sink under its own weight he set bounds to it to which purpose the Bridge built by Trajan on the Danube was demolished and in the East he ordered the River Euphrates should be the utmost Limit quitting what was Conquered beyond it He was very sickly and being tired with the continual dependance on Physicians at Bayae to avoid having more to do with them he abstained from meat and dyed having Reigned Twenty One Years In the days of this Emperor Basilides in Aegypt and Saturninus in Syria spread the Sect of the Gnosticks which confounded the Divine persons and subjected the free will and its Operations to the force of destiny and the stars Besides they affirmed that Christian justification depends only upon Faith A disciple of Basilides called Marc came into Spain and there sowed his Wicked Doctrine Among others there followed him a Woman called Agape and the Rhetorician Helpidius From these Ashes and Embers Priscillian afterwards raked a Fire which spread a mighty flame as shall be observed in its place Commodus Verus died soon after his adoption and in his place was substituted Titus Aelius Antoninus who succeeded Adrian in the Empire in the Year 139. During the Term of Twenty Two Years and Seven Months that his Reign lasted he maintained all the Provinces of the Empire in such Peace and tranquility that he was compared to Numa All Men strove to please and obey so good a Prince and he laboured to gain the Affections of all Men. His most peculiar virtues were Clemency and Meekness which gained him the Titles of Pious and Pater Patriae Under him the Christians suffered no persecution as under the other Emperors It does not appear that he did any thing remarkable in Spain but his name is to be seen in some Roman inscriptions He dyed near Rome in the Year 162 and left M. Aurelius Antoninus and Antoninus Verus to succeed him in the Empire This was the first time that two Emperors were seen in Rome with equal Power and Authority Verus lived but nine Years he renewed the persecution against the Christians quieted the East where the Persians had raised Commotions and is believed to have been the first that gave the Title of Comites or Counts to the Governours of Provinces By his death the whole charge of the Government was devolv'd upon M. Aurelius Antoninus a Prince of great goodness the sirname of Philosopher given him is a sufficient Testimony of his Learning as is the Learned Book of his still Extant He Reigned nineteen Years and one Month and dyed the 17th of March in the Year 181. Aelius Aurelius Commodus Antoninus succeeding his Father by the Vileness of his Actions much obscured the Glory of his Family It was supposed one of his Concubines named Marcia had distempered his brain with some Potion she gave him certain it is she was the cause of his Death for finding her own Name
gave their name to that part of France now called Burgundy Dionysius who writ Geography in verse places the Alans near Dacia and the Getes Marcellinus places them in Scythia The Silingi came into Spain with the Vandals and settled in Andaluzia without having any particular King of their own It is uncertain what part of the North they came from some believe them to have been part of Bavaria where formerly was a Town called Salingostadium near the Danube three miles from Ingolstad Grave Authors affirm the Suevians had formerly their Seats near the River Elbe but Strabo places them near the Springs of the Danube about the City Ausburg It remains to speak of the Goths whose origin because they gained and maintained the Sovereignty of Spain for many years we will look into more exactly Some were of Opinion the Goths where the same with the Getes who Pliny and Herodotus place about the Mouth of the Danube Most and the best Authors are of Opinion that the Goths came from the Province called Scandia or Scandinavia formerly Basilia or Baltia a large Country North of Germany and Poland joining on the East to Finland and encompassed on all the other sides by the Baltick and Frozen Sea Scandia altogether is a large Peninsula longer than it is broad and divided into Norway Sweden Lapland and Gothland The South-East part of this great Peninsula forms another lesser which is called Gothia or Gothland and is subdivided into Ostrogothia and Visogothia or Westrogothia that is the Eastern and Western Goths Among the Visogoths the Balti which in their Language signifies bold and among the Ostrogoths the Amali so called of a famous King and leader of theirs were the two most Noble and Kingly Families The Goths for the most part have red Hair and Beards their Complexion fair like the other People of Germany their Language not unlike nor much differing from those other Nations that about this time broke into Spain Only the Alans are said to have used the Language of Scythia but this is rather a surmise than a known truth As to Religion all these Nation had then or soon after did imbrace Christianity for before they were given to Idolatrous superstition Particularly the Goths believed they should have no success in War unless they Sacrificed human Blood and therefore offered up the Prisoners of War to Mars whom they chiefly honoured and dedicated the best of their booty hanging the skins of those they slew on Trees Before the battle they sacrificed Horses and carryed their heads on spears with the mouths open before them They believe the immortality of the Soul and that there was reward and punishment after death When it Thundered they cast Darts up towards Heaven thinking to assist God against those that endeavoured to force him out of Heaven They Sung the praises of their Forefathers to Musick as is now used in Spain Some say the Arms of the Goths were Wavy a Lion Regardant others will have them to be three Lions like those of England But it is to no purpose to insist upon these uncertainties let us see the occcasion that brought so many and so barbarous Nations into Spain In the height of that confusion into which the Roman Empire was fallen and was related in the last Book one Marcus in Britany was saluted Emperor by the Legions and soon after by them killed In his place they chose Gracinus whom also they slew within 4 Months Next they Proclaimed Constantine for no other merit but the sake of his Name which was looked upon as Fortunate This hapned in the year 411 Theodosius the younger being then Emperor of the East his Father Arcadius being dead three years before A great part of France and Spain declared for Constantine yet some adhered to the true Emperors Among these Didimus and Verinianus raising an army indeavoured to secure the passes of the Pyrenean Mountains against Constantine but were discomfited and slain by Constans the Tyrants Son whom he had taken out of a Monastery declared Caesar and sent before into Spain The Army of Constans was for the most part made up of those People that came out of Germany into France and by reason of an agreement they had made with Honorius were called Honoriaci These by consent of Constans spoiled all the Country of Spain as far as Palencia for he designed to purchase the good will of those Barbarians with the ruins of others To these at his return into France he committed the care of guarding the passes on the Pyrenean Mountains The Spaniards were offended at it and threatned some sudden change which soon after hapned For the Honoriaci invited the Vandals Alans Suevians and Silingians to come into Spain and agreed to give them free passage The occasion that moved them to quit France where they were settled is supposed to be the fear they had conceived of the Goths whom being then joyned with Honorius they thought they should be in no condition to resist No less was their dread of Constantine who having subdued great part of France aspired to be Master of all the rest Hermenericus was King of the Suevians Ataces of the Alans Gundericus of the Vandals and Silingians The coming of these Barbarous Nations was the ruin of Spain for they seized indifferently as well what belonged to Spaniards as Romans and destroyed the Towns and open Country whereupon ensued such a Famine that the Natives fed upon human flesh and the wild beasts ranged abroad to devour Men. Next followed a Plague and raged to that degree that betwixt both evils great part of the Country was left wast and so the Barbarians seated themselves where they best liked The Sùevians a part of the Vandals possessed Galicia then larger than it is now as containing all Old Castile The Alans planted in Lusitania and the Province Carthaginensis except the Kingdom of Toledo and the Celtiberi who continued in the Roman subjection Betica fell to the other Vandals and Silingians Having thus divided the Country they agreed with the Romans and then began again to till the land the Spainards looking upon this Slavery as more tolerable than the Romans Yet some few preserved their Liberty especially in Galicia among the Suevians In Hispania Citerior one Maximus was saluted Emperor by the procurement of Geroncius a Count who did it in hatred to the Tyrant Constantine tho' he had once been of his party His chief aim was under the shadow of the other to make himself absolute Therefore leaving Maximus at Tarragona he marched with an Army into France took the City Vienne and slew Constans the Caesar but hearing Constantius was coming upon him returned into Spain where the Spaniards set fire to his House and burnt him Maximus having lost Geronoius who was his support laying aside the Imperial Robes fled and led the rest of his life in misery which lasted till the time of Paulus Orosius as he himself testifies
upon and endeavoured to Rally them He himself being distinguishable by his Horse and Armour fought among the foremost and appeared where the greatest danger was Exhortations and Examples were of no force his Men all fled he remained among the last and seing no hopes left try'd to make his escape when Clodoveus or Clouis who charged at the head of his Men bore him down with a shock of his Lance. Alaricus striving to rise was killed by a French Foot Soldier Two Noble Goths thinking to revenge their King ran at Clouis who was saved by the goodness of his Armour and by the assistance of a Youth called Clodoricus that came in to his Rescue Alaricus being dead the Goths dispersed themselves into all the neighbouring Towns in such manner that no considerable Body remained together to oppose the Franks whereupon they presently possessed themselves of the City Angouleme But those Goths who had not been in this Battle assembling themselves had the courage to try their Fortune near Bourdeaux They proved no more successful than the others and the slaughter of them was so great that from that Day the Country they fought in changed its name and was called the Arian Fields from the Religion of the Goths After these two mighty Victories many Places submitted to the Franks as Bourdeaux the Vesates Cahors Rhodes and those of Albernia Even the City of Toulouse where the Goths kept their Court was taken and nothing considerable left them in France Among the Treasures of the Gothish Kings were found the Vessels and Instruments belonging to the Sacrifices at the Temple of Jerusalem which had been taken by Alaricus the first King of those People when he Sack'd Rome left by him to his Successors and now fell into the Hands of Clouis Alaricus dy'd in the Year 506. His Reign which lasted 23 Years he supported by Falshood and Cruelty which made his end the less pity'd all People saying He had well deserved it Yet he was the first King of the Goths that made use of written Laws and publish'd those of Theodosius the same Year he was slain Before his time the Goths like other barbarous Nations were Governed by the ancient Customs of their Forefathers To these Laws of Alaricus succeeding Kings added many others of all which together was composed that Volume the Spaniards call Fuero jusgo whereof we shall speak in a more proper place CHAP. V. The Reign of the Kings Gesaleycus Theodorick and Amalaricus Several Spanish Synods Defeat of the Franks And Tryal by Ordeal ALaricus left two Sons one by his Wife Theudicoda call'd Amalaricus and one by another Woman nam'd Gesaleycus The principal Men among the Goths chose the latter for their King by reason the other was but five Years of Age. This offended the King of the Ostrogoths who sent 80000 Men under the command of Ilba as well to suppress the Franks and restore the Kingdom of the Visogoths then at the point of destruction as to Re-inthrone his Grandson Amalaricus Gesaleycus fearing so great a Power as also because the King of the Burgundians had taken Narbonne not thinking himself secure in any part of France retired to Barcelona He was naturally a Coward and consequently Cruel which moved him with his own Hands and in his Palace in that City to kill Goericus a Man of Note Ilba in France assisted by the Visogoths overthrew the Franks with the slaughter of 20000 of them By this means the Visogoths recovered Guienne the Ostrogoths possessed themselves of Provence took Narbonne from the Burgundians and were about passing the Pyrenean Mountains Hereupon Gesaleycus not trusting to his own People knowing the hatred they bore him for his Cowardize and Cruelty went over into Africk Thrasimundus King of the Vandals tho' Marry'd to the Sister of Theodorick received him Friendly and relieved him with Money Having received this Aid he returned into France and after lying hid a Year raised an Army with which he durst venture to give a Battle near Barcelona but was Vanquished by Ilba and flying into France soon after dy'd with Grief in the Year of Christ 510. when he had Reigned 4 Years Authors do not agree who succeeded Gesaleycus most of them affirm that Theodorick the Ostrogoth from thence forward called himself King of the Visogoths This Opinion is confirmed by the Synods then held in Spain in which is seen the Name of Theodorick and Year of his Reign Others say Amalaricus succeeded and Theodorick only Acted as his Tutor I can no way give Credit to what Spanish Authors write viz. That Theodorick came into Spain Married a Wife of the old Spanish Race at Toledo and at her request restored them to their ancient Liberty since no Foreign Writer makes mention of any such Journey of his especially Cassiodorus and others who writ his Actions very particularly Certain it is that Theudius or Theudis who had served Theodorick as his Esquire at Arms was by his Favour appointed to Govern during the Minority of the young King which was the first step by which afterwards he ascended to the Throne In the Year 516. a Council of Bishops was held at Tarragona here we find the first mention of any Monks in Spain Here it was Ordain'd that after the manner of the Jews Sabbath Sunday should begin to be observed on Saturday Evening whence remains still the Custom among Spaniards of keeping Holyday and rejoycing on the Saturday Night Another Council was held at Girona the following Year 517. Pope Hormisda about the same time writ a Letter to John Bishop of Tarragona commanding him Yearly to hold Synods of Bishops a thing used in those Days for Reformation of Manners After the death of Hormisda in the time of his Successor John I. who was Elected in the Year 523 two other Synods were celebrated one at Lerida the other at Valencia Theodorick the Ostrogoth dying in Italy Amalaricus began to take upon him the Government of the Visogoths in Spain from which time some begin to reckon the Years of his Reign As soon as Amalaricus commenced his Reign he made Peace with the Franks and to bind it the faster Marry'd Crotilda their King's Sister and Daughter to Clouis In Dower with her the Country of Toulouse was restored to the Goths Crotilda was a Person of singular Piety and had been Religiously Educated in the true Faith by her Mother who was of the same Name This highly offended her Husband who was an Arian When she went to Church the Rabble did not only Revile but would often throw Dirt at her Her Husband did not only wink at it but when she came home frown'd gave her ill Language and at last proceeded to blows insomuch that several times he made the Blood gush from her Long she endured hoping with Patience and Meekness to soften his cruel Heart but finding there was no hopes of mollifying him at last she writ to her Brother Childebert
the fourth from the false Prophet Mahomet in a great Battle overthrew Gregory the Roman General and Governour of Africk for the Romans and by that means possest himself of all that vast Province The Goths of old were Masters of Mauritania Tingitana and particularly of Ceuta and the Country about it All the rest except this part fell into the hands of the Mahometans who proud with success from that time founded a new Empire in Africk whose Kings in whom according to the Custom of those People was the Spiritual as well as Temporal Power were called Miramamolines which signifies Princes of the Faithful As those of the same People in Asia stiled themselves Caliphs Spain is divided from Africk only by the narrow streight of Gibraltar Many were of Opinion this rise of those People threatned Spain and their fear was much increased by an extraordinary Eclipse of the Sun which hap'ned in the Reign of Recesuinthus so great that the day was totally darkned as the Archbishop D. Rodrigo affirms which they interpreted as an Omen of great mischiefs to ensue Recesuinthus quelled the People of Navarre who were in Arms and made incursions wasting the Country about them Besides he corrected the Laws of the Goths abolishing some and instituting many new ones the Number whereof as appears by the Book called Fuero jusgo is no less than that of all the others published by the Kings his Predecessors By these Actions the King was advanced to the highest pitch of Honour respected by his People and well esteemed abroad when Death took him away on the first of September in the Morning and in the Year of our Lord 672. having Reigned from the time his Father declared him his Companion in the Throne 23 Years 6 Months and 11 Days after the Death of his Father 21 Years and 11 Months Two Leagues from Valladolid formerly as some think called Pincia is a Town named Wamba before called Gerticos here the King dyed having been removed from Toledo to try it the change of Air would do him good His Body was buryed in the Church of that Town where his Tomb is still to be seen but the Bones were removed by King Alonso the Wise to Toledo and lay'd in the Church of St. Leocadia according to a received Tradition in that City near the high Altar on the right side Philip the Second of Spain in the Year 1575. caused the said Tomb to be opened in his Presence as also another on the left side of the Altar no Inscription was found within only the Bones wrapped in Cotton and laid in Wooden Chests but Learned Men that were present believed that on the right hand to be the Tomb of Recesuinthus as being the Ancientest and the other that of King Wamba which was also Translated to Toledo by the same King Alonso Near Duen̄as which is beyond Valladolid on the Banks of the River Pisuerga is an Ancient Church dedicated to St. John Baptist the workmanship Gothick adorned with Marble and Jasper-stone In it is an Inscription in six lines which declares it was built by King Recesuinthus and finished in the Year 661. whence some Learned Men infer the Patrimonial Estate of those two Kings was near about that place In the time of Recesuinthus Constantine was Emperour of the East and Adeodatus govern'd the Church of Rome Upon the Kings Death there ensu'd a new and bloody War in that part of the Dominion of the Goths that lay in Gallia Narbonnensis Ambition was the cause of this evil which bred great distractions in the Gothish Kingdom when they were in fullness of Peace after having vanquish'd all Foreign Enemies King Recesuinthus leaving no Issue to succeed him his Brothers either for their Age or some other reasons were not thought fit to inherit Hereupon the Nobles met and by common consent made choice of Wamba a Man of Quality who had been the Chief Favourite to the late Kings besides he was a good Soldier very discreet and so modest that he refus'd to accept of that mighty honour excusing himself on account of his great Age and begging they would not lay so heavy a burden upon him He persisting firm in refusing an Officer of note with his drawn Sword threatn'd to kill him unless he accepted of the Crown Wamba submitted to these threats but so that he should not be Anointed as the Custom was before he came to Toledo reserving this honour for that City and by that means gaining time that those who were for him might alter their resolution or at least such as oppos'd him be brought over and so no dissention might ensue He set out for Toledo where he was Anointed on the 29th of September in the Church of St. Peter and Paul near the Royal Palace In express terms he swore to observe the Laws of the Kingdom and procure the wellfare of the People Quiricus Archbishop of Toledo Successor to St. Ildefonsus perform'd the Ceremony Julian Archbishop of Toledo writes that when King Wamba was Crown'd there rose from his Head a Cloud in the form of a Pillar and a Bee was also seen to Mount on high from his Head It may be said that the People often fancy or imagine such things but the Authority of the Author is of great force All the Nobles did their Homage to the new King and among them Paul a Kinsman as some imagine to the late Kings but the name of Paul not used among the Goths and his Disloyalty make the Opinion of others more likely who say he was a Grecian Wamba was born in that part of Lusitania formerly called Igeditania where is now a Town known by the name of Idania la Vieja or Old Idania and near it a Farm with a Fountain which retains the name of Wamba The People of those parts are perswaded as having receiv'd it from their Forefathers that this same Farm was part of Wamba's Estate before he came to the Crown CHAP. V. The War with the Rebels in Gallia Gothica Paul Wamba 's General joins with them The King marches against them and reduces all the Country to his Obedience THE beginning of Wamba's Reign was full of Commotions and Troubles the Subjects growing insolent as believing him not well establish'd in the Throne The People of Navarre being of an unsetled temper revolted Wamba raised Men in Cantabria or Biscay to be the nearer to oppress those Rebels when at the same time news was brought him of more dangerous tumults in Gallia Gothica Many of that Country were dissatisfied at his being Elected and refus'd to acknowledge him as their King They conspir'd together and resolv'd to have recourse to Arms. Hilperick Earl of Nismes in France was the first that declar'd himself confiding in the great distance he was at from the King and his own extraordinary Power Gumildus Bishop of Magalona and an Abbot whose name was Remigius join'd with him They labour'd to bring Aregius Bishop of Nismes
to their Party but not being able to prevail banish'd him to the inward part of France and set the Abbot Remigius in his place All things were carry'd on violently and without regard to Equity or Justice so they call'd out of France to their assistance the Jews who had before been Banish'd the Dominions of the Goths Paul being a Man of great Wisdom and Experience was appointed General to quell this Rebellion with such Forces as were thought sufficient to oppose the Revolters All fell out contrary to expectation for Paul being false in his heart march'd slowly and gave the Rebels time to grow strong and at the same time he contriv'd how the chief of the Goths might fall off from the King By the way he agreed with Ranosindus Duke of Tarragona and Hildigisus Gardingus which was a dignity like to a Lord Lieutenant of a County Both of them were Men of note and by their means he possess'd himself of Barcelona Girona and Vique Cities in Catalonia Their Forces being thus increas'd they resolv'd to march into France and join Hilpericus not doubting they should be then in a condition to make head against the King Argebaudus Archbishop of Narbonne thought to have kept the Rebels out of that City but they were so quick upon him that he was forc'd to temporize and seemingly join with them rather through fear than affection Paul having enter'd the City call'd together the Citizens and Souldiers and after reproving the Archbishop for having offer'd to keep him out Condemn'd the Election of Wamba as illegal and advis'd to proceed to a new one Ranosindus with a loud Voice cry'd out he knew none so fit and deserving to be a King as Paul himself This was only executing in publick what they in private had before contriv'd All that were of his Party being mix'd with the Croud approv'd of what had been said with great Acclamations whilst the wiser sort were silent not daring to gainsay Thus Paul was declar'd King and a Crown which King Recaredus had offer'd to St. Felix put upon his Head So far had the Spirit of Rebellion transported them that they seiz'd not only the Riches of the publick but laid their Sacrilegious hands upon the Treasures of the Church Hilperick Earl of Nismes the first that rais'd this Rebellion consented with the others and so all the Cities of Gallia Gothica besides a great part of the Province Tarraconensis which follow'd the Example of their Duke Ranosindus Paul grown Proud with this Success sent a Challenge to the King full of bitter Invectives and Reproaches upon which I believe that vulgar error was grounded which makes Wamba of base Parentage as if he had been rais'd to the Throne from the Plough which is certainly a great mistake for he was of the Chief Nobility of the Goths and one of the greatest Favourites in the Courts of those Kings Wamba understanding what Paul had done called a Council of his Nobles to consult whether it were better immediately to advance with what force he had or return to Toledo to increase his Power The more resolute were for losing no time but oppressing the Enemy before they were grown stronger the more Cautious advised to gather new Forces and leave all things setled in Spain The King having weighed the Arguments on both sides resolved to make up by Celerity what he wanted in number of Men and having exhorted his Nobles to stand by him and relieve their Friends in distress his words were so Efficacious that all Men taking New Courage the War of Navarre was concluded in seven days which was a good Omen of future Success The Army was impatient to meet their Enemies so they Marched towards Calahorra and Huesca and came upon the Frontiers of Catalonia with incredible speed Here the Army was divided into three parts one Marched to Castrolibya the chief Town of Cerdania the second to Vique and the Third to the Sea-Coast to wast that Country The King himself followed with the flower of the Army He punished many Soldiers for Offering Violence to the Country People and forcing of Women for which Crimes he caused them to be Circumcised as a punishment to them and example to others Being come to Barcelona the Metropolis of Catalonia he easily made himself Master of it and secured the heads of the Rebels to be punished according to their Crimes Thence he Marched to Girona which was delivered to him by the Bishop called Amador whom not long before Paul thought to have secured to his interest by a Letter in which he directed him to deliver the City to the first that came Here the Army rested two days and passed the Pyrenean Mountains without meeting any Opposition Beyond the Mounts they took and plundered Three Towns Caucoliberis that is Colivre Vultuaria and Castrolibya beside another shutup betwixt the Hills and therefore called Clausura in this they took Ranosindus and Hildigisus two heads of the Rebels Witimirus was with a Garrison in a Town called Sosdonia but not thinking himself safe fled to Narbonne where Paul still lay contriving how to hinder the King from passing the Mountains Finding his Forces too weak he left that City to Witimirus and retired to Nismes where he expected Succours from France and Germany Wamba having passed the Mountains and incamped in the plain stayed there two Days till his other Forces that were dispersed several ways came up and thence sent Four Officers with a considerable Body of Men to take Narbonne a Noble City on the Frontiers of France These Forces being come before the City sent in to Summon it they within answered with scorn which so provoked the Soldiers that they gave a furious Assault that lasted three hours at the end of which having drove the defendants off the Walls they fired the Gates apply'd scaling Ladders and so entred the City Witimirus took Sanctuary in a Church but was nevertheless drawn from our Ladies Altar and secured Argebaudus the Archibishop and Galtricia the Dean were also taken and wounded by the Soldiers in their Fury After the taking of Narbonne the Rebels began to go down the wind and the Loyal party to increase The Loyalists pursued their success and with the same ease took the Cities Magalona Agatha and Beziers where many chief of Rebels were taken and among them Remigius Bishop of Nismes Gumildus the Bishop Magalona fled to Paul at Nismes a City in those days for the Number of the Inhabitants beauty of Buildings and strength of Walls inferior to none in Gallia Narbonensis Against this City the King sent Four Resolute Generals but they wanted Conduct and Engines for Battering the Walls With them went 30000 Men. Being come in sight of the Town they furiously charged the Enemy that came out to meet them The fight was Bloody and lasted all Day till Night parted them each side boasting of the Victory but the King's Men were the first that sounded the Retreat It
as that of Wamba the Ruins of it still are to be seen in the Market-place of Zocodover and at the Gate del Hierro Wamba the more to strengthen the Place and bring the Suburbs within the City added a Wall lower Stones were brought for the Work from all Parts and particularly as is supposed from an old Roman Fabrick like a Circus which they had formerly raised there with Marble Stones in it and Figures like Roses or Wheels carved on them The common Sort are persuaded those were the Arms of Wamba but those very Stones prove the contrary because they are laid without any Order or Method but just as they were brought so they were placed by the Work-Men Grave Authors affirm That in Memory hereof he caused two Verses to be Carv'd on the principal Towers in unpolished Latin such as was used in that Age the Sense of them is With the help of God the mighty King Wamba raised the beautiful Wall to his City for the Honour of his Nation Besides on the upper part of the Towers he placed the Statues of those Saints held in greatest Veneration in the Town of white Marble and under them other two Verses to this effect Ye Saints who are Honour'd here keep this City and People and avert as you can all Sickness These Statues being fallen and the Inscriptions worn out by time King Philip II. caused them to be restored anew In the fourth Year of Wamba's Reign which was of our Lord 675. he caused a Synod of 17 Bishops and 7 Abbots to be held at Toledo This is counted the 11th Council of Toledo About the same time another Synod was Celebrated at Braga and was the third of that City We have no account of any other Councils in the Reign of Wamba but it 's supposed there were more both in regard that the former Councils had Ordained the keeping of yearly Provincial Synods and because grave Authors affirm that by a Council held at Toledo in his time the Bounds of each Bishoprick were assigned and this could not be done without the Concurrence of all the Bishops of Spain Wamba Instituted many Laws for the better Administration of Justice whereof there was great defect In particular he corrected the Military Discipline He Ordained that when Forces were raised all should repair to the Standard that were not over or under Age or hindred by Sickness Also that every one should send to the Army the twelfth Slave with such Weapons as are there specify'd differing from the rest Even the Bishops and Priests were commanded to march with their People 100 Miles in case of Invasions or Inroads made by the Enemy By the prudent Conduct and Management of King Wamba the Goths obtain'd a memorable Victory at Sea The Saracens were possess'd of all Africk along the Coast of the Mediterranean from the Mouth of the Streights to that of the River Nile and designing to pass over into Europe had set out a Fleet of 170 Sail with which they ran along the Coast of Spain putting all to Fire and Sword The Goths fitted out another great Fleet and coming to a Battle utterly destroy'd the Enemy burning and taking most of their Fleet. There are Authors that say The Fleet of the Saracens came into Spain at the Instigation of Ervigius who being a Man in great Power of the Family of King Recesuinthus aspired to the Crown but being disappointed this way found means to give the King a poisonous Potion with which he presently Sickned and on a sudden lost all his Senses in such manner that it was thought he could not live beyond the first Hour of the Night They shav'd his Beard shore his Head like a Priest and put him on a Monks Habit as was used in those Days All this was done as supposed by the contrivance of Ervigius that in case he recovered he should be incapable of Reigning as was Decreed by the 6th Council of Toledo Being as was thought at the last Gasp tho' he was not in his Senses they caused him to declare Ervigius his Successor and having drawn a Form of Renunciation forc'd him to Sign it All this hap'ned on Sunday the 14 of October as is supposed in the Year 680. Notwithstanding Wamba the Day following came to himself yet he would not recall what he had done Thus a mighty King was on a sudden made a Monk and resolving to forsake the World for Ervigius the same Day had caused himself to be Crown'd and taken upon him the Government tho' the Anointing was deferred till next Sunday immediately went to the Monastery of Pampliega seated according to some Opinions in the Valley of Munon where he spent the residue of his Life which according to some was 7 Years and 3 Months and more according to others He Reign'd 8 Years 1 Month and 14 Days was Buried in that Monastery and thence by King Alonso the Wise Translated to Toledo and Bury'd in the Church of St. Leocadia where lies also King Recesuinthus Julian Arch-Bishop of Toledo Anointed the new King whence it is inferred that Quiricus his Predecessor dy'd about that time if it was not that he Renounc'd the Dignity seeing the wrong that was done the good King Wamba CHAP. VII The Reigns of the Kings Ervigius and Egica FLavius Ervigius by wicked means ascended the Throne as has been said yet he governed well The better to secure himself in his ill gotten Power he made use of the show of Religion calling together all the Bishops of the Kingdom Thirty five met at Toledo on the 9th of January 681. and this is counted the 12th Council of that City Many Acts were passed in this Synod but the two most remarkable were The first approving the Election of Ervigius because they durst do no otherwise and declaring the Subjects free from their Oath of Allegiance on account of Wamba's Resignation The second was giving the Arch-Bishop of Toledo Power to create Bishops throughout Spain in the King's Absence and of Confirming those made by him Two Years after this there met in the same City by the King's Order 38 Bishops 26 Vicars of absent Bishops and 9 Abbots who together with many of the Nobles then present Celebrated the 13th Council of Toledo on the 4th of November 683. and the 4th Year of the Reign of Ervigius In this Council the chief Acts were a Pardon to those that had followed Paul's Party Abatement of Taxes and a Law to protect Queen Leubigotona and her Children in case of the King's Death The following Year by command of Pope Leo II. was held the 14th Council of Toledo in order to their receiving the Decrees of a Council celebrated not long before at Constantinople at which were 290 Prelates and it is reckon'd the 6th of the General Councils Only 17 Bishops and 10 Deputies assisted at this Synod and approv'd and receiv'd the Council of Constantinople Condemning as
Ecclesiastical Persons to Marry Another Law was also Established disowning the Pope To give the greater force to these Laws a Council of Bishops met at Toledo but the Decrees of it are not placed among those of the other Councils as being contrary to the Canons of the Church From this time all things began to fall into confusion for tho' many were pleased with Libertinism yet some were Zealous for the Observation of the Laws and ancient Customs and began to think of restoring the Family of King Chindasuinthus as the only Remedy against so many evils Witiza was not ignorant of it and from it took occasion to prosecute what he had began in his Father's days which was to embrue his Hands in the Blood of that Family There were living two Sons of Chindasuinthus Brothers to K. Recesuinthus the one called Theodofredus the other Favila Thedofredus was Duke of Cordova where he built a Palace then and long after very famous He had resolved not to go to Court as being jealous of the King Favila was Duke of Cantabria or Biscay and whilst Witiza in his Father's time resided in Galicia had bore him Company with the charge of Captain of his Guards which the Goths then called Protospatarius Witiza slew him with a stroke of a Club as some think on account of his Wife These were the first Works of his Cruelty and Hatred to that Noble Family before he came to the Crown Favila left a Son called Pelayus or Pelagius who afterwards began to restore Spain after its general Desolation and at that time was Lieutenant to his Father but upon his Death retired to his Estate in Cantabria and Count Julian Marry'd to Witiza's Sister had the charge of Protospatarius Witiza being come to the Crown turned his Rage against Pelagius and his Uncle Theodofredus The latter he caused to have his Eyes put out Pelagius escaped out of his reach as did Roderick Son to Theodofredus who was afterwards King It is said Pelagius went in Pilgrimage to Jerusalem as a Testimony whereof the Staves used by him and his Companion were shown long after at Arraria a Town in Biscay These Cruelties and his other Vices made Witiza odious to his People he despairing of gaining their Affections resolved to keep them under by Terror and to this end caused the Walls of almost all the Cities in Spain to be Demolished I say almost all because some were exempted as Toledo Leon and Astorga Besides he destroy'd all the Arms of the Kingdom pretending it was to secure the Peace He Persecuted Gundericus the Archbishop of Toledo and some Priests that still preserved their Innocence and would not approve of his Enormities Sinderedus Successor to Gundericus overcome by Witiza's cruelty comply'd with him and consented that Oppas his Brother or as some will have it his Son should be Translated from the Archbishoprick of Sevil to that of Toledo The Death of Witiza was suitable to his Life yet Authors differ in the manner of it D. Roderick the Archbishop says He was killed by the contrivance of Roderick whose Father ended his Days at Cordova in perpetual Imprisonment and Darkness Other good Authors affirm Witiza dy'd a natural Death at Toledo in the 12th Year of his Reign which was of Christ 711. He left two Sons whose Names were Eba and Sisebutus Some People favouring these two Youths and others their Adversary there arose great Contests and Confusions which ended in a greater Destruction than could have been imagined Since the Division of the Goths about these two Families brought on their total Desolation it will not be amiss to declare the Descent of them both Chindasuinthus by his Wife Riesberga left Recesuinthus who succeeded him in the Crown Theodofredus Favila and one Daughter whose Name is not known Recesuinthus dy'd without Issue therefore the Nobles chose Wamba to succeed him Chindasuinthus's Daughter was Marry'd to Ardebastus who tho' a Greek for his Valour and Birth merited the King's Daughter and had by her Ervigius he that was the Beginner of all those Calamities Usurping the Kingdom and Deposing Wamba by wicked means Ervigius by his Wife Liubigotona had a Daughter called Cixilona Marry'd to King Egica a Kinsman of Wamba this Marriage being designed to cut off all Animosities by uniting these two Houses Of this Marriage were born Witiza that was King Oppas Bishop of Sevil and a Daughter as grave Authors say Marry'd to Count Julian Witiza as was said above had two Sons Eba and Sisebutus Theodofredus the second Son of Chindasuinthus by his Wife Ricilona a noble Lady had Roderick the Plague and Ruin of Spain Favila the third Son of Chindasuinthus had Pelayus no way like his Cousin for by his Valour the Christians in Spain began to make Head after they had been cast down and oppress'd thro' the madness of Roderick Spain being in this condition Roderick excluding the Sons of Witiza ascended the Throne of the Goths by choice as is believed of the Nobles The Kingdom was full of Distractions by reason of the several Interests the People were grown Effeminate giving themselves up to Feasting Drink and Lewdness the Military Discipline was quite lost and the Kingdom of the Goths was now running headlong to Destruction The new King had good natural Parts and seemed to be well inclined He was hardy resolute bountiful and had excellent ways of gaining of Men. Such he was before his Accession to the Crown but no sooner put into possession of it than he sullied all these Vertues with no less Vices Above all he was implacable when offended wholly given up to Lust and had no Discretion in his Undertakings and in fine was more like to Witiza than to his Father or Grandfather There are Pieces of Money of his to be seen with his Name and Effigies armed and with a stern Countenance on the reverse these Words Igeditania Pius a Motto he merited not but was given to Flatter him King Roderick enlarged and beautified the Palace built by his Father near Cordova which the Moors afterwards called Roderick's Palace He called home his Cousin Pelayus and made him Captain of the Guards the greatest Trust at Court Witiza's sons he treated so ill that they for fear of worse Consequences fled into that part of Barbary that was subject to the Goths called Mauritania Tingitana At that time Count Requila Governed that Province as Lieutenant I believe to Count Julian a Man in such Power that besides it he had the Government of that part of Spain about the Streight of Gibraltar whence is a short cut into Africk Besides all this he held a great Estate of his own about Consuegra inferior to none in the Kingdom Hence sprung all the Mischiefs that ensued for Witiza's Sons before they went over into Africk had sowed the Seeds of a Rebellion and were assisted by Oppas the Bishop who was of the Blood Royal and very Powerful These Beginnings which ought to have been
likely it was various for on the Eighth Day they resolved to give a general Battle which was upon Sunday the 9th of the Month the Moors call Xavel or Sceval that is about June according to the reckoning of the Arabs as the Archbishop D. Roderick will have it But I rather believe it was on St. Martins Day being the 11th of November in the Year of our Lord 714. as may be gathered from the Chronicon Alveldense Both Armies being drawn up the King according to the Custom of the Gothish Kings when they went to Battle appeared in an Ivory Chariot Cloathed in Cloth of Gold encouraging his Men. Tarif on the other side did the same The Armies thus prepared waited only for the Signal to fall on the Goths gave the charge their Drums and Trumpets Sounding and the Moors received it with the Noise of Kettle-drums Such were the Shouts and Cries on both sides the Mountains and Valleys seemed to meet First they began with Slings Darts Javelins and Lances then came to the Swords A long time the Battle was Dubious but the Moors seemed to have the worst till D. Oppas the Archbishop having to that time concealed his Treachery in the heat of the fight with a great Body of his Followers went over to the Infidels He joyned Count Julian with whom was a great Number of Goths and both together fell upon the Flank of our Army Our Men Terrified with that â—â— parallelled Treachery and tired with fighting could no longer sustain that Charge but where easily put to flight The King performed the part not only of a Wise General but of a resolute Soldier relieving the weakest bringing on fresh Men in place of those that were tired and stopping those that turned their Backs At length seeing no hopes left he alighted out of his Chariot for fear of being taking and mounting on a Horse called Orelia he withdrew out of the Battle The Goths who still stood missing him were most part put to the Sword the rest betook themselves to flight The Camp was immediately entred and Baggage taken What Number was killed is not known I suppose they were so many it was hard to count them for this only Battle robbed Spain of all its Glory and in it perished the Renowned Name of the Goths The King's Horse upper Garment and Buskins covered with Pearls and Precious Stones were found on the banks of the River Guadelete and there being no News of him afterwards it was supposed he was drowned passing that River But 200 Years after in a Church of the City Viseo in Portugal there was found a Stone with a Latin inscription to this Effect Here reposeth Roderick the last King of the Goths Whence it is believed he fled into Portugal Those Soldiers that escaped dispersed themselves throughout the Neighbouring Towns Pelayus or Pelagius who some think was in this Battle retired to his own Estate in the farthest part of Biscay This Victory cost the Moors almost 16000 Men. Spain for some Years before had suffered much by Plague and Famine which had weakned and laid them the more open to their Enemies but above all the Vengeance of God for their Vices brought on these Calamities A great number of those that escaped out of the late unhappy Fight repaired to Ezija and there joyning with the Citizens had the Courage to take the Field and give the Enemy Battle but with no better success than before The City being left Defenceless was taken by the Moors and Destroyed After this by the advice of Count Julian the Infidels divided themselves into two Bodies One under the Command of Magued a Renegado marched towards Cordova and surprized it by Night But the Governour defended himself Three Months in the Church of S. George and then endeavouring to escape was taken the Church entred by Force and all in it put to the Sword Tarif with the other Body destroyed the rest of Andaluzia and took Mentesa Malaga Illiberis and Granada Murcia surrendred upon Articles by the industry of the Governour who being defeated in the Field made the Women stand upon the Walls in Mens Apparel so the Moors thinking there was a great Garrison within granted their Conditions Toledo remained a City placed in the heart of Spain and by Situation Impregnable yet Vrban the Archbishop was retired to Asturias carrying with him all the Holy relicks least they should be burnt or profaned by the Indels With him as grave Authors testify went Pelayus and for the more security hid those Holy things in a Cave in the farthest part of Spain two Leagues from the place where the City Oviedo was afterwards Built and from that time that Hill is called the Holy Mountain With Pelayus and the Archbishop went the Principal Men of Toledo The Moors joyning their Forces again easily made themselves Masters of that City Authors do not agree about the manner The Archbishop D. Roderick says it was at first betrayed by the Jews D. Lucas de Tuy affirms it held out several Months before it was betrayed by them I am more apt to believe those who write it was surrendred upon Articles after a long Siege Toledo being taken the other Cities of Spain either submited or were carried by Force Leon surrendred for want of Provision Guadalaxara was taken At Medina Celi formerly called Segoncia was found a Table of Emeraud as I believe of green Marble of inestimable value for which reason the Moors called that Town Medina Talmeyda that is the City of the Table The Booty taken at Amaya in Old Castile forced by hunger to surrender exceeded that of all other places because many confiding in its strength had fled thither with all their Riches That part of Castile was then called Campos de los Godos or the Fields of the Goths and still retains the name of Campos Astorga in Galicia was Burnt Gijon a strong place in Asturias taken Tarif having placed Garrisons in most Convenient places returned with the rest of the Army to Toledo to reap the Fruits of his Victories All this hap'ned in the Year 715. which same Year I find they also took Narbonne vast numbers of Moors flocking out of Africk at the Fame of their success The Natives dispersed and terrified could not relieve their Country having no Army to make Head against their Enemies but every City that held out chose a Governour whose Power being absolute as depending of none some Historians have given them the Title of Kings CHAP. X. The Moor Muza comes over with Supplies His Actions The Moorish Computation of Years called Hegira Abdalasis Son to Muza his Actions End of Count Julian and his Family Deplorable state of Spain WHilst these things were actiâ—â— in Spain Muza was much perplex'd on the one side he rejoyc'd that so noble a Province as Spain was subdu'd and on the other it griev'd him that Tarif had gain'd all the honour and profit of that Expedition He pass'd over into
did not only fix himself in his new Kingdom of Asturias but descended into the plain wasting all that belonged to the Moors His Forces dayly increased with the Fame of his Actions so that he took the City Leon at the Foot of the Mountains that part Galicia and Asturias in the Year of our Lord 722. Some will have it that from this time Pelayus stiled himself King of Leon but it appears none of his Successors called themselves by any other Title than Kings of Oviedo till the time of Ordonius the second who first called himself King of Leon yet it is to be believed that upon the taking of that City the Ancient Arms of the Gothish Kings were changed into Argent a Lion Rampant Gules which continues to this day And the reason of it doubtless was because the word Leon in Spanish is the name of that City and signifies a Lion The Valour of D. Alonso he who when King was called the Catholick contributed much towards advancing the Affairs of the Christians He was Son to Peter Duke of Biscay descended of the Royal Family of King Recaredus In his Youth he bore great Commands under the Kings Egica and Witiza and now desiring to promote the Common good left his Country and Parents A good number of Biscainers followed him which much encouraged the Asturians and was a great addition to their strength To bind him the faster he was Marryed to Ormisinda the Daughter of Pelayus From these Princes the succeeding Kings of Spain are descended With the Assistance of D. Alonso Gijon Astorga Mansilla Tineo and other Towns in Galicia and Asturias were taken from the Moors It was easie to expel the Moors out of these Towns by reason the Inhabitants being Christians killed their Garrisons and submitted themselves to Pelayus Besides that the Infidels were diverted by Wars that broke out one upon the Neck of another in several parts of Spain Zuleyman the Miramamolin dying left his two Nephews Homar and Izit the Sons of Vlit his Successors in that Empire Homar dy'd in the first Year of his Reign and thus Izit remained sole Lord of all He gave the Government of Spain to Zama a Wise Man and a good Soldier but no less covetous than the others for he imposed new Taxes upon all that were under his Command He put a Garrison into Narbonne and laid Siege to Toulouse Eudo Duke of Aquitain coming to the relief of the besieged overthrew and slew the Barbarian with most of his Army Those who escaped the Slaughter made choice of Abderhaman to Govern till another were sent out of Africk The news of this defeat being carryed into Africk Izit sent Aza whom some call Adham to the Government of Spain This Man reduced the Province already wasted with so many Calamities into a worse Condition imposing new Taxes obliging the Towns that had been taken by Force to pay the 5th part of their income and those that had surrendred the Tenth On these Terms the Christians enjoy'd their Lands rather as Farmers than Proprietors The Moor Rasis says he obliged the Moors to pay the 5th part of what they were worth on pretence of relieving the Poor but indeed to keep them under that they might not have Courage to mutiny He caused the Bridge of Cordova over Guadalquivir to be Built and took some Cities that held out at the Foot of the Mountain Moncayo and among them Taraçona which was laid Level with the Ground Having performed these great Actions in two Years and a half that his Government lasted he was Murdered by his own People at Tortosa His Successors were Ambiza Odra and Jahea according to D. Roderick the ArchBishop I judge the Government was divided into three parts or else each of them held it but a few Months In Asia the Emperor Izit dying left the Crown to his Brother Ischam upon Condition he should adopt his Son Alulit which he performed Ischam began his Reign in the Year 724. and held it 19 Years In his time Spain was governed by Odayfa Himen Autuma Alhaytan and Mahomet each of these held it not a Year entire especially the last continued but two Months For we find that in the Year 731 Abderhaman doubtless the same we mentioned above had the Government of Spain The Actions of this Governour were remarkable and the end of them Fortunate to the Christians therefore it will be Convenient to speak of them in particular The Severity and Rigor Abderhaman used towards the Moors made him odious Upon this Muniz a Powerful Man who governed Gallia Gothica revolted and the Province of Cerdania in Spain joyned with him Besides Eudo Duke of Aquitain made a League and gave him his own Daughter in Marriage Abderhaman having advice of what was doing Marched with his Army to the Frontiers of Spain and besieged the City Cerdania Muniz having lost all hopes of holding out escaping or obtaining Pardon threw himself down a Precipice His Wife and Head were sent into Africk to the Emperor of the Moors Abderhaman proud with this success broke into France marched along the Coast of the Mediterrean without Opposition as far as the River Rhosne and besieged the City Arles Eudo coming to the relief of it was vanquished and so great a Slaughter made of his Army as had not been seen that Age. Hence the Conqueror turned towards the left Hand and Traversing a great part of France fell into Aquitain passed the River Garonne destroyed the Noble City Bourdeaux and Ravaged all the Country Here Eudo again trying the Fortune of Battle had the same Fate as before Angoulesme Perigeux Xantonge and Poictiers soft the fury of this War Charles Martel at that time great Seneschal of France moved by the Publick Calamities and general danger raised a mighty Army and advanced with it as far as Tours He intrenched himself on the farther side of the River Loire on which that City is built that the Enemy with their Multitude might not surround him Here Eudo laying aside former Animosities joyned him with the Forces he could gather The Infidels advanced with great boldness as to a certain Victory and were received with no less Resolution whereupon ensued one of the Bloodiest and most Obstinate Fights that has been seen in the World Of the Moors there were 400000 with their Wives and Children as designing to Plant in France the number of the Christians was much less but they were Superior in Valour Discipline and the Justice of their Cause It was a long time before the Victory seemed to incline to either side but at length true Valour prevailed against the Multitude The Slaughter was incredible 370000 Moors were killed and among them Abderhaman Of the Christians only 1500 were missing but many of them of Note By the Confession of Martel Eudo Signalized himself particularly in this Battle for in the heat of it as had been before agreed he took a
Favour seizes upon a Town call'd St. Christina two Leagues from Lugo King Alonso was immediately upon him and coming to a Battle slew him and 50000 of his Men. In the mean while dy'd Alhaca King of Cordova in the Year of our Lord 821 of the Arabs 206 of his Reign 27. He left 19 Sons and 21 Daughters His Son Abderhaman succeeded him being 41 Years of Age and Reigned 31. About this time says Zonaras the Moors of Spain pass'd into Candia and Planted there Much is now spoke of the Prowess of Bernard del Carpio and his Rebellion but these are things more like Romance than History and therefore I pass them by The King being very old and upon his Death-bed appointed D Ramiro the Son of D. Bermudo to succeed him and dy'd Aged 85. years having Reign'd 52 Years five Months and thirteen Days and in the Year of our Lord 843. according to the Chronicle of King Alonso the Great and the most ancient Records He deceas'd at Oviedo and was Buried in the Church of St. Mary in that City The Reign of King Ramiro as to time was short but glorious and full of honourable Exploits For to him under God is due the honour of restoring the Spanish Monarchy to its former lustre His Government in all respects was excellent but above all in Martial Exploits Wizards and Conjurers he caus'd to be burnt and Robbers that then were in great numbers to have their Eyes put out At the time of King Alonso his Death D. Ramiro was among the Varduli a part of Old Castile or Biscay His absence gave an opportunity to Count Nepotianus to possess himself of Asturias and assume the Title of King All mutinous and turbulent Persons follow'd him and he rais'd a considerable Army King Ramiro was not idle but met him with an equal force the Battle was fought in Galicia near the River Narceya where Nepotianus being forsaken by his Army was forc'd to fly but in the flight taken by two of his own Chief Officers called Somna and Scipio and deliver'd up to the King After these civil dissentions ensu'd the War with the Moors at first terrible but in the conclusion most fortunate to the Christians Abderhaman was King of the Moors a Prince fierce by nature and haughty with his continual success for he had not only expell'd his Uncle Abdalla who endeavour'd to recover the Kingdom but had taken the City Barcelona This done he resolv'd upon the War against King Ramiro and upon this account sent to demand of him the Tribute of 100 young Maids Mauregatus had formerly consented to pay His Embassadors were dismissed with scorn and protected only by the Law of Nations from suffering for their presumption Next all that were of Age in the Kingdom except some few left to till the ground for fear of a Famine were listed the very Bishops and Persons Consecrated to God follow'd the Christian Camp To gain a reputation and be thought the Aggressors they broke into the Territory of Rioja then possess'd by the Moors Abderhaman on the other side having made mighty preparations of all things necessary advanc'd towards the Christians The two Armies met near Alvelda or Albayda a Town then of strength now almost unpeopled but famous once for a Monastery built there by Sancho King of Navarre of the Invocation of S. Martin the Revenue and Library whereof was afterwards translated to the Church of St. Mary the Round in the City Logron̄o two Leagues distant from Alvelda In that place the Battle was fought and prov'd one of the bloodyest of that Age. Our Army being compos'd of Men gather'd in hast was no way to compare to the Enemy for Discipline All must have been lost had not the Commanders still appear'd where the danger call'd encouraging the Men not only with words but their Example Night put an end to the Battle The smallest Accidents in War often prove of the greatest Consequence so now the approach of the Night saved the Christians from utter Destruction The King retired to a rising ground that was near with his broken Forces fortified himself the best the time would permit and caused the wounded to be taken care of whilst all the Army almost despairing of their safety offered their Vows and Tears to Heaven Sorrow and Care so oppressed King Ramiro his Thoughts that he fell into a slumber in which he thought he saw the Apostle St. James bidding him be of good Heart and assuring him of the Victory This vision or dream so revived him that he started up and calling into his Presence all the Prelates and Chief Men of the Army related at large what he had seen and exhorted them to put their Confidence in God and not doubt of the Victory This done he Ordered his Battle and gave the Signal to fall on Our Men Encouraged with what they had heard attack the Enemy furiously calling upon S. James whence sprang the Custom to this Day in use among Spaniards of invoking that Saint when they Charge The Infidels surprized at the boldness of our Men whom they thought vanquished and struck with terror from Heaven could not bear the brunt of that Charge but fled and were so sharply pursued that 60000 of them were killed It was said the Apostle St. James was seen in the heat of the Fight leading our Men upon a White Horse in his hand a White Banner with a Red Cross in the middle After this Victory the Christians regained many Towns among them Clavijo from which this Battle took Name Alvelda and Calahorra This Memorable Battle was fought in the Year 844. being the second of the Reign of King Ramiro Having returned Thanks to Almightly God the Victorious Army by vow obliged all Spain tho' the greatest part was subject then to the Moors to pay for ever yearly a certain Measure of Wine or Corn for every Akre of Land as also that whensoever any Booty was divided St. James should have his share as a Horse Man Of the spoils taken this War the King caused a Stately Church to be Built in honour of our Blessed Lady which is to be seen to this day half a League from Oviedo on the side of Mount Naurancius and near it was Built another Dedicated to St. Michael The Queen whom some call Vrraca others Paterna Mother to D. Ordon̄o and D. Garcia furnished those Churches with all things necessary for she used to spare all that was possible of her own Expence and lay it out upon Churches especially that of the Apostle St. James The joy and advantage of this great Victory was not lasting or considerable as might have been expected by reason of another War that ensued Our Nation had scarce began to shake off the Yoke laid upon them by the Moors who came from the South when it Laboured under another Plague sent from the North. Such were the Normans who drove by necessity or rather the desire
raged in his Army that few of them returned home to carry the News and be Witnesses of the Divine Vengeance This danger being over other new troubles hap'ned in Spain as great as any had been since it began to lift up its Head These were caused by the discord betwixt the King of Leon and the Earl D. Garcia who ought to have joyned their Power for the Publick good Mahomet governed the Kingdom of the Moors in the Name of Hissem the King his greatest Aim was to destroy the Christians D. Vela he that we said in the time of the Earl Fernan Gonzalez fled to the Moors now blew these Coals The Moors joyning their Forces with a Body of Christians that followed D. Vela entred the Territories of the Christians and passing the River Duero which for many Years had parted the two Nations incamped on the Banks of the River Astura or Estola that runs by Leon. King Bermudo tho' inferior to the Enemy gathering what Forces he could surprized them and entered their Camp where they Fought in disorder all in confusion Many of the Infidels were killed at the first on-set some gathering in small Bodies defended themselves other fled till the Moorish General getting together all he could drew them up without the Camp then charged the Christians who being but few in number and tired could not stand that shock In an instant the Fortune of the Day was changed the Victors were over-come and being closely pursued few of them got unhurt to Leon but many wounded The Town had been taken but that the Winter coming on obliged the Enemy to depart having gained much honour and plunder and resolving to return as soon as the Season would permit D. Bermudo because the City was weak caused the Bodies of the Saints and Kings to be translated to Oviedo and removed thither himself The care of fortifying and defending of Leon was committed to the Earl Guilien Gonzalez This disaster hap'ned in the Year 984. in which Miron Bishop of Girona Son to Miron Earl of Barcelona dyed In that Country a Body of Moors near the Castle of Moncada overthrew Borello Cousin to the Bishop Miron Above 500 Christians were slain the rest with the Earl Borello fled to Barcelona The following Year 985 was remarkable for destruction of the two Famous Cities Leon and Barcelona On the first of Day of July the Moors laid Siege to Bercelona and took it on the 6th day of the same Month many of the Citizens were carryed away into Slavery to Cordova but the City was soon recovered by the Christians Before it was taken Borcello got out to gather Forces to relieve it and having Mustered a good Body at Maresa and other Neighbouring Places regained the City The Earl Borello dyed eight Years after leaving by his two Wives Ledgardi and Aymcrudi two Sons Raymund and Armengauds the Eldest Earl of Barcelona the other of Vrgel and was head of the Noble Family of the Armengauds or Armengols in Catalonia of which in process of time there were many brave Commanders In the other part of Spain Mahomet proud with his last success gathering a powerful Army besieged Leon. The City held out almost a Year tho' continually battered with all sorts of Engines Earl Guillen Gonzalez made it appear of how great Consequence it is to have a brave Commander Being sick in Bed with the continual Fatigue of so many Months he was told the Town was in great danger by reason of a furious Assault that was then given he then caused himself to be carryed in a Chair to the place where the greatest danger was and so effectually encouraged his Soldiers that they made good their Ground for Three Days Then seeing the Town was entred he cast himself into the midst of the Infidels and dyed with his Sword in his hand The Barbarians inraged for the loss they had sustained put to the Sword all Sexes and Ages indifferently Men Women and Children and after plundering the City cast down the Walls and all other Works about it The same disaster befell Astorga Valencia del Campo the Monastery of Sahagun Gordon Alva Luna and other Towns and Villages which were taken plundered and burnt to the Ground Next breaking into Castile they took plundered and burnt Osma Berlanga and Atiença without meeting any Opposition Nevertheless such was the madness of the Christians that not regarding the publick Calamities they destroyed one another upon Private Feuds and Animosities For the Year following Seven most Noble Brothers called the Infantes de Lara were slain by the Treachery of their Unkle Ruy Velasquez without any regard of Consanguinity they being the Sons of his Sister Da. Sancha and by the Fathers side descended from D. James Porcellos Earl of Castile These 7 Brothers have been very famous no less for their Noble Actions than Unfortunate Death It fell out that Ruy Velasquez Lord of Barcelona Solemnizing his Marriage with Da. Lambra Cousin to the Earl Garci Fernandez at Burgos A great concourse of People was at the Wedding and among the rest the Earl Garci Fernandez and the seven Brothers with their Father A dispute arose betwixt Gonzalo the Youngest of the Brothers and Alvar Sanchez a Kinsman of Da Lambra yet so that no harm was then done yet Da. Lambra taking it upon herself to wreak her revenge in the Town of Barbadillo whither the Brothers out of respect went to accompany her she caused a Slave to throw a wet Cowcomber at Gonçalo which according to the Custom of Spain was a hainous affront The Slave fled for shelter to Da. Lambra but it availed him not for in her very Arms they killed him Ruy Velasquez who was then absent as soon as he came in a rage for the affront given his Wife studyed how to revenge himself upon the Seven Brothers He thought it best to ensnare those he design'd to destroy with the show of Friendship and therefore contrived that Gonzalo Gustio should be sent to Cordova upon pretence of receiving some Money of that King but in reality to have him destroyed to which effect he had writ a Letter in Arabick to the King who pitying the Noble Persons Grey-Hairs only caused him to be imprisoned His confinement was not so close but the King's Sister could come at him and on her 't is said he got Mudarra Gonzalez the Founder of the most Noble Family of Manriquez Ruy Velasquez his rage was not appeased with the harm done to Gonzalo Gustio Near to Almenara in the Territory of Arausana at the Foot of the Mountain Moncayo he laid the Seven Brothers in Ambush pretending to make an incursion into the Country of the Moors The Brothers suspected no harm but Nun̄o Salido their Tutor endeavoured to disswade them as fearing some Treachery yet his words were in vain With them were 200 Horse a small number for the Multitude of Moors that fell on him The Treason being discovered the Brothers fought
to lay hold of the opportunity his absence offered for enlarging his Dominions For the more security to his designs he entred into League with the Kings of Zaragoça Huesca and Tudela tho' Moors and joyn'd his Forces with theirs With them he broke into Navarre and laid Siege to Tafalla a Town of note It hap'ned D. Garcia at the same time returned from his Pilgrimage and gathering what Strength he could on a sudden fell upon his Brother with such fury that he forced him to fly out of Aragon without stopping till he came to Sobrarve His flight was with such precipitation that he was obliged to leap upon the next Horse that came to hand without Saddle or Bridle These were the beginnings of greater Troubles that ensued The Nobility of Leon were offended at Ferdinand King of Castile and stirred up their King D. Bermudo against him D. Bermudo himself was dissatisfied for that the other had Marry'd his Sister against his will and Conquered a considerable part of his Dominions as was said in the last Book There was a fair opportunity of taking revenge the Brothers being at variance and King Ferdinand's Force but very small Wherefore D. Bermudo gathers an Army and enters Castile D. Ferdinand called upon his Brother D. Garcia for Aid who came speedily to his relief Their Forces being joyn'd they advance towards their Enemy and Encamp'd in sight of him on the Banks of the River Carrion in the Valley of Tamaron near a Town called Lantada Both sides were eager to fight so there was no time lost but they presently came to a Battle which proved very bloody and great numbers were slain In the heat of the Action D. Bermudo resolutely broke into the midst of the Enemies designing to single out King Ferdinand but was wounded with a Spear whereof he fell down dead His Death put an end to the War for King Ferdinand after this Victory entred the Kingdom of Leon which then belonged to him of Right and easily possessed himself of it notwithstanding some opposition was made only in hatred to the Government of a Stranger But Courage without Strength is useless The City of Leon at first shut its Gates against the Conqueror but being wholly unprovided of all Necessaries to hold out a Siege soon surrendered The Citizens conducted the King with great Joy to the Church of S. Mary de Regla where he was Proclaimed and Crowned Servandus Bishop of Leon performed the Ceremony in the Year of Grace 1038. D. Ferdinand Reign'd in Leon 28 Years 6 Months and 12 Days and 12 Years more in Castile part before and part after the Death of his Father CHAP. II. Ferdinand of Castile and Leon the most powerful King of Spain Overthrows the Moors takes several Towns and ravages the Territories of the Infidels Ramiro King of Aragon Wars on his Brother of Navarre BY the addition of this new Kingdom D. Ferdinand became the most powerful King in Spain His Zeal for Religion and many Vertues which were no way inferior to his Power and Warlike Atchievements caused him to be called the Great and the Flattery of his People extended so far as to stile him Emperor Besides he was fortunate in a numerous Issue His first Child before he came to the Crown was D. Vrraca next D. Sancho who succeeded him then D. Elvira who was Married to the Count de Cabra after her D. Alonso who at last became sole Sovereign of all those Dominions and lastly D. Garcia the youngest all of them by one Wife These Children were educated with that care as became their Dignity D. Ferdinand having setled his Government enjoyed a perfect Peace but thought nothing could gain him more Reputation among his People or be more pleasing to God than to make War upon the Moors That part of the Country lying betwixt the Rivers Guadiana and Tagus and along the River Duero being then the Frontiers of the Moors was called Estremadura and still retains the name Having raised a considerable Army he marched towards those Borders as being the nearest and because the Moors then had made an Inroad into the Country of the Christians and taken a great Booty The King marched with such speed that he put them to flight and recovered all the Prey Then encouraged with success he marched into their Territories wasting all the Country about Merida and Badajoz without sparing any thing that came in his way but driving a vast number of Cattle and Prisoners Besides he took two Towns the one called Sena and the other Gani. In Portugal after a long Siege and vigorous Resistance made by the Moors the City Viseo surrendered The taking of this City was most grateful to the King not only in regard of its great importance but also because in it he found the Moor who as was said before killed his Father-in-law D. Alonso with a Dart he threw from the Wall His death the King now revenged on the Infidel putting out his Eyes cutting off both his Hands and one of his Feet At this time also were taken from the Moors the Castles of S. Martin and Taranço Hence the King went to the Church of S. James the Apostle to pay his Vows made and offer new ones to obtain that Saint's assistance for the future as he had till then This hap'ned the second Year after he was possessed of the Crown of Leon. The following Year which was of our Lord 1040. he commenced the War with greater heat than before by the Siege of Coimbra which at length was surrendred to him upon Discretion Want of all Necessaries obliged the Besieged to submit after enduring a Siege of seven Months which some Authors mistake and would make seven Years At that time it was one of the most famous Cities in Portugal now much more renown'd for Learning having been made an University by King John III. of Portugal who assigned great Revenues to it and it is one of the chiefest in Spain It is said the Monks of a Monastery called Lormanus or rather Lorvao were a great help towards carrying on the Siege by relieving the King's Army with great store of Provision they had laid up unknown to the Moors What return the King made is not known By the taking of this City the Territories of the Kingdom of Leon were extended to the River Mondego which runs thro' it and is called in Latin Monda The King gave the Government of this City and adjacent Country to one Sisnandus a Man well skilled in the manner of fighting with the Moors having served Benabet King of Sevil in his Wars against the Christians such was the corruption of that Age. After setling his Conquest the King again returned to visit the Church of St. James and offered part of the Spoil in acknowledgment for his Success past and to beg a continuance for the future This done he took a Progress to the principal Cities of Castile and Leon in manner
storm threatned first having sent Embassadors to procure assistance from his Brother and Cousins gathered a number of good Soldiers and marched toward the Enemy Both Armies met near a Town called Piantaca where was fought a Bloody Battle both sides for a long time resolutely maintaining their Ground but at length D. Alonso was discomfited his Army put to the rout and he forced to fly to the City Leon. CHAP. VI. The Progress of the War D. Sancho made upon his two Brothers He expels Alonso King of Leon first and then Garcia King of Galicia lays Siege to the City Zamora and is there murdered KIng Alonso after the Defeat above-mentioned having with all possible speed Recruited his Army met the Enemy again near a Town called Golpelara according to Pelagius Bishop of Oviedo the Archbishop D Roderick calls it Vulpecularia on the Banks of the River Carrion Here the fortune of the day was changed and the Castilians routed Roderick Dyaz who accompanied King Sancho in all his Wars guessing that Success would produce security to the Victors rally'd his scattered Soldiers and by break of day fell upon the Enemy in their Camp as they lay buried in Sleep and Wine In this confusion some fled others stood to their Arms all commanded and none obeyed Thus in a short time were they overthrown D. Alonso retired to the Church of Carrion which he had Garisoned There he was taken and sent Prisoner to the Castle of Burgos The Princess Vrraca Sister to both Kings who loved D. Alonso and the Count D. Peranzules who never forsook him interposing King Sancho consented that his Brother should go to the Monastery of Sahagun on the Banks of the River Cea and there renouncing the World took upon him the Religious Habit. He took the Habit in the Year 1071. but after some time at the persuasion of those that brought him thither fled and put himself into the hands of Almenon the Moorish King of Toledo who had been a great Friend to his Father The Moor received him with Joy and Affection gave him a House near the Palace to live in and assigned him a Pension On the other part D. Alonso swore to be true and faithful to that King and to be ready upon all occasions to serve him He being of a graceful comely Person modest discreet liberal and affable soon gained the affections of those People D. Vrraca his Sister sollicited for him she obtained leave of King Sancho for Count Peranzules and his two Brothers Gonzalo and Ferdinand to go wait upon D. Alonso With those three went many others all whom the Moorish King received into pay that they might not want Subsistance and might be serviceable to him in his Wars against the neighbouring Moors Thus that banished Prince spent his time when the Wars ceased he gave himself to Hunting and for the greater conveniency built a Country-house whither others resorting and building it became a noted Place now called Brihuega a Town not obscure in the Kingdom of Toledo His ordinary Residence was in Toledo where he often conversed with the K. who was very much taken with him It hap'ned they went out one day to Recreate themselves to a Garden near the City now called the King's Garden where D. Alonso fell asleep The King and his Courtiers who lay hard by under a Tree began to discourse of the great strength of Toledo One among the rest said there was but one way to take the City which was by Famine keeping it block'd up seven Years together D. Alonso who was not quite asleep or else wakened was pleased to hear this discourse and charged his memory with it Another day he being with the King his Hair stood up an end and tho' the King stroked it down two or three times still it rose again The Moors who are very Superstitious said that was an Omen he would possess himself of that Kingdom if they did not prevent it by killing him But who can prevent the Decrees of the Almighty The King who was compassionate could not be persuaded to break the Laws of Hospitality but was satisfied with D. Alonso's Oath that he would ever be a true Friend to him This is what hap'ned at Toledo King Sancho grown haughty with Success possessed himself of all the Kingdom of Leon some places submitting others being taken by force as was the City Leon after holding out a long Siege All being reduced he advanced into Galicia against his other Brother who was in a very weak condition his Kingdom being all divided into Factions and full of Mutinies by reason of the heavy Taxes he laid upon the People as also because he put the Government of himself and his Kingdoms into the hands of a Servant who was his Favourite The Nobility offended at this killed that Servant in his presence and not so satisfied took up Arms and put the whole Kingdom into an uproar This was the condition of Galicia when King Sancho invaded it D. Garcia finding it impossible his Subjects being in Rebellion to withstand his Brother fled with only 300 Men to the Moors in Portugal and there endeavoured to stir them up to espouse his Quarrel and so to revenge their own but all his persuasions were of no force and he obtained nothing Being disappointed in that part yet he resolved to try his Fortune with such as resorted to him some of whom came out of hatred to King Sancho others in hope of plunder and were of both sorts as well Moors as Christians Thus entring his Kingdom the Towns of Portugal easily submitted to him King Sancho marched to quench this flame that began to blaze before it could grow to a head He marched as far as Santarem formerly called Scalabis there the two Armies met and came to a Battle in which the Castilians were Victorious Great slaughter were made of the Enemies many of them were taken and among the rest D. Garcia himself who was kept Prisoner in the Castle of Luna in Galicia all the remaining part of his Life He was naturally sloathful and negligent talkative and unsit to weather such great Storms as were raised against him D. Sancho having striped his Brothers and being now possess'd of all his Father's Dominions grew more haughty and made no reflection upon the inconstancy of Humane Felicities Having despoiled his Brothers nothing remained but his Sisters whom also he designed to deprive of the Lands their Father had left them The City Zamora was well fortify'd had a strong Garrison and store of Arms and Provisions The Inhabitants were faithful and resolute always ready to oppose any that should assault them Arias Gonçalo an ancient experienced and discreet Gentleman was their Commander and by his advice the Princess Vrraca was governed The King seeing there was no hopes that they would submit to him by fair means sate down with his Army before that City with a resolution not to desist till he was Master of it
The Siege was carried on with Vigour and all sorts of Engines then in use apply'd against the Works so that the Citizens being streightned began to waver and think of a Surrender Such was the condition of the Town when a treacherous Fellow called Vellido Delphos whether of his own design or by advice of others is not known resolved to Murder the King and by that means put an end to the Siege He got admittance to the King upon pretence of discovering the designs of the Besieged and showing him the weakest part of the Wall Men easily believe what they desire so the King went out with only that Man to view what he promised to show him but when he least thought of it Velledo Dolphos threw a Spear he had in his hand at him which pierced thro' his Body No sooner was this done but the Murderer fled to the City pursued by several of the King's Soldiers who being at some distance could not overtake him the Guards letting him in at the Gate This gave occasion to the Besiegers to believe all or most of the Townsmen had consented to the Murder The Troops of Leon and Galicia who were not well affected to the King immediately quitted the Field and returned home Those of Castile being the ancienter Subjects divided themselves part went to carry his Body to the Monastery of On̄a where it was Bury'd without any Pomp the greater number stay'd to carry on the Siege and revenge his death They threatned to subvert the City and put all the Inhabitants to the Sword as Traitors Particularly James Ordon̄ez of the Family of Lara a Youth of great strength and valour appeared before the City armed at all points and a Horse-back and standing on a high Ground to be the better heard rent the Skies with loud cries threatning Ruin and Destructions The Citizens between fear and shame durst not open their Mouths Only Arias Gonzalo tho' he might well have been excused by his great Age offered himself and his Sons to fight that Gentleman for the Honour of his Country It was the Custom of Castile that whosoever charged a City with Treason was obliged to fight five one after another to make good his charge The three Sons of Arias Gonzalo Peter James and Roderick entered the Lists one after another and were all three killed by D. James Ordon̄ez Yet the last tho' mortally wounded striking at his Enemy wounded his Horse and cut his Reins so that the Horse affrighted carryed D. James out of the Lists which according to the Law of Arms was a token he was beaten The Judges could not determine the case one side Insisting upon the Custom and Law of Arms and the other pleading this was meer accident and thus ended that much celebrated Dispute CHAP. VII King Alonso returns from among the Moors and recovers his Brother's Kingdoms The first part of his Reign Actions of Roderick de Bivar King Sancho of Navarre Murdered by his own Brother D. Vrraca being in care for her Brother D. Alonso sent away a Messenger to him to Toledo acquainting him with the unfortunate death of his Brother and advising him to come away with all speed and take possession of the Crown The Moorish King wanted not Intelligence having Spies in the Christian Army At length the Messenger from the Princess arrived and gave D. Alonso an account of all that had hap'ned Count Peranzules advised him to get away privately without acquainting the Moorish K. for fear he should stop him yet D. Alonso acquainted the King with the news he had received and desired his leave to go take possession of the Kingdom that was fallen to him The Moor was pleased with this sincere dealing assured him the ways were laid in case he had attempted to steal away caused him to renew his Oath to be a Friend to him and his Son Hissem and that done not only lent him Money for present use but accompanied him a considerable space This I look upon to be more likely than what D. Lucas de Tuy writes that he was let down over the Walls and made his escape having Horses provided for that purpose Being come to Zamora he consulted with the Princess what was best to be done and dispatched Expresses to all Parts to give notice of his being there The People of Leon without any difficulty admitted and proclaimed him King Galicia was dubious D Garcia upon this Revolution having broke Prison and endeavouring to recover his Crown D. Alonso sent Persons of note to treat with him and he being fair conditioned and easie was easily prevailed upon so that without any further security asked he came away to his Brother not doubting to obtain what he desir'd But he was deceived being presently seized and sent back to Prison where he continued the rest of his life with good usage if any could be thought such where a Crown and Liberty were lost at once Thus Galicia was brought under The Nobility of Castile being assembled at Burgos agreed to admit D. Alonso for their King if he would first swear he had no hand in the Murder of his Brother D. Alonso hearing of it went thither and every Body fearing to tender him this Oath Roderick Diaz called Cid undertook it The Oath being solemnly taken he was Proclaimed with great Joy For the present he connived at this affront but reserved a grudge in his Heart against Roderick Diaz D. Alonso was 37 Years of Age when he returned to his Crown and for his Military Exploits was called the Brave Besides he was Prudent Temperate Modest and Bountiful The death of D. Sancho and Restauration of D. Alonso hap'ned in the Year 1073. At this time Gregory VII was Pope and the same Year dy'd in Spain S. Dominick de Silos a Monk of Cluni famous for sanctity of Life The beginning of D. Alonso's Reign was not free from some troubles which were soon appeased and ended well In the second Year of his Reign which was 1074. the Kings of Cordova and Toledo were at War about the limits of their Kingdoms D. Alonso as being so much obliged to him of Toledo gathered a good Army to assist him King Almenon at first feared this Preparations was against him but being better informed both Kings joyn'd their Forces and in that manner entred the Territory of Cordova where they wasted all the Country and brought away great numbers of Cattle and Prisoners No Battle was fought because the King of Cordova shunned it About this time dy'd the first Wife of D. Alonso her Name was Agnes He Married a French Lady called Constantia by whom he had one only Daughter whose Name was Vrraca and who afterwards inherited all her Father's Dominions as shall be seen in its place At the instance of this Queen as I suppose an Embassy was sent to Rome to desire the Pope to send a Legate into Spain with full Power to Reform the Clergy grown very
Brother Hiaya Aldirbil much unlike to his Father and Brother He was a Coward and unfit for Government Lewd in his Life and spar'd not the Wives and Daughters of his Subjects whereby he became odious as well to the Moors as Christian Inhabitants of Toledo Upon the death of Hissem D. Alonso was discharged of the Oath he had taken at Toledo to be Friend to the Father and Son Both Moors and Christians weary of the Tyranny of that new Prince solicited King Alonso to free them from that Slavery and possess himself of that City These were the first inducements to undertake the Conquest of that most Noble City the Metropolis of all that Kingdom D. Ramon Earl of Barcelona dy'd in that City and was bury'd in the Cathedral thereof which he had built from the Ground with all suitable Pomp and Grandeur He divided his Dominions betwixt his two Sons D. Berenguel and D. Ramon called Cabeça de Estopa or Flaxen-Head This last according to Mariana the Younger but according to several Testimonies brought in Opposition to him by Peter Mantuanus in his Animadversions on his History the elder Brother Marry'd a Vertuous Lady Daughter to Robert Guiscard a Norman but then very Powerful in Italy as Zurita lib. 1. cap. 1. relates At this time the Normans were possessed of the extreme parts of Italy and Sicily This Lady built two Monasteries one of the Invocation of S. Daniel in the Valley of S. Mary in the Territory of Cabrera the other near Girona where after the death of her Husband she spent the remainder of her Life in much Sanctity Both Monasteries were given to the Nuns of S. Benedict D. Ramon Arnaldo or Berenguel who succeeded his Father in that Earldom was Son to this Lady About the same time Armengaud Earl of Vrgel made War upon the Moors in those Parts and William Jordan Earl of Cerdagne prosecuted the Arian Hereticks who now began again to appear in those parts after having been so long suppressed He Banished them Confiscated their Goods made them Infamous and put the Obstinate to death Thro' the Valour of Armengaud many Towns along the River Segre were taken from the Moors and particularly the City Balaguer the Metropolis of the Earldom of Vrgel Since we have above mentioned the Normans it will not be amiss to add a few Lines in relation to them their Conquests in Italy being parts we shall have much occasion to speak of in this History It has been already said how they being a Northern People possess'd themselves of that part of France before called Neustria and from them Normandy This they did under Rollo their Chief and General The 7th Duke from him was William called the Conqueror for that having defeated and slain Harold he made himself King of England Another Army of Normans went thro' France into Italy which was then divided into several small Principalities and much wasted with intestine Wars Here they first served in the Wars of Lombardy and Tuscany then passing into the Kingdom of Naples where they received Pay of the Prince of Capua and soon after for better Pay went over to him of Salerno who with their assistance obtained the Victory over his Enemy This War being ended thro' the persuasions of Maniacus Governor of Apulia and Calabria for the Grecian Emperor they undertook the Conquests of Sicily then possess'd by the Moors Their success was such that in a short time they drove the Infidels out of the Island then falling at variance with the Greeks expelled them also Thus they laid the Foundations of a mighty Monarchy in Italy and Sicily for at the fame of their success many more resorted to them out of Normandy All that was taken was divided among the Conquerors but the others soon dying all was devolved upon Robert Guiscard and Roger. Robert called himself Duke of Apulia and Calabria Roger was Earl of Sicily Robert by two Wives had these Children Boamundus Roger and one Daughter who if what the Catalonians say be true was Married to D. Ramon Earl of Barcelona as has been above related Roger had a Son also called Roger whâ—â— hanged the Title of Earl for that of King and at last became sole Lord of all that the Normans held both in Italy and Sicily Besides Italy and Greece were Tributary to him This is taken out of Gaufridus the Monk who writ the Actions of the Normans in Italy at the request of the said Earl Roger. But let us leave Italy and return to Spain The Citizens of Toledo ceased not to Sollicite the Christians to undertake the Conquest of that City Exaggerating the Calamities they endured begging relief and protesting if they were not speedily delivered from the Tyranny of their King they must have recourse to other Moors for Assistance King Alonso was perplexed and knew not what to do fearing on the one hand what might be said of him and considering on the other the great advantage of gaining that City Therefore he resolved to put it to the Votes of the Chief Nobility and Persons of most Understanding Opinions as is usual in such cases were various The most bold and daring were for undertaking that War shewing the great advantage that would Accrew to the King and to Christianity in General Others more wary said there could be no reason to attempt such a Conquest it being contrary to Conscience and Honour to break the Peace Established with those Kings where the King had received such Obligations The King having heard all their Opinions at length yielded to the desire he had of Conquering that Noble City and having positively declared his intention to be such the whole Council easily agreed to it and it was unanimously decreed to make War upon the Moors This being resolved the King applyed himself to gather store of Arms Provisions Horses and all other Necessaries He made new Levies and offered rewards to such of the Old Soldiers who were dispersed about the Kingdom as would serve All things were furnished with the more speed because News was brought that the Moors having called the King of Badajoz to their Assistance he was preparing to relieve them Such was their expedition that both Armies arrived together in sight of Toledo but the Moors perceiving King Alonso had a Gallant Army returned without attempting any thing Yet the City could not be taken at that time for that the King of it was well provided against a Siege and the natural strength of the place deterred all Men. The Christians wasted the Country burnt the Corn drove the Cattle and many Prisoners and then returned home This destruction was began in the Year 1079. and continued the next and several Years afters Canales and Olmos two Towns near that City were taken well Garrisoned and thence all the Country continually infested Thus by degrees the City began to be straitned and suffered much want Toledo is for the most part furnished with Provisions brought from
all necessary Preparations gathering Arms Horses Provisions and Money Not only the Laity but the Clergy were obliged to take up Arms old and now Soldiers raised and Supplies sollicited from abroad Many Strangers moved by the great danger Spain was in and desiring to serve in that War came over especially out of France Among these Raymund Earl of Burgundy and his Kinsman Henry who was Born at Besançon was of the House of Lorrain and in process of time the Founder of the Kingdom of Portugal Besides these there came Raymund Earl of Toulouse With them came a good number of Brave and Experienced French Soldiers D. Sancho King of Aragon was not wanting he tho' very ancient yet had the Vivacity and Courage of Youth and was an excellent Commander having gain'd Experience in the continual Wars he had with the Moors All these Forces made up so great an Army that they resolved to invade the Enemies Country They entred Andaluzia plundring and wasting all where-ever they came It was no time for the Moors to be idle both Armies came in sight of one another near a Town called Alagueto but Joseph finding himself inferior to the Christians shunn'd sighting His retreat was more like to a disorderly Flight for he lost great part of the Baggage King Alonso thought it better to content himself with the Honour gained than to tempt Fortune besides that his Army being composed of so many different Nations could not long hold together Thus he returned home his Army loaded with Spoils and pleased with their Success After this for some time the Almoravides attempted nothing farther for Joseph was forced to repair to Africk to setle his new acquired Kingdom Mean while King Alonso slept not expecting the War would soon break out again Therefore he resolved to strengthen himself with fresh Allies abroad In the first place he gave three of his Daughters in Marriage to those three Lords that came to his assistance out of France Raymund Earl of Toulouse Marry'd D. Elvira Henry of Lorrain D. Teresa both Illigitimate Raymund of Burgundy had D. Vrraca got in Wedlock This Prince is said to have rebuilt Salamanca by the King's Order Moreover Sancha the King's Daughter was Marry'd to Earl Roderick From him some will have the Noble Family of Giron to be descended To Henry was given in Dower all that had been recovered from the Moors in Portugal with the Title of Earl yet as a Subject of Castile to be obliged to come to the Parliament and serve in the Wars This was the Original of the new Kingdom of Portugal which stile it afterwards assumed and continued in the Line of this Prince above 400 Years Raymund of Burgundy had the Government of Galicia with the Title of Earl then usually given to the Governors of Provinces yet the best of his Portion was the hopes of succeeding in the Throne if Sancha the King's Son dy'd The Earl of Toulouse received his Portion in Money and Jewels but no Lands in Spain because he resolved to return to France where he had large Possessions of his own There are Authors who write that the City of Lisbon was taken by King Alonso in the Year 1093. but this is doubtful for it was often taken from the Moors and lost again till some time after this it was gain'd by the Christians and has ever since remained in their hands Much about this time began the Holy-War in the East carried on by most of the Christian Princes for recovery of the Holy-Land Peter a Hermit who Travel'd into Palestine was the first Promoter of it for he making his Observations there discoursed Simon Bishop of Jerusalem about it and having received Letters from him moved the same thing to the Pope Vrban who then sate in S. Peter's-Chair ordered a Council of Bishops to meet at Clermont in France to promote the carrying on of this War and the mean while by his Legates stirred up all the Princes of Christendom to share in so Glorious an Undertaking His Endeavours prov'd so successful that all Countries sounded of nothing but Warlike Preparations most Princes aimed to signalize themselves by showing their Zeal in so Pious a War and Thousands of private Persons voluntarily Enrolled themselves to serve upon their own cost But we must not stray too far into Affairs so Foreign Let us return to what hap'ned in Spain CHAP. II. The great Actions of D. Sancho Ramirez King of Aragon He is killed at the Siege of Huesca his Sons continue the Siege Rout a great Army of Moors and Christians that come to raise it and take the Place IN the Year 1094. was Born D. Alonso Son to Henry of Lorrain and his Wife Teresa who by his Valour made the Name of Portugal famous extended his Dominions and was the first of those Princes that assumed the Title of King which he maintained in opposition to the Kings of Castile The same Year was unhappy for the unfortunate death of D. Sancho I. King of Aragon who merited the esteem of his Subjects not only for having governed and maintained his Kingdom as well as any of his Ancestors but for enlarging and extending its Limits He was the first that came down from the high Mountains where his Predecessors maintained themselves by the natural strength of those Places into the Plains where he took many Cities and Towns He had continual Wars with the Moorish Kings of Balaguer Lerida Monçon Barbastro and Fraga and obliged them to pay him Tribute Then after a long and tedious Siege took Barbastro a Noble City on the Banks of the River Vero in a delightful Country Tho' the strength of the Walls was great yet the King's constancy and indefatigable Labour of his Men overcame all Difficulties so that it was entred by Assault and Plundered From that time Barbastro was annexed to the Bishoprick of Rhoda At this Siege Armengaud Earl of Vrgel was slain and thence called Armengaud of Barbastro He being the King's Father-in-law and Father to his Queen Felicia his death was revenged with great slaughter of the Townsmen Bolea a Town on the Borders of Navarre upon the River Cinga after a long resistance was taken from the Moors So also Monçon a strong Town in that Territory with many other Towns and Castles too tedious to rehearse Estela then a small Town in Navarre now a famous City was built at this time King Sancho having a design upon Zaragoça raised a Castle called Castellar five Leagues beyond that City on the Banks of the River Ebro to bridle the Moors and waste the Country about in which that Garrison was so successful that the City was often reduced to such want as if it had been besieged In that part of the Country where were formerly the Vascetani was built the Town of Luna remarkable for nothing more than for being the Original of the Noble Family of that Name in Aragon The King who was much given
to Piety obtained a Grant of Pope Alexander II. by which the Monastery of St. John de la PenÌ„a and others in his Kingdom were exempted from the Jurisdiction of the Bishops This was done under colour that the Bishops thro' Covetousness took to themselves the Revenues of the Monasteries Certain it is in those times the Monks aspired after too much Liberty which made their Abbots obtain the Privilege of using the Miter and Crosier to betoken Episcopal Power by which means they cast off the subjection due to their Ordinaries The principal Vice the King himself was taxed with was Avarice for he made use of the Ecclesiastical Revenues and Treasures of the Churches This seemed excusable on account of the general Poverty and extraordinary Charges of continual Wars Besides that he obtain'd a Bull from Pope Gregory VII by which he had full Authority given him absolutely to dispose of the Tenths of all such Churches as were erected of new or regained from the Moors Nevertheless some Years before his Death in the Church of St. Victorian of Rhoda he publickly asked Pardon of that offence promising amendment Raymundus Dalmachius Bishop of that City was present to whom he caused Restitution to be made of all that had been taken from him The King never ceased infesting the Moors and was particularly bent against Abderhaman King of Huesca He had already possessed himself of all the neighbouring Towns and Fortify'd Montaragon that it might curb that City At length he sate down with his Army before it secured all the Avenues and placed his Head-quarters on a Hillock which ever since is called Poyo de Sancho The City was very strong and the chief Bulwark of the Moors Dominions on that side therefore the Siege was protracted there being no possibility of forcing it The Besieged sued to Alonso King of Castile for Relief Kings for the most part have more regard to their particular Interest than the publick Good It was scandalous openly to side with the Moors therefore he thought it a good expedient to Invade Navarre by the way of Biscay and so to give a diversion Count Sancho was sent to put this in Execution who being met by the Princes of Aragon D. Peter and D. Alonso sent by their Father to that purpose was oblig'd to turn back without effecting what he came foâ— Every day the Siege was streightned and King Sancho tir'd with lying there so long was viewing the Walls when finding a place he thought fit to be Attacked he lifted his Arm to show it to those that were with him and an Arrow shot from the Wall hit him under that Arm so that the Wound proved Mortal He dy'd on the 4th of June his Body was carried to Montaragon and deposited in the Church of Jesus of Nazareth which he had built Thence it was translated to S. John de la PenÌ„a where is to be seen the Tomb of his Queen Felicia who dy'd some time before Nevertheless his Sons as had been ordain'd by their Father continued the Siege resolving not to stir till they had destroy'd the City D. Peter whilst his Father was yet living called himself King of Ribagorça and Sobrarve and had by his Wife Berta or Agnes a Son of his own Name or as others will have it called Sancho This Peter inherited all his Father's Dominions D. Alonso had some Lands assigned him and the youngest Brother called D. Ramiro was a Monk The Siege of Huesca lasted no less than 6 Months others say above two Years At length the Besieged tired with want called to their aid Almoçaben King of Zaragoça D. Garcia Earl of Cabra and another great Man whose Name was D. Gonzalo for in those confused times it was held no shame for Christians to assist Infidels against Christians D. Gonzalo went not himself but a Body of Men sent by him and D. Garcia joyn'd the Moorish King who had raised a great Power and they marched together from Zaragoça Things being in this posture D. Garcia whether out of good will or deceitfully is not known advised the new King Peter to raise the Siege and hast home Honour and the Promise made to their Father at the hour of his Death prevailed with the Brothers Near the City is a large Plain called Alcoraz famous for this Battle where the Christians resolved to meet their Enemies The Night before the Fight the King in a Vision saw a more than Humane Person that assured him of the Victory Prince Alonso led the Van the King brought up the Rear the main Body was under the Conduct of two famous Commanders Lisana and Bacalla Men of known Valour and Worth The Horse were placed in the Front and began the Battle then the Foot fell in the numbers of Infidels filled all the neighbouring Fields Both Bodies being come to close the Fight was desperately maintained Nothing could be heard but dying groans acclamations of those that fought and the noise of Arms. Night put an end to the Battle without deciding which side had the better Our side had the advantage in Valour and Conduct the Enemy in number All Night the Christians stood to their Arms Morning discovered the Moors and their King Almozaben retired with all speed to Zaragoça Being closly pursu'd 4000 of them were put to the Sword Scarce 1000 Christians were lost and none of Note D. Garcia was taken the Booty was great and all the Fields were covered with Weapons Blood and Dead Bodies Some say S. George was seen fighting and by his help the Victory was obtained Others affirm that a Gentleman of the Family of 〈…〉 who at that time was in the Holy Land appeared a Horse-back in this Fight It is 〈…〉 â—â—crease the fame of a Victory to feign Miracles Authors agree That from 〈…〉 Arms of the Kings of Aragon were Argent a Cross the colour is not named 〈…〉 the 4 Quarters of the Escutcheon being the Heads of as many Kings or Generâ—◠〈…〉 Battle which was fought on the 18th of November and the 9th day after 〈…〉 having lost all hopes of Relief was Surrendred On the 17th of December 〈…〉 great Mosque was Consecrated In the Field of Battle the King built a Church o◠〈…〉 â—â—cation of St. George At the same time the Cathedral of Pamplona was Founded some Fooâ— steps whereof are still to be seen It was ordained That the Canons should observe the Rule of S. Augustin CHAP. III. Great Preparations thro' Christendom for the Holy War Valencia taken by Roderick de Bivar Other Actions of his suspected to be Fabulous His Death and that of Joseph the Moorish Monarch WHilst these things hap'ned in Spain all the rest of Christendom sounded of nothing but Preparations for the Holy War Pope Vrban at the General Council he held at Clermont in France and by his Legates at the Courts of all Christian Princes stirred them up to undertake this Religious Work Many Bishops Princes and Men of Note
Sol to D. Peter Son to the King of Aragon of the same Name both which sent to demand them in Marriage D. Ramiro had by D. Elvira Garci Ramirez who was afterwards King of Navarre D. Peter dy'd before his Father and left no Issue Two several times King Bucar who came out of Africk was overthrown in sight of Valencia by Roderick Diaz and his Forces who kept that City as long as he lived which was five Years after the taking of it He was near his Death when the same Bucar came again before the City and perceiving it could not be maintained after his Death ordered in his Will that they should all in a Body quit the place and return to Castile The Moors believing it was a powerful Army that designed to give them Battle drew off Those Christians marched without ceasing till they came to Castile and Valencia being left without any Garison fell again into the hands of the Moors They that came from Valencia brought with them the Body of Roderick Diaz which was Bury'd with great Magnificence in the Monastery of S. Peter of Carden̄a near Burgos K. Alonso and Roderick Diaz's two Sons-in-law being present Many look upon most of this Relation as Fabulous and I write more than I believe because I would not wholly omit what others affirm In the Church of S. Peter of Carden̄a are to be seen five Tombs that of Roderick Diaz that of his Wife and those of his Son and Daughters Perhaps they are only empty Monuments such as are called Cenotaphia erected in Honour of such People The Death of Roderick Diaz de Bivar was a great loss to the Christians for his extraordinary Valour Conduct and Prosperity Authors do not agree about the Year in which it hap'ned the most likely Opinion is that it was in the Year of our Lord 1093. About this time Pope Vrban translated the Bishoprick of Iria to Compostella at the request of Dalmachius who was the first Bishop of that City and made it independant of the See of Braga King Alonso tho' very ancient never neglected the Affairs of War but made several Incursions into Andaluzia which was the more easie to be done for that Joseph the Moor was returned into Africk This gave the Christians some time of breathing which the King made use of to encrease the Religious Worship He built a Monastery of Benedictines at Toledo of the Invocation of S. Servandus and S. German others say he only repaired it Besides he erected two Monasteries of Nuns the one Dedicated to S. Peter the other to S. Dominick of Silos At Burgos without the Walls he Founded another Convent now called S. John of Burgos The Year following which was 1099. was remarkable for the Death of Pope Vrban and the taking of Jerusalem by the Christians Cardinal Raynerius who had been Legate in Spain a Person of great Worth and Experience succeeded Vrban by the Name of Pasqualis II. He in the time of his Papacy granted a Privilege to the Church of S James the Apostle that after the manner of the Church of Rome it might have seven Canons Cardinals and that the Bishops of that See might use the Pall an Ornament betokening greater Authority than that of common Bishops The next ensuing Year which was 1100. proved no less pleasing to the Christians by reason of the Death of Joseph who was Sovereign of all the Moors in Spain during the space of 12 Years and of those in Africk about 32 than it was at last unfortunate for the untimely end of D. Sancho Prince of Castile which will be seen in the next Chapter CHAP. IV. The Death of Sancho Prince of Castile and of the two Kings Peter the first of Aragon and Alonso VI. of Castile The Moorish King of Zaragoza Of two Holy Men. D. Garcia Earl of Cabra was Tutor to D. Sancho King Alonso's Son and the Heir Apparent of the Crown but Death snatched him away and with him the great hopes had been conceived of his Virtues Hali Successor to Joseph desiring to Commence his Reign with some memorable Action passed over into Spain with a powerful Army and having encreased it there entred the Kingdom of Toledo wasting all the Country till he came in sight of the City King Alonso by reason of his great Age and Sickness could not go out in Person to oppose him He gave the command of his Army to the Earl D. Garcia and for the greater Honour sent his Son D. Sancho tho' very young with him Near Veles the two Armies met and engaged In the heat of the Fight the Prince was struck down D. Garcia covered him with his Shield and with his Sword kept off the Moors that assailed him on all sides Long he kept them at a distance till being weakned by many wounds he fell down dead upon him he defended This disaster made the Infidels Victorious It is needless to relate how grievous this loss was to the King he asked what might be the reason of being so often overthrown by the Moors and a wise Man answered That the Soldiers were debauched with Ease and Luxury which made them unfit for Service Hereupon the King ordered all incentives of Luxury to be taken away and among the rest caused the Baths then much used in Spain after the manner of the Moors to be destroy'd Some hope remained in D. Alonso the King's Grandchild by D. Vrraca his Daughter but he was very Young and a Womans Government seem'd not seasonable The continual good Fortune of the King of Aragon diminished the Joy of the Moors for their success in Castile Of late the Infidels went down the wind in Aragon for the Christians had taken from them the Castle of Calasanz the Town of Pertusa on the River Canadre and the City Barbastro whither the Bishoprick of Rhoda was Translated Now the Aragonians bent all their Strength against the City Zaragoça which the Almoravides had possessed themselves of having expelled the ancient Kings These that follow were the Kings that had Reigned in that City The first was Mudir then Hiaya next Almudafar after him began another Race in Zulema to whom succeeded Hamas then Joseph then Almazazin then Abdelmelich and then Hamas Sirnamed Almuçacayto whom the Almoravides deprived of the Kingdom At this time in France Atho who after the Death of Raymund Earl of Barcelona Father of Arnaldus had Usurped the Sovereignty of the City Carcassonne where he had been Governour was expelled the place by the Inhabitants and it restored to its Lawful Prince in the Year 1102. This same Year Armengaud Earl of Vrgel was slain by the Moors in the Island of Majorca whither he went to show his Valour and was therefore called Balearicus Armengaud was Marry'd to a Daughter of Peranzules a great Man in Castile and Lord of Valladolid By her he left a young Son during whose Minority the Grandfather governed and
which proved his ruin for the People generally exclaimed against him and from that time forward his Fortune changed After ransacking the Kingdom of Toledo the Aragonians marched to Besiege the City Astorga having received intelligence that the Queen resolved to make her last effort on that side Martin Mun̄o coming to the King of Aragon with 300 Horse fell into an Ambush where most of his Men being killed and the rest put to flight he was himself taken King Alonso finding himself weakned by this loss the many Men that had dy'd and the Garrisons he had placed retired to Carrion confiding in the strength of that place There he was besieged by the Enemy for some time till the Abbot Clusensis sent by the Pope to compose those differences came and obtained of the Queen a Truce for some time and soon after prevailed to have the Siege raised The Soldiers of Castile being raw and undisciplined could not be long kept together After this the Aragonians bent their Forces against the Lands belonging to the House of Lara On the other side the Queen after a long Siege recovered the Castle of Burgos Peter Earl of Lara thinking to Marry the Queen carryed himself like a King at which many were offended and his Name and the Queen's were publickly in Lampoons and Ballads At length he was secured and put in Prison by Gutierre Fernandez de Castro but escaped and fled to Barcelona He was the Son of that James Ordon̄ez who charged the City Zamora with Treason and upon that account fought the three Sons of Arias Gonzalo After this Prince Alonso was Proclaimed King of Castile His Mother D. Vrraca fortified herself in the Castle of Leon but he besieging it they agreed that she should resign the Crown to him and have revenues assigned her for her maintenance It is impossible exactly to reconcile the times when all these things hap'ned Authors varying so much even in this that is no considerable Antiquity It is not known in what Year Queen Vrraca dy'd the most say she lived about 17 Years after her Father Certain it is she was very Lewd Some say she dy'd in Child-Bed at the Castle of Saldan̄a others that she burst at the Church Door of Leon having taken away the Treasure of St. Isidorus Grave Authors affirm that the Earl of Candespina had a Son by her called Fernan Hurtado which signifies stollen because he was a Bastard and that the Noble Family of that Name in Spain descends from him They also say that Peter Earl of Lara had to do with her CHAP. VI. The Wars of Majorca and Zaragoca The Schism of Burdinus Peace Concluded betwixt the Crowns of Castile and Aragon The Original of the Kingdom of Portugal WHilst what was said in the last Chapter hap'ned in Castile the Moors of Majorca and Zaragoça were beset by the Power of several Nations Conspiring against them Gilbert Earl of Provence and Aimillan in France dying his Dominions fell to his only Daughter called Dulcis Raymund Berengarius Earl of Barcelona Husband to the said Dulcis a Prince Powerful as well in his own Dominions as the great Addition of his Wife 's resolv'd with the United Forces of his Subjects to possess himself of the Islands of Majorca and Minorca from whence the Moors infested the Coast of Spain and France It was requisite to gather a great Fleet. He got together all he could of his own which was the beginning of the great Power the Catalonians had afterwards by Sea But his Fleet not being sufficient for this undertaking he went himself to Genoa and Pisa Cities at that time Powerful by Sea and prevailed with those People to joyn with him in the Expedition At the time appointed the Catalonians and Genoeses joyned and passed over to the Islands The War proved tedious and difficult for the Moors misdoubting their own strength would not hazard a Battle but taking up all the Provisions in the Country kept the passes of the Mountains and Fortified themselves in the Towns and Castles The resolution of the Christians overcame all difficulties and the chief City of Majorca was taken by Assault in the Year of our Lord 1115. Here dyed Raimund Bishop of Baroelona to whom succeeded Oldegarius who soon after was Translated to the Archbishoprick of Tarragona After the taking of the City the rest seemed easie when on a sudden News was brought that the Moors Landing on the Coast of Barcelona had struck a general Terror into all the Country and besieged the City The Earl was forced to go over to the Continent leaving the Genoeses charge to secure the Islands At his first approach the Infidels raised the Siege he pursued and overthrew them near Mortorel This Action was Tumultuary and disorderly the Battles not being formed Two Accidents concurred to lessen the joy of this Victory One was that the Genoeses Bribed by the Moors went away and quitted the Islands as the Writers of Catalonia affirm for in the Histories of Genoa there is no mention of this Expedition The other was the loss of the City Carcassone in France Atho as was said before possess'd himself of that City and ruling Tyrannically was expelled by the Citizens who returned to their Lawful Sovereign the Earl of Barcelona With the assistance of William Earl of Poitiers Atho recovered the City Roger Atho's Eldest Son caused all the Townsmen to deliver their Arms and that done ordered them to be put to the Sword Many that escaped fled to Barcelona At their instance the Earl Raimund Arnaud Berengarius entred France with an Army Some Religious Persons interposing the matter was adjusted in this manner That Atho should possess the City but to hold it of the Earl of Barcelona whereas he had promised to hold of the Earl of Poitiers This William of Poitiers was a Man that only studyed to enlarge his Dominions tho' never so wrongfully So when Raimund Earl of Toulouze was gone to the Holy-Land he seized upon all the Possessions of that Prince Bertran the Son of Raymund returning from the Holy-Land where his Father was killed and he had got the Lordship of Tripoli found no hopes of doing any good upon the Earl of Poitiers He began to Treat with the Neighbouring Princes about recovering his Patrimony but to no effect and therefore had recourse to D. Alonso King of Aragon who received him with Marks of Affection at Barbastro Here it was agreed that the Earl of Toulouze should do Homage to the King of Aragon for his Dominions in France in case he was restored to them by his means This was done in the Year 1116. but it came to nothing for the Earl was not restored he of Poitiers being very powerful and the Forces of Aragon at that time divided against Castile and the Moors Yet some Years after D. Alonso Jordan Brother to Bertrand was taken out of the Castle of Toulouze where he had been kept Prisoner and the
Conditions That all the Country betwixt Villorado and Calahorra should remain to the Crown of Aragon that King pleading a Right to it as a Dependance of the Kingdom of Navarre That in Biscay the King of Aragon should possess Guipuscoa and Alava Provinces not long before taken by King Alonso VI. from the Crown of Navarre That the King of Aragon should withdraw his Garisons from all other Cities and Castles belonging to Castile and particularly from Toledo I know not which of these Princes deserves the greatest Commendation both of them gave a great example of Moderation He of Aragon in parting with what he had in possession and he of Castile in quitting his Title to part that he might obtain the so much desired Peace After this Agreement which was in the Year 1122 some Authors say later these two Kings continued in real Amity as if they had been Brothers or Father and Son All things being thus setled between the Christians they bent their Force against the Moors The King of Aragon broke in upon that side which is encompassed by the Rivers Cinga and Segre where the Town of Alcolea which had been taken by the Moors was Recovered Thence he advanced into the Kingdom of Valencia and passing the River Xucar entred the Territory of Murcia where he attempted the City Alcaraz but was repulsed Rising thence he turned into Andaluzia where all places submitted to pay Tribute provided the Country might not be wasted Near a Town called Arenzon he came to a Battle with the King of Cordova and ten other great Men of the Moors and overthrew them in the Year of our Lord 1123. The following Year he took Medina Celi a Town seated on a Hill betwixt the Confines of the Celtiberi and Carpetani In this manner succeeded the Affairs of Aragon On the other side the King of Castile entred the Province of Estremadura There he recovered the City Coria which had been lost after the death of King Alonso Grandfather of him then Reigning Thence the Army over-ran all the Country that lies between the Rivers Guadiana and Tagus carrying away great numbers of Men and Cattle and then they returned home loaden with Booty These beginnings gained the King much Reputation and gave proof of his Vertues He bore great Affection to S. Bernard then Abbot of Claravalle by whose Advice he erected many Monasteries of Cistercians most of which still flourish in that part of Spain and enjoy great Revenues At first these Religious Men professing the Contempt of the World were satisfied with little Soon after many bountifully heaping Charity upon them they grew Rich. Besides these Foundations the King very liberally encreased the Revenues of several Churches and Monasteries He obtain'd of his Uncle the Pope the erecting of the City Zamora into a Bishoprick At the same time and at the King's instance the Church of S. James the Apostle was made an Archiepiscopal See the Privileges of the City of Merida then in the hands of the Moors being translated thither Twelve Bishopricks were assigned to the Province of this new Metropolitan which were Salamanca Avila Zamora Cuidad Rodrigo Coria Badajoz Lugo Astorga Orense MondonÌ„edo Tuy and Placencia some time after This was about the Year of our Lord 1124. That same Year dy'd Pope Calixtus and Honorious II. succeeded him The following Year Alonso Earl of Toulouze and the Earl of Barcelona made War upon each other in France the former pretending a Title to the Earldom of Provence possessed by the latter in Right of his Wife After much strife it was agreed between them that Argence and Belicadre two Towns about which the chief dispute lay with that part of Provenee which lies between the Rivers Durence and Liserre should remain to the Earl of Toulouse all the other part and Avignon a City on the River Rhosne was adjudged to the Earl of Barcelona Moreover they reciprocally Adopted one another that if either dy'd without Issue the other might be his Heir A new Kingdom began at this time to be erected in that part of Spain â—ow called Portugal small in extent as to time the last that took that Title in Spain yet in great Exploits fortunate and renowned for Valour since they not only drove the Moors out of all that Country but in process of time with extraordinary bravery discovered ways to the unknown parts of the World and conquered many Kingdoms and Provinces in Asia and Africk This Province of Portugal lies along the Western Ocean from North to South between the Rivers Guadiana and MinÌ„o above 100 Leagues in length the breadth where most is about 30 Leagues the least 20. It is divided into three parts on this side and beyond Tagus or Cistagana and Transtagana and that between the Rivers Duero and MinÌ„o or Interamnensis which is the most Fruitful and where stands the City Braga On the one side of Tagus is Lisbon and on the other Ebora all three Archiepiscopal Sees For the most part the Country is dry and barren the People ambitious of Honour and Brave A small part of this Province which the Kings of Castile had taken from the Moors was given to Henry of Lorrain in Dower with his Wife Teresa Bastard Daughter to Alonso VI. By her he had D. Alonso D. Elvira and D. Sancha Henry after he had these Children went to the Holy-Land to assist Baldwin King of Jerusalem but returned without doing any thing of note At his return he treated with Bernard Archbishop of Toledo and Primate of all Spain about restoring the Cities of Braga Viseo Coimbra Lamego and Porto to their ancient Authority and placing Bishops in them Henry dy'd at Astorga a City of Galicia whither he went to compose the Differences betwixt Castile and Aragon His Body was bury'd at Braga in a small Chappel for the Grandeur or rather Madness of erecting costly Tombs now in use was not then brought up After his Death D. Teresa his Wife had no more regard to her Reputation than her Sister D. Vrraca She Marry'd Fernan Paez Earl of Trastamard a Match much below her if not altogether Unlawful as being Clandestine She is said besides to have had too much Familiarity with D. Bermudo Brother to the Earl and that nevertheless she Marry'd him to her Daughter D. Elvira Her other Daughter D. Sancha was Wife to Ferdinand de Meneses Perhaps some of these things might be maliciously imputed to this Princess Yet certain it is that Ferdinand Paez was very intimate with the Countess and governed all things absolutly according to his own will He made War and Ruled in time of Peace without taking any notice of his Son-in-law In his tender Years D. Alonso was forced to bear with this Affront and wink at the disgrace of his Family but afterwards many in hatred of his Mother's vicious Life adhering to him he resolved to take up Arms. His Father-in-law was not backward Both levied Forces and
Estella in Navarre signalized himself at the taking of this City he was Father to Peter de Açagra the first Lord of Albarazin of that Family S. Isidorus is said to have appeared to King Alonso before the fight and assured him of success Almeria Anciently called Abadera a City seated on the Coast of the Mediterranean between the borders of Andaluzia and Murcia was then a place of great strength and a receptable of Pyrats Thither the Christian Army marched and encamped before it at such time as the Fleets of Barcelona and Genoa according to what had been agreed having Coasted along lay in sight of the Port. The City was attacked by Sea and Land and having made a Breach and possessed themselves of certain Towers it was at last taken by storm on the 17th of October in the Year 1147. 20000 Moors who had retired into the Castle were forced to buy their Lives for a sum of Money Thus was that Nest of Pyrats that infested the Coasts of Spain France and Italy taken away The plunder was given to the Soldiers To the Genoeses was given a dish made of an Emraud which they valued above all the Booty and preserve to this day in their Treasury Others say that Jewel was found at the taking of Cesarea in Siria Winter drawing on the Army returned home loaded with Riches Raymund Earl of Barcelona not to let slip this opportunity of the Genoese Fleet agreed with them to assist him in the expelling the Moors from part of Aragon and the Islands of Majorea and Minorca In return they were to have the third part of all that was taken in that War In all Towns recovered from the Moors they should have a Church and a Tribunal of of their own and that all their Merchants should be free from Customs and Taxes These conditions being accepted of they stood along the Coast of Catalonia and with their united Forces took the City Tortosa seated at the Mouth of Ebro and therefore a proper place for Traffick This was done in the Year 1148. The following Year Lerida and Fraga two Towns of note were taken by the Christians Lerida was given to the Earl of Vrgel in reward of his great Services during that War William Peroz Bishop of Roda was appointed to the See of Lerida still retaining the Cities of Roda and Barbastro to be included in that Diocess and some Bishops of Lerida long after this time continued to stile themselves Bishops of Roda and Barbastro The affairs of the Moors in Spain went very much down the wind and the Christians grew daily stronger Many Castles Towns and Cities were taken from the Infidels Almost in the middle of Portugal on the Coast of the Ocean the River Tagus forms a Capacious Harbour the entrance or bar is somewhat dangerous but the Port within large and secure On the Northern shore of this Port is seated the City Lisbon the noblest and richest in Portugal At the back of it are certain Hills of easie ascent and the Tops of them covered with buildings The breadth of the City is not so much as the length the Ancient Circumference of the Walls is not very great but the Suburbs are large and still increase Most of the Streets are narrow and crooked and in some places very steep but what is new built much surpasses the old in Beauty About it are many Villages and good Country Houses and a soil beautified with Vineyards and Orchard of Orange and Lemmon Trees D. Alonso ardently desired to make himself Master of this important place which served as a Bulwark to all that the Moors held in those parts His own Force was not sufficient for such an undertaking and the Kings of Spain had their hands full in other places for which reason as soon as he had taken Sintra he made advantagious Proposals to the English Flemings and French to induce them to assist him with their Fleets These Fleets kept the Mouth of the Harbour that no Relief might come to the City by Sea The Forces of the Natives encamp'd where now is the Monastery of S. Vincent the Foreigners in the place where that of S. Francis was since built both places are now within the City They batter'd the Walls for many days and on the day of S. Crispin and Crispinian gave a general Assault the King himself standing by and encouraging his Men. Here the Service was desperate the Christians striving to gain the Breaches and the Moors powring showers of Weapons and Stones upon them in such manner that scarce any fell without doing execution our Men thronging upon one another At length having broke open the Gate call'd of Alfama the City was entred much Blood spilt and all that submitted made Slaves All the Plunder was given to the Soldiers and prov'd greater than had been imagin'd Gilbert a Person of great Learning and Vertue was chosen Bishop tho' a Stranger and Consecrated the principal Mosque In the very place where the King had encamp'd he built a Monastery of the Invocation of S. Vincent and plac'd therein Canons Regulars Many of the Foreigners being taken with the pleasantness of the Country resolv'd to stay and inhabit there and are said to have built Almada Villaverde Arruda Zambruia Castan̄eda and other Towns in that Neighbourhood After this the King following his good Fortune with wonderful Success took from the Moors Alanquer Obidos Ebora Yelves Mura Serpa Beja and many other Towns and Castles in that part of the Country All things submitting to his great Valour and Conduct True it is the greatest part of these Actions fell some Years later Let us return to the Course of our History At this time Eugenius III. govern'd the Church of Rome The Affairs of the Christians in the Holy-Land went to decay To remedy this misfortune the Pope went into France thence to excite all Christian Princes to the Relief of those Holy-Places and to this purpose he held a General Council at Rheimes in the Year of our Lord 1148. Raymund Archbishop of Toledo going to this Council is said by the way to have visited the Church of S. Denis two Leagues from Paris where on a Stone he found this Inscription Here lies Eugenius Martyr first Archbishop of Toledo At his return home he endeavour'd to have the Relicks of that Saint translated to Toledo but this design was prevented by his own and Queen Berengaria's Death which hap'ned near about the same time The Queen dy'd in the Year 1149. and was bury'd in the Church of S. James the Apostle This Year was very remarkable for that it Rain'd Blood in part of Portugal and the Dominions of the Moors The following Year 1150. dy'd Raymund the Archbishop John Bishop of Segovia a Man of singular Piety succeeded him This in Castile On the other part Pope Eugenius confirm'd the Title of King of Portugal to D. Alonso afterwards Alexander III. did the same For this
Grace they order'd him to pay a Yearly Acknowledgment to the Popes Eugenius appointed four Pounds of Gold Alexander two Marks Whether the Kings of Portugal then paid it is not known of late Ages that Crown had deem'd it self free from any such Imposition THE History of SPAIN The Eleventh BOOK CHAP. I. The coming into Spain of the Moors called Almohades The Death of D. Garcia King of Navarre by a fall from his Horse his Son Sancho succeeds him King Alonso and his Daughter both Marry'd Many Places taken from the Moors LET us being this Book with another Invasion of Spain made by the cruel and barbarous Family of the Almohades who about this time erected to themselves a new Kingdom in Africk and Spain Great Revolutions ensu'd and great Calamities threatn'd the Christians till the Forces of the Moors were at last crush'd by one of the most famous Victories that has been heard of obtain'd over them Albohali of the Family of the Almoravides was Emperor of the Moors in Africk and Spain at has been said before in his time a learned Man and great Astrologer call'd Tumerto seeing a â—usty proper Youth whose Name was Abdelmon the Son of a Potter he Prognosticated to him that he should be King of his Nation At the same time one Almohades a Mahometan Preacher held by the Multitude for a Saint distracted the Multitude ready to run a mading after every extravagant Novelty with a new Interpretation of their Law To him Tumerto discloses what he had found by his Science and he either believing or seeming to believe it they both consulted how to over-turn the Government of the Kingdom There is nothing so pernicious as the pretence of Religion when us'd to cover Rebellion Almohades making use of the Reputation he had gain'd persuaded his Followers to take up Arms under Abdelmon and destroy the Race of the Almoravides as Usurpers that had wrongfuly possessed the Crown by Extirpating the Alavecines a Family descended from Fatima Mahomet's eldest Daughter Besides that they must cast off the Yoke of the Almoravides to make way for those new Opinions in Religion which they had embrac'd Hereupon the Multitude took up Arms but being unskill'd in the use of them were easily overcome by Albohali Yet assembling in greater numbers they never ceased till they had overthrown the Almoravides and kill'd Albohali the King Abdelmon succeeded in the Throne and then the Followers of Almohades who from him were also call'd Almohades being possess'd of the Government chang'd the ancient Laws and Customs Having setled Africk they began to look towards Spain Tumerto was left to keep Africk under whilst Abdelmon and Almohades with a great Force pass'd over into Spain At first they did no harm hoping to attract the People by kindness and they succeeded therein for all the Moors in Spain easily embrac'd their new Opinions and their former Superstition became no less odious to them than Christianity Being possess'd of all they fell to Persecuting of the small remains of the Christians that liv'd mix'd with the Moors putting 'em to all manner of Torments Many fled to the Christians Dominions others were overcome and yielded to the Infidels so that from thence forward few Christians were left among the Moors The Almohades contenting themselves with the Sovereignty of Africk and so much of Spain as was under the Moors thought not fit at that time to make War upon the Christians who were Powerful both by Sea and Land but return'd into Africk Soon after their Prophet Almohades dy'd and the King caused a Magnificent Sepulchre to be erected for him near Morocco the Metropolis of that Kingdom whither the ignorant Multitude began to go in Pilgrimage The Almohades entred Spain in the Year 1150. Roderick the Archbishop says 6 Years sooner The same Year that Alonso the Emperor took Cordova which I suppose to be after Abdelmon return'd into Africk D. Garcia King of Navarre was kill'd by a fall off his Horse on a Rock as he was Hunting near Lorca a Town in his Dominions His Death was on the 21st of November He was going from Estella to Pamplona to punish that City for their Disobedience but this misfortune prevented his designs He Reign'd 16 Years and left these Children D. Sancho who succeeded him and was Crown'd in the Cathedral of Pamplona where he bury'd his Father Blanch Marry'd to the Emperor Alonso's Son and Marguerite to William King of Sicily call'd the Wicked Besides these he had Alonso Ramirez Lord of Castro Viejo and Sancha Marry'd first to Gaston Viscount of Bearn and afterwards to Gonzalo Earl of Molina The Death of the King of Navarre produc'd new Troubles for Alonso the Emperor and Raymund Earl of Barcelona had an Interview upon this occasion at Tudelin a Town of Navarre near the Baths at which Sancho now declar'd King of Castile by the Emperor his Father was present Here they Articled that all that part of the Dominions of Navarre which had belong'd to Castile should be restor'd to the Emperor and what had appertain'd to Aragon to the Earl That the ancient Kingdom of Navarre should be equally divided betwixt them the Earl to hold his part of the Crown of Castile In regard of the Moors they agreed that when Valencia and all that lies between Tortosa and the River Xucar as also Murcia were taken they should be deliver'd to the Aragonians so as they should do Homage for them to the Crown of Castile Hereupon they shook hands a Ceremony then used to confirm Promises and resolv'd to commence the War against Navarre when the Month of September was over All this League fell to nothing for the new King strengthen'd him self with Supplies from abroad and gain'd the Love of his Subjects which his Father never had done Other Cares diverted the Emperor and Earl so that nothing was done only some Inroads on both sides which were not of moment The Earl went into France against Trencavelle Viscount of Carcassonne with whom he at last agreed that he should do him Homage for the Towns of Carcassonne and Rhodes Alonso the Emperor was taken up in concerting of Marriages for Leuis King of France being Divorc'd from Ellenor Countess of Poitiers after he had two Children by her Marry'd the Emperor's Daughter some call her Elizabeth others Canstance At the same time the Emperor himself Marry'd Rica the Daughter of Vladislaus Duke of Poland Amidst the Nuptial Joys the noise of Arms could not take place Besides Navarre was in League with France which might perhaps appease the Emperor Besides Sancho the King was generally belov'd and the Emperor himself was a Lover of Justice all which motives induced him to forbear from War Of his Justice he gave a most pregnant Testimony in the following Action A Man of Birth that had serv'd in the Wars such as Spain call'd Infanzones living in Gallicia took away by force all that a Farmer had Being
Forces but by the way at the Wood of Cazlona in Sierra Morena the Emperor fell sick and near the Town of Fresneda he dyed in a Tent on the 21th of August he lived 51 Years 5 Months and 21 Days was King 35 Years and had the Title of Emperor 22 Years and a half A Prince worthy of a longer Life Pious in his Youth Brave and Modest in his riper Years always a pattern of Virtue and Famous to Posterity for his zeal to the Christian Religion He had three Wives Berengaria Beatrix and Rica The second had no Children the last was Mother of Sancha Berengaria brought him Sancho and Ferdinand his Successors also Elizabeth and Beatrix Besides these Alonso and another Ferdinand who dy'd Young and was bury'd in a Monastery of Nuns of the invocation of S. Clement built by his Father with this Inscription on his Tomb Here lies the most Illustrious D. Ferdinand Son to the Emperor D. Alonso who built this Monastery he laid him here to Honour it Sancho and Ferdinand the Emperor's Sons divided his Dominions as he had Ordered Ferdinand had the Kingdom of Leon and Galicia Sancho the Elder Castile with all it Dependencies Both were good and virtuous Princes Sancho was best beloved as being the more affable and dying soon was called the Desired Ferdinand was jealous and gave ear to Court-Flatterers therefore before his Father's Funeral Rites were perform'd he repaired to Leon to take possession of his Kingdom On the contrary Sancho understanding his death made hast to Frensneda and thence conducted him with all the Nobility to Toledo where he was buryed with great Pomp in the Cathedral of that City Sancho King of Navarre for his Learning Age and Exploits called the Wise saying hold of this opportunity over ran all the Lands of Castile as far as Burgos and with the same celerity return'd into his own Country The Moors finding those places they had lost forsaken by the New King easily recovered them It was requisite to check both those Enemies but it was thought fit first to move against Navarre It hap'ned that Ponze Earl of Minerva one of the chief among the Nobility of Leon being wronged by King Ferdinand fled to Castile He being a Person of known Valour and Conduct was favourably received by King Sancho and appointed General of the Expedition against Navarre Having taken charge of the Army by the way of Briviesca he entred the Territory of Rioja and incamped in a plain called Valpiedra near the Town of Ban̄ares where both Parties Ordered their Battles D. Lope de Haro led the Van of the Navarrois D. Ladron de Guevara the Rear and the King the Main Body The Castillians being the more numerous and resolute were not backward At the first charge the Castillians gave way but recovering themselves put the Navarrois to flight but made no great slaughter most saving themselves in the Neighbouring Castles and Towns Supplies coming up now out of France the King adventured a second time to fight in the same place but with no better success Many of the Nobles being taken were generously Treated by D. Ponze and afterwards set at Liberty After this Victory he returned to Burgos where the King having commended and rewarded the Soldiers above all honoured D. Ponze and that to such a degree that he marched as far as the Monastery of Sahagun resolving to make War upon his Brother if he did not condescend to restore him to his Possessions King Ferdinand perceiving the danger he was in came to his Brother unarmed where all differences were agreed and he promised not only to restore D. Ponze but to bestow fresh honours upon him Besides he offered to do Homage to his Brother which King Sancho with great courtesy refused to accept of Calatrava a Town seated on the Banks of Guadiana not far from Almagro when taken from the Moors was given to the Knights Templers but they understanding the Infidels made great preparations to Besiege it and despairing of holding out restored it to the King No Body would undertake to defend it only two Cistercian Monks who came to Court upon business offered themselves These were Raymund Abbot of Fitero near the River Pisuerga and his Companion James Velazquez who having been a Soldier was become a Religious but still had a great Spirit and perswaded the Abbot to undertake the maintaining of that place This offer was very grateful to the King and to John Archbishop of Toledo who were before much concerned for the danger which threatned that place The Archbishop because Calatrava belonged to his Diocess advanced a sum of Money and in his Sermons stirred up the People to contribute towards the defence of that Town either by adventuring their Persons or laying out their Money since they were all concerned in the preservation of it as being the Bulwark of the Christian Borders which once lost ruin and desolation would soon come upon every particular Man's Estate This was at the beginning of the Year 1158. The King freely gave the Town of Calatrava to the Order of the Cistercians for ever Fame which commonly surpasses truth is of great moment in all Worldly affairs as it appeared now for the Moors hearing of the mighty preparations that were making to defend that City came not before it This was the Original of the Knights of Calatrava for many Soldiers followed the Abbot and took the habit he gave them Being returned to Toledo he brought a great number of Cattle from his Monastery and from the Neighbourhood about 20000 people to whom he gave the Lands about Calatrava which before lay wast for want of Inhabitants Thus the Town was secured against any danger Abbot Raymund dy'd some Years after at Ciruelas a Village where he was also buried and is honoured as a Saint Thence in the Year 1471. he was translated to our Lady of Mount Sion a Monastery of Bernardines near Toledo James Velazquez lived many years after and dy'd in the Monastery of S. Peter at Gumiel where he is buried From this beginning the Military Order of Calatrava rose to the greatness it is now arrived at Pope Alexander III. confirmed it by his Bull in the Year 1164 The Convent at first setled in Calatrava was thence removed to Ciruelos then to Buxeda to Corcoles Salvatierra and lastly to Covos There are other lesser Convents of the Order in other places but that is the Principal This Order in process of time grew rich and had the Lordship of many Towns for their good Services and thro' the Bounty of Kings Formerly the Revenues of such Towns were given to old Knights of that Order for their Maintenance during their own Lives only and not for their Heirs Now they serve only to support the Prodigality of Courtiers Thus for the most part good Institutions are perverted CHAP. III. The Death of Sancho King of Castile The great Commotions that ensued The Death of Raymund Prince of
The Original of the Knights of Santiago The taking of Cuenca by the Christians Increase of the Knights of Santiago or St. James the Apostle Several places in Navarre taken by the Castilians THE Moors were so pressed by the Aragonians that they had no place of safety Along the River Alga the Towns of Favara Maella Fresneda and others were taken from them On the River Ebro the strong Town of Caspe A great number of them had retired to the Mountain Idubeda thinking the natural strength of the place would secure them but thence also they were driven by the Valour of the Christians So that from this time the Dominion of the Moors extended no farther than the Borders of the Kingdom of Valoncia At the same time Peter de Açagra Son to Roderick de Açagra before spoken of and Lord of Estela for some signal Service done to Lope King of Murcia had the strong Town of Albarazin seated on an uncoth Mountain near the Springs of Tagus given him This place was soon after made a Bishoprick and annexed to the Province of Toledo Both the Kings of Castile and Aragon were offended at Peter de Açagra the latter pretending that City was within the limits of his Conquest whereas Peter would do Homage for it to no Man The other complained he had taken some Castles belonging to him and therefore both agreed with their joint Forces to destroy Albarazin For the more strengthening of this League cautionary Towns were given on both sides the King of Aragon had Agreda Cervera and Aguilar he of Castile Aranda Borgia and Arguedo It was also concluded that Hariza and its Castle should be delivered to the King of Castile in pursuance of the former Capitulation But because Nun̄o Sanchez delivered it without a Special Order the two Kings fell at Variance which yet went no further than Words This discord gave Peter de Açagra time to strengthen himself for neither of the Kings attack'd him He of Aragon despising the Match that had been made by his Father with the Daughter of Castile sent Embassadors to Emanuel Commenus Emperor of Constantinople to desire his Daughter in Marriage Some troubles were at this time in Aragon on occasion that William Aguillon Lord of Tarragona had killed Hugo Bishop of that City for maintaining the Priviledges of his Church The death of Hugo fell on the 22th of April in the Year 1171. which Year was also remarkable for the Death of Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury in England who was Murdered on the same score afterwards Canonized by Pope Alexander III. and soon honoured as a Saint in Spain Lope King of Murcia dy'd in the Year 1172. The King of Aragon thought this a fit opportunity to make his advantage of and entring the Kingdom of Valencia obliged that King to buy a Peace and promise for the future to pay double the Tribute he had payed before Thence the Aragonian pass'd into the Country of Murcia and lay'd Siege to the City Xativa which he was forced to quit when it was upon the point of surrendring being called away to defend his own Country against the Navarrois who made War upon him Hereupon a Truce was concluded with the King of Murcia upon Condition he should pay the same Tribute his Father had agreed to This done the King marched towards Navarre in a rage yet they came not to a Battle but he wasted that Country on the side of Tudela and took the Town of Argueda This hap'ned towards the end of the Year In the beginning of the next being 1173. the War was continued and the Aragonians utterly destroy'd the Town of Milagro betwixt Calahorra and Alfaro from whence much harm had been done in the Lands of Aragon Petronilla Mother to the King of Aragon dy'd on the Third of October the same Year at Barcelona On the 18th of January 1174. the Marriage was at last consumatted at Zaragoça betwixt the King of Aragon and Sancha Sister to him of Castile as had been agreed long before by their Parents the King of Aragon now upon second Thoughts perferring the Alliance of Castile before that of a Foreign and remote Emperor At the same time the Grecian Emperor's Daughter arrived at Montpellier in France where understanding how she was disappointed she Marry'd the Lord of that City About this time the Order of the Knights of Santiago or St. James the Apostle began first to be taken notice of and by degrees from a small beginning are now risen to a Regal Grandeur When the Sepulcher of St. James the Apostle was first discovered the devotion of the place drew many Pilgrims and many were deterred by the badness of the ways and danger of the Moors For taking away these Obstacles the Cannons of St. Eloy built many Hospitals on the road and one to be the Chief of the rest at Leon. This at first mov'd many good People to bestow great Riches upon them Afterwards some that had served in the Wars joined their stocks and lived under certain Rules like Religious Men. These by the industry of Cardinal Jacintus the Popes Legate joyned with the Canons of St. Eloy who had a Convent without the Town of Compostella and sent Commissioners to Rome to Pope Alexander for the obtaining his approbation of their new institution which was to be regulated according to the rule of St. Augustin observed by those Canons Pero Fernandez de Puente Encalada was the chief of these Commissioners who obtained the Pope's Bull approving their design and assigning them Rules to observe The Bull bears date July the 5th 1175 Pero Fernandez himself was Constituted the first great Master of the Order The Badge of the Knights is a White Cloak with a red Cross made in the manner of a Sword The Hospital of St. Mark at Leon was assigned them for their Monastery Their Possessions in Castile were very large among others they had the Towns of Vcles Mora Estriana Almodovar Larunda and Santa Cruz de la Zarça near Ocen̄a in the Year 1176. King Alonso of Castile being of Age and resolving to be revenged on the Kings of Leon and Navarre for the wrongs they had done him in his Minority before he took the Field made his Vows to God in Toledo and gave the Towns of Illescas and Hazan̄a to that Church This done he entred the Territory of Rioja as far as Ebro and having wasted the Borders of Navarre turn'd back and bent his Force against the Kingdom of Leon where he burnt and plundered all the Country the King his Unkle being too weak to withstand him The King of Leon vented his Anger upon the new Knights of St. James supposing they favoured their old Master the King of Castile and therefore drove them out of his Dominions and obliged them to fly to Castile for protection Soon after King Ferdinand repented but it was too late however by the Mediation of Prelates a Truce was
against Leon thinking the wrongs done him had been sufficiently reveng'd CHAP. VI. Rebellion in the Kingdom of Leon suppress'd Alonso King of Portugal taken by Ferdinand of Leon and set at Liberty Being Besieg'd in Santarem by the Moors is relieved by him He vanquishes the Infidels Actions of his Son Sancho THE People of Leon bore Ferdinand their King no Affection some pretending heavy Taxes others that he was Austere and the City Salamanca complained that he had taken part of their Territory to add it to Ledesma which he rebuilt Hereupon they rebelled under one Nun̄o Rabia whom D. Lucas de Tuy says they called King The Town of Avila sent them supplies but King Ferdinand coming upon them overthrew the Rebels took their Captain and caused him to be executed Salamanca was easily reduced and Zamora before Mutinous by this example was pacified These troubles being over the King was perplexed how to relieve Cuidad Rodrigo besieged by Ferdinand de Castro with a great number of Moors S. Isidorus Patron of Leon is said to have assisted him in vanquishing them as he did and grown proud with this success entred Portugal and plundered the Frontiers D. Ferdinand de Castro was prevailed upon by the King to quit the Service of the Moors and ingage under him against Castile whose Territories he immediately entred with the Forces of Leon. Near Lubrical in the Country of Campos he overthrew a Body of the Enemy that came to oppose him took many Prisoners of note and among them D. Nun̄o de Lara his Mortal Enemy He Treated them all courteously and gave them their Liberty only exacting an Oath of them that they would be his true Friends Then putting away his first Wife he Marryed D. Estephania King Ferdinand's Sister by whom he had Peter de Castro of whom we shall speak hereafter Alonso King of Portugal tho' of a great Age had Warlike Thoughts and resented that Cuidad Rodrigo was a curb and inlet to Portugal Wherefore having gather'd a powerful Army he gave the Command of it to his Son Sancho ordering him to Besiege that City being persuaded the King of Leon now ingaged in War with Castile could not have leisure to relieve it King Ferdinand with part of his Forces met the Portugueses and near the Town of Arraganal overthrew them taking many Prisoners whom he presently set at liberty King Alonso after this loss recruiting his Army entred Galicia where he took Limia Turonia and some other Towns Then having encreased his Army he attack'd Badojoz which tho' it belong'd to the Moors was under the protection of King Ferdinand who immediately came to its relief The Portugues had already taken part of the City but Portugal taken by King Ferdinand of Leon and set at Liberty daring to give Battle was vanquish'd and forc'd to retire into the very Town That was no place of safety for the Moors press'd him on the one side and the Christians on the other Attempting to escape he was struck down by the Bolt of the Gate and so taken King Ferdinand having entertain'd him with all manner of Civility and caused his wound to be dressed gave him his Liberty This Courtesie so oblig'd the Portugues that he offer'd to submit himself and Kingdom to King Ferdinand which was refused and nothing demanded of him but the restitution of the Towns he had taken in Galicia The following Year being 1180. on the first of October dy'd Luis VII King of France and Philip Augustus succeeded him About the same time Sancho King of Navarre built the City Victoria in that part of Biscay called Alava it is the head of that Province and stands where formerly was a Village called Gasteiso At Tarragona a Synod was held where among other things it was decreed that for the future the Catalonians in the publick writings should forbear naming the Kings of France and the Year of their Reigns as had been used till then In the Year 1181. dy'd Cerebrunns Archbishop of Toledo Gonzalo the first of this Name a Man of great Piety and Learning succeeded him Some name Peter de Cardona before D. Gonçalo some after him perhaps he was Elect and not Consecrated most Authors make no mention of him King Ferdinand of Leon now made himself Master of Badajoz That City was altogether inhabited by Moors and he could neither People it with Christians nor leave a sufficient Garrison Therefore he gave the Government of it to Abenabel a Moor who soon rebell'd and called the Almohades to his assistance Not content with this he gathered an Army wasted the Frontiers of Leon and then marching into Portugal Besieg'd King Alonso in Santarem King Ferdinand assembling his Forces marched with all speed to the relief of his Father-in-Law but the Moors not daring to stand the Power of both Kings fled At first the King of Portugal was jealous of King Ferdinand's designs being as much afraid of him as of the Moors but being better assured took Courage King Ferdinand returned home with great honour and a rich Booty This same Year 1181 Pope Lucius III. entred upon the Papacy He sent a Legate into Spain to settle Peace betwixt the Christian Princes for the better prosecuting the War against the Moors The King of Aragon being resolv'd to go in Pilgrimage to the shrine of St. James bore the Legate Company into Castile By their Mediation Peace was Established the Bounds of each Kingdom assigned and how much of what the Moors possessed should belong to the Conquest of each appointed wherein the King of Aragon gain'd great reputation for his modesty having no further assign'd him than to Valencia but afterwards his Son Peter being dissatisfy'd had it extended to Alicant Only the King of Navarre could not be perswaded to admit of this pacification being highly offended at the King of Castile for the great harm he had done him However for some time Peace continued among the Christans or at least no considerable Hostilities were committed The War was carryed on against the Moors chiefly by the King of Portugal who in the Year 1183. caused the Bones of S. Vincent to be brought from the Cape of his Name to the Cathedral of Lisbon He sent his Son Sancho to the other side of Tagus to secure the Frontiers and observe the Moors Sancho being Young and Ambitious of Honour with a good force entred Andaluzia and ravag'd all the Country as far as Sevil. Those People daring to come out and give him Battle he overthrew them and laid Siege to Ilipa now called Niebla but could not take it being forc'd to raise the Siege upon News brought him that the Moors had attacked Beja on the Frontiers of Portugal Them also he put to flight and entred Santarem in Triumph At the same time intelligence was brought that the Almohades with their King Abenjacob gather'd mighty Forces against Portugal but they were so quick that before it was expected they sate down
them as favourers of Hereticks Tho' his Friends advised him to to be more Moderate he could not restrain himself as believing the City was departing from the Law of God He went to the Common-Council and told them That accident was an affront to all Spain that where formerly just Laws and Constitutions were enacted as being the Head of a Kingdom there at present unheard of Villanies and Heresies were invented He added God would not give them rain to Bless the Fruits of the Earth till they had cast down that Church and thrown away those Bones they Worship'd For so it was that ever since that superstition began which was now ten Months it never rain'd and there was a Dearth in the Country The Judge in the presence of all the Assembly said to the Deacon Do you assure us that the Church being cast down God will give us Rain and Water the Country The Deacon full of Faith answer'd Give me leave to demolish that House and I promise in the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ upon forfeiture of Life and Goods that within eight Days Our Lord will send the necessary Rain in abundance The Company gave Credit to his Words He repair'd to the place with Labourers appointed and many of the Citizens levelled the Church and scatter'd the Bones about the Dung-Hills It hap'ned to the great astonishment of them all that as the Church was pulling down among the Timber was heard a Noise as it were of a Trumpet to show the Devil forsook that place The next Day a great part of the City was burnt down for the Wind being very high the Fire could not soon be stop'd from spreading far The Multitude mutiny'd and ran to find out the Deacon with a design to Murder him saying That instead of Rain he had been the cause of that great Fire The Hereticks appear'd scoffing at the Clergy and said The Deacon deserv'd Death and that what he had promised would not come to pass But the Almighty had Mercy on his People for at the end of the Eight Days appointed he sent abundant Rain so that the Fruits of the Earth recover'd and there was a plentiful Harvest that Year The Deacon encourag'd by this success went on prosecuting the Hereticks till he oblig'd them to quit the City Thus far are the Words of this Author By which it appears that this Pestilential Heresie spread in Spain but it s greatest fury fell upon Toulouze whence ensu'd great mischiefs and the unhappy Death of the King of Aragon who would uphold it as shall appear in the Sequel The Sect of the Albigenses grew formidable and daily gathered strength not only by the number of the Commonalty that adhered to it but also by Means of the Princes and Persons of note that supported it without regarding the Pope's Authority or their own reputation These were the Earls of Toulouze Faux Besiers and Cominges In like manner the King of Aragon supported them because these Cities were Feofs depending on him as has been said before Besides he was nearly Ally'd to the Earl of Toulouze whose third Wife was the King of Aragon's Sister And the Earl's Son and Heir whose Name as well as his Father's was Raymund had taken to Wife another of the same King's Sisters called Sancha This was the true cause of his declaring for the Albigenses and taking up Arms for them Otherwise he was a truely Catholick Prince as may be inferred by his delivering his Son D. Jaime or James to Simon Earl of Monfort to be bred up and instructed which Simon was General of the Catholicks and a Scourge to the Hereticks Such was the posture of Affairs that it much troubled the Catholicks of France but above all the Pope who apprehended lest that Evil should daily take a deeper root and gather strength by so many Favourers The more for that the Multitude who love Novelties being deceived by the sleights of those Hereticks easily forsook the Faith of their Ancestors and embraced those extravagent Opinions Some Remedy was sought to put a stop to this growing Evil. Mildness was thought at first most expedient to try whether by the care of good Teachers those that had stray'd might be brought back D. James Bishop of Osma in his way to Rome whither he was sent by the King of Castile went thro' that part of France and seeing the condition of Affairs and danger those Towns were in unless some speedy remedy were apply'd gave a full account to the Pope of the whole mischief and where the greatest danger appeared With him went the Glorious Father S. Dominick then a Canon Regular of the Order of S. Augustin and afterwards on this account Founder of the Order of Preachers He was Born at Calervega in the Territory of Osma of a Noble Family The Pope understanding how the matter stood resolved to give a check to that spreading Evil. He dispatch'd the Bishop and his Companion with full Commission to quench that flame He also appointed one of the Cardinals his Legate with ample power Being come into France they chose 12 Abbots of the Order of S. Bernard to be their Associates that being Natives they might by their Preaching and Example bring back those that had gone astray But whatever was gain'd by this means many being converted from their Errors chiefly by the Preaching of S. Dominick and Miracles he wrought in several parts no less was the number of those perverted by the Hereticks For who can reduce an incens'd Rabble to reason Who can restore to their Wits Men lost and hardned in Error A Limb that cannot be healed must be cut off and the safest method is in such cases to use Rigour in time This moved the Pope and Catholick Princes to alter their methods and since no peaceable means were of force to resolve upon War and open Force as we shall show in the following Chapter CHAP. II. The Death of Peter King of Aragon and of Alonso King of Castile Simon Earl of Monfort General of the Catholicks Overthrows the Hereticks and takes the Towns they had possess'd themselves of IT being now resolved to decide these matters of Religion by Arms a great number of Soldiers were assembled out of Italy Germany and France hoping to gain the Indulgence granted by the Pope to such as took up the Cross on such occasions These first possess'd themselves of the City Besieres and in it put to the Sword 7000 of the Mutiniers This struck such a terror into the People of Carcassonne that they surrendred the City to the Catholicks and the Ringleaders were punish'd These prosperous beginnings encourag'd the Catholicks who wanting a General made choice of Simon Earl of Montfort a Town of note in the Territory of Chartres as being an experienced Soldier and of known Zeal for the Catholick Religion He having taken upon him that charge and gather'd his Forces gain'd from the Hereticks the Castle of Minerva the City
charge The King warn'd Mancada to forbear violence and stand to judgment and he refusing invaded his Lands so furiously that he took from him 130 Towers and Castles and the Town of Cervellon near Barcelona The Castle of Moncada being strongly fortified and William himself in it could not be so easily carry'd Thus much in the Year 1223. in which on the 15th of July dy'd Philip King of France at Medun His Son Luis VIII Husband to Blanch of Castile and Father to S. Luis succeeded him The Year following Alonso II. Sirnamed the Fat King of Portugal deceased at Coimbra and was buryed in the Monastery of Alcobaça near his Wife D. Vrraca in a mean Tomb as was used in those days He left Three Sons Sancho Sirnamed Capelo his Successor Alonso who Marry'd Maud Countess of Bologne in France and Ferdinand Lord of Serpa who Marry'd Sancha the Daughter of Ferdinand de Lara He also left one Daughter called Ellenor Marryed to the King of Dacia as the Histories of Portugal say I will not dispute the truth of it CHAP. VII King Ferdinand of Castile his great success against the Moors King Jaime of Aragon seized by some Rebellious Nobles makes his escape and Commences War against the Rebels THE Tumults in Castile being over King Ferdinand granted a general Pardon He chose the Wisest and most Virtuous Persons to commit the Government of the Cities to and was a mortal Enemy to Hereticks for some of the Albigenses had crept into Spain These good qualities had gained him the Love of his Subjects and he to improve it resolved to make War upon the Moors The People of Cuenca Huete Moya and Alarcon understanding his design Assembl'd together and entring the Kingdom of Valencia brought thence a rich Booty On the other side the King marched towards Andaluzia and when he had passed Sierra Morena Embassadors met him from Mahomet King of Baeça offering to surrender the City and furnish Provisions and Money Having signed Articles the Army moved to Quesada a Town of note now in the Government of Caçorla At first the Inhabitants relying on the strength of their Walls defended themselves but the place was taken by Assault all that could bear Arms put to the Sword and the rest to the number of 7000 made Slaves This slaughter was a Terror to others It were tedious to relate the particulars of this expedition In short many Towns were abandoned by the Moors many surrended Of them some were destroyed others Garrisoned D. Lope de Haro and the Masters of the Military Orders attacked a Town called Mivoras and took it notwithstanding it had a Garrison of 1500 Arabs whereof part was slain the rest fled Thus the Summer and Autumn were spent and in November the Season growing bad they returned to Toledo where the Queens waited the coming of the King in the Year of our Lord 1224. Some days were spent in Publick Rejoycing and Thanksgiving after which as soon as the Weather would permit the King Ordered the Army to march towards Cuenca designing to invade the Kingdom of Valenca Zeit the King of that place terrified with his former losses came to Cuenca submitting himself to the Will of King Ferdinand The Aragonians pretending Valencia fell within the Limits of their Conquest sent Embassadors to complain and at the same time to show their resolution made an inroad into Castile by the way of Soria New troubles arising in Aragon they could not then push on that undertaking William of Moncada Peter Ahones and Ferdinand the Kings Unkle had a consultation at Tahuste where it was resolved to seize the King's Person on pretence of removing evil Councellors but in reality to make their own advantage of him Moncada was offended for the Lands he had lost Ferdinand tho' a Monk still aspired to the Crown and Ahones could not bear to be removed from the Government To strengthen their party they resolv'd to gain Nun̄o Son to Prince Sancho Earl of Russillon All things being thus Order'd they went to Aragon where the King was and coming together upon him advised him to go to Zaragoca there to settle the important affairs of the Kingdom The King tho' he saw into their drift was obliged to condescend They conducted him to his Palace at Zaragoça and plac'd Guards upon him that he might converse with nor write to no Body William Boy and Peter Sanchez Martel were Captains of this Guard and for the greater security lay at Night by the King's Bed-side In this manner they kept him 20 days till he condescended to all their demands Particularly he caused all that had been taken from William de Moncada to be restored and promised to pay him 20000 Ducats for Damages Prince Ferdinand still kept the Government in his hands and the King had no hopes of Relief but in God In Castile all things succeeded prosperously In the Year 1225. as soon as Summer came on King Ferdinand having recruited his Army entred Andaluzia The King of Baeça relieved them with Provisions and received them into the City Andujar and Martos were taken the last was given to the Knights of Calatrava Besides the Town of Jodar was gain'd and the Army return'd home loden with Plunder The same was continued the following years The Affairs of Aragon began to mend and the King departed from Zaragoça towards Tortosa a City at the Mouth of Ebro He resolved to rid himself and the Kingdom of that Oppression and therefore privately made his escape to Huerta a Town belonging to the Knights Templers Thence he sent Circular Letters to summon the Nobility to the City Teruel in order to Invade Valencia They look'd upon this as a Childish heat yet some few Aragonians and more Catalonians came at the day appointed With this small Body he broke in on that side where were before the Ilergaones and sate down before Peniscola a strong place on a Rock opposite to Majorca Zeit the King was so terrified that he sent to beg Peace and agreed to pay the fifth part of the Revenues of Valencia and Murcia This done the Aragonians return'd to Tervel and thence to Zaragoça By the way at a Village called Calamocha they met D. Peter de Ahones and his Brother the Bishop leading a Party raised at their own cost to make an Incursion into Valencia The King would not have him proceed because of the Peace he had made with the Moors but Ahones excused himself with the charge he had been at in raising those Men. Whereupon the King endeavouring to have him apprehended he was killed by the Soldiers His death was so grievously resented that except Calatayud which continued Loyal to the King all the other Cities declared for his Uncle Ferdinand Fair means failing the War broke out and was continued in the Year 1226. This same Year Luis King of France made War upon the Albigenses and having taken Avigron from them dismantled it
King when he was kill'd restored to him It was agreed to stand to Judgment and the Result was that such places as he held as the King's Lieutenant should remain to the King but what was his own by Inheritance should be restored to the Bishop Thus call Animosities seem'd to cease but that the Family of Cabrera was not yet quell'd Aurembiasse the Daughter of Armengaud Earl of Vrgel demanded to be restored to her Father's Dominions according to sentence of Law Those Gentlemen being in possession made no account of that Lady but the King who protected her by force of Arms recover'd many Towns and among them Balaguer the head of that Earldom This done he Married that Lady to Prince Peter of Portugal his Father 's Cousin-German who at that time was in Aragon having fled from his own Country Gerard Cabrera who lost the Earldom took the Habit of the Templers Some years after his Son Ponce recovered the Earldom of Vrgel the Lady Aurembiasse dying without Issue Both Castile and Aragon at one time made War upon the Moors The Aragonians advanced their Affairs much but the Castilians at present made no great progress Abenhut the new King of the Moors being possess'd of the Noble City of Granada was an Eye-sore to King Ferdinand who marched with his Army up to the Walls of that City and even as far as Almeria Yet nothing of moment was done for the Moors would not hazard a Battle Thus this and the following Year 1229. were spent At this time the Knights of the Toutonick Order who had served well in the Holy-Land having lost Ptolemais return'd into Germany and setled in Prussia where they grew so strong as to Conquer Livonia where they maintain'd themselves many years Let us return to Aragon where the King having appeased all Tumults now bent his thoughts upon carrying on the War against the Infidels It hap'ned one Peter Martelle invited the King to Dinner The Windows of his House look'd upon the Sea and thence the Island of Majorca was in sight This gave occasion to discourse of that and the adjacent Islands and Peter Martelle much commended their Fruitfulness and magnified the damage done from thence on the Coasts of Catalonia But a few days before those Moors had taken some Vessels of the Catalonians and Retabohihes the Moor that took them when Restitution was demanded in the Name of Jayme King of Aragon proudly answer'd What King is that you speak of The Embassador reply'd He is Son to that King of A ragon who at Nabas de Tolosa overthrew a mighty Army of your Nation These Words so incens'd the Moor that he scarce forbore offering Violence to the Embassador yet caused him immediately to depart the Island This mov'd the King to undertake that War and in order to it held the Cortes or Parliament at Barcelona where his design met with such Approbation that they again gave him the Tax called Bovaticum which used to be given but once in a Reign He sent out his Orders for all the Forces to Rendezvous by the middle of May at Salu near Tarragona where the Fleet was fitting and all Provision making to pass over to Majorca At this time John Cardinalof S. Sabina came as the Pope's Legate to Aragon the King went to meet him at Calatayud Thither resorted Zeit King of Valencia expelled his Kingdom by a Moor called Zaen His love to the Christians and a report that he design'd to be Converted brought this disaster upon him for which reasons the King resolv'd to protect and restore him which he afterwards perform'd The Legate's Business was to examine whether the Marriage of the King were valid tho' he had then a Son by the Queen it was declared null by reason of Consanguinity ye so that the Son should inherit the Crown The Queen went away to her Sister Berengaria yet her Jointure was not taken away and she carry'd with her many Jewels and other Riches After this the King went to Tarragona where he spent the Summer preparing all things for the Enterprize in hand All Necessaries being in a readiness he set Sail in September His Fleet consisted of 135 Vessels whereof 25 great Ships 12 Galleys the rest Brigantines and small Vessels to carry Horses The Land Forces were 15000 Foot and 1500 Horse In sight of Majorca a sudden Storm put the whole Fleet in great danger but that ceasing they arrived all in safety Majorca is square the four Angles pointing to the four parts of the World In the West side is the Port Palumbaria and opposite to it the Island Dragonera Cape Salinas looks towards the South and in the mid-way betwixt it and the Port is seated the principal City called as well as the Island Majorca The Capes Piedra and S. Vincent point to the East and North. Near Cape Piedra is a small Town but safe Harbour called Palencia formerly a Roman Colony The King would have entred this Port but the contrary Winds forc'd him to Palumbaria 30 Miles distant from that City The Admiral Galley in which the King was entred the Port first and after it all the Fleet not one Vessel being lost A Multitude of Moors opposed their landing which oblig'd them to pass on to the Port S. Poncia where notwithstanding all resistance they gain'd the Shore Some Skirmishes hap'ned in which the Christians had always the better and therefore they marched towards the City which being once taken the rest of the Island would soon be reduc'd The Moorish King encamp'd on Mount Portopi in sight of the City with a great Body of Men and laid an Ambush among the Rocks and Woods His design took effect the Christians marching as if no Enemy had been near and the Moors seeing them in disorder charg'd furiously Among many others William de Moncada Viscount of Bearn and Raymund de Moncada two Men of great Note were kill'd being in the Van. Great numbers of Moors came down from the Hill to second their Companions and the Christians were in great danger but the King's Valour and Fortune overcame all difficulties His Men encouraged by his example put the Infidels to flight and forc'd their Camp yet pursu'd no farther because the City was near They Encamp'd in sight of it and immediately fell to work fixing their Engines and making their approaches The Ditch tho' very deep and wide was soon fill'd Many Sallies were made by the Moors but for the most part they return'd with loss At length the Christians lodg'd themselves under the Wall and undermin'd four Towers which they propped with Timber then setting Fire to it all those Towers fell and left a wide Breach This mov'd the Inhabitants to treat of a Surrender upon condition to be transported into Africk with their Goods Some were for admitting this offer others cry'd out for Revenge of so many Gentlemen as had been lost Dispair made the Infidels furious insomuch that many on our side repented
they had opposed their Surrender An Assault must be given and many advised to do it by Night but the King to avoid the confusion that is common in the dark drew out by break of day in order to storm causing all the Avenues to be guarded that none of the Enemy might escape Three times the Sign was given to fall on and the Soldiers stirred not till the King calling upon them as it were wak'd them out of a heavy sleep Then with a terrible shout they gave the Assault The Moors with great Courage ran to meet the Danger but being over-power'd and born down the City was entred and plundred and the People put to the Sword The Moorish King was drawn out from a private place where he lay hid and King Jayme took him by the Beard having sworn so to do yet comforted him with good words and promises After taking the City the Castle soon surrendred where was found a Son of the King 's 13 years of age who was afterwards Baptiz'd by the Name of D. Jayme and had an Estate given him which was the Town of Gotor in the Kingdom of Valencia whence his Successors Gentlemen of Note in that Country take their Name Majorca was taken on the last day of December preceeding the Year 1230. This City was made an Episcopal See notwithstanding the Canons of Barcelona pretended a Right to it but could make no good proof All the rest of the Island was easily brought under which done most of the Soldiers return'd home and the King to Catalonia This Year the Order of Mercela Instituted some time before was Confirm'd by Pope Gregory IX as appears by his Bull dated at Peroza in Tuscany the 17th of January CHAP. IX Alonso King of Leon Defeats the Moors takes Merida and Badajoz and dies Crowns of Castile and Leon united under Ferdinand Sancho King of Navarre dies Theobald succeeds him Interviews of several Kings WHilst the Forces of Aragon Conquer'd Majorca Alonso King of Leon again entred the Territories of the Moors and took the Town of Caçeres in Estremadura where he had before been repulsed This Success encouraged him to Besiege Merida a great City once the chiefest in those parts Abenhut the Moorish King thinking to establish a Reputation marched to relieve that place King Alonso was much inferiour to him in number and therefore being dubious what was best to be done he held a Council of War in which most were for drawing off Yet Honour prevailing the King resolved to give Battle and accordingly drew up his Army The Moors were not backward and the Signal being given both Parties charged with great resolution Long the Fight continued very bloody but at length the Valour of the Christians overcame the number of Infidels This Victory and Slaughter were so great that many of the neighbouring Towns were abandon'd by the Inhabitants It was reported that the Apostle S. James and other Saints were seen in this Fight encouraging the Christians as also that at Zamora S. Isidorus and others had appeared as preparing to go aid the Faithful But who can assert the truth of this Great Victories often cause any sort of Miracles to be believed After this Defeat no other hopes of relief remaining Merida was surrendred Badajoz a City on the Borders of Portugal Estremadura and Andaluzia also submitted King Alonso who was the ninth of that Name the Season being unfit for Action dismissed his Army resolving as soon as the Weather would permit to carry on the War with greater Forces Death prevented his Designs which cut him off at Sarria about the end of this Year as he was going to pay his Vows at Santiago His Body was bury'd in that Church By D. Teresa his first Wife he had two Daughters Sancha and Dulcis by Queen Berengaria he left Ferdinand already King of Castile and Alonso Lord of Molina and Berengaria Marry'd to John King of Jerusalem He had besides a Bastard Son call'd Roderick de Leon. He Reign'd 42 years was Valiant in War and a great Lover of Justice wherefore he assigned Salaries to the Judges that they might take no Bribes and punished them severely if faulty His hatred to his Son Ferdinand was such that in his Will he appointed his two Daughters to succeed him King Ferdinand had Besieged Jaen and not being able to carry it was remov'd to Daralherça where the News of his Fathers's Death was brought to him He was very intent upon the War of Andaluzia but the necessity of securing the Crown of Leon drew him away At Orgaz five League from Toledo his Mother met him and they resolv'd with all speed to move towards Leon. All things there prov'd easier than had been imagined Most places received him with great Joy and Tokens of Love He was Crown'd at Toro which had first by Letters sent to invite him Some great Men sided with the Princesses which might have proved of dangerous Consequence had not the Prelates interposed and reduc'd them to submit to him who had the most right Teresa Mother to the Princesses came out of Portugal to their aid but considering it was best to compound with her Son-in-law she met Queen Berengaria at Valencia in Galicia where it was agreed the Princesses should quit their claim to the Crown and in lieu thereof the King should allow them 30000 Ducats a year for Life This done the King set forwards towards Valencia by the way at Bonavente the Princesses met him To the Archbishop of Toledo for his indefatigable Services the King gave the Town of Cascata in that Country Thus the Kingdom of Leon was again united to Castile after it had been separated from it 63 Years and this Union has continu'd to our days D. Sancho King of Navarre who in his Youth was call'd the Strong liv'd now retir'd in the Castle of Tudela without attending to the Government This his retirement gave his Subjects opportunity to mutiny which Pamplona in particular did several times Besides Lope Diaz de Haro Lord of Biscay entred the Territories of Navarre and took some Towns and Castles King Ferdinand was suppos'd to have some hand in this Affair Yet the worst was that Theobald Earl of Champagne the King's Nephew and Heir impatient of delay contriv'd with the Nobility to Depose him King Sancho no way able to oppose so many Enemies sent to invite Jayme King of Aragon newly return'd from the Conquest of Majorca to the Castle of Tudela there to consult about Affairs of the highest nature King Jayme being then at Zaragoça set out immediately as was desired without asking any further security for his Person Both the Kings expressed much affection at their meeting and the Ceremonies being over he of Navarre complain'd of the evil Practices of his Nephew Theobald of the ambition of King Ferdinand At the same time he declar'd he had resolved to make use of the King of Aragon for regaining what he had lost about
and other Persons of note were at the Siege A Body of Frenchmen came under the Command of Aymilius Bishop of Narbonne also succours out of England drawn by the Fame of the enterprize In several Skirmishes the Enemies were worsted which made them more cautious how they Sally'd The Christians lodging themselves under the Walls in Three several places lay'd open as much of them as for one Man to pass Mean while the Besieged were not idle Peter Rodriguez de Açagra and Ximeno de Vrrea at the same time took the Town of Cilla on the other side of Valentia Yet the Moors gain'd Courage at the Arrival of the King of Tunez his Fleet consisting of 18 Ships and Gallies This availed them nothing for the Africans understanding a Fleet was furnishing against them at Tortosa sailed away without relieving the City or taking Pen̄iscola on that Coast as they had designed Now the Besieged began to dismay not only for this disappointment but also because Provisions began to grow scarce and they feared greater want On the contary the Christian Camp was full of hopes and had plenty of all things notwithstanding they were so increased that now they amounted to 60000 Foot and 1000 Horse The King gave great demonstrations as well of his Valour as Conduct and acted the part not only of a General but of a Soldier upon occasion insomuch that approaching too near the Wall he was wounded with a dart in the forehead For five days he could not go abroad On the 13th of June this Year 1238. he received Embassadors in the Camp from the Pope and Cities of Lombardy offering to put themselves into his hands if he would assist them against the Emperor Frederick II. By the advice of his Queen Violante who had great power over him and by whom he had a Daughter of the same Name he accepted of their offers but could not perform as to succouring them he being so engag'd in the Wars of Spain besides that the Emperor was reconciled to the Pope tho' but superficially The Besieged having lost all hopes of Relief resolved to surrender Haliabata the King's Favourite and after him Abulhamaler his Nephew were sent out to treat After many Debates both Parties being eager to come to a conclusion the Capitulation was sign'd and the principal Articles were That the Moorish King deliver up the City Valencia and all other Towns and Castles on this side the River Xucar That the Moors be safely conducted to Cullera and Denia That they have liberty to carry along with them as much Gold Silver Jewels or any other Goods as they can without being searched That a Trūce be inviolably observed betwixt the two Kings for the Term of 8 Years Five days were allowed for the performance of Articles but the Moors before the time was expir'd quitted the City to the number of 50000 Men Women and Children They march'd thro' a Lane made of the Christian Army On Michaelmass-Eve the Victors took possession of that City and Kingdom Consecrated the Churches and chose Ferrer de S. Martin some say he was a Dominican the first Bishop People resorted to inhabit there chiefly out of Catalonia from Tarragona Girona and Tortosa The Country about the City was equally divided among the Prelates Gentlemen and Councils of such Cities as were assisting in carrying on the Siege Also the Knights of S. John and the Templers had their Quota To 380 Horse was assign'd a particular share on account that they should defend the Frontiers 100 of 'em doing Duty every four Months Because the City was not naturally strong and the Walls were batter'd the King raised a new Wall larger than the former and square with 12 Gates 3 towards each quarter of the World New Laws were also given to the Inhabitants Thus Zaen the Moorish King lost the Kingdom he had wrongfully Usurped for no Power unjustly acquir'd can be lasting Great was the Joy for this Success throughout all Spain and it was the greater for that scarce any Gentleman of Note was lost in the Expedition Only D. Artal de Alagon who seeing the Moors go down the Wind had return'd to his Allegiance and together with Raymund Folch Viscount of Cardona took Villena in a Skirmish with the Moors near Saix was killed with a Stone This was the conclusion of the Conquest of Valencia Whilst the Aragonians were busie in this War the Navarrois committed not the least Hostility Theobald Earl of Champagne was their King as has been said above This King being ambitious of Honour and zealous of God's Glory and his Kingdom enjoying Peace agreed with the Earls Henry of Bari Peter of Berteigno and Aymerick of Montfort to go over with their Forces to the Holy-Land All things being in a readiness on their part the Genoeses failed sending a Fleet to transport them They took their Journey by Land thro' Germany Hungary and Thracia and passed over the Streight of Constantinople In Cilicia about the Passes of Mount Taurus they were in great danger being attack'd by vast numbers of Turks so that scarce the third part of the Army that set out reach'd the City Antioch and those that did sick and worn out with their long march Their Success in Palestine was answerable to the beginning very few return'd home The French Historians place this Expedition of King Theobald 10 Years later when S. Luis their King went to the Holy-Land But that cannot be because Roderick the Archbishop mentions this Action of Theobald and his History reaches but five Years after the Conquest of Valencia besides that he was dead before S. Luis set out for the Holy-War THE History of SPAIN The Thirteenth BOOK CHAP. I. The taking of many Towns by the Christians The Kingdom of Murcia surrendred to King Ferdinand His Marriage Salamanca made an Vniversity 20000 Moors defeated by the Christians THE two Kings of Spain Jayme and Ferdinand tho' they were before famous for their Valour and other Vertues became now much more Renown'd for the taking of Cordova and Valencia Several Embassies were sent them by Foreign Princes Congratulating their Success and exhorting them to root out the Moors now reduced almost to extremity Nevertheless the War ceased for some time for the King of Aragon had made a Truce and soon after went to Montpelier King Ferdinand was Celebrating his Nuptials at Burgos Queen Berengaria his Mother had concluded a Match for him with the Lady Joanna Daughter of Simon Earl of Poitiers and Adeloyde his Wife Grandchild of Luis King of France and Elizabeth the Daughter of Alonso the Emperor By her the King had Issue Ferdinand Sirnamed Poitiers Luis and Ellenor After the Solemnities were perform'd both King and Queen took a Progress thro' the Kingdoms of Leon and Castile He used to give access to all Men and hear their Business not only in publick Audiences but even in his Closet which gain'd him the affections of all his People Being come
to Toledo he sent a great Sum of Money to Cordova to relieve the Inhabitants who suffer'd want the Country about them lying still waste A Bushel of Wheat was worth 12 Maravedies and a Bushel of Barly 4 which in that Age was an extrordinary rate In the following Year 1239. we find there were two Eclypses of the Sun one on the 3d of June being Friday when the Sun at Noon day was so darkned as if it had been night The other on the 25th of the same Month as Bernard Guido an Aragonian Historian writes But there must be some mistake in this last for there could not be a Conjunction of the Sun and Moon at that time and nothing else can cause an Eclypse of the Sun Pliny affirms the Eclypse of the Moon cannot return till the 5th Month and that of the Sun till the 7th That Year was unlucky to Castile for the Death of two Notable Men. These were D. Lope de Haro to whom succeeded his Son James and D. Alvaro de Castro who made good our Party in Andaluzia This Gentleman perceiving the evil posture of Affairs went to Toledo to acquaint the King with it and being upon his return dy'd by the way at Orgaz During his absence 50 Soldiers under the Command of Alonso de Meneses D. Alvaro's Kinfman went out of the Castle of Martos to plunder Albamar chosen King of Arjona in the place of Abenhut having notice of that advantage laid Siege to the Castle D. Alvaro's Lady caus'd all the Women to Arm themselves and cast Stones from the Wall making show as if they had been Soldiers Thus they defended themselves till D. Alonso and his Company having Intelligence of their danger return'd and being encourag'd by one James Perez de Vargas of Toledo fought their way thro' the Enemy They being entred the Moorish King raised the Siege for want of Provisions The loss of those two great Men not a little perplex'd the King who upon it set out from Burgos travelling with all speed towards Cordova With him went his two Sons Alonso and Ferdinand Princes excellently qualified and now at age to bear Arms. At the same time King Jayme went to Montpellier to try if he could raise some Money in that City which he stood in need of no less than he of Castile besides he design'd to quiet that City then divided into Factions and punish the Mutiniers He compassed both his Designs Albamar the Moorish King to his other Dominions by the consent of the People joyn'd the famous City Granada and this was the beginning of that Kingdom which lasted till the age of our Grandfathers At Murcia the Citizens in hatred to Alhamar chose for their King one Humiel which gave occasion to the mortal Enmity that continu'd many Years betwixt those two Cities The Moors of Andaluzia tired out the Christians with false Alarms and Ambushes but would never come to a Battle On the contrary the King's Forces took from them many Towns Cities and Castles Among these were of Note Ezija Estepa Lucena Porcuna Marchena Cabra Ossuna and Vaena Places of less note are not worth nameing some of them were given to the Knights of Santiago and Calatrava and some to the Prelates and Nobles who serv'd the King in those Expeditions These losses put the Moors into the greatest consternation imaginable One of the Family of the Almohades whose Name is not known came now over out of Africk hoping to raise himself a Kingdom by revenging the harm done his Nation by the Christians but by some Policy he was taken tho' the manner or place where it was done is not set down in any History King Ferdinand having concluded a Truce for one Year with Albamar King of Granada after he had spent 13 Months in this Expedition return'd now to Toledo where his Wife and Mother receiv'd him with great Joy for his many Victories Thence he went to Burgos and translated the University of Palencia Founded by his Grandfather King Alonso to Salamanca He was induc'd to make this change by the conveniency of this City for Schollars the River Tormes coming up to it and supplying it with all Necessaries Besides this he had another reason which was to oblige the Kingdom of Leon within whose Limits Salamanca stands His Father Alonso King of Leon had there laid some small Foundation of an University that his Subjects might not be oblig'd to go for Learning to Castile Now thro' the Bounty of his Son Ferdinand and afterwards of his Grandson Alonso a great Favourer of Learning it so increased that no place in the World affords greater Rewards of Learning or has better Salaries for the Professors of Arts and Sciences D. James de Haro Lord of Biscay about this time Revolted twice the cause not known the goodness of King Ferdinand and care of his Son Alonso still reduc'd him bestowing greater Favours on him than before Respect was had to the Services of his Ancestors and it was of evil consequence to be imploy'd in Civil Broils when there was so fair an opportunity of Extirpating the Moors These things hap'ned in the Year of our Lord 1240. The same Year in the King's absence the Garison of Valencia under the Command of William de Aguillon and other Men of Note plundred the Territory of Xativa took Rebolledo by surprize and besieg'd the Castle of Chjo which stands on the Mountains and is an Inlet to a delightful and pleasant Plain 20000 Moors came to the Relief of it who charg'd the Christians with great Resolution but were overthrown and put to flight After this Victory the Castle was taken and demolished At the King's return the Moors complained of this breach of Truce and Reparation was made them No sooner did that Truce expire but the King entring their Country took the Castle of Bayren seated in a Valley that bears Sugar and Rice as does all the Territory of Gandia Villena was also taken and Castillon but Xativa tho' Besig'd held out In the midst of these Actions the King was called away to Affairs of greater moment in France Each having setled his Kingdom in the best manner time would permit The King of Arragon prepared to depart into France and he of Castile into Andaluzia A dangerous Sickness detain'd King Ferdinand at Burgos Alonso his eldest Son was sent before to carry on the War because the Truce was almost expired and the Frontiers must be Reliev'd lest they should be in danger Alonso being come to Toledo there met him Embassadors from Hudiel King of Murcia offering him that Kingdom upon these Conditions That Hudiel being taken into the Protection of the Kings of Castile should by them be defended from all Domestick and Foreign Enemies and particulary against Alhamar King of Granada whom of himself he was not able to withstand That during his Life he should enjoy half the Revenues of that Crown These Conditions were very advantagious It was
requisite to use diligence lest the minds of those People should alter for the Moors are very inconstant Therefore the Prince set out after the Embassadors without staying to consult his Father At his Arrival all places submitting he put Garisons into them particularly into the Castle of Murcia Revenues were assign'd all the chief of the Moors Only the Cities Lorca formerly call'd Eliocrota Cartagena and Mula would not submit to the Christians It was tedious to force them and Prince Alonso had not a sufficient Power therefore he returned with all speed towards his Father who being recover'd was come as far as Toledo and desiring to gain the Affections of the Moors resolv'd to visit that new Kingdom There is extant a Grant sign'd by the King of Murcia to the Church of S. Mary of Valpuesta Thence the King and his Son Alonso were called away upon urgent Affairs to Burgos At the same time Berengaria the King's Daughter became a Nun at Huelgas Jayme King of Aragon having recommended the Government of his Kingdom to D. Ximeno Bishop of Taraçona was now at Monpelier Thither the Earls of Toulouze and Provence came to visit him on pretence of Friendship but in reality to treat about a Divorce betwixt the Earl of Toulouze and his Wife Sancha King Jayme's Aunt The reason was because Joanna that Earl's Daughter and Heiress he having no Issue Male would convey her Father's Dominions to her Husband Alonso Earl of Poitiers Brother to Luis King of France King Jayme lest so considerable a Principality should fall into the hands of the French sought some colour for a Divorce that the Earl of Toulouze Marrying again might have Issue Male. This was contrary to the Agreement we mention'd above was made at Paris Therefore in order to oppose the power of France these three Princes concluded a League on the 5th of June in the Year 1241. The same Year dy'd Pope Gregory IX Celestin IV. succeeded him and he dying within 17 days Innocent IV. was chosen after the Chair had been void six Months In the time of these Popes Hugo a Dominican and Cardinal famous for his great Learning writ large Commentaries on the Holy Scripture He was the first that attempted to write the Concordance of the Bible a Work almost infinite yet he compassed it by the help of 500 Monks The like was afterwards imitated by the Hebrews and Greeks and is a great help to Learned Men. CHAP. II. A Defeat of the Christians who recover and are successful take Jaen and many other Places The King of Granada made Tributary King Sancho II. of Portugal Expell'd his Kingdom by his Rebellious Subjects THE War in Andaluzia was not prosecuted with any Vigour King Ferdinand being full of other cares Roderick Alfonso of Leon the King's Bastard Brother making an Incursion into the Territory of Granada was defeated by the Moors Several Persons of Note and a great number of Soldiers being kill'd in the Action This Success encouraged the Moorish King to waste our Frontiers no Body offering to oppose him King Ferdinand being advertiz'd hereof order'd his Son Alonso speedily to secure the Kingdom of Murcia resolving himself to march for Andaluzia Being come to Andujar he ravaged the Territories of Arjona and Jaen then in the hands of the Moors Arjona soon after was taken from them and other Towns of less note in that Neighbourhood Thence the King sent his Brother Alonso Lord of Molina with a good Army who plundred all the Lands of Granada and encamped before the City King Ferdinand believing the Moors would gather from all parts to relieve that place marched thither with greater Forces A mighty Army of infidels was there put to the Rout. Yet the City could not be taken for that it was strongly Fortisied well provided and had a great Multitude of Inhabitants Besides that at the same time Advice was brought that the Gazules a powerful Party among the Moors had Besieged Martos This mov'd the King to send his Brother Alonso and the Master of Calatrava before with part of the Army to relieve the Besieged but the Moors staid not for their coming Thus much the King thought might suffice for the present and therefore he returned to Cordova with his Army entire in the Year 1242. Prince Alonso his Son was no less Fortunate in Murcia and of the three Cities we said before would not submit he took Mula by force and then wasted all the Lands of Carthagena and Lorca in such manner that they meditated a Surrender To Sancho Maçuelos for his good Service in this War the Prince gave the Town of Alcaudete near Bugorra From him descends the Noble Family of the Earls of Alcaudete in Castile Winter drawing on the King went to Poçuelo where his Mother expected him to treat about important Affairs she being now near the end of her days He spent 45 days with her in that Town after which the Queen returned to Toledo and the King to Anduxar at the beginning of the Year 1243. The Queen Consort remained at Cordova All the Lands about Jaen and Alcala Sirnamed Bençayde were wasted by the King in Person Illora was burnt and he marched in sight of the City Granada D. Pelayo Correa Master of Santiago who had done good service under Prince Alonso in Murcia came now to Andaluzia and persuaded the King to lay Siege to Jaen which had been often attempted and always without Success Great difficulties seem'd to obstruct this undertaking as the greatness of the Garison plenty of Provisions within and natural strength of the Place which hindred the applying of Engines for battery That City is seated at the side of a craggy Mountain stretching out in length betwixt the East and South not so broad as long is plentifully supply'd with Water of several Springs and the River Guadalquivir runs three Leagues distant from it It was stored with all Necessaries and well Garison'd besides its natural strength Pelayus's Constancy prevailed beyond all these difficulties All things were provided and the Siege opened yet many days were spent and no advance made It fell out that the Faction of the Oysimeles at Granada Mutiny'd which brought that King into great danger of losing his Kingdom and Life In this condition no Refuge was left him but among the Christians wherefore having obtain'd a Pass he came to the Camp of King Ferdinand He offered to serve him faithfully if he would take him into his Protection and in token of submission kissed his hand A League and Friendship was established betwixt them upon the following Articles That Jaen be immediately delivered That the Revenue of the Kingdom of Granada be equally divided betwixt the two Kings it was then valued at 170000 Ducats a Year That the Moorish King as Homager be obliged when summoned to come to the Cortes or Parliament That this League be Offensive and Defensive Thus the Treaty being concluded the City was surrendred and
that of Leon Beautiful and that of Sevil Great The Revenue of the Church is 30000 Ducats the Archbishops 120000 the Canons and other Dignities proportionably The Country is plain pleasant and fruitful A great part is planted with Olive-trees which produce large and pleasant Fruit thence sent to other parts It has so great a Trade and the Farmers are so numerous and rich that in the time of the Moors in Olive-Orchards call'd Axarase there were 100000 Cottages and Oil-Mills which number tho' it seem incredulous we have the Authority of King Alonso the Wise's History to testifie it The concourse of Strangers is greater than could be imagin'd especially since the Trade with the West-Indies All these things stirr'd up King Ferdinand to undertake the Conquest of so important a place Axatafe King of Sevil was not unprovided but gather'd Forces not only of his own but out of Africk and laid in great stores of Arms and Provisions All things being plentifully provided for the carrying on a long Siege King Ferdinand mov'd from Alcala Guadayra where he had spent some time and sate down before Sevil on the 25th of August in the Year 1247. The King himself Encamp'd on the Bank of the River below the City by the Fields of Tablada D. Pelayo Perez Correa Master of Santiago took his post on the other side the River in a Village called Aznalfarache to oppose Abenjafon King of Niebla who was possessed of all the Towns in that Neighbourhood Many Sallies were made by the Moors to obstruct carrying on the Works but no consiedrable Action hap'ned It was the chief care to guard all the Avenues as well the River as the Land and the Soldiers ceased not to plunder all the Country Carmona streightned with these losses surrendred Nothing was omitted by the Besieged that might endamage the Christians especially they attempted several times with Artificial Fire-works to burn our Fleet but the great Vigilance of the Admiral Boniface disappointed all their designs D. Pelayo Correa Master of Santiago and D. Lorenco Suarez did great service during the Siege Above all things incredible are related of Garci Perez Vargas of Toledo and being such they are not worthy to have a place here Mean while Prince Alonso the King's Son being invited to it by the Townsmen design'd to possess himself of Xativa in the Kingdom of Valencia and did actually take Enguerra a dependance of Xativa The King of Aragon justly provok'd by these Proceedings took Villena and 6 other Towns in the Limits of Castile having Brib'd the Governours Besides at the beginning of the Year 1248. he took from the Moors a Town called Bugerra in the same Territory These Misunderstandings seem'd to threaten greater and worse Consequences therefore Prince Alonso who was inclin'd to Moderation resolv'd upon a Conference with the King of Aragon and accordingly they met at Almizra a Town belonging to that King There by the Mediation of the Queen of Aragon and D. James de Haro with other great Men all matters were adjusted the Towns wrongfully taken restor'd on both sides and the Limits and Conquests of each Party assign'd By this Contract Almansa Sarasulla and the River Cabriolo were allotted to Murcia to Valencia Biara Saxona Alarca and Finestrato All things being setled the Princes parted King Jayme laid Siege to Xativa and had it surrendred to him towards the end of the Summer This City stands in a pleasant Country near the Mouth of the River Xucar Prince Alonso and D. James de Haro made hast to the Siege of Sevil. Alhamar also King of Sevil joyn'd King Ferdinand with a good Body of Men and that so opportunely that the Christian Soldiers weary of so tedious a Siege were about abandoning the Camp Sickness that began to spread among them greatly discourag'd them Winter was spent and no great advance made King Ferdinand himself tired with so many difficulties was dubious whether to raise or continue the Siege The Besieged in a Sally having burnt our Engines and overturn'd the Works now scoffed at our Men from the Walls Nevertheless the Siege was continued with so much the more resolution because fresh Supplies came daily into the Camp Thither repaired the Bishops D. John Arias of Santiago but falling Sick made no stay D. Garcia of Cordova D. Sancho of Coria also the Masters of Calatrava and the Princes Frederick and Henry besides a great number of Nobles It was hard by reason of the greatness of the City to secure all the Avenues tho' they were strictly watched Boniface the Admiral desiring to destroy the Bridge provided two great Ships which with the Flood and a strong Westerly Wind with full Sails so violently bore upon it that the Chains which held the Boats could not withstand the force of the shock Thus the Bridge was cut off on the 3d of May to the great Joy of the Army Flush'd with this Success the Soldiers on a sudden gave an onset on all sides labouring to make a Breach with all sorts of Instruments so resolutely that the Besieged were in great danger Their resolution and the strength of the Walls overcame the labour of the Christians Provisions beginning to fail and no hopes of Relief appearing the Citizens at first in Whispers began to talk of a Surrender soon after it became the publick Discourse and at last they demanded a Parly The Commissioners sent out to treat were for submitting to any Conditions except delivering the City and the King would hearken to nothing less than a Surrender Whilst the Treaty lasted a Truce was concluded upon At first they offer'd to pay the same they had always done to the Miramamolines This offer being rejected they proposed to deliver the third part and then half the City to be separated from the rest by a Wall over and above those Revenues King Ferdinand admitting of no Proposal less than the surrender of the City at last they came to this Conclusion That the Moorish King with all the Inhabitants carrying all their Goods might freely depart whither they pleased That excepting Sanlucar Aznalfarache and Niebla all other Towns and Castles depending on Sevil should be delivered up A Month was allow'd for performance of Articles The Castle was presently deliver'd up and on the 27th of November 100000 Moors Men Women and Children marched out of the City Some went over into Africk the rest were dispersed into other Towns and Cities in Spain This Siege lasted 16 Months during which time the Camp was like a City all things being there plentifully sold in Shops regularly disposed and Smiths Carpenters and other necessary Trades continually working On the 22d of December the King in great State entred the City and heard Mass in the Cathedral which to that purpose had been Blessed by Gutierre late Elect Archbishop of Toledo in the place of John who dy'd on the 23d of July Raymund de Losana was chosen Archbishop of the new City Sevil
Learning gained him renown This moved the Electoral Princes of Germany after the Death of the Emperor William to choose him his Successor But they did not all consent for the Archbishops of Cologne and Mentz and the Count Palatine Elected Richard Duke of Cornwal Brother to Henry King of England This Election was made on the 6th of January in the Year 1256 some say two Years later The Archbishop of Treves and Duke of Saxony looking upon the other as invallid on the last day of March following made choice of King Alonso Embassadors were sent to them both and both took the Title of Emperors but Richard had so much the advantage that he immediately went over into Germany and was Crowned the first time at Aquisgran by the Archbishop of Cologne King Alonso was hindred by his Domestick troubles and forced to put off his departure This delay gave time to his party to cool in their Affections and the other to strengthen it self Richard seemed to have the better Title being chosen within the Year after the Death of his Predecessor and on the day appointed for the Election and also for that within the space of another Year he was Crowned at Aquisgran by the Archbishop of Cologne and seated in the Chair of Charlemaigne in token of possession Besides the Princes and Governours did him Homage All these Circumstances pleaded for Richard's right whereas King Alonso had performed none of the usual Ceremonies Both the Elector Palatine and King of Bohemia who are the Umpires when there is any thing depending had declared for Richard On the other side King Alonso pleaded that he was Elected according to Custom within the City Walls That the Archbishop of Cologne and the Palatine came with great Military Power as it were to force the others and had made a Separate Election without the Town That the Princes in the City had waited so long to reduce them to observe Order and at length the Archbishop of Treves with the Duke of Saxony who had also the Marques of Bradenburgh's Voice had Elected King Alonso the King of Bohemia's Embassador joining with them Besides these formal reasons they exprobrated Crimes to each other one side said The Archbishop of Treves was Excommunicated for oppressing his Subjects with Taxes The other objected he of Cologne had Wounded the Pope's Legate and stricken a Bishop and that the Elector Palatine abused the Churchmen and in the late Confusions had joyned with the Emperor against the Pope King Alonso being far off was detained by many troubles at home besides that he was naturally unconstant and hoped by some Artifice to put an end to that debate Richard was hindred by the Wars at that time betwixt England and France and dy'd the 6th Year after he took the Title of Emperor The end of this contest shall be told in its place CHAP. VI. Aragon and Castile at variance and reconcil'd Sancho King of Portugal dies in Exile Death of the Queen and Prince of Aragon Portugal under an Interdict Marriages of the King of Navarre and Prince of Aragon KING Alonso was naturally Mild had a great Spirit sought Glory rather than Pleasure addicted himself to Learning yet was very inconstant and covetous which drew upon him the hatred of the People and he neglected to gain the Love of the Nobility To shun idleness the ground of all intestine troubles he invaded Andaluzia his Army divided into several Bodies the better to recover divers places the Moors still possessed He in Person took Xeres his Brother Henry Arcos and Nebrixa a Town near the mouth of the River Guadalquivir D. Nun̄o de Lara was appointed Governour of Xerez Now might the Moors have been expell'd all that Country had not another War called away the King Theobald the second King of Navarre being come to Age with the assistance of the King of Aragon with whom he had renewed the League before made resolved to invade Castile pretending that Guipuscoa Alava Rioja and Briviesca belonged to his Crown and had been wrongfully taken from his Predecessors Many Nobles of Castile went over to Aragon and Navarre having first by a publick instrument renounced their Country which was the Custom used then not to be thought Traytors These stirred up and incensed that Young Prince Among them the chief was James de Haro who soon dy'd at Ban̄ares whether he went to be Cur'd Yet his Son Lope de Haro with a great retinue went to Estela where the King of Aragon then was The same did Prince Henry being much disgusted with his Brother These Princes made a League among themselves The People of Castile tho' they had not declared were of the same Opinion They were offended at the baseness of the Coin which caused all things to grow dear and the King having set rates upon all things there ensued a great scarcity because those who had stocks would not sell at that rate King Alonso understanding his danger began to Treat of some Accommodation with the King of Aragon who was not averse to it being again tho' old entangled in the Love of D. Teresa Vidaura to such a degree that he seemed infatuated At Soria the two Kings met and concluded a Peace in the Year 1256. At the same time Marguerite Mother of Theobald King of Navarre dy'd in Champagne whether she went to settle the affairs of that Earldom She was buryed in the Monastery of Claravelle then Famous for the Sanctity of its Monks The following Year dy'd at Toledo Sancho Capelo King of Portugal as Garibay in his History relates but Duarte Nun̄ez will have his Death to have happen'd in the Year 1246. His Brother Alonso who had Governed the Kingdom Thirteen Years only as Regent now took the Title of King He had by Beatrix Daughter to the King of Castile Denis his eldest Son Alonso Earl of Portalegre Blanch who lies bury'd at Huelgas where she was long Abbess and Constance who dy'd Young At this time Henry the King's Brother stirred up both the Moors and Christians at Nebrixa whether he was withdrawn to Rebellion D. Nun̄o de Lara having notice of it repaired thither from Sevil and Prince Henry not being able to oppose him fled by Sea to Valencia The King of Aragon at first received him favourably but for fear of infringing the Treaty concluded with his Brother obliged him to take his flight into Africk Thence after four Years spent at Tun̄ez he went over poor and miserable into France and so into Italy desiring to make War on his Brother if any Prince would support him The King of Aragon having setled Valencia passed over to Mompellier designing to meet the King of France On the 11th of May in the Year 1258. they met at Carbolio and were perfectly reconciled both parties freely resigning what had been before taken on either side Catalonia and Barcelona were also declared wholly independent of the Crown of France for till that
time they had acknowledged a certain dependance tho' it was only in form To make this Alliance the firmer a match was concluded betwixt Philip the King of France his eldest Son and Elizabeth the King of Aragon's Youngest Daughter he giving her the Towns of Carcassonne and Bezieres for a Portion This Year there hap'ned extraordinary Floods which continued from August till the 26th of December the Rivers swelling beyond their Banks and doing infinite harm Many Bridges were carry'd away and among them that at Toledo called of Alcantara But the following Year it was rebuilt as appears by the Inscription on the first Arch of the Bridge Spain was now somewhat quiet considering how many diffierent Princes ruled it Yet some misfortunes hap'ned D. Violante Queen of Aragon and her Son-in-Law Alonso dy'd The King's extravagancies seem'd to have shortned both thier Lives Prince Alonso was troubled that his Father showed him no affection at present and by dividing his Dominions had lessen'd his Inheritance for the future This was not only grievous to the Prince but to all the Nobility who publickly espous'd his quarrel and the King not long before his Sons Death to pacify them deliver'd up Valencia to him ordaining it should be always annex'd to the Crown of Aragon The Queen was offended that D. Teresa Vidaura after she had been some time laid aside was now again so great with the King that he did nothing without her He was so infatuated that he kept her as well before as after the Queen's Death with all the State due to a Queen She twice Challeng'd the King for promise of Marriage before the Pope By her the King had Peter Lord of Ayerve and Jaime Lord of Exeriça Queen Violante was bury'd at Valbuena in Catalonia Prince Alonso in the Cathedral of Valencia Zurita a Noble Historian of Aragon writes he was interred in the Monastery of Viruela of Cistercians Theobald King of Navarre after the Death of his Mother valiantly maintained the Earldom of Champagne against many Princes of France who sought to make themselves Masters of it This done he Marry'd Elizabeth the Youngest Daughter of Luis King of France The Nuptials were Celebrated at Melun but prov'd not Fortunate in the end by reason of the Queen's Barrenness This King had a Bastard Daughter by D. Marquesa de Rada and marry'd her to Peter the King of Aragon's Bastard Son Maud Countess of Bologne understanding the Death of King Sancho of Portugal went thither by Sea to plead her right of Marriage with Alonso the present King and try whether he could be moved to do her justice She came to Cascaes not far from Lisbon but the King being nothing concern'd at her misfortunes or at a Letter she sent him was forc'd to return without seeing him The King boasted he would Marry again the next Day if he thought it were for the good of his Kingdom Maud went herself to complain of the wrong done her to S. Luis then King of France and sent Embassadors to the Pope That King was too far from Portugal to relieve her The Pope sent to warn King Alonso of the wrong he offered that Lady and how hainous an offence it was to God but he gave no Ear to his advice At length he refusing to obey the Pope excommunicated him and laid an interdict on the whole Kingdom which is said to have lasted 12 Years because that King would not mend nor the succeeding Popes abate any thing of their rigour In other cases King Alonso was of a good Temper and a great Lover of Justice He clear'd the Kingdom of Robbers which were grown Numerous through the ill Government of King Sancho He also establish'd wholesome Laws and carry'd an even hand between the Nobility and Commonalty In War-like Affairs his Government was not inferior to the Civil for he enlarg'd his Dominions taking from the Moors Faro Algezira Albufera and other Towns in the Territory of Silves Castro Estremoz and Portalegre were founded by him and the City Beja ruin'd by the Wars was rebuilt In Lisbon there is a stately Convent of Dominicans built by him and another of poor Clares at Santarem His Liberality towards the poor was such that having exhausted his Treasures he often Pawn'd his Jewels to relieve them At this time the fame of King Alonso of Castile his Learning being spread throughout the World there came to him Embassadors from the Soldan of Aegypt bringing presents of rich Germents Carpets and Tapistry as also several strange Beasts never before seen in Spain This was in the Year 1260. This same Year a Town of Guipuscoa then called Arrasata chang'd its name for that of Mondragon as appears by a Charter of King Alonso the ancientest extant in Spanish for he was the first King of Spain that caused all Publick Acts to be writ in Spanish whereas before they were all in Latin On the 27th of October 1261. dy'd D. Sancho Archbishop of Toledo Pascualis or Pascasius Dean of that Church who had carry'd the Cross before Roderick the Archbishop at the Battle of Nabas de Tolosa succeeded him Doubtless he was very old and dy'd only Elect in June following His Tomb is in the Chapel of St. Lucy in that Cathedral Frederick the Emperor dying his Son Conrade succeeded him who also four Years after ended his days in Sicily either of a natural Death or as some would have it poison'd by his Bastard Brother Manfredus This Manfredus notwithstanding Conrade had appointed a Son then a Child which he left in Germany to succeed in all his Dominions by force of Arms possess'd himself of Sicily and the Kingdom of Naples The Popes whose feof those Countries were admonish'd him to desist but he taking no notice of the Ecclesiastical Censures made War in Tuscany where the Guelphs a Faction that favoured the Pope were very powerful and overthrowing them soon became absolute Master of that Province The Pope us'd all possible means to overturn that new Kingdom Charles Earl of Anjou and Brother to Luis King of France was invited into Italy upon hope given him of being made King of Sicily On the other side Manfredus sought to obtain aid from all parts and therefore had recourse in the first place to Jayme King of Aragon offering his Daughter Constance for Wife to his eldest Son Peter This match was not displeasing to the Aragonians for besides 120000 Ducats that he offer'd down with her she was Heiress to the Kingdom of Sicily Manfredus having no Heirs Male All points being agreed upon he sent F. Raymund de Pen̄afuerte of the Order of S. Dominick Embassador to the Pope to indeavour to compose the differences betwixt him and Manfredus The Pope gave no manner of Ear to F. Raymund but utter'd threatning Speeches against Manfredus accusing him of many Crimes and affirming he would never Treat with him unless he laid down Arms and came submissively to him At the same
Exactions The Death of the King of Naples was equally pleasing to the King of Aragon and grievous to him of France To divert his Melancholy by offending his Enemies he made great Levies His Land Army amounted to 20000 Horse and 80000 Foot and at the same time he provided a Fleet of 120 Sail between great Ships Galleys and other smaller Vessels He resolv'd to go in Person to this Expedition and with him Philip and Charles his Sons and Jayme King of Majorca who follow'd the French being highly offended at the Aragonian his Brother With them also was Cardinal Gervasius sent by Pope Martin the 4th as his Legate That Pope dying at Perosa on the 29th of March Honorius the IVth a Citizen of Rome of the Family Sabela was chosen in his Place and took the Part of the French no less than his Predecessor had done The Army Rendevouz'd at Narbonne and thence march'd towards Perpignan This Town was surrendred to King Jayme and admitted the French The Example was followed by all the Towns of Russillon and that Neighbourhood except one call'd Genova which in hatred to King Jayme and hoping to be speedily reliev'd held out They were deceiv'd in their Expectation for the Town was taken by Assault and all the Inhabitants put to the Sword without sparing the very Buildings which were all Burnt and Destroy'd The Bastard of Russillon a Man of great Courage who was in the Town got into the Tower of the Church where King Jayme's Intercession sav'd his Life rather than the Strength or Holiness of that Place Yet he show'd his Gratitude to the French for the King of Aragon being possessed of all the Passes on the Pyrenean Mountains so that there was no hopes of getting by he conducted them through By-paths known to him till they reach'd the Tops of those Hills and Encamp'd above the Aragonians Thus the two Kings advanc'd as far as the Territory of Ampurias There they easily took several Towns particularly Peralada and Figueras without meeting any Opposition till they sat down before Girona a great and noble City â—â—sting the People formerly called Ausetani It is Seated on the side of a Hill at the Foot whereof runs the River antiently called Thici now Tera which has so wash'd away the Banks next the City that they and considerably to its Strength The Walls are well built the Towers of Stone and strong in the highest part of the City stands the Cathedral and Bishop's House a large and beautiful Fabrick Above the Cathedral is a large Tower call'd Gironela Raymund 〈◊〉 Cardona 〈◊〉 Governour of that City had added new Works and throw down all the Suburbs only 〈◊〉 the Church of S. Felix for the great Devotion of the Place and it's Antiquity His Valour and Industry was great so that he several times but 〈…〉 of the French 〈…〉 mind their Works The King of Aragon was not far off but being too weak to give the Enemy Battel sought some Opportunity of gaining an Advantage and putting Relief into the Town It had been three Months Besieg'd when Sancho King of Castile sent Martin Bishop of Calahorra and Gonuz Garçia de Toledo Abbot of Valladolia his Embassadors to compose these Differences They were sent back with many Reproaches having scares seen the King of France It was reported King Sancho wanted not Good Will to assist the Aragonians but that he was taken up with the War in Andaluzia where 〈◊〉 Moors as was said before had â—â—y'd Siege to Xerez de la Frontera King Sancho was my of putting all to the hazard of a 〈◊〉 and therefore only pass'd between Sevil and Nebrixa always in a Readiness to cut off the Parties of Moors that made Incursions into the Country Thus after a Siege of 6 Months the Moors raised their Camp from before Xerez being iâ—â—ent of all Necessaries and fearing lest King Sancho should offer them Battel After they had pass'd the River Guadalete rather in the nature of Flight than a Retreat one ask'd of the Moorish King the Reason why he show'd so much 〈◊〉 and he answer'd I am the first that rais'd the Family of Bar-ameda to the Regal Dignity my Enemy is descended from above 40 Kings which in Battle would have been a great Terror to me and a mighty Incouragement to him This seem'd to be a good Opportunity to pursue the Infidels but King Sancho was for the safest rather than dangerous Counsels Therefore having repair'd and revictuall'd Xerez he return'd 〈◊〉 notwithstanding the Souldiers muttered they lost a great Opportunity of destroying â—â— Enemy Embassadors pass'd betwixt the two Kings and at last they had a Meeting of the Banks of Guadalquivir others say at Râ—â—aserrada There it was agreed the King of Morocco should thy 1000000 of Maravedies a 〈…〉 that had not always the same Value towards the Charges of the War and thus it ended Many Persons of Note were disgusted at this Peace particularly Prince John the Kings Brother and D. Lope Diaz de Haro who both withdrew out of Sevil and went away to their own Lordships Not long after dy'd the King of Morocco and left his Son Joseph to succeed him Let us return to the Siege of Girona The King of Aragon desiring to cut off the Provisions that were brought to the French Army from the Port of Roses resolv'd to lay an Ambush in a convenient Place by the Way This design being discover'd by Spies Rodulphus 〈…〉 France and John Marshal de Harcourt with the Earl of Marche went to the Place where the Ambush was lay'd with only 300 Horse On the 15th of August the Parties met and there ensu'd a desperate Fight The Aragonians were the greater Number but the French made the 〈…〉 Bravery and Dexterity The King did all that could be expected of a wise Commandeâ— and resolute Souldier He was hurt in the Head and endeavouring then to get off a 〈◊〉 Man seized his Horses Reins and had taken him had he not with his Sword cut the Râ—ins and fled This writes Villancus who gave occasion to others to commit the same Error For all the 〈◊〉 of Aragon affirm the King came off without hurt that the Number of the Stain was 〈◊〉 both Sides tho' the French were Masters of the Field Thus 〈…〉 Authors to vary The Season being very hot brought the Plague into the 〈…〉 Camp and yet the Besieg'd hearing of this Defeat and having no hopes of Relief 〈…〉 Condition they should be suffer'd to depart whither they pleas'd and to take 〈…〉 as much of their Goods as they were able to carry Much Cruelty was us'd 〈◊〉 them that Surrendred and even the Churches were Profan'd The Sepulcher of S. Narcissus who is Patrâ—â— of that City and theâ— reverenc'd with singular Devotion was spoil'd of all the Riches belonging to it which were very considerable and carry'd away The Plague increas'd which was look'd upon as a Judgment for that Sacriledge and 〈◊〉 the French resolving
tho he had an Obligation laid upon him to continue Loyal favour'd the Enemy Prince Henry grown Peevish by his long Imprisonment and us'd to Evil Practices studied how to get the Government into his Hands and look'd upon it as an Affront that the late King had made no mention of him in his Will He first held Private Cabals at Berlanga then beginning to act more openly many Towns declar'd for him and particularly the Royal City Burgos The Cortes or Parliament Assembled at Valladolid where the Nobility declar'd so much in Favour of Prince Henry that tho' the King and Queen 〈◊〉 thither they would not admit them into the City till it was late and they had left their Retinue behind Here it was resolv'd that Prince Henry should govern the Kingdom and the Queen have the Education of the King to whom nevertheless they all again took the Oath of Allegiance King Sancho by his Will left the Lordship of Biscay as gain'd in War to his Son Prince Henry James Lopez de Haro broke into that Province by the way of Navarre and made himself Master of all Places except Balmaseda and Ordun̄a The Two Brothers of the House of Lara laying aside their Enmity with the House of Haro joyn'd with him in Hatred to Prince Henry who they could not endure should Govern the Kingdom contrary to the King's Will which nam'd one of them Prince John the King's Uncle who had stay'd till then in Africk came into the Kingdom of Granada aiming at the 〈◊〉 of Castile thinking he had a better Title than his Brother King Sancho for that the present King Ferdinand was not Born in lawful Wedlock It was wonderful to see how many Revolted upon this account which gave him an opportunity of seizing Alcantara and other Places on the Borders of Portugal King Denis of Portugal was so earnest for him that at the time the Cortes were held at Valladolid he sent to declare against Castile A great Storm threatned on that side but no less was on the other for at Bordalva in the Territory of Hariza the King of Aragon and D. Alonso de Cerda who stiled himself King of Castile and Leon met There on the 21th of January 1296 they agreed upon the following Articles That they joyn their Forces in order to restore D. Alonso to his Grandfathers Kingdom That the Kingdom of Murcia be given to the King of Aragon The Kingdom of Leon Galicia and Sevil to Prince John Cuenca Alarcon Moya and Can̄ete to Prince Peter of Aragon for his Service as General of that Expedition In this League were included Queen Violante Grandmother to D. Alonso the King of France Portugal and Granada and soon after D. John de Lara in hopes of recovering 〈…〉 On the other side through the Queens Industry D. James de Haro was reconcil'd the King and all the Estate of D. John de Lara who was gone to the Aragonians added his Lordship of Biscay By these means other Great Men were gain'd particularly D. John Alonso de Haro giving him Cameros which he had a Right to The Army of Aragon under the Command of D. Alonso de la Cerda and Prince Peter of Aragon entred Castile in April at Baltanas Prince John and D. John Nun̄z de Lara joyn'd them They march'd without any lett as far as the City Leon formerly great and rich then poor and unprovided and therefore was easily surrendred the sooner for that some Citizens held Correspondence with the Enemy There Prince John was proclaim'd King of Leon Galicia and Sevil. Soon after D. Alonso de la Cerda was in the same manner proclaim'd King of Castile at Sahagun Thence they march'd and laid Siege to Mayorga which is Five Leagues from Sadagun the Town being Strong and well Garrison'd defended it self bravely and the Siege lasted till August Mean while the Cortes or Parliament was summoned to meet at Valladolid The first that appear'd was Prince Henry who as soon as he alighted without changing his Riding Apparel went to the Queen then at Mass in the Castle After the usual Reverence with a feign'd Sorrow he laid before her the Danger of the Kingdom and urg'd how little Defence there was in a Woman a Child and an Old Man Then advis'd her to Marry the Prince of Aragon by whom she might be Protected and the Crown defended The Queen put him away with signs of Displeasure affirming She would rely on God and not use any dishonourable Means for her Preservation Thus Prince Henry's Design fell to the Ground About 4000 Horse were levy'd but Prince Henry could not be prevail'd upon to March with them and raise the Siege of Mayorga excusing himself with the War in Andaluzia Yet they March'd to Zamora to settle that Place then wavering in it's Duty to the King The length of the Siege allay'd the Fury of the Besiegers and the Heat of the Weather together with the Want of all Necessaries caus'd much Sickness among them These things and the Death of their General Prince Peter of Aragon oblig'd them to return home much weaker than they set out At their first entring Castile they consisted of 1000 Men at Arms and 50000 Souldiers The King of Aragon at the same time had better Success in Murcia for he took the City of that Name and all other Places about it except the Towns of Lorca Alcala and Mula which held out for King Ferdinand In all these Dangers and Troubles Prince Henry who govern'd Castile acted nothing for either side but seem'd to stand Neuter so that he oblig'd not the Enemy and drew on himself the Hatred of all Men who laid the Blame of all the Loss sustain'd to his Charge The Queen wink'd at these Practices of the Prince but some Men of Note did not spare to upbraid him therewith The Chief of these was Alonso Perez de Gusman who bravely defended the Frontiers of Andaluzia and more than any oppos'd the Designs of Prince Henry With a Body of Men he gather'd the Prince march'd to Andaluzia lest he should be thought altogether Idle and in a Skirmish he had with the Moors near Arjona was defeated and in great danger of being taken his Reins being Cut so that he could not guide his Horse Alonso Perez de Gusman in that danger furnish'd him with another Horse on which he escap'd After this Rencounter a Treaty of Peace was propos'd to the Moors The King of Granada demanded Tarifa offering in lieu of it 22 Castles 20000 Crowns in ready mony and to advance the usual Tribute of Four Years Prince Henry approv'd of these Conditions because of the present Necessities and want of Mony Alonso Perez de Gusman violently oppos'd it This difference was heighten'd to such a degree that the Moors being joyn'd by some Christians laid Siege to that City Alonso de Gusman had not a sufficient Force his Men deserted and those were his Enemies who ought to have protected him In
this Condition he resolv'd to have recourse to Foreigners The King of Portugal was a declar'd Enemy of Castile therefore he resolv'd to try whether the King of Aragon would relieve him To this purpose he wrote to him begging his Assistance and pondering how great a Service it was to Christendom and how much Honour would redound to him by so Noble an Action The King of Aragon answer'd extolling his Loyalty but as to Relief said he could send none for that he had but just before concluded a Peace with the Moors and could not in Honour break his word Another War broke out at the same time from Portugal That King march'd with his Army as far as Salamanca Prince John King Ferdinand's Uncle and D. John NunÌ„ez de Lara joyn'd him after the Aragonian Army return'd home Having consulted what was best to be done it was thought expedient to Besiege Valladolid where King Ferdinand was With this Resolution they advanc'd to Simancas within Two Leagues of that City There many Gentlemen deserted the Portuguese Camp looking upon it as a shameful thing that a King should be Besieg'd by his Subjects The King of Portugal fearing lest the rest should do the same and securing the Passes he might find it difficult to return home besides Winter drawing on march'd hastily to Medina del Campo and thence to Portugal dismissing his Army The Forces the Queen had prepared for this War went by her Order to Besiege the Town of Paredes Nothing was done there for that Prince Henry with the Forces he had gather'd in Castile and the Kingdom of Toledo prevented their Design He pretended it was not proper to disturb the Cortes or Parliament then Sitting by bringing the War so near to them but in truth he was disgusted with the King and favour'd his Enemies The Queen dissembled and endeavour'd to gain him by Favours giving him at that same time the Towns of Santislevaâ— de Gormaz and 〈…〉 By the same means she drew to her D. John NunÌ„ez de Lara tho' no Confidence â—ould be reposed in him for he would have gone over to the Aragonians had they given him the Town of Albarazin The Cortes were held at Valladolid in the beginning of the year 1297. and there being great scarcity of Mony all Places promis'd to furnish a great Sum which they afterwards perform'd At the same time by the Valour of John Alonso de Haro the Navarrois were put to Flight who had surpriz'd part of the Town of Najara designing to recover those Parts they had old Pretensions to and particularly the Territory of Rioja D. Jayme King of Aragon at Rome whither he was call'd by the Pope was Proclaim'd King of Sardinia and Corsica Thither went from Sicily Constance his Mother Violante his Sister Roger Lauria the Admiral and John Prochita A Match was concluded betwixt the Lady Violante and Robert Duke of Calabria Heir to the Kingdom of Naples The Nuptials were perform'd with great State Pope Boniface himself officiating King Frederick prepar'd to defend the Kingdom which had been given him by so general a Consent of the People War was declar'd against him as the disturber of the Peace of Christendom and his Brother the King of Aragon appointed Generalissimo All things being thus order'd the King of Aragon return'd home to prepare for the War Rogor Lauria was sent to Naples to serve that King Queen Constance and John Prochita weary of so many Troubles and pitying the unfortunate State of Sicily stay'd at Rome Some say they both dy'd there but most Authors agree she ended her days Five Years after at Barcelona and was buried in the Monastery of St. Francis where there is a Tomb to this day with an Inscription and her Name CHAP. II. Peace betwixt Castile and Portugal setled by the means of double Allyances betwixt those Princes The Progress of the Wars in Sicily The Jubilee first instituted Bilbao Built and Prince John reconcil'd to the King THE King of Aragon being return'd home the Towns of Lerida Vlia Filera and Salvatierra were restored to the Crown of Navarre in pursuance of the Articles made at Agnani not fulfill'd till then Alonso Ronco a Frenchman was Viceroy of Navarre in the year 1298. The City Albarazin was taken from the King of Aragon's Bastard Brother and restor'd to D. John de Lara on pretence of doing him Justice but indeed to draw over that powerful Man D. John took the Oath of Fidelity to the King at Valencia on the 7th day of April This the King of Aragon did to strengthen himself to invade at once Castile and Sicily Attempts too great for his Power The King of Sicily forsaken on all sides was most exposed to Ruin He of Castile was reconcil'd to the King of Portugal by the means of two Matches that were concluded The one was betwixt King Ferdinand and Constance the Daughter of King Denis tho' she was under Age. They were Contracted with great Solemnity at Alcaniz a Town on the Borders of Portugal and the Publick Joy was the greater for that Blanch King Ferdinand's Sister was Marry'd to Prince Alonso Son and Heir to King Denis tho' but eight years Old which was the other Match The Bride was deliver'd to her Father-in-Law and carry'd to Portugal So eager were the Castilians upon securing of Peace that tho' nothing was given in Dower by the Portuguesse with his Daughter King Ferdinand with his Sister gave the Towns of Olivença Conguela and Campo de Moya which was no small disgrace to Castile but the necessity of the Times excus'd it All the King of Portugal did was to send 300 chosen Horse under the Command of D. John de Albuquerque to serve the King of Castile against Prince John his Uncle who stil'd himself King of Leon but all this came to nothing and those Horse return'd to Portugal as they came D. Alonso de la Cerda on the other side had taken Almazan and other Towns upon the Frontiers of Aragon and Garrison'd them Siguença was Attack'd by D. John de Lura but defended by the Valour of the Citizens The Conspirators wanted Mony and therefore lest Provisions and the Souldiers Pay should fail they Coin'd Some but of base Allay Denis King of Portugal at the Request of his Son-in-law brought a good Body of Men to his Assistance by the way of Cuidad Rodrigo but being more inclinable to Peace than that Time would bear he return'd to Portugal dissatisfy'd The reason of his disgust was that he would have the Province of Galicia given to Prince John who call'd himself King and to his Heirs and that he should keep the City Leon during his Life The Queen and Nobility of Castile would not consent to those Conditions as dishonourable and prejudicial Upon the King of Portugal's Return some Nobles of Castile whom Fear before aw'd began to Revolt But the great Wisdom of the Queen pacify'd them giving every one as much as
he could expect to gain by Rebelling Sicily was now distress'd with War Roger Lauria serv'd the French and Fortune seem'd to incline to the Side he took Many Towns in Italy were taken by his Conduct whereupon in Sicily he was Attainted of Treason and a great Estate that had been given him for his good Services was confiscated Soon after having taken the City Cantazara in Calabria and besieging the Castle he was Overthown in Battel by a much less Number of the Enemy many of his Men slain and the rest escap'd by the Favour of the Night His too great Contempt of the Enemy and Fighting with the Sun in his Face are said to have been the Causes of this Misfortune Roger Lauria himself being wounded lurk'd about some time till he made his Escape into Aragon meditating Revenge being the more sensible of this Disgrace for that it was the first that befell him From Aragon the King and Roger Lauria set Sail with a mighty Fleet in which were no less than 80 Galleys They went directly to Rome where the Pope Blest their Standard and gave them his Benediction At Naples Robert Duke of Calabria joyn'd them with another Squadron They scour'd the Coast of Sicily where at first they found less Opposition than had been expected The City Patti and some other Places about it were taken then turning Cape Milazzo near Mecina and passing the Streight they came to the City Siracusa and laid Siege to it Whilst the Forces of Aragon were employ'd at that Siege the People of Patti ran to Arms expell'd the Garrison and besieg'd the Castle which was possess'd by the Aragonians John Lauria was sent by the King with 20 Galleys to relieve the besieg'd and furnish'd them with Provisions and all other Necessaries but as he return'd was beaten by the Mecineses who lay in wait for him with a Squadron in the Streight and he with 16 of his Galleys taken The occasion of this disaster was thus the Sicilians were better acquainted with that swelling and rapid Streight where they Fought which is betwixt Italy and Sicily Siracusa held out bravely being encouraged by King Frederick who lay not far off waiting to lay hold on any Advantage that should offer Thus the Aragonians were constrain'd to raise the Siege having lost 18000 Men by Sickness At Mecina John Lauria was try'd and condemn'd as a Traytor and had his Head cut off Roger Lauria rav'd with Passion knowing that Affront was offer'd to him but could not then seek Revenge being gone into Spain with the King of Aragon As soon as the Winter was over they both return'd to Sicily with a greater Fleet than before Robert and Philip the King of Naples his Two Sons joyn'd them by the way They sail'd together to Cape Orlando near the City Patti the Fleet consisting of 56 Galleys and a great number of other Vessels King Frederick finding his Men in Heart since their last success tho' inferiour in Strength not having above 40 Galleys resolved to Fight but was defeated several of his Galleys taken and the rest put to Flight Roger Lauria in Revenge for his Cousin us'd great Cruelty towards the Prisoners killing many of them and among others Conrade Lança a Man of Note which drew the Catalonians into great Hatred King Frederick himself was in great danger for after a Brave Defence he fainted away and yet his Men brought off his Galley which with a few others got into Mecina The King of Aragon return'd into Spain being call'd by his People but the Pope and King of Naples were offended at him That memorable Battel was fought on a Saturday being the 4th of July 1299. The same year dy'd at Rome Gonçalo Cardinal and Archbishop of Toledo as appears by the Inscription on his Tomb in the Church of St. Mary the Greater in that City D. Gonçalo the IIId his Nephew succeeded him The French who remain'd in Sicily to prosecute their Victory divided their Forces Robert and Roger Lauria laid Siege to Rendazzo a strong Place in the mid-way between Patti and Catanea Philip Duke of Taranto went with part of the Fleet to scour the Coast about Cape Trapana King Frederick came upon him so unexpectedly that he was defeated and taken Prisoner which occasion'd a Treaty of Peace and those two Nations concluded an Allyance as Fortunate as the War had been Destructive It was now the last year of this Century viz. 1300. remarkable for the Jubile first instituted by Pope Boniface who ordain'd that every hundred years there should be a full remission of sins to all those that visited the Churches of Rome Clement the VIth reduc'd it to every 50 years and afterwards Sixtus the IVth considering the shortness of Man's Life to 25. In Biscay this year was Built the famous City Bilbao on the Bank of the River Ibaisebolo two Leagues from the Sea a Place of great Trade and therefore the Inhabitants of Bermeo all remov'd thither The King of Aragon founded an University at Lerida Navarre enjoyed a perfect Peace under the Government of the Viceroy Alonso Roleedo who sent Embassadors to the Queen of Castile then at Valladolid to demand Restitution of all the Country as far as Atapuerca a Town near Burgos alledging it appertain'd to the Crown of Navarre and had been wrongfully possess'd by the Kings of Castile The Queen entertain'd the Embassadors Nobly but gave them no satisfactory Answer whereupon they repair'd to D. Alonso de la Cerda and D. John Nun̄ez de Lara who having in vain attempted Valencia were retir'd to Duen̄as D. Alonso having heard the Embassadors easily granted what he had not and D. John de Lara was sent to France to desire Succours Little was done in that matter tho' D. Alonso de la Cerda and his Brother both follow'd D. John into France for they got nothing but good words and leave to raise Men in Navarre the King of France being engaged in a War in Flanders They accordingly form'd a Body in Navarre and making an Incursion into the Territory of Calahorra were routed by D. John Alonso de Haro Lord of Cameros D. John de Lara was taken and could not be releas'd till he deliver'd up all the Towns he held for the King and took the Oath of Allegiance The King of Aragon made use of this occasion to take from him the Town of Albarazin he had before given him Prince John the King's Uncle submitted himself in the year 1301. upon these Conditions viz. That he should forbear stiling himself King and restore all Places taken during the War That he should leave the Lordship of Biscay to which he pretended a Title by his Wife to D. James Lopez de Haro That in lieu thereof the Towns of Medina de Ruyseco Castronun̄o Mansilla Paredes and Cebreros be given him to support his Dignity CHAP. III. Of Raimundus Lullus and the Master of Calatrava The Marriage of King
that Victory Some Slaves also were given him and he return'd Home with great Honour the King of Castile bearing him company as far as Caçalla de la Sierra A Present was sent to the Pope then at Avignon of 100 Horses each carrying a Cimiter and Buckler hanging at the Pummel of the Saddle 24 Colours taken from the Moors the Royal Standard and the Horse upon which King Alonso Charg'd The Cardinals came out of Town to meet John Martinez de Leyva the Embassador The Pope himself after saying a thanksgiving Mass spoke much in Commendation of King Alonso The King of Castile appointed Giles Bocanegra a Genoese Admiral giving him in Charge to secure the Streights Mouth lest the Moors should return This was done to oblige the Genoeses that they might not recal their Galleys as the Aragonians and Portugueses had tho they soon after sent them again more in Number than at first it being fear'd the Moors having recruited their Army would return in Spring This Danger being over all Mens Thoughts were bent upon wholly driving the Moors out of Spain It was requisite to raise Mony for all that was taken had been expended in Gratifying and Paying the Souldiers and the King was in great want Only the Merchants were rich the rest of the Kingdom being exhausted with Taxes At Ellerena and Madrid an extraordinary Subsidy was granted but it was small in regard of the pressing Necessities of the Crown However at the beginning of the Year 1341 the Army having Rendezvous'd at Cordova enter'd the Kingdom of Granada Some Ships were sent loaden with Provisions to divert the Enemy as if it were design'd to besiege Malaga The Moors supply'd that Place with all Necessaries and the King on a suddain set down before Alcalà la Real which surrender'd on the 26th of August upon condition the Inhabitants might freely depart After this Priego Rute Benanècir and several other Towns and Castles were taken Then the Army was sent into Winter-Quarters leaving sufficient Garrisons upon the Frontiers All the Kings Thoughts were fixed upon besiegeing Algezira and raising Mony He was advis'd to lay a Duty upon Merchandize which then seem'd easy yet afterwards was found to be attended with some Inconveniencies This Advice being approv'd of the King went away for Burgos leaving the care of the Frontiers to the Master of Santiago He kept his Christmas at Valladolid In the beginning of the Year 1342 the King summon'd many Prelates and Nobles to Burgos particularly the Arch-Bishop of Toledo the Bishop of Burgos and D. John de Lara that they might gain the others At theirs and the Kings Instance the People of Burgos granted the King the 20th Part of all things that should be sold towards the War against the Moors but this only during the Siege of Algezira This Example set by Burgos was follow'd by Leon and most of the Towns in the Kingdom This new Imposition was call'd Alcavala a Word taken from the Moors The People were not a little encourag'd to grant this new Duty by the News brought that the Moors had been defeated at Sea At Ceuta on the Coast of Africk there lay 83 Galleys in order to renew the War and 12 more in the Port of Bullon These last were destroy'd by 10 of ours that surpriz'd them before they could joyn the Main Fleet. Afterwards the whole Fleet of the Infidels was overthrown at the Mouth of the River Guadameçil after a Bloody Fight 25 Galleys were Taken and Sunk and both the Admirals of Africk and Granada kill'd The Galleys of Aragon were not in this Action but they coming from Home defeated 13 Galleys of the Enemy laden with Provisions near Estepona took four and sunk two of them the rest fled into Africk Both Sea and Land favour'd the Christians The Victory at Guadameçil had been greater had the Moors been assail'd by Sea and Land and the King hasted towards Xerez in order to it There the News of the Victory overtook him An Accident caus'd the Battle to be given so soon for Three of our Ships being left aground upon the Ebb the Moors attack'd them and the Christians coming up to rescue them that bloody Battle ensued CHAP. V. The Siege and Surrender of Algezira The Infidels attempt to Murder King Alonso of Castile the Earls of Derby and Salisbury come to his Assistance out of England and the Earl of Faux out of France Robert King of Naples dies THE late Successes made all Things appear easy Our Fleet lay in the Port of Xatarez near Tarifa Thither the King went to take a View of Algezira by Sea and finding it a Beautiful and Spacious City the Captives also affirming it was ill provided with Corn he resolv'd to lay Siege to it His Forces we 〈◊〉 â—ut small and he had no store of Provisions Nevertheless he call'd together all the Garisons of the Neighbouring Places and summon'd many of the Nobility to attend him The Councils of Andaluzia furnish'd more than their usual Quota towards the War and the King went away to Sevil to provide Magazines 2000 Horse and about 5000 Foot being gather'd he set down before Algezira on the Third of August The Galleys of Castile and Aragon were to guard the Sea for those of Portugal after the Victory of Gaudameçil return'd Home In the Town were 800 Horse and 12000 Archers a Force great enough to have given Battle in open Field They made often Salleys and skirmish'd with various Success yet the Tower of Cartagena near the City was taken from them One Day the King was in great danger of being kill'd by a Captive who struck at him with a Dagger he snatch'd out of a Souldier's Hand but such as were near interpos'd It was believ'd the Siege would last long and therefore Trenches were â—â—ast up Mean while to the King 's great Dissatisfaction in September the Fleet of Aragon went away on pretence of the War with Majorca Yet soon after upon the King of Castile's pressing Instances 10 Galleys were sent him under the Aragonian Viceadmiral Mathew Mercero and again 10 more under Jayme Escrivia At this time died the Master of Santiago a Man of great Worth and much in the King's Favour That Honour was given in the Camp to Frederick the King's Son tho under age In October fell such great Rains that all that was in the Camp was spoil'd The Army labour'd under many Hardships especially want of Mony and the Kingdom being exhausted the King was oblig'd to borrow of Pope Clement the VIth and the Kings of France and Portugal The King of France lent 50000 Ducats 20000 down and the rest upon Bills at Genoa The Pope gave the 3d part of Ecclesiastical Revenues These were but small Sums yet the King's Resolution overcame all Difficulties The besieg'd promis'd great Rewards to any that would undertake to Murder the King and a Moor blind of one Eye was taken and confess'd he and several others were out
about this time at Exerica whither the King retir'd for fear of the Plague The King having overcome the Rebels of Valencia made severe Examples of them to terrify others The Knights of Calatrava of Castile and Aragon were at Variance and had chosen Two Masters one at Calatrava the other at Alcanizes Garci Lopez who was Master of the Order 20 Years before this time being accus'd of nations Crimes and summon'd to appear before the King of Castile to answer for himself fled to Aragon and Garci Lopez protected by the King of Aragon resided at Alcanices a Town belonging to the Order and there supported his Authority tho condemn'd as a Rebel by the King of Castile and depos'd from his Mastership yet he exercis'd that Power John NunÌ„ez de Prado who was reported to be Bastard Son to the Lady Blanch Aunt to the King of Portugal and Abbess of the Monastrey of Huelgas was chosen in his place The â—â—stercian Abbots confirm'd this Election yet the Aragonians would not admit of it but Garci Lopez dying made choice of Alonso Perez de Toro and he was confirm'd by Arnoldus Abbot of Morimonte in France It was often indeavour'd to reconcile the â—â—ights but could never be effected till now Alonso Perez dying they of Alcanizes Elected John Rodrigues Before this last Election was confirm'd the Kings of Castile and Aragon caus'd the Two Masters of the Order to meet at Zaragoâ—a where their Case being refer'd to the King of Aragon he gave Uudgment in favour of Castile and John Rodriguez was depos'd but had the chief Commendâ—â—â— of Alcanicez given him with Jurisdiction over all the Knights of that Kingdom during by Life At this time Luis Earl of Clermont Son to D. Alonso de la Cerda call'd the Disinherited was fitting out a Fleet in Catalonia the Pope having two Years before given him the Conquest of the Canary or Fortunate Islands with the Title of King of them upon condition he should cause the Gospel to be preached to the Barbarous Inhabitants These Islands lie in the great Atlantick Ocean westward of Africk They are 7 in Number and in the Latitude of 27 Degrees North. The 〈…〉 called Ganaria whence the others take Name They are very fruitful but were once almost destroy'd by Rabbits which carry'd from the Continent increas'd beyond measure The Island call'd Hierro has no other Water than what Distils from the Leaves of one Tree D. Luis by reason of the Wars in France and the loss of the Battle oâ— Cressy in which Philip of France was defeated by the English never went forward with this Conquest About 50 Years after this time the Biscainers and Andaluzians set out a Fleet to plunder these Islands and having brought a great Booty from that call'd Lançarote the Kings of Spain had a desire to conquer them but were diverted by other things Some Years after John Betancour a French-man with permission of Henry the IIId of Castile undertook the Conquest upon Condition he should hold them off the Crown of Castile He subdu'd the 5 lesser Islands but could not conquer the two greater A Bishop call'd Mendo was sent thither â— Menautâ— Heir to Betancouâ— and this Bishop were at Daggers draw the former regarding nothing but his Interest and the latter not enduring to see the Poor Islanders oppress'd The King of Castile hearing of these Disorders sent one Peter Baâ—â—â— who possess'd himself of the Islands and sold them to a Gentleman call'd Porâ—ca from 〈◊〉 one 〈◊〉 had them and stil'd himself King of Canaria But not being able to conquer Grand Canaria he sold four of the Islands to the Catholick King Ferdinand and retained Gomera stiling himself Earl of it King Ferdinand conquer'd and annex'd all those Islands to the Crown of Castile Let us return to Spain In the Year 1349 the Lady Ellâ—nor eldest Sister â—o Luâ—â— King 〈…〉 was marry'd to the King of Aragon with great Pomp at Valencia CHAP. VII The Siege of Gibraltar the King dies and the Siege is raised King Peter succeeds him The â—â—dy Ellâ—nor de Guzman kill'd Some Nobles rebel and are subdu'd Biscay annex'd to the Crown of Castile Interviews of Kings GReat Confusions arose in Africk about this time for Abohacen the Son of Albohacen rebell'd against his Father and possess'd himself of the Kingdom of Fez in Africk and of Gibraltar Ronda and all other places subject to the African Crown in Spain He blam'd his Father for all the losses sustain'd in Spain promis'd to reestablish the Honour of the People and the giddy Multitude easily gave â—ar to these Speeches and adher'd to him These Broâ—â—s among the 〈◊〉 seem'd â—o offer the Christians an Opportunity of making their Advantage but th◠〈…〉 they â—â—d made for Ten Years obstructed it Yet some pleaded that â—â—ey were abâ—◠〈◊〉 from that Oath because he was dead to whom they made it Interest is always more powerful than Conscience Mony was wanting The Cortes or Parliament were summon'd to Alcalà de Henares and many Towns were now allow'd to send their Representatives that had never that Priviledge before Andalâ—zia and the Kingdom of Toledo us'd â—o be free from Taxes because they were at great Expence in making Good the Frontiers against the Moors it was now labour'd they should pay the Duty that Castile and Lâ—on did for all Things that were sold In this Assembly there rose a Contest betwixt the Representatives of Toledo and Burgos about Precedency Many Arguments were brought on both sides and the Nobility were divided yet at last it was agreed that Burgos should have the upper Seat and Rote first but that Toledo should have a Seat apart from the rest directly opposite to the King and be first nam'd by the King after this manner I speak for Toledo which will do whatsoever I shall order let Burgos speak first Thus that difference was compos'd and the same Method is us'd to this Day Eighteen Towns and Cities have ancient Priviledge to send their Representatives to the Cortes Burgos Soria Segovia Aâ—â—la and Valladolid in old Castile Leon Salamanca Zâ—mora and Toro in the Kingdom of Leon. Toledo Cuenca Guadalajara and Madrid in the Kingdom of Toledo Sevil Granada Murcia Cordova and Jaen in Andaluzia Among these Burgos Lâ—â—n Granada Sevil Cordova Murcia and Jaen have precedence according to this Order â—s being the Heads of Kingdoms Toledo is apart as has been said above All other Towns and Cities sit promiscuously as they come At these Cortes of Alcala many other places had their Representatives the King bestowing that Honour 〈◊〉 many to oblige the People Here the King demanded the Alcavala or Duty upon all Things sold which tho with difficulty was granted and the War with the Moors Voted Accordingly preparations were instantly made throughout the Kingdom The Army being assembl'd march'd into Andaluzia and laid Siege â—â— Gibraltar casting up great Works about the Town and applying their Engines The
the King of Navarre then a Prisoner in France was solicited by both Parties but he would declare for neither tho he rather inclin'd to the Aragonian Incursions were made three several ways into the Kingdom of Valencia Prince Ferdinand of Aragon hoping that Kingdom would rebel but he was deceiv'd for they were terrify'd with Punishment Thus the War was carry'd on at the end of August with great Desolation of the Country Near the same time was the memorable Battle of Poitiers in France in which the whole power of that Kingdom was discomfited by a small Number of English the King of France and his younger Son Philip taken and a great number of Nobility slain That famous Battel was fought on the 19th of September 1356. Upon occasion of this defeat the King of Navarre broke Prison and getting to Paris headed the People against the Dauphin There in a great Assembly he complain'd of the Wrongs done him and pleaded his right to the Crown as Grand-Son to King Luis Hutin whereas the King of England was Son to the Lady Elizabeth that King's Sister This had been a ground of new Confusions but that the King of Navarre wanted Power However he prevail'd so far as to have all that was his own restor'd to him with an addition of the Lordships of Mascon and Bigorre Yet he could not obtain the Earldoms of Champagne Brie and Burgundy to which he pretended to have right Heny Earl of Trastamara escaping from that Fight fled to the King of Aragon being invited by him This was the first step he rose towards obtaining the Crown of Castile It was agree'd betwixt the King of Aragon and him That Count Henry should renounce his Country and take an Oath of Fidelity to the Aragonian and that the King should give him pay for 600 Horse and as many Foot who were to serve under him At the beginning of the Year 1357 the War went on with various Success on the Frontiers of Castile and Aragon The Arigonians took Alicant the Castilians Embite and Bordalva Chief Commanders for the King of Aragon were Count Henry D. Peter de Exerica and Count Lope Ferdnandez de Luna For the King of Castile D. Frederick Master of Santiago the two Princes of Aragon and D. John de la Cerda Those of Aragon serv'd their Master with greater Fidelity than those Castile who at last were all drawn over by the Enemy D. John de la Cerda and Alvar Perez de Gusman were the first that deserted the King of Castile remembring the death of D. Alonso Coronel whose Daughters they had marry'd and who was kill'd by the King's Order as also fearing the King had a Mind to Da. Aldonça Wife to Alvar Perez They fled to Andaluzia hoping to raise a Rebellion there At this time the King of Castile laid Siege to a Castle on the Borders of Castile and Aragon call'd Tebat or as others write Silamo there he receiv'd the News that those Gentlemen were fled into Andaluzia He pursu'd them a while but finding it impossible to overtake them return'd to the War with more fury than before He took some Towns of small Note and with the same Violence enter'd Taraçona a noble City near Navarre on the 9th of March. The Citizens seeing the upper part of the Town lost surrender'd upon promise of Life and Goods and were suffer'd to depart to Tudela It was said this City was lost through the Cowardise of the Governour Michael de Guerrea who not knowing how to answer it withdrew with his Family to Navarre The King peopled the Town with Castillian Souldiers dividing the Houses and Lands among them This City being lost the King of Aragon thought not himself safe in Zaragoça especially for that at the same time D. John de la Cerda was defeated and kill'd by the Forces of the Council of Sevil commanded by D. John Ponce de Leon Lord of Marchena and Gilos Bocanegra the Admiral From France came the Earl of Faux with many Gentlemen of Note to serve the King of Aragon His Enemy the Lord La Brie came with a number of Lances to King Peter Pope Innocent's Legate the Cardinal of Bolonia sent to that purpose labour'd much to bring them to Peace and at last obtained a Truce for 15 Months Mean while Bernard de Cabrera and John Fernandez de Hinestrosa were appointed Commissioners the first for Aragon the other for Castile to treat All Places taken on both sides were deliver'd in Trust to the Cardinal Legate who excommunicated him that should offer to break the Truce This Agreement was made on the 18th of May. This Month dy'd Alonso the IIId King of Portugal Aged 77 Years and a Half He reign'd 31 Years 5 Months and 20 Days and was buried by his Queen Beatrix in the Cathedral of that City His Son Peter call'd the Cruel succeeded him About a Month before he had a Son born to him of Da. Teresa Gallego whom he kept after his Father caus'd the Lady Agnes de Castro to be put to death She was graceful but had no other good quality her Son was call'd John to whom Heaven had reserv'd the Crown of Portugal as shall appear in its Place The Truce concluded betwixt the Crowns of Castile and Aragon the Aragonian deliver'd up to the Legate the Places he had taken being but few but King Peter could never be induc'd to draw the Souldiers out of Taraçona to whom he had given Houses there He went away to Sevil to settle Andaluzia and set out a Fleet to infest the Coast of Aragon for he neither expected nor desir'd Peace At Sevil he was so taken with the Lady Aldonça Coronel that he made no account of Da. Maria de Padilla The Legate offended at his course of Life excommunicated him and laid an Interdict upon all Castile This was an extravagant Action of the Legate therefore the Pope call'd him out of Spain All was contriv'd by the King of Aragon to make King Peter odious Another Displeasure befel him The Lady Joanna Wife to Count Henry was convey'd into Aragon to her Husband by Peter Carillo a Servant of his which cut off all hope of Peace The other Brothers Frederick and Tello were willing to rebel but fear'd they could have nothing in Aragon equivalent to the Estates they must leave in Castile Prince Ferdinand of Aragon kept the Town of Jumilla taken from the Aragonians he dealing underhand with Bernard de Cabrera went over to the King of Aragon upon conditition to be made Vicar of the Kingdom and have all his Estate restor'd The Revolt of Count Henry and Prince Ferdinand as it was the Life of Aragon so it prov'd fatal to their Brothers as shall be seen here after Mathew Doria dying in Sardinia advanc'd the King of Aragons Interest for tho Marianus of Arborea was not quiet his Power alone was inconsiderable Luis of Naples was possess'd of the greatest part of Sicily Frederick
vain Thence he sail'd to Barcelona where he found 12 Galleys of Aragon which he twice attempted to carry off but could not because they lay near the Shore and were bravely defended by the Catalonians Thus disappointed he sail'd for the opposite Islands He landed at Yviça and tho he assaulted the Town of that Name could not take it Mean while the King of Aragon having gather'd 40 Galleys sail'd over to Majorca designing to Fight the Castilian Fleet. The King at the Request of his People stay'd in the Island and sent the Fleet under the command of Bernard de Cabrera his Admiral and the Viscount to find out the Enemy who leaving Yviça were come to Calpe with the same Resolution The Aragonian Fleet lay at the Mouth of the River that falls into the Sea neat Denia both Parties seem'd desirous to Ingage yet both were cautious so all this threaten'd Storm vanish'd The Aragonians put into Barcelona and the King of Castile from Cartagena sent his Fleet to Sevil and went by Land himself to Tordesillas to see Da. Maria de Padilla who was there deliver'd of a Son call'd Alonso The King's Joy for his Birth was not lasting for he dy'd soon after In the Fields of Araviana at the foot of the Mountain Moncayo Count Henry and his Brother D. Tello with 700 Aragonian Horse charg'd a Party of Castile and overthrew them killing about 300 and taking many Men of Note Among the rest was killed John Fernandez de Hinestrosa the Commander in Chief The King of Castile in a rage caus'd two Bastard Brothers he kept Prisoners to be put to Death which were John and Peter It is likely they were convicted of keeping Correspondence with the Rebels yet this Action terrify'd the whole Kingdom All the great Ones trembled but doubtless it was their Guilt made them do so for many Men of Quality not thinking themselves secure in Castile fled into Aragon The King was charg'd with Cruelty but the Subject consider'd not how many frequent Rebellions oblig'd him to make Examples of Justice Having Intelligence that 12 Venetian Galleys were ready to pass out of the Streights the King sent 20 to Intercept them but a Storm disappointed the Design This is represented as a hainous Crime without reflecting that is was say'd before the Venetians were in League with Aragon and might therefore be justly looked upon as Enemies to Castile But it was the Misfortune of this King to have all his Actions misrepresented and to have those things call'd Cruelty in him which were but just Punishment of Rebels Yet because a Bastard prevail'd against him that Bastard was applauded as lawful King and the true King stiled a Tyrant Such is the Judgment of the World that Misfortunes make the best King a Tyrant and success Crowns the vilest Vsurper with the Name of a Lawful Prince The Cardinal Legate took much pains to set on Foot a Treaty of Peace which he compass'd at the beginning of the Year 1360. Embassadors were sent on both sides with full Power and the King was near a Conclusion Yet neither at Tudela nor at Sadua where the Treaty was renew'd and continu'd could any thing be brought to Perfection for the Aragonians were incourag'd with their late Success and the King of Castile after so many Disappointments would not yield the least Point Yet finding so much Falshood among his People he knew not who to trust and therefore every Day chang'd the Officers of his Household and Army This was the unhappy condition of King Peter CHAP. III. The Death of Queen Blanch and Da. Maria de Padilla Peace betwixt Castile and Aragon The War with the Moors and Death of their King The King of Aragon 's Daughter marry'd to the King of Sicily THE Treaty of Peace was so carry'd on that still fresh Preparations for War were made on both Sides The King of Castile went from Sevil towards Leon in speed to apprehend Peter Nun̄ez de Guzman Lieutenant of that Kingdom but he having Notice of the King's approach fled to Portugal a sign he was not Innocent Peter Alvarez Osorio being at Dinner with D. James Garcia de Padilla Master of Calatrava was put to Death by two of the King's Guards From Leon the King went to Burgos where he put to Death James Arias Maldonado the Archdeacon for keeping a Correspondence with Count Henry Many others sav'd their Lives by the sudden Irruptions of the Aragonians under Count Henry D. Tello and the Count de Osona into the Territory of Rioja where they took the Town of Haro and City Najara killing a great Number of Jews and making great Slaughter and Destructions In this heat they advanc'd as for as Pancorvo Gonzalo Gonzalez de Lucio Governour of Taraçona for the King of Castile deliver'd it up to the Aragonians The King of Castile march'd towards the Enemy then at Najara and encamp'd near a small Town call'd Azofra Here a Priest came to tell him he had a Revelution that his Bastard Brother Count Henry would kill him unless he mended his Life but the King for his Intelligence caus'd him to be publickly Burnt in the Camp From Azofra the King march'd towards Najara and there totally routed the Aragonians who fled to the City which might have been taken but the King could not be perswaded to besiege it Within two or three Days the Aragonians abandon'd Haro and Najara and the King put Garrisons into them Having secur'd the Frontires he return'd to Sevil and there agreed with the King of Portugal that each should deliver up the Out-laws that fled from the other The King of Portugal put to Death one Peter Coello and another because they had murder'd the Lady Agnes de Castro James Lopez Pacheco who had a Hand in her Death fled to Count Henry who afterwards for his good Service gave him an Estate in Castile and he was the Founder of the Noble Family of Pacheco Others were deliver'd to the King of Castile who put them to Death at Sevil. One of these was Peter Nun̄ez de Guzman the Lieutenant of Leon. Another was Gomez Carillo beheaded in a Galley as he was going by the King's Order from Sevil to Algozira upon pretence of being Governor of that Place Gutierre Fernandez de Toledo was put to Death at Alfaro for favouring the Party of Count Henry Gutierre Gomez and Toledo and James Gomez Brother to the deceas'd understanding he was Executed fled to Aragon D. Vasco Arch-bishop of Toledo was banish'd the Kingdom without allowing him time to change his Cloaths He went to Coimbra where in a Monastery of Dominicans he ended his Days holily Some Years after his Body was Translated to the Cathedral of Toledo Many call this Archbishop Blase It is suppos'd D. Vasco resign'd the Archbishoprick as soon as he was Banish'd for the same Year we find D. Gomez Manrique succeeded him Whilst these things happen'd in Castile the King of Aragon sent 4 Galleys well
the King of Castile D. Gutierre de Toledo Master of Calatrava leading a Convoy to Monviedro was defeated and kill'd by the Aragonians Martin Lopez de Cordova succeeded him The King of Castile thought to make himself Master of Orihuela but the Aragonian offering him Battel and he refusing the place was relieved and the Aragonian return'd home At the beginning of the Year 1365 the King of Aragon besieg'd Monviedro and had it surrender'd to him On the other side the Castilians after a long Siege took Orihuela D. Gomez de Porras Prior of St. John either because he fear'd King Peter for loosing Monviedro or to curry favour with Count Henry deserted to the Aragonians with 600 Horse that were in that Town From this time the Forces of Castile began to decrease and there being Peace betwixt France and England many French came to serve the King of Aragon These were no better than common Robbers to whom the Pope and King of France gave great Summs of Mony to purchase their absence They were invited into Spain by Count Henry This Body was made up of English and Germans as well as French to the Number of 12000 Frossarte a French Historion says 30000. Bertran Claquin and Hugo Carbolaye were their chief Commanders On the First of January 1366 their advanc'd Parties came to Barcelona the rest of them soon after The King of Aragon receiv'd them joyfully distributed a Summ of Mony among them and promised much more Bertran Claquin he made Earl of Borgia The King of Castile held his Cortes or Parliament at Burgos and demanded supplies of Mony Monsieur de la Brie who came out of France to serve him advis'd to buy off the Strangers that follow'd Count Henry and undertook to manage that affair but King Peter being a Man without fear gave no attention to his Counsel Count Henry and the King of Aragon met at Zaragoça where the foreign Forces were There the League betwixt them was renew'd the limits of their Dominions in case they succeeded determin'd and it was agreed that D. John the Count's Son should marry Ellenor the King's Daughter This done the King stay'd at Zaragoça and Count Henry having assembled all his Army enter'd Castile by the way of Alfaro Ynigo Lopez de Horosco was Governour of that Town which was very strong therefore the Army stay'd not to besiege it but march'd towards Calahorra the chief City in those parts seated on the River Ebro Ferdinand Bishop of that place and Fernan Sanches de Tovar the Governour open'd the Gates to the Count on the 16th of March. Here a Councel was held to consider how to proceed Some were for marching directly to Burgos the chief City of Castile Others advis'd Count Henry to take the title of King that so there might remain no hope of reconciliation with King Peter of Castile Bertran Claquin spoke much to this purpose and all the chief Officers of the Army siding with him they easily perswaded him to accept of the Title and immediately proclaim'd him about the Streets The new-made King was bountiful of what was not his own giving Towns and Cities to all present To Bertran Claquin he gave Trastamara and to Hugo Carbolaye Carrion with the Title of Earls To his Brother D. Tello he restor'd Biscay to D. Sancho he gave Albuquerque the Master-Ship of Santiago to Gonçalo Mexia that of Calatrava to Peter Muniz to D. Alonso de Aragon that King's Uncle the Marquisate of Villena and all that belonged to D. John Manuel and as much more to many others Thus Castile was divided betwixt two Kings striving for the Crown Nothing kept the people in their Obedience to King Peter but fear tho his was the undoubted Right the other being a Bastard Henry advanc'd towards Burgos leaving LogronÌ„o as believing it in vain to attempt it Navarrete and Bribiesca surrendred King Peter was at Burgos doubtful that course to take as confiding but little in his People At length he resolv'd to go to Sevil for there were his Children and Treasure The People of Burgos offer'd to stand by him he thank'd them but would not then make use of their Zeal and absolv'd them from their Oath of Fidelity that if they were put to Streights they might receive Count Henry without being look'd upon as Rebels Before his departure he put to death John Fernandez de Tovar Brother to him that deliver'd up Calahorra On the 28th of March he set out from Burgos sending Orders by the way to the Commanders of the conquer'd places in Aragon to burn them and with all Speed march to meet him at Toledo Thus all he gain'd in some Years was lost in one Day He stay'd some time at Toledo to secure that City and left D. Garci Alvarez de Toledo Master of Santiago to command there No sooner was King Peter gone from Burgos but the Citizens sent to invite Count Henry thither They stil'd him Count but offer'd him the Crown if he would take it in that City according to ancient Custom He accepted their Offer march'd thither and was Crown'd in the Monastery of Huelgas After the Example of Burgos most Cities in that Kingdom within 25 Days submitted to him Thus his Power became equal to his Adversary the Nobility and Commonalty striving to gain the Favour of the new King The Affairs of Castile and Leon being setled he remov'd to Toledo where he was receiv'd with joy Garci Alvarez de Toledo resign'd the Mastership of Santiago in lieu thereof and for deserting his Master had Oropisa and Valdecorneja given him Count Henry being posses'd of Toledo all the rest was easy so that King Peter durst not stay longer in the Kingdom but imbarqâ—ing his Children and Treasure aboard a Galley fled to Portugal The King of Portugal would not receive him Ferdinand his Son favour'd Count Henry and kept correspondence with him Yet King Peter had no Wrong offer'd him but was suffer'd to pass quietly through that Kingdom into Galicia where he design'd to gather a Fleet in order to sail to Bayonne At Compostella he caus'd D. Suero Arch-Bishop of that See and the Dean to be put to death Having got together Twenty two Ships and some smaller Vessels he set Sail for France carrying with him his Son D. John and two Daughters for Beatrix the eldest was dead tho Polydore writes she dy'd at Bayonne There he arriv'd safe that place being then in the Hands of the English with a considerable part of his Treasure for the rest which his Treasurer Martin Yanez had in a Galley was taken by the People of Sevil to please Count Henry who after the surrender of Cordova was expected at Sevil. The new made King Henry being come to Sevil concluded Peace with the Kings of Portugal and Granada That done as if nothing more remain'd to do he disbanded his Army retaining only 15000 Lances of the Foreignes under the command of Bertran Claquin and Bernal
Moors That the Pope without the King's Consent should not in his Dominions dispose of Bishopricks Masterships of Military Orders the Grand Priorship of S. John or other considerable Benefices Count Henry was well receiv'd and entertain'd in France by the Count de Faux yet not without Apprehensions of the English Thence he went to Villeneufe near Avignon where Luis the King of France's Brother lent him Mony and advis'd him to send an Embasly to the King begging his Assistance for recovering of Castile That King easily condescended to favour him in Hatred to the English and King Peter He gave him the Castle of Perapertuse on the Borders of Russillon for his Wife and Children who were fled from Aragon to live in and the Earldom of Sesene to subsist on till he receiv'd the Crown Many Prisoners who were ransom'd and had been protected by the English came daily to him Among them was Bernal Son the Earl of Faux whom afterwards King Henry created Earl of Medina Celi he marry'd the Lady Elizabeth de la Cerda Daughter to Luis and Grandchild to D. Alonso de la Cerda from whom King Sancho usurp'd the Crown from them the present Dukes of Mc-dina Celi are Lineally descended It happen'd well for Count Henry that the Prince of Wales return'd to Guienne much offended at King Peter for that he neither gave him the Lordship of Biscay as had been agreed nor pay'd him the Money lent or the Army their Arrears Besides in Castile many great Men declar'd for him as did the Provinces of Guipuscoa and Biscay and the Towns of Segovia Avila Palencia Sulamanca Valladolid and others in the Kingdom of Toledo Henry having gather'd an Army enter'd Aragon at the Pass of the Pyreneans call'd Valdeandorra and march'd with such swiftness that he was in Castile before the Aragonian could stop him tho he endeavour'd it On the Banks of Ebro he ask'd whether that were the Dominion of Castile and being told it was that a solemn Oath never more to go out of Castile but rather to die Then he mov'd to Calahorra the first City of Castile and was receiv'd there with great Joy From Calahorra he went to Burgos where the Bishop Clergy and Townsmen met him in Procession He releas'd D. Philip de Castro a Nobleman of Aragon marry'd to his Sister Joanna who was Prisoner in the Castle and put into his place D. Jayme King of Naples and Son to him of Majorca left there with the Governour Alonso Fernandez by King Peter Many other places follow'd the example of Burgos and Henry march'd to Leon which was surrender'd to him upon the last Day of April 1368. In Toledo some were for Henry but the greater part for King Peter In the City was a good Garrison of Crossbow-Men and 600 Men at Arms under the command of the Governour Ferdinand Alvarez de Toledo Henry's Army consisted of 1000 Men at Arms and a great number of Foot He laid Siege to Toledo believing nothing would withstand him that City once taken He incamped on the Plain that lies on the North Side and secur'd the Passes beyond the River Tagus which encompasses the City on three sides To secure the communication he built a Wooden-Bridge which prov'd very useful The Townsmen held out couragiously dreading King Peter who had carry'd away the principal Men as Hostages Cordova had now rebell'd and King Peter ask'd Aid of the King of Granada to besiege it Mahomet sent a good body of Horse with whom and his own Forces he laid Siege to that City and press'd it so hard that the Moors scal'd the Walls and took the old Palace but the Citizens dreading the King if the Town were taken fought so desperately they again drove out the Moors killing many the very Women assisting the Men. The two Kings despairing of Success rais'd the Siege King Peter went to Sevil to provide for the War meeting with greater difficulties than he had imagin'd The King of Granada plunder'd Jaen and Vbeda which were in Rebellion he also wasted all the Country of Andaluzia carrying away a vast multitude of Captives in so much that it is said above 11000 Souls were taken in only the Town of Vtrera King Peter in cave for the City Toledo resolv'd with what Forces he had to give the Enemy Battel the People of Sevil advis'd him to stay till his Army was recruited and his Friends could joyn him but he was running to his Ruin at this Conjuncture another misfortune befel him which was that Vitoria Salvatierra and Logron̄o that had adher'd to him were taken by the King of Navarre being assisted by D. Tello who tho an Enemy to King Peter was at variance with his Brother Henry and therefore kept in Biscay The Siege of Toledo continu'd and the Citizens being divided the Faction that was for Henry attempted to secure a Tower opposite to the Camp and being disappointed thought to give the Enemy entrance over S. Martins Bridge the other Party having Notice of it they came to Blows and many Townsmen were kill'd King Peter hearing of these Tumults made the more hast to relieve the City His Sons Sancho and James with all his Treasure he put into Carmona a strong Town near Sevil. Then gathering his Army he prepar'd to march to Toledo He had 3000 Horse but half of them were Moors and therefore no great Confidence was repos'd in them At the time of his departure he is said to have consulted a Moor call'd Benagarin who foretold his death out of Merlin's Prophecy but these Prophecies always come to light after the Event King Peter march'd to Montiel a strong Town in that part of Spain call'd La Mancha Henry being inform'd of his approach left Gomez Manrique Arch-Bishop of Toledo to continue the Siege and march'd away in hast to meet King Peter without expecting the Foot At Orgaz five Leagues from Toledo Bertran Claquin joyn'd him with 600 Foreign Horse a considerable reinforcement they being old try'd Soldiers Several Noblemen came thither to him With this Body Henry march'd all Night and at break of Day discover'd the Enemy who knew not that they were remov'd from Toledo This caus'd a great Consternation among them but the Officers gather'd their Men who were dispersed in the Villages about Montiel and at Sun-rising both parties form'd their Battels and encourag'd their Soldiers The first Onset was furious but King Peter's Moors betaking themselves to flight the Castilians could not stand it long but retir'd with King Peter into the Castle of Montiel Many of the Moors were kill'd of the Christians only one Gentleman This Battel was fought on Wednesday to 14th of March 1369. Henry perceiving King Peter had shut himself into the Town immediately encompass'd it with a dry Wall of Stone without Mortar that he might not escape Want pinch'd the besieged and the King began to study how to make his escape Men Roriguez de Sanabria a very Loyal Gentleman of
Relief and a solemn Embassy was sent thither The Embassadors having laid down the miserable Condition of their King made humble suit for assistance and all the Nobles of France unanimously agreed the King ought to be supported It was resolv'd 2000 Horse should be sent into Castile under Luis de Bourbon the King's Uncle by the Mothers side and 100000 Florines for their pay They promis'd if this relief prov'd too small that the King himself would March in Person with all the Power of France and esponse the Quarrel of Castile Pope Clement from Avignon wrote a letter to King John comforting him in his Adversity Peter Earl of Trastamara the King's Cousin who deserted from his Army to Coimbra and thence went over into France being pardon'd return'd now into Castile These Helps were small but the slowness of the English prov'd the safety of Castile The King of Portugal besieg'd Coria but could not take it because some fresh Forces got into it therefore he return'd Home with much Booty The Corses met again at Segovia in order to lay Taxes for raising of Mony Here the King Publish'd a Manifesto to prove his Title to the Crown against the Duke of Lancaster But what just Title could the Son of a Bastard have where there were so many of the True Line living The Duke of Lancaster accepted of the Offers made by the Portugues He endeavour'd to obtain passage through Aragon and the King of Castile to hinder it Both parties sent their Embassadors to that King upon this account Passage being refus'd the Duke came over from England into Spain by Sea and landed at Coruna on the 26th of July In that Port he took 6 Galleys of Castile Fernan Perez de Andrada Governour of the Town defended it with such bravery it was not taken The English were only 1500 Horse and the like number of expert Archers a small Body but might have done great Harm had they immediately joyn'd the Portugueses The time they lost before Corun̄a gave a great Advantage to their Enemies Nevertheless they took several Towns in Galicia and even the City of Santiago the Metropolis of that Kingdom Some Men of Note of that Country went over to the English The Duke of Laucaster at length sail'd for Portugal and Anchor'd at the Mouth of the River Duero The King and Duke met at Porto With the Duke came his Wife Constance his Daughter Catherine and Philippa and Elizabeth two Daughters by his first Wife It was resolv'd they should joyn their Forces That the Duke should have the Kingdom of Castile and the Portugues certain Cities and Towns They agree'd the new King should marry the Dukes Daughter Philippa in Case the Pope would dispense with his Vow of Chastity as Master of Avis The King of Castile was at Zamora making Preparations to defend himself and gathering the Forces that came from France and Castile He publish'd an Edict by which all were ennobl'd who should serve two Months with Horse and Arms at their own Cost and Charge D. John Garcia Manrique Arch-bishop of Sevil was sent with a good Body of Men to secure Leon. All things succeeded better than was expected The third part of the English not us'd to that Climate was consum'd by Sickness Besides many ranging the Country disorderly were cut off by the Boors Thus nothing remarkable was done that Summer only some Messages pass'd betwixt the Kings The Duke sent to challenge the King of Castile and require him to resign up that Crown to him The King also sent Persons of Note to justify his Title but underhand to propose a Match betwixt his Son and Heir Henry and the Dukes Daughter by the Lady Constance This Proposal was no way displeasing to the Duke yet in publick he answer'd He would hear of no Terms but delivering up the Kingdom Near about this time tho far remote as to Place dy'd three Kings On the 4th of June Charles King of Naples was kill'd in Hungary his Head being cloven with a Partesan On the first of January following which began the Year 1387. Charles the IId King of Navarre ended his Days at Pamplona Some say it was the Year before His Body was buried in the Cathedral of that City Four Days after Peter the IVth King of Aragon departed this Life at Barcelona He liv'd 75 Years and reign'd 51 wanting 19 Days Of Stature he was small not Healthy very quick a great lover of Honour and of making a show of Majesty in so much that he was call'd Peter the Ceremonious He maintain'd War against powerful Princes without Foreign Aids only by his own Valour and Conduct was a lover of learned Men and particularly addicted to Astrology and Chimistry His Body was first bury'd at Barcelona and thence translated to Poplete as he had ordain'd Charles King of Naples upon the death of Luis King of Hungary had that Crown offer'd him by the Nobility he went thither and being entertain'd at Dinner by the Queen was murder'd by her Order He left a Son and a Daughter which were Ladislaus and Joanna they both reigned in Naples successively and the one being a Child the other unfit for Government they were the cause of Bloody Wars in Italy The King of Navarre had long been troubled with a Leaprousy It was commonly reported he was burnt to death for that by the Advice of Phisitians he us'd to be wrap'd in Cloaths dip'd in Brimstone on which a Spark of Fire accidentally falling is said to have consumed the Bed and Him This was the more easily believed because he was Cruel Covetous and Lascivious Joanna his youngest Daughter was Married to John de Montforte Duke of Britany who had by her four Sons and three Daughters Charles the Son of him Deceased Friend and Brother-in-Law to the King of Castile inherited the Crown of Navarre He return'd out of Castile and in the Cortes caus'd Pope Clement to be own'd as had been done in Castile for till then Navarre as well as Aragon had stood Neuter This was thought to be done rather to please the French and Castilians than out of respect to Justice The King of Castile to oblige the new King withdrew his Garrisons out of several Towns in Navarre which he held by Contract and forgave him a great Summ of Mony his Father ow'd Thus the new King was encourag'd to attempt the recovery of many Towns taken from his Father in Normandy by the French and English and sent Embassadors to them accordingly This King was mild liberal and generous whence he came to be call'd the Noble By his Wife the Lady Ellenor he had the Princesses Joanna Mary Blanch Beatrix and Elizabeth his Sons Charles and Luis died Young Illegitimate Godfrey Marques of Cortes the Founder of that Family and Joanna marry'd to In̄igo de Zuniga In Aragon King John was Crown'd after the death of his Father He was a meek Prince if not provok'd He could not be present at the
management of the Revenue was distributed among them and it was order'd that five should govern one half of the Year and five the other This settlement it was hop'd would end all debates but it was soon broken by an Accident Two of the Duke of Benavente's Servants kill'd one belonging to the Earl of Gijon as was suspected by their Master's Order whereupon looking on him as Fierce and Ill Princip'd the Cortes alter'd the Form of Government and ordain'd that the King's Will should be fulfill'd yet so that till the Marques of Villena and Count Neibla being sent fo by the King came to Court the Arch-bishop of Toledo should act for them and have 3 Votes among the Governours Two Millions of Marauedies were allow'd the Duke of Benavente and Earl of Gijon yearly during their Lives in lieu of the Government Besides it was granted to the Arch-bishop that he alone should have the Management of half the Revenue The truce with Portugal was upon expiring and it was no time to renew the War The King being in his Minority and the Kingdom exhausted Embassadors were sent to renew and proloug the Truce John Allonso de Guzman Earl of Niebla left his House to attend the Government whereupon ensu'd a great Mutiny at Sevil James Hurtado de Mendoça being great with the King aspir'd to be made Admiral which could not be done without disobliging Alvar Perez de Guzman who had some time been in possession of that Command The Earl of Niebla favour'd the new Pretender whereupon the other joyning with Peter Ponce Lord of Marchena secur'd Sevil and turn'd out all the Earl's Adherents At Segovia the Embassadors return'd to the King from Portugal with News that that King would not hear of prolonging the Truce The Duke of Benavente being ill look'd upon at Court and depriv'd of the Government withdrew to his Estate and it was reported he held intelligence with Portugal and had agreed to marry that King's Bastard-daughter Beatrix He understood what was given out justify'd himself by pleading the Wrong done him in depriving him of the Lady Ellenor de Albuquerque and over'd if he might have her to break off the other Match The Governours considering the state of Affairs consented and appointed the place for celebrating the Mariage but the Duke immediately recanted and pursu'd the Match in Portugal The Arch-bishop of Toledo to prevent any mischief might ensue went to confer with the Duke and offer'd him in Mariage a Daughter of the Marques de Villena with as good a Portion as he expected from Portugal but the Duke would not harken to it Seeing nothing would content him the Arch-bishop return'd to Zamera to prevent the Governour of the Pallace who held the Tower of S. Saviour from delivering It up to the Duke as was suspected he would and the City was in Arms upon that score All things were compos'd and the Governour deliver'd up that Tower according to the Arch-bishop's Order It was now the Heat of Summer when News was brought that the Embassadors again sent to Portugal could not obtain a Prolongation of the Truce The Portugueses were resolv'd to make use of that Advantage and enlarge their Dominions The first that took the Field was the Duke of Benavente who with 500 Horse and a great number of Foot incamp'd near Pedrosa a Town not far from the City Toro Castile was reduc'd to great Streights At Granada the Moors mutiny'd About the beginning of this year King Mahomet always a Friend to the Christians dy'd His Son Joseph succeeded him and was of the same Temper for he freely releas'd many Christians during his Father's Life This his Goodness was prejudicial to him He had four Sons Joseph Mahomet Hali and Hamet Mahomet was ambitiâ—â—â— and having no hopes of obtaining the Crown by fair means us'd Craft giving out that his Father was a Moor only in Name but in his Actions a Christian Many upon this Account sided with him and the Business was brought to that height that the City was in danger of falling together by the Ears An Embassador of the King of Morocco who was there at that time interpos'd and in an Assembly of the Principal Men of the City represented to them the Mischiefs of Discord and the Advantage might then be made upon the Christians if they were united This he did so effectually that all the Rebels were pacify'd and Mahomet promis'd to submit himself to his Father After this they gather'd 700 Horse and 3000 Foot and making an Incursion into the Kingdom of Murcia took a great Booty of Cattle and carry'd away many Captives Alonso Fajardo the Lieutenant of that Country pursu'd them with only 150 Horse yet charg'd them so furious and fortunately that he routed them kill'd many and recover'd the Prey Thus Spain was deliver'd of a great Danger that threaten'd on that side which was such that the King of Aragon who was least concern'd that he might be the more at leasure to oppose the Moors lay'd up a great Fleet he had fitted out against Brancaleon Doria who again revolted in Sardinia This Defeat so terrify'd the Moors that they sent to beg a Truce of the King of Castile which was easily granted in regard to the War that was expected with Portugal The Portugues King was puff'd up with his Success seeing himself so setled in the Throne and having in the space of four Years as many Sons by his Wife the Lady Philippa The 1st was Alonso who dy'd young the 2d Edward who succeeded his Father the 3d Peter created Duke of Coimbra and the 4th Henry Duke of Viseo and Master of the Order of Christ and much given to the Study of Astrology by the help of which and the greatness of his Spirit he first attempted to Coast along the vast and unknown Shore of Africk by that means opening the way to those who after him discover'd the remotest Countries of the East to the great Honour and Profit of the Portugues Nation as shall be shown in its place This King's youngest Children were John and Ferdinand This same year Charles the VIth King of France ran distracted The Constable of France was murder'd by a Gentleman who immediately fled to the Duke of Britany This Action so inrag'd the King that because the Duke refus'd to deliver up the Murderer he march'd against him in Person and one day being upon his March at Noon when the Heat was most violent he suddenly drew his Sword kill'd two that were next him and wounded another raging in that distracted manner till he fell from his Horse He was carry'd back to the City where he recover'd his Senses yet so that he was ever after craz'd John Juvenal Bishop of Beauvais says that in his Fits nothing so much enrag'd him as hearing the English nam'd and that he abhorr'd a Red-Cross because born in the English Colours CHAP. X. The Divisions among the Nobility of Castile continue A Truce betwixt Castile and
Castile the Tumults continu'd and consequently the poor People suffer'd But the King raising Forces such of the Noblemen as were not strong enough to oppose him submitted Upon security given for their Persons there came first to Court the Archbishop of Santiago and after him the Duke of Benavente They pleaded in their own defence the great Power of their Enemies and promis'd to make amends for their Faults by their future Fidelity Both were pardon'd by the King and the more to oblige the Duke he had a Pension of 500000 Maravedies allow'd him and the Town of Valencia in Estremudura given him in lieu of the Portion he was to have from Portugal but upon Condition he should be accountable for as much of the King's Revenue as he had receiv'd the last Years To add to the Joy of the Reduction of these great Men. D. Alonso Enriquez prevail'd with his Brother the Earl of Trastamara to submit himself A Pension of 500000 Maravedies was also assign'd him and that he might be equal to the Duke of Benavente the Town of Paredes wrongfully detain'd from him by the Earl of Gijon was restor'd Only the Earl of Gijon remain'd who being ill inclin'd was not to be reduc'd by fair means and the King prepar'd to subdue him by force At that same time came Embassadors from the King of Navarre upon the old Account of having the Queen return to live with her Husband What Justice could not effect in so long time an Accident brought to pass The Queen had retir'd from Madrid offended that part of her Pension was cut off and kept Correspondence with the mutinous Noblemen For this Reason the King of Castile was displeas'd and this was the Occasion of the Embassy It happen'd the Earl of Trastamara under standing what was design'd against the Queen went away from Court to Roa where she was to assist her that no Violence should be offer'd her His Departure troubled the King fearing new Tumults and the more for that it was suspected he had communicated his Designs with the Duke of Benavente who was therefore sent for to Court and being come was arrested and secur'd on the 25th of July This done lest the Queen and Earl should grow strong the King with the Forces he had prepar'd against the Earl of Gijon march'd hastily to Roa The Earl fled in time to Galicia The Queen understanding the Danger she was in went out with her Children in Mourning to appease the King and excus'd her self saying she had no Hand in the Earls escape and could do no less than receive her Brother who came to comfort her These Excuses seem'd to satisfy the King yet he secur'd the Town leaving her the Revenue and carry'd her to Valladolid where she was kept under a Guard that she might not fly Mean while the Earl of Gijon fortify'd himself in that Place and the King march'd speedily for Asturias He took the City Oviedo which held for the Earl and then advanced and incamped before Gijon The Place could not be taken by force because of its natural Strength and the Coldness of the Season and Sickness in the Army would not allow to lye long before it Yet the Labour was not quite lost for the Earl of Trastamara submitted was pardon'd and came to the Camp It was also concluded betwixt the King and the Earl of Gijon that the King should put Garrisons into all Towns of his Estate except only that Also that the Earl should appear in Person before the King of France who by both Parties was appointed Umpire betwixt them and should stand by his Judgment For security to Performance 〈◊〉 Earl deliver'd his Son Henry as a Hostage to the King of Castile Thus they lay'd down 〈◊〉 and the Kingdom was eas'd of a great Trouble This was the posture of Affairs in Castile when Pope Clement dy'd at Avignon on the 16th of September All the Christian Princes by their Embassadors requir'd the Cardinals not to proceed rashly to another Election but find out some Method to put an end to the Schism which so long disturbed Christendom They resolv'd not to delay the Election but to show they in some Measure comply'd with those Princes ordain'd that every Cardinal should positively Swear that in case he were Elected he would abdicate the Papacy whensoever the Pope at Rome would do the same which they look'd upon as the best expedient to unite Christendom By the unanimous Consent of 21 Cardinals who were present at the Election D. Peter de Luna Cardinal of Aragon was â—â—osen His Birth was well known his Learning famous in the Civil and Canon Law besides many Embassies in which he had been employ'd He was very dexterous in gaining the good Will of all Men. In his Papacy he was call'd Benedict the XIIIth On 〈◊〉 chosen he began to think of removing his Seat into Italy without remembring the Oath 〈◊〉 taken or considering of means to abdicate the Papacy This much surprized the French An Assembly of Nobles and Prelates was held at Paris and there in order to curb the aspiring Thoughts of the new Pope who they knew was a Man of a high Spirit as he sufficiently testify'd afterwards they resolv'd to send some eminent Persons to represent to him the desires of France and the Church in general The Dukes of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Boâ—rges were appointed Embassadâ—â—â— These being come to Avignâ—â— requir'd him to restore â—eace to Christendom to 〈◊〉 the Calamities câ—â—s'd by that Division in the Church to remember his Oath and particularly press'd him to call a general Council in which the Prelates might determine what was fit to be done in that Case He answer'd he would upon no Account for sake the Church of the living God and quit the Helm of S. â—eter's Ship put into his Hands This answer was no way pleasing to those Princes but seeing they could prevail no fâ—rther upon him they return'd home much offended as was their King and all the Nation To appease the King the Pope granted him the Tenths of all Ecclesâ—â—stical Revenues for one Year This happen'd in May and the Year of Grace 1395 in which the new Pope's prosperity began by degrees to dâ—cline and was converted into Misery The Governour of Avignon by the King's order with French Forces besieg'd him in his Palace An 〈◊〉 was also publish'd forbidding all Persons to have recourse to him upon Ecclesiastical Affairs all his Cardinals forsook him except only he of Pamplâ—na who continu'd with him till Death In fine he was so streighten'd he was forc'd to fly in a disguise to Câ—â—alonia But this happen'd somewhat later Many Embassies pass'd betwixt the Christian Princes about this Affair The King of France labour'd to draw those of Castile Aragon and Navarre from the Obedience of that Pope They were hard to be perswaded especially the King of Castile who sent the Bishop of Câ—enca Embassador into France to reconcile that King to the Pope
their Territories by the way of Murcia They lay'd Siege to Vera but could not carry it being unprovided of all Necessaries for such an Undertaking besides that a great Body of Moors was marching to the Relief of the Place Therefore raising the Siege they advanc'd to meet the Infidels and 〈◊〉 Xuxena engag'd and overthrew them The Slaughter was not great because they had a â—etreat near at Hand Yet they took and plunder'd the Town but the Moor 〈…〉 This Success made so great a Noise that the Cortes hoping it was a good Omen of future Advantages granted the Supplies that were requir'd of them by the Queen and Prince They also as was but Reason appointed Prince Ferdinand General betwixt whom and the Queen there began to be some misunderstandings Malicious Persons such as are always encourag'd in Courts heighten'd those Discontents and said one day Prince Ferdinand would perplex the Queen and her Children Many lay'd the blame on a Woman call'd Ellenon Lopez for that she bred ill Blood betwixt them and was greater with the Queen than became her Majesty or was for the good of the Kingdom These Differences increasing it was contriv'd the Government should be divided so that the Queen should have Old Castile and the Prince the New with some Towns of the Old This â—one the Prince sent his Wife and Children to Medina del Campo and set out himself from Sagovia for Villareal designing that the general Randezvouz of the Forces Mean while the Commanders on the Frontiers ceas'd not to make Incursions into the Country of the Moors wasting their Lands and driving great Booties of Cattle and Captives yet sometimes they came off with 〈◊〉 Worst A Moor inclin'd to Christianity came over from them and being carry'd before Laurence Suarez de Figueroa Master of Santiago who commanded on the Frontiers and was then at Ezija said to him I am not ignorant how odious the Name of â—â— Deserter is to all Men yet I resolv'd to come over to you being mov'd to it from Heavenâ—◠〈◊〉 my 〈…〉 testify the Sincerity of 〈◊〉 Words First let me be Buptiz'd and I will give you Instances of my real Fidelity Being 〈◊〉 he inform'd them he would shew them a way â—o surprize Pruna a considerable Town of the Moors They gave credit to his Words and the chief Commendary of Santiago went with him The Moor perform'd his Promise and the Town was taken on the 4th of June Thus the Moors lost that Nest whence they continually infested the Christian Territories Prince Ferdinand went to Cordova and thence to Sevil 〈…〉 fell sick at such time as there came to that City the Earl of Marche Son in Law to the King of Navarre of the best Blood of France of a graceful Presence and so Courteous that he gain'd the Affections of all Men. He brought with him 80 Horse to serve in that War which was expected would prove long and dangerous The Moors were not idle but first assaulted Lucena a great Town and finding they could not carry it they march'd away â—o Baeça Their Numbers were great for it is lay'd they amounted to 7000 Horse and 100000 Foot an incredible Multitude but such it was as put the whole Kingdom into a Consternation Nevertheless they could not take the City for it was bravely defended but they burnt the Subarbs All the Christians far and near took the Alarm and gather'd to relieve that important Place which the Moors understanding rais'd the Siege and departed loaded with Booty and with many Captives taken in that Country On the other Hand Alonso Enriquez the Admiral obtain'd a considerable Victorâ— over the Infidels on the Sea near Cadiz The Kings of Tunez and Tremezen had fitted out 23 Galleys to scour the Coast of Andaluzia at the Request of their Confederate the King of Granada The Admiral when he discover'd them had but 13 Galleys yet attacked them with such Fury that he 〈◊〉 eight sunk some and put the rest to flight Mean while Prince Ferdinand recover'd to the Sickness and being joyful for this Success march'd from Sevil on the 7th of September He had not fix'd what enterprize to take in Hand therefore a Council of War being call'd it was resolv'd to enter the Territory of Ronda and lay Siege to Zahara a Town of Note in that Country This was put in Execution and they began to batter it with 3 great pieces of Cannon day and night yet the harm they did was inconsiderable because the Gunners in those days were not expert at playing and levelling their Pieces For this Reason the Siege might have prov'd difficult if the besieg'd beginning to feel want and fearing they should have no Quarter had not made hast to surrender capitulating only for their Persons and Estates and delivering up their Arms. Other small Towns follow'd the Example of Zahara and submitted Septenil a Town strong and well Garrison'd refus'd to submit it was therefore besieg'd and batter'd at such time as Peter de Zuniga recover'd Ayamonte from the Moors as had been given him in charge by Prince Ferdinand The Moorish King was unwilling to hazard a Battle and therefore govern'd himself by Policy endeavouring to live his Enemy some considerable Diversion He gather'd his Forces which are said to have amounted to 6000 Horse and 80000 Foot but they were a meer Rable without Discipline or Sense of Honour With this Army he sat down before Jaen but sailed it for our Army march'd thither with speed and oblig'd him to retire with shame Some harm he did in the Country but that was retaliated by wasting all his Territories 〈…〉 Besides several Parties spread themselves over all the Dominions of the Moors so that they had no Place of safety It was some Disappointment that 〈◊〉 was not taken Autumn was advanc'd and the usual great Rains began to fall Therefore Prince Ferdinand rais'd the Siege on the 25th of October and returning to Sevil restor'd to its Place the Sword with which the Holy King Ferdinand took that City which is there kept to this Day and us'd then to be taken out by Generals when they went upon any considerable Enterprize This done he put his Forces into Quarters in Sevil Cordova and other Places and went away himself to Toledo to raise more Men and make other Provision â—â— continue the War CHAP. VIII The Murder of the Duke of Orleans by him of Burgundy The War carry'd on with the Moors 〈…〉 concluded Original of D. Alvaro de Luna Continuation of 〈…〉 Schism 〈…〉 time dy'd at Calahorra Peter 〈◊〉 Ayala Chancellor of Castile a Man 〈…〉 for many things and particularly for the Chronicle he wrote of the Kings Peter Henry the IId and Joâ—â— the I st tho it is generally believ'd he wrong'd King Peter magnifying his Vices and said more than was true in Commendation of King Henry France was in Confusion for that John Duke of 〈◊〉 had caus'd Luis Duke of Orleans to be murder'd in
descent was from King Alonso IVth who was his great Grandfather his Son Jayms being Father to Peter and Grandfather to the present Earl Besides he had to Wife King Martin's Sisters the Daughter of King Peter by Queen Sibila D. Alonso de Aragon Marques de Villena the Earl of Deniâ— had also a Title to the Crown but it was farther remov'd yet at the perswasion of his Friends tho very Old he set up his Title among the rest as being lineally descended from Jayme the IId King of Aragon The King of Aragon gave Audience to the French Bishop harkened to his Demands and the Reasons on which he grounded his Claim After that was over retiring to his Apartment those that were about him continu'd the Discourse and at length came to argue the Case in Form before the King William de Moncada pleaded for the Duke of Anjou whose doubtless the Right was as may appear by his Descent set down before Bernard de Centellas argu'd for the Earl of Orâ—el and Bernard Villalice for the Marques de Villena who was the remotest When they had all done the King have his Opinion which agreed with none of theirs for he positively affirm'd Prince Ferdinand of Castile had the best Title as being his Nephew the Son of his own Sister Ellenor In reality he was himself but an Usurper the Duke of Anjon having a better Right than he but he resolv'd to cut him off and continue the Crown in his own Family This Discourse of the King 's being made publick first at Barcelona where it was spoken and afterwards through all Christendom much advanc'd Prince Ferdinand his Pretension and avail'd him to be preferr'd before his Competitors This was the common Discourse of the Town and even in the King's Presence â—â— which he seem'd to be pleas'd yet in his Heart he was more inclined to his Grandson 〈◊〉 Bastard Son to the late King of Sicily whom he had already created Earl of Luna and in order to make him capable of inheriting the Crown treated with Pope Benedict about his Legitimation If this succeeded not he preferr'd his Nephew Prince Ferdinand before all others his Valour and Virtue and his despising the Crown of Castile having render'd him worthy of another Kingdom Nevertheless upon the pressing Instances of the Earl of Vrgel the King constituted him Vicar and Governour of the Kingdom an Honour usually given to the Heir of the Crown and might have been very prejudicial to the other pretenders had he not underhand given orders to the Vrreas and Herias two powerful Families in Zaragoca not to admit him into that City or suffer him to exercise that Office notwithstanding his Letters Patents This doublâ— dealing highly offended the Earl of Vrgel and was the Cause of great Troubles CHAP. X. The Moors having done maâ—â—h harm in the Christian Territories Prince Ferdinand marches against them defeats them and takes Antequera and other Places Martin King of Aragon dies A Love-Adventure THE Truce with the Moors was now expir'd and their Boldness provok'd and oblig'd the Christians to renew the War for they 〈◊〉 the Town of Zahara ravag'd all the Country and drove the Cattle To put a stop to their Fury and revenge the Wrongs receiv'd Prince Ferdinand having made the necessary Provision of Men Mony Ammunition and Victuals in the Month of February of the Year 1410 march'd with his Army towards Cordova at such time as the Infidels being disappointed of taking the Castle of Zahara abandon'd the Town and our Forces speedily repair'd the Walls and put the Place into a Posture of Defence Prince Ferdinand's Army consisted of 10000 Foot and 3500 Horse the very Flower of the Castillian Forces all brave and resolute Souldiers With him were Sancho de Rojas Bishop of Palencia Alvaro de Guzman John de Mendoça John de Velasco D. Ruy Lopez Davalas and other Towns and Men of Quality With these Forces the Prince sat down before the City Antquera on the 〈…〉 till he had made himself Master of that 〈…〉 sent 5000 Horse and 80000 Foot 〈…〉 They march'd up to the City and 〈…〉 they rang'd their Battles and engag'd The 〈…〉 5000 of 'em kill'd in the fight and pursuit 〈…〉 and their Camp plunder'd This Victory was so 〈…〉 the more Remarkable 〈…〉 of the Christians only 120 were lost Prince Ferdinand 〈…〉 thanks to Almighty God 〈…〉 great Success and sent Expresses to convey the good News to 〈…〉 The more 〈…〉 the Besieged he caus'd a deep and large Trench to be 〈…〉 with a good Breast work and Forts at convenient Distances to hinder the 〈…〉 and all manner of Provision or Relief from coming to them This 〈…〉 necessary his Forces at that time being weak because several parties were abroad by 〈◊〉 order plundring and destroying all the Country which was done 〈…〉 to the Walls of Malaga Great harm was done but the Terror spread abroad was much greater The Moorish King commanded all that were of Age without exceptions 〈…〉 and appear in Arms by which means he gather'd a 〈◊〉 Multitude 〈…〉 not to hazard another Battle and only shew'd himself to terrify the Christians 〈…〉 kept on the Hills and in the Woods The besieged began to be strenghten'd 〈…〉 most perplext them was that they had no hopes of Relief It was as bad as Death to surrender and they had no means to hold out It happen'd 300 Horse of the Garrison or Jaen made an Incursion into the Territories of the Moors 〈…〉 orderly that they were surpriz'd and all cut off This small Success encourag'd the besieged to hope that some Misfortune might befall the Besiegers Whilst these things were acting at 〈…〉 the new Pope dy'd at Bolonia on the 3d of May. His Body was bury'd in the Church 〈…〉 of that City The Cardinals of his party met and on the 〈…〉 Month Cota Deacon-Cardinal born at Naples who was then Legate 〈…〉 himself in his Papacy John the XXIIId He was bold subtle 〈…〉 made of good or bad Practices as the occasion requir'd or was 〈…〉 Purpose 〈…〉 happier in the time of his Predecessor when he govern'd all things than in his own being cast down and depriv'd of the Tiara Soon after follow'd the Death of the King of Aragon who dy'd of a stoppage in his Head on the last of May at Valdoncellas a Monastery of Nuns adjoyning to the Walls of 〈…〉 His Body was 〈◊〉 at Poplete with very little Pomp the People being affirmed at their present Loss and apprehenstâ—â— or what was like to follow The Cortes of that Principality were 〈…〉 not without some 〈…〉 of Troubles likely to break out 〈…〉 that all the States should depute certain Persons of Note to 〈…〉 King in his 〈◊〉 and intreat him that to prevent Disorders he would appoint who was to succeed him This was accordingly put in Execution and by consent of all the Deputies Fâ—rrer head of the Council of that City was appointed
Naples In May the King of Castile came to Cordova and from thence sent D. Alvaro de Luna before him with a good Body of Men who wasted all the Country and destroy'd the very Orchards in sight of Granada without sparing a beautiful Palace that King had there Yet neither this Damage nor the Challenges sent by D. Alvaro could draw the Moors out to fight A Council of War being held at Cordova some advis'd only to pillage and wast the Country others to undertake some considerable Siege At length it was resolv'd to march to Granada and try the Fortune of a compleat Battle as one Gilairo advis'd who having been taken by the Moors young had renounc'd the Faith but not from his Heart and was therefore now return'd to Cordova He assur'd that as soon as they should appear before the City Joseph Benelmao the Grandson of Mahomet the Red who was kill'd at Sevil would come over with a good Body of Men. This being resolv'd the Queen who till then accompany'd the King departed for Carmona and the Army march'd on The King halted at Alvendin till all the Forces were joyn'd 80000 Men randezvouzed there and among them many of Note James Ribera and John de Guzman had the 〈◊〉 of Major Generals which before was executed by the Marshals Advancing thence of the 2d day they came into the Country of the Moors marching in order as if the Enemy were in sight D. Alvaro de Luna led the Van in which were 2500 Men at Arms. In the main Body was the King with many Nobles In the Rear came the Courtiers and a great Number of Church-men The Flanks were secur'd by several great Men. The two Major Generals march'd before with a Forlorn of 1500 light Horse These began the Battle which was fought on the 29th of June in this manner The Moors march'd out of Granada with mighty shouts but the Christians were the first that gain'd a rising Ground which began the fight Great was the Number of the Infidels who were still relieved by fresh of â—oops from the City Our Forces also advanc'd Peter Velasco gave such a Charge as made the Moors give way Yet they retir'd orderly to the City so that for that day none turn'd his Back The Moors being retir'd the King encamp'd and intrench'd himself at the foot of the Mount Elvira Of the Moors there were 5000 Horse and about 200000 Foot part quarter'd in the Town the rest under the Walls On Sunday following the Infidels drew out to fight The Master of Calatrava was with a Number of Pioniers levelling the Ground which was all enclos'd Upon him and his Pioniers fell the first fury of the Moors Henry Earl of Niebla and James de ZunÌ„iga who were nearest came to his Relief The heat of the fight and on the Day increas'd for it was now about Noon The King in a Passion because he design'd not to have fought that day sent D. Alvaro de Luna to command the Men to retire but they were so far ingag'd it was impossible This being told the King he drew out all his Army and having encourag'd them gave the sign to fall on They were vigorously receiv'd by the Moor â—â— and great cries rais'd on both sides For some time the Battle stood firm so that no Advantage appear'd on either side The King was among the foremost Ranks which greatly encourag'd his Men and made them charge with fresh fury Then the Moors gave way some retur'd to the City others fled to the Mountains our Men pursuing till the darkness of the Night parted them It is not exactly known what Number was kill'd but it was suppos'd to be about 10000. D. John de Cereçuela Bishop of Osma gain'd the Enemy's Camp which was among the Vineyards and Olive Gardens the other Church-men went out with their Crosses to meet the King as he return'd to the Camp There the Army continu'd ten Days No proposals of Peace were made by the Moors tho they durst not so much as come out to their Vineyards All the Country about was wasted without any Opposition This done the King return'd The command of the Frontiers was given to the Master of Calatrava and the Lieutenant James de Ribera Benalmao was left with them and had the Title of King given him that if his Party prevail'd it might be a means to take Granada This was the Success of this Expedition and of the famous Battle called De la Higuera or of the Fig Tree because one stood in the Place where they fought Few Christians were kill'd in this Expedition and of those none of Note which made the Joy of the Victory the more compleat D. Nuno Alvarez Pereyra Constable of Portugal and Earl of Barcelos and Oren who had long liv'd retir'd in the Monastery of Carmelites built by himself in Lisbon dy'd now in the 71 year of his Age and 46 of his Constableship He also founded two other Monasteries one of St. George at Aljubarrota and another of St. Mary at Villaviciosa The King honour'd his Funeral with his Presence at the said Church of the Carmelites He left one only Daughter called Beatrix who was marry'd to D. Alonso Duke of Bragança Bastard Son to the King of Portugal All his Estate he divided among his Grandchildren born before his Death The King of Portugal warn'd by the Death of his Friend who was of the same Age with him that he had not long to live resolv'd to use all his endeavours to conclude a Peace with Castile King John had departed out of the Kingdom of Granada very hastily whereby many said a good Opportunity of gaining some Advantage was lost It was reported that D. Alvaro was brib'd to give this Advice by a great sum of Gold sent him in a Present of dry Figs and this was the more easily credited because all things were done by his Advice From Cordova they went to Toledo and thence to Medina del Campo whither the Cortes were summon'd In them nothing remarkable was done except the changing the Truce with Portugal into a perpetual Peace which was proclaim'd on the 30th of October at Medina and Lisbon The Earl of Castro was attainted of high Treason The Towns belonging to the Master of Alcantara were confiscated and garrison'd by the King Peter Fernandez de Velasco Earl of Haro Ferdinand Alvarez de Toledo and D. Gutierre de Toledo Bishop of Palencia were apprehended their Charge was favouring the Princes of Aragon and contriving to kill D. Alvaro These things much incensed the Nobility some of whom resolv'd to take up Arms. Particularly YnÌ„igo Lopez de Mendoça fortify'd and garrison'd the Town of Hita Mony was rais'd for carrying on the War against the Moors which was now well advanc'd the Lieutenant and Master of Calatrava having taken Meros Ronda Cambil Illoro Archidona Setenil and other Places of less Note and also the City Loxa tho very strong was gain'd Our Forces besieged the
had left a great Estate in Aragon and sold the Towns given him in Castile Being by his Prodigality reduc'd to Poverty he resolv'd to plunder the rich City of Sevil. He was offended at the Earl of Niebla who had great Power in that City and design'd by the way to be reveng'd on him So great an Enterprize was not to be undertaken without Company To this purpose he drew together many whom their leud Lives had reduc'd to want and among them two considerable Men call'd Regidores of Sevil. A Secret could not be kept among so many The Plot was discover'd and D. Frederick secur'd at Medina del Campo whither the King went at the beginning of the Year Thence he was carry'd to Vren̄a and afterwards to a Castle near Olmedo where he ended his Days pitied by no Man the Castilians hating him as a Deserter from his Prince His Companions were all put to Death Violante Countess of Niebla his Sister who would have interceded for him was not permitted to speak to the King but sent away to Cuellar with Orders she should not stir from thence without leave it being suspected that the Earl had undertook that desperate Enterprize relying on her Assistance The Punishment of the Earl no way discouraged the Princes of Aragon from proceeding in their wicked Practices after they were expell'd Castile The King of Castile complain'd that they violated the Conditions of the Truce agreed upon not long before and therefore said it was requisite to secure the publick Peace they should be sent out of Spain The King of Navarre having hear'd the Embassadors perswaded the Princes his Brothers to go over into Italy whither he would soon follow them telling them the Kingdom of Naples once conquer'd it would be easy to recover their Estates in Castile They went over to Sicily where King Alonso then was endeavouring to gain the Affections of the Neapolitan Nobility and to settle a Peace with the Princes of Italy in order to possess himself of Naples Above all he labour'd to reconcile Pope Eugenius whom he knew to be his Enemy A fair Opportunity seem'd now to offer it self the Queen having been long Sick and the Nobility at variance and a great Misfortune befalling the Pope in this manner Antony Colonna Prince of Salerno coming to Rome the People mutiny'd and expell'd the Pope being inrag'd for that he persecuted the Family of Colonna and because through his Fault Francis Sforcia with some Forces of the Duke of Milan had wasted the Territory of Rome The Pope fled down the Tiber in a Boat the People throwing Stones at him and in the Galleys he found at Ostia went away into Tuscany This Affront offer'd the Pope variously affected several Princes Some of them said he had well deserv'd it for provoking the People and opposing the Council of Basil The News of this Accident reach'd the King of Aragon at Palermo on the 9th of July He hop'd this might be a means to gain the Pope to his Interest Therefore he sent Embassadors to condole and offer his Assistance for vanquishing his Enemies and pacifying the People The Pope accepted not his offer for within the 5th Month the Tumults of Rome ceas'd and the Citizens submitted themselves to him admitting a Garrison into the Capitol which done they were absolv'd of the Censures they had incurr'd by affronting the Pope On the 16th of September dy'd D. John de Contreras Archbishop of Toledo at Alcala de Henares His Body was bury'd with Pomp in the Cathedral of Toledo The Chapter was divided about choosing one to succeed him some were for Vasco Ramirez de Guzman Archdeacon of Toledo others for the Dean Ruy Garcia de Villaquiran This disagreement gave the King an Opportunity to intrepose and by his Procurement D. John de Cereçuela Archbishop of Sevil was elected At the same time that the King was at Madrid D. Henry de Villena dy'd there He sustain'd the Loss of his vast Fortune with great Patience living to a great Age and wholly devoted to his Study His Inclination to Learning was such that he study'd Magick and some of his Books were afterwards burnt by the King's Order The Nobility of Naples weary of the Government of a Woman and of her Extravagances inclin'd to favour the King of Aragon He drew to his Party with great Promises Nicholas Picinus then a renouned Captain in Italy and Kinsman to Braccio At Palermo he also joyn'd in League with the Prince of Taranto and all his Adherents who being injur'd by the Duke of Anjou and James Caldora had recourse to the King of Aragon for Relief It was agreed they should espouse the Quarrel of the Aragonian he assisting them with 2000 Horse and 1000 Foot which they judged a sufficient Force to oppose the Enemy but it prov'd otherwise For the Prince of Taranto was soon stripp'd of all his Possessions which were great except some few small Places of very great Strength The War seem'd to be near an end when the Duke of Anjou worn with Fatigue and overcome by the Unhealthiness of the Air dyed in Calabria about the middle of November in the Flower of his Age and the height of his Prosperity being almost possess'd of the Kingdom and then newly marry'd to Margaret Daughther to Amedee Duke of Savoy The Queen of Naples also departed this Life in that City at the beginning of the Year 1435. Her Body was bury'd with little Ceremony in the Church Annunciada The Death of the Queen and Duke advanc'd the Interest of Aragon and weaken'd that of the French Yet the People of Naples without any Order or consulting the Nobility proclaim'd Renee Brother to the late Duke their King as the Queen had order'd in her Will But there was little help to be expected from him being then a Prisoner He had marry'd the Daughter of the Duke of Lorrain and he dying without Issue-male possess'd himself of that Dukedom Antony Earl of Vaudemont Brother to the deceas'd overthrew took him Prisoner and deliver'd him up to the Duke of Burgundy Orin Carracciolo George Alemani and Baltasar Rata the most noted Men of the French Faction were appointed Governours at Naples In Spain D. Roderick de Velasco Bishop of Palencia was unfortunately kill'd by his own Cook who being distracted and going about with a Club in his Hand was ask'd what he design'd to do with it he answer'd kill the Bishop but being a Forreigner and not well understood because he spoke not plain was laugh'd at yet presently after he came upon the Bishop and beat out his Brains CHAP. VI. Mighty Inundations throughout Spain A great Victory over the Moors The further Actions of the Aragonians at Naples The Kings of Aragon and Navarre taken by the Genoeses and set at Liberty by the Duke of Milan THIS prov'd a dangerous Winter in Castile by reason of the great Rains The Roads were so deep there was scarce any Travelling Many Buildings were carry'd
Legate of Savoy Castile seem'd to be restor'd to perfect Peace by the Banishment of D. Alvaro de Luna but Ambition the Bane of Kingdoms soon disturb'd it The King was not of Judgment sound enough to govern without the Help and Advice of another This was well known to the Nobility and every one strove to gain his Favour in order to become First Minister of State D. Frederick the Admiral a Bold Man and of a ready Wit stood fairest being particularly recommended to the King by D. Alvaro de Luna at the time of his departure The Princes of Aragon were enrag'd that all their Contrivances fall'd them At Toro the Servants of the several Factions quarrell'd and were like to come to Blows about taking up their Lodgings The King knew not how to pacify the Nobles and therefore by the Advice of D. Alvaro's â—â—ads under colour of Hunting fled to Salamanca at the beginning of the year 1440. After him went the Princes of Aragon the Earls of Benavente Ledesina Haro 〈◊〉 Valencia and InÌ„igo Lopez de Mendoça with 600 Horse resolving to use Violence if oppos'd The King being inform'd of their coming remov'd to Bonilla a Loyal and Strong Town Thence he sent to the Princes of Aragon who under a safe Conduct came first to Salamanca and thence to Avila whither the Mutinous Lords were come designing to secure that City The Archbishop of Seviil who then sighaliz'd his Loyalty was the Chief Man that passed between them but without success Yet the Nobles made use of him to write to the King giving him grave Advice and charging D. Alvaro de Luna He return'd no 〈…〉 They went the Earls of Haro and Benavente to him who prevail'd to have the 〈…〉 at Valladolid Yet those Lords were so far from restoring the Towns they had serz'd and their hands that they secur'd Leon Segovia Zamora Salamanca Valladolid Avila Burgos Placencia and Guadalasara Besides Prince Henry had Toledo deliver'd to him by Peter Lopez de Ayala who was Governour of the Town and Castle for the King At the Cortes which sate at Valladolid in April the first thing consider'd upon was to give satisfaction to D. Alvaro de Luna and bring him back to Court. To this effect Letters were sent to him from that Assembly yet he came not for the present Soon after all the Revolted Cities return'd to their 〈…〉 had particularly Toledo Prince Henry at this time Rebell'd against his Father being 〈…〉 that D. Alvaro should return to Court John Pacheco Son to Alonso Giron Lord of 〈…〉 had the same influence over the Prince that D. Alvaro had over the King and endeavour'd by supplanting D. Alvaro who had preferr'd him to rise to his Grandeur Prince Henry of Castile withdrew from Court giving out that he would not return till some of the King's Counsellors with whom he was displeas'd were remov'd yet he came back late at Night at the perswasion of his Father-in-Law the King of Navarre To pacify him his Wife was brought from Navarre to Valladolid where on the 25th of September the Nuptials were celebrated with great Pomp and there was a Feast of Tilting in which some Nobles were kill'd because they ran with sharp-pointed Spears The Bride remain'd a Maid which was at first conceal'd but afterwards became Publick to the great Grief of all People At the same time that the Publick Rejoycing was for the Marriage of Prince Henry the Lieutenant Peter Manrrique Dy'd He was a Man of a mean Stature a great Spirit Subtle and Bold His Son James Manrique who was also Earl of TrevinÌ„o succeeded him in his 〈◊〉 D. Alvaro de Lara tho absent from Court govern'd the Kingdom which inrag'd the 〈…〉 have all 〈…〉 Son who left his Father and went away to Segovâ— declaring for the Princes of Aragon John Pacheco his Favourite neightned his discontent Toledo was again'd deliver'd up by the same Peter Lopez de Ayala to Prince Henry of Aragon The Citizens provok'd the King by securing his Messengers sent to complain of their Disloyalty which mov'd him with a small Retinue the hast thither believing they would Respect his Person He stopp'd at the Hospital of Saint Lazorus which is in the Road to Madrigal Prince Henry of Aragon came out of the City with Two Handred Horse Those with the King being Feâ— in Number Fortify'd themselves where they were but Prince Henry fearing he should become yet more odious than he was if he offer'd Violence to the King return'd into the City Roderick de Villandrando signaliz'd his Zeal and Legality for the Defence of the King in this Place in recompense for which he had a Priviledge granted him that the Earls of Ribadeo his Successors should always upon New-years Day dine with the King and serve him in the Bed-chamber For it was on the first of January 1441 that the King was in Danger in the Hospital The King went away to Torrijos and leaving Pelayo de Ribera Lord of Malpica with 100 Horse to secure that place remov'd to Avila whither D. Alvaro came to consult about carrying on the War they had in Hand His coming more incens'd the Mutineers Most of them were at Arevalo and the Queen her self favour'd her Son and Brothers against the King her Husband The King sent the Bishops of Burgos and Avila to try if there were any way of composing Differences but they could not prevail James de Valera a Gentleman who follow'd the Prince wrote a Letter to the King advising him to incline to Mercy rather than Severity It being read in Council no Body said any thing to it but the Archbishop D. Gutierre de Toledo who answer'd Let Valera give us Assistance for Advice we want none This Valera was a Man of very good natural Parts was twice Embassador in Germany and writ a short History of Spain of him called Valeriana But there is another Valeriana writ by an Archdeacon of Murcia and quoted in this Work Prince Henry being sent for by his Father to treat of Peace came to Avila but nothing was concluded The Prince being return'd to Segovia desir'd the two Queens his Mother and Mother in Law then in Castile to go as far as Santa Maria de Nieva to endeavour to appease those Commotions In that Town Blanch Queen of Navarre dy'd on the first day of April and was bury'd in the famous Church of that Place This grave Authors affirm but there is no sign of it in the Church Charles Prince of Viana her Son inherited the Crown but took not the Title of King out of respect to his Father This Prince Charles was very studious and there are some Works of his Extant as Aristole's Ethicks translated into Spanish a short History of Navarre and many Compositions in Verse which he us'd to sing to the Guitarre A Youth deserving of a better Fortune and a more peaceable Father He was 21 years of Age when his Mother dy'd Her Death put an
end to the Treaty of Peace and the Queen of Castile return'd to Arevalo where she was before War broke out in several Places at the same time The Chief Heads of the Rebellion were Prince Henry of Aragon the Admiral and the Earl of Benavente D. Alvaro de Luna and his Brother the Archbishop of Toledo bravely made head against the Rebels In̄igo Lopez de Mendoça escap'd being kill'd very narrowly with a very few of his Men all the rest being cut off by John Carrillo Lieutenant of Caçorla who lay'd an Ambush for him At the same time another Party of the Malecontents was defeated by the Forces of D. Alvaro near a Town call'd Gresmonda In this Action was kill'd Laurence Davalos Son to the Constable D. Ruy Lopez Davalos John de Mena a famous Poet in those Days lamented his Death in Elegiack Verse At the same time the King of Navarre came into New Castile with a good Body of Men in favour of the Rebels because the Royalists were too hard for them and being dispersed about the Country plunder'd it and ravish'd the Women In Old Castile the King took Medina del Campo and Arevalo from the King of Navarre At a Village call'd Naharro in that Neighbourhood he had a Conference with Ellenor Queen Dowager of Portugal Nothing was concluded touching the Rebels but the King sent Embassadors to advise Peter Duke of Coimbra to do the Queen right The King of Aragon also sent an Embassy from Italy to Portugal to the same effect but nothing was done for that Prince would not quit the Government and the Kings were not at Leasure to use Force So that Queen Ellenor ended her days in Castile The Princes of Aragon hasted out of the Kingdom of Toledo to Old Castile to secure their Interest there Arevalo open'd the Gates to receive them and thence they went to Medina del Campo and sat down before it Some Skirmish happen'd but the Siege lasted not long for some of the Townsmen by Night gave entrance to the Rebels The King had dispos'd his Forces about the Streets and publick Places The Townsmen kept close in their Houses D. Alvaro de Luna his Brother the Archbishop of Toledo and the Master of Alcantara in Disguize escap'd through the midst of their Enemies being advis'd so to do by the King knowing their Lives were in Danger if taken by the Rebels They came and kissed the King's Hand conducting him to the Palace with feign'd Respect The Queens and Prince Henry hearing what had happen'd came thither and after a long Consultation in hatred to D. Alvaro all the Officers of the King's Houshold were remov'd Others that had adher'd to the King were turn'd out of the City It was propos'd to compose Differences the King being then a Prisoner and Judges were appointed to decide all Controversies D. Alvaro was commanded not to depart out of such Towns of his own as should be assign'd during the term of 6 Years and that he should not write to the King unless the Letters were first perus'd by the Queen and Prince Henry Moreover that he should not make any new Alliances or maintain Soldiers and for Security that he would perform all this he should deliver his Son D. John as Hostage and nine Castles within 30 Days These things much afflicted D. Alvaro who yet ceas'd not to study new ways to rise But all Men shun him that is falling and the Rebels strengthned their Party by fresh Allyances Joanna Daughter to the Admiral was contracted to the King of Navarre Beatrix Daughter to the Earl of Benavente to Prince Henry of Aragon These Matches were contriv'd by James Gomez de Sandoval Earl of Castro who sought by that means to unite the Malecontents and ruin D. Alvaro de Luna CHAP. X. The Progress of the Aragonians in Naples That City taken by them New Disorders in Spain The Archbishop of Toledo Dyes Of some Men famous for Learning THe Civil War in Spain seem'd to be at an end but Italy was all over in a Flame with the War of Naples The Forces of Renee wasted with delay and his Wife and Children being sent to Marseilles seem'd to denote there remain'd but small hopes Besides James Caldora the great Prop of that Party dy'd suddenly as he was going to Plunder Circaslo a Town of the Pope's Jurisdiction and the rest of his Family after his Death joyn'd with the Aragonians whose interest daily advanc'd They took the City Aversa subdu'd all Calabria and defeated the Forces of Francis Sforcia in Apulia Pope Eugenius made a League with the Venetians Florentines and Genoeses to expel the Aragonians out of Italy To this purpose the Cardinal of Trent entred the Kingdom of Naples with 10000 Men but they being Raw Soldiers did no great matter The Army of Aragon march'd directly to Naples and sate down before it Renoe not daring to come into the Field Some Provisions and Recruits were brought to the Besieg'd by the Genoeses These were small Helps for the Multitude within was great and began to suffer much Want Corn being excessive dear Some advis'd to Surrender upon any Terms but that not succeeding one Anello and his Brother both Bricklayers fled to the Camp and offer'd to shew how the City might be taken without much danger so they were well rewarded Their design was to convey Men into the Town through an Aqueduct that carries the Water into the City 200 Men were chosen for this purpose and order'd to obey the two Brothers The Way was so difficult that most of them were left behind and only 40 went through and came to the Wall of a Private House where a Woman Cry'd out and had betray'd them had they not soon stopp'd her Mouth Much time was spent in getting through the Sun was up and no Sign made to give notice they were within It was fear'd they were all Cut off and yet the Forces appointed to give the Assault apply'd the Scaling Ladders but faintly hearing no Noise within The 40 Soldiers hearing the Noise seiz'd a Tower upon the Walls call'd Sophia Thither the King of Aragon made to Relieve them and Renee to drive them out and there follow'd a hot Dispute but at length the Aragonians having forc'd some of the Gates enter'd the City Renee after having done all that became a good Commander and brave Soldier retir'd to the Castle Some Houses were Plunder'd but no body Kill'd Thus the Aragonians made themselves Masters of Naples upon Saturday the 2d of June 1442. The Soldiers were publickly commended and rewarded according to the Merit of every Man and particularly Peter Martinez Commander of those who came through the Aqueduct The Two Bricklayers receiv'd more than could be expected by such mean persons Some curious Men observ'd that Belisarius took that City from the Goths by the same Stratagem Renee having no hopes left capitulated to deliver up all Places that held out for him upon liberty to depart freely
Earl of Benavente nay the Prince of Castile and Queen had a hand in this Practice F. Lope Barrientos Bishop of Avila mov'd by the Wrong done the King and desiring to restore D. Alvaro discour'd John de Pacheco seriously upon the Point and they resolv'd to try whether some of the Nobles had Courage enough to oppose the Princes of Aragon To the end their Designs might be the better conceal'd they advis'd the Prince who was of Council with them to go from Tordesillas to Segovia upon pretence of Hunting Thence they sent Letters to D. Alvaro giving him an Account of what they had done At the same time the Earls of Haro and Ledesma meeting at Curiel had consulted about setting the King at Liberty which oblig'd the Prince to return to Tordesillas to see what could be done But the Princes of Aragon prevented their Designs and forc'd them to fly whence ensu'd new Troubles The King of Navarre was marry'd at Lobaton on the 1st of September 1444 and Prince Henry at Cordova where he was fixing the Interest of his Party James Valera was sent Embassador into France to obtain Liberty for the Earl of Armagnac secur'd by the Dauphin and for Martin Son to D. Alonso Earl of Gijon He was accus'd of holding Correspondence with the English and set at Liberty upon Condition that if ever he was found faulty he should forfeit the Towns of Ribadeo and Cangas in Asturias Besides the King of Castile oblig'd himself in such Case to make War with the Forces of Biscay that bordered on his Dominions At the same time some dealt with Henry Prince of Castile about destroying of D. Alvaro and others about restoring him Bishop Barrientos and John Pacheco thought fit to dispatch before they were discover'd and to that purpose held the King of Navarre in hand as if they design'd to joyn with him Mean while Prince Henry return'd to Segovia and thence sollicited the Earls of Haro Plasencia and Castaneda to unite their Forces with his Besides them the Earl of Alva the Archbishop of Toledo and Lord of Hita took party with them This done thinking themselves strong enough for the Princes of Aragon by the Prince's Order they all went to Avila They had 1500 Horse and D. Alvaro de Luna came to them Their greatest want was of Mony Thence they went to Burgos where the other Nobles their Associates were The Aragonians sent the King to the Town of Portillo with the Earl of Castro to guard him and the King of Navarre gather'd 2000 Horse With this Force he march'd towards the Confederate Nobles who daily grew stronger and near Pampliega in the Territory of Burgos the two Parties drew up Some Religious Persons endeavour'd to compose Differences but a light Skirmish that happen'd drew them to a Battle which was parted by the Night The King of Navarre finding himself too weak retir'd in the dark to Palencia a strong City Another Misfortune was added to this which was that the King of Castile under colour of Hunting made his escape to his Son His Liberty chang'd the Face of Affairs The King of Navarre went to his Kingdom to raise Forces and carry on what he had begun all the other great Men of his Faction went each to his own Lands Thus the Towns belonging to the Princes of Aragon fell into the Hands of the King particularly Medina del Campo Arevalo Olmedo Roa and Aranda Prince Henry of Aragon return'd to his Town of Ocana in Andaluzia Henry Prince of Castile and D. Alvaro march'd after him but he fled to the Kingdom of Murcia there Alonso Faxardo Lieutenant of that Kingdom receiv'd him into the strong City of Lorca he being a favourer of that Party This was about the end of the Year On the 5th of July the same Year dy'd Ferdinand Uncle to the King of Portugal at Fez where he was bury'd Two years after his Body was translated to Aljubarrota his Father's Burial place The Portugueses account him a Saint and say he never had to do with Women nor ever told a Lye Castile seemed to be in a better Condition since the Princes of Aragon were expelled but still a War was fear'd The Cortes met at Medina del Campo and order'd some Mony for the War but not enough Thither came the Prince of Castile and D. Alvaro de Luna after they had taken from Prince Henry several Towns belonging to him as Master of the Order of Santiago Warlike Preparations were made The King of Navarre made an Incursion into the Kingdom of Toledo with 400 Horse and 600 Foot by the way of Atiença in which he had a Garrison This Number tho small was formidable because some of the People were for him and others stood Neuters so he easily made himself Master of Torija Alcala de Henares and other places The King of Castile gathering what Force he had march'd to Espinar to wait there till other Troops joyn'd him Soon after this on the 18th of February 1445 dy'd Queen Ellenor of Portugal at Toledo and a few days after Mary Queen of Castile follow'd her ending her days at Villacastin near Segovia It was suspected they were poison'd because both dy'd so near the same time and suddenly also because Queen Mary's Body was full of Spots This Report was the easier credited because they lived a loose Life From Espinar the King went to Madrid and soon after to Alcala being invited thither by the Inhabitants The King of Navarre lay with his Forces thereabouts and being joyn'd by his Brother Henry was now 1500 Horse strong With this Body he kept himself in the Mountains of Old Alcala resolving not to fight without the Advantage of Ground he being too weak in Numbers Thence he sent Ferrer de Lanuza Justice of Aragon to his Brother the King of Aragon to desire him since the War of Naples was ended to come into Spain either to attend the War or compose the Differences The King of Castile also sent to complain to him of his Brothers There was no Action at Alcala and the Princes of Aragon by the way of Tablada hasted away to Arevalo The King of Castile follow'd close at their Heels so that both came the same day to Arevalo The King of Navarre took Olmedo by force and put to Death the loyal Party that had shut the Gates upon him About half a League from Olmedo near the Mills call'd de los Abades the King of Castile intrench'd with 2000 Horse and the like Number of Foot There his Son Henry D. Alvaro John Pacheco In̄igo Lopez de Mendoça the Earl of Alva and Bishop Barrientos joyn'd him On the other side the Admiral the Earl of Benavente the Brothers Peter Ferdinand and James Quin̄ones the Earl of Castro and John de Tovar brought a 1000 Horse to the Aragonians By the Contrivance of Bishop Barrientos a treaty was set on Foot to amuse the Rebels till the Master of Alcantara joyn'd the King He being
come the King's Forces offer'd Battle but the Aragonians were too weak to fight and too ill provided to endure a Siege Therefore they sent Commissioners to inform the King they were ready to submit to him provided D. Alvaro were remov'd The King only answer'd he would consider of it Whilst they were treating of Peace they came accidentally to a Battle upon Wedensday the 19th of May. Henry Prince of Castile being a hot Youth advanc'd with 50 Horse to draw out the Enemy to Skirmish A like number came out of the Town but back'd by Men at Arms. Those with the Prince seeing a great Number fled the Aragonians pursuing them up to their very Trenches Upon this the Royalists drew out D. Alvaro led the Van the Bishop of Siguença Peter de Acun̄a In̄igo Lopez de Mendoça and the Earl of Alva commanded the Men at Arms upon the Flanks In the main Body was Prince Henry with 550 Men at Arms under the Command of the Master of Alcantara The King the Archbishop of Toledo and other noble Men brought up the Rear In this Order they stood most part of the Day no Body coming out of the Town Two hours before Sun set Orders were given to return to the Camp Then the Aragonians sally'd out with great shouts thinking the Night would shrowd them if worsted and could be no hindrance to them if Victorious because they knew the Country The light Horse gave the first Charge and then all the rest fell on The Body commanded by Prince Henry of Aragon charg'd D. Alvaro that which the King of Navarre led attack'd Henry Prince of Castile Both sides fought resolutely but the Aragonians were inferior in Number and began to give way Night drew on and the Princes of Aragon having done all that could be expected from brave Commanders seeing their Men fly retir'd to Olmedo The Admiral and Earl of Benavente took another way The Earl of Castro Henry Brother to the Admiral and Ferdinand de Quin̄ones were taken with 200 more Only 37 were kill'd in fight but many wounded The Princes of Aragon the same Night fled towards that Kingdom the King of Navarre unhurt Prince Henry dy'd soon after at Calatayud of a Wound he receiv'd in his left Hand a Gangrene striking into his Arm. He was a Man of a great Spirit but restless His Body was bury'd in that City He left one Son of his own Name by his second Wife who in time to come prov'd as Turbulent as his Father After the Victory the King sent Expresses to all parts to give Notice of it and built a Chappel in the Place where the Battle was fought CHAP. II. The Marriage of Ferdinand Bastard Son to the King of Aragon and appointed Heir to the Kingdom of Naples Mahomet King of Granada depos'd D. Alvaro de Luna chosen Master of the Order of Santiago Continual Success attended the Armies of Aragon in Italy King Alonso in favour of the Pope had recovered Marca Ancona from Francis Sforcia Yet his Party ceased not to raise Commotions whereupon the King of Aragon at the Pope's Instance returned thither and being come to Fontana del Populo a Town not far from the City Teano summoned the Nobles to attend him there Among the rest came Antony Centellas Marques of Girachi with 300 Horse he had done good Service during the late War and sold part of his Estate to pay his Men. The King desired to marry Enricosa Rufa Daughter and Heiress to the Marques de Croton to In̄igo Davalos as a Reward for his good Service and recommended this Affair to Antony Centellas He liking her Fortune marries her himself by which his Power was increased and consequently his Boldness At first this was connived at but soon after he payed for all He was charged with contriving the Death of a certain Favourite of the King 's whereupon he fled from the Camp to Catançaro a Town of his own The King moved at this returned to Naples and sent Messengers to reduce Centellas by fair means but he would not give ear to them Therefore the King himself marches into Calabria and having taken several Towns came before Cataniçaro Centellas seeing no hope of Relief surrendred upon promise of Pardon He was ordered to deliver up that City and the Castle of Turpia and he with his Wife and Children was sent to Naples Great rejoycing was throughout the Kingdom as well for restoring of Peace to it as on account that Ferdinand the King's Son was on the 30th of May married to Elizabeth de Claramonte to whom he was before contracted This was contrived to oblige the Prince of Taranto whose Neece she was In the midst of all his Joy came the sad News of the Death of the two Queens the King's Sisters and his Brother Prince Henry and the King of Navarre's being expelled Castile That King's Embassador pressed King Alonso to return into Spain He answered when the Wars of Marca Ancona were ended he would go that the mean while the King of Navarre should govern Aragon and raise Forces in both Kingdoms for the War with Castile and also that a Truce should be made with the Moors of Granada for a Year That City about this time changed its King Mahomet the left-handed during the Rebellion in Castile enjoy'd Peace which caused him Troubles at home The Moorish King had two Cousin Germans one of them called Ismael being fearful of his Uncle fled to the King of Castile The other called Mahomet the Lame because he was so associated himself with some Moors of Quality at Almeria With their Assistance he seized the Castle of Granada called Alhambra took the King and cast him into Prison This done he usurped the Title of King On this occasion the Moors were divided into Factions Andilbar Governour of Granada seized the strong Castle of Montefrio near Alcala Real and having no hopes of restoring the Old King offered the Crown to Ismael He having received Supplies of Men and Mony from the King of Castile hasted to possess himself of a Kingdom These things happen'd at the end of this Year let us return to what is behind After the Battle of Olmedo a Council was held in D. Alvaro de Luna's Tent he being wounded in the left Leg. There it was resolved that all the Rebels Estates should be Confiscated Cuellar was taken and Simancas besieged Prince Henry was for pardoning the Admiral the others opposed it Therefore the Prince went away to Segovia and the King his Father fearing fresh Tumults left Peter Sarmiento to reduce the other Towns and went himself to Nuestro Sen̄ora de Nieva to reduce his Son Before he would submit he demanded Jaen Logrono and Caceres for himself Barcarroto Salvatierra and Salvaleon Towns on the Borders of Portugal for John Pacheco The King condescended and thus they received a Reward whereas they deserved Punishment Moreover at Medina de Rioseco the Admiral was pardoned provided he came in
that Name signifying The Lord Alexander He was given up a Hostage to Amurat the Turk but making his escape with a handful of Men held out for several Years in Epirus and overthrew great Armies of Turks But finding himself too weak alone to oppose that great Power he laboured to get forreign Aids and to this purpose made a League with the Venetians implored the Favour of the Popes and sent a solemn Embassy to the King of Aragon at the beginning of the Year 1451 offering if he relieved him with Men and Mony that after the War was ended that Province should pay the same Tribute to him it used to pay to the Turk The King sent some Supplies but too small to oppose the vast Power of the Enemy This Year was Fortunate to Spain for the Birth of the Princess Elizabeth for whom Heaven design'd the Crown of Castile her Brothers dying She was an incomparable Princess and the Glory of Spain She was born at Mndrigal on the 23d of April Henry Brother to the Admiral who had been taken up with the other Noblemen three Years before made his escape out of the Castle of Langa near Santistevan de Gormaz He had a Clew of Thred sent him and laying his Cloaths in the Bed with the Night-cap as if he had been there went up to a Tower where with the Thred he drew up a Rope that some of his Friends had ready below for him The Rope was knotted and so he let himself down Mean while the Governour looking into his Room and seeing something in the Bed thought he slept and went away satisfyed It Portugal Ellenor the King's Sister was contracted to the Emperor Frederick at Lisbon on the 9th of August Soon after the Bride was sent by Sea to Pisa and went thence to Siena in Italy The Nobility of Castile falling off from him and the Prince of Viana revolting the King of Navarre's Interest declined both at home and abroad All this was the Contrivance of D Alvaro de Luna to secure himself but it turned to his Ruin By his advice there was a sort of an Accommodation made betwixt the Kings of Castile and Navarre It was agreed that the Admiral and Earl of Castro and other Noblemen should be pardoned and restored to their Estates as also that D. Alonso Son to the King of Navarre should again have the Mastership of Calatrava But this succeeded not for Peter Giron who was in Possession made himself strong in the Town of Almagro resolving to stand upon his Guard So D. Alonso was forc'd to return to Aragon as he came which highly offended the King of Navarre To add to his Trouble Prince Henry was by the means of D. Alvaro entirely reconciled to his Father But the most grievous thing of all was that a tedious and bloody Civil War broke out in Navarre That Nation had been long divided betwixt two Factions the Biamonteses and the Agramonteses headed by the Earl of Lerin and Marques of Cortes and much Blood had been spilt The Agramonteses were for the King the Biamonteses inticed the Prince to take up Arms against his Father who they said wrongfully with-held the Crown from him In the first Place they made a League with Castile and France The King of Castile promised to assist the Prince provided he would declare and take up Arms. The King of France did the same being then in a Condition to do it having recovered all Guienne from the English As soon as the Civil War broke out in Navarre the Biamonteses seized several Towns and Cities and among them Pamplona the Metropolis of the Kingdom Olite and Aivar Yet the greatest part of the Kingdom and the Principality of Viana remained in the King's Power he having in time put Garrisons and given the Government of Towns to Men of approved Fidelity Prince Henry and soon after his Father the King of Castile came and layed Siege to Estela where the Queen of Navarre was The King her Husband speeded from Zaragoça to her Relief but bringing small Force with him and the Agramonteses not being yet able to oppose the Enemies he was forced to return to Zaragoça designing to raise Men in that Kingdom As soon as he was gone the King and Prince of Castile as it the War were ended tho they had done nothing at the Request of Prince Charles returned to Burgos His mild Nature was hurtful to Prince Charles for his Father having raised an Army tho small in Number yet composed of Old Soldiers lay'd Siege to Ayvar a well fortify'd Town His Son came to relieve the Besieged and on the 3d of October both Armies drew out Some Religious Persons laboured to reconcile the Father and Son Prince Charles was willing to lay down Arms upon Condition all that had followed him should be pardoned That the Principality of Viana and half the Revenues of the Crown should be given to him and that the King of Castile without whom he had sworn he would make no Peace should approve of these Articles The King of Navarre allowed part and rejected part of the Conditions whereupon the signal for Battle was given on both sides At first the Biamonteses made their Enemies give way but Roderick Rebolledo the King's Lord Chamberlain stood his Ground with such bravery that he gave time for those who had not engaged to come up and then they that fled before rallying endeavoured to blot out the shame of having turned their Backs Thus the Prince's Forces being an undisciplined Multitude not able to bear the Charge were put to Flight The first that ran were the Horse of Andaluzia But a few were killed many taken The Prince himself being beset delivered his Sword and Gauntlet to his Brother Alonso Authors do not write what Numbers fought or what were killed nor give any particular Account of the Battle The Prince was sent Prisoner to Tafalla and thence to Monroy It is reported he was always suspicious of being Poisoned and therefore when taken would not eat till his Brother had tasted The King of Navarre after this Victory returned to Zaragoça with his Wife who proved soon after with Child Yet the Biamonteses were no way dismayed at this Loss especially because Prince Henry came to their Assistance Besides the Nobility of Aragon favoured Prince Charles and plotted how to release him Navarre was in a miserable Condition the Country plundered by Soldiers and the Towns divided into Factions which often fell to blows In Andaluzia the Affairs of the Christians succeeded better On the 9th of February 1452 a much less party of Christians routed 600 Moorish Horse and 800 Foot who wasted the Country about Arcos D. John Ponce Earl of Arcos and Lord of Marchena commanded this Party In March 600 Horse and 1500 Foot of the Infidels were overthrown with great Slaughter by 300 Christian Horse and 2000 Foot near Lorca in the Kingdom of Murcia and a Booty of 40000 head of Cattle
in Poverty yet wickedly and hated by all Men. Thus he soon endured the Punishment of his short Pleasure being severely chastized by the Hand of God as he had well deserved The End of the Two and Twentieth Book The History of SPAIN BOOK XXIII CHAP. I. The Councel of Mantua Beginnings of Tumults in Castile War at Naples betwixt the Aragonians and House of Anjou Scanderbeg Prince of Epirus comes to the Assistance of Ferdinand King of Naples POpe Pius the Second having appointed a General Councel to meet at Mantua a great number of Bishops from all Parts and Ambassadors of Princes repaired thither as did the Pope himself His only Care was to stir up all Christendom to unite its Forces against the Common Enemy David Emperor of Trebizonde a City in Asia the Lesser upon the Euxine Sea Ussumcassanus King of Armenia and George who stiled himself King of Persia offered great Numbers of Horse and Foot and a mighty Fleet but there was little Confidence to be reposed in their Promises The Western Countries were so entangled with Broils and Confusions at home that little could be hoped from them Notwithstanding all these Difficulties the Pope was not discouraged but resolved to use his utmost Endeavours to promote the Holy War and therefore in a full Assembly of those that came to the Councel made a most Learned Speech laying before them how great a Reproach to Christianity the loss of the Eastern Empire had been and how much nearer since that time the Danger threatned all the Western Part of the World He pressed for some Prince to encourage that War by taking upon him to be General and then offered to carry the Cross before them himself His Words moved the Auditory but the Ambassadors of Princes wasted the Time in Private Controversies Particularly John Duke of Lorrain Son to Renee Duke of Anjou complained that the Pope had given the Investiture of the Kingdom of Naples to Ferdinand his Enemy Thus nothing was done to any purpose only a Verbal Decree was made for carrying on the War The Pope published a Bull in which contrary to his own Opinion at the Councel of Basil he ordains That none shall Appeal from the Pope to a General Councel Thus the Councel was dissolved the Eighth Month after the opening of it The Aragonian Ambassadors after the Councel broke up went away to Naples to Congratulate with the new King upon his Accession to that Crown InÌ„igo Lopez de Mendoça the Ambassador of Castile obtained of the Pope a Jubilee for all that gave certain Alms employed to build at Tendilla a Monastery of Friars of St. Isidorus of the Invocation of St. Ann. Mean while the City Guadalajara was taken from his Brother James de Mendoça he having possessed himself of it wrongfully John Fernandez Galindo a famous Officer surprized it with 600 Horse This the Nobles took for a new Cause of Discontent and combined against the King D. â—â—ederick the Admiral heightned their Discontents He sollicited his Son-in-Law the King of Aragon to join with the Seditious Nobility and make War upon Castile With him joined the Archbishop of Toledo D. Peter Giron Master of Calatrava and the Families of Manrique and Mendoça Their Pretence was to reform the Government D. Alonso de Fonseca Archbishop of Sevil gave the King an Account of these Practices As a Reward for this good Service the Archbishoprick of Santiago vacant by the Death of D. Roderick de Luna was given to a Kinsman of his called also Alonso de Fonseca who was Dean of Sevil. D. Luis Osorio had then possessed himself of the Revenues of that Church confiding in the Power of his Father the Earl of Trastamara None but a Person of great Authority could reduce him and therefore the two Archbishops changed Sees by the King's Consent The Church of Pamplona upon the Death of D. Martin de Peralta was given to Cardinal Besarion a Greek but very Learned and of a godly Life The Troubles of Naples were the chief Thing that disturbed Pope Pius otherwise wholly bent upon the Holy War The War began again to break out betwixt John the Son of Renee and the new King Ferdinand most of the Neapolitan Nobility as given to Change favouring the House of Anjou The first that appeared in Arms was Anthony Centellas Marquis of Croton who having got his Liberty meditated Revenge but the King was too quick and again laid him in Prison Martin Marciano tho married to Ellenor the King's Sister headed the Rebels many joined with him among whom the chief were the Prince of Taranto Anthony Cardora and John Paul Duke of Sora. Francis Sforcia Duke of Milan being at the Councel of Mantua advised the Pope to enter into League with King Ferdinand for that the French being expelled Italy all Difficulties that obstructed the War with the Turks would be easily surmounted The Pope approved of this Councel but it was not easily to be put into Execution for that King Ferdinand was then besieged in Barletta a City of Apulia and knew not well how to defend himself The Pope would send him no Relief because the Enemy had secured all the Avenues by Land Therefore he sent to George Scanderbeg Prince of Epirus then a most Renowned General who understanding the Pope's Will sent before Coicus Strosius with 500 Albanian Horse and soon after gathering a good Fleet sailed to Ragusa and thence to Barleta Immediately upon his Arrival the Rebels raised the Siege King Ferdinand having joined the Succours sent him by the Pope and Duke of Milan overthrew his Enemies in Battel and soon recovered the Towns that held for them Scanderbeg having spent a Year in this Expedition returned home well satisfied with the King who gave him and his Heirs the City Trani and the Castles of St. John and Siponto After this he obtained several Victories over the Turks and died at the end of Seven Years leaving a Son called John under the Care of the Venetians Nevertheless he ordered him till he could recover his Principality to live at Naples upon what Estate that King had given him From him is descended the most Noble Family of the Castriots Marquisses of Civita de Santangelo in the Kingdom of Naples In Spain Charles Prince of Viana having obtained Pardon for himself and his Followers and the Promise of a competent Revenue for his Maintenance came from Majorca to Barcelona on the 22d of March 1460. It was proposed to marry him with Catherine Sister to the King of Portugal When the Match was as good as concluded the King of Castile took it off offering him his Sister Elizabeth with Assurance of obtaining what he desired of his Father with the Assistance of Castile Hereupon Prince Charles no farther thought of the Match with Portugal and the Princess Catherine went into the Monastery of S' Clare at Lisbon where she ended her Days at such time as it was designed to marry her to Edward IV.
of Jaen there appeared such a multitude of Locusts that they hid the Sun Every one interpreted this and the like Prodigies as his Fear dictated rather than according to any Reason At this time Roderick Sanchez de â—revalo who commanded the Castle of S. Angel at Rome wrote in Latin a History of Spain more Devout than Elegant It is called Palentina from the Author who was afterwards Bishop of Palencia Pope Paul II. gave him that Bishoprick at the Request of King Henry to whom he Dedicated that History The said Roderick Sanchez tho a Spaniard was very familiar with that Pope CHAP. V. Peter the Constable of Portugal dies The Rebels in Catalonia choose the Duke of Anjou for their King The Battle of Olmedo The Death of the Queen of Aragon and Prince Alonso of Castile The King recovers Toledo The Rebels of Castile Affront the Popes Legate and are Excommunicated CAstile was full of Confusion and Tumults nothing but Rapine and Murders appeared in all Places the Government being too weak to punish these Insolencies For this Reason the Towns and Cities Associated themselves and by the Kings Consent Rules were prescribed the Heads of the Association to be governed by The People generally feared left the Moores should again Conquer Spain the Kingdom being no less Debauched than in the time of King Roderick and the Archbishop of Toledo was commonly in scorn called D. Oppas which was the Name of him that had helped to betray the Country to the Infidels when they over-ran it These Divisions encouraged the Earl of Faux to invade Navarre as his Wife's Dower not content to expect the Death of his Father-in-Law tho he had blamed that forwardness in his Brother-in-Law Prince Charles Not so satisfied he resolved to oblige King Henry of Castile to deliver up those Towns of Navarre in which he had Garisons At the first onset he took the City Calahorra and laid Siege to Alfaro King Henry sent James Enriquez del Castillo his Chaplain who also wrote a Chronicle of this King to Treat with the Earl but he finding nothing was to be done by fair means gathered what Forces he could and drove him out of the Country Calahorra was also restored to the King the Townsmen expelling the Garison of the Earl of Faux In Catalonia the Aragonians in several places worsted their Enemies and recovered many Towns But what was most considerable D Peter the pretended Earl of Barcelona died at Granobla on the 29th of June His Body was buried at Barcelona He was thought to be poisoned as was very usual in those days In his Will he left that Earldom wherein he had so small a share to John Prince of Portugal his Nephew The Aragonians using the advantage of his Death took Tortosa and other Places To put a stop to all these Losses the Catalonians in a great Assembly at Barcelona chose Renee Duke of Anjou the perpetual Enemy of Aragon their King On the other side the King of Aragon sollicited the Duke of Savoy and Galeazo who had succeeded his Father Francis Sforzia in the Dukedom of Milan to join in League with him He also Courted the English and at the beginning of the year 1467 sent Peter Peralta his Constable to Castile to join in League with the Confederate Lords For the better compassing his Ends he gave Commission to Treat of Matching his Daughter Joanna with Prince Alonso and his Son Ferdinand with Beatrix Daughter to the Marquis of Villena Neither of these Marriages had effect The Earl of Benavente at this time got Prince Alonso from the Archbishop of Toledo for pretending to Entertain him in his Castle of Portillo when he had him in he'kept him yet not long after at the perswasion of the Marquis de Villena restored him to the Rebellious Lords Thus all things tended to open War which King Henry earnestly desiring to prevent condescended again to have Two Conferences with the Marquis de Villena but all to no effect notwithstanding the Earl of Plasencia's Lady a Person of great Parts and well affected towards the King was present in hopes she would reduce her Husband and some others The Marquess de Villena was more subtle to gain an Advantage than King Henry to disappoint him Another Interview was appointed at Plasencia which the Loyal Nobility were concerned at saying it was Lessening of the King to have so many Conferences with a Subject At the beginning of Summer the King removed from Madrid to Segovia and the Rebels possessed themselves of Olmedo Peter de Silva Commandant of the Garison delivered it up Mota de Medina belonged to the Archbishop of Toledo and there was danger it would fall into the hands of the Lords King Henry moved by all these Affronts ordered great Levies to be made Then he summoned the Nobility There came to him the Earl of Medina Celi the Bishop of Calahorra the Duke of Albuquerque who till then had been absent from Court and Peter Hernandez de Velasco who being pardoned his former Fault was now sent by his Father with 700 Horse and a good Body of Foot For this Service he had the Tenths of the Admiralty granted him So great Fear had possessed the King and he was so desirous to gain the Nobility that to secure the Marquis of Santillana he delivered up his Daughter Joanna to be kept by him in his Town of Buytrago Every one sold his Service the dearest he could The King having gathered a good Army marched towards Medina but being come to Olmedo the Rebels drew out to hinder his Passage King Henry was desirous to avoid fighting but could not contain his Men. Upon the 20th of August the Two Armies met and after a sharp Engagement parted again upon equal Terms yet both sides pretended to the Victory Night separated them the Rebels returned to Olmedo and the King with his Forces which were 2000 Foot and 1700. Horse marched on to Medina del Campo King Henry was not in the Fight being advised by Peter Peralta not to hazard his Person Some were of Opinion he meant not honestly being a Friend to the Rebels Neither was the Marquess de Villena there being then at a Chapter of the Order of Santiago where he was chosen Master which made the Nobility very jealous seeing him Preferred and Rewarded when he deserved the severest Punishment Ellenor Countess of Faux Governed Navarre for her Father Nicholas Echavaria Bishop of Pamplona recovered Urania which till then was held by the Castilians A Son of this Ladies called Gaston as was his Father had at this time by his Wife Magdalen Sister to Louis King of France a Son called Francis who for his great Beauty had the Sirname of Phaebeus His Daughter Catherine her Brother dying by Marriage united the State of Albret and Crown of Navarre as shall appear in its place The King of Aragon resided at Tarragona to be near to give Orders for carrying on the War in Catalonia
from Pope Pius II. but it appears to have been false by the Bull afterwards granted upon that occasion by Pope Sixtus IV. King Ferdinand was but 16 Years of Age but proper and strong The new married Couple sent Letters to the Pope King Henry and other Princes and Great Men excusing their being so hasty in marrying They were forced to borrow Money for their Expences About the same time Henry Son to Prince Henry of Aragon was by the King his Uncle created Duke of Segorve and Alonso the King's Bastard-Son Earl of Ribagorça On the 6th of December died at Rome D. John Cavajal Cardinal and Bishop of Plasencia He was Auditor de Rota Legate to Three Popes and a Man of a good Life He built a Bridge over Tagus in Estremadura which is still called the Cardinal's Bridge Whilst King Henry was busie settling the Affairs of Sevil advice was sent him from Cantillana by the Master of Santiago of his Sister's Marriage His Displeasure was very great Immediately he set out for Truxillo designing to give that Town to the Earl of Plasencia for his good Services during the Troubles The Townsmen resolved to oppose it and therefore the King rather than use Violence gave him in lieu of it the Town of Arevalo in Old Castile and because it was not worth so much as the other added to it the Title of a Duke At Truxillo the Master of Alcantara who had sided with Prince Alonso was pardoned and the King gave or restored the City Coria to Gutierre de Caceres and Solis his Brother Thus many who deserved Punishment received Rewards Here Letters were brought the King from his Sister excusing her marrying and promising she and her Husband would be as dutiful as if they were his Children if he would treat them with the Affection of a Father No other Answer was returned but that the King at Segovia would consider of that Affair Another Message was sent to Segovia at the beginning of the Year 1470 to press the King to give leave to the Prince and Princess that they might pay their Respects to him promising their future Behaviour should make amends for the Displeasure they had done him All the Answer was a Business of that Importance required the Advice of the Nobility This was the Pretence but in reality he was offended at the Princess Elizabeth and had fixed his Affection on his Daughter Joanna whom Lewis King of France had sent to demand in Marriage for his Brother Charles created Duke of Guienne Besides he pressed King Henry to join with him in calling a General Councel in opposition to Pope Paul with whom he was at variance This Request was flatly denied by the King the Business of the Marriage was put off At the same time D. Alonso de Aguilar at Cordova apprehended the Mareschal D. James de Cordova who suspected no such Design He was soon released by the King's Order but thinking he should obtain no Satisfaction for that Wrong went away to Granada and thence with the Consent of the Moorish King sent a Challenge to his Adversary to fight upon the Plain of Granada On the appointed Day having waited till Sun-set and D. Alonso not appearing he dragged his Effigies at his Horse's Tail That done he sent Letters to all Parts with Pictures representing that Passage The Knights of Alcantara would not submit to their Master and the Dispute came to open Hostility The Master not being able alone to oppose so many begged Assistance of his Brother Gutierre de Solis They wanted Money and Garci Alvarez de Toledo Earl of Alva lent them a Sum upon the Mortgage of the City Coria Thus the Earls afterwards Dukes of Alva got that City which being confirmed to them by Grants of Kings remains in the Family to this day Nothing remarkable hapned between the Master and Knights only they hindred his Forces passing the River Tagus and soon after they were dispersed The Master being thus outed his Estate died some Years after D. John de Zun̄iga Son to the Duke of Arevalo succeeded him and was the last Master of Alcantara he resigning up that Dignity to King Ferdinand D. John Pacheco Master of Santiago lay sick at Ocen̄a being greater in the King's Favour than ever notwithstanding all his Misdemeanours which occasioned the People to say he had bewitched the King and it was given out the Court removed to Madrid only to be near him When he returned to Court after his Sickness the King went out to meet him and gave him the Town of Escalona the Inhabitants whereof refusing to receive him the King went thither in Person to deliver it to him The Earl of Armagnac fled into Spain for fear of being killed because he privately marry'd the Earl of Faux's Daughter without her Father's Consent He was well received by the King and soon after returned into France the Cardinal of Albi in that King's Name assuring him his Life but it proved fatal to him as will appear hereafter The Biscayners who had been long divided into the Factions of On̄es and Gamboas about this time fell into great Confusions Peter Fernandez de Velasco Earl of Haro was sent by the King to appease them which he soon did banishing the two Heads of the Factions called Peter de Avendan̄o and John de Moxica Pope Paul II. granted a Jubilee to all that gave Alms two thirds thereof to be employed in rebuilding the Church of Segovia and the rest for his own Use King Henry went thither from Madrid to gain this Jubilee In Portugal the Duke of Viseo died at Setuva on the 8th of September being 37 Years of Age James his Second Son succeeded him He was buried in the Monastery of S. Francis in that City and thence translated to the Church of the Conception at Beja which with the Monastery of Nuns it belonged to was built by his Wife Beatrix In Valladolid the People mutinied and took up Arms against those that were descended of Jews tho Christians themselves King Ferdinand and his Queen could not quell them The Party oppressed implored the Protection of King Henry by which means that City was reduced to his Obedience The Earl of Benavente was left to Govern there and King Ferdinand with his Wife returned to Duen̄as There that Queen was delivered of a Daughter of her own Name Ambassadors came from France to press the Marriage before Treated of and it was now agreed to All things being concluded the Marquess of Santillana brought the Princess Joanna for which Service and for having kept her the King gave him the Towns of Alcoçer Valdolivas and Salmeron which belonged to the Marquess de Villena in the Right of his Wife the Countess of Santistevan who in lieu of it had the Town of Requena with all the Duties belonging to it which are considerable because that place is near the Frontiers of Valencia A Monastery of Carthusians called Paular between Segovia and Buytrago was the place
Ampurias and pardoning all past Faults which highly obliged the Earl of Benavente his Cousin It was now the easier to content him because he had lost all hopes of Marrying the Princess Joanna she being gone from Escalona to Truxillo in order to be Married to the King of Portugal The Town of Perpignan being pressed with a long Siege surrendred on the 14th of March upon Condition the Aragonian Ambassadors detained in France should be released and the Townsmen have Liberty either to stay there or depart whither they pleased A Truce for 6 months was concluded between France and Aragon King Ferdinand sent an Embassy into France to propose a Peace and Treat about Restoring Russillon The King of France received the Ambassadors Honourably and sent one to Castile to propose a Match betwixt the Dauphin and the Princess of Castile which if concluded he promised Supplies of Men and Money to Reduce the Nobility of that Kingdom and to stand to the Judgment of Arbitrators as to the Affair of Russillon King Ferdinand was not averse from this Proposal but the King of Aragon Resented it and Complained that such Important Affairs should be Managed without his privity Above all he feared lest the Archbishop of Toledo should endeavour to set up another King in Castile The King of Portugal was ready on the Frontiers with an Army of 5000 Horse and 14000 Foot Thus all hopes of Accommodation being taken away the King and Queen prepared for War Andrew de Cabrera to make himself the more acceptable delivered up the Royal Treasures for which he was created Marquess of Moya Earl of Chinchon and Hereditary Governor of the Castle of Segovia Medina del Campo a great Town of Trade was secured to the Kings Interest the Castle being delivered up to him by the Duke of Alva The Rendezvous was at Valladolid whither the King and Queen went and soon gathered an indifferent Army King Ferdinand stayed in Old Castile where the People were well affected towards him and Queen Elizabeth passed the Mountains to endeavour to appease the Archbishop of Toledo but he to avoid seeing her went away from Alcalà to Brihuega a strong little Town pretending there was a design to kill him Peter Fernandez de Velasco the Constable sent by the Queen upon the same Errand could not prevail with him However the Queen's Labour was not lost for she secured Toledo putting a Garison into that City and expelling the Earl of Cifuentes and John de Ribera who favoured the Archbishop She went not to Madrid because the Marquess de Villena held the Castle This done she returned to Segovia to Coin all the Silver and Gold that was there King Ferdinand secured Salamanca but the Houses of such as were of the other Party were plundered Zamora opened the Gates to him but Alonso de Valencia the Governour would not deliver up the Castle of which he was Governour He thought not fit to attempt reducing it by force nor to go to Toro fearing John de Vlloa a Powerful Citizen who was inclinable to favour the Portugueses having deserved Death for several Crimes The King and Queen being come to Valladolid the City of Alcaraz submitted to them and the Citizens laid siege to the Castle The Earl of Paredes the Lord of Coca and the Bishop of Avila assisted the Townsmen and the Marquess de Villena came to raise the Siege but finding himself too weak desisted This loss moved him by Letter to hasten the King of Portugal That King was on the Frontiers near Badajoz in May upon the 18th day of which month he had a Grandson born at Lisbon which was looked upon as a good Omen he was called Alonso was Sworn Heir to the Crown but lived not long The Earl of Feria who stood firm to King Ferdinand was in Badajoz and had lately taken a Town called Xerez The Portugueses ought to have taken the Right Hand way and broke into Andaluzia where Carmona Ezija and Cordoua were for them so that having secured Sevil they had left no Enemy behind them Yet they turned to the Left and marched through Estremadura to Plasencia In this City the King of Portugal was Contracted to the Princess Joanna and tho they Consummated not the Marriage expecting a Dispensation because of the near Kindred that was betwixt them yet they were Crowned and Proclaimed King and Queen of Castile Here the King created Lope de Albuquerque Earl of Penamacor to Reward his Labour in gaining the Nobility of Castile A Manifesto was also published and sent to all parts declaring the Right of the Princess Joanna and reflecting on King Ferdinand and Queen Elizabeth The War broke out in several parts at the same time Villena with its Dependencies was infested with Forces out of the Kingdom of Valencia Hereupon the Inhabitants of that City at the perswasion of the Earl of Paredes took up Arms and declared for King Ferdinand having first Capitulated That they should for ever be incorporated in the Crown of Castile Cuidad Reall was recovered from the Master of Calatrava who had possessed himself thereof without any other Right than that of Arms. Great havock was made by both Parties in Andaluzia and Galicia Peter Alvarado saved the City Tuy for the King of Portugal The Citizens of Burgos besieged the Castle of that City which Inigo de Zun̄iga the Governor and D. Luis de Acun̄a the Bishop held for the Portugueses That King being called upon on every side knew not whither to go first The Nobility failed in their Supplies of Men Money and Provisions The People hated the Portugueses and they themselves began to grow weary of the War perceiving King Ferdinand who at the time they broke into Castile had scarce 500 Horse now headed an Army of 10000 Horse and 30000 Foot The King of Portugal marched first to Arevalo a Town that was for him and thence went to take possession of Toro and Samora King Ferdinand marched after him and encamped near Toro where the Enemy was designing to Relieve that Castle which still held out for him No Action hapned betwixt them King Ferdinand sent a Challenge by a Herald The Portugues answered his Forces were dispersed yet offered to accept of single Combat Therefore King Ferdinand not being able to relieve the Castle which was at last surrendered Provision and Money growing scarce returned to Medina del Campo The Cortes assembled in that City granted him towards carrying on the War half the Silver and Gold of the Churches provided he engaged to restore it as soon as the Kingdom was free from War Then he sent out to besiege the Castle of Burgos Many said King Ferdinand retired from Toro through Fear and that it denoted an ill posture of Affairs Certain it is it moved the Archbishop of Toledo without regarding the Prayers of all his Relations and Friends to go away and join the King of Portugal with 500 Horse He and the Duke of Arevalo advised that King to march in
them from thence that they levelled it with the ground The Garrisons of both Places according to Articles were conducted to Portugal Mendavia Governor of Castronun̄o received 7000 Florins and deserves great praise for having so long defended that Place against so great a power The Queen was no less intent upon reducing Truxillo the Castle of whice Place was held for the Marquess de Villena Peter de Baeza the Governor being summoned answered at first that he would not surrender unless the Marquisate of Villena were restored to his Lord as had been agreed The Queen offered to put those Towns into the power of a Third Person to be named by the Governor who should deliver them to the Marquess at the end of 6 Months But he fearing some Fraud would not submit at last the Marquess to please the Queen went into the Castle and could hardly perswade him to surrender The Governor was so higly offended that he discharged himself from ever more serving the Marquess who had not Capitulated for him and his Men. King Ferdinand on the one side desired to go to Andaluzia whither the Queen his Wife called him and on the other had a great mind to see his Sister Joanna before she Embarked for Italy Navarre kept him employed and he could not well depart thence That Princess Sailed from Barcelona in August aboard a Fleet brought thither to carry her by D. Alonso her Son in Law D. Peter de Guevara Marquess del Gasto and many other Persons of Quality She touched at Genoa was there Nobly entertained and lastly arrived at Naples There her Marriage was Celebrated with all expressions of Joy imaginable John Lopez de Medina-celi Archdeacon of Almaçan Built a Colledge at Siguença for 13 Collegians and a Monastery of the Order of St. Hierome called St. Anton. There was no end of the Troubles either in Castile or Andaluzia every Nobleman possesed himself of what Towns he could The Duke of Medina Sidonia held Sevil the Marquiss of Cadiz Xerez D. Alonso de Aguilar Cordova Their pretence was to secure themselves against their Enemies especially the Portugueses but the real design to enlarge their Estates Those very Cities were divided into Factions In Sevil some favoured the Duke of Medina Sidonia others the Marquess of Cadiz In Cordova were the factions of Alonso de Aguilar and the Earl of Cabra Queen Elizabeth tho advised to the contrary as having no sufficient Force went first to Sevil. There she possessed her self of the Castle of Triana and the other works belonging to the Duke of Medina Sidonia King Ferdinand leaving Navarre and having in some manner settled Old Castile constituted Peter de Villaldrando Earl of Ribadeo Governor of Galicia and his own Brother D. Alonso de Aragon with the Constable Lieutenants of Castile This done he set out towards Andaluzia by the way visited the Church of Guadalupe and ordered the Duke of Alva and Earl of Benavente to bear him Company being suspicious of them because it was given out they were associating with others of the Nobility On the 3d of September he came to Sevil There he found the Marquess of Cadiz was suspected and it was said of him that he was inclinable to assist the Portugueses and to that purpose kept a Garrison at Alcalà de Guadaira under the King's Nose It was proposed to gain and appease him to this purpose he had a meeting with the King by himself at Night It was moved that he should deliver up the Forts he had taken He answered he could not do it unless the Duke of Medina Sidonia at the same time surrendred the Fortresses of Nebrixa and Utrera and other Castles otherwise it would be only weakening of him to strengthen his Adversary This Demand was thought reasonable and therefore both of them delivered up their Forts to the King The rest of the Lords and Nobles were induced to follow their example especially because at the same time a Truce was concluded by D. James de Cordova Earl of Cordova with the King of Granada in whom they reposed their greatest Confidence The affairs of Navarre were in a worse posture and no hopes of any composition because the old animosities went on The Princess Elenor sought some remedy and put them in mind that the term of 16 Months wherein they had promised to accommodate all affairs was near expiring At the same time she protested that since there was no help in her Father or Brother she would have recourse to some other the blame whereof must lie at their door who were the cause of it for if some care were not taken that Kingdom must inevitably run to ruin Great misfortunes make the afflicted speak boldly Nevertheless all were deaf to these complaints both Kings being far off and they embroil'd with affairs of their own Besides the affairs of Rusillon those of Sicily and Sardinia perplexed the King of Aragon Raimund Floch Earl of Cardona was Viceroy of Sicily He went over to Naples with Queen Joanna and returned thence to his Command at such time as D. John de Cabrera dying young his Earldom of Modica fell to his Sister Anne Many aimed at that Estate some would exclude her others aspir'd to Marry her The King of Aragon because it was convenient to find a Husband to that great Fortune resolv'd to Marry her to D. Alonso de Aragon Bastard Son to his Son King Ferdinand This did not succeed but afterwards Frederick Son and Heir to the Admiral of Castile carried her from all his Rivals and by this means join'd that Earldom to his own Patrimony In Sardinia Leonard de Alagon Marquiss of Oristan mutinied he had never been thoroughly pacified and now complain'd of new wrongs done him by Nicholas Carroz de Arborea Neither Age nor Sickness hindred the King of Aragon from attending publick Affairs The Marquess of Oristan was Impeached and Judgment given against him at Barcelona on the 15th of October by which he was declared to have forfeited his Estate One only Ship was sent with Recruits which being a small succour the War lasted long King Ferdinand after reducing Andaluzia was still in Care about Portugal He rejoiced that tho' the King of Portugal had brought home a dispensation from the Pope to Marry the Princess Joanna yet he had obtained no succours in France On the other side he was concern'd because it was reported the Archbishop of Toledo did Court that King to return to Castile That Prelate being very old and passionate scarce knew what he did and therefore never reflected how weak that King was It is reported that the King of Portugal having lost all hopes of Assistance in despair set out from Paris resolving to go in Pilgrimage to Rome and Hierusalem and then become a Fryar rather out of disgust to the World than affection to that Life He went some days Journey and then sent back one of Three Servants that were with him to open a Scrutore he left
it to her Brother and he to the King putting on the Habit of a Franciscan Frier to speak to him at Setuval that it might be the more private Vasco Coutin̄o whose Brother Gutierre Coutin̄o was one of the Conspirators gave the King the same Account He was afterwards Rewarded with the Earldom of Barba and Estremoz The King went out to Visit a Church near Setuval and with him the Conspirators being resolved to execute their Design as he came out of the Church By good fortune one of his Bed-chamber whose Name was Faria warned him of the Danger he was in He spoke courteously to the Conspirators which abated somewhat of their Rage however he got into another Church in the Suburb of that City called Nuestra Sen̄ora la Antigua This he did to gain time till more of his Followers could come up and therefore continued long talking with Vasco Coutin̄o This perplexed the Conspirators fearing if that Opportunity were lost some of the Number might obtain a Reward with the Ruin of the rest The King having escaped that Danger sent upon some other Pretence for the Duke of Viseo who was with his Mother at Palmela waiting the issue of the Contrived Treason Not imaging any Discovery he adventured to obey the King's Call No sooner did he enter the Chamber where the King was but the King himself in the presence of a few that were there Stab'd him saying these Words Go tell the Duke of Bragança what all his Contrivances are come to The Duke of Viseo was about 30 years of age when he came to this end Astrologers had Prognisticated he should be a King All his Estate was given to his Brother Emanuel with the Title of Duke of Beja He afterwards came to be King of Portugal and created his Tutor James de Silva Earl of Portalegre Some of the other Conspirators were taken as the Archbishop of Ebora his Brother Ferdinand and Gutierre Coutin̄o The rest lived poor and died miserably in Castile On the 30th of August died Luis XI King of France near Tours He ordained in his Will that Russillon and Cerdagne should be restored to the former Owner His Son Charles VIII succeeded him being but 13 years of age sickly and mishapen His Father caused him to be bred at Amboise allowing but a few Servants to converse with him Neither would he allow him so much Learning as his Grammar He said all the Latin he had need of was these Words Qui nescit dissimulare nescit regnare But we have out-run the time we were upon to begin the next Book it will be necessary to turn back to relate the Affairs of Castile The End of the 24th BOOK The History of SPAIN BOOK XXV CHAP. I. The beginning of the War with Granada King Albohacen surprizes Zahara Alhama taken from the Infidels and in vain besieged by them again WE will begin this Book with the famous War of Granada which was begun and carried on by King Ferdinand and Queen Elizabeth for the space of ten Years and in which happened many things very remarkable and bloudy Battels were fought The end of it was fortunate to Spain and delightful to all Christendom since it put a period to the Monarchy of the Moors which had continued in this Nation above 700 Years to our great Shame and Reproach The Kingdom of Granada lies between Murcia and Andaluzia is about 700 Miles in compass and extends farther in length than breadth From Ronda to Huesca it is counted 60 Leagues in length and from Cambil to Almun̄ecar only 25 in breadth It is bounded on the East with the Kingdom of Murcia on the South with the Mediterranean Sea on the West and North with Andaluzia The Country is pleasant and as fruitful as any in Spain the very Mountains being full of Springs and consequently always green This occasions the Weather to be temperate both in Summer and Winter especially in the City of Granada the Metropolis of the Kingdom one of the noblest and largest of all Spain from which all that Province takes Name and the City it self had it of a Cave which reaches to a Village called Alfahor where it is reported the Natives formerly studied Art Magick Gar in Arabick signifies a Cave and certain Soldiers who came over with Tarif to the Conquest in Spain being Natives of the City Nata in Syria after that unhappy War was ended fixed their abode in that Place Of Gar and Nata was framed the Name Granada as some Learned Men will have it Other Etymologies of this Name are to be found but it is needless to spend time in discussing that point It is certain that when this War began there were in that Kingdom 14 Cities and 97 Towns The principal Cities next to the Capital were Almeria Malaga and Guadix called by Pliny Acci They are all three Bishopricks and well Peopled The Division of Spain under so many several Monarchs and the continual Supplies sent out of Africk maintained this Kingdom of the Moors so many Ages As soon as the Holy Inquisition was established and the Authority of the Magistrates restored to its Vigour Spain gathered Strength to extirpate the Dominion of the Moors Besides the former Animosities betwixt the Two Nations of Moors and Christians on account of Religion and Wrongs sustained in an Oppression of so many Years the Infidels now added a new Motive for declaring War Which was That on the 27th of December 1481. King Albohacen having Intelligence the Town of Zahara was unprovided he surprized it that Place having been in the hands of the Christians ever since Prince Ferdinand Grandfather to King Ferdinand took it from the Moors It was taken in a dark stormy Night all the Townsmen that made resistance being put to the Sword and the rest carried away Slaves to Granada This Town the Moors fortified K. Ferdinand and Q. Elizabeth who were at Medina del Campo derstanding what had hapned sent Orders to the Commanders on the Frontiers and the Cities to prepare for War and be upon their Guard The Moors excused themselves pleading it was customary during a Truce to make Incursions on both sides and even to take Towns provided above 3 Days were not spent in the Attack and they did not formally encamp before them Under this same Pretence the Infidels at the beginning of the following Year 1482. attacked Castellar and Olbera but could not carry them These Wrongs moved the Christians to seek Revenge A good Body gathered at Sevil with all Necessaries Whilst they consulted on which side to make an Incursion advice was given them that the Town of Alhama was ill Garisoned and might easily be surprized James Merlo Deputy of Sevil and the Marquess of Cadiz with 2500 Horse and 4000 Foot marched 3 Days and came to a Valley encompassed with high Hills There they informed the Soldiers who were much fatigued that Alhama was but half a League from them and encouraged them to undergo the
to every Man's Fancy But what most troubled them was to see those who carried the Standards to Church to be Blessed look extraordinarily melancholy Others laughed at all these Observations as at vain and accidental things The day following the King went away to Ezija all Persons of any Note striving to have part in that Undertaking According as had been resolved they marched to Loxa where they encamped and entrenched themselves near the Suburbs among Olive Gardens on that side where the River Xenil is so straightned by high Banks that it is not sordable The Ground was streight and not proper for the Horse and the Citizens being Masters of the Bridge it was hard to pass the River Near this place is a Hill called Albohacen which being commodious to hinder the Enemy from sallying and to command the City the Master of Calatrava and Marquesses of Villena and Cadiz were ordered to possess themselves of it Within the City were about 3000 Horse Commanded by Alatar a Brave Captain They made several Sallies particularly upon a Saturday being encouraged by some Recruits they had received and the Hopes that the King of Granada was marching to relieve them they attacked our Post upon the Hill sallying in two Bodies Our Guards being surprized fled Those that encamped next them came to their Relief but without any Order or leaving a Guard in the Camp The other Body of Moors laying hold of this Opportunity easily made themselves Masters of our Works which greatly discouraged those that were engaged However they ran to defend their Camp and behaved themselves with great Bravery The Enemy pressed them in Front and Rear which was the cause our Men were defeated The Master of Calatrava was killed with many others the rest saved themselves by flight King Ferdinand discouraged by this Misfortune and perceiving that what his Brother the Duke de Villahermosa had said was true to wit That the Army was encamped in a disadventageous Post as also understanding the Enemy's Army marched towards him the next day marched away as far as the Lovers Rock called Pen̄a de los Enamorados which was seven Leagues distant from Loxa He retired in good Order the Marquess of Cadiz facing the Enemy who continually charged the Rear but were so bravely received they fled to the City This was the end of that ill laid Design The Moors encouraged by this Success returned to the Siege of Alhama King Ferdinand on the 14th of August in Person relieved the Besieged laid in Provision for 9 Months and gave the Lieutenancy of that Place to D. Luis Osorio who tho' Elect Bishop of Jaen was a brave and experienced Soldier Besides the King plundered and burnt all the Plain of Granada 600 Moors came out of the City to skirmish but the Earl of Cabra and Chief Commendary of Calatrava killed many of them and forced the rest back into the Town These were great Losses to the Moors but the greatest Mischief was Discord among themselves for a great number of the Citizens of Granada taking Arms drove their King Albohaçen out of the City They accused him of Tyranny and of beginning that bloody War In his Place they set up his own Son Mahomet Boabdil commonly called the Little King others call him Haley Muley Alcadurbil Malaga Baça and some other Cities continued Loyal to King Albohaçen Thus that Nation was divided betwixt Two Factions which did them no less harm than the Enemies abroad It is remarkable that amidst these Confusions neither Party asked Aid of the Christians but in the heat of the Civil War made Incursions into their Territories and took the Town of Can̄ete on the Frontiers of that Kingdom Other Affairs for some time diverted the King and Queen from the War with the Moores and they returned to the Kingdom of Toledo The Command of the Frontiers about Ezija was given to D. Peter Manrique Earl of Trevin̄o and lately created Duke of Najara D. Alonso de Cardenas Master of Santiago was to Command about Jaen The Government of Sevil was given to D. John de Silva Earl of Cifuentes All things thus settled the King and Queen came to Madrid about the beginning of Winter There the Cortes assembled to regulate the Association set on Foot some Years before as has been said that they might not abuse the Power they had Supplies were also demanded for the Expences of the War and they offered to furnish 16000 Beasts for Carriage Pope Sixtus commanded the Clergy to contribute 100000 Ducats for once He also granted the Croisade to such as served at their own Cost or at least contributed a certain small Sum of Money This was again granted 3 Years after and has continued ever since being Yearly Collected which brings a great Sum of Money into the Kings Coffers Besides all this much Money was borrowed of Bankers and other private Persons The Aragonians would not receive D. Raimund Folch Earl of Cardona for their Viceroy and pleaded it was a breach of their Priviledges to put a Stranger over them After some debate the King condescended and constituted his Son Alonso de Aragon Archbishop of Zaragoça Viceroy The designs of the Portugueses and Navarrois did not a little perplex King Ferdinand The King of Portugal proposed to Marry his Neece the Princess Joanna Daughter to King Henry to Francis Phebus King of Navarre who was not yet dead Navarre favoured France To prevent danger Ambassadors were sent to both Those who went to Navarre which was after the death of that King had orders to propose a Match betwixt Queen Catherine who had Inherited that Crown and Prince John King Ferdinand 's Son They had also instructions to endeavour to gain all the Men in Power particularly the Faction of the Biamonteses that was possessed of Pamplona and most of the Kingdom the Queen having little left her but the Name tho' she had appointed a Viceroy who was Monsieur de Abene a Frenchman well versed in Affairs of that nature Magdalen the Queen's Mother seemed pleased at the Match and said there could be nothing on her side to obstruct so advantageous a proposal In Galicia the Constable and Earl of Benavente with their followers were in Arms. Each of them strove to seize the Castles of the Bishops to be in a better Condition to oppose his Adversary King Ferdinand to prevent mischief Ordered Ferdinand de Acun̄a Governor of that Country to seize those Places The Governor besieging the Castle of Lugo D. Peter Ossorio Earl of Lemos came with Forces to the Assistance of his Brother who was Bishop of that City This produced a new War which obliged King Ferdinand to set out from Madrid on the 11th of February 1413 and hasten into Galicia By the way he received advice that the Earl of Lemos was dead He appointed his Grandson Roderick his Heir tho' a Bastard of his Son Alonso The Grandfather obtained a dispensation of the Pope to make him Legitimate and put him
Offenders according to their Crimes Certain wicked Murderers under colour of standing up for their Liberties attempted to Murder him in his Bed but not being able to force the Iron Bars of his Window they Stabbed him in the Church before the High Altar as he was at Mattins on the 14th of September He died not till the night following which time he spent in Singing Praises to Almighty God His Body was buried in the same place where they Murdered him and soon after a Lamp was hung over his Grave an Honour never allowed to any but Canonized Saints Charles V. the Emperor obtained of Pope Paul III. that his Feast might be Celebrated on the 15th of September as is duely now observed All his Murderers died unfortunately within a year After this for the safety of the Inquisitors they were lodged in the Castle called Del Aljaferia This in Aragon In Catalonia and particularly the Territory of Ampurias those Vassals who are vulgarly called Pageses were oppressed by their Landlords and Treated like Slaves Those Lords obliged them to pay the heavy Impositions laid on them by the Moores pleading Prescription to justifie this Proceeding The Histories of Catalonia do not mention what Impositions these were they only say they were very heavy and that none was exempt from them but such as Ransomed themselves like Slaves This moved the People often to take up Arms to deliver themselves from that Tyranny but the Efforts of the Multitude for the most part are weak They had recourse to their Kings for Redress and several of them ordered those Impositions to be moderated yet the Nobility would not part with any thing of what had been left them by their Ancestors King Ferdinand at last with his usual Success and good Conduct put an end to all those Debates From Alcala de Henarez the King and Queen went to Segovia and thence to Medina del Campo By the way they visited D. Garzia de Toledo created by the King Duke of Alva who now lived retired by reason of his great Age having left his Son Frederick to serve in his place This the King did not only to Honour him but to Reconcile him to the Constable Peter Fernandez de Velasco to whom with D. Alonso de Fonseca Archbishop of Sevil he intended to leave the Government of Castile whilst he prosecuted the War in Granada In order to it he went to Guadalupe where on the 28th of April he decided the Affair of the Pageses ordaining that in lieu of the old Imposition every one of those Vassals should pay to his Lord 70 Sueldos or Shillings of Barcelona yearly which tho a heavy Burden was joyfully accepted by those People and the more for that they were allowed to buy it off at 20 years purchase Thus after long Disputes that part of Spain was pacified In Portugal all was quiet since the death of those Nobles we have spoken of and the King laboured to make his Kingdom renowned Azamor a City in Mauritania Tingitana on the Ocean having formerly been Tributary to the King of Portugal now took an Oath of Fidelity to him and in acknowledgment of subjection obliged it self to give yearly 10000 Alosas which is a sort of Fish that abounds there It was a greater Honour to that Nation and its Princes that they had not only formerly maintained their Liberty and Erected a Kingdom to which they had no good Title but did now subdue remote Cities and Provinces to their great glory and advantage The Kingdom of the Moores decayed apace Civil Discord consumed them no less than the Enemy abroad In the City of Granada Boabdil being called in by his Party possessed himself of a Castle called Albaycin and the Citizens sought and killed one another in the Streets Yet they joined to oppose the Christians and the danger being over to War among themselves again An Alsaqui which is in the Nature of a Priest esteemed a Holy Man went about the Streets proclaiming their Madness and threatning speedy ruin unless they grew wiser in time His Words moved the People and therefore through his Mediation and of others of his Profession the Two Kings came to an Agreement upon these Terms That the Uncle should still keep Granada Almeria and Malaga all the rest should belong to his Nephew Boabdil who I guess resided in the Albaycin before-mentioned tho our Historians do not mention it Their chief design was that Boabdil should have all those Places which they imagined the Christians would first attack because he was in League with King Ferdinand The Christians were not ignorant of their Policy therefore having assembled their Forces they resolved to attempt Loxa Boabdil advanced with 500 Horse to stop the passage of our Men who were to march through uncouth and difficult ways Nevertheless they came to the Suburbs of the City where they had a Skirmish with the Moores whom they forced back into the Walls The Army was divided into 3 parts the better to compass the Town and the Bridge that led to it broken down But the Christians built two others to secure the Communication for themselves A breach being made by the Cannon and all things in readiness to assault it the City surrendred the 9th day of the Siege capitulating for liberty to depart with as much of their Goods as they could carry Boabdil coming to the Camp fell down on his Knees protesting it was against his Will he had broke his Faith and that he was forced to it His Excuses were allowed and he pardoned because it was convenient to wink at his Faults to keep up the Division that was among the Moores King Ferdinand fortified the City and gave the Command of it to Alvaro de Luna Lord of Fuentiduen̄a and Grandson to the Constable D. Alvaro de Luna This done he marched to reduce other Places Some few made resistance but in vain the most surrendred Among others Illora was taken on the 28th of June and after it Ban̄os Zagra and Moclin Some of these Places were very strong and might have held out long being near Granada whence they could be relieved The Command of Illora was given to Gonçalo Fernandez de Cordova afterwards the famous General in Italy The Citizens of Granada used to call Illora the Right Eye and Moclin the Buckler of that City for which reason they began to despair of maintaining themselves besides that the Christians destroyed all the Country about them Nevertheless Albohardil sent part of his Horse to the Bridge called De los Pinos a Place well known for the Slaughter of our Men made there formerly These were to hinder the Christians passing the River Xenil He himself stayed in the City to prevent Disorders The Moores could not hinder the Christians passing the River but charged the Left Squadron that passed which was commanded by D. In̄igo de Mendoça Duke del Infant ado Our Men were hard put to it being beset by 1000 Horse and 10000 Foot but
the other Forces coming to their Rescue the Moores retired Still our Men pursued close upon their Rear and the Fight was renewed in the Olive Gardens of the City D. John de Aragon Earl of Ribagorça signalized himself in this Ingagement and had his Horse killed under him King Ferdinand the Summer being near spent Garrisoned the Towns he had taken and left D. Frederick Son to the Duke of Alva to Command on the Frontiers by that means ending the Competition betwixt the Nobility of Andaluzia about that Post At this time Galicia was in an uproar because the Earl of Lemos had possessed himself of Ponferrada a very strong Town and turned out the King's Garrison The Earl upon his submission was pardoned only that Town with some others were taken from him and annexed to the Crown The King and Queen having performed their Devotions at Santiago returned to Salamanca at the beginning of the year 1487. Here they resolved to erect a new supream Court in Galicia to curb that Mutinous People Frederick Son to the Duke of Alva was ambitious of signalizing himself A great number of Christian Captives that were kept in the Dungeons of Malaga gave intelligence that if the Christians attempted the Town they would break Prison and let them into the Town Six hundred Horse sent by him to this purpose were disappointed because the Rivers were swelled and impassable In the City Granada the Animosities ran as high as ever betwixt the Two Moorish Kings insomuch that Albohardil having brought Forces from Guadix and Baça attacked the Castle of Albaicin and entred it Boabdil coming on with his Guard soon repulsed his Enemy They fought desperately in the place before the great Mosque and many were killed on both sides King Ferdinand came from Salamanca to Cordova on the 2d of March Thence understanding the danger that King his Confederate was in he sent him Succours under the Command of Ferdinand Alvarez de Gadea Commander of Colomera With this Supply he gained much upon his Adversary to the great destruction of the Citizens who like Mad men ran to their Ruin siding with the Two Kings CHAP. VI. King Ferdinand takes Malaga and other Places from the Moores Albohardil King of Granada having been defeated by the Christians is expell'd by his Subjects and Boabdil proclaimed King Mighty Discoveries made by the Portugueses in the East IT was debated at Cordova how to carry on the War Some were for besieging Baça others Guâ—dix The King resolved to attempt Malaga because it lay opportunely for the Moores to receive Succours out of Africk the passage there being but short He set out of Cordova on the 7th of April without communicating his Design to any Body His Army consisted of 12000 Horse and 40000 Foot Being come upon the Moorish Territories he discovered his Design and encouraged his Men to undertake that great and glorious Work assuring them it would be the Ruin of the Infidels Dominion in Spain The King's Will being known all the Soldiers readily promised to undergo any labour or danger shewing their readiness to follow wheresoever he would lead In their March the Army attacked Velez a Town near Malaga The Garrison sallying fell upon the Troops of Galicia which tho couragious enough not being well Disciplined were worsted till other Forces coming up the Enemy were drove within the Walls The Suburbs being taken the Artillery was planted to batter the Town All the Country about rose to succour the Besieged but to no purpose Albohardil understanding the Design of the Christians resolved to relieve that City on which his whole Kingdom depended To this purpose he sent before Reduan Venegas Governor of Granada a brave Soldier with some Foot and 300 Horse promising to follow them very speedily Reduan designed to surprize our Guards and nail the Cannon His Design failed The Moorish King came and incamped on a Ground difficult of access near the Town In his Army were 20000 Horse and a like number of Foot Tho weaker than the Christians he thought the advantage of Ground might secure him it availed him not for the Christians charged him forced his Works and plundered his Baggage Their Consternation was such that all fled and what was worst the poor King being overthrown and forsaken the People of Granada at his return shut the Gates against him This done they all unanimously proclaimed his Competitor Boabdil No hopes of Relief being left Velez was surrendred on the 27th of April upon Condition the Inhabitants might depart whither they pleased carrying their Goods with them Immediately upon the surrender of Velez another Town near it called Bentome opened its Gates and received a Garrison The Government of this Town was given to Peter Navarro who being by Birth a Mean Person and but a Private Sailer became a most famous Captain The People of Malaga despairing that they should be able to hold out long Abenconnixa their Governor with the assistance of John de Robles who had been long a Slave in Malaga came to the Army to Treat of a Surrender Certain Soldiers of Barbary who were in Garrison there having notice of this Design fearing left they should be delivered up to the Enemy and in a rage because they had not been consulted in that Affair possessed themselves of the Castle that commands the City called Alcaçava turned out the Garrison that was in it and killed a Brother of Abenconnixa Then placing Guards on the Walls and shutting the Gates they put any of the Townsmen to death that were suspected of holding Correspondence with the Christians The thoughts of a Surrender failing the King caused heavy Cannon to be brought from Antequera and incamped on the 15th of May before Malaga The City is seated on a Plain but on a rising Ground are two Castles the lowest called Alcaçava the highest Gebalfaro It is small in compass but beautiful and well Peopled It is also a Seaport Town and towards the Land is encompassed with Mountains on which are many Orchards and Country-Houses Between the two Castles runs a Line of Communication The Country is pleasant and fruitful and was then rich by reason of the Trade of Africk and the East In the King's Army was most of the Nobility of Andaluzia and Castile and many Aragonians It was resolved to draw a Trench round the City to terminate at the Sea on both sides and to keep a Force on the Hill on which the lesser Fort stands The Marquess of Cadiz commanded on the Hill The Queen came to the Siege and with her the Cardinal of Spain and Bishop of Avila Many Skirmishes hapned before the Trenches were finished in one of which John de Ortega who had done great Service this War was killed On the 29th of May 3000 Moores sallied and attacked the Marquess of Cadiz his Quarters killing the Out-guards and entring his Works The Marquess nothing daunted having drawn up his Men charged the Enemy Many were killed on both sides and the Marquess
easily reconciled to the Church if Ambassadors were sent and Peace and Commerce settled with them But most of these things hapned some Years later It is time to return to Castile CHAP. VII Tumults in Aragon the Cities Associate there The War with the Moores renewed and several Places taken from them which they with the same facility recover Maximilian King of the Romans aimes to Marry the Princess Elizabeth of Castile AFter the taking of Malaga when King Ferdinand thought to have gone on in his Conquest the troubles in Aragon oblged him to go thither to put a stop to the Murders and Robberies committed there At Valencia D. Philip de Aragon Master of the Order of Montesa killed John de Valterra a noble Youth and his Rival for both Courted the Lady Ellenor Marchioness of Cotron and Daughter of Anthony Centellas which occasioned great Tumults in that City To obviate these harms King Ferdinand set out from Cordova and arrived at Zaragoça on the 19th of November The manner of choosing Magistrates in that City was altered The Council and Commons used before to have the Election of them and now because that produced Disputes and Mutinies they desired for the Future the Nomination of them should be in the King Besides the Towns associated after the manner of Castile each engaging to contribute to the Maintenance of 150 Horse who were to Travel about and punish all Malefactors It was Ordained that the King should have the choosing of the Captain of this Association or Brotherhood out of 3 Citizens of Zaragoça named by the Council of that City Laws were also Enacted to prevent their abusing the Power given them This was concluded at the beginning of the Year 1488. At the same time came Leonard Tocco a Grecian and of the Family of the Grecian Emperors whom the Turks had drove out of his Dominions and obliged to fly into Italy Ambassador from the King of Naples to conclude the Match before proposed betwixt the Grandson of that King and the Princess Elizabeth Daughter to King Ferdinand This Affair took not Effect because the King designed to Marry his Daughter to the King of France or else to the Prince of Portugal hoping that would be a secure Band of friendship with either of those Nations Instead of her he offered his other Daughter the Princess Mary From Zaragoça the King and Queen went to Valencia thither came to them Alan Father to John d' Albret King of Navarre He came to ask Succour against the King of France who had Conquered part of that Kingdom and the Navarrois themselves who were in Rebellion particularly the Biamonteses were possessed of great part of Navarre and kept the King out notwithstanding but three Years before all things had been agreed and the Earl of Lerin with his whole Family and followers had been restored to their Possessions and others given them that they might rest contented It was also proposed that the King should Protect Francis Duke of Britany whose Daughter Ann many Princes sought to have to Wife because he had no Heir Male. Charles the 8th King of France made War on him on this account Monsieur d' Albret and the Duke of Orleans favoured that Duke Maximilian then King of the Romans was assaulted by the People of Bruges in Flanders and kept Prisoner All these things troubled the King because Maximilian was a friend to Spain and d' Albret who gave the Intelligence his Confederate In fine a League was concluded betwixt the King and Alan against all Princes except the King of France whom it was not convenient for Alan or his Son to disoblige because their Dominions were either in his Power or at least lay exposed to him yet all this was Counterfeit for the real design was to make use of the Forces of Spain against France It was agreed among other things that a Fleet should be fittedout on the Coast of Biscay and Men raised to be sent to Britany under the Command of Michael John de Gralla a Catalonian All this Affair was Concluded and Signed on the 21th of March. The Cortes of Valencia were opened in that City and broke up at Origuela to settle that Country which done King Ferdinand made hast through the Kingdom of Murcia that borders on the Moorish Territories Great preparations were made for carrying on the War and subduing that Country where Albohardil with much difficulty supported the Title of a King tho' still stronger than his Nephew as being possessed of Guadix Almeria and Baça with all the Mountain Country of Granada which was as far as the Sea whence he gathered a greater Revenue because the Mountain was untouched besides the great advantage made of the silken Manufacture which is the best of all Spain The Natives hated Boabdil looking upon him as a Coward and Friend to the Christians and Albohardil had gained Reputation by taking a great Booty about Alcalà Real John de Benavides who Commanded there soon revenged this Loss burning all the Territory of Almeria The Warlike preparations were not carried on with that Vigour the King could have wished because Andalvzia had suffered this Year and the last by the Plague The King Ordered the Rendezvouz to be at Murcia where he was resolving to Attack Vera a Town upon the Sea-coast No resistance was made but it surrendred on the 10th of June Muxacra Velez el Blanco and Velez el Rubio with several other Towns and Castles that were not well Fortified did the same The King was desirous to lay Siege to Almeria a City in that Neighbourhood An impregnable Castle called Taberna stood in the way and the old Moorish King came in Person with 1000 Horse and 20000 Foot to put a Garrison into it resolving to lie in the Woods and cut off our Parties and avoid coming to a Battle because his Men were raw and undisciplined The Enemy refusing to Fight our Forces had the more liberty to wast the Country Most harm was done about Almeria and Baça which is a fruitful Country because watered The Channels that convey the Water were the occasion that many of our Men were cut off and among them D. Philip de Aragon Master of the Order of Montesa a forward and brave Youth King Ferdinand his Forces being weak and he called away upon other Affairs having Garrisoned the Frontiers went away towards Castile No sooner was he gone but the Moorish King recovered all the Towns had been taken from him Mean while the Inhabitants of Guasin a very strong Town near Ronda conspiring put all the Garrison to the Sword It was not long before they received the reward of that Action for the neighbouring Moores to shew they had no hand in that Slaughter and fearing least they should suffer for it assembled and laid Siege to Guasin The Marquess of Cadiz and Earl of Cifuentes came with Forces from Sevil to their Assistance and having taken the Town in Revenge either put
all the Inhabitants to the Sword or sold them as Slaves King Ferdinand came to Valladolid upon the 6th of September There an opportunity was offered him of recovering the City Placencia which the late Kings had Alienated and given to the Family of Zun̄iga D. Alvaro de Zuniga dying a Grandson of his whose Father was dead before Inherited his Estate James de Zuniga Unckle to the Heir pretended he had a better Right as being Son to the deceased The Kindred was divided between both Thus the Family of the Caravajales seized the City but could not make themselves Masters of the Castle which was well defended by the Garrison King Ferdinand coming to appease that Sedition seized all D. Alvaro the new Duke surrendring and contenting himself with the Town of Bejar and its Dependancies in lieu of that City This struck a Terror into all the Nobility fearing they should be forced to restore to the King now grown strong all they had extorted from his Predecessors in times of Consusion New Tumults broke out in Aragon upon account that the Nobility were for breaking off the Association not long since formed betwixt the Cities as a thing that Curbed them They never gave over till some Years after at the Cortes held at Barcelona they obtained the Association should be dissolved for Ten Years John de Fonseca and Alvaro Arronio were sent Ambassadors to Flanders to procure the Liberty of Maximilian King of the Romans imprisoned by the People of Bruges They managed their business so well that he was Released and Reconciled to his Subjects His first Wife the Lady Mary to whom belonged the Dominion of Flanders being dead he aspired to Marry the Princess Elizabeth of Castile Her Father and Mother did not consent because she was promised in Portugal yet they offered one of that Princess's Sisters for Philip his Son and Heir Frederick the Emperor his Grandfather upon this design of Marrying him in Spain gave him the Title of Archduke of Austria whereas before they were only called Dukes The Fleet the Lord d' Albret was sitting out on the Coast of Biscay contributed much towards the obtaining the Liberty of Maximilian the People of Bruges being jealous it was designed against them The Fleet Sailed to Britany where the Duke of Orleans and his Confederates were overthrown by the King the Duke and John Gralla who Commanded the Spaniards were made Prisoners as shall be said hereafter CHAP. VIII The Masterships of all the Military Orders in Spain annexed to the Crown for ever Three Cities and other Places taken from the Moores Elizabeth Princess of Castile Married to Alonso Prince of Portugal His and his Fathers death AT the end of this Year died Gazri Lopez de Padilla Master of Calatrava Many aspired to that Dignity but King Ferdinand by virtue of a Bull obtained of Pope Innocent to that purpose annexed it to the Crown The same was afterwards done with the other Masterships whence it followed that rewards due to Soldiers were afterwards bestowed on Courtiers The usual Confusions at the Election of those Masters and the Lowness of the Kings Revenue were the cause of this Alteration In the East Bajazet the Turk gathered a mighty Army and Fleet which Allarmed all the Christian Princes but his design was against the Soldan of Egypt Only 11 Galliots of Pyrats invaded the Island of Malta and plundered it all up to the very Walls of the City This Island having Two Ports can contain any Fleet. The Ports are divided by a point of Land called of Santelmo This Point it was judged necessary to Fortifie that the Enemy might not possess themselves of the Island and from thence Infest the Coasts of the Christians A Fleet Sailed from Sicily in search of these Pyrats but came too late for they were gone with their Booty Another Fleet Sailed from Spain with Ferdinand de Acun̄a who went Viceroy into Sicily It was designed not only to defend their own Coasts but to Invade those of Africk King Ferdinand joined in a League with the King of England and House of Austria against the King of France All this tended towards subduing of the Kingdom of Naples which some of the Banished Nobility offered to King Ferdinand and others to the King of France as the more Powerful and an Enemy to the House of Aragon At the beginning of the Year 1489 1000 Horse and 2000 Foot were sent into Britany to succour the Lady Ann who succeeded her Father in that Dukedom D. Peter Sarmiento Earl of Salinas Commanded that Body The War against the Moores of Granada was of more Moment and greater advantages were expected from it therefore the King and Queen set out from Medina del Campo towards Andaluzia upon the 27th of March. The Rendezvous was at Jaen where upon a Muster the King found 12000 Horse and 50000 Foot all the choice Men in the Kingdom A good Body came from Biscay Baça was resolved upon to begin the Campaigne with By the Way that no Enemy might be left behind they took Cajor a small but strong Town This done Baça was Invested This City is Seated on the Side of a Hill down which and along the plain below it runs a small River on all other sides it is encompassed with other rising Grounds It was well Garrisoned and furnished with all Necessaries for 15 Months The Scituation did not allow any Engines to be brought up to the Walls About 1000 Horse and 2000 Foot sallied out of the City and did us some harm our Men being intangled betwixt the Channels of Water but others coming to their Relief the Enemy was repulsed with considerable loss Several other Skirmishes happened our Men destroying all the Orchards about the City Our Men could not deal with the Enemy upon equal Terms but they overpowred them in number Thus the Siege was prolonged and King Ferdinand was dubious whether he had not best raise the Siege especially because he lost many of his Men by Sickness and other accidents The Marquess of Cadiz then made a Duke advised to raise the Siege However the King resolved to continue it and the more to Curb the Besieged caused a Trench to be drawn quite round the Walls with Nine Forts at convenient distances all strongly Guarded to prevent being surprized by the Enemy Sallying All the Army was conveniently Posted about the Place and the Duke of Cadiz with 4000 Horse had charge of the Artillery Thus no relief could enter the City but they had plenty of Provisions In the Camp there was great scarcity of Bread and Money and yet fresh Troops came in daily About October came the Dukes of Najara and Alva in Mourning for their Father lately deceased The Admiral also came and the Marquis de Astorga Soon after arrived the Queen with the Princess Elizabeth the Cardinal of Toledo and other Prelates The Queens coming as I believe altered the resolution of the Besieged believing now the Siege was fixed Hazen the
Governor having consulted his King who was at Guadix tho' he might have held out much longer surrendred the City when least the Christians expected it On the 4th of December the Capitulation was Signed and the day following the King and Queen entred the City in triumphant manner James de Mendoza Lieutenant of Caçorla and Brother to the Cardinal of Spain was made Governor This struck such a Terror into the Moores that many Towns surrendred gave Hostages and furnished Corn and all other necessaries Among these the chiefest were Taverna and Seron What is more wonderful the Cities Guadix and Almeria either of which might have endured a long Siege submitted of their own accord King Albohardil himself consented to it and came out of Almeria to meet King Ferdinand in the Camp by whom he was splendidly entertained Besides Two strong Castles upon the Sea Coast were taken the one called Almun̄ecar in which the Treasures of the Moorish Kings used to be kept The other was Solobren̄a where the Brothers and Sons of the Kings used to be kept in the nature or Prisoners Francis Ramirez General of the Artillery who had behaved himself bravely upon several occasions was appointed Governor of that Castle After performing such great Actions a Review of the Army was taken on the last day of December preceding the Year 1490 and it appeared by the Muster Rolls 20000 Men were lost 3000 of them killed by the Moores the rest consumed by Sickness Many of the meaner sort were frozen to death King Ferdinand let slip no Opportunity of pulling down the tottering Kingdom of the Moors Gutierre de Cardenas Chief Commendary of Leon who did great Service during this War concluded the Treaty with the unfortunate Moorish King By Virtue of this Capitulation he had the Town of Fandaraa on the Mountains of Granada with all its Dependencies amounting to the Yearly Value of 10000 Ducats allowed him for his Maintenance A small Recompence for a Kingdom but good enough for him who began his Reign with the Murder of his Brother The new conquered Moors were allowed to keep their Lands and Possessions but not to live within Cities lest they should have the Power of Fortifying themselves and Rebelling for which cause they were all disarmed These Conditions were proclaimed at Guadix This done the King and Queen went away to Ecija and thence to Sevil. All Places by the way received them as if they had dropped from Heaven Foreign Princes moved by the Fame of these great Actions sent to Congratulate with them and seek their Friendship The King of Portugal in Prosecution of what had been before Treated desired to Marry his Son Alonso to the Princess Elizabeth as a sure Bond of Friendship between the two Crowns He sent Ambassadors to this purpose and the Match was agreed upon at Sevil on the 18th of April There was great Rejoicing on this account in both Kingdoms but less in Portugal because the following Month the Princess Joanna Sister to that King died at Aveiro unmarried Neither was the Joy of Castile lasting tho' the Princess from Constantina set out for Portugal upon the 11th of November A great number of Nobility bore her Company and she was delivered up on the Banks of the River Caya which runs between Badajoz and Elvas The Chief of the Portugueses that came to receive her was Duke Emanuel who afterwards married that Princess and inherited the Crown The King of Portugal and his Son came to Estremez and the more to honour the Bride seated her between them the King being on the left hand There they were married on the 24th of November by the Archbishop of Braga Primate of all Portugal The Rejoicing continued for half a year at Ebora and Santarem whither the Prince and Princess went All this Joy was turned into Sorrow by an unthought-of Accident The King going out to take the Air on the Banks of the River Tagus Prince Alonso who was with him had a mind to run a Race with John de Meneses In the Course the Horse stumbled and falling so bruised the Prince that he soon died It is needless to represent the greatness of his Parents and Wife's Grief His Body was buried with the usual Pomp among his Ancestors The Princess Elizabeth no sooner a Wife than a Widow returned to Castile in a Mourning Litter Grief cast the King of Portugal into a lingring Disease of which he died 4 years after He founded the Royal Hospital at Lisbon and laid the first Stone of it He left no Issue Male lawfully begotten only D. George whom he had by the Lady Ann de Mendoça and whom tho' but a Child he left Master of Avis and Santiago in Portugal After his Death a new Line of Kings began Emanuel Cousin German to the deceased King and Son to Ferdinand Duke of Viseo inherited the Crown John III. was Son to this King and Prince John his Grandson who dying young inherited not the Crown Therefore King Sebastian Son to the Prince succeeded He being killed by the Moors in Africk left the Kingdom of Portugal first to Cardinal Henry his Great Uncle and after him to Philip II. King of Castile who was also Nephew to the Cardinal and Grandson to King Emanuel by his Mother Elizabeth the Empress Let us leave this and return to the War of Granada King Ferdinand earnestly desired to put an end to the War with the Moors which was so well advanced Besides the Strength of the City Granada and that it was abundantly furnished with all Necessaries another greater Difficulty perplexed the King which was That his Word was engaged to King Boabdil that neither he nor his should be prejudiced by him An Opportunity offered it self of subduing that City without breach of Faith The Citizens without regarding the Danger that threatned them from abroad besieged their King in the Castle of Albaycin and pressed him so hard that scarce any hope was left of saving himself The furious Multitude threatned never to desist till they had his Life It was not reasonable to forsake that unhappy Prince when he begged Relief At the same time the Soldan of Egypt threatned That if King Ferdinand did not give over persecuting the Moors he would put to Death all the Christians in Egypt and Syria F. Anthony Millan Guardian of the Franciscan Convent at Jerusalem sent by the Soldan with this Message by the way visited the King of Naples and coming thence into Spain delivered his Embassy bringing also a Letter from the King of Naples who was supposed to be a greater Friend to the Moors than became a Christian Prince He advised King Ferdinand since the Moors had done him no Wrong not to oppress them only upon account of Religion which might occasion greater Harms King Ferdinand was no way discouraged at the Threats of the Soldan nor approved of the King of Naples his Advice Yet after the War was ended he sent Peter Martyr his
Ambassador to the Soldan to appease him He also before he enter'd upon the War again sent his Reasons for so doing to the King of Naples The Guardian both in regard of his Character as Ambassador and the Opinion of his Sanctity was nobly Treated and dismissed with rich Presents King Ferdinand offered the Citizens of Granada if they would submit they should be treated in the same manner as the others that had done so before This moved both the Factions in that City to join in order to oppose the Common Enemy for the Moorish King was convinced that King Ferdinand tho' he pretended to be his Friend would never desist till he was Master of that City The Alfaquies and others held in the Opinion of Sanctity ceased not to advise that either for obtaining Peace or supporting the War it was requisite they should be united Thus the Moors were brought to agree among themselves King Ferdinand leaving the Queen at Moclin wasted all the Plain of Granada destroying all the Corn to the great Grief of the Infidels who feared lest they should be reduced by Famine Prince John bore his Father Company in this Expedition being newly Knighted by him They returned to Cordova with the Booty The Command of the Frontiers was given to the Marquess de Villena in Requital for a Brother he lost in the War and that his own right Arm was lame of a Wound he received rescuing one of his Men Scarce were the Christians departed when King Boabdil took the Castle Alhendin where we had a Garrison and razed it The King revenged this in September when he spent 15 days in destroying all the latter Corn on which the Moors hoped to feed the following year The Moors at Guadix mutinied and thought to have destroyed the Garrison in the Castle but failed and the Marquis de Villena coming with a good Body of Horse and Foot turned them out of the City which prevented any Disorders for the future K. Ferdinand at the end of the year again ravaged all the Territory of Granada Boabdil besieged Salobreria which Francis Ramirez defended with much Bravery The Moors believing King Ferdinand would relieve the Place raised the Siege and returned to Granada Because the Subjects of Abohardil mutinied and would not obey him King Ferdinand according to what had been Capitulated permitted him to go over into Africk with great Riches he gave him in lieu of what he left behind CHAP. IX The War with the Moors now effectually renewed The Description of the City Granada King Ferdinand lays Siege to it and builds a Town for his Army to Quarter in during the Siege to shew his Resolution not to depart without being Master of that City THE King and Queen spent the Winter at Sevil and in the Spring renewed the War The Queen stayed behind at Alcala Reall with her Children to furnish all things necessary and soon after to follow and take part of the Honour and Danger of that Enterprize All the Nobility came in Person and the Cities sent Troops upon their own cost with which and the other Forces King Ferdinand in three days appeared in sight of Granada upon Saturday the 23d of April 1491. He encamped at Guetar a Village a League and a half from Granada Thence he sent the Marquess de Villena with 3000 Horse to scour the neighbouring Mountains promising to follow him with the whole Army to relieve him in case the Mountain-Moors who are bold and daring should fall upon him or those of the City offer to cut off his Retreat Accordingly he advanced to Padul and repulsed the Moors of the City who thought to fall upon the Marquess's Rear By this means the Marquess was left at liberty to execute his Orders burnt 9 Villages of the Infidels and returned to the King loaded with Plunder This beginning was looked upon as a good Omen of future success They advanced together to ravage the remoter Parts of the Mountain which they did successfully plundering and burning 15 other Villages Besides they defeated a Body of Moorish Horse and Foot who had secured the Passes against our Army The Booty was very considerable that Country being very rich because untouched till that time being naturally strong and well guarded as was requisite the City being supplied there with Provisions All this being performed without any loss or bloodshed the Army returned to its first Quarters there they fortified themselves for the present They mustered 10000 Horse and 40000 Foot the very Flower of the Spanish Soldiery being all Men of tried Valour and expert Soldiers In the City was also a great number of Horse and Foot and all of them good Soldiers being the Remains of all the late Wars The multitude of Citizens was not of any moment they being a sort of People always lavish of their Tongues but Cowards when they came to Action The City of Granada by reason of its Situation Largness Forts Walls and Bulwarks seemed impregnable On the West-side of it is a large Plain about 15 Leagues in compass pleasant and fruitful as well of its own Nature as by reason of the Blood that had been there shed for many Years which made it fat Besides that 36 Springs running down from the Mountains do render it more beautiful and rich than can easily be imagined On the East of it is the Mountain Elvira where formerly stood the City Iliberis as appears by the Name Elvira The snowy Mountain called Sierra Nevada lies on the South-side of it and runs down as far as the Mediterranean Sea The sides of it are not steep or craggy and are therefore cultivated and well peopled The City it self is seated partly upon the Plain and partly upon two Hills betwixt them runs the River Darro which as soon as out of the City mixes with and loses its Name in the River Xenil that runs quite a cross the Plain in length The Walls are very strong there being upon them 1030 Towers at distances very beautiful for their Number and good Structure Formerly it had 7 Gates now 12. It cannot well be enclosed all round because of its great extent and the unevenness of the Ground Towards the Plain where the access is easiest it is fortified with Towers and Bulwarks In that part stands the Cathedral then a Moorish Mosque nothing curious now beautiful It is held in great Veneration by all the neighbouring People and famous not so much for its Riches as the Number and Piety of Clergy belonging to it Near this Church is the great Market-place called Bavarambla 200 Foot in breadth and three times as long The Buildings about it stand in a streight Line the Shops and Streets about it beautiful Of two Castles that belong to the City the chiefest lies betwixt the East and West encompassed with a Wall of its own and standing above the other Buildings It is called Alhambra that is Red of the colour of the Earth about it and is so big it
looks like a City In it is the Royal Palace and Monastery of S Francis the burial place of the Marquess de Yn̄igo de Mendoça the first Governour of it King Mahomet Mir laid the Foundation of this Castle other Kings continued the Work and it was finished by King Joseph Bulhagix as appears by the Arabick Inscription over the Gate on a Marble Stone signifying the Work was finished by that King in the Year of the Moorish Account 747 which according to us is 1346. This same King built the Castle of Albaizin opposite to this Castle The expence of this Work was so great that because 't was thought his Revenue could not bear it the People gave out he had found the Philosopher's Stone Betwixt these two Castles that is Alhambra and Albaizin lies the City The Suburb called Churra and the Street Dę los Gomeles is on the side of Alhambra On the other side the Street Elvira and the Ascent of Zenete most ill contrived the Streets narrow and crooked because the Moors were nothing curious in their Houses Without the City is the Royal Hospital and Monastery of S. Hierome the sumptuous Burial-place of Gonçalo Fernandez called the Great Captain It is reported the City contained 60000 Houses a number scarce credible What is most to be admired is what we find the Ambassadors of King Jayme II. of Aragon assured Pope Clement V. at the Council of Vienna viz. that of 200000 Souls then living in Granada scarce 500 were Children and Grandchildren of Moors In particular they said there were 50000 Renegado's and 30000 Christian Slaves At present it is certain there are in that City 23 Parishes and Chapels of Ease It is hard to tell the number of Inhabitants and generally People stretch in those cases It is also certain that in the time of the Moorish Kings the Revenue of that Kingdom was 700000 Ducats a great Sum for those times but credible because of the heavy Taxes All Men paid the 7th part of what they were worth If any Moor died without Children the King was his Heir If he left Heirs the King had as good a share as any of them This was the Posture of Granada at this time It was believed the Siege would be tedious therefore the Queen came to the Camp with her Children because King Ferdinand resolved not to desist till he was Master of the City To this purpose he caused the Country continually to be wasted and in the place where he encamped caused a strong Town to be built which to this day is called Santa Fé This Work was finished in a very short time The Quarters Streets and Places within the Walls were distributed with great Order Mean while the Parties that went out to Plunder skirmished often with the Moors that came out of the Town In one of these Rencounters our Men pressed so far that they took some Cannon from the Infidels and made many Prisoners and forced the rest into the City Another time they ventured near to the Walls and possessed themselves of two Towers where the Enemy kept Garrisons On the 10th of June at night a Fire broke out in the King's Tent which caused a great Consternation Most of the Men lay in Barracks or Huts and the Boughs being dry there was danger they should all take fire A Candle accidentally left by the Queen set fire to the King's Quarters and that to the next The King fearing it might be a Contrivance of the Enemy came out naked with his Sword and Buckler The Marquess of Cadiz with a Party of Horse stood all night upon their Guard in the way the Moors must of necessity come if they designed to attack the Army The Fright was greater than the Danger or Loss so the next day they continued to ravage the Country and some Troops were sent to the Mountain Nothing was left to the Besieged tho' they animated by Despair defended themselves resolutely These Misfortunes obliged them to offer a Treaty Bulcazin Muley Governour of the City came to the Camp to capitulate The King appointed Gonçalo Fernandez de Cordova afterwards called the Great Captain and his Secretary Ferdinand de Zafra to treat with him After some days debating at length they concluded on the following Articles to which they swore on the 25th of November That the Moors within 60 Days deliver up to the King the two Castles the Towers and Gates of the City That they do Homage to King Ferdinand and take the Oath of Allegiance to him That they set at liberty all Christian Slaves without Ransom That till these Articles be performed they deliver up 500 Sons of the Principal Inhabitants as Hostages That they be left possessed of their Lands Arms and Horses only delivering up the Artillery That they keep their Mosques and have the free Exercise of their Religion That they be Governed according to their own Laws and to this purpose Persons of their own Nation shall be appointed by whose Advice the King's Officers shall administer Justice to them That part of the usual Taxes be abated during the term of three Years and shall never after be greater than they used to pay to their own Kings That such as will go over into Africk may sell their Goods and shall be furnished with Ships for their Passage in any Port they shall chuse That Boabdil's Son and the other Hostages delivered by him be restored since the City being surrendered there is no more occasion for Hostages Accordingly they were brought from the Castle of Moclin to be delivered up CHAP. X. A mighty Mutiny raised in Granada by a Phanatick Moor The City surrendered to King Ferdinand The Character of King Ferdinand and Queen Elizabeth Their Triumphal Entry into Granada and universal Joy for their Success THE Surrender of Granada being agreed upon in this manner all had like to have been broke off again upon the following occasion In all places the Multitude but especially among the Moors is Faithless Disloyal Changeable inclinable to Mutiny hates Peace and Quietness and upon any small Motives runs into Sedition A certain Moor whose Name is not yet known as if he were possessed with some Fury or quite distracted with violent Words ceased not to persuade the People to take Arms. He preached and harangued the Multitude at the Corners of Streets and in the Markets with a loud Voice and horrid Countenance In this manner he stirred up 20000 Men to take Arms and run about like Men out of their Senses The cause of their Discontent or what they aimed at was unknown and therefore the Remedy harder to be found Boabdil called the Little King fearing they would offer Violence to him kept close within the Alhambra The Multitude are furious at first but soon cool chiefly they who had no Head and were consequently weak and knew not their own Minds Therefore the next day the King went to the Albaizin where the People were well affected towards him There he
from the mouth of Indus extends to Malabar and that to Cape Comori Betwixt these two Nations in a small Island of the Kingdom of Decan is seated the famous City Goa The Front of it is washed by the Sea the other parts by two Arms of a River Among the Malabars there are Four Conditions of People the Nobility called Caymales the Priests Brahmens whose Authority is great the Souldiery stiled Nayres and the Commonalty such as Tradesmen and Country People Generally the Merchants are Strangers From the Waste upwards they go Naked the lower parts are covered with Silks or Cotton their Cymiters hanging down from their Shoulders Their Customs and Worships are very strange Let it suffice to say the Women Marry as many Husbands as they please and therefore the Sorts do not Inherit the Fathers Estates but the Sons of Sisters are the Heirs Malabar is divided into several Kingdoms the chief whereof whom all the others look upon as their Superior and is therefore called Zamori that is Emperor is the King of Calicut a Rich and large City Seated almost in the middle of the Coast The Houses in it do not stand close together but at great Intervals each having Gardens and Orchards belonging to it Only the Kings Palaces and the Temples are of Stone the rest of Timber low and covered with leaves of Palm-trees Neither the Nobles nor Commons are allowed to raise stately Buildings This was the posture of Calicut when Vasco de Gama arrived there Many Boats came out immediately to see such strange People Gama sent ashore one of the Banished Men he had with him a vast multitude of People encompassed him Among the rest were two Moors Born at Tunez these finding by the Habit the Man was a Spaniard one of them called Monçayde asked him in Spanish of what part of Spain he was he answered of Portugal He carried the Man Home and having discoursed him went aboard to see the Commander whom he informed he had faithfully served King John of Portugal when he sent to Tunez for Arms and having given him an account of the Country offered to serve him in what lay in his power Next day Gama sent Two Ambassadors with Monçayde to the King to acquaint him he would not land without his leave but having once obtained it would deliver the Letters he brought from his King and treat with him about matters of great Moment The King was then at Pandarane a Town Two Miles from the City There he received the Messengers friendly answered he would gladly hear what their Commander had to propose and the mean while would have him bring his Ships under the Shelter of Pandarane because the Place where he lay was not safe This was accordingly done and some days after he sent the Governor of the City whom he called Catual to conduct Gama to his Pallace He left his Brother to Command in his place ordering him and Nicholas Coello that if any misfortune hapned to him ashore they should immediatly hoist Sail and return to Portugal to give the King an account of their Voyage but that they should still keep their Boats well Manned upon the Shore He carried with him 12 of his Men in the best order he could From the Shore he was carried on Mens Shoulders to the Kings Palace There he was received by the Caymales and chief of the Brahmenes Cloathed all in White This Man taking Gama by the Hand led him through several Rooms the Door of each of them was guarded by Ten Men. They came to a large Room the floor covered with silk Carpets and the Walls hung with Silk and Gold About it were certain steps like a Theatre which were the Seats of the Nobility The King Sate on a raised Throne Cloathed in white Cotton adorned with Roses of Gold on his Head a Cap of Cloth of Gold in shape like a Mitre his Arms and Legs naked but with Brazelets and Plates of Gold On his Fingers and Toes were Rings set with Diamonds and Pearls of a great Value His Complexion was Tawny his Stature large his Countenance Majestick Gama having saluted the King and being Commanded to Sit made an Harangue telling the King that he was sent to him by the mighty Emanuel King of Portugal who moved by the Fame of his Grandeur which had reached the utmost bounds of the West was ambitious to settle a friendly Correspondence and Commerce with him and his Country That it would doubtless be very advantageous to both Nations to have a free Trade and it would much redound to the honour of them both to be the first who at that distance had settled Amity and Friendship This said he presented the Letters he carried written in Arabick and Portugues as also the presents he carried The Embassy was pleasing to the King who answered that he willingly embraced the Friendship of King Emanuel and was ready to allow of a free Trade He asked many Questions concerning their Voyage and Country and ordered the Commander and all his Men to be well lodged The Moorish Merchants fearing to lose their Trade and in hatred to the Christians assembled together and laboured all that lay in their power by false Informations they devised to turn the Hearts of the King and his Courtiers against the Portugueses They said they were Pirates and the common Enemies of Mankind and that if they were admitted into Calicut all the Moors would be obliged to remove and seek some other place to Trade in That it was worthy their Consideration whether it were answerable to abandon their old tryed Friends who brought so great a Trade to the Country for a few Robbers The Malabars are a People inconstant and easily perswaded therefore giving Credit to the Moors and at their instigation they began to contrive how to destroy all the Portugueses Monçaide gave Gama an account of their design He stole away the best he could tho' not without danger to his Ships and stood out to Sea Thence he wrote a Letter to the King full of great Complaints and particularly against Catual who he was assured contrived to do him all the harm he could and desired he would cause certain Portugueses and some Merchandize left ashore to be restored to him The King gave good Words but performed not what was demanded Gama resolving to use Force took the first Ship that came that way and in it Six Men of Note with their Servants The King to redeem them sent the Portugueses and Merchandize with his Letters in answer to those brought by Gama Nevertheless he would not restore the Malabars thinking it convenient to carry them to shew in Portugal that they might give a more particular account of that Country Before Vasco de Gama hoised Sail to return to Portugal Monçaide got aboard fearing his Correspondence with the Portugueses would cost him his Life He left all his Goods at Calicut for he had not time to carry any thing away In Portugal he
that vast Ocean to refresh the Seamen with its Fruit Fish and Flesh tho' scarce Inhabited being but Four Leagues in length and so far from any Land Thence by the way of the Islands Terceras the Ships generally return to Lisbon in August or September The End of the 26th BOOK The History of SPAIN BOOK XXVII CHAP. I. The Death of the Prince of Castile Of Charles VIII King of France Matches of Two Daughters of Spain The Prince of Salerno expelled Naples France and Spain agree Hierome Savonarola burnt at Florence THE Affairs of Spain at one and the same time prospered in Italy and within Spain had a mixture of Felicity and Adversity Two Matches for as many of King Ferdinand's Daughters were concluded that is of the Princess Catherine with Arthur Prince of Wales and Heir to Henry VII King of England and of the Princess Elizabeth with Emanuel King of Portugal These Marriages were of great Importance because together with those of the House of Austria they bound such Mighty Princes to the Interest of Spain The Match with England was fully concluded upon the 15 of August 1497. To forward the Marriage with Portugal D. John Manuel that King's Foster-Brother came to Castile It was agreed that King Ferdinand and Queen Elizabeth should carry the Princess their Daughter to the Borders of Portugal where King Emanuel should meet them to consummate the Marriage upon the last Day of September Ceclamin was at first the Place appointed to meet but that Town wanting Conveniencies they spent three Days together at Valencia de Alcantara Their Joy was much abated by the News of the Indisposition of Prince John who died the 13 day after he was taken ill at Salamanca on the 4th of October to the great Loss and Grief of the whole Kingdom He left the Princess with Child but that availed little for in a short time after she miscarried The Prince's Body was carried to Avila to be buried in the famous Dominican Monastery of S. Thomas This dismal News came to Alcantara whilst yet the Rejoycing for the Wedding lasted but after King Ferdinand was gone King Emanuel begged of the Queen his Mother-in-Law not to let the Queen his Wife know any thing of it and so went away with her to Ebora There she was at last acquainted with the Death of the Prince her Brother She resented it as became a loving Sister but his Parents bore their Loss with great Magnanimity The Kingdom of Naples was not yet peaceable because the Prince of Salerno and his Party mistrusting the King fortified their Towns and Castles The first Demonstration that Prince gave of his Ill-will was That tho' he appeared when King Frederick was Proclaimed at Naples yet he would not be present at his Coronation under colour of Poverty However the Prince of Basiniano came to Court the day following to excuse himself and intercede for him of Salerno No means of Peace prevailed and the King was forced to march with his Army and besiege him in his strong Town of Diano Gonçalo Fernandez was now about returning to Spain as reckoning the War of Naples at an end To this purpose he had gone into Calabria thence to Sicily and now came to Naples to take his Leave of the King and Queen They pressed him to aid them in that Siege because the Defendants were numerous and the King's Party favoured them The Great Captain gathered 500 Spaniards and the King furnishing him 500 Germans he so straitned the Besieged tho' with much danger of his Person that the Prince was forced to surrender It was agreed That the Prince with all such as would follow him might safely depart the Kingdom with their Goods That all the Towns and Forts belonging to the Prince should be delivered up to the King he paying for the Cannon and Provisions in them Thus Diano was surrendered upon the 28th of December and the Prince put himself into the hands of the Duke of Melfi to be conducted to Sangalla a City in Marca de Ancona which sided with the King of France The Earls of Conça and Lauria his Confederates bore him Company He of Capacho being very old put himself upon the King's Mercy This same Year in Autumn D. John de Gusman Duke of Medina Sidonia sent a Fleet over to Africk to People Melilla which is opposite to Almeria and had been abandoned by the Moors In recompence for the Charge he had been at that Town was given to the Duke and his Heirs for ever The Xeque or Lord of Gelves who was in Rebellion aginst the King of Tunez his Sovereign to secure himself under the Christian Protection delivered up that Island and Port to the Catholick King and in his Name to John de Lanuça then Viceroy of Sicily Captain Margarit was left with the Spanish Forces to secure that Island A solemn Embassie from France now met the King at Alcala de Henares The Proposals made were That the Two Kings with their joint Forces should invade Italy That as to the Kingdom of Naples the Catholick King should possess Calabria till such time as the French King in exchange should give him the Kingdom of Navarre and 30000 Ducats yearly for what it was worth above that Kingdom That the States of Milan and Genoa should belong to the French and all the rest of Italy be equally divided betwixt them The Catholick King was not averse from the Business of Naples but as for the rest of Italy would not be concerned without advertising the Empire who had so great a Right to it At last it was resolved King Ferdinand should send Ambassadors to France to prosecute this Treaty At this time all the Monasteries of Castile were reduced to the strict Observance of their Orders which the Dominicans Augustins and Carmelites easily condescended to The Franciscans at first made some resistance According to Agreement the King sent Ferdinand Duke of Estrada and Two others his Ambassadors to conclude a Peace with France At the same time it was believed the French King resolved to invade Roussillon but Death prevented his Designs He departed this Life at Amboise on the 17th of April 1498. The Duke of Orleans called Luis XII succeeded him At Blois where the New King was and afterwards at Orleans the Treaty of Peace was carried on that King always giving good Words and fair Promises only to gain time till he was settled in the Kingdom and could be divorced from his present Wife Sister to the late King in order to marry the Dutchess of Britany who since the death of the late King her Husband was for returning into her own Country He at last compassed his ends and had by that Dutchess two Daughters only the Eldest of which was married to Francis the Heir of that Crown Before the death of King Charles it was proposed that Caesar Borgia should resign his Cardinal's Cap to which purpose that King promised him an Estate in
of Milan joined in League with the French King engaging to aid them with 1200 Men at Arms and 6000 Swissers For this Supply the King was to give them Cremona and Guiradada two Towns of Note in that Dukedom The Duke seeing little prospect of Help in the Christians prevailed with the Turks to infest the Venetian Territories which rendred him still more odious At the same time died the Prince of Salerno leaving the Pretensions to that Principality and his Hatred to the House of Aragon to his Son Robert The King of Navarre demanded of King Ferdinand the Restitution of the Towns of Arcos Guardia and S. Vincent which the latter held instead of the City Estela adjudged by the King of France to Henry IV. of Castile when he was Arbitrator betwixt the Crowns of Castile and Navarre This Pretension gave occasion to fear some Breach with France but that King being wholly taken up with his Pretensions in Italy had not leisure to engage in other Men's Quarrels For about the same time time a mighty Army of French passed the Alps and marched to the City Aste which for some Years had belonged to the Dukes of Orleans being given to Charles Duke of Orleans by Philip Duke of Milan for assisting him in his Wars with the Venetians In August 1499. that Army advanced under the Conduct of the Lord of Aubeni and John James Trivulcio They met no Opposition but in few Days made themselves Masters of Alexandria Pavia Plasencia and many other Towns On the other side the Venetians took Cremona Guiaradada Lodi and all that belonged to the Dukedom of Milan on that side This gave the People of Milan occasion to mutiny The Duke fled to the Castle and having sent his Treasure and Family before him to Germany followed soon after himself On the 6th of September Genoa submitted to the French The King of France who till then had stayed at Lions came to reap the Fruit of this Success Duke Valentine came with him whom he had promised to assist with 300 Horse at his own Charge and 4000 Swiss to be payed by the Pope to make War upon Romania He also promised to aid the Florentines to recover Pisa The Conquest of Milan being so easily performed the King of France encouraged by the Pope bent his Thoughts upon Naples but first returned home to recruit his Army The Catholick King laboured to prevent the War in Italy and made advantageous Proposals to the French in behalf of King Frederick Finding nothing would after the Resolution of the King of France he resolved to set on foot again the Treaty of Dividing that Kingdom betwixt that King and himself since King Frederick as descended of a Bastard could have no Right To this effect he sent one of his Domesticks to join with his Ambassador John Gralla then in France It was believed these Proposals would have produced a firm Peace betwixt the Two Kings tho' at the same time King Frederick threatned if the French invaded him he would bring the Turks upon Italy At the same time he made large offers to be reconciled to the Pope which Duke Valentin prevented taking any effect by writing how displeasing those Overtures were at the French Court. At the end of this Year was Born in Flanders the Lady Ellenor eldest Daughter to the Archduke who was first Queen of Portugal and afterwards of France About this time the Archbishop of Toledo began to Found an University at Alcalà after the manner of that at Paris The King was at Granada and thinking the Conversion of the Moors who were very numerous would be the only means to secure that Kingdom gave it in Charge to the Archbishop of that City with whom joined the Archbishop of Toledo They consulted about punishing some who had been Christians and were again become Moors and resolved to Baptize their Children They also treated the Alfaquies with much Courtesie which was the cause that many Infidels were Baptized These things moved the Moors of the quarter of Albaicin to mutiny and fortifie themselves but they were at last suppressed by the Earl of Tendilla the Governor and on the 18th of November 3000 of them were Baptized Many that persisted obstinate were punished and their Mosques were Consecrated into Churches About 50000 of another quarter in Granada followed their Example The Moors living along the Mountains called Alpujarras hearing they were to be Baptized by force rebelled and first those of Huejar who were soon subdued by the Earl of Tendilla and the Great Captain Soon after the Moors in the Mountains were in Rebellion and the Infidels Besieged Marxena but D. Peter Faxardo taking Alhumilla they raised the Siege King Ferdinand hereupon came from Sevil to Granada and gathering a powerful Army Marched himself to Lanjaron on the first of March 1500. That Town was taken by Storm and plundered The Earl of Lerin and other Noblemen took several strong Places whereupon the Rebels submitted and were received to Mercy upon promise they would within 4 days deliver up Castilde Ferro Adra and Ban̄ol as also all Arms offensive and defensive and pay 50000 Ducats This done the King dismissed his Army and returned to Granada to forward the Conversion of the Infidels and soon after those of Alpujarras Almeria Baça Guadix and other Places were Baptized Preachers were sent to all Parts with Guards for security of their Persons This and the report that they should be forced to quit their Sect caused the Moors of Belefique and Nixar which is the most inaccessible part of the Mountains of Alpujarras to Rebel the following Winter The King appointed the Alcaide de los Donzeles to Command against them He having gathered his Forces besieged Belefique which held out some Months but at last for want of Water was surrendred only upon promise of their Lives Those of Nixar terrified by this example submitted upon Condition they might ransom themselves for 25000 Ducats Above 10000 Moors were now Baptized On the other side the Moors of the Mountains of Ronda and Villaluenga revolted The King to suppress them published a Proclamation commanding them all to remove to Castile but underhand permitted all such as were converted to stay and enjoy their Possessions The Earl of Uren̄a D. Alonso de Aguilar and the Earl of Cifuentes were sent to make War upon those People The native Moors had been easily reduced but that some who came from Barbary encouraged them to stand it out However many came from Ronda and were Baptized for fear All the rest retired to Sierra Bermeja which is very difficult of access Our Forces encamped at the Foot of the Mountain the Moors at the same time guarded the passes Some Christians carrying a Standard with them their design being only to plunder passed a Brook and began to ascend the Hill the others fearing some Misfortune might befall them followed after The Moors endeavoured to keep them down still securing every advantageous Post but were
driven till our Men came to a plain where the Enemy left their Goods Wives and Children This Place the Infidels soon quitted and the Christians fell to plunder which an old valiant Moor perceiving he encouraged the rest who soon rallied and gave a fresh Charge upon the Christians Here D. Alonso de Aguilar and above 200 of his Men were killed His Son D. Peter de Cordova with much difficulty was brought off to the Earl of Uren̄a who made good his Ground The Earl of Cifuentes made a halt somewhat lower and there staying those that fled stood the Enemy till towards Morning they drew back to the top of the Mountain The King who was then at Ronda sent the Duke of Najara against Daydin and ordered the Earls of Uren̄a and Cifuentes to make show as if they would mount the same way they attempted before The Moors perceiving they were lost Men offered to submit It was agreed that such as would might have liberty to be transported to Africk paying Ten doubles a Head all that would stay should turn Christians Many went over to Barbary many more stayed and were Baptized yet were no better than those that went away Thus that War which had much alarmed all Spain was concluded The death of D. Alonso de Aguilar hapned the ensuing Year Let us return to what we left behind in point of time CHAP. III. The Birth of the Emperor Charles the V. The French possess themselves of the State of Milan and take the Duke and his Brother the Cardinal The Great Year of Jubilee 1500 The League betwixt France and Spain Cefalonia taken from the Turks AT the same time that the Moors of the Mountains Alpujarras were in Rebellion King Ferdinand had ordered a Fleet to be Rigged with all speed to be Commanded by the Great Captain in favour of the Venetians and against the Turks who threatned Italy It was given out that the Duke of Milan and King of Naples had brought them to their assistance against their Enemies Duke Valentin with Forces brought out of France made War in Romania as General of the Church against several who had possessed themselves of Towns in that Territory He took Imola and Fori the Countess whereof he made Prisoner His chief design was against the Lord of Pesaro who had Married his Sister who understanding his own danger having Garrisoned the City absented himself Luis Sforcia solicited the Emperor and Princes of Germany to assist him in recovering his Dominions He raised Men among the Swissers and Grisons and sending his Brother the Cardinal Ascanius before with them all Places he came to submitted to him The People of Milan drove their Governor into the Castle whence he was forced the 3d day to fly towards Pavia That same day the Cardinal entred Milan and after him the Duke with great Joy of the People tho' still the Castle was held by the French Pavia Lodi Pertona and Plasencia did the same The main of the French Army Rendezvouzed at Novaro in order to oppose the Duke Thither repaired the French Forces that had been with Duke Valentin he thereupon returning to Rome where nothing was done by the Pope without his advice At Ghent in Flanders the Princess Joenna Wife to the Archduke was brought to Bed of her Son Charles on the day of St. Mathias This is he to whom Heaven had Decreed so mighty an Empire as afterwards was subject to his Command Eight days after his Birth the Princess Margaret came to Ghent and was his Godmother with the Dutchess Margaret 2d Wife to Duke Charles The young Prince was Created Duke of Luxemburg whereas before the Eldest Sons of the Dukes of Burgundy were called Earls of Charalois The News of his Birth wasreceived with great Joy in Spain and the Catholick Queen said The Lot has fallen upon Mathias alluding to the day he was Born upon and considering the weakness of Prince Michael who died soon after at Granada after whose death the Archduke and his Wife were Princes of Castile and Aragon After the Return of Vasco de Gama from India Peter Alverez Cabral was sent on the 8th of March with a Fleet of 13 Sail to continue that Enterprize By the way he Discovered Brasil was at first well received at Calicut but afterwards came to Blows with that People The War continued in Lombardy and the Duke by degrees recovered all he had lost He made himself Master of Alexandria and Novaro and being desirous to put an end to the War drew out of the City with all his Forces which were about 16000 Swissers and Germans Both Armies being ready to Engage his Swissers refused to Fight against the French and their Countrymen who served on their side whereupon he retired to the City in hopes to perswade them to Fight But they had before sold and now delivered him up to the French who sent him to France where he died in Prison This sad News being brought to Cardinal Ascanius his Brother who lay before the Castle of Milan he went away with 500 Horse towards Placencia Charles Ursinus who Commanded some Troops of the Venetians met defeated and took him Prisoner After the Venetians had kept him some time they delivered him to the King of France who secured him in Prison at Bourges and some Years after set him at liberty Maximilian and Francis the Dukes Sons were at the Emperor's Court which saved them from being involved in the Ruin of their Family The French without any Opposition possessed themselves of all the Dukedom The Cardinal of Roan resided at Milan to gain whom the Pope made him Legate of France excepting Britany for the space of a Year and a half The King of Castile was jealous of the King of Navarre because he shewed much affection towards the French wherefore not content with the Ingagements the Governors of Towns were obliged to make to him the Towns of Sanguessa and Viana had been put into a third Hand by way of pledge for five Years That Time being expired the King of Navarre demanded the Restitution of them and the Catholick King delayed it To end all Controversies the King of Navarre came himself in April to Sevil where the Catholick King and Queen were All things were there adjusted and the Towns restored The Count de Lerin then a Banished Man in Castile was restored to most of his Eastate and to the Office of Constable which he had before to the great Offence of D. Alonso Peralta Earl of Santistevan from whom that Honour was then taken without any Demerit of his or any Recompence made him This 't was feared might occasion new Troubles For Security of the Agreement betwixt the Two Kings the King of Navarre left his Daughter the Princess Magdalen to be bred up in the Court of the Catholick King as a Pledge of his real Friendship This was now the great Year of Jubilee in which multitudes of People from all Parts of
in the Roman History and reaching to Campania The Moderns divide this Province into Abruzzo Citra and Abruzzi Ultra the River of Pescara being the Bounder of the Two Parts These Provinces in the Division of the Kingdom were adjudged to the King of France On the same side with Abruzzo is Apulia divided into Capitanata Terra di Bari and Terra di Otranto which runs as far as Taranto and thn Confines of Calabria On the other side beyond Naples begins the Principality whose Capital City is Salerno Then follows Basilicata formerly called Lucania and then Calabria where were the ancient Brutii upon the Coast of the Mediterranean In this Province is Cosenza the Capital City and Rogio upon the Streight of Meçina The Inland was called Magna Graecia where are Rosano Catançaro and Cotron As to the Principality it is dubious whether it ought to be comprehended in Calabria Touching Basilicata was the same Dispute and therefore the Kings agreed these Provinces should be divided Yet some affirmed that this Territory lying along the Mountains that part Apulia and Calabria made no distinct Province from them two but that as much as lies towards the East belongs to Apulia and towards the West to Calabria In Basilicata are Melfi Atela Barleta and other Cities Capitanata is that part which lies betwixt the Rivers Aufido and Tertoro in it are Manfredonia Monte Santangelo and Troya There is no doubt but that Territory was contained in the ancient Apulia since Ptolomy places Mount S. Garganus which is there Famous for the Church of S. Michael in Apulia And the Moderns always understood that Apulia began where Abruzzo ended and was divided into those three Parts already mentioned Nay several Authors mention Capitanata as a Territory of Apulia and always the Duty of the Cattel of Apulia was received in that Territory Let every one judge as he shall think fit it suffices to our Purpose that hence the French and Spaniards took occasion to decide that by the Sword which their Kings tho' often pressed to it could never be brought to resolve But this we shall speak of hereafter Now King Frederick who continued at Ischia as had been agreed being out of conceit with the Catholick King put himself into the hands of the King of France and his Wife and Children and the Cardinal Luis d' Aragon his Nephew upon promise of 30000 Francs to maintain his House His Sister Beatrix Queen of Hangary stayed in that Island and thence went over to Sicily Elizabeth his Niece who had been married to John Galeazo the Great Duke of Milan went to Bari in Apulia Whilst this Treaty was betwixt the King of France and the Deposed Frederick the Archduke in Flanders was courted to go over to Spain with his Wife that they might according to Custom be sworn Heirs to the Crown This Year was born to the Archduke a Daughter called Elizabeth The King his Father-in-Law was desirous to have him in Spain that he might be acquainted with the Customs of the Country and to break him of some youthful ill Habits he had learned of his Servants But they being used to Govern him were not willing he should stand in awe of D. John de Fonseca Bishop of Cordova who was sent to persuade him to come into Spain and the King of France invited him to take his way through that Kingdom as he did The Princess Catharine sailed from Corun̄a in a Fleet provided for that purpose to be married in England as had been agreed She set sail on the 25th of August With her went into England D. Alonso de Fonseca Archbishop of Santiago the Count and Countess of Cabra and other Persons of Note After their departure there arose such a Storm that the Fleet was scattered and tho' some Ships recovered Southampton the most were forced back to Laredo On the 2d of September they put to Sea again and arrived with the Princess in England She was married with great Solemnity to Prince Arthur at London But how much Misery did this poor Lady undergo through the Extravagancy of her wicked Husband This same Year the Lady Beatrix de Castro Daughter to the Earl of Lemos was contracted to Denis Brother to the Duke of Bragança the King giving them the Towns of Sarria Castro and Otera which the Earl of Lemos pretended to have a Right to In October a Peace was concluded at the City Trent betwixt the Emperor and King of France The chief Article was That Charles the Archduke's Son should marry Claudia that King's Daughter a Match often agreed upon but that never took effect The Fleets sent from France and Portugal at the instance of the Catholick King to aid the Venetians against the Turks did nothing worth relating That of Portugal only went to Corfou and returned The French went to the Island Scio belonging to the Genoeses and having only hindred the Turks from receiving their usual Tribute there suffered so much by Pestilence Stress of Weather and the Enemy that scarce 1000 Men of all the Fleet returned home They repaired to Apulia and were courteously entertained by the Great Captain 's Order The Venetians also returned home who had but 25 Galleys ill provided This Year the Turk put no Fleet to Sea which if he had there was no Force to oppose him In Spain the Catholick King published a Proclamation commanding all the Moors who were dispersed throughout Castile and Andaluzia called Mudejares either to become Christians or depart the Country About the end of the Year there was a certain Commotion which if not prevented in time might have produced a War D. Luis de la Cerda Duke of Medina Celi upon his Death-bed married his Mistriss to Legitimate D. John a Son he had by her D. In̄igo de la Cerda the Duke's Brother whose Son Luis married the Duke del Infantado's Daughter pretended he was Heir to that Estate The Duke of Medina Celi being dead the Duke del Infantado raised Men and laid siege to Cogolludo in order to seize all the Estate The King ordered him to disband his Forces and take his Course at Law The Duke was forced to obey and D. John was left possessed of his Father's Estate News was brought that the Archduke with his Wife were coming through France All the way they were nobly entertained At Paris on the 13th of December both Parties swore to the Peace before concluded at Trent and the Archduke did Homage to the King of France as Earl of Flanders The Princess would allow that King no Superiority Thence they set forward and through Guienne came to Fuenterabia on the 29th of February 1502. There they were received by the Constable of Castile the Duke of Najara the Earl of Trevin̄o his Son and the Chief Commendary D. Gutierre de Cardenas The more to express the Publick Joy leave was given that such as might wear Silk Doublets might also have Silk Coats and coloured which shews the Modesty of
the Foot who lay about the Fields overcome with Thirst and Weariness This nothing dismayed the Great Captain who caused the Horse to take up behind them such of the Foot as were most faint he himself doing the same and carrying Drink to those that wanted most In this manner they reached their Camp without any loss two Hours before Sunset At this time the Enemy's Horse appeared and the Spaniards soon drew up within their Trenches Fear often is more Powerful than Weariness The Great Captain went about encouraging his Men and then the Fight began It being so late the Duke of Nemours was willing to have deferred it till next day but the Lord d' Alegre pressed it should not be delayed believing the Victory was certain On each side were 13 Pieces of Cannon The French played theirs first which did no execution but ours being planted higher made a great Slaughter It was fired but once because an Italian thinking the Spaniards had fled set fire to two Waggons of Powder The Confusion that followed was great and the Flame spread so much that all gave themselves for lost Still the Great Captain had so much Presence of Mind that he said with a chearful Countenance to those about him A good Omen my Friends for these are Bonfires for the Victory we have already in our hands The Harm done by our Cannon moved the Duke of Nemours to join Battel immediately He charged our Body with 800 Men at Arms. Before our Men was a Trench which he had not observed and obliged the French to wheel off without breaking Lance to put themselves again into a posture Then the German Musqueteers firing upon that Squadron made a great Slaughter After the Men at Arms followed the Lord Chandiou with the Swiss and Gascons These the Spaniards charged with such Bravery that they instantly broke them The Princes of Salerno and Melfi who were in the Rear advancing were received by the Great Captain as became him To conclude the Enemy on all sides fled the Spaniards pursuing them to their Camp which was 6 Miles off and was taken at the same Heat our Men finding their Supper ready whereof they had need enough being so tired The Booty found there was great This famous Battel was fought upon the 28th of April At the first Onset was killed the Duke of Nemours whose Body the Great Captain caused to be Honourably buried in the Church of S. Francis at Barleta Besides him died the Lord Chandiou the Count Morcon and most of the Swiss Commanders The Princes of Salerno and Melfi and Marquess de Lochito were wounded All their Cannon and most of their Colours were taken The Slaughter had been much greater but that Night coming on prevented it The Victors having rested that Night next day Cirinola surrendered upon Discretion as did 700 that had fled to the Castle Canosa also declar'd for Spain None but the Spaniards signalized themselves in this Battel for the Germans bating the Volley they poured in upon the Enemy did nothing Among others they that gained most Honour were of the Italians the Duke of Termes and of the Spaniards D. James de Mendoça of whom the Great Captain said He had behaved himself as became the Grandson of such a Grandfather Of the French it appeared 3700 were killed of the Spaniards only 9 and never a Man of Note True it is many died by the way with Droughth and 1500 could not be dragged from the Water they found in certain Wells nor did any Service that Day which rendred the Success the more dubious and consequently the Victory the more glorious After this great Defeat of the French almost all the Kingdom submitted to the Spaniards The Great Captain was diligent in making his Advantage of the Victory which was the more compleat for that the Day following he received Letters giving him an account of the Overthrow of the French and taking the Lord of Aubigni near Semenara This Account was not brought sooner because D. Ferdinand de Andrada having succeeded Luis Portocarrero in the Command did not think himself subordinate to the Great Captain which he resented and asked Leave to return to Spain The Catholick King ordered Ferdinand to cease from that Pretension and the Great Captain to give him a Company of Men at Arms. The News of these Two Victories and sending of several Barons home to their Estates soon caused most of Capitanata and Basilicata to submit and in the Principality many Towns and Barons declared for Spain Those who fled from the Battel made their way to Campania designing to fortifie themselves in Gaeta a City naturally impregnable giving all the rest for lost Peter de Paz pursued them with some Horse whose approach gave opportunity to Capua to declare for Spain and some of the Citizens pursuing the French killed about 50 Men at Arms before they could get into Gaeta The Marquess of Sochito tho' hurt in the Fight went away with his Wife and what he could carry to Rome to his Unkle the Cardinal of Siena Monsieur d' Alegre and the Prince of Salerno making their way towards Naples with 500 Horse lost above 200 of them killed or taken by the Earl of Montela Luis d' Arsi fortified himself at Venosa relying on the Strentgh of the Castle The Great Captain encamped at Leonesa near to Melfi and Venosa There the Prince of Melfi submitted himself upon condition he might be allowed to live in another of his Towns till it were known whether the King of Spain would admit him into his Service upon the Terms before proposed but there was little Confidence to be reposed in his Fidelity Fabricius Colona and the Earls of Papulo and Montorio were sent to Abruzzo to reduce that Province entirely Villamarin the Admiral was ordered immediately with all the Force he could make to sail towards Naples whither the Great Captain was marching with his Army by the way of Benevento and Gandelo From this last Place he sent a Letter to the Citizens of Naples promising them all manner of good Usage and desiring them to prevent his Army doing any harm in their Territories The Earl of Matera and the Syndics came out to Treat and surrendered the City At this time Monsieur de Vannes Son to the Lord d' Albret hearing of the Defeat of the French obtained Leave of Duke Valentine whom he served to go join the remains of the French Army in Naples which he did with 200 Horse and some Foot These being strengthened by some Forces from Apulia Calà bria and Abruzzo formed some manner of Army and encamped near Garelliano For this Reason about 400 Spanish Horse were put into Capua and Sessa The Great Captain keeping with him 1000 Men which he thought enough to besiege the Castles of Naples sent all the rest of his Army towards the Enemy The Spanish Soldiers desirous to be at Naples the Night before demanded their Pay which they said the General had promised to give
them at Naples To prevent further Disorder he took the Spanish Foot with him sending the Men at Arms Light-Horse and Germans to Sessa assuring them he would soon be with them On the 16th of May he entred Naples with as great Pomp as if it had been the King himself Before him marched the Spanish Foot The Gentry came out to meet him and the Multitude covered the Fields admiring that General who had so often Overthrown his Enemies He was conducted through the Streets richly hung strewed with Flowers and full of sweet Perfumes in the same manner as when their Kings went to be Crowned Nothing but Joy appeared they that were most inclined to the French expressed most Satisfaction to disguise their own Faults The City Naples from whence the whole Kingdom takes its Name is one of the fairest richest and most Populous in all Italy It is seated on the Coast of the Mediterranean at the side of a Hill that rises betwixt the West and the North. The Streets are long and strait full of stately Buildings because the Nobility who are very numerous live there most of the Year and vie amongst themselves in Erecting stately Houses The most Famous are those of the Prince of Salerno and Duke of Gravina They encline to live there by reason of the Temperature of the Air the Fruitfulness of the Soil and the beautiful Gardens that surround the City So that there is scarce any City where so many Great Men reside It is divided into Five Sejo's which are so many Council-Houses where the Nobility and Gentry of each Quarter meet to consult about the Affairs of the City The Churches Monasteries and Hospitals are Numerous and Magnificent particularly the Hospital de la Annunciata which spends yearly above 50000 Ducats gathered by the Charity of the People upon pious Uses The Walls are strong adorned with Towers and Four strong Castles Of these the First is Castelnovo large and to appearance impregnable seated on the Shoar near the Mole which makes the Harbour The Second the Gate of Capua on the North formerly a famous Place of Strength now the Place for holding the Courts of Judicature The Third the Castle del Ovo in the Sea on a small Rock but inaccessible The Fourth that of Santelmo in the highest part of the City commands it all and is of late strongly fortified Two of these Forts to wit Castelnovo and Castel del Ovo were now in the hands of the French As soon as ever the Great Captain alighted he went to give Orders for besieging those Castles Castelnovo was furiously battered and they began to undermine it but the Besieged made a vigorous Defence Villamarin with the Fleet came to an Anchor at Nostra Signora de Pie de Gruta seven days after the Great Captain entred the City On the last day of May the Pope created Nine Cardinals Five of them Natives of Valencia On the 12th of June after a vigorous Resistance Castelnovo was taken by Storm John Pelaez de Berrio Servant to the Great Captain was the first that entred The Captains Peter Navarro an able Man at Mining and Nun̄o d' Ocampo signalized themselves the last had the Command of the Fort given him Among other Prisoners taken there was Hugh Roger Earl of Pallas who had been above 40 Years in Rebellion against the Catholick King and his Father King John He was sent to the Castle of Xativa where he ended his Days Some French and Genoese Ships came from Gaeta too late to relieve the Besieged The French Fleet consisting of 6 Carracs other Great Ships and 5 Galleys besides small Vessels came at last and Villamarin being too weak to oppose them retired to the Port of Ischia which being beset by our Fleet defended it self so well that small harm was done to it The Marquess del Gasto took care to defend the Fleet and Island The Great Captain could not stay to take the Castle del Ovo but left that in charge to Peter Navarro and Nun̄o d' Ocampo They in Boats covered with Hides approached to undermine the Rock on the side of Picifalcon Our Batteries killed most of the Defendants so that only 20 remaining they surrendered articling only for their Lives At the same time Fabricius Colona with 800 Men sent from Rome took the City of Aquila the Chief of Abruzzo and all that Province submitted Fracaso de S. Severino and Hierome Gallofo the Chief of the French Faction in that City made their escape to the Lands of the Church The End of the 27th BOOK The History of SPAIN BOOK XXVIII CHAP. 1. The Siege of Gaeta The Death of Pope Alexander VI. Pius III. Chosen Practices of the Spaniards The French Invade Roussillon ON the 18th of June the Great Captain set forwards from Naples towards S. German in order to oppose the French who lay incamped on the other side the River Garellano formerly called Lyris and to reduce some Towns thereabouts that still held for the French He passed through Aversa and Capua those Cities desiring to see him and express their Affection to Spain Whilst he was thus stayed James Garzia de Paredes and Christopher Zamudio advanced with 1500 Men to attack S. German That City and its Castle soon surrendred notwithstanding that Peter de Medicis lay with some French Forces near hand at Montecasino He despairing of holding out there went away leaving 200 Men in the Monastery who surrendred the Place The Great Captain took Roca Guillerma a strong Place also Targeto upon the River Garellano and other Places Castellon and Mala which lie near Gaeta submitted This done the Great Captain on the first of July incamped near the Suburb of Gaeta That City is very strong being for the most part encompassed with the Sea only towards the Land is a narrow and uncouth way to it and over the City Mount Orlando of difficult access where the French had planted many Pieces of Cannon so that there was no coming near to it In the Place were 4500 Men 1500 of them Horse What was worst of all they were Masters of the Sea being much stronger than the Spaniards and consequently there was no hindring the recourse of Provisions or other Supplies to them tho Villamarin came thither with his Galleys The Great Captain caused his Cannon to be brought from Naples to batter the Mount whence his Men were much annoyed lying within Shot Many of his Men were killed and among them D. Hugh de Cardona a Man of great Worth The Besieged suffered for want of Provisions but chiefly of Meal not having wherewith to grind their Corn. On the 6th of August they received Supplies of Provisions and 1500 Men in two Carracs 4 Galleons and some Galleys which carried the Marquess de Saluzes who was to succeed the Duke of Nemours as Viceroy The same day this Supply came to them Rabastein Colonel of the Germans that served in the Spanish Army was killed by a Cannon Shot This
made the Great Captain draw back to Castellon All this while nothing was done for tho a Breach had been made in the Town Wall it could not be attacked nor did the Besieged offer to Sally But the day we retired 2500 Men attacked our Germans in the Rear who drew them on to an open Ground far from the City then 400 Spaniards charged them so furiously they were driven to the very Gates of Gaeta with the loss of 200 whom our Men returning stripped at their leasure Whilst this was doing at Gaeta both sides made great Preparations The King of France sent the Lord de la Trimoüille to the Relief of Gaeta with 600 French Lances and 8000 Swiss besides 4000 French gone by Sea to Leghorne Telamon and Porto Hercules The Rendezvous was at Parma Thither repaired the Duke of Ferrara the Marquess of Mantua and other Italian Noblemen Trimoüille dying the Marquess of Mantua was made General of that Army On the other side the Catholick King sent 6 Galleys to Naples with Men and Money under the Command of D. Raimund de Cardona Still the Spanish Fleet was inferior to the French which consisted of 30 Sail of all sorts The Great Captain laboured to bring the Family of the Ursini to the Service of the Catholick King and at length prevailed Bartholomew de Albiano coming into the Service as their Chief and behaving himself afterwards with much bravery in the Wars of Italy Money was offered the Emperor to induce him to invade Lombardy and the Pope was also tampered with to declare for Spain for at this time he stood Neuter but the Treaty seemed to be well advanced if there were any Confidence to be reposed in Duke Valentin Death prevented this taking effect for the Pope was snatched away by Poison Duke Valentin had prepared for certain Cardinals in the Garden of Cardinal Adrian Corneto where they Supped The Servants mistaking the Bottles gave the Pope the Duke and Cardinal Adrian of the Poison The Duke immediately took Antidotes which with the strength of Youth carried it off but the Pope and Cardinal being old could not overcome the strength of the Potion This was the end of Pope Alexander who had scandalized the World Many aspired to succeed him grounding their Pretentions on their Interest rather than their Learning or Piety King Frederick had now an Interview with the King of France at Macon and Proposals were made for restoring him but all to no purpose Great apprehensions there were of a War in Spain by reason of the Forces that gathered about Narbonne Hereupon the Catholick King went to Zaragcça raised Men and constituted D. Frederick de Toledo Duke of Alva General of Russillon Some were for perswading the King to be before-hand with the Enemy and invade France The distrust conceived against the King and Queen of Navarre daily increased all that Family being of the French Interest insomuch that the Lord of Vannes Brother to the King served under them at Naples and his Father the Lord d' Albret was now made Governour of Guienne Beside the Lord of Lusse intended to enter into the Valley of Anfo which is part of Aragon to attack the Castle of Verdun and this could not be done without he were suffered to pass through Val de Roncal belonging to Navarre That King endeavoured to clear himself and had to that purpose sent his Daughter Magdalen to be bred under Queen Elizabeth but this was now a small tie because this same year was born to him a Son called Henry who inherited that Crown Upon this suspicion Queen Elizabeth ordered the Constable of Castile and Duke of Najara with their own Forces and 500 Horse she sent to draw near the Frontiers of that Kingdom tho John de Ribera who commanded there before was putting all things into the best posture he could no body doubting but the War would break out on that side So it proved for the King of France with all his Forces which amounted to 20000 Men tho the strength of them consisted in 10000 Foot and 1000 Horse resolv'd to invade Roussillon believing he should find no sufficient Force there to oppose him About the end of August the Mareschal de Rieux having assembled all these Forces incamped on the Borders of Roussillon at a Place called Palma There they stayed some days and then marched towards Salsas the Foot over the Mountain the Horse through the Plain leaving the Passes guarded lest our Forces should cut off their Provisions that came from France On the 16th of September they sate down before Salsas The Duke of Alva was then at Perpignan with 1000 Light Horse 500 Men at Arms and 6000 Foot Next day after he came D. Sancho de Castilla who Commanded there before threw himself into Salsas Some of the Dukes Parties went out to view the Enemies Camp and allarm them the Duke himself came out of Perpignan and encamped at Rabaltas above Sallas and the French Army There was no coming at him there by reason of the strength of the place and he was ready to lay hold of any Advantage should be offered yet he offered Battle which was too much boldness considering how much weaker he was than the Enemy but he had much the advantage of the Ground Whilst the French lay before Salsas the Cardinals at Rome were shut up in the Conclave to choose a new Pope There were many Candidates The Cardinal of Roan was strongly supported by the French and the Cardinal Bernardin de Carvajall no less by the Great Captain Yet neither of them nor the Cardinal Peter Julia de Robere nor he of Naples who also made Interest carried it tho they stayed the Election 35 days The Cardinals agreed that whosoever was chosen Pope should be obliged within two years to assemble a General Council and that one should be called every 3 years ever after to Reform all Abuses To this all the Cardinals Swore and then by Plurality of Voices made choice of Francis Picolomini Cardinal of Siena who had the Reputation of a Pious Man He was Elected on the 22th of September and took the Name of Pius III. in Honour of his Uncle by the Mothers side Pope Pius II. His first Thoughts were to Reform the Church and State which he declared before his Coronation resolving to call a General Council immediately But Death snatching him away 26 days after his Election put a stop to all his Virtuous Designs CHAP. II. The French besiege Saulses or as the Spaniards call it Salsas The Siege raised Nineteen Sail of Infidels destroyed Pope Pius III. dies Julius II. Chosen The French Army marches through Italy Two Defeats given them AT Salsas or as the French call it Saulses they battered the Castle so furiously at the same time carrying on their Mines that they overthrew a large space of the great Tower and Bulwark that was not quite finished Thus the Ditch being filled up they made their Approaches to
not long for the Enemy soon fled Our Men pursued them close at the Heels up to the very Gates of Mola and Gaeta where part of the Enemy saved themselves Many were killed by the way They lost 32 Pieces of Cannon and 1500 Horses Such of the French as fled towards Fundi and others that were quartered thereabouts were killed or taken by the Country People who rose and secured all the Passes so that very few of them escaped Bartholomew de Alvinao and D. Hugo de Moncada gave Proof of their Valour in this Action and during the whole time it was in Hand CHAP. III. The City Gaeta surrendred A Truce betwixt France and Spain The Prefect of Rome submits to Spain The Nobility of Naples swear Allegiance to Spain and several Cities of Italy sue for its Protection Truce for Three years betwixt France and Spain THE Great Captain would gladly have made use of the Confusion the French were in to have possessed himself of Mount Orlando which Commands Gaeta but the Rain was so violent and the Souldiers so weary and spent with Hunger not having eaten that day or the night before that he was forced to return to his former Camp at Castellon It was agreed by the French to fortifie themselves in Mola with their Field pieces believing that would be the first Place attacked but the Great Captain having refreshed his Men to make his advantage of the Enemies Consternation marched directly to Gaeta Very little Defence was made at the Mount where our Cannon had before made a Breach and the Garison had scarce time to retire into the City Here they lost what had been saved in the Fight 1000 Horses were taken and two Pieces of Cannon that did us all the mischief the first Siege What is more the French were quite dismayed especially when they saw the Spaniards intrench themselves under the Works of the Town 50 Men at Arms commanded by the Earl of Mirandula came out of the Town and surrendred themselves That same night 3 Deputies came out from the Marquess de Saluzzes to Treat of a surrender Their first Demand was to have the Prisoners Ransomed which was denied them Then they offered to deliver up the City and Castle of Gaeta the Rock of Mondragon and all the Spanish and Italian Prisoners they had in Exchange for the French and Italian Prisoners on our side This Proposal was not disagreeable to the Great Captain yet he would not consent to felease the Italians particularly the Marquess of Bitonto Mathew de Aquaviva and Alonso de Sanseverino Cousin to the Earl of Bisiniano whom he intended wholly to put into the Hands of the Catholick King After some Debate the French abandoned the Italians and on the first of January 1504 it was agreed That the Lord of Aubigni and the other French should be discharged and that as to the Italians the Catholick King should not Execute any of them till such time as the King of France could send Ambassadors to intercede for them The Souldiers were to depart with their Arms and Baggage The Citizens of Gaeta to be no way molested nor the Inhabitants of any other Place for having sided with the French Upon this Agreement such as were to go by Sea began immediately to imbark Theodore Trivulcio marched out with the French and Italians that were to go by Land This done on the 3d of January the City and Castle were delivered up and the Prisoners on our side released The Government of the City and Castle was given to Luis de Herrera as he had well deserved His Command of Lieutenant of Taranto was conferred on Peter Hernandez de Nicuessa Two days after the Surrender came thither the Lord of Aubigni and about 1200 French Prisoners Aubigni went presently aboard the rest were conducted by Land but most of them died by the way as did the Marquess de Saluzzes at Genoa The Sieur de la Palisse had before been Exchanged for D. Antony de Cardona This D. Antony served very well as did his Brothers wherefore the Catholick King gave him Padula which had belonged to the Earl of Caparlo and created him Marquess thereof Someblamed the Great Captain for giving such Advantageous Terms but he had Reasons enough to justifie his Proceedings the chief were want of Money to pay his Men who he feared might again Mutiny Then that the Pope was wholly Devoted to the French And lastly the Treaty about Restoring King Frederick which did the Spaniards an incredible diskindness For such as were of the Spanish Faction were discouraged and their Adversaires took Heart besides none of the Revenue was payed in every one waiting to pay it to King Frederick if he returned Thus the Wants of the Army daily increased Therefore Gaeta being reduced before any Change should happen the Duke of Termes was sent to Govern Abruzzo and bring under the Estate of the Marquess de Bitonto in that Province Bartholomew de Albiano against Luis de Arsi who fortified Venosa Against the Earl of Conversano went the Earl of Matera and Peter de Paz. Giles Nieto and Peter Navarro besieged the Earl of Capacho in Laurino and gave him leave to depart with his Wife and Children and Equipage to Trana held by the Venetians but he was to leave the Cattle Cannon and Amunition In Galabria Gomez de Solis took all the Dominions of the Prince of Rosano except the City Rosano and Sanseverino the first of which was Besieged The Great Captain designed to Invade the Lands of the Prefect of Rome in the Kingdom of Naples which he prevented by submitting them to the Crown of Spain wherewith the Great Captain was satisfied tho' he knew him to be in his Heart a Frenchman and only to submit to necessity Rosano was at last delivered up by the Townsmen and in it the Prince and several Barons were made Prisoners Sanseverino soon after did the same Peter de Paz took Conversano by Storm Thus all Calabria was reduced and D. Hugo de Moncada was appointed Governor of it in the Place of the Earl of Ayelo grown unfit by reason of his great Age. Having settled the Affairs of Gaeta and ordered it to be Inhabited by Spaniards to save the great charge of a Garrison the Great Captain went away to Naples where he was received with such applause as if he had been their King who had returned Victorious Thither he summoned the Barons Councels because many tho' they had submitted to Spain had not yet taken the Oath of Fidelity Such as had served well he gratified and rewarded particularly Bartholomew de Alviano to whom in the Principality of Bisignano he assigned 8000 Ducats a Year and 2200 among his Kindred according to every Mans merits These favours done to the Ursini so nettled the Coloneses that Prosper Colona went to Spain to complain and have the Government altered and Fabricius sent from Rome to ask leave to serve the Florentines which was granted least
would never consent to it unless he were allowed to share in the Government and also in the Revenue by which means he thought to supply his great wants He endeavoured to draw into his Service 1500 of the Catholick King 's Soldiers that served in France but the Catholick King sent Alonsode Olmedes to keep them where they were They obeyed tho' the Marquess of Brandenburgh declared them Rebels as if they had been the Emperor's Subjects The Emperor highly resented that the Catholick King would not admit of Andrew de Burgo whom he sent with the Character of his Ambassador At this time King Emanuel of Portugal extended the Glory of his Name still sending new Fleets to India and obtaining fresh Victories The Kings of Calicut and Cambaya were professed Enemies of the Portugueses and therefore made War upon the King of Cochin and other Princes who received them into their Ports and traded with them The Nobility of Andaluzia were offended for that the Catholick King made not so great account of them as of those of Castile The chief of the Malecontents were the Marquess of Priego D. Peter Fernandez de Cordova and the Earl of Cabra In a Tumult at Cordova the Officers of Justice Apprehended one of the Mutineers whom the Bishop's Servants rescued King Ferdinand set Fernan Gomez de Herrera an Alcalde de Corte with some Men to punish that Insolency He having begun to do his Duty the Marquess of Priego sent him Orders to desist and depart the City till the Kings Pleasute were farther known He on the contrary Commanded the Marquess and his Brother in the Kings Name to be gone out of Cordova The Marquess gathering a Force apprehended the Alcalde but released him again upon promise that he would not return to Cordova This Affront the King highly resented and set out himself to revenge it At Arcos he took Prince Ferdinand from the Queen against her will upon pretence of his Health He summoned Forces to join him in order to punish that Insolence and in pursuance thereof the Deputy of Sevil D. In̄igo de Velasco Ordered all betwixt 60 and 20 years of Age to be ready to march against the Marquess The Great Captain writ to the Marquess his Cousin advising him to submit and he intended so to do The Nobility and particularly the Great Captain laboured to appease the King who was resolved not to give way to Intreaties The Marquess came to submit himself when the King was at Toledo and was Ordered to Wait 5 Leagues from Court and deliver up all his strong Holds He obeyed With the King went to Cordova 1000 Horse and 3000 Foot The Marquess being taken and charged with High Treason would make no defence but cast himself upon the Kings Mercy Judgment was given some Gentlemen were condemned to death some of the Commonalty executed The Houses of D. Alonso de Carzama and Bernardin de Bocanegra who were in Prison were Razed The Marquess was banished for ever out of Cordova and out of Andaluzia during the King's pleasure who was also to secure all his strong Holds except his House at Montilla which was to be demolished The Great Captain and Constable were extreamly disgusted at this Severity insomuch that it was thought the latter would have departed the Kingdom From Cordova the King sent D. Henry de Toledo and the Licenciat Ferdinand Tello to do Homage to the Pope for the Queen his Daughter At Naples died the Queen of Hungary so very Poor the Viceroy was forced to pay the charge of her Obsequies She was buried in the Church of S. Peter Martyr where the Body of her Mother lies King Ferdinand went to Sevil where he was received with great Pomp and Joy With him went the Queen his Wife and Prince Ferdinand Henry Duke of Medina Sidonia was left young by his Father under the Guardianship of D. Peter Giron to whose Sister he was contracted The Duke was haughty and turbulent and had designed to assist the Marquess of Priego To appease the King it was offered he should deliver up his chiefest Fortresses and the Constable would be bound for his good behaviour Nevertheless neither the Duke nor D. Peter Giron came to submit themselves to the King who thereupon put D. Peter from his Guardianship banishing him from Sevil and all the Lands of Medina Sidonia and the Duke was commanded to deliver up all his Places of strength They both fled to Portugal and the King Orderèd their Lieutenants to deliver the Forts Those of Niebla and Figueras would not submit and therefore Niebla was taken by force and plundered This Severity made all Places comply This Estate was put into the Hands of the Archbishop of Sevil and the Council Ordered to prosecute D. Peter Giron The Nobility but chiefly the Constable resented this rigorous Proceeding yet the King was resolved to humble their Pride and the Archbishop of Toledo advised him so to do The Catholick King spent all Autumn in settling Andaluzia and thence promoted the War in Africk assisting the Portugueses who were much distressed The King of Fez being at variance with his Two Brothers it was thought a good Opportunity to gain some advantage in Africk and to this purpose a Fleet was fitted out at Malaga The Pyrates of Velez de la Gomera did much harm at this time along the Coast of Granada Count Peter Navarro our Admiral gave them Chase took some Vessels and pursued the others to an Island opposite to Velez and the common refuge of those Corsairs There were 200 Moors in the Fort of that Island which they call Pen̄on these thinking the Earl would Attack Velez abandoned the Island to defend the Town but he immediately possessed himself of the Castle which Commands the Harbour and City and thence did them so much harm that the Moors were forced to live under Ground This Place was taken on the 23th of July and Ordered to be Fortified and well Garrisoned The Portugueses made War on the Coast of Africk along the Ocean A Moor called Zelum Cousin to the King of Fez offered to put them in a way to take Azamor a famous City on that Coast King Emanuel giving Credit to him fitted a Fleet which carried 400 Horse and above 2000 Foot under the Command of D. John de Meneses This Fleet sailed from Lisbon on the 26th of July and found all things otherwise than they expected for the Citizens defended themselves well and Zelum aided them This brought the Portugueses into great Danger and they were forced to depart without doing any thing The Weather being bad and the Tides low some Vessels and among them one Gally struck the rest came to the streights Mouth This loss seemed to be a special Providence for the King of Fez with a mighty Power sate down before Arzila on the 19th of October D. Vasco Coutin̄o Earl of Borva was Governor who the first day repulsed the Moors with much Bravery but the next day
the Kingdom of Asturias but the King said it had never allowed any Prince and therefore consented to allow him 30000 Ducats a year and to add to that Sum whensoever he was married The Emperour also demanded for himself 100000 Ducats of which 50000 were allowed him to be paid by the Florentines on account of the delivery of Pisa to them King Ferdinand also offered to assist the Emperour against the Venetians with 300 Men at Arms to whom he would give 4 or 5 Months Pay It was also agreed that whensoever Prince Charles would go into Spain a Fleet should be sent for him and Prince Ferdinand should go to Flanders as soon as the other was landed in Spain Upon these Conditions they joined in League and all Differences were reconciled Because the King of France and Cardinal d' Amboise had been chosen Arbitrators these Articles were sent to them to peruse and they approved of the same on the 12th of December This done all their Estates were restored to those who had been of the Emperour 's and Prince's Party and D. Peter de Guevara was set at liberty according to Capitulation Upon which some Gentlemen departed the Kingdom pretending to go serve the Prince Among these D. Alonso Manrique Bishop of Badajoz was most remarkable At this time the Earl of Pitillano the Venetian General died at Lonigo in the Territory of Vincenza King Ferdinand ordered the Earl of Lemos who still held Intelligence in Portugal and Flanders to deliver up the Forts of Sarria and Monforte to the Lord of Poça then Governour of Galicia D. Raymund de Cardona Viceroy of Sicily was appointed to succeed the Earl of Ribagorça at Naples and D. Hugo de Moncada to be Viceroy of Sicily Various Reports were spread abroad concerning this Change of Viceroy at Naples Most Men said the Earl of Ribagorça was not capable of that Command Others believed the Ursini were the cause of his removal But who can stop the Mouths of the Multitude or fathom the Designs of Princes King Ferdinand being desirous to employ his Forces against the Infidels was always for concluding a Peace with the Venetians and joining in League with them after each of the Confederates had recovered what he pretended a right to Thus he proposed with the joint Forces of them all to make War upon the Turks the common Enemy of Christendom It was hard to reconcile such different Interests He proposed to join his Forces with those of the other Princes and to go himself in Person to the Levant This his Design he made known to the Pope who approved of it and offered to forward it The Kingdoms of Naples and Sicily lay opportunely for this Enterprize Those who well weighed the Circumstances of Things thought it not fit for the King at his Age and in the present posture of Affairs in Castile to absent himself so far off It was thought more expedient to continue the Conquest of Africk so fortunately begun Count Peter Navarro had 13 Ships well equipped in the Port of Mazalquivir He sailed thence with some chosen Troops to the Island Yviça where Hierome Vianelo expected him with another part of the Fleet. There they staid some days it being the dead of Winter It was declared the Fleet was designed for Bugia They sailed from Yviça on the first of January 1510. The Forces consisted of about 5000 Men well provided with Cannon Bugia is seated on the Coast of Numidia not far from the Borders of Mauritania Caesariensis First it belonged to the Kings of Tunez then to those of Tremecen who possessed it till recovered by Abuferriz King of Tunez He left it to his Son Abdulhazis with the Title of a New Kingdom From him was descended Abdurrahamel the present Possessor who usurped it from Muley Abdalla his Brother's Son and the Rightful King It is seated on the side of a high Mountain with a good Castle at the upper part all of it encompassed with an old but strong Wall It used to contain 8000 Inhabitants and was the chief University for Philosophy in Africk The Country about it is fitter for Gardens and Orchards than to bear Corn Our Fleet came before it on the Eve of the Epiphany but the Men could not land because the Wind was contrary On the top of the Mountain appeared the Moorish King with 10000 Foot and some Squadrons of Horse They began to come down to the Shoar to hinder our Men landing but the Cannon of the Fleet made them draw back and clear the Landing-place The Earl drew up his Men in Four Bodies and began to ascend the Hill in order to fight the Moors but they retired into the City Our Men some through an Ascent in the Old City which was abandoned and others from the top of the Mountain soon scaled the Walls Within they found no resistance for as they entred on the one side the King and his Men fled out at the other This Success terrified all Africk and the more for that Muley Abdalla the Lawful King escaping out of Prison fled to the Earl He after taking the City attacked Abdarrahamel in his Camp 8 Leagues thence and put him to flight upon which many Towns along that Coast submitted themselves The first of these was Argier afterwards the Terror of Spain and grown Rich with our Spoils After Argier the King of Tunez and City Tedeliz did the same Even the King of Tremecen and Moors of Mostagan subjected themselves to the King Articles were concluded with them all by which they were obliged to set free all Christians and pay a yearly Tribute This took up the Earl some time yet he omitted nothing that might tend to advance the Conquest At this time Alonso d' Albuquerque in India made himself Master of the City Goa the Metropolis of the Portugues Empire in those Parts This City stands in an Island made by a River falling into the Sea It is about 5 Leagues in length was subject to Zabaim Hidalcan and at that time ill provided he having drawn away the Garrison to serve in his other Wars Timoja a Pirate who robbed along those Seas with 14 Vessels gave notice of it to the Governour and he found all his Intelligence to be true On the 16th of February he entred that Port and easily made himself Master of the City Francis d' Almeyda his Predecessor in his return to Portugal having put in to Water at the Cape of Good Hope was killed in a Skirmish with the Cafres so the Natives of that Country are called The Catholick King had made choice of D. Garcia de Toledo Eldest Son to the Duke of Alva to be General in Africk designing to make use of Count Peter Navarro in his Wars in Italy D. Garcia made some considerable stay before he departed Spain The Earl not to lose time as also because the Plague began to spread in Bugia on the 7th of June set out with 8000 Men towards Favignana a
ordered them to obey the Legate and Viceroy to whom he sent a Sword and Cap as also the Standards he blessed on Christmas Day The Venetians neither sent the Supplies of Mony they had promised nor of Men but under the shelter of the League endeavoured to recover what the Emperor and King of France had taken from them The Viceroy encamped four miles from Bologna and the next day being the 16th of January within Cannon shot of the Town at Belpogio a Country House of the Bentivoglios Within the City were 500 Horse and 2000 Foot under the Command of Monsieur de Alegre The same Day the Viceroy marched towards Bologna the Duke of Ferrara took Bastida and rased it to the Ground The Viceroy took up his Quarters at Belpoggio the Marquess of Padula and Count de Populo advanced with the Foot and possessed themselves of a Monastery called S. Michael de Rosque quenching the Fire set to it by those within There they planted some Pieces of Cannon and the rest on a Hill hard by Before this Advice was brought that Gaston de Foix Duke of Nemours was at Parma gathering his Forces which were 800 Lances 1000 light Horse and 3000 Foot and was to joyn at Final 20 miles from Bologna the Troops of the Duke of Ferrara being 2000 Gascons and some Horse all this in Order to raise the Siege Fabricius Colona lay about Cento and Pieve with part of the Army to observe the passage of the French the Viceroy ordered him to come to the other side of the City towards the Mountain It was resolved to move the Batteries to that side the Wall being there weakest but soon after it was agreed the Army should lie all together to secure the Cannon and repulse the Relief The Artillery was planted betwixt S. Michael and the Florence Gate On the 28th of January they began to play Part of the Wall was beaten down and some Soldiers got into a Tower where they displayed the Colours but were soon drove out by the besieged Count Peter Navarro finished a Mine and having set Fire to it the Wall was lifted up so that they without saw those in the Town and the Townsmen those in the Field under the Wall yet it sell again in the same place and setled as fast as at first This was looked upon as a Miracle because within adjoyning to the Wall was a Chappel held in great veneration called of Baracan which like the rest was blown up and settled again Nevertheless the City was in great danger when there fell a Snow for 3 Days together This gave the French General an opportunity of throwing himself into the City with a good Body of Men without being discovered by the Centinels For this reason and because the Weather continued very severe the Army of the Consederates raised the Siege and drew back to S. Lazaro 2 miles from Bologna The Forces of the Pope retired as far as Imola the Viceroy to the Castle of S. Peter and the Forces were dispersed in the neighbouring places This was the event ofthat so much talked of Siege Many as is usual in the like Cases blamed the General for that as they said without regarding the unseasonableness of the weather he had let slip 8 Days in which he might have made a considerable Advance That the Army encamped far from the place where it ought to have been That the Trenches were not well carried on nor the Mines rightly placed In fine that the Guards were so ill kept they gave the Enemy an Opportunity of getting into the Town without being discovered The truth is the Weather was unseasonable and neither the Swiss came as was expected nor did the Venetians send any Supplies of Men. There were at this Siege among the rest Antony de Leyva Captain Alvarado and the Marquess of Pescara D. Ferdinand de Avalos who was afterwards a most renowned General The King of England prepared to be in a readiness as soon as the Season would permit to invade the Province of Guienne in France those Kings of old pretending a Title to that Country and Luiz Carroz the Ambassador pressing him to undertake that Expedition in the Name of the Catholick King Thomas Gray Marquess of Dorset the King's Cousin-german was appointed General of the English Army The Catholick King thought it convenient for that time to give over the Conquest of Africk and to draw out the Forces that were at Oran leaving only as many as was requisite for the Defence of the Place He ordered the Town should be divided 600 Houses were appointed 200 for Horse and the rest for Foot The Houses Orchards and Lands belonging to the City were distributed among the Inhabitants that the Place might be more easily maintained For the greater encouragement of People to come and inhabit there it was granted they should be free from all manner of Taxes and Impositions besides that they were to receive Pay On the last of Janaary Queen Mary of Portugal was delivered at Lisbon of a Son called Prince Henry who was afterwards a Cardinal and lastly upon the Death of his Nephew King Sebastian came to be King of Portugal The same Day this Prince was born it snowed very much at Lisbon a thing extraordinary in that City Curious Persons said that Snow denoted the Innocence of his Life which was very holy and the pureness of his Chastity which he preserved as long as he lived He was in his Countenance the likest to his Father of all the Brothers King Ferdinand was now at Burgos there on the 16th of February upon the Death of the Constable D. Bernardin de Velasco he contracted the Earl's Daughter Juliana Grandchild to the King himself being born of the Lady Joanna of Aragon to Ferdinand de Velasco eldest Son to D. Inigo who succeeded his Brother Bernardin in the Lordship of Haro and the Dignity of Constable The Absence of the Duke of Nemours gave an Opportunity and Courage to the People of Bressa and Bergamo to revolt from the French and submit themselves again to the Venetians excepting the Castles which the French still kept This was a Thing of dangerous Consequence being a Precedent for all the other Cities which had been newly conquer'd to do the like As soon as the Duke had relieved Bolonia he resolved to repair thither and carried along with him Monsieur d' Alegre A French Commander called Foullette was left at Bolonia with 300 Men at Arms and 3000 Foot to secure that City Andrew Gritti with the Army of the Republick and the Inhabitants of Bressa marched forward to oppose the Duke He retired to the Mountain and after Midnight entred the City by the way of the Castle Thence he marched out to fight the Venetians A bloody and obstinate Battel was fought and many killed on both sides but the French obtained the Victory Andrew Gritti Antony Justiniano Governour of the City and Paul Manfron were made Prisoners Count Luis Bogara
Michael de Gurrea Viceroy of Majorca came to his Relief but could not raise the Siege The Besieged suffered great want of Provisions At such time as they were upon surrendring there came to them a Ship laden with all sorts of Victuals sent by the Viceroy of Sardinia This Supply lasted them till the Turk despairing of carrying the Place raised the Siege about the end of the Year The Catholick King 's Dropsie and the Great Captains Ague increased both of them being mortal Diseases The Great Captain set out of Loxa upon the point of death was carried on Mens Shoulders to Granada and there gave up the Ghost on the 2d of December Garibay says on the 10th He was a Man not to be matched being the Bravest and most Fortunate Commander that Spain had for many Years The Severity of his Usage increased his Glory it being very rare to Sail long in the Seas of Prosperity without some Storm Many great Men in process of time had the Brightness of their Honour sullied Time cut the Thread of his Life but his Renown will endure as long as the World Upon his death the Office of Constable of Naples was Vacant which was given to Fabricius Colona and continues in his Family to this day His Estate fell to the Lady Elvira Eldest Daughter and Heiress to her Father The Catholick King was gone from Madrid to Plasentia in order to continue his Journey to Sevil because the Air of that Place is very Wholesome There tho' very siick he was nobly Entertained and staid some days He sent Prince Ferdinand to Guadalupe thinking to Return thither and so went on to Serena to divert himself with Hawking that being a good Country for it and he delighting in that and the like Sports With him went the Admiral the Duke of Alva the Bishop of Burgos and 3 of his Council which were Dr. Laurence Galindez de Carvajal and the Lieutenants Zapata and Francis de Vargas To this Place about Christmas came Adrian Dean of Louvain Prince Charles his Preceptor sent from Flanders It was agreed at his coming that the Prince should be supplied with 50000 Ducats a Year and King Ferdinand altho' Q. Joanna died should during his Life continue in the Government of Castile They showed themselves liberal to him who according to appearance must soon resign up all to them The King returned to Madrigalejo in the Territory of Truxillo his Disease encreased so that it was plain he had but few days to live The Dean of Louvain repaired thither at which the King was offended and ordered him back to Guadalupe whither he went to see Prince Ferdinand He made his Will and Confessed to F. Thomas de Matienço of the Order of S. Dominick his Confessor The Queen having notice of the Danger he was in set out from Lerida and came to him the day before he Signed his Will Next day being Wednesday the 23d of January 1516. between One and Two in the Morning he gave up the Ghost He was one of the most remarkable Princes that ever Spain had yet it could not be expected he should be without Blemish but may serve for an Example to all future Kings of Spain He made Three Wills one at Burgos 3 years before his Death the second at Aranda de Duero 2 years later and the last when he died In all of them he names Queen Joanna his Heiress and Prince Charles her Son Governour In case the Prince was not in Spain by his first Will he ordained Prince Ferdinand should Govern in his stead but in the other two he changed that Article and ordered that during the Prince's absence the Archhishop of Zaragoça should Govern Aragon and the Cardinal of Spain Castile This was punctually observed as he had commanded True it is the Dean of Louvain producing the Prince's Commission was admitted to the Government together with the Cardinal To Prince Ferdinand the King his Grandfather left in the Kingdom of Naples the Principality of Taranto and Cities of Cotron Tropea Amantia and Galipoli besides a Pension of 50000 Ducats out of the Revenue of that Kingdom to be paid him till such time as his Brother settled an equivalent Estate upon him He also ordered that the Duke of Calabria tho' his Offence was great should be set at liberty and charged the Prince to give him an Estate to live upon But this Clause was never fully performed till the Year 1533. for several Reasons which are never wanting against unfortunate Men. He made no mention of the Vicechancellor Antony Augustin whether it was that he forgot his Crime or that he left it to another to punish could never be known Soon after the Cardinal of Spain sent him to Flanders where he was discharged on the 23d of September this same Year For his Executors the King appointed the Queen his Wife the Prince the Archbishop of Zaragoça the Dutchess of Cardona the Duke of Alva the Viceroy of Naples and F. Thomas de Matienço his Confessor and his Protonotary Michael Velasquez Clemente His Body was carried to his own Royal Chapel at Granada and laid near to that of Queen Elizabeth which was deposited in the Alhambra Of those that were present at his Death only D. Ferdinand de Aragon and D. Bernard de Sandoval y Rojas with some of his menial Servants attended the Body By the way whole Towns came out to meet it with Crosses and in Mourning partiticularly at Cordova when the Body passed through that City the Marquess of Priego and Earl of Cabra and other Gentlemen of that Place distinguished themselves All past Offences and the Severity he used towards them whilst living served only to stir up their generous Souls the more to signalize their Respect and Reverence to him dead and to his Memory At Granada the Clergy Citizens and Courts strove to outdo one another in the manner of the Reception and Funeral Rites which were performed with all Grandeur and Magnificence as was due to the Conquerour and Founder of the Happiness Peace and Prosperity of that City and whole Kingdom of Granada The End of the 30th BOOK LAUS DEO FINIS A Compendious SUPPLEMENT TO THE History of SPAIN From the Year 1615 till 1521. Written by F. John de Mariana Anno 1515. FRANCIS the new King of France having settled the Affairs of his Kingdom at home and being a hot and fiery Youth resolved to carry the War into Italy He passed the Alps with all his Forces and at his first Entrance overthrew and took Prisoner Prosper Colonna who with the Horse thought to have stopp'd his Passage Next he took Novara and the Castle wherein he was much assisted by the Industry of Count Peter Navarro who weary of his long Imprisonment and offended that he was not Ransom'd had taken Service with the French Thence the French King March'd towards Milan With Duke Maximilian were the Swiss Raymund de Cardona was at Verona and Lawrence de Medicis
Army and was near Damascus defeated and slain by Selymus the Turkish Emperor In his stead the Mamalukes set up Tomombeyus who being by the Turks in Battel put to the Rout and the City Caire taken was by them impaled Thus the Turk Selymus having conquered the Provinces of Siria and Egypt returned home victorious his Empire being much augmented and his strength increased by so large an Addition Martin Luther took this Occasion to spread his new Doctrine Pope Julius had begun the Structure of the Vatican and Pope Leo the Tenth his Successor to finish it granted a Jubilee throughout the World to such as gave some Charity towards that Work Albertus Archbishop of Mentz to whom the charge of publishing this Jubilee in Germany was committed gave it in charge to Tezelius a Dominican Friar Martin Luther who was Professor of Divinity at Wirtemberg and an Austin Friar so highly resented that Commission was not given to him that he immediately began to preach against it and meeting with others that gave ear to him ran into many other Extravagancies which soon spread abroad the many Abuses then crept into the Church being a motive for the People to Revolt from it Anno 1518. Ellenor Sister to King Charles was Married to Emanuel King of Portugal about the end of this Year at Ocrato a Town in Portugal with much Pomp and Grandeur They had afterwards Issue Charles who died Young and Mary who lived long but was never Married It was now proposed to divide the Archbishoprick of Toledo into several Bishopricks because of its immoderate Greatness and particularly Madrid and Talavera were designed to have Prelates of their own Pope Leo granted his Bull in order to the effecting of it He gave the Inspection of that Affair to the Cardinal Adrian the Bishop of Cosenza his Nuncio in Spain and D. Alonso de Manrique Bishop of Cuidad Rodrigo who were impowered to order it as they should think fit They met with so many Difficulties that they were forced to desist Anno 1519. Maximilian the Emperor departed this Life on the 12th of January Soon after the Electors met at Francfort to appoint a Successor and tho there were many Pretenders and great Instance particularly made by Francis King of France yet Charles King of Spain was preferred before them all and declared Emperor on the 28th of June But in regard that the Kings of Naples could not accept of the Empire they being so engaged to the Popes he obtained a Dispensation upon condition he should pay yearly 7000 Ducats as an acknowledgment for that Kingdom and a White Hacaney as is done to this Day This point was not perfectly agreed upon till some Years after Anno 1520. King Charles received the News of his Election at Barcelona whence crossing all Spain he went to Corun̄a and sailed thence in May for Flanders At Aquisgran the first Crown of the Empire was put upon his Head on the 22th of October by the Bishop of Cologn whose Office it is At the same time he freely resigned to his Brother Ferdinand all Austria and the other Hereditary Dominions of his Grandfather Maximilian Cardinal Adrian D. Ynigo de Velasco the Constable and the Admiral D. Henry Enriques were left Governours of Spain They omitted nothing that could be done to quell the Commonalty who rose in Rebellion but could not prevent their taking up Arms whence ensued the Civil Wars called Communidades or the Commons War Their Pretences were that through the Avarice of the Flemmings all the Gold of Spain was carried away and that the Liberties of the Subjects were infringed by their tyranical Government The common cry of all rebels The greatest Grievance was that Charles de Gevres the new Kings Tutor not content that he had preferred his Nephew William de Croy to the Archbishoprick of Toledo had by many knacks and contrivances raked together a vast quantity of Spanish Pistols The principal Heads of the rebellion were John de Padilla one of the first Gentlemen of Toledo and D. Antony de Acuna Bishop of Zamora Several Towns and Cities joyned with them Several Engagements happened between the Loyallists and Rebells in many places with various success till about the end of this Year the Kings Army took Tordesillas where the Rebels had fortified themselves and kept Queen Joanna On the 23th of April the following Year was fought the Battle of Villalar in which they were totally overthrown and the Ringleaders of them taken which were John de Padilla Bravo and Maldonado who were executed and the Bishop was hanged at Simancas where he was prisoner Thus those Tumults were brought to an end by the Prudence and good Conduct of the Councel to whom the King had wholly committed that Charge D a Maria Pacheco Wife to John de Padilla in the place of her Husband headed the Rebels and encouraged them to hold together but could do nothing worth remembrance The Duke of Segorbe defeated the Germanats of Valencia near unto Morvedre So the Rebels in that part of the Country called themselves Anno 1521. William de Croy Archbishop of Toledo died in Germany the 11th of January without coming into Spain or having done any thing remarkable during his Life D. Alonso de Fonseca a Man of great Spirit at that time Archbishop of Santiago was translated to the See of Toledo The Archbishoprick of Santiago was given to John de Tavera Nephew to F. James Deza Archbishop of Sevil at that time Bishop of Cuidad Rodrigo and Osma and of the Councel of the Inquisition The Rebellion in Castile produced a new War in Navarre King Ferdinand to hinder any Insurrection had demolished all the Castles in that Kingdom and the last Year all the Garrisons and Artillery were drawn thence against the Mutiniers of Castile Francis King of France desiring to restore Henry d' Albret to that Crown of Right appertaining to him laid hold of that favourable Opportunity and sent a numerous Army to that effect under the Command of Andrew l'Esparre younger Brother to Odet Lord of Lautrec He found all things easier than he could have imagined and over-run all the Kingdom taking the Capital City Pamplona abandoned by D. Antony Manrique the Viceroy Only the Castle held out being defended by Ignacius of Loyola a Man nobly descended in Guipuzcoa then a Soldier and afterwards Founder of the Order of the Jesuits A Cannon Ball struck up a Stone which broke one of his Legs and hurt the other which brought him into danger of his Life He being wounded the Castle surrendred The French Commander not content with having recovered that Kingdom entred Castile and for some days lay before Logron̄o Our Forces marching to the Relief of the Place obliged him to quit the Siege Not long after at a place called Noayn near Pamplona they overthrew the French and took their General Prisoner After this Victory the Kingdom of Navarre was with the same ease again brought
the Pope who was there present and therefore the Reflection upon him was the greater The Diet at Ratisbon being broke up the Emperor went into Italy and conferred with the Pope at Luca in September The chief Subject of their Conference was about Assembling a General Council Leaving the Pope he went to Genoa where Andrew Doria had a great Fleet in readiness to go over to Argiers on the Coast of Africk The Season was then too far advanced therefore the Pope and others laboured to disswade the Emperor from that Enterprize but he was not to be moved Being come upon the Coast of Africk about the end of October and having lost great part of his Fleet in a terrible Storm he was forced to retire to Bugia whence he passed over much afflicted to Carthagena having done nothing and sustained great loss Ferdinand Cortes who accompanied the Emperor in this Expedition his Galley sinking was obliged to swim for his Life and lost two Cups made of Emraulds which he had tyed about him in a cloath and were worth 300000 Duccats Anno 1542. The bloody Wars betwixt Christian Princes disappointed the Pope's design the last year of assembling a General Council but now he published a new Edict Summoning all the Bishops to meet at the City Trent He appointed the Cardinals Parisius Moron and Poole to preside in his Name but this design was also put off because the French King made War upon the Emperor The cause of this War was that the King sent two Embassadors to the Turk one a Genoese called Fregoso the other a Spaniard whose name was Antony Rincon Alonso Davalos Marquis del Gasto was then Governour of Milan Certain Spanish Soldiers discovered these Embassadors sailing down the River Po tho they were disguised like Pilgrims they seized and drowned them in the River This happened the last year and so incensed the French King that he immediately had recourse to Arms and with a mighty Army invaded Flanders Besides Henry the Dauphin by his Fathers order laid Siege to Perpignan on the borders of Spain The Garison defended themselves with such bravery that sallying they nailed his great Guns and Succours coming from all Parts he was forced to raise the Siege and retire John de Vega Lord of Valverde was at this time Viceroy of Navarre whence he went Embassador to Rome then Governed Sicily several Years and lastly returning into Spain was President of the Royal Council of Castile which Office he discharged with great Reputation He was a Man of great Integrity Wisdom and Piety At the beginning of December dyed James the Fifth King of Scotland leaving only one Daughter called Mary born not long before his Death of Mary his Queen Sister to the Duke of Guise Such multitudes of Locusts were in Germany Italy and Spain that they darkned the Sun as they flew In Sicily a great Earthquake did much harm in several Cities and Towns but the most mischief was done at the City Siracusa Anno 1543. The Emperor having appointed his Son Philip Governour of Spain sailed over to Genoa being in care for Italy and Germany At Busseto between Placencia and Cremona he met the Pope there they conferred about the General Council the Pope's Legates being already at Trent waiting the coming of the Bishops It was also proposed to make Peace between France and Spain but the time was not yet come Cosmo de Medicis Duke of Florence was allowed to buy out the Castles of Florence and Leghorn then held by the Emperor for 200000 Duccats The Pope had given the Cities of Placencia and Parma to Peter Luis his Son and would have had the Emperor confirm his Gift those Cities belonging to the State of Milan but could not prevail The King of France Invaded the Low Countries by the way of S. Quintin On the other side the great Pyrate Barbarussa having sacked and burnt the city Rijoles not far from the Streight of Messina ran along the Coast of Italy and put into the Port of Toulon There joyning the Duke d' Enguien they together attacked the City Nice near the State of Genoa and tho they took it could not reduce the Fortress yet they spent the best part of the Summer before it For this reason and because it was reported that Andrew Doria was coming to the Relief of the Besieged they returned to Winter at Toulon Anno 1544. On the 4th of January this year happened a wonderful Eclipse of the Sun which lasted some hours and not long after followed 3 Eclipses of the Moon which is said never to have happened since the time of Charlemagne The success of the Wars was various for Barbarussa in his return towards the Levant in several places ravaged the Coasts of Naples The fear was greater than the harm tho he took and plundered the City and Island of Lipari On the Coast of Sicily he took plundered and burnt the City Pati Many thousand Souls were carried by him into Captivity The Duke d' Anguien with a great Army entred Milan the Marquis del Gasto marched to oppose him They met near a Town called Carigno and the Battel was fought on the 14th of April which was very bloody but the French obtained the Victory and yet could not possess themselves of the Dukedom of Milan The Emperor and King of England had made a League against France The Emperor broke into France by the way of Flanders Took several Towns and came near to Paris So great was the terror he spread that many of the wealthy Citizens abandoned that City This Consternation was the greater for that at the same time the King of England possessed himself of the City of Boulogne Under these Circumstances a Treaty of Peace was set a foot The Embassadors of these Princes met at Soissons where they concluded a Peace upon the following Conditions That all things taken on either side since the Truce concluded at Nice should be restored That they should joyn their Forces in defence of the Catholick Religion against the Turks and Hereticks That the King of France shall renounce all his Pretensions in Flanders Aragon or Naples That the Emperor should give to Charles Duke of Orleans the King of France his younger Son one of his Daughters in Marriage or else one of those of his Brother Ferdinand In case he gave his own Daughter he should give her in Dower the Low Countries with the Title of King to her Husband But if it were his Brother's Daughter that the Dukedom of Milan should be her Dower The Agreement was made on the 24th of September but it took no effect Charles Duke of Orleans soon after dying Anno 1545. Prince Philip of Spain was before contracted to Mary Daughter to the King of Portugal last Year they were Married at Salamanca with great Solemnity The Duke of Medina Sidonia went to the Borders of Portugal to conduct the Bride who soon after proved with Child and was
Ferdinand Gonçaga Governor of Milan seized that City and put a Garison into it The Pope fortified Parma and put Camillus Vrsinus into it Afterwards that Dominion was given to Octavius Farnesius Duke of Parma Son to Peter Luis Anno 1548. The breaking up of the Council of Trent was so much the more resented for that among the other Articles of Peace with the Princes and Cities of Germany one was That they should submit themselves to the determination of the Fathers in Matters of Religion This design failing to reconcile all Matters in Difference at the Diet at Auspurb a Book was published in Defence of the Catholick Doctrine but allowing the Laity to communicate in both Kinds and Priests to Marry It was called An Interim because to last till the Council met again and determined what was to be done Julius Phibug Michael Sidonia and Eilebius Agricola composed it In Saxony at the desire of Duke Maurice the Hereticks publish'd another Book called Adiapora that is Things Indifferent Philip Melancton was the Author of it and mentioned many things that ought to be Tolerated for the sake of Peace Matthias Illiricus and Nicholaus Gralius more rigid Hereticks wrote against this Book At the same time Muleasse King of Tunez came to Ausburg being expelled his Kingdom and having his Eyes put out by his own Son Maximilian Son to King Ferdinand came to Spain to Marry the Princess Mary his Cousin-German and to remain Governour in Spain because Prince Philip was to go for Flanders as he did in November in the same Fleet that brought Maximilian He landed at Genoa passed through Milan and Mantua and lastly at the beginning of the following Year came to Brussels in the Low Countries at such time as his Father was gone to Germany At the instance of Siceleus Archbishop of Toledo the Pope granted his Bull by which it was enacted That none descended of Jews Moors or Hereticks should have any Living in that Church D. James de Castilla the Dean and some others of the Chapter opposed this Decree but the most powerful Party prevailed Joanna d' Albret Daughter to Henry was contracted to the Duke of Cleves but the Match breaking off she now Married Antony of Bourbon Duke of Vendosme of the Blood Royal of France Anno 1549. This Year died Margaret Queen of Navarre and Mother to the above-mentioned Lady Joanna In Germany some Synods were held particularly at Treves Metz and Cologne by the Emperor's procurement to bring the deluded People to the Obedience of the Church In Africk a Man called Xerife the Son of a Merchant and himself a School-Master under the pretended Veil of Sanctity drew together a number of Armed People wherewith he expelled the Kings of Morocco Fez and Veles He of Veles fled for Refuge to the Emperor and afterwards to the King of Portugal of whom he received nothing but good Words This was the beginning of a bloody War in Africk In England Peter Martir at Oxford began publickly to teach the Heresy of the Sacramentarians and great Tumults happened about the Change of Religion They made Peace with the French who had began the War in Picardy restoring to them the City Bologn taken some Years before At Cigales on the first of November was born Anne Daughter to Prince Maximilian and Mary his Wife She was afterwards Married to her Unkle and was Queen of Spain Pope Paul died at Rome the 10th of November Anno 1550. Cardinal John Maria de Monte succeeded him by the Name of Julius the III. and lived after his Exaltation 5 Years 1 Month and 16 Days John de Vega Viceroy of Sicily on the Coast of Africk took the City called Africa formerly Leptis on the 9th of September expelling thence the Pyrat Dragut who used to set out thence and Ravage the Coasts of Sicily He put a Garison into it but soon after to save Charges utterly demolish'd it At Ausburg in Autumn was opened the Diet of the Empire at which the Emperor and his Son Prince Philip were present The Emperor strove to make his Son King of the Romans but his Brother King Ferdinand opposed it in favour of his own Son Maximilian who was come back from Spain being already chosen King of Bohemia and was now with his Father at the Diet. It was proposed to assemble a-new the Council of Trent and to make War upon Mecklenbourg where the Catholick Religion was wholly excluded Both these Propositions were offensive to Maurice Duke of Saxony tho he was appointed General of that War but what chiefly perplexed him was that the Emperor did not release his Unkle the Landtgrave of Hesse These were the Causes that moved the Duke to make War upon the Emperor who being at that time unprovided for it was reduc'd to great Extremities This Year was remarkable for the Jubilee and for the great numbers of People that repair'd to Rome to gain it Anno 1551. At the beginning of this Year died at Pavia Andrew Alciatus a famous Civilian and Humanist born at Milan who was first Professor in France and afterwards in Italy Pope Julius last December summoned the Bishops to meet again at Trent The Emperor caused the Pope's Edicts to be read at the Diet at Ausburg Duke Octavius Farnesius very unseasonably put himself under the Protection of France Ferrante Gonçaga to put a stop to his Proceedings besieged him in Parma This was the cause that Council was put off for some time but at length it was open'd in May. Cardinal Crecencius the Pope's Legate presided The Ecclesiastical Electors and many Prelates of Germany Spain and Italy were there present The King of France by his Embassador protested against their Proceedings Embassadors came from some German Princes to ask safe Conducts for the Heretical Ministers and Divines but the Conditions they proposed were so extravagant the Fathers thought it a lessening of their Authority to grant them After the Diet at Ausburg broke up Prince Philip return'd to Spain His Cousin Maximilian bore him Company as far as Genoa where he found the Princess Mary his Wife and his Children come thither by Sea out of Spain With them he return'd in December to Inspruck where the Emperor then was that City lying near to forward the Proceedings of the Council King Henry of France on the sudden commenced War in Flanders and Milan He call'd the Turkish Fleet to his Aid which on the Coast of Sicily took the Town and Castle of Augusta seated beyond the City Catania Thence they sailed over to Malta but not succeeding there crossed the Sea and on the Coast of Africk took Tripoli deliver'd to them by the Knights of Malta who had kept it ever since Rhodes was lost Two French Knights had the greatest share in that Treachery The Spaniards paid dearly for their Loyalty about 400 being put to the Sword It was given out the Turks did this in Revenge of the taking of the City of
Bohemia and Austria to his Brother Mathias reserving to himself a Portion for the maintenance of his Court. After this he died in the same City the 20th of January this Year Soon after the Electors met at Francford and chose Mathias Brother to the late Emperor his Successor This Year on the 25th of April died at Valencia Francis Hierome Simon a beneficed Priest of that City being 33 Years of Age The People reverence him as a Saint and have particularly signalized their Zeal herein The Archbishop would have hindred their Proceedings as too forward whereupon ensued many Tumults till at last this Affair was referred to Rome Anno 1613. About this time came into Spain the Latin History of Monsieur de Thou President of Parliament a great favourer of Hereticks and Enemy to Catholicks He neither spares the Popes nor Kings of France being an utter Enemy to the House of Guise once the great stay of that Crown He is sufficiently stuffed with Falshoods and was prohibited at Rome in the Year 1610. Soon after in Spain it was order'd to be purged A French Man writ learnedly against him and calls himself John Baptista Gallus which seems to be a feigned Name none daring publickly to write against a Person so great in Power as a President A false Catholick does more harm than an open Heretick as says S. Bernard Anno 1614. Upon Saturday the 24th of May there happened an Earthquake in the Island Tercera which did much harm In the Town of Playa the Mischief was greater for private Houses Monasteries and Churches were overthrown In the City Angla 11 Churches and 19 Chapels besides private Houses were destroyed In August our Fleet commanded by D. Luis Faxardo took the City Mamora as was before hinted It is seated upon the Ocean five Leagues from Tangier and twenty-five from Arzila Anno 1615. There had been of late War in Italy betwixt the Dukes of Savoy and Mantua The cause of it was that Alfonso Duke of Mantua who Married the Duke of Savoy's Daughter at his death left no Issue but one Daughter His Brother Alexander the Cardinal resigning up his Cap inherited that Dominion The Duke of Savoy pretended that his Grandchild the Daughter of the late Duke tho as a Woman she could not be Heiress to the Dukedom of Mantua yet she might to that of Montferrat which for some Years had been united to the other The matter came to Blows and the Duke of Savoy by force possessed himself of a great part of that Country The Catholick King Philip the Third to prevent the embroyling of Italy would have had this Difference determined by course of Law and because the Duke of Savoy refused took up Arms against him After some Bloodshed it was at last agreed on the 21th of July this Year that both Parties should disarm and the Difference be referred to the Emperor as the proper Judge those Dominions being Feoffes of the Empire The King approved not of this Peace and therefore the War broke out again D. Peter de Toledo Marquis of Villafranca after a long Siege took the City Vercelli Soon after Affairs being composed it was restor'd by D. Goniez de Figueroa Duke of Feria who succeeded the Marquis in the Government of Milan It was reported the Venetians underhand assisted the Duke in this War The Duke of Ossuna then Viceroy of Naples armed against them and in the Adriatick Sea took some of their Ships besides other harms he did them Soon after the Duke of Feria took Valtolina a most important Place as being the Pass between Italy and Germany which he fortified and put into it a strong Garison At Burgos on the 18th of October Prince Philip was Married by Proxy to the Lady Elizabeth Sister to the French King who was in the same manner contracted to Anne Princess of Castile This Princess two Days before renounced any Right or Title she might have upon the death of her Brother to the Kingdoms of Castile or Aragon or to the Low Countries The two Brides were exchanged upon the River Vedaso which parts France and Spain on the 9th of November The King himself was present at all these Ceremonies and together with the Prince his Son received the Princess his Daughter-in-Law at Burgos Thence about the end of the Year he return'd to Madrid The King of France received his Bride at Bourdeaux where he was with the Queen his Mother Anno 1616. A Ship that sailed from Holland in the Month of May the last Year after a long and difficult Voyage in January this Year beyond the Streights of Magellan in 57 Degrees of South Latitude discover'd another Passage into the South-Sea and to India This Ship having gone round the Globe return'd to Holland 2 Years and 18 Days after it set out from thence They lost one day in their Reckning and by that means called that Monday which was Tuesday and so throughout the Week Anno 1617. Upon Saturday the 15th of April in the Philippine Islands a notable Victory was obtained over the Hollanders D. John de Ronquillo who commanded there defeated 10 Galleons of there 's some of which were sunk others burnt and the rest fled These Rebels have done great harm in the Coasts of America along the South-Sea and possess'd themselves of many Places in India Anno 1618. In October the Duke of Lerma departed the Court leaving the Government of the Kingdom which he had chiefly managed for several Years having a Cardinals Cap sent him from Rome before he quitted Not long after D. Roderick Calderon his great Favourite was apprehended who after he had lain two Years and an half in Prison was condemned to Death and his Goods Confiscate D. Bernardin de Rojas y Sandoval Archbishop of Toledo died suddenly at Madrid the 7th day of December He was buried in the Chapel of our Lady which he built and richly adorn'd The King labour'd to bestow that Bishoprick upon his Son Prince Ferdinand then but 9 Years of Age. Anno 1619. Mathias the Emperor had lately resign'd the Kingdoms of Hungary and Bohemia to his Cousin the Archduke Ferdinand The Bohemians Rebell'd and Wars ensued The Emperor died at Prague in March without Issue and the Electors assembling the 23th of August chose the same Ferdinand King of Hungary and Bohemia Emperor In April the Catholick King set out from Madrid for Portugal and made his Entry into Lisbon on the 29th of June On the 14th of July the Three Estates took their Oath to the Prince as Heir and next day the Cortes were opened The Pope in October Beatified F. Francis Xaverius one of the first Companions of S. Ignatius and Apostle of India Pope Gregory the XV. Canonized them both in the Year 1622. Anno 1620. Prince Ferdinand being before made Cardinal in May had possession of the Archbishoprick of Toledo given him The Bohemians proceeding in their Rebellion chose the Elector Palatin for
to hinder the Enemy's Retreat on that side and as many more in the way to Elvas He lay with the rest of the Troops betwixt both Places ready to relieve either 300 Men were in the Watch-Tower well provided with all things for their defence Our Troops beset it at the same time that 3 Regiments of Foot and 17 Squadrons of Horse with 5 Pieces of Cannon came out of Elvas to relieve those in the Tower The Duke having drawn up his Horse in the Plain with his 200 Foot assaulted the Tower Outworks and carried them and then began to undermine the Tower Mean while the Enemy's Troops posted themselves among certain old Walls and Olive-Gardens playing their Cannon thence and the Duke perceiving they could not be drawn to Battel filed his troops off from the Rear and possessed himself of a Post a Musquet-shot from them The commander of the Tower for fear of being blown up surrendred upon discretion The Tower and another strong House were blown up which done the Enemy retired and the Duke returned with Honour to Badojoz The Duke of S. German being well assured that the Portugueses intended to besiege Badajoz had pressed for Succours to enable him to oppose them but all in vain He had in the Town 2000 Horse and about 300 Foot and scarce Provisions for 6 days at such time as the Enemy approached with an Army of 16000 Foot and 3500 Horse The Town was in a manner open having no Defence but an Old Wall scarce a Yard thick and that in many places ruinous without Ditch Palisade or any other Outwork All its Strength consisted in a Fort called S. Christopher on the side next to Portugal but that not fit to make any considerable Defence Badajoz stands on the Banks of the River Guadiana by which it is divided from Portugal and over which it has a strong Stone Bridge The Channel is broad and muddy but not deep so that at that time being the 13th of June when the Enemy appeared it was fordable in several places John Mendez de Vasconcelos who had served well in Flanders was General of the Portugueses Their ready way to gain the Town without expence had been to find out the Fords which were but weakly guarded without staying to possess themselves of Fort S. Christopher The Duke of S. German well knew that the only way to preserve the City was to divert the Enemy but busying him on the otherside in taking the Fort so to gain time D. Ventura de Tarragona General of the Artillery and Governour of Fort S. Christopher being an Enginier threw up certain Redoubts in the Valley at 30 paces distance from the covered way which put a stop to the Enemy's course who had they at first possessed themselves of the Valley they might in two days have lodged themselves on the covered way Fort S. Christopher is opposite to the Castle of Badajoz and commands it and the City but on the side next to Portugal is not so high It s Fortification at that time consisted in two Bulwarks and a half Bastion very narrow in the neck all the compass of the Fort being so small that the Garrison might easily have been dislodged with only Bombs The Ditch was narrow and but a yard deep and the Palisades were all gone to decay This was a poor Defence against so considerable an Army The Duke had before sent for two Regiments out of Andaluzia one of Spaniards and another of Irish who understanding the danger the place was in marched 26 Leagues in two days without leaving a Man behind and on the 22d of June they entred Badajoz The Spanish Regiment Commanded by the Marquess de Lançarote consisted of 550 Soldiers besides 150 Reformades The Irish whereof Sir Walter Dungan was Colonel contained 450 Men. This Succour much encouraged the Duke but because the Men were extreamly harassed with that precipitate march he caused them immediately to go to rest resolving the Marquess should the next day go into the Fort. At midnight the Alarm beat for the Portugueses hearing the Two Regiments were got into the City and having made a sufficient Breach decreed immediately to give the Assault John Mendez their General chose 6000 Men for the Attack There was a Line of Communication from the foot of the Bridge to the Fort this was first assaulted and forced all the Defendants being put to the Sword The same hapned at the Redoubts and covered way and the Enemy lodged themselves upon the Breach After much debating among our Chief Officers at the instance of the Marquess Lançarote whose Name was D. Peter Paniagua it was resolved to send the Marquess his Major and two Captains whereof one was his Eldest Son with 70 Foot and two Squadrons of Horse to the relief of the Fort. These Men were looked upon as lost the Action was so desperate yet tho' their Horse forsook them the Enemy's Cavalry being bent upon pursuing of them the Foot broke through 300 of the Enemy and got into the Fort with the loss of only one Reformed Captain D. Ventura de Tarragona who Commanded in the Fort ordered the Major that got in with his 70 Men to attack the Enemy who were making their Lodgments on the Breach and in the Redoubts The Major considering it was a rashness for 70 Men to assault 2000 who were fortified represented it so to the Governour who still insisting upon his Order the Major obeyed First he drove the Enemy from a Line whence they did much harm to the Fort and passing on to the Redoubts the Major was killed and of the 70 only 16 remained whereof one was the Marquess's Son who never looked back tho' struck through the Arm with a Spear till D. Ventura sent him a positive Command to retire He thought fit to make good the Line taken at first because it commanded the Redoubts and being supplied with 70 Fire-Arms he made great havock in the Redoubts where the Men standing thick never a Shot was lost D. Ventura acquainted the Duke with all that had hapned affirming the Fort was not to be maintained unless the Enemy could be bearen from the Breach and he must be forced to abandon it by break of day because the Breach commanded all the Parade which the Enemy had not discovered in the night but as soon as it was light had all the Garrison at their mercy A Council was again called to consider whether the Place ought to be relieved and the Marquess D. Peter Paniagua again prevailed for it undertaking the Action himself with 300 Men reposing more Considence in their Valour than Number Before break of day he was at the foor of the Bridge and attacked the Enemies Trenches with such Resolution that he himself was the first that entred them This no way dismayed the Portugueses who tho' they had lost their Trenches confiding in their Numbers being then ten to one of outs made such a furious Fight in the Redoubts that the Victory
to King Ferdinand 463 Rout of the Spaniards in Africk 539 S. Saguntum Built by the Greeks 8 Besieged 20 Destroyed 21 S. Dominick Preaches to the Albigenses 193 S. Elizabeth Queen of Portugal 300 S. Francis of Assis 200 S. German taken 501 S. Gregories Books sent for to Rome 89 S. James Apostle of Spain His Martyrdom His Body brought into Spain 52 His Church made an Archipiscopal See 115 Miracle at his Tomb. 129 S. Isidorus his Body Translated from Sevil to Leon. 140 Salamanea made an University F. 208 p. 2 Sancha Wife to King Ferdinand the First of Leon her Death 143 Sancho the First of Castile Is Restored after having been expelled 124 Is Poisóned 126 Sancho II. of Castile 143 Wars upon his Brothers 144 Expets his Brother Garcia Besieges Zamora Treacherousiy Murdered there 145 A Combat about his Death 146 Sancho III. of Castile 175 His Death 176 Sancho IV. his Father living aspires to Usarp the Crown of Castile from his Nephews 218 His Practises to gain the Affections of the People Rebels against his Father 221 Usurps the Crown of Castile 225 Dies 235 Sancho I. King of Navarre called Abarca and why 121 Sancho II. Inherits the Crown of Navarre 125 Sancho III. King of Navarre 131 Inherits Castile 135 Divides the Dominion of Spain among his Sons Settles matters of Religion 136 Is Murdered 137 Sancho IV. King of Navarre 140 Sancho V. King of Navarre 147 Breaks into Castile Dies 185 Sancho VI. King of Navarre Dies 206 Sancho King of Aragon His Actions against the Moors 155 Is killed 156 Sancho Son to Alonso the First King of Portugal sent to besiege Cuidad Rodrigo defeated 182 Succeeds to the Crown of Portugal and is the first of the Name 184 His Death 188 Sancho II. King of Portugal expelled the Kingdom by his Rebellious Subjects F. 209 p. 2 Dies at Toledo 210 213 Sancho Earl of Castile 131 Makes his Mother drink Poison she had prepared for him 133 His Issue 134 Sancho Prince of Castile killed by the Moors 158 Sappho the Carthaginian 14 Sarazens their great Power Sardima Conquered by the Aragonians 252 Reduced 431 Saxons first mentioned in Roman History 63 Scanderbeg comes to the Assistance of Ferdinand King of Naples 402 Schism in the Church 163 295 297 316 Ends. 350 Schismatick Cardinals submit Scipio Gneius passes into Spain 21 Overthrows the Carthaginians 26 Scipio Pub. Corn. sent to assist his Brother 22 Scipio's defeats Asdrubal 23 Stain 26 Scipio Pub. Corn. Proconsul of Spain takes Carthagena 27 Gains the Africans 29 Scipio Nasica 31 Scipio Corn. 34 Scipio Africanus sent against Numantia 36 Triumphs over Numantia and is called Numantinus 40 Sea Fight the Aragonians defeated by the Genoeses 361 Seditions in the Dominions of Castile 269 Seeds of Discord in Castile 230 Siege of Saulses Raised 503 Sempronius Gracchus 32 Sempronius Longus 32 Sergius Galba 34 Sertorius his Actions 41 Founds an Vniversity at Osca 42 His last Exploits and Death 43 Servilius Cepio 32 Servilius breaks the Peace and Routs Viriatus 37 Several Provinces submit to the Romans 31 Governors of Spain 31 Synods 85 Towns taken from the Moors 104 Governors in Spain 104 Towns Rebuilt 114 Towns Conquered Towns in Navarre taken by the Castillians 182 Towns taken from the Moors 166 208 Exploits against the Moors Places taken from the Moors 250 255 452 Governors chosen in the Provinces of Castile 250 Places in Castile Rebel 454 Pretenders to Castile 288 Towns taken by the Christians 330 Losses of the French 493 495 Cities in Italy sue for the Protection of Spain 506 Severus Reigns 17 Years 57 Sevil described F. 210 2 Besieged Siege Reinforced Bridge broken Delivered 211 Sicily Reduced under the Dominion of Aragon 311 Siculus Son to Atlas Inherits the Crown 7 Signal Loyalty of Peter Peralta 418 Silingi who they were 67 They come into Spain 68 Silon and Adosinda King and Queen 108 Simon Earl of Montforte General of the Catholicks 198 Is killed 199 Sintra taken from the Moors 170 Siracusa in vain besieged by the Aragonians 239 Sisebutus Elected King 86 Subdues the Asturians Overthrows the Romans Dies 87 Sisenandus Usurps the Crown having expelled Suinthila and his Son 88 Sixteen put to Death for Treason 286 Sixtus IV. chosen Pope Dies 415 Slaughter of Moors and Christians 313 Of the Christians 443 360 Of Aragonians 219 Small Body of Christians deseats a great one of Moors 360 Soldans Fleet worsted in India Some Rebels submit but fresh Troubles ensue in Castile 411 Spain its Description 1 It s Form and Situation 2 Its Rivers and Mountains 3 It s Ancient and Modern division 3 It s Language 5 Divided betwixt Caesar and Pompey 46 Entirely subdued by Augustus 50 How divided and governed 54 True Religion flourishes there 84 Spaniards Revolt from the Romans who kill 15000 of them They Revolt again 30 Honoured to incline them to serve the Romans 25 Decline in Calabria 470 Defeated 482 Their Practices 489 Spurius Lucretius 32 Storms 17 Strange Custom 49 Way of Adoption 129 Prodigy 159 Fondness betwixt King John and D. Alvaro de Luna 348 Strangers come to serve against thr Moors 154 Strife among the Nobility of Castile 308 Success of the Aragonians 164 Of the Castilians 164 203 Of the Aragonians against the Moors 166 Of the Aragonians at Naples 369 Of the Portugueses in In India 533 543 Succession of the Moorish Monarchs 108 Of the Moors 148 Of the Earls of Barcelona 148 In Sicily F. 213 p. 2 Succours from England and other Parts 264 Succours from Spain land in Naples 497 Suevians who they were 67 They come into Spain 68 Are Converted Cause of their Conversion 77 Reduced under the Dominion of the Goths Their Kingdom abolish'd 81 Suinthila Chosen King 87 Causes of his Ruine Is expell'd by his own Subjects and the Francs 88 Swisters descend into Italy 549 Rout the French 555 Synods Vid. Councils Syphax routed by Massinissa 25 T. Tacitus Reigns 6 Months and 20 Days 98 Tahuste and other Places taken 163 Tamerlan the Tartar his Exploits 321 Tangier and Arzilla taken by the King of Portugal 415 Tarifa besieg'd by the Moors 234 237 261 Terentius Varro 32 Teresa Countess Dowager of Portugal Governs 165 Territories of the Infidels ravag'd 139 260 Theobald the first King of Navarre ingages in the Holy War 208 Dies 212 Theobald the 2d King of Navarre 212 Marries Fol. 213 p. 2 Dies 216 Theodoredus King of the Goths 71 Theodorick King of the Goths Invades Spain 72 Theodorick by the French call'd Thierri 77 Theodosius declar'd Emperour in the East 64 Excommunicated for his Cruelty at Thessalonica Dies at Milan Reign'd 16 Years and 2 Days 66 Theudis King by Election His Death 76 Theudiselus elected King Is murder'd 76 Three Synods 75 Remarkable Things 17 Legates sent to govern Spain 45 Cities and other small Towns taken from the Moors 454 Defeats of the Infidels at Sea 357 Great Men die 437 Tiberius Reigns
Castile dies 1158. Infidels twice defeated Faction of the two great Houses of Castro and Lara Ferdinand of Leon enters Castile Alonso the young K. of Castile secured by some Nobles Raymund Prince of Aragon successful against the French and Moors 1162. His Death Alonso succeeds Raymund his Father in the Dominion of Aragon 1163. 1166. Alonso received as King of Castile 1168. Toledo declares for him He is overthrown by the Rebels Siege of the Castle Zurita Just Reward of of Treachery Earthquake and Floods Cuidad Rodrigo built 1170. K Alonso assembles the Cortes or Parliament Meets the King of Aragon Concludes a League with him Marries Ellenor Daughter of Henry II. King of England Aragonians success against the Moors League against Peter Ruiz de Azagra Two Archbishops Murder'd 1171. 1172. War betwixt Aragon and Navarre 1173. 1174. The Order of Knighthood of Santiago or St. James the Apostle 1175. 1176. Alonso of Castile invades Leon. The Conquest of Cuenca resolv'd upon It s description The Siege The Town taken 1177. Increase of the Knights of Santiago 1178. 1179. Several Towns of Navarre taken by the Castillians The Kingdom of Leon Rebels Sancho Son to Alonso King of Portugal sent to Besiege Cuidad Rodrigo defeated Alonso King of 1180. Victoria City built Synod at Tarragona 1181. Alonso of Portugal Besieged by the Moors and delivered by the King of Leon. 1181. A Legate makes Peace among Christians 1183. Alonso King of Portugal vanquisheth the Moors 1184. Armengaud Earl of Vrgel slain King of Navarre breaks into Castile 1185. Alonso the first King of Portugal dies 1186. 1187. Jerusalem lost 1188. Sancho the first succeeds to the Crown of Portugal Alonso 9th to that of Leon. 1189. A League against Castile 1188. 1190. 1191. 1192. Castile Commences War with the Moors 1194. Sancho the Wise King of Navarre dies A vast Multitude of Infidels come into Spain King Alonso overthrown by the Infidels 1195. 1196. King Alonso of Aragon dies his Son Peter II. succeeds him Famine Plague 1197. 1198. A Truce with the Moors 1199. Plague Famine in Portugal 1200. King of Leon divorced Navarre over-run by them Alonso K. of Castile's two Daughters Marry'd to the Kings of France and Leon. 1201. Marriages 1206. A great Eclipse of the Sun Floods 1208. Four Kings of Spain meet and conclude a Peace 1209. Several Exploits against the Moors 1210. Prince Ferdinand of Castile's Death A vast Army of Foreigners comes into Spain to the assistance of the Christians 1212. Sancho K. of Portugal dies his Son Alonso II. succeeds him A mighty Army of Christians in Castile The Christian Army advances against the Infidels A great Victory obtain'd by the Christians 200000 Infidels said to be kill'd in this Battle Arms of Navarre Further actions of the Christian Army This called the Battle of Navas de Tolosa and why 1213. Cause of the War betwixt France Aragon Heresie of the Albigenses its Original Description of the City Albis Disorders raised by the Hereticks in the City of Leon. Fryars Preachers others oppose the Hereticks A Deacon Zealous in this affair Great Faith Hereticks expell'd Favourers of the Albigenses S. Dominick Preaches against the Hereticks Proceedings of the Catholicks against the Albigenses Simon Earl of Montfort General of the Catholicks 1213. A wonderful defeat of Hereticks the King of Aragon slain Jayme or James succeeds to the Crown of Aragon A great Famine and Plague Archbishops of Toledo Chancellors of Castile War with the Moors Original of the Knights of Alcantara Alonso II. King of Portugal at War with his Sisters Alonso the VIII K. of Castile dies 1214. Also Ellenor his Queen others Troubles in Castile and Aragon upon the Accession of two Children Henry and Jayme or James to those Crowns Two Uncles strive to usurp the Crown of Aragon Jayme the young K. comes into Spain Sancho K. of Navarre decrepid 1215. Henry I. King of Castile 11 years of age The House of Lara conspires against the young K. of Castile Lateran General Council Honours done the Archbishop of Toledo Simon of Montfort killed The Family of Lara seizes the Government of Castile into their hands Oath the Archbishop obliges 'em to take Alvaro the elder Brother ex-communicated He seizes upon the Queens Lands and Banishes her Young K. Henry Married Is parted from his Wife on account of Consanguinity 1216. The King of Aragon escapes from his Keepers 1217. Troubles of Castile They break out into open War 1217. Henry I. the young King of Castile's Death 60000 Moors killed Blanch and Berengaria Sisters to K. Henry of Castile Berengaria Heiress to the Crown of Castile resigns her Right to her Son Ferdinand Ferdinand King of Castile The King of Leon makes war upon his Son the K. of Castile D. Alvaro de Lara taken by the King and set at liberty D. Alvaro D. Ferdinand de Lara their Death 1218. The Order of S. Dominick and la Marced for Redemption of Captives instituted S. Francis of Assis 1219. Civil Broils in Aragon 1220. Ferdinand of Castile Marries Beatrix Daughter to the Emperor Philip. His Issue Jaime K. of Aragon Marries Ellenor of Castile 1221. Earthquakes Floods and Storms Commotions in Castile Two several Rebellons quel'd 1222. Cathedral of Burgos built by an Englishman Other structures Affairs of Aragon 1223. Death of the Kings of France and Portugal Ferdinand of Castile makes War upon the Moors A Prosperous Expedition 1224. A Conspiracy against Jaime K. of Aragon The King seized 1225. Success of the Castilians The King of Aragon escapes and invades Valencia Kills the Rebel Peter Ahones 1226. Towns taken by the Castilians Defeat of the Moors 1227. D. Lucas Bishop of Tuy a famous Writer War renew'd with the Moors by King Ferdinand of Castile Raymund Eael of Toulouze a Hetick reduced Pacification in Aragon 1229. The Conquest Majorca resolved upon by the King of Aragon Insolency of a Moor. Pope's Legate in Aragon Majorca described King Jayme lands on it The Aragonians rout the Majorcans Majorca taken by Storm 1230. Alonso King of Leon overthrows the Moors and takes Merida and Badajoz The death of Alonso I. King of Leon. Union of the Crowns of Castile and Leon. Rebellion in Navarre Interview of the Kings of Aragon and Navarre Roderick the Archbishop invades the Moors John King of Jerusalem comes into Spain 1232. The Islands Minorca and Yuisa conquered 1234. Sancho King of Navarre dies Theobald I. King of Navarre King of Castile and Arragon meet Castilians and Aragonians make War upon the Moors Division among the Moors Many places taken by the Christians Part of the City Cordova taken by a handful of Men. 1235. King Ferdinand hasts to secure the Conquest of Cordova Description of Cordova The Siege 1236. City surrendred A Moorish King Baptised Siege of Valencia resolved 1237. The King of Aragon in Danger Description of Valencia Valencia Besieged The King Wounded at the Siege 1238. Valencia deliver'd up to the Christians Theobald King
of Navarre ingages in the Holy-War Peace for some time Ferdinand King of Castile Marries 1239. Two Eclypses Bravery of a Woman Several Towns taken from the Moors Salamanca made an University 1240. 20000 Moors overthrown The Kingdom of Murcia delivered up by the Moors King of Aragon Leagues with 3 Princes against the King of France 1241. A Defeat of the Christians The Christians succesful 1242. 1243. Jaen City described Besieged Surrendred 1243. Discord in Aragon and Catalonia King Sancho of Portugal expelled the Kingdom by his Rebellious Subjects General Council at Lyons King Sancho of Portugal dyes at Toledo Martin de Freitas was the Name of this loyal Governour Ferdinand of Castile prepares to Besiege Sevil. 1245. 1246. Carmona Besieged and other Towns taken The Moors vanquished in a Sea Fight The Kingdom of Aragon under an Interdict Description of Sevil. This measure I believe is mistaken as to height Sevil Besieged 1247. Carmona surrendred to the Christians 1248. Accommodation betwixt Castile and Leon. Besiegers reinforced Bridge of Sevil broken Sevil and its Dependencies delivered up King Luis of France sends Presents to the Church of Toledo undertakes the Conquest of the Holy Land 1249. 1250. Discord among the Aragonians His good Ordinances Alonso the 10th succeeds to the Crown of Castile 1253. Theobald King of Navarre dies Theobald the second King of Navarre Moors Banished Valencia 1254. Queen Violante proves with Child and prevents being divorced from the King 1255. K. Alonso chosen Emperor by part of the Electors and Richard Duke of Cornwal by the other 1256. Contests about the Imperial Crown K. Alonso's qualities Towns in Andaluzia taken Differences betwixt Castile and Aragon compos'd 1256. Sancho K. of Portugal dies at Toledo in Exile 1258. Kings of France and Aragon meet and are reconciled Death of the Prince and Queen of Aragon Theobald King of Navarre Marries Unjust proceeding of Alonso K. of Portugal Portugal under an Interdict Embassy to the K. of Castile from the Soldan of Aegypt 1260. 1261. Succession of Sicily King of Aragon Marries his Son to the Daughter of the King of Sicily 1262. The Family of the Merines obtains the Empire of Africk Moorish Kings in Spain Revolt Moors begin the War Cuidad Real built 1263. Towns recover'd by the Christians 1264. Troubles in Aragon 1265. The Kings of Castue and Aragon invade the Moors 1266. Murcia taken by the Aragonians Charles Brother to the King of France Crown'd King of Sicily Christian Nobles persuade the Infidels to Revolt Empress of Constantinople in Spain 1268. Wars in Italy A new debate in Aragon Jayme King of Aragon at Toledo Preaching among the Tartars Embassy from Tartary 1269. Jayme King of Aragon imbarks for the Holy-Land English French in the Holy-Land Expedition 1270. Theobald King of Navarre dies Portugal made independent of Castile Nobility of Castile conspire against their King Progress of the Rebellion in Castile 1272. Disorders in Aragon Henry King of Navarre Alonso K. of Castile aspires to the Empire 1273. Rodulphus of Ausburg chosen Emperor 1274. Henry K. of Navarre dies Joanna his Daughter Queen Nobles of Castile reconcil'd to King Alonso Articles betwixt Aragon Navarre Progress of King Alonso of Castile 1275. King Alonso of Castile meets the Pope in France King Alonso returns home The Emperour of Morocco called into Spain A vast multitude of Infidels Land in Spain Overthrow of the Christians 1275. A second defeat Prince Ferainand of Castile dies Affairs of Navarre Death of 4 Popes Pr. Sancho aspires to Usurp the Crown from his Nephews Slaughter of the Aragonians Jayme I.K. of Aragon dies His Issue Peter Crown'd King of Aragon Troubles of Navar. Navarre brought under by the French Violante Queen of Castile with her Grand-children slies to Aragon 1277 The true Heirs of Castile imprison'd Commotions in Catalonia Alonso King of Portugal his death Denis succeeds to the Crown of Portugal 1280 Prince Sancho his Practices to gain the Affections of the People 1281 League betwixt Castile and Aragon Rebellion of Prince Sancho against his Father 1282 King Denis of Portugal Marries S. Elizabeth The Cortes summon'd by the King and Prince follow the latter King of Morocco comes to assist King Alonso King Alonso disinherits and curses his Son Sancho Conspiracy against the French in Sicily Pope Martin and the King of Aragon at variance Massacre of the French called the Scicilian Vespers Mecina besieg'd by the French A challenge betwixt the Kings of France and Aragon 1283 The Cortes meet in the Kingdom of Aragon Rebellion in Castile Interdict in Castile and Aragon at one time The enmity betwixt K. Alonso of Castile and his Son Sancho increases 1284. King Alonso of Castile dies Sancho Usurps the Crown of Castile The Aragonians gain two Victories at Sea Albarazin taken by the King of Aragon The King of Aragon seeks Aid against the French 1285. Charles King of Naples dies The French Army enters Catalonia Girona Besieg'd by the French Xeres besieg'd by the Moors and the Siege raised Peace with the Moores Girona taken be the French Aragonian destroy the French Fleet Philip the Fair King of France Death of the King of Aragon Birth of Ferdinand Prince of Castile 1286 Alonso the III. King of Aragon crown'd D. Lope and Haro favourite to King Sancho of Castile Aragonians successful in Italy The rightful Princes of Castile Prisoners Charles Prince of Salerno made King of Apulia and Sicily Articles betwixt France and Castile King Denis of Portugal his Issue Seeds of discord in Castile D. Lope de Haro kill'd at Court The rightful Princes of Castile released War betwixt Castile and Aragon Mutiny at Badajoz 1290 Interview of the Kings of France and Castile D. John Nunnez de Lara revolts from Castile D. John reconcil'd to King Sancho again ready to fly from him 1291. Peace betwixt France and Aragod Death of Alonso the 3d King of Aragon Jayme Crowned King of Aragon A League betwixt Castile and Aragon 1292. Moors vanquished at Sea Endeavours of Accommodation betwixt France and Aragon 1293. Alcala de Henares made an University Tarifa besieg'd by the Moors 1295. King Sancho of Castile dyes Ferdinand the IVth King Pope Celestine the V. Abdicates France and Aragon make Peace Rebellion in Castile Pr. Henry governs Castile 1296 Confederation against Castile Pr. John Proclaimed King of Leon and Galicia Murcia taken by the Aragonians Tarifa again Besieged K. of Portugal invades Castile 1297 The Cortes of Castile raise Mony K. Jayme of Aragon proclaimd K. of Sardinia and Corsica 1298. Castile and Portugal reconcil'd War in Sicily Siracusa in vain besieg by the Aragonians Ferderick K. of Sicily beaten at Sea 1299 1300 Jubile first instituted City Bilbao built 1301 Pr. John reconciled to the K. Raymundus Lullus Garcia Lopez The Master of Calatrava depos'd Marriage of King Ferdinand of Castile 1302. A Synod at Toledo Peace betwixt Sicily and Naples More Troubles in Castile 1303. Pope Boniface dies Benedict
Geryon was Buried near the Mouth of the Streights and after worshipped as a God as appears by the Temple of Osiris Built in Sicily by Hercules and his famous Oracle at Padua which Princes often visited as Suetonius affirms Osiris having thus rescued Spain from the Tyranny of Geryon thought not fit to punish the Crimes of the Father in the Children which were three beautiful Sons to these therefore he gave the Kingdom appointing who should Govern during their Minority and then returned into Egypt These Geryons being come to Age did not only Tyranize over their Subjects but meditating Revenge for the Death of their Father induced Typhon to Murder his Brother Osiris which he performed and seated himself in the Throne of Egypt Orus the Son of Osiris who then Governed Scythia understanding what had passed hasts into Egypt and in revenge of his Fathers Murder slew Typhon then gathering a great Army he passed into Spain and drove the Geryons into the Island of Cadiz where they Fortified themselves Fearing lest so great an Army should suffer want if the War were protracted and desiring to avoid the great Bloodshed that must ensue if they came to a Battle he offered to decide the Quarrel by his own Person and sight the three Brothers They accepted of the Challenge and were all Slain by him Their Bodies were buried in the Island and from thence forward it was called Erithrea of some People that came with Orus or Hercules from the Red Sea who with the Approbation of their General planted there This done Hercules caused vast Stones and other Materials to be cast into the Sea at the mouth of the Streights and raised the two Mounts so famous by the name of Hercules's Pillers that on the West of Spain is called Calpe the other in Africk Abyla All things being settled to his Mind he chose Hispalus one of his Companions of whose good Conduct he was fully satisfied to Govern and Reign in Spain and then went over by Sea to Italy It is agreed on all Hands that Hispalus Reigned in Spain From him Justin affirms it took the Name of Hispania only one Letter being changed Others say he built Sevil in Latin Hispalis St. Isidorus says it was built by Julius Caesar and called Julia Romana perhaps it was then enlarged and beautified Plutarch affirms Spain took its Name from Pan a Follower of the second Hercules and was first called Pania then Spania others say it was from Hispanus the Son of Hispalus These are all bare surmises our Historians write many things of this Hispalus of their own Invention to beautifie their Works but their being no certain Account of such Antiquity it is better to pass it by in Silence than Impose upon the Readers Authors do not agree about the time of the Death of Hispalus but after his Days Hercules returned into Spain where having Governed with Moderation and Built as some will have it the Towns of Julia Lybica Vrgel Barcelona and Tarragona he departed this Life being of a very great Age. The Spaniards Consecrated him a God and payed him Divine Honours raising a Temple where his Body was Buried and placing Priests therein Hispalus and Hercules dying without Issue the latter before his Death appointed Hesperus Brother to Atlas and one of his Compauions to succeed him The Fame of this Hesperus's Valour and Vertue gained him such Credit among the People that of him some Greek and Latin Authors say Spain was afterwards called Hesperia tho' others are of Opinion it was from Hesperus the Evening Star The good Fortune of this King was not lasting for his Brother Atlas offended that he should be preferred before him came over into Spain and having gained the good Will of the Soldiers soon possessed himself of the Kingdom Hesperus thus forsaken fled into Italy where he was Friendly entertained and soon after constituted Tutor to the young King Coritus called by others Janus or Jupiter wherein he behaved himself so well that having gained the Affections of that People he gave his Name to Italy as he had done to Spain and it was called Hesperia Atlas jealous of his Brother's greatness and fearing he might in time recover his Kingdom resolved to prevent him In order hereunto he raised a mighty Army and under colour of Honouring them took the Chief Men of Spain along with him into Italy but his design was to keep them as Hostages lest the People in his Absence should endeavour to cast off a foreign Yoke At Sea a violent Storm scattered his Fleet and instead of Landing in Italy he was forced into Sicily that Island being exceeding Rich and Fruitful he left a considerable Number of Spaniards to Plant there This done he put to Sea again and arrived in Italy where he found his Brother Hesperus was Dead so that there was no difficulty in seizng Coritus King of Tuscany and making himself Master of the Country Atlas had two Daughters one of them called Electra was Married to Coritus and had Issue Jasius and Dardanus of whom more hereafter That his other Daughter called Rome Built the City Rome looks more like a Fiction of our Historians than a true History therefore I will make no further mention of it no more than of Sicorus Sicanus Sicceleus and Lusus whom our modern Writers reckon among the Kings of Spain whereas among the Ancients there is not the least Account of them nor of Morgetes the Son of Atlas giving his Name to the People of Italy called Morgetes for which there is no other Authority but framed likeness of Words Philistius Siracusanus's Authority is sufficient to believe that Siculus the Son of Atlas Governed Spain in his Father's absence and succeeded him in the Kingdom after his Death In his time the two Brothers Jasius and Dardanus being at Variance about the Kingdom of Tuscany by reason of the Death of their Father Coritus Siculus their Uncle went over with an Army to pacifie them and by the way Landing in Sicily is said to have given his Name to that Island till then called Trinacria of the three great Promontories that run out into the Sea Thence passing over into Tuscany he endeavoured to reconcile the Brothers but Dardanus dealing Treacherously Murdered Jasius and Siculus in Revenge drove him out of Italy Dardanus with a great Number of the Aborigines who followed his Fortunes fled into Asia where he Built the famous City of Troy Siculus having settled the Affairs of Italy and Seated the Son of Jasius on the Throne of Tuscany returned into Spain and from this time we find no Account of any other Actions of his unless we should write the Dreams and Ravings of modern Authors who also Forge other Kings of Spain upen as vain grounds as the former One of these is Testa who they say built a Town of his own Name and from him the People of that part of Spain were called Contestani Another is Romus to whom
is assigned the building of Valencia The third is Palatuus from him they write the Palatui and the City Palencia took their Names Such another is Erithrus feigned to have come from beyond the Red Sea Lastly among these is Melicola called also Gargoris of whom Justin makes mention I would not wholly omit the Names of these Kings such as they are because learned Men as well as the Ignorant have stumbled upon them tho' they are to be looked upon no better than old Women's Tales I suppose Justin calls Siculus Sicorus which I note that none may be deceived and imagine they are two distinct Kings CHAP. IV. Of the coming of several Nations into Spain as the Celts Rhodians Carthaginians and Phenicians also of Abides and a wonderful Dearth IT is impossible particularly to assign the Time that each of the above-mentioned Kings Reigned or in what Year of the World The nearest we can guess is that the Geryons lived about the 4th or 5th Century after the Deluge and Siculus above 200 Years before the Destruction of Troy In his Time or not long after a great Fleet sailed from Zant an Island in the Ionian Sea on the West of Peloponnesus or Morea and Landing in Spain they built a strong Town which they called Zazynthus of their own Country afterwards Saguntum now Monviedro These People in process of time gathering Strength spread farther along the Coast and at length built the most famous Temple of Diana from which the Promontory Diaium now Denia took Name In this Temple they placed Idols and Priests and offered great Sacrifice to the Admiration of the ignorant Natives who looked upon them as something more than Men. All the Timber-work was of Juniper a sort of Wood sweet and incorruptible in so much that Pliny affirms it was standing in his Time without the least sign of Decay After the coming of the Zazynthians Authors say there came another Dionysius or Bacchus who was the Son of Semele about 150 Years before the Trojan War and in the farthest parts of Spain betwixt the two Mouths of Guadalquivir Founded Nebrixa so called from Nebridae which in Greek signifies Deer-skins worn by Dionysius and his Followers especially when they offered Sacrifice The Name Veneria was afterwards given to Nebrixa Diodorus Siculus Writes there were three Dionysii or Bacchi The first Son of Deucalion or Noah the same above called Ostris the second Son of Proserpine or Ceres who was Painted with Horns to show he was the first that yoak'd Oxen to Plow the Land the third the Son of Semele Bornin Adultery in the City Meros which signifies a Thigh whence the Poets feign that Jupiter bread him in his Thigh Of him 't is said in imitation of the first Dionysius he Travelled the World gained many Victories and delivered Spain from Tyranny and Oppression About this same time Milico the Son of Mirica is said to have had great Power and Authority among the Spaniards and that his Successors not far from the Place where Baeça now stands built Castulon among the Oretani formerly one of the noblest Cities in Spain now no other Memory of it is remaining but in the Cottages of Gazlona Dionysius at his departure left two of his Companions behind the one Lusus of whom the Lusitani took Name the other Pan whom the ignorant People worshiped as a God and from him as Varro and Plutarch will have it the Country was first called Pania and after by the addition of one Letter Spania Jason the Thessalian desiring to gain Honour and Enrich himself built a great Ship and taking into it Hercules the Thèban Orpheus Linus Castor and Pollux and many more after Pillaging all the Coasts of Asia came as far as the Mouth of the Streights where Hercules built a Fort called Heraclea now Gibraltar whence they made Incursions Robbing the Country and had several Encounters with the Natives thence they Sailed about to Saguntum and were well received as being all Greeks From Saguntum they went over to Majorca and took Bocorris the King of that Island but understanding there was no Gold there having taken in Provision and some large Oxen they passed into Italy where Hercules slew Cacus and then returned into Greece Hecateus denies that ever this Hercules came into Spain but Diodorus and all other Authors testifie the contrary To him it is that Virgil attributes the Killing of the Geryons but this is a Poetical Licence and great mistake of Times After the coming of Hercules and Death of Milico Gargoris Reigned in Spain and was called Mellicola being the first that found out the taking of Honey In this King's time hap'ned the famous Trojan War which ended the remainders of the Greeks and Trojans spread themselves and Planted in several Parts of the World and among the rest in Spain The first reckoned among those that came is Teucrus the Brother of Ajax who not being permitted by his Father Telamon to return home alone went first to Cyprus where he built the City Salamina now Famagosta and thence passed into Spain and is there said to have erected another City called Teucria in the place where Carthagena now stands Justin and St. Isidorus both mention his coming to Spain but not his building any City But all agree that he passed out of the Streights and sailing along the Coast landed in Galicia where he Founded the City Helene now Pontevedra and add that he erected another called Amphilochia by the Romans called Aquae Calidae by the Suevi Auria now Orense Next Tydeus is said to have attempted several parts of the Spanish Coast but that meeting Opposition he sailed on to the Northern Coast of Portugal where betwixt the Rivers Minho and Lima he Founded the City Tuy in Latin Tude or Tyde Strabo writes that Mnesteus the Athenian with a Fleet came to the Mouth of the River Belon now Guadalete where he built a City of his own Name and is the same that is now Port St. Mary and besides a Temple between the two branches of Guadalquivir which was called Oraculum Mnesteum To conclude Strabo and Solinus affirm that Vlysses came into Spain and built the City of Lisbon from him in Latin called Vlysippo but others reject this Opinion in regard the ancient Name was Olysippo not Vlysippo and because there are no Grounds to believe that ever Vlysses was there About this time according to Justin Gargoris Reigned over the Curetes and resided in the Forest of the Tarresii where Ancients feigned the Titans waged War with the Gods This King stained all the Virtues with which he was endowed with the Cruelty he used towards his Grandson Abides This Child was Born of his Daughter out of Wedlock the Grand-Father to hide this shame caused him to be exposed to wild Beasts who forgetting their Fierceness Nursed him with their Milk Gargoris no way Mollified caused him to be laid in a Path where Cattle was to pass to be
the Synod broke up Having setled the Affairs of the City the King went away to Leon leaving Queen Constance and the Archbishop there with a good Garrison There was but a small number of Christians in regard of the Moors yet all things seemed to be well secured However the rashness of the new Prelate put the City in danger of being lost Our Ladies Church which as curious Persons have observ'd is now a Monastery of Carmelites was then the Cathedral the great Church being in the Hands of the Moors It seemed not decent that in a City taken from the Moors they should possess the best Church this might in time have been regulated but the Archbishops hast had like to have ruined all He agreed with the Queen to take it forcibly from them by Night and accordingly breaking open the Doors cast out all that belonged to the Mahometans erected Altars and hanging a Bell in the Steeple called together the Christians to assist at Divine Service This Alarm'd the Infidels so that they could scarce refrain from revenging themselves and only forbore in hopes the King would do them Justice When the News of what had been done was brought to the King he was greatly inraged and Posted away to Toledo with full resolution to punish this breach of Articles with the utmost severity All the principal Inhabitants of Toledo knowing his design went out in Mourning to meet him and the Clergy in Procession and being come to his presence Prostrate on the ground begged Pardon Their intreaties were of no force for he persisted inflexible God Almighty in an unexpected manner put a stop to the evil that was feared for the chief of the Moors their Passion being over considered if the King used any severity on their account it might after his days turn to their Ruin went out of the City and meeting the King begged he would forgive the Queen and Archbishop so they might for the future be secured in their Possessions This request made by the Infidels was so surprizing that he not only pardoned those they begged for but promised that he would ever remember that day and be favourable to them for the Love they had shown him All the City rejoiced and it was ordained that the Memory of this day being the 24 of January should be for ever preserved making it a Festival under the Name of Our Lady of Peace It was said above that Richard Abbot of Marseilles was sent by Pope Gregory VII as his Legate into Spain and that in a Synod held at Burgos he had Established the Roman Ceremonies and form of Prayer This Legate abused his Power committing many insolencies without regard to any thing but gain which scandaliz'd the People so that they railed not only at him but at the Pope himself Bernard the Archbishop was troubled at these miscarriages but had not the Power to Redress them It was then the Custom of Spain in pursuance of a Decree of the Eighth General Council which was the last of Constantinople that no Metropolitans should be Consecrated or exercise their Function till their Election was confirmed by the Pope and he had sent them the Pall. This process of time was extended to Bishops Upon these two Motives the Archbishop resolved to go to Rome but before his departure with the King's Approbation he gathered a Synod of Bishops and Consecrated the Cathedral of Toledo under the Invocation of St. Mary St. Peter St. Paul St. Stephen and the Holy-Cross Vrban II. being Pope in the Year 1088. Bernard the Archbishop being at Rome obtained all he desired to wit the recalling of the Legate and the confirming of himself Primate of all Spain and that part of France called Gallia Gothica By this Authority being returned from Rome he called a Synod of the neighbouring Bishops to Toulouze where he prevailed to be received as their Metropolitan Before the return of the Archbishops to Toledo the Legate had attempted to Abrogate the Gotbick Missal and Breviary and introduce the Roman This had been often endeavoured but the People Tenacious of Old Customs still opposed it Now the Queen the Primate and the Legate used such means that at length they prevailed yet so that in the Ancient Churches the Ancient form should still be continued Which is observed to this day And that Service is still used on certain Festivals in those Churches Besides in the Cathedral there is a Chapel to which belongs a number of Chaplains called Mocarabes or more properly Mixtiar abes who still use that Massal and Breviary This name of Mixtiarabes corruptly Moçarabes was given to the Christians that in the time of the Moors lived under their Government and mixed with the Infidels All the new Churches in Toledo were ordered to say Mass according to the Roman Liturgy This debate being ended the City began to flourish beautiful new Buildings were erected many of the Moors went away and their places were filled by Christian inhabitants to whom were granted Priviledges and Immunities as appears by the Royal Charters still preserved among the Records of Toledo In the Year 1091. Bernard the Primate who studyed nothing but the publick good gathered a Synod at Leon at which was present Cardinal Raynerius the Pope's Legate who succeeded Richard the Cardinal Many Decrees were here made for Reformation of the Clergy at that time grownivery corrupt It was also ordained that for the future in all publick Writings the Gothick Character should be no longer used but instead of it the French It will not be amiss in this place briefly to show how the Archbishops of Toledo came first to be Primates and Metropolitants of all Spain Some will deduce it from the time of the Apostles and pretend that S. Eugenius the Martyr came to Spain and was the first Archbishop of Toledo but we have only the Authority of Modern Authors for it By the Ancient Councils it appears that their Authority is not so long a standing since they sign not to any of them in the first place There were formerly in Spain 5 Archbishopricks viz. Tarragona Braga Merida Sevil and Toledo and none of these acknowledged any Superior but the Pope and each took place in Councils according to the Seniority of his Consecration Now the Goths who at first possessed themselves of the Kingdom of Toledo having subdued all other Barbarons Nations in Spain and made themselves Masters of the whole Country hence this City being the Court of those Kings began to assume a Superiority over all the rest This Authority took its first force in the Seventh Council of Toledo which ordained that all the Neighbouring Bishops should in their turns being called by him their Primate repair to that City and there attend on the King and Archbishop for the space of a Month. The Archbishops Superiority being thus far established was much advanced in the twelfth Council of that City which decreed that the Election of